WO2024257692A1 - Program reception display device and program reception display control method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a program reception display device adapted to IPTV service. This program reception display device comprises: a program stream acquisition unit which transmits a distribution request to a distribution server in accordance with link information and acquires a program stream from the distribution server; and a main control unit which performs control so that program content based on the program stream is displayed on a screen. The main control unit selects either a first or a second operation mode in accordance with an operation performed by a viewer. In the first operation mode, the program stream acquisition unit transmits an IP distribution request and acquires a first program stream to be IP-distributed from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request. In the second operation mode, the program stream acquisition unit transmits a VoD distribution request and acquires a second program stream to be VoD-distributed from the distribution server in response to the VoD distribution request.

Description

Program receiving and display device and program receiving and display control method

The present invention relates to a program receiving and displaying device and a program receiving and displaying control method.

IPTV services (sometimes called "Internet broadcasting services") are becoming more widespread, in which viewers watch program content streamed or distributed from Internet service providers (ISPs) or content delivery network (CDN) providers via communication networks such as IP networks on information and communication terminal devices such as smartphones. For example, IP broadcasting services are services that use communication networks to enable viewers to watch program content on various channels based on the concept of channels, which are organized along a time axis like conventional television services via broadcast waves.

In recent years, so-called simultaneous program distribution services, in which program content broadcast by broadcasting stations via airwaves is simultaneously distributed on a real-time axis by IPTV services, are becoming more widespread. For this reason, several program receiving and displaying devices that are compatible with both television broadcasting services and IPTV services have been proposed.

For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a digital television broadcast receiving device equipped with a tab browser function that switches between multiple tabs and plays VOD videos or IP broadcast programs distributed from a network. More specifically, the control unit of the broadcast receiving device has a tab screen control function that, when the screen of tab #1 is active and tab #2 is clicked, makes the screen of tab #1 inactive and switches the screen of tab #2 to active, a content access control function that notifies a content server of information about the position where the screen of tab #1 becomes inactive and video playback stops, and a storage control unit that stores information about the stop position in non-volatile memory.

The following Patent Document 2 discloses a television device in which a decoder decodes a broadcast signal received from a broadcast station, and extracts a transport stream specified in a playlist URL. Patent Document 2 also discloses that when a user selects to start playing a video, the television device plays a video obtained from a server based on the playlist URL, and when the user wants to return to the live content, the television device returns to the original video.

JP 2013-153456 A US Patent Publication No. 2018/0139489

The technology described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 makes it possible to play videos streamed from a network or broadcast videos on a screen that is made active by selecting a tab. For example, if a VOD video is being played on the screen of tab #1, when the screen of tab #2 is switched to, the playback of the VOD video temporarily stops, and when the screen of tab #1 is switched back to, playback of the VOD video resumes from the position where it was stopped.

However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not anticipate switching a video currently being played on the same tab screen via a VOD distribution service to an IP broadcast service, or switching a video currently being played on an IP broadcast service to a VOD distribution service, and so inevitably such switching is not possible.

Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 could not play video simultaneously distributed in real time via an IP broadcasting service on the tab screen, for example, at a past time on the time axis (time shift playback).

Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 2 discloses switching between live content broadcast in real time on television and content related to the live content that is streamed over a network, but it is not possible to switch between streaming content. Therefore, the technology described in Patent Document 2 does not necessarily include the idea of selecting the optimal streaming format when switching between streaming content.

The present invention aims to provide program content in IP broadcasting services efficiently, in line with users' viewing styles.

More specifically, the present invention aims to provide a program receiving and displaying device and a program receiving and displaying method that enable a user to play back content being distributed in real time by an IP broadcasting service at a past time on the time axis with a simple operation.

The present invention also aims to provide a program receiving and displaying device and a program receiving and displaying method that allows a user to switch content distributed via an IP broadcasting service to distribution via a VOD distribution service with a simple operation.

Furthermore, in general, in VOD distribution services, content (video) is streamed via IP unicast, so it is necessary to ensure a large-capacity, continuous and stable network bandwidth. On the other hand, in IP broadcasting services, content is streamed via multicast, so the network load is smaller than when content is distributed via a VOD distribution service. Therefore, if content distributed to specific users via a VOD distribution service could be switched to distribution via a simultaneous program distribution service via an IP broadcasting service, it would be possible to reduce the network load.

The present invention aims to provide a program receiving and displaying device and a program receiving and displaying method that can switch content being distributed to a user via a VOD distribution service to distribution via a simultaneous program distribution service via an IP broadcasting service.

The present invention, which aims to solve the above problems, comprises the following invention-specific matters or technical features:

The present invention according to one aspect is a program receiving and displaying device adapted for IPTV services. The program receiving and displaying device includes a program stream acquisition unit that transmits a predetermined distribution request to a distribution server according to predetermined link information and acquires a program stream distributed from the distribution server in response to the predetermined distribution request, and a main control unit that controls so that program content configured based on the acquired program stream is displayed on a screen. The main control unit performs control to select at least one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in accordance with a viewer's operation. In the first operation mode, the program stream acquisition unit transmits an IP distribution request as the predetermined distribution request, and acquires a first program stream IP-distributed from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request. Also, in the second operation mode, the program stream acquisition unit transmits a VOD distribution request as the predetermined distribution request, and acquires a second program stream VOD-distributed from the distribution server in response to the VOD distribution request.

The program stream acquisition unit may acquire the first program stream corresponding to the program content for the current channel number.

The program stream acquisition unit may also acquire the second program stream of another program content having a distribution time period different from the distribution time period of the program content for the current channel number.

Furthermore, the main control unit may control in the first operation mode so that the program content based on the first program stream is displayed on the screen at a real-time playback position on a time axis.Furthermore, the main control unit may control in the second operation mode so that the program content based on the second program stream is displayed on the screen at a past playback position on the time axis.

In addition, in the second operating mode, the main control unit may control the program content to be displayed on the screen based on the second program stream at a playback speed different from the real-time playback speed.

The main control unit may also switch to the first operating mode when the playback position of the program content in the past time reaches the playback position in real time.

The main control unit also switches to the first operating mode when a channel number different from the current channel number is selected.

The program stream acquisition unit may also acquire the second program stream from a past time specified in response to a viewer's operation, according to the predetermined link information associated with the program content.

The main control unit may also switch to a third operation mode in response to a viewer's operation. In the third operation mode, the main control unit may control the program content based on the first program stream to be displayed in a first frame on the screen at a real-time playback position, and may control the program content based on the second program stream to be displayed in a second frame different from the first frame at a past playback position.

The program stream acquisition unit may also receive the first program stream that is IP-distributed from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request.

The program stream acquisition unit may also receive the second program stream that is VOD-distributed from the distribution server in response to the VOD distribution request.

In addition, when the playback position of the program content based on the second program stream reaches the playback position in real time, the program stream acquisition unit may transmit an IP distribution request instead of the VOD distribution request, and receive the first program stream that is streamed by IP distribution from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request.

The present invention according to one aspect is a program reception display control method by a program reception display device adapted for IPTV services. The program reception display control method includes transmitting a predetermined distribution request to a distribution server according to predetermined link information, acquiring a program stream distributed from the distribution server in response to the predetermined distribution request, and controlling so that program content configured based on the acquired program stream is displayed on a screen. The controlling includes selecting at least one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in accordance with a viewer's operation. The acquiring of the program stream includes transmitting an IP distribution request as the predetermined distribution request in the first operation mode, and acquiring a first program stream IP-distributed from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request, and transmitting a VOD distribution request as the predetermined distribution request in the second operation mode, and acquiring a second program stream VOD-distributed from the distribution server in response to the VOD distribution request.

Furthermore, the present invention can be understood as an invention relating to a computer program for executing the above-mentioned method on a computer system, or a computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program is non-temporarily recorded.

In this disclosure, "means" does not simply mean physical means, but also includes cases where the functions of the means are realized by software. Also, the functions of one means may be realized by two or more physical means, and the functions of two or more means may be realized by one physical means.

In addition, in this disclosure, a "system" includes a logical collection of multiple devices (or functional modules that realize a specific function), regardless of whether each device or functional module is physically configured as a single entity or as separate entities.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a new form of distribution that effectively combines IP broadcasting services and VOD distribution services for the programs that users are viewing. In other words, according to the present invention, it becomes possible for users to play back content that is being distributed in real time by IP broadcasting services at a past time on the timeline with a simple operation.

In particular, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to switch content distributed to a specific user by a VOD distribution service to distribution by a program simultaneous distribution service by an IP broadcast service. Also, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to switch content distributed to a user by a VOD distribution service to distribution by a program simultaneous distribution service by an IP broadcast service, thereby making it possible to reduce the network load.

Other technical features, objectives, and effects or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of an overall scheme of a program providing service system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of EPG information applied to a program providing service according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a remote controller adapted to a program receiving and displaying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining in detail the configuration of a broadcast program receiving and playing section of a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining in detail the configuration of an IPTV program receiving and reproducing unit of a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the time shift playback process performed by the program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the time shift playback process by the program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of time shift playback by fast-rewind operation on a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of time shift playback by a previous program operation on a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of time shift playback by fast-forward operation on a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of time shift playback by a next program operation on a program receiving display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example, and there is no intention to exclude the application of various modifications and techniques not explicitly described below. The present invention can be implemented with various modifications (for example, combining the various embodiments) without departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition, in the description of the drawings below, identical or similar parts are represented by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions, ratios, etc. The drawings may also include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[First embodiment]
This embodiment is characterized in that when a viewer (user) viewing a program broadcasted by an IP broadcast service selects time-shift playback of the program, the program can be played back in a time-shift manner by switching to a VOD distribution service. Prior to a detailed description of this embodiment, the meanings of the main terms used in this disclosure are described below. The meanings of other terms will be indicated appropriately in the text as necessary.

"Digital broadcasting service" refers to the conventional digital television broadcasting service in which broadcasters use various broadcasting technologies to provide viewers with programs in real time. Known digital broadcasting services include, for example, terrestrial digital broadcasting services, satellite broadcasting services such as the so-called BS broadcasting service using broadcasting satellites and the CS broadcasting service using communication satellites, and cable television broadcasting services using optical cables, etc.

"IPTV service" refers to a service that streams or distributes (hereinafter, unless otherwise required, simply refers to "distribution") programs via an IP (Internet Protocol)-based network, and is technically distinct from conventional digital broadcasting services. IPTV services can take the form of content distribution services, such as IP broadcasting services (including IP distribution services and IP retransmission services), VOD distribution services, and download services.

"IP broadcasting service" is a broadcasting service based on the concept of channels, with programs organized along a time axis. In IP broadcasting services, content can be streamed by multicast via a content server. Hereinafter, streaming of content by multicast in IP broadcasting services will be referred to as IP distribution.

A "VOD distribution service" is a service in which content streamed from a content server (distribution server) is directly received and played back based on a request from a viewer. Typically, in a VOD distribution service, a content server can stream content by unicast from the beginning of the content or a specified position. Hereinafter, the streaming distribution of content by unicast in a VOD distribution service will be referred to as VOD distribution.

"Simultaneous program distribution service" refers to a service in which the same program that is being broadcast in real time by a digital broadcast service is also distributed in real time by an IPTV service. If we look primarily at digital broadcast services provided by broadcasters, simultaneous program distribution services are positioned as ancillary services. In addition, in this disclosure, simultaneous program distribution services can include extended program distribution services that realize time-shift playback of programs on IPTV services.

"Program" refers to a unit organized along a time axis for broadcasting or distribution. Additionally, "broadcast program" refers to a program provided by a digital broadcasting service, and "IPTV program" refers to a program provided by an IPTV service.

"Program content" refers to a package of information that constitutes the contents of a program. However, depending on the context, "program," "program content," and "content" may be used synonymously. Program content may consist of a package or data set of various program material data (monomedia data), such as moving images (video), subtitles (and superimposed text), text and graphic images, and/or audio. Program material data is converted and transmitted into a multiplexed digital data stream (hereinafter referred to as "stream") conforming to, for example, the MPEG-2 format, which is a high-compression encoding technology, but is not limited to this. An MPEG-2 transport stream (MPEG-2 TS) is one form of stream consisting of a series of TS packets. In IPTV services, in order to further reduce the communication bandwidth, the MPEG-2 TS is converted into a stream that is further compressed, for example, by the "H.264/MPEG-4 AVC" format, which is a high-compression encoding technology. From the perspective of transmission technology, the multiplexed stream is sometimes called a transmission stream. In this disclosure, streams or data related to program content may be referred to as "program streams" or "program data."

"Program provision service" refers to a service for providing programs to viewers. Program provision service is used in a broad sense to include the above-mentioned conventional digital broadcasting services, IPTV services, and other distribution services.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the overall scheme of a program providing service system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the diagram, the program providing service system 1 of this embodiment includes, for example, a broadcasting company system 10, a distribution company system 20, and a program receiving and displaying device 30. In the program providing service system 1, at least the distribution company system 20 and the program receiving and displaying device 30 are communicatively connected via a communication network 40.

The broadcasting provider system 10 may be configured to include broadcasting equipment for providing digital broadcasting services. The broadcasting provider system 10 is typically managed and operated by a broadcasting provider (e.g., a broadcasting station) that has been granted a broadcasting license, but is not limited to this. Although not shown, the broadcasting provider system 10 broadcasts (e.g., terrestrial digital broadcasting) by transmitting program content stored in a transmission server over airwaves under the control of an automatic operation device, for example.

In other words, the broadcaster system 10 generates a program stream by multiplexing various program material data related to the program content with predetermined service information according to the program lineup along the time axis, and further modulates this into a broadcast signal of a predetermined frequency band and transmits it as a broadcast wave from a transmitting base station 12 such as a radio tower to a broadcast target area. In this disclosure, for the sake of simplicity, the program material data is assumed to be video data, subtitle data, and audio data. The predetermined service information includes, for example, EPG information. The broadcaster system 10 transmits the generated program stream to the distribution provider system 20, for example, via a dedicated line. Note that since the technology related to this disclosure is mainly directed to IPTV services, the description of the digital broadcasting service provided by the broadcaster system 10 will be omitted as appropriate.

The distribution provider system 20 may be configured to include a distribution server 22 that distributes program streams provided by broadcasters, production companies, etc., to viewers' program receiving and display devices 30 via a communication network 40. In this embodiment, the distribution provider system 20 provides IPTV services. The distribution provider system 20 is managed and operated, for example, by a content distribution provider (CDN provider) or an Internet provider (ISP), but is not limited to this. Furthermore, one distribution provider system 20 may include multiple distribution servers 22.

The distribution provider system 20 may temporarily store the provided program stream in the distribution server 22 in preparation for the distribution timing, and may stream the program stream to the viewer's program receiving display device 30 via the communication network 40 according to the program schedule, for example, using RTSP (RealTime Streaming Protocol)/RTP (Reatime Transport Protocol) based on multicast. Alternatively, the distribution provider system 20 may stream the program stream to the viewer's program receiving display device 30 via the communication network 40 using RTSP/RTP based on unicast. The program stream may be streamed to the information communication terminal device 40 using HTTP long polling or other transmission protocols. The distribution provider system 20 may also distribute data related to a part of the program content (e.g., program-related information, etc.) and other information (e.g., EPG information and channel allocation information) to the viewer's program receiving display device 30. The distribution provider system 20 may typically scramble the program stream before distributing it. In this disclosure, the program stream IP-distributed by the distribution provider system 20 may be referred to as the first program stream, and the program stream VOD-distributed may be referred to as the second program stream.

As described below, the distribution provider system 20 may switch the program stream for the program receiving display device 30 between IP distribution and VOD distribution depending on the viewer's specified operation and the program playback status. In this case, the distribution provider system 20 may include a distribution server 22 for IP distribution and a distribution server 22 for VOD distribution. Alternatively, the distribution server 22 may be configured to operate in an IP distribution mode for IP broadcasting services and a VOD distribution mode for VOD distribution services, and may switch the distribution mode depending on the type of distribution request.

In addition, in this disclosure, the broadcasting company system 10 and the distribution company system 20 are configured as separate systems, but this is not limited to the above, and for example, the broadcasting company system 10 may be configured to include the functions of the distribution company system 20, or vice versa. Furthermore, the distribution company system 20 may be managed and operated by the broadcasting company.

The program receiving and displaying device 30 is a terminal device for viewers (users) to view programs provided in a program providing service. The program receiving and displaying device 30 can be, for example, a so-called television receiver or a set-top box, but is not limited to these. In the following, the program receiving and displaying device 30 is assumed to have a function of receiving broadcast waves related to programs in a digital broadcasting service and playing and displaying the programs, but such a function is not necessarily required in the technology disclosed herein. In other words, the program receiving and displaying device 30 may be any device that is compatible with IPTV services and has a function that allows viewers to view desired programs. For example, the program receiving and displaying device 30 may be a computing device such as a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a feature phone, or other intelligent device.

The program receiving and displaying device 30 of this embodiment is configured to switch to receiving a program stream from a VOD distribution service in response to a predetermined operation by the viewer and display the program when the program stream is received in real time from the IP broadcasting service from the distribution provider system 20 according to the program lineup along the time axis and is being played back and displayed. For example, if the predetermined operation by the viewer is a time shift playback operation, the program receiving and displaying device 30 requests the distribution provider system 20 for a program stream from the VOD distribution service corresponding to a time earlier (hereinafter referred to as "past time") than the real time (current time) on the time axis, and in response, the distribution provider system 20 VOD-distributes the program stream corresponding to the past time. In this way, the program receiving and displaying device 30 receives and plays the program in the past time. Also, if the playback of the program in the past time has caught up or is about to catch up with the real time, for example, by double-speed playback or fast forwarding, the program receiving and displaying device 30 requests the distribution provider system 20 for a program stream from the IP broadcasting service, and in response, the distribution provider system 20 switches to real-time IP distribution.

The communication network 40 may include, for example, an IP-based computer network (hereinafter referred to as an "IP network"). The communication network 4040 may include a form of content delivery network (CDN). In this disclosure, the communication network 4040 is used in a broad sense to include the Internet constructed by an IP network, but is not limited to an IP network and is not intended to exclude networks of other protocols that enable the distribution of program streams. The communication network 40 may also include a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) constructed by a wireless base station or wireless access point not shown. The communication network 40 may also include a mobile communication network that complies with a mobile communication system standard.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the program receiving and displaying device 30 is configured to include, for example, a main control unit 31, a broadcast program receiving and reproducing unit 32 that performs processing to receive and reproduce broadcast programs, an IPTV program receiving and reproducing unit 33 that receives and displays IPTV programs, an output control unit 34, and an operation receiving unit 35 that receives operations by the viewer. Also, as shown in the figure, the program receiving and displaying device 30 may include a display device DSP and a speaker SPK as output devices.

The main control unit 31 is a component that provides overall control over the operation of the program receiving and displaying device 30. Although not shown, the main control unit 31 is configured to include a processor module including a CPU and a memory module including various types of memory. Furthermore, under the control of the CPU, the main control unit 31 can control the operation of applications implemented in the program receiving and displaying device 30. The applications may be pre-implemented in the program receiving and displaying device 30, or may be downloaded and implemented via broadcast waves or the communication network 40.

The main control unit 31 also stores, for example, channel allocation information, EPG information, and channel selection control information in memory. Channel allocation information defines the allocation of channels in each broadcasting area defined by the range of broadcast waves. EPG information is a so-called electronic program guide, and defines program organization by channels and multiple distribution time periods along a time axis. The channel allocation information and EPG information are obtained, for example, from the distribution server 22 via the communication network 40 as part of specified service information.

The main control unit 31 also controls the program receiving and displaying device 30 to operate in a predetermined operation mode. The predetermined operation mode includes, for example, a first operation mode for receiving and playing program content from an IP broadcasting service, and a second operation mode for receiving and playing program content from a VOD distribution service. The second operation mode may also include an operation mode for performing variable speed playback when receiving and playing program content from a VOD service. Furthermore, as described in other embodiments, the predetermined operation mode may include a multi-screen mode in which video relating to multiple program contents is displayed in multiple frames within a single screen. The main control unit 31 operates the program receiving and displaying device 30 according to the operation mode selected in response to the viewer's operation.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of EPG information applied to a program providing service according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the EPG information includes, for example, a channel ID, a program ID, a transmission time, an event period, a program name, and a program description. The channel ID is a channel number of a broadcasting station defined in so-called channel allocation information. The program ID is an identifier for identifying program content. In this disclosure, the EPG information further includes link information. The link information is file location information of the program content. In other words, the link information indicates the network location information of the distribution server 22 of the distribution provider system 20 that distributes the program content indicated by the program ID and the file path of the program content. The URL is one form of link information. The program receiving and displaying device 30 requests the distribution of a program stream from a specified distribution server 22 in accordance with the link information so that the program content starts to be played from a specified playback position.

The channel selection control information includes, for example, the currently selected channel number. When the power of the program receiving and displaying device 30 is turned on, the main control unit 31 reads the channel selection control information from the memory and starts operation so that the broadcast program is received and played.

Returning to FIG. 2, the broadcast program receiving and reproducing unit 32 is a component that performs processing to reproduce program content selected from the received broadcast waves under the control of the main control unit 31. The configuration of the broadcast program receiving and reproducing unit 32 is shown, for example, in FIG. 5.

The IPTV program receiving and playing unit 33 is a component that performs processing to play program content based on a program stream received from the distribution provider system 20 via the communication network 40 under the control of the main control unit 31. An example of the configuration of the IPTV program receiving and playing unit 33 is described with reference to FIG. 6. As described below, the IPTV program receiving and playing unit 33 can receive program streams distributed by IP distribution in an IP broadcast service and by VOD distribution in a VOD distribution service. Note that in this disclosure, all or part of the configuration of the IPTV program receiving and playing unit 33 is one form of a second program stream acquisition unit.

The output control unit 34 is a component that, under the control of the main control unit 31, controls the display device DSP to display video related to the program content, and also controls the speaker SPK to output audio time-synchronized with the video. For example, the output control unit 34 includes a display control unit 341 that controls the output to the display device DSP, and an audio control unit 342 that controls the output to the speaker SPK.

The display control unit 341 selectively and superimposes subtitle data and the like onto the input video data, converts it into a video signal using a display driver (not shown), and outputs it to the display device DSP. The display device displays video related to the program content based on the video signal. The display device DSP is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic light emitting display (OELD), but is not limited to these.

The audio control unit 342 also converts the input audio data into an audio signal and outputs it to the speaker SPK. The speaker SPK outputs audio (voice) in the audible range based on the audio signal.

Furthermore, as described in other embodiments, the output control unit 34 may perform control so that images relating to multiple program contents are respectively displayed in multiple frames formed on the screen of the display device DSP. The technique of displaying images relating to program contents in each of multiple frames on one screen is known as multi-screen display. In this disclosure, under the control of the main control unit 31, the output control unit 34 performs control so that program content from an IP broadcast service is displayed in a first frame on one screen, and so that program content from a VOD distribution service is displayed in a second frame.

The operation reception unit 35 is a component that receives operation instructions from the viewer to the program receiving and displaying device 30. For example, the viewer can give various instructions to the program receiving and displaying device 30 by operating various buttons on a remote controller RC as shown in FIG. 4. The operation reception unit 35 outputs the received operation instructions to the main control unit 31. In this disclosure, among the various buttons on the remote controller RC, in particular, the channel selection button group CH_B and the time shift playback button group T-SHIFT_B are used. The main control unit 31 can function as a channel selection unit that selects a channel number according to an operation on any of the channel selection button group CH_B. Note that if the program receiving and displaying device 30 is connected to or equipped with a recorder (program recording device), the time shift playback button group T-SHIFT_B is used as a recording and playback button group.

Operations by viewers include, for example, channel (station) switching operations (tuning operations), volume adjustment operations, displaying/hiding data broadcasting program content, displaying/hiding subtitles, audio mode switching operations, time shift playback operations, and variable speed playback operations.

Time-shift playback refers to the playback of past program content on the time axis. In other words, time-shift playback refers to the playback of program content that is originally broadcast or distributed in real time with a time difference going back in time. Time-shift playback is also called time-shift viewing or chase playback. Variable-speed playback refers to the chase playback in which the playback speed of a program is made faster (speed playback) or slower (slow playback) than the standard speed. In variable-speed playback, typically, the audio of the program content can be played back in synchronization with the playback speed of the video of the program content. If speed playback of program content during time-shift playback is continued, the playback position of the program content will catch up with the real-time playback position. In this disclosure, the time-shift playback operation uses the time-shift playback button group T-SHIFT_B of the remote controller RC. In addition, in time-shift playback, the program content watched by the user is switched to the program content of the VOD distribution service.

In this disclosure, the fast-rewind button FR of the remote controller RC is a button for moving the playback start position of the program content in the past direction. The fast-forward button FF is a button for moving the playback start position of the program content in the present direction, with the real-time playback start position as the limit. The previous button PC is a button for moving (jumping) the playback start position of the program content in the past direction to the start position of the most recent program content. Each time the previous button PC is pressed repeatedly, the playback start position moves to the start position of the previous program content. The next button NC is a button for moving (jumping) the playback start position of the program content being played back in time shift playback to the start position of the most recent program content in the present direction, with the real-time program content as the limit. Each time the next button PC is pressed repeatedly, the playback start position moves to the start position of the next program content.

The pause button PA is a button for temporarily stopping playback of program content that is currently being played, and for resuming playback of paused program content. The stop button ST is a button for stopping playback of program content that is currently being played. The play button PL is a button for resuming playback of program content that is paused or stopped.

The slow play button LS is a button for slowing down the playback speed of program content. Each time the slow play button LS is pressed, the playback speed changes, for example, from 0.75x to 0.5x to 0.25x to 1x. The fast play button HS is a button for slowing down the playback speed of program content. Each time the slow play button LS is pressed, the playback speed changes, for example, from 1.25x to 1.5x to 1.75x to 2x to 1x. Note that the playback speed is not limited to these and may be adjusted to any value. The program receiving and displaying device 30 operates in a variable speed playback mode by operating the slow play button LS or the fast play button HS.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the details of the configuration of a portion of a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. For ease of understanding, the figure shows an example of the details of the configuration of the broadcast program receiving and displaying unit 32 of the program receiving and displaying device 30, along with other related components. Note that in the technology disclosed herein, the configuration of the broadcast program receiving and displaying unit 32 may be omitted, and detailed explanation of the broadcast program receiving and displaying unit 32 will be omitted. A so-called tunerless television device is an example of a program receiving and displaying device 30 according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the details of the configuration of a portion of a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. For ease of understanding, the figure shows an example of the details of the configuration of the IPTV program receiving and playback unit 33 of the program receiving and displaying device 30, together with other components related thereto.

As shown in the figure, the IPTV program receiving and reproducing unit 33 includes, for example, a communication interface unit 331, a streaming request unit 332, a streaming reception processing unit 333, a separation unit 334, and a decoding unit 335. The configuration including the streaming request unit 332 and the streaming reception processing unit 333 is one aspect of a program stream acquisition unit. The configuration of the IPTV program receiving and reproducing unit 33 is basically equivalent to the configuration of the broadcast program receiving and reproducing unit 32, except that the program stream is received via the communication network 40. In other words, the IPTV service shares the content layer in the protocol stack with the digital broadcast service. Note that in the figure, the configuration of the output control unit 34 includes a synthesis unit 3411, a display driver 3412, an audio driver 3421, and a buffer unit 3413 in relation to the IPTV program receiving and reproducing unit 33. The configuration including the synthesis unit 3411 and the display driver 3412 is one aspect of the display control unit 341, and the configuration including the audio driver 3421 is one aspect of the audio control unit 24b.

As shown in the figure, the communication interface unit 331 is a component that enables computer communication via the communication network 40. In this disclosure, the communication interface unit 331 is primarily used for communication with the distribution provider system 20 via the communication network 40 (e.g., streaming distribution).

Under the control of the main control unit 31, the streaming request unit 332 transmits a distribution request for program content in an IPTV service based on a URL associated with a channel number according to the channel selection control information. For example, the streaming request unit 332 is configured to selectively transmit either an IP distribution request in an IP broadcast service or a VOD distribution request in a VOD distribution service depending on the viewer's operation or the playback status of the program content. In response to the distribution request, the distribution provider system 20 starts streaming distribution (IP distribution or VOD distribution) of the program content.

The streaming reception processing unit 333 decodes a transmission stream in, for example, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC format that is distributed from the distribution provider system 20, and generates a multiplexed program stream in MPEG-2 TS format. The streaming reception processing unit 333 outputs the generated multiplexed program stream to the separation unit 334.

The separation unit 334 separates the multiplexed program stream into each stream. The separation unit 334 separates the generated multiplexed program stream into each stream. A demultiplexer is one form of the separation unit 334. The separation unit 334 outputs each stream separated from the multiplexed program stream to the decoding unit 335 and the main control unit 31 respectively. For example, the separation unit 334 outputs the video stream, audio stream, and subtitle stream separated from the program stream to the decoding unit 335, while outputting the separated predetermined service information to the main control unit 31.

The decoding unit 335 decodes each stream to generate program material data that constitutes the program content. The decoding unit 335 includes, for example, a video decoding unit 3351, a subtitle decoding unit 3352, and an audio decoding unit 3353.

The video decoding unit 3352 decodes the video stream using a codec conforming to the MPEG-2 video standard, for example, to generate video data. The video decoding unit 3352 outputs the generated video data to the output control unit 34.

The subtitle decoding unit 3352 decodes the subtitle stream, for example, according to a broadcast subtitle file exchange format, thereby generating subtitle data. The subtitle decoding unit 3352 outputs the generated subtitle data to the output control unit 34. The subtitle data output to the output control unit 34 is selectively superimposed on the video data and becomes part of the video content of the program.

The audio decoding unit 3353 decodes the audio stream according to, for example, the MPEG-2 audio standard, thereby generating audio data. For example, in the case of multiplexed audio broadcasting, the audio stream may include a main audio stream and a secondary audio stream. The audio decoding unit 3353 outputs the generated audio data to the output control unit 34.

The buffer unit 3413 temporarily buffers each of the decoded program material data. Each of the buffered program material data is output to the display control unit or audio control unit under the control of the main control unit 31. In the case of variable speed playback, the program material data is read out in accordance with the specified playback speed.

The synthesis unit 3411 synthesizes the video data with other program material data related to display (e.g., subtitle data) in a superimposed manner, thereby generating display data. The data synthesis is performed, for example, by alpha blending using a transparency information coefficient (alpha value). The synthesis unit 3411 outputs the generated display data to the display driver 3412.

The display driver 3412 converts the input display data into a video signal compatible with the display device DSP and outputs this to the display device DSP. This causes the video of the broadcast program to be displayed on the display device DSP.

The audio driver 3421 converts the input audio data into an audio signal and outputs it to the speaker SPK. The audio data is converted into an audio signal in time synchronization with the display data. This causes the speaker SPK to output audio in time synchronization with the video of the broadcast program.

In the present disclosure, the broadcast program receiving and reproducing unit 32 and the IP broadcast program receiving and reproducing unit 33 are each configured to have a separation unit and a decoding unit, but this is not limited thereto, and the separation unit and the decoding unit may be shared. In this case, for example, either the program stream of the digital broadcast service or the program stream of the IPTV service is selected by a selector under the control of the main control unit 31 and input to the separation unit.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Such processing can be realized, for example, by cooperative operations between various components according to the execution of a predetermined control program under the control of the processor of the main control unit 31.

As shown in the figure, for example, when the program receiving display device 30 is turned on, it reads the channel selection control information stored in the memory as part of the startup process (S701), obtains the URL corresponding to the program ID of the channel number indicated by the channel selection control information according to the EPG information, and stores it in the memory (S702). Next, the program receiving display device 30 transmits a distribution request by IP multicast of the program stream (i.e., IP distribution request) to the distribution server 22 according to the URL stored in the memory (S703). In response to the IP distribution request, the distribution server 22 starts IP distribution of the program content according to RTSP by multicast. The program receiving display device 30 receives the program stream distributed from the distribution server 22 and starts playing the program content based on the program stream (S704). In other words, the program receiving display device 30 operates in a first operation mode in which it receives and plays the program content in real time. As a result, the display device DSP displays the video related to the program content, and the speaker SPK outputs audio synchronized with the video.

During playback of real-time program content, the program receiving and displaying device 30 monitors whether or not various operations have been performed by the viewer (S705). In this disclosure, only channel selection operations and time shift playback operations are described, but the present disclosure is not limited to these.

When the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines that it has received a channel selection operation by the viewer, it updates the channel number in accordance with the channel selection operation (S706) and returns to the processing step of S702 described above. As a result, the program receiving and displaying device 30 receives program content via IP distribution in accordance with the updated channel number while remaining in the first operating mode, and starts playback.

On the other hand, if the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines that a predetermined time shift playback operation by the viewer has been received, it starts the time shift playback process (S707). That is, the program receiving and displaying device 30 switches the operation mode from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. Note that the time shift playback operation here is a time shift operation for going back in time, and is performed, for example, by the viewer pressing the fast rewind button FR or previous button PC on the remote controller RC.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a time shift playback process of a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a flowchart showing the details of S706 shown in FIG. 7. Also, the details of the processing step S801 shown in FIG. 8 are shown in FIG. 9.

As shown in the figure, the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines the playback start position on the time axis of the program content based on the viewer's time shift playback operation (S801). Here, since this is time shift playback processing for real-time program content in an IP distribution service, the case where the fast rewind button FR or previous button PC is pressed will be explained.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the program receiving and displaying device 30 judges whether the viewer has pressed either the fast rewind button FR or the previous button PC of the remote controller RC (S901). If the program receiving and displaying device 30 judges that the viewer has pressed the fast rewind button FR of the remote controller RC, it moves the playback start position backward according to the length of time the button was pressed, and determines the playback start position (S902).

For example, when the fast rewind button FR on the remote controller RC is pressed, the program receiving and displaying device 30 displays a seek bar SKB superimposed on a screen 1000 of the program content displayed on the display device DSP, as shown in FIG. 10. The seek bar SKB is an icon indicating the time axis of the program content from the start to the end, and includes a slider SL indicating the current playback position. For example, the viewer can move the slider to a desired position indicating a time further in the past than the current position by continuously pressing and holding the fast rewind button FR on the remote controller RC. This causes the program receiving and displaying device 30 to determine the playback start position corresponding to the position of the slider moved by the viewer's operation. The seek bar SKB may also be displayed as a pop-up window.

The program receiving and displaying device 30 determines whether the determined playback start position exceeds the time frame of the program content currently being played back (S903). In other words, the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines whether the determined playback start position is on the time axis of the previous program content.

When the program receiving display device 30 determines that the playback start position does not exceed the time frame of the program content currently being played back (No in S903), it proceeds to S802 shown in FIG. 8. That is, the program receiving display device 30 transmits a VOD distribution request for the program stream, specifying the determined playback start position, to the distribution server 22 according to the URL stored in the memory (S802). In response to the VOD distribution request, the distribution server 22 starts VOD distribution of the program stream. As a result, the program receiving display device 30 receives the program stream distributed by VOD from the distribution server 22 and starts playback (S803). That is, the program receiving display device 30 selectively switches the program stream to be received from the IP distribution service to the VOD distribution service. Therefore, the program receiving display device 30 operates in the second operation mode in which the program content by VOD distribution is received and played back. As a result, the display device DSP displays the video of the program content progressing along the time axis from the past playback start position, and the audio is output from the speaker SPK.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 9, if the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines that the playback start position has exceeded the time frame of the program content currently being played back (Yes in S903), it refers to the EPG information and updates the URL stored in memory to the URL corresponding to the previous program content (S905).

For example, if a viewer continues to press and hold the fast-rewind button FR on the remote controller RC, the playback start position on the timeline of the previous program content will be displayed. When the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines that the viewer has continued to press and hold the fast-rewind button FR and the timeline has switched to the previous program content, it updates the seek bar SKB displayed on the screen to that of the previous program content and updates the URL.

If the program receiving display device 30 determines that the viewer has pressed the previous button PC on the remote controller RC, it identifies the beginning position of the most recent program content in the past direction and determines this as the playback start position (S904). For example, if the previous button PC is pressed only once, the beginning position of the most recent program content in the past direction becomes the beginning position of the program content currently being played. Next, the program receiving display device 30 refers to the EPG information and updates the URL stored in memory to the URL corresponding to the previous program content (S905).

When the program receiving display device 30 updates the URL of the program content to be received and played back, it proceeds to S802 shown in FIG. 8. That is, as described above, the program receiving display device 30 transmits a VOD distribution request for the program stream, specifying the determined playback start position, to the distribution server 22 according to the URL stored in the memory (S802). In response to the VOD distribution request, the distribution server 22 starts distribution of the program stream, and the program receiving display device 30 receives the program stream distributed by VOD from the distribution server 22 instead of the program stream by the IP distribution service, and starts playback (S803). That is, the program receiving display device 30 acquires and plays the program stream of the other program content according to the link information of the other program content in the past distribution time period different from the distribution time period of the real-time program content. As a result, the display device DSP displays the video of the previous program content, and the speaker SPK outputs audio.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11(a), program contents L, M, and N are organized along the time axis, and the program receiving and displaying device 30 is playing back the video/audio of program content N in real time via IP distribution at playback position P. If the viewer presses and holds the fast-rewind button FR for a certain amount of time, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the playback position P moves backward, and the position where the fast-rewind button FR is released becomes the playback start position P11. In other words, program content N from the VOD distribution service is played back with a time difference D = P - P11 on the time axis.

In addition, if the viewer presses and holds the fast-rewind button FR for a longer period of time, program content M, which was broadcast before program content N, will be played from playback start position P12, as shown in FIG. 1(c).

As described above, when the fast-rewind button FR or the previous button PC is operated while real-time program content is being played back on the IP distribution service, the program content is switched to a program content from the past on the VOD distribution service, and time-shift playback of the program content is realized.

On the other hand, if the viewer presses the previous button PC once while the video/audio of real-time broadcast program content N is being played back at playback position P (see FIG. 11(a)), the playback start position of the program content moves to the beginning position P21 of the currently played program content N, as shown in FIG. 12(a), and playback of program content N starts from there.

Furthermore, if the viewer presses the previous button PC twice in succession, the playback start position of the program content moves to the beginning position P22 of the previous program content M, as shown in FIG. 1(b), and playback of program content M begins. Similarly, if the viewer presses the previous button PC three times in succession, the playback start position of the program content moves to the beginning position P23 of the second previous program content L, as shown in FIG. 1(c), and playback of program content L begins.

Returning to FIG. 8, while the program content is being played back in the VOD distribution service (i.e., during time-shift playback), the program receiving display device 30 monitors whether or not various operations have been performed by the viewer, as in the case of the IP distribution service (S804). In this disclosure, the viewer's operations are described as channel selection operations, time-shift playback operations, and variable-speed playback operations, but are not limited to these. Note that the playback position on the time axis of the program content in the VOD distribution service is in the past relative to the playback position of the real-time program content in the IP distribution service. Therefore, in this time-shift playback operation, in addition to operation instructions using the fast-rewind button FR and previous button PC, operation instructions using the fast-forward button FF and next button NC are valid.

First, when the program receiving display device 30 determines in S804 that it has received a channel selection operation by the viewer, it stops receiving and playing the program content in the VOD distribution service (S805) and returns to the processing step of S706 shown in FIG. 7 (terminal A). That is, when it receives a channel selection operation by the viewer, the program receiving display device 30 switches from the VOD distribution service to the IP distribution service. As a result, the program receiving display device 30 updates the channel selection control information with the channel number according to the channel selection operation by the viewer (S706) and returns to the processing of S702. That is, the program receiving display device 30 acquires a URL corresponding to the program ID of the channel number according to the EPG information and stores it in memory (S702), and transmits an IP distribution request for the program stream to the distribution server 22 according to the URL (S703). As a result, in response to the IP distribution request, the distribution server 22 starts IP distribution of the program content according to RTSP by multicast, and the program receiving display device 30 receives the program stream by IP distribution and starts playing the program content based on the program stream (S704).

Furthermore, if the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines in S804 shown in FIG. 8 that a further time shift playback operation by the viewer has been received, it determines the playback start position on the time axis of the program content in accordance with the time shift playback operation (S806). The process of determining the playback start position is described above in FIG. 9. Note that if the viewer presses either the fast rewind button FR or the previous button PC on the remote controller RC, the processing steps are the same as those of S901 to S905 described above, and therefore will not be described here.

Referring to FIG. 9, when a viewer presses the fast-forward button FF on the remote controller RC, the program receiving and displaying device 30 advances the playback start position on the time axis toward the present according to the length of time the button was pressed, and determines the playback start position (S906). Next, the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines whether the determined playback start position has reached the real-time playback position (S907).

When the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines that the determined playback start position has reached the real-time playback position (Yes in S907), it stops receiving and playing the program content in the VOD distribution service (S908), and then returns to the processing step of S702 in FIG. 7 (terminal B). As a result, as described above, the program receiving and displaying device 30 switches from the second operating mode to the first operating mode, receives the program stream distributed from the distribution server 22 in response to the IP distribution request based on the URL according to the current channel number, and starts receiving and playing the program content (S702 to S704).

On the other hand, if the program receiving display device 30 determines that the determined playback start position has not reached the real-time playback position (No in S907), it further determines whether or not the determined playback start position has exceeded the time frame of the program content currently being played back (S909). In other words, the program receiving display device 30 determines whether or not the determined playback start position is on the time axis of the next program content. If the program receiving display device 30 determines that the playback start position has not exceeded the time frame of the program content currently being played back (No in S909), it proceeds to S802 in FIG. 8 described above.

On the other hand, if the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines that the playback start position has exceeded the time frame of the program content currently being played back (Yes in S909), it refers to the EPG information, updates the URL stored in memory to the URL corresponding to the next program content (S912), and proceeds to 802 in FIG. 8 described above.

In addition, when the viewer presses the next button NC on the remote controller RC, the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines whether the program content currently being played is an earlier program content than the real-time program content (S910).

If the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines that the program content currently being played is not program content that precedes the real-time program content (i.e., it is real-time program content) (No in S910), it stops receiving and playing the program content in the VOD distribution service (S908), and then returns to the processing step of S702 shown in FIG. 7 (Terminal B).

On the other hand, if the program receiving display device 30 determines that the currently played program content is the previous program content of the real-time program content (Yes in S910), it sets the beginning position of the next program content as the playback start position (S911). Next, the program receiving display device 30 refers to the EPG information, updates the URL stored in the memory to the URL corresponding to the next program content (S912), and proceeds to S802 in FIG. 8 described above.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13(a), program contents L, M, and N are organized along the time axis, and the video/audio of program content N is played in real time at playback position P, while the video/audio of program content L is played by time shift playback at playback position P31. If the viewer presses and holds the fast-forward button FF for a certain amount of time, as shown in FIG. 13(b), playback position P31 moves toward the present, and the position where the fast-forward button FF is released becomes playback start position P32, and the video/audio of program content L is played from playback start position P32.

In addition, if the viewer presses and holds the fast-forward button FF for a longer period of time, as shown in FIG. 1(c), playback will begin from playback start position P33 of program content N, for example. Note that when the viewer presses and holds the fast-forward button FF to reach playback position P, the service will switch from the VOD distribution service to the IP distribution service.

On the other hand, if the viewer presses the next button NC once while the video/audio of program content L is being played back at playback position P31 using time shift playback (see FIG. 13(a)), the playback start position of the program content moves to the beginning position P32 of the next program content M, as shown in FIG. 14(a), and playback of program content M begins from there.

Furthermore, if the viewer presses the next button NC twice in succession, the playback start position of the program content moves to the beginning position P32 of the next program content N, as shown in FIG. 1(b), and playback of program content N begins. Note that even if the viewer presses the next button NC from the state shown in FIG. 1(b), the real-time playback position P will not be exceeded, and the service will switch from the VOD distribution service to the IP distribution service, and the video/audio of program content N will be played from playback position P.

As described above, when real-time program content is being played back on an IP distribution service, the fast-rewind button FF and next button NC can be operated in addition to the fast-rewind button FR and previous button PC to switch to a VOD distribution service and achieve time-shift playback of the program content at any desired playback start position.

Furthermore, in this disclosure, the program receiving and displaying device 30 can receive operation instructions for variable speed playback while playing program content from a VOD distribution service.

In other words, when the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines in S804 of FIG. 8 that it has received a variable speed playback operation by the viewer, it receives and plays back the program content according to the specified playback speed (S807). Playback speeds that can be specified include, for example, 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x, 1.25x, 1.5x, 1.75x, or 2x. The viewer can change the playback speed of the program content by pressing the slow playback button LS or the fast playback button HS.

Note that when the program receiving and displaying device 30 plays back program content at high speed from a past time, the playback position of the program content may catch up with or reach the real-time position. Therefore, the program receiving and displaying device 30 monitors whether the playback position of the program content has caught up with the real-time position. When the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines that the playback position of the program content has caught up with real-time, it ends or cancels variable speed playback. As a result, the reception and playback of program content in the IPTV service is substantially the same as that in the digital broadcasting service, that is, it becomes a simultaneous program distribution service. Alternatively, when the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines that the playback position of the program content has caught up with real time, it may end or cancel variable speed playback and switch to receiving and playing the program content in the digital broadcasting service.

As described above, according to this embodiment, a viewer watching a real-time program on an IP distribution service can switch to a VOD distribution service that provides simultaneous program distribution service by operating the remote controller RC to select time-shift playback of the program. Therefore, with very simple operations, the viewer can watch past video/audio of the program he or she is watching in real time. In particular, with time-shift playback, the viewer can arbitrarily select and watch various past scenes of the program content, or watch them using irregular playback that suits his or her preferences.

In this embodiment, the program receiving and displaying device 30 performs control to return to the digital broadcasting service when it receives a channel selection operation by the viewer or when the playback position of the program content in the VOD distribution service catches up with the real-time playback position, but this is not limited to this. For example, the program receiving and displaying device 30 may also perform control to return to the IP distribution broadcasting service when it receives an operation of the back button, end button, etc. by the viewer.

Second Embodiment
This embodiment is characterized in that, when the program receiving and displaying device 30 receives a time-shift playback operation, the operation mode is set to a third operation mode (multi-screen display mode), and control is performed so that real-time program content in the digital broadcasting service is displayed in a first frame of the display device DSP, and program content for time-shift playback in the IPTV service is displayed in a second frame of the display device DSP. Note that, in the following, a two-screen display mode (2-in-1 screen display mode) is exemplified as the multi-screen display mode, but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, assume that the program receiving and displaying device 30 receives a time-shift playback operation from the viewer while playing back real-time program content (S707 in FIG. 7). In this embodiment, when the program receiving and displaying device 30 receives and plays back the time-shift playback operation, under the control of the main control unit 31, it switches the screen mode from normal mode to dual-screen display mode, and receives and plays back real-time program content from the IP distribution service, while also receiving and playing back time-shift program content from the VOD distribution service. In the dual-screen display mode, for example, the output control unit 34 performs rendering/layout processing so that video related to the program content based on the two program streams is displayed in two frames on one screen.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, a screen 1500 in a dual-screen display mode on the display device DSP of this embodiment is configured to include a first frame 1501 and a second frame 1502. For example, the first frame 1501 displays real-time program content from an IP distribution service, while the second frame 1502 displays time-shifted program content from a VOD distribution service.

Screen 1500 may also include, for example, an audio output icon 1503. Audio output icon 1503 indicates whether the audio (sound) synchronized with the currently played program content is from the real-time program content or the time-shifted program content. In the figure, audio output icon 1503 indicates that the audio of the real-time program content is off and the audio of the time-shifted program content is being output. Main control unit 31 may, for example, control the frame to be operated to be selectively switched by the viewer operating a switching button (e.g., an arrow button) on remote controller RC.

More specifically, in such a dual-screen display mode, the viewer can instruct the program receiving and displaying device 30 to perform channel selection operations, further time-shift playback operations, variable-speed playback operations, and the like, as described above. As one example, when the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines that it has accepted a channel selection operation by the viewer, it updates the channel number in accordance with the channel selection operation, ends the dual-screen display mode, and returns to receiving and playing real-time program content through the digital broadcasting service. As another example, when the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines that it has accepted a time-shift playback operation by the viewer, it performs time-shift playback processing in accordance with the button that was operated.

As described above, this embodiment can provide the same advantages as the above-mentioned embodiments. In particular, this embodiment allows a viewer to simultaneously watch a real-time program on an IP distribution service and a time-shifted program on a VOD distribution service in dual-screen display mode. For example, a viewer watching a soccer match can enjoy a viewing style in which, when he or she wants to see another goal scene, he or she can check the real-time situation of the match while watching past goal scenes. This allows the viewer to enjoy watching the program without missing any additional notable scenes during the match in real time.

Furthermore, in current digital broadcasting services, data broadcasting programs are linked to real-time programs. Therefore, unless a viewer is watching a real-time program, the viewer cannot enjoy the information provided by the data broadcasting program. However, according to this embodiment, the real-time program is displayed in one frame, so that the viewer can enjoy the information provided by the data broadcasting program content even while watching a time-shifted program.

[Third embodiment]
This embodiment is characterized in that when the program receiving and displaying device 30 receives a time-shift playback operation, it displays the time-shift program content of the VOD distribution service on the display device DSP, and controls the display device DSP to display an indicator indicating that it is a VOD distribution service.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining another example of a screen displayed on a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the screen 1600 of the display device DSP of this embodiment displays the program content being played back in time shift mode, and also displays an indicator 1601. For example, as described above, the program receiving and displaying device 30 assumes that a viewer performs a time shift playback operation while playing back real-time program content (first program). In this embodiment, when the program receiving and displaying device 30 accepts the time shift playback operation, it receives and plays the time shift program content (second program) of the VOD distribution service under the control of the main control unit 31. At this time, for example, the output control unit 34 performs rendering/layout processing so that an indicator 1601 indicating that it is an IPTV service is displayed superimposed on the time shift program content.

In addition, when any button of the time shift playback button group T-SHIFT_B of the remote controller RC is pressed, the program receiving and displaying device 30 can display a seek bar SKB as shown in FIG. 10 superimposed on the program content screen 1600.

The program receiving and displaying device 30 may be controlled to display an indicator that is visually different from indicator 1601 not only when playing back time-shifted program content in an IPTV service, but also when playing back real-time program content in a digital broadcasting service. Alternatively, instead of displaying an indicator on the screen of the display device DSP, the program receiving and displaying device 30 may use, for example, an LED or the like provided in the program receiving and displaying device 30 as an indicator.

As described above, this embodiment can provide the same advantages as the above-mentioned embodiment. In particular, this embodiment allows the viewer to easily recognize that the program they are currently watching is a time-shifted program on an IPTV service. Also, the seek bar SKB used in time-shifted playback operations occupies a relatively large area at the bottom of the screen, and therefore can be a hindrance to viewing if it is displayed at all times. However, the indicator 1601 of this example does not interfere with viewing even if it is displayed at all times.

The above embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the invention.

For example, in the methods disclosed herein, steps, operations, or functions may be performed in parallel or in a different order, provided that the results are not inconsistent. The steps, operations, and functions described are provided merely as examples, and some of the steps, operations, and functions may be omitted or combined into one, or other steps, operations, or functions may be added, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In addition, although various embodiments are disclosed in this specification, specific features (technical matters) in one embodiment can be added to or replaced with specific features in another embodiment, with appropriate modifications, and such forms are also included in the gist of the present invention.

1...Program providing service system 10...Broadcasting provider system 20...Distribution provider system 30...Program receiving and display device 31...Main control unit 32...Broadcast program receiving and reproducing unit 321...Tuner/modulation unit 322...Descrambling unit 323...Separating unit 324...Decoding unit 3241...Video decoding unit 3242...Subtitle decoding unit 3243...Audio decoding unit 33...IPTV program receiving and reproducing unit 331...Communication interface unit 332...Streaming request unit 333...Streaming reception processing unit 334...Separating unit 335...Decoding unit 3351...Video decoding unit 3352...Subtitle decoding unit 3353...Audio decoding unit 34...Output control unit 341...Display control unit 3411...Synthesizing unit 3412...Display driver 3413...Buffer unit 342...Audio control unit 3421...Audio driver 35...Operation reception unit DSP: display device SPK: speaker RC: remote controller 40: communication network

Claims (10)

A program receiving and displaying device adapted for IPTV services, comprising:
a program stream acquisition unit that transmits a predetermined distribution request to a distribution server in accordance with predetermined link information, and acquires a program stream distributed from the distribution server in response to the predetermined distribution request;
a main control unit that controls a program content configured based on the acquired program stream so as to be displayed on a screen;
The main control unit selects at least one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in accordance with an operation of a viewer;
The program stream acquisition unit
In the first operation mode, an IP distribution request is transmitted as the predetermined distribution request, and a first program stream corresponding to the program content for a current channel number according to EPG information is obtained, the first program stream being IP-distributed from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request;
In the second operation mode, a VOD distribution request is transmitted as the predetermined distribution request, and a second program stream that is VOD distributed from the distribution server in response to the VOD distribution request is obtained;
the program stream acquisition unit acquires the second program stream of another program content having a distribution time period different from a distribution time period of the program content for the current channel number according to the EPG information in response to an operation of the viewer to move a playback start position toward the present or past.
Program receiving and display device. The main control unit is
In the first operation mode, the program content based on the first program stream is controlled so as to be displayed on the screen at a real-time playback position on a time axis;
and controlling, in the second operation mode, the program content based on the second program stream to be displayed on the screen at a past playback position on the time axis.
2. A program receiving and displaying apparatus according to claim 1. the main control unit controls, in the second operation mode, the program content to be displayed on the screen based on the second program stream at a playback speed different from the real-time playback speed.
3. A program receiving and displaying apparatus according to claim 2. the main control unit switches to the first operation mode when a playback position of the program content in the past time reaches a playback position in the real time.
4. A program receiving and displaying apparatus according to claim 3. the main control unit switches to the first operation mode when a channel number different from the current channel number is selected.
2. A program receiving and displaying apparatus according to claim 1. the program stream acquisition unit acquires the second program stream from a past time specified in response to a viewer's operation, in accordance with the predetermined link information associated with the program content;
2. A program receiving and displaying apparatus according to claim 1. The main control unit switches to a third operation mode in accordance with an operation of a viewer,
in the third operation mode, controlling the program content based on the first program stream to be displayed in a first frame on the screen at a real-time playback position, and controlling the program content based on the second program stream to be displayed in a second frame different from the first frame at a past playback position;
2. A program receiving and displaying apparatus according to claim 1. when a playback position of the program content based on the second program stream reaches a playback position in real time, the program stream acquisition unit transmits an IP delivery request instead of the VOD delivery request, and receives the first program stream that is IP-delivered from the delivery server in response to the IP delivery request.
2. A program receiving and displaying apparatus according to claim 1. A program receiving and displaying control method for a program receiving and displaying device adapted for an IPTV service, comprising:
Transmitting a predetermined distribution request to a distribution server according to the predetermined link information;
acquiring a program stream distributed from the distribution server in response to the predetermined distribution request;
and controlling the display of program content based on the acquired program stream on a screen;
the controlling includes selecting at least one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in accordance with an operation of a viewer;
Obtaining the program stream includes:
In the first operation mode, transmitting an IP distribution request as the predetermined distribution request, and acquiring a first program stream corresponding to the program content for a current channel number according to EPG information, which is IP-distributed from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request;
In the second operation mode, transmitting a VOD distribution request as the predetermined distribution request, and acquiring a second program stream distributed by VOD from the distribution server in response to the VOD distribution request;
acquiring the second program stream of another program content having a distribution time period different from a distribution time period of the program content for the current channel number according to the EPG information in response to an operation of the viewer to move a playback start position toward the present or past direction;
A program reception display control method. A machine-readable recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon that causes a computing device to execute a method for display control of a program stream delivered by an IPTV service, comprising:
The method comprises:
Transmitting a predetermined distribution request to a distribution server according to the predetermined link information;
acquiring a program stream distributed from the distribution server in response to the predetermined distribution request;
and controlling the display of program content based on the acquired program stream on a screen;
said controlling includes selecting at least one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in accordance with an operation of a viewer;
Obtaining the program stream includes:
In the first operation mode, transmitting an IP distribution request as the predetermined distribution request, and acquiring a first program stream corresponding to the program content for a current channel number according to EPG information, which is IP-distributed from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request;
In the second operation mode, transmitting a VOD distribution request as the predetermined distribution request, and acquiring a second program stream distributed by VOD from the distribution server in response to the VOD distribution request;
acquiring the second program stream of another program content having a distribution time period different from a distribution time period of the program content for the current channel number according to the EPG information in response to an operation of the viewer to move a playback start position toward the present or past direction;
Recording medium.

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