SP307819
[DESCRIPTION]
[Title]
RECEPTION APPARATUS, RECEPTION METHOD, PROGRAM, AND
PROGRAM
[Technical Field]
[0001]
This technology relates to a reception apparatus, a
reception method, and a program. More particularly, this
technology relates to a reception apparatus, a reception
method, and a program suitable for use in executing a
type of content that is different from AV content
constituting so-called TV programs typically in digital
TV broadcasting.
[Background Art]
[0002]
The digitization of TV broadcasting has been promoted in
Japan, and digital terrestrial broadcasting, BS digital
broadcasting and the like have gained widespread
acceptance in the country. Also, in digital TV
broadcasting such as terrestrial digital broadcasting,
not only the broadcasting of AV content making up 50called
TV programs but also data broadcasting using BML
(Broadcast Markup Language) has been implemented (e.g.,
see Patent Literature 1).
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SP307819
[0003]
For example, a TV set capable of receiving data
broadcasting can display information about the currently
broadcast program as well as information not related to
the ongoing program (announcements of other programs,
news, weather reports, traffic information, etc.), and
execute an application program linked to the program
being broadcast (AV content) .
[0004]
Also, the above-mentioned TV set is configured to behave
differently in two cases: when implementing services
managed by the broadcasting organization offering digital
TV broadcasting (e.g., the service of displaying weather
reports), and when carrying out services not managed by
broadcasting organizations (e.g., the service of
connecting to the Internet to display Web pages, etc.).
[0005]
That is, when weather reports are to be displayed in data
broadcasting as one of the services managed by the
broadcasting organization for example, processes may be
carried out to read from the TV set pre-registered
information about the area where the user lives so that
weather reports corresponding to the place where the user
lives is displayed.
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[0006]
On the other hand, when Web pages are to be displayed
through connection with the Internet as one of the
services not managed by broadcasting organizations for
example, the above-mentioned read process or the like is
not performed so that any process not intended by the
user (e.g., process in which the area information may be
fraudulently read and sent to a malicious third party)
will not be carried out.
[0007]
Likewise in Europe, a type of broadcasting corresponding
to data broadcasting in Japan has been implemented in
accordance with DVB-MHP (digital video broadcastingmultimedia
home platform) that stipulates how data
broadcast content should be described and distributed.
[Citation List]
[Patent Literature]
[0008]
[PTL 1]
JP 2003-131981A
[Summary]
[Technical Problem]
[0009]
Meanwhile, in digital TV broadcasting in the United
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States as per ATSC (Advanced Television Systems
Committee) 2.0, a service corresponding to data
broadcasting in digital TV broadcasting in Japan is
scheduled to be implemented through acquisition of HTML
documents described in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language)
from servers managed by broadcasting organizations.
[0010]
Suppose that as shown in Fig. 1, the service is
implemented using an application program composed of the
resources representing pictures, sounds, still images,
etc., (corresponding to "MPEG," "MP3" and "JPEG" in Fig.
1) as well as scripts (executable codes) for executing
predetermined processes by referencing the resources. In
that case, operation modes may be set in the application
program or the like and, in accordance with the operation
modes thus established, specific processes such as the
read process may be enabled (or restricted).
[0011]
Specifically, in the case of an application program
acquired from a server managed by the broadcasting
organization, an operation mode may be set to enable (not
restrict) the execution of a specific process. And in the
case of an application program acquired from a server on
the Internet not managed by broadcasting organizations,
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an operation mode may be set to disable (restrict) the
execution of a specific process.
[0012]
Application programs such as one shown in Fig. 1 may each
be structured with, say, a plurality of class files
(scripts) prepared in Java (registered trademark) and
organized in a file structure called "jar" as well as
with resources (pictur~s, sounds, still images, etc.).
[0013]
If application programs are each structured with
resources and scripts as shown in Fig. 1, the boundaries
between the application programs are distinct. This makes
it possible to set an operation mode in each application
program to enable (or restrict) a specific process (read
process, etc.).
[0014]
By contrast, where HTML documents are used as scheduled
for digital TV broadcasting in the United States,
operation modes cannot be set in application programs
such as one shown in Fig. 1.
[0015]
For example, where the service is implemented using HTML
documents, a single application program such as one in
Fig. 1 is not executed. Instead, the HTML documents
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targeted to be executed make transition from one document
to another, with each HTML document executed
independently.
[0016]
Consequently, no operation mode can be set in each HTML
document executed independently as one application
program for implementing the service.
[0017]
For that reason, where HTML documents are used as
scheduled in the United States, it is not possible to
enable (or restrict) specific processes in accordance
with operation modes; processes not intended by the user
may well be carried out.
[0018]
This technique has been made in view of the above
circumstances and provides arrangements for preventing
the processes not intended by the user from getting
performed when a data broadcast service is implemented
using document transitions.
[Solution to Problem]
[0019]
According to a first aspect of this technology, there is
provided a reception apparatus for receiving AV content
broadcast by broadcast waves, the reception apparatus
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including: an acquisition block configured to acquire a
description document described in a predetermined
computer language for displaying a type of content
different from the AV content; a determination block
configured to determine whether the acquired description
document is managed by a broadcasting organization
broadcasting the AV content or by a business operator
other than the broadcasting organization, and a control
block configured to control execution of the acquired
description document in accordance with the result of the
determination made by the determination block.
[0020]
The reception apparatus further includes a trigger
detection block configured to detect trigger information
which is transmitted along with the AV content and which
concerns control of the description document to be
executed in linkage with the progress of the AV content;
wherein, based on the detected trigger information, the
acquisition block acquires the description document from
an information processing apparatus managed by the
broadcasting organization, and wherein the determination
block determines that the description document acquired
from the information processing apparatus is managed by
the broadcasting organization.
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[0021]
Upon execution of a description document that can be
executed independently without linkage with the AV
content, the acquisition block acquires the description
document from the information processing apparatus
managed by the broadcasting organization, and the
determination block determines that the description
document acquired from the information processing
apparatus is managed by the broadcasting organization.
[0022]
Upon execution of a description document that can be
executed only by a specific application program, the
acquisition block acquires the description document from
another information processing apparatus managed by the
other business operator, and the determination block
determines that the description document acquired from
the other information processing apparatus is managed by
the other business operator.
[0023]
The reception apparatus further includes an execution
block configured to execute the acquired description
document; wherein, if it is determined that the
description document is managed by the broadcasting
organization, the control block controls the execution
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block to operate in a first management mode in which a
predetermined specific process can be performed, and
wherein, if it is determined that the description
document is managed by the other business operator, the
control block controls the execution block to operate in
a second management mode in which the specific process
cannot be performed.
[0024]
With the execution block operating in the first
management mode, every time the description document 1S
acquired, the determination block determines whether the
acquired description document is managed by the
broadcasting organization or by the other business
operator, and if it is determined that the description
document is managed by the other business operator, the
control block causes the execution block to exit first
management mode and enter the second management mode
while operating.
[0025]
If a predetermined operation is performed while the
execution block is operating in the second operation mode,
the control block causes the execution block to exit the
second operation mode and enter the first management mode
while operating.
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[0026]
The acquisition block acquires the description document
transmitted using a predetermined frequency band of a
digital television broadcast signal of the broadcast
waves.
[0027]
The reception apparatus may be either an independent
apparatus or an internal block as part of a single
apparatus.
[0028]
According to other embodiments of this technology, there
are provided a reception method and a program
functionally corresponding to the above-outlined
reception apparatus according to one aspect of this
technology.
[0029]
Through the use of the reception apparatus, reception
method, and program according to some aspects of this
technology, a description document is acquired which is
described in a predetermined computer language for
displaying a type of content that is different from AV
content broadcast on airwaves. It is then determined
whether the acquired description document is managed by
the broadcasting organization broadcasting AV content or
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by a business operator other than the broadcasting
organization. The execution of the acquired description
document is controlled in accordance with the result of
the determination.
[Advantageous Effect of Invention]
[0030]
According to this technology, it is thus possible to
prevent any process not intended by the user from getting
performed when a data broadcast service is implemented
through transitions of documents.
[Brief Description of Drawings]
[0031]
[Fig. 1]
Fig. 1 is a view showing a typical application program
made up of resources and scripts.
[Fig. 2]
Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a typical broadcasting system
as one embodiment.
[Fig. 3]
Fig. 3 is a view showing a typical screen displayed on a
monitor by a reception apparatus.
[Fig. 4]
Fig. 4 is an explanatory view outlining this technique.
[Fig. 5]
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Fig. 5 is a schemat~c view showing typical screen
transitions displayed on the monitor.
[Fig. 6]
Fig. 6 is a view detailing various DO's.
[Fig. 7]
Fig. 7 is a view detailing various events.
[Fig. 8]
Fig. 8 is a view listing the relations between screen
transitions and events.
[Fig. 9]
Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a typical structure of the
reception apparatus.
[Fig. 10]
Fig. 10 is a view illustrating the concept of trigger
information being embedded in PCR packets of TS when
transmitted.
[Fig. 11]
Fig. 11 is a view showing where the trigger information
is stored in a PCR packet.
[Fig. 12]
Fig. 12 is a view listing typical information items
included in the trigger information.
[Fig. 13]
Fig. 13 is a view showing a typical syntax of the trigger
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information.
[Fig. 14]
Fig. 14 is a flowchart explanatory of an NDO content
starting process.
[Fig. 15]
Fig. 15 is a view showing typical screen transitions in
effect when a data broadcast HTML document (TDO) is
executed in linkage with the progress of a TV program.
[Fig. 16]
Fig. 16 is a view showing typical screen transitions in
effect when a data broadcast HTML document (TDO) not
entailing screen display is executed in linkage with the
progress of a TV program.
[Fig. 17]
Fig. 17 is a view showing a typical life cycle of the
data broadcast HTML document (TDO).
[Fig. 18]
Fig. 18 is a view showing an example of transition from a
TDO active operation state to a Web active operation
state.
[Fig. 19]
Fig. 19 is a flowchart explanatory of an NDO content
starting process.
[Fig. 20]
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Fig. 20 is a flowchart explanatory of a PDQ content
starting process.
[Fig. 21]
Fig. 21 is a flowchart explaining a management mode
setting process.
[Fig. 22]
Fig. 22 is another view showing another typical life
cycle of the data broadcast HTML document (TOO).
[Fig. 23]
Fig. 23 is another tabular view listing other typical
information items included in the trigger information.
[Fig. 24]
Fig. 24 is a diagram showing a typical structure of a
computer.
[Description of Embodiments]
[0032]
<1. Embodiments>
[Typical configuration of the broadcasting system]
Fig. 2 shows a broadcasting system 1 as one embodiment.
This broadcasting system 1 is made up of a broadcast unit
11, servers 12, 21 and 22, and a reception apparatus 30.
The broadcast unit 11 and server 12 are installed on the
side of a broadcasting organization, and the servers 21
and 22 are set up on the side of business operators other
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•
than the broadcast organization.
SP307819
The reception apparatus
30 is installed on the side of viewers.
[0033]
The servers 12, 21 and 22, and the reception apparatus 30
are interconnected via the Internet 30.
[0034]
The broadcast unit 11 transmits (broadcasts) a digital TV
broadcast signal.
[0035]
It is also assumed that at predetermined timings, the
broadcast unit 11 transmits trigger information in
packets containing PCR (Program Clock Reference; packets
are called PCR packets hereunder) as pa~t of the TS
packets making up a transport stream (which is called TS
hereunder) of the digital TV broadcast signal.
[0036]
In this context, the trigger information is composed of
information indicating the timings for executing data
broadcast HTML documents as the HTML documents to be
executed to implement a data broadcast service, of
information indicating the destinations from which to
acquire the data broadcast HTML documents, and the like.
The trigger information will be discussed later in detail
by reference to Figs. 10 through 13.
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[0037]
The server 12 is managed on the side of the broadcasting
organization and holds the data broadcast HTML documents
authorized by the broadcasting organization. The server
12 provides the data broadcast HTML documents and others
it holds in response to requests from the reception
apparatus 30 accessing the server 12 via the Internet 20.
[0038]
The server 21 is not managed on the side of the
broadcasting organization managing the server 12, and
holds the data broadcast HTML documents not authorized by
the broadcasting organization. The server 21 provides the
data broadcast HTML documents and others it holds in
response to requests from the reception apparatus 30
accessing the server 21 via the Internet 20.
[0039]
The server 22 provides Web sites to terminal equipment
connected to the Internet 20, and is not managed on the
side of the broadcasting organization managing the server
12. The server 22 provides Web page HTML documents and
others in response to requests from the reception
apparatus 30 accessing the server 22 via the Internet 20.
Incidentally, the Web page HTML document signifies an
HTML document that presents a Web page.
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[0040]
That is, the servers 21 and 22 are managed by business
operators other than the broadcasting organization
managing the server 12.
[0041]
The reception apparatus 30 receives a digital TV
broadcast signal transmitted from the broadcast unit 11
and acquires therefrom pictures and sounds of the AV
content constituting TV programs. The reception apparatus
30 outputs the acquired pictures to a monitor (e.g.,
monitor 30 in Fig. 3, to be discussed later) and the
acquired sounds to speakers (not shown).
[0042]
Also, the reception apparatus 30 accesses the server 12
or the server 21 via the Internet 20 to acquire and
execute data broadcast HTML documents. This enables the
reception apparatus 30 to display a picture 43 made up of
an AV content picture 41 superimposed with a data
broadcast content picture 42, on the monitor 31, not
shown. Incidentally, the reception apparatus 30 can be
operated from a remote location by use of a remote
controller 32.
[0043]
Returning to Fig. 2, also, the reception apparatus 30
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accesses the server 22 via the Internet 20 to acquire and
execute Web page HTML documents.
[0044]
This reception apparatus 30 may be either set up as a
stand-alone unit or incorporated in a TV set or a video
recorder for example. A detailed structure of the
reception apparatus 30 will be discussed later by
reference to Fig. 9.
[0045]
The broadcasting system 1 is configured as described in
the above paragraphs.
[0046]
[Method for managing description documents]
Explained below in reference to Figs. 4 through 8 is a
method for managing description documents according to
this technology.
[0047]
The point of this technology is that the reception
apparatus 30 is caused to permit or restrict specific
processes that are performed through execution of HTML
documents, depending on whether a given HTML document
acquired via the Internet 20 and executed is managed by
the broadcasting organization or by some other business
operator.
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[0048]
For example, if the reception apparatus 30 executes an
HTML document managed by the broadcasting organization,
such as a data broadcast HTML document from the server 12
installed on the side of the broadcasting organization, a
specific process is allowed to be performed (not
restricted) in accordance with the HTML document in
question.
[0049]
On the other hand, if the reception apparatus 30 executes
an HTML document not managed by the broadcasting
organization, such as a data broadcast HTML document
obtained from the server 21 installed on the side of some
other business operator or a Web page HTML document
acquired from the server 22, a specific process is not
allowed to be performed (restricted) in accordance with
the HTML document in question.
[0050]
The reception apparatus 30 manages HTML documents in the
manner described above. It should be noted that the HTML
documents are merely an example of description documents
described in a predetermined computer language for
displaying types of content that are different from the
AV content constituting TV programs. Thus other
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SP307819
description documents may be used in place of the HTML
documents.
[0051]
Fig. 4 shows an outline of this technology.
[0052]
In Fig. 4, where HTML documents on the left side of a
thick-line boundary B are executed, specific processes
are permitted; where HTML documents on the right side of
the boundary B are executed, specific processes are
restricted. Also, Fig. 4 shows three areas that vary
depending on how the HTML document is acquired: broadcast
area, Internet area, and file system area. These areas
are explained below in detail.
[0053]
For example, upon receipt of trigger information (e.g.,
corresponding to "Trigger "Start" from the air" in Fig.
4) included in the digital TV broadcast signal
transmitted from the broadcast unit II, the reception
apparatus 30 acquires a data broadcast HTML document
(e.g., corresponding "Linear TV TDO content" in
"Internet" of Fig. 4) from th~ server 12 and executes the
acquired document. Also, the reception apparatus 30
executes a data broadcast HTML document acquired
beforehand from the server 12 and recorded (e.g.,
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corresponding to "Liner TV TOO content" in "File system"
of Fig. 4).
[0054]
As another example, suppose that a TV program is viewed
on the reception apparatus 30 using a download broadcast.
In this case, upon acquiring the trigger information
included in a recorded TV program (e.g., corresponding to
"Trigger "Start" from the Video files that is played by
local player" in Fig. 4), the reception apparatus 30
obtains a data broadcast HTML document (e.g.,
corresponding to "NRT TOO context" in Fig. 4) from the
server 12 and executes the acquired document. Also, the
reception apparatus 30 executes a data broadcast HTML
document (e.g., corresponding to "NRT TOO" in Fig. 4)
acquired beforehand through download broadcast from the
broadcast unit 11 and recorded.
[0055]
As a further example, the reception apparatus 30 acquires
from the server 21 a data broadcast HTML document (e.g.,
corresponding to "POO content" in Fig. 4) that can be
displayed only by a specific browser, and executes the
acquired document.
[ 0056]
And when the above-described data broadcast HTML
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documents are executed, the reception apparatus 30 has
the picture 43 of Fig. 3 displayed on the monitor 31.
[0057]
Incidentally, the download broadcast is a type of
broadcast that involves receiving beforehand a TV program
(digital TV broadcast signal) from the broadcast unit 11,
recording the received TV program, and reproducing the
recorded TV program in response to the user's operation.
In the ensuing description, the download broadcast will
be referred to as NRT (Non Real Time) broadcast and the
downloaded content as NRT content.
[0058]
In this case, it is assumed for example that the driver
(face) displayed as the picture 42 in Fig. 3 carries a
link to the driver's Web page that may be selected by the
user.
[0059]
If the user performs an operation to select the driver on
the picture 42 in Fig. 3, the reception apparatus 30
acquires a Web page HTML document (e.g., "Generic Web
Content" in Fig. 4) from the server 22 and executes the
acquired document to display the driver's Web page or the
like on the monitor 31.
[0060]
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As explained above, when the reception apparatus 30
executes a data broadcast HTML document, it is necessary
to make arrangements for permitting specific processes in
order to reinforce the data broadcast service.
[0061]
Specifically, if the reception apparatus 30 is to display
weather reports on the user's residential area as the
data broadcast service, the data broadcast HTML document
needs to trigger the execution of particular processes
such as the process of reading area information about the
user's residential area from the reception apparatus 30
in which the information is pre-registered.
[0062]
On the other hand, if the reception apparatus 30 is to
display a data broadcast or a Web page not authorized by
the broadcast organization, it is not desirable to let
the corresponding data broadcast HTML document or Web
page HTML document trigger specific processes.
[0063]
For example, if a data broadcast not authorized by the
broadcasting organization is to be displayed, the
corresponding data broadcast HTML document is acquired
from the server 21 not managed by the broadcasting
organization and executed. If a Web page is to be
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SP307819
displayed, the corresponding Web page HTML document is
acquired from the server 22 not managed by the
broadcasting organization and executed. In these cases,
unlike the server 12 managed by the broadcasting
organization, the server 21 or 22 not managed by the
broadcasting organization may hold a data broadcast HTML
document or a Web page HTML document prepared by a
malicious third party. One such HTML document may
conceivably be that which reads illicitly the preregistered
area information from the reception apparatus
30 and feeds the retrieved information to a specific
server.
[0064]
In view of the above, the reception apparatus 30 sets a
management mode so that specific processes may be
performed on the left side of the boundary B in Fig. 4
and cannot be performed on the right side of it.
Depending on the management mode thus set, the reception
apparatus 30 permits (or restricts) a specific process to
be performed by a given HTML document.
[0065]
Incidentally, the specific processes refer to the type of
processes that may cause losses to the user when executed
illicitly by a malicious third party. One such specific
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SP307819
process may be the process of illicitly acquiring
personal information or the like about the user so that
the user's safety may be threatened thereby.
[ 0066]
The specific processes are defined beforehand by the user
or by the manufacturer manufacturing the reception
apparatus 30, for example. Conceivably, the specific
processes include a channel selection process in which a
channel is selected, a recorder operation process in
which the reception apparatus 30 functioning as a video
recorder is caused to make recordings or the like, an
acquisition process in which program information about
the currently selected TV program is acquired, and a
bookmark control process in which a particular URL
(Uniform Resource Locator) is bookmarked.
[0067]
Fig. 5 shows typical screen transitions displayed on the
monitor 31 of the reception apparatus 30 when the HTML
documents indicated in Fig. 4 are executed. A conceivable
use case example is explained below in reference to Fig.
5.
[0068]
In Fig. 5, Ul1 through UI12 (except for UI8 and UI9) each
indicate a user interface (called the UI hereunder)
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displayed on the monitor 31 of the reception apparatus 30.
Also in Fig. 5, a dotted line Ll denotes the boundary
between foreground processing and background processing.
Inside the region surrounded by the dotted line Ll, the
processes executed in UI8 and UI9 take place internally
and are not displayed on the monitor 31.
[0069]
Also, reference characters A through E each indicate an
event for making transition to a given UI. Reference
characters "a" through "n" each denote an event for
making transition from one UI to the next. Furthermore, a
dotted line L2 in Fig. 5 corresponds to the boundary B
shown in Fig. 4. Management modes are set so that
specific process can be performed outside this boundary
but cannot be performed therein. That is, outside the
boundary of the dotted line L2, the management mode is
set for "Broadcast Managed" in which specific processes
can be performed using data broadcast HTML documents;
within the boundary, the management mode is set for
"Broadcast Unmanaged" in which specific processes cannot
be performed using data broadcast HTML documents or Web
page HTML documents.
[0070]
"TDO," "NDO" and "PD~" in Fig. 5 have their authority
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restricted progressively, in that order, as shown in Fig.
6. Specifically, each DO (Downloadable Object) has the
following features:
[0071]
TDO (Triggered Downloadable Object) is the DO that has
the highest authority among the three DO's and is the
object that can be handled only by the broadcasting
organization. TDO content is expected to be executed in
linkage with the AV content constituting TV programs and
the like. Since TDO is the DO handled by the broadcasting
organization, the management mode is always set for
"Broadcast ManagedH for TDO's.
[0072]
NDO (NRT Downloadable Object) is the DO that has the
highest authority next to TDO. For example, NDO is the
object that can be handled by business operators other
than the broadcasting organization, such as content
production companies or NRT service providers. NDO
content is expected to be executed not only in linkage
with the AV content constituting TV programs and the like
but also on an individual basis. For example, if provided
by an independent data broadcast channel, NDO content is
executed without linkage with AV content.
[0073]
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Two kinds of NDO's are conceivable: those authorized by
the broadcasting organization and those not authorized
thereby. For the NDO's authorized by the broadcasting
organization, the management mode is set for "Broadcast
Managed"; for the NDO's not authorized by the
broadcasting organization, the management mode is set for
"Broadcast Unmanaged." With regard to the example in Fig.
5, only the NDO's authorized by the broadcasting
organization are explained. In this case, the management
mode is always set for "Broadcast Managed" for the NDO's.
[0074]
PDO (Plain Downloadable Object) is the DO that has the
lowest authority among the three DO's, and is an object
that can be displayed (executed) only by a specific
application program (browser 73-2 in Fig. 9, to be
discussed later). For example, the PDO's can only be
displayed by a browser stipulated in "Browser Profile A"
of NRT 1.0. Also, the PDO's are objects that can be
handled by business operators other than the broadcasting
organization, such as content production companies (e.g.,
so-called third parties) .
[0075]
As with the NDO's, two kinds of PDO's are conceivable:
those authorized by the broadcasting organization and
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SP307819
those not authorized thereby. With.regard to the example
in Fig. 5, only the PDQ's not authorized by the
broadcasting organization are explained. In this case,
the management mode is always set for "Broadcast
Unmanaged" for the PDQ's.
[0076]
Fig. 7 lists explanations about events A through E shown
in Fig. 5, and Fig. 8 lists the relations between UI1
through UI12 in Fig. 5 on the one hand and events "a"
through "n" on the other hand. In the ensuing
descriptions, reference may be made to these figures as
needed.
[0077]
As shown in Fig. 5, when the user selects the TV program
of a particular channel as event A, the monitor 31
displays UI1 constituting the TV program or the like of
the selected channel (description of event A in Fig. 7).
Also, upon receipt of trigger information from the
broadcast unit 11 while UI1 is being displayed, the
reception apparatus 30 acquires a data broadcast HTML
document (TDQ) from the server 12 and has it superimposed
on the picture of the TV program (description of event
"a" in UI1 of Fig. 8). This causes the monitor 31 to
display UI2 such as the picture 43 shown in Fig. 3.
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[0078]
Since UI2 is outside the boundary of the dotted line L2,
the management mode is set for "Broadcast Managed" in
which a specific process can be performed using a
broadcast HTML document (TOO). That is, because the
broadcast HTML document (TOO) is acquired from the server
12 managed by the broadcasting organization, a specific
process is allowed to be performed.
[0079]
Also, upon receipt of trigger information while UI2 is
being displayed, the reception apparatus 30 acquires a
new data broadcast HTML document (TOO) and displays the
acquired document (description of event "b" in UI2 of Fig.
8). This brings about an update of the picture (e.g.,
picture 42 in Fig. 3) of the data broadcast HTML document
(TOO) superimposed on the picture of the TV program. Also,
upon receipt of a data broadcast HTML (POO) from the
server 21 while UI2 is being displayed, a specific
browser causes UI11 to be displayed on the monitor 31
(description of event "en in UI2 of Fig. 8). In addition,
if the user selects POO content as event C, the monitor
31 displays UI11.
[0080]
Furthermore, when the user selects another POO content
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while UI11 is being displayed, a data broadcast HTML
document (PDO) is received from the server 21, and the
display of UI11 is updated (description of event "h" in
UI11 of Fig. 8). Also, when the user selects a Web page
while UI11 is being displayed, the relevant Web page HTML
document is received from the server 22, and UI12 is
displayed on the monitor 31 (description of event "in in
UI11 of Fig. 8).
[0081]
Because UI11 and UI12 are inside the boundary of the
broken line L2, their management mode is set for
"Broadcast Unmanaged" in which specific processes cannot
be performed using data broadcast HTML document (PDO) or
Web page HTML documents. That is, the data broadcast HTML
document (PDO) and Web page HTML documents are acquired
from the server 21 or 22 not managed by the broadcasting
organization and are thus subject to the restrictions on
specific processes.
[0082]
Also, when the user selects to start the reproduction of
NRT content while UI2 is being displayed, the monitor 31
displays UI2 of the NRT content being reproduced
(description of event "c" in UI2 of Fig. 8). Meanwhile,
if the user selects to stop the reproduction of the NRT
31
• SP307819
content being reproduced while UI7 is being displayed,
the currently reproduced NRT content is stopped, and the
display on the monitor 31 returns to UI2 in effect before
the reproduction of the content (description of event "c"
in UI7 of Fig. 8).
[0083]
As will be discussed later in detail, when the user
selects to reserve a download of NRT content while UI2 is
being displayed, the process of reserving an NRT content
download is performed (description of event "d" in UI8 of
Fig. 8). At this point, if the procedure for subscribing
to the NRT service for viewing the NRT content in
question is to be carried out, the process of handling
the subscription procedure is performed (description of
event "d" in 019 of Fig. 8). These processes are
conducted in the background.
[0084]
When the user presses the EPG button on the remote
controller 32 as event B, the monitor 31 displays UI3 of
an EPG (Electronic Program Guide). If the user selects
from the EPG the item of which detailed program
information is desired to be displayed, the monitor 31
displays UI5 of the detailed program information
(description of event "f" in UI3 of Fig. 8).
32
• SP307819
[0085]
Also, when the user selects an independent data broadcast
channel for example as event D, a broadcast HTML document
(NDO) is received from the server 12, and the monitor 31
displays DIS of the NDO content.
[0086]
Since DIS is outside the boundary of the dotted line L2,
its management mode is set for "Broadcast Managed" in
which a specific process can be performed using a
broadcast HTML document (NDO). That is, because the
broadcast HTML document (NDO) is acquired from the server
12 managed by the broadcasting organization, the specific
process is allowed to be carried out.
[0087]
As another example, if the user selects desired NRT
content from an NRT content list while DIS is being
displayed, the selected NRT content is reserved for
download (description of event "n" in DIS of Fig. 8). At
the same time that the process of reserving the download
is performed (description of event "n" in DI9 of Fig. 8),
the process of handling the procedure for subscribing to
the NRT service (description of event "n" in DI9 of Fig.
8) is carried out as needed. These processes are
conducted in the background. Alternatively, a download of
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• SP307819
the selected NRT content may be started immediately
without reserving the download.
[0088]
When the download of the NRT content is terminated or has
already been finished, the user may select to start
reproduction of the NRT content. In this case, the
monitor 31 displays UI7 of the NRT content being
reproduced (description of event "m" in UIS of Fig. 8).
On the other hand, if the user selects to stop the NRT
content being reproduced, the currently reproduced NRT
content is stopped, and the display on the monitor 31
returns to UIS in effect before the reproduction of the
content (description of event "m" in UI7 of Fig. 8).
[0089]
When the user selects PDO content while UIS is being
displayed, a data broadcast HTML document (PDO) is
received from the server 21, and the monitor 31 displays
UI11 (description of event "g" in UIS of Fig. 8).
[0090]
Furthermore, when the user presses the NRT button on the
remote controller 32 as event E, the monitor 31 displays
UI6 constituting a portal to NRT contents. When the user
selects NDO content from the portal, UIS is displayed
(description of event "j" in UI6 of Fig. 8).
34
• SP307819
[0091]
If the user selects to reserve a download of NRT content
while U16 is being displayed, the process of reserving an
NRT content download is performed (description of event
"k" in U16 and U18 of Fig. 8). At this point, the process
of handling the procedure for subscribing to the NRT
service is carried out as needed (description of event
"k" in U16 and U19 of Fig. 8). Also, when the user
selects to start reproduction of the NRT content while
U16 is being displayed, the monitor 31 displays U17 of
the NRT content being reproduced (description of event
"1" in U16 of Fig. 8). On the other hand, if the user
selects to stop the NRT content, the currently reproduced
NRT content is stopped, and the display on the monitor 31
returns to U16 in effect before the reproduction of the
content (description of event "1" in U17 of Fig. 8).
[0092]
Ul transitions take place as explained above depending on
each use case. In the example of Fig. 5, the management
mode is set for "Broadcast Managed" for data broadcast
HTML documents (TOO) and data broadcast HTML documents
(NOD), and is set for "Broadcast Unmanaged" for data
broadcast HTML documents (POD) and Web page HTML.
[0093]
35
• SP307819
As discussed above, the area in Fig. S demarcated by the
dotted line L2 constituting the boundary is only an
example, with the management mode set differently on
either side of the boundary. For example, whereas Fig. S
shows a typical data broadcast HTML document (NOO)
authorized by the broadcasting organization, in the case
of a data broadcast HTML document (NOO) not authorized by
the broadcasting organization, the management mode is set
for "Broadcast Unmanaged." In the latter case, UIS for
example is located inside the boundary of the dotted line
L2. Also, whereas Fig. S shows a typical data broadcast
HTML document (POO) not authorized by the broadcasting
organization, in the case of a data broadcasting document
(POO) authorized by the broadcasting organization, the
management mode is set for "Broadcast Managed." In this
case, UIII for example is located outside the boundary of
the dotted line L2.
[0094]
In short, the management mode "Broadcast Managed" is
always set for data broadcast documents HTML documents
(TOO); for the othe-r data broadcast HTML documents (NOO)
and for data broadcast HTML documents (POO) , the
management mode varies depending on the authorization
being granted or not granted by the broadcasting
36
• SP307819
organization, so that the setting of the management mode
for "Broadcast Managed" or "Broadcast Unmanaged" is
arbitrary. For the Web page HTML, the management mode is
always set for "Broadcast Unmanaged."
[0095]
Incidentally, "Native app" in Fig. 5 refers to an
application program dedicated to the reception apparatus
(i.e., application program executed by a control block 68,
to be discussed later), and "Browser" refers to the
browser for browsing Web sites and others (i.e., browser
73-1 in Fig. 9, to be discussed later) .
[ 0096]
[Typical structure of the reception apparatus]
Fig. 9 shows a typical structure of the reception
apparatus 30. The reception apparatus 30 is made up of a
tuner 61, a demultiplexing block 62, an audio decoder 63,
an audio output block 64, a video decoder 65, a trigger
detection block 66, a video output block 67, a control
block 68, a memory 69, an operation block 70, a recording
block 71, a communication interface 72, a browser 73-1, a
browser 73-2, and an infrared ray reception block 74.
[0097]
The tuner 61 receives the digital TV broadcast signal
corresponding to the channel selected by the user,
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• SP307819
demodulates the received signal, and outputs the
resulting TS to the demultiplexing block 62. The
demultiplexing block 62 demultiplexes the TS input from
the tuner 61 into an audio coded signal, a video coded
signal, and a control signal, and outputs these signals
to the audio decoder 63, video decoder 65, and control
block 68 respectively.
[0098]
Furthermore, the demultiplexing block 62 extracts peR
packets containing trigger information from the TS and
outputs the extracted packets to the control block 68.
[0099]
The audio decoder 63 decodes the input audio coded signal
and outputs the audio signal resulting from decoding to
the audio output block 64. The audio output block 64
outputs the input audio signal to the subsequent stage
(e.g., speakers).
[0100]
The video decoder 65 decodes the input video coded signal
and outputs the video signal resulting from decoding to
the trigger detection block 66 and video output block 67.
[0101]
The trigger detection block 66 continuously monitors the
input video signal to detect the trigger information
38
• SP307819
embedded in the video signal and supplies the detected
trigger information to the control block 68.
Alternatively, the trigger information may be transmitted
embedded in the video signal of the AV content
corresponding to the digital TV broadcast signal.
[0102]
Thus when the trigger information embedded in the video
signal is transmitted from the broadcast unit 11 to the
reception apparatus 30, the trigger detection block 66
detects the trigger information embedded in the input
video signal.
[0103]
In the ensuing description, it is assumed that the
trigger information is contained in peR packets when
transmitted. Explanations of the cases where the trigger
information is transmitted embedded in the video signal
will be omitted where redundant.
[0104]
The video output block 67 outputs to the monitor 31 (Fig.
3) the video signal input from the video decoder 65. Also,
the video output block 67 combines a data broadcast video
signal (e.g., corresponding to the picture 42 in Fig. 3)
input from the browser 73-1 or 73-2 with the video signal
(e.g., corresponding to the picture 41 in Fig. 3) input
39
• SP307819
from the video decoder 65, and causes the monitor 31 to
display the resulting composite signal.
[0105]
Furthermore, the video output block 67 outputs to the
monitor 31 the video signal representing a Web page or
the like input from the browser 73-1.
[0106]
The control block 68 controls the blocks making up the
reception apparatus 30 by executing relevant control
programs recorded beforehand in the memory 69. Also,
based on the trigger information input from the
demultiplexing block 62 or from the trigger detection
block 66, the control block 68 controls acquisition of
the data broadcast HTML document (TOO) for implementing
the data broadcast service linked to a TV program,
execution (start) of the document, firing of events, and
stop of the execution.
[0107]
The memory 69 stores in advance the control programs to
be executed by the control block 68. The control programs
may be updated based on the update data acquired through
the digital TV broadcast signal or over the Internet 20.
[0108]
Also, the memory 69 has management mode information
40
SP307819
recorded therein as indicative of a management mode. The
management mode is changed when the management mode
information is rewritten. The management mode will be
discussed later in detail.
[0109]
The operation block 70 accepts various operations made by
the user and notifies the control block 68 of operation
signals corresponding to these operations. The infrared
ray reception block 74 receives operation signals
transmitted from the remote controller 32 (Fig. 3)
through wireless communication using infrared rays, and
notifies the control block 68 of the received operation
signals. The control block 68 controls the components
making up the reception apparatus 30 based on the
operation signals supplied from the operation block 70 or
from the remote controller 32.
[0110]
Where data broadcast HTML documents are distributed using
the digital TV broadcast signal, the recording block 71
has the distributed data broadcast HTML documents input
from the demultiplexing block 62 and retained on an
internal recording medium.
[0111]
The communication interface 72 under control of the
41
• SP307819
browser 73-1 or 73-2 connects to the server 12 or 21 via
the Internet 20. Then the communication interface 72
under control of the browser 73-1 or 73-2 acquires a data
broadcast HTML document from the server 12 or 21 via the
Internet 20 and supplies the acquired document to the
browser 73-1 or 73-2.
[0112]
Also, the communication interface 72 under control of the
browser 73-1 may connect to the server 22 via the
Internet 20. Then the communication interface 72 under
control of the browser 73-1 may acquire a Web page HTML
document from the server 22 via the Internet 20 and
supply the acquired document to the browser 73-1.
[0113]
The browser 73-1 under control of the control block 68
executes the data broadcast HTML document (TDO) or data
broadcast HTML document (NDO) from the communication
interface 72 to generate a data broadcast video signal
and supplies the generated video signal to the video
output block 67.
[0114]
Also, the browser 73-1 under control of the control block
68 executes the Web page HTML document from the
communication interface 72 to generate a video signal
42
• SP307819
indicating a Web page or the like and supplies the
generated video signal to the video output block 67.
[0115]
The browser 73-2 is a special browser stipulated in, say,
"Browser Profile A" of NRT 1.0. The browser 73-2 under
control of the control block 68 executes the data
broadcast HTML document (PDO) from the communication
interface 72 to generate a data broadcast video signal
and supplies the generated video signal to the video
output block 67.
[0116]
Also, when the tuner 61 receives the digital TV broadcast
signal of an NRT broadcast, the demultiplexing block 62
demultiplexes the TS following demodulation and records
the TS to the recording block 71. If the user designates
reproduction of the NRT content, the recording block 71
under control of the control block 68 supplies an audio
coded signal and a video coded signal to the audio
decoder 63 and video decoder 65, respectively. In this
manner, the NRT content is reproduced.
[0117]
Incidentally, if the NRT content is acquired from a
distribution server (not shown) connected to the Internet
20, the recording block 71 records the NRT content
43
• SP307819
received by the communication interface 72 from the
distribution server.
[0118]
The reception apparatus 30 is structured as described in
the above paragraphs.
[0119]
[Details of trigger information]
Fig. 10 illustrates the concept of trigger information
being embedded in PCR packets of TS when transmitted. As
shown in Fig. 10, the trigger information is embedded not
in all PCR packets but in those PCR packets suitably
timed solely for linkage with the AV content
corresponding to TV programs.
[0120]
Depending on the substance of trigger information, the
same trigger information may be transmitted a plurality
of times for fear that the transmitted trigger
information might be lost and not received by the
reception apparatus 30.
[0121]
Fig. 11 shows where the trigger information is stored in
a PCR packet. The PCR packet is a TS packet of which the
"adaptation_field"· contains a PCR. The trigger
information (Triggerlnfo_descriptor) is held in a
44
• SP307819
"transport_private_deta_byte" that follows the PCR. When
the trigger information is held in the packet, a
"transport_private_deta_fag" in "Various_flags" preceding
the PCR is set to "1."
[0122]
Fig. 12 lists typical information items included in the
trigger information.
[0123]
An item "trigger ID" denotes information that identifies
the trigger information in question. Where trigger
information of the same substance is transmitted a
plurality of number of times, the trigger ID of each set
of trigger information is the same. An item "trigger
type" indicates that this trigger information is of one
of four types: application launch (designating the
acquisition and execution of the data broadcast HTML
document (TDO)), application stop (designating a stop of
the currently executing data broadcast HTML document
(TDO)), application event (designating firing of an event
(e.g., display substance update) in the currently
executing data broadcast HTML document (TDO)), and precache
(designating only the acquisition of the data
broadcast HTML document (TDO)).
[0124]
45
• SP307819
An item "application IDU denotes information that
identifies the data broadcast HTML document (TDO)
corresponding to this trigger information. An item
"application typeU denotes information that indicates the
type (html) of the data broadcast HTML document (TDO)
corresponding to this trigger information. An item
"business operator IDu denotes information that
identifies the business operator (e.g., broadcast
station) performing the service of executing the data
broadcast HTML document (TDO) corresponding to this
trigger information. An item "application URL (Uniform
Resource Locator)U denotes the URL of the destination
from which to acquire the data broadcast HTML document
(TDO) when the trigger type is "application launchu or
"pre-cache. U An item "stored application IDU is described
only for designating the data broadcast HTML document
(TDO) which is to be launched and which has been stored
(acquired) already, where the trigger type is
"application launchu and where any data broadcast HTML
document (TDO) is not to be immediately acquired.
[0125]
An item "auto start flagU is described when the trigger
type is "application launch,u the flag being set to be
either on or off. When the auto start flag is set to be
46
• SP307819
on, auto start (i.e., the data broadcast HTML document
(TDO) is automatically started) is in effect. When the
auto start flag is set to be off, manual start (i.e., the
user is prompted to make operation input and the document
is started in response to the operation input having been
made) .
[0126]
An item "application stop time" denotes information
indicative of the time at which to stop the currently
executing data broadcast HTML document (TDO) when the
trigger information of which the trigger type is
"application stop" is not received.
[0127]
An item "application name" denotes the name of the data
broadcast service (implemented by the data broadcast HTML
document (TDO)) to be presented to the user when the
"auto start flag" is set for manual start. An item "event
ID" denotes information that identifies the event when
the trigger type is "application event." It should be
noted that not all items explained above are always
included in the trigger information; only the items
necessary for the timing in question are included.
[0128]
Fig. 13 shows a typical syntax of the trigger information.
47
• SP307819
The syntax of the trigger information is discretionary
and is not limited to what is shown in Fig. 13.
[0129]
[TDO content starting process]
Explained next is the trigger information handling
process to be performed by the reception apparatus 30
upon receipt of the trigger information.
[0130]
Fig. 14 is a flowchart explanatory of the TDO content to
be started by the trigger information handling process.
This process of starting the TDO content is executed upon
occurrence of event "a" or "b" in Fig. 5, for example,
while the user is viewing a TV program. The TDO content
starting process is carried out repeatedly while the
digital TV broadcast signal is being received.
[0131]
In step S1, based on the input from the demultiplexing
block 62, the control block 68 waits for a PCR packet
including trigger information to be received. Upon
receipt of the PCR packet including the trigger
information, control is passed to step S2.
[0132]
In step S2, the control block 68 detects the trigger
information from the received PCR packet, and determines
48
• 5P307819
whether the processing subsequent to step 53 has already
been completed based on the extracted trigger information.
If it is determined that the processing subsequent to
step 53 has already been completed, control is returned
to step 51 and the subsequent steps are repeated. On the
other hand, if it is determined that the processing
subsequent to step 53 has yet to be performed, control is
passed to step 53.
[0133]
In step 53, the control block 68 identifies the trigger
type as "application launch," "application event,"
"application stop," or "pre-cache."
[0134]
If in step 53 the trigger type of the trigger information
in question is identified as "application launch,"
control is passed to step 54.
[0135]
In step 54, the control block 68 determines whether a
stored application 10 is designated in this trigger
information and whether the data broadcast HTML document
(TOO) corresponding to the designated 10 has already been
stored in the recording block 71.
[0136]
If the result of the determination in step 54 is negative,
49
• SP307819
control is passed to step S5. In step S5, the control
block 68 controls the browser 73-1 to access the server
12 corresponding to the application URL in the trigger
information so as to acquire the data broadcast HTML
document (TOO) corresponding to the application 10 in the
trigger information. If it turns out that the relevant
data broadcast HTML document (TOO) was already acquired
from the server 12 corresponding to the above-mentioned
URL and has been pre-cached in step S14, to be discussed
later, step S5 is skipped so that the document in
question may be used in step S7 and subsequent steps.
Thereafter, control is passed to step S7.
[0137]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that
the stored application 10 is designated in this trigger
information and that the data broadcast HTML document
(TOO) corresponding to the designated 10 has already been
stored in the recording block 71, control is passed to
step S6. In step S6, the control block 68 controls the
browser 73-1 to read from the recording block 71 the data
broadcast HTML document (TOO) corresponding to the stored
application 10 in the trigger information. Thereafter,
control is passed to step S7.
[0138]
50
• SP307819
In step S7, the control block 68 determines whether the
auto start flag in the trigger information is set for
auto start.
[ 0139]
If in step S7 it is determined that the auto start flag
in the trigger information is not set for auto start
(i.e., set for manual start), control is passed to step
S8. In step S8, the browser 73-1 under control of the
control block 68 prompts the user to perform an operation
to start the data broadcast HTML document (TDO) (i.e.,
executing operation), by displaying a message "Do you
want to execute "application (its name) ?'''' or the like
on the screen. If it is determined in step S9 that the
user has input the starting operation in response to the
prompt display, control is passed to step Sll. In step
Sll, the browser 73-1 under control of the control block
68 starts (executes) the data broadcast HTML document
(TDO) acquired in step S5 or read out in step S6. In this
manner, the TDO content is started.
[0140]
Thereafter, control is returned to step Sl and the
subsequent steps are repeated.
[0141]
In step S9 following the prompt display in step S8, it is
51
• SP307819
determined whether the user has input the starting
operation. If in step S9 it is determined that the user
has not input the starting operation and if in step S10
it is determined that a predetermined time period has
elapsed, then control is returned to step Sl and the
subsequent steps are repeated.
[0142]
If in step S7 it is determined that the auto start flag
in the trigger information is set for auto start, control
is passed to step Sll. In step Sll, the browser 73-1
under control of the control block 68 starts the data
broadcast HTML document (TOO) acquired in step S5 or read
out in step S6. When TOO content is started, control is
returned to step Sl and the subsequent steps are repeated.
[0143]
If in step S3 it is determined that the trigger type of
this trigger information is "application event," control
is passed to step S12. In step S12, the control block 68
controls the browser 73-1 to fire (i.e., execute) that
event on the currently executing HTML document (TOO)
which corresponds to the event 10 in the trigger
information only if the application 10 of this trigger
information coincides with the application 10 of the
currently executing data broadcast HTML document (TOO).
52
• SP307819
Thereafter, control is returned to step Sl and the
subsequent steps are repeated.
[0144]
If in step S3 it is determined that the trigger type of
this trigger information is "application stop," control
is passed to step S13. In step S13, the control block 68
controls the browser 73-1 to stop the currently executing
data broadcast HTML document (TOO) only if the
application 10 of this trigger information coincides with
the application 10 of the currently executing data
broadcast HTML document (TOO). Thereafter, control is
returned to step Sl and the subsequent steps are repeated.
[0145]
Even if the trigger information of which the trigger type
is "application stop" is not received, once the current
time has reached the "application stop time" described in
the trigger information that started the currently
executing data broadcast HTML document (TOO), the ongoing
data broadcast HTML document (TOO) is stopped.
[0146]
If in step S3 it is determined that the trigger type of
this trigger information is "pre-cache," control is
passed to step S14. In step S14, the control block 68
controls the browser 73-1 to access the server 12
53
• SP307819
corresponding to the application URL in the trigger
information so as to acquire the data broadcast HTML
document (TOO) corresponding to the application 10 in the
trigger information and store (pre-cache) the acquired
document into storage means such as a cache memory
contained in the browser 73-1. Thereafter, control is
returned to step SI and the subsequent steps are repeated.
[0147]
If the trigger type is "pre-cache" as in the case of step
S14, it is possible to acquire the relevant data
broadcast HTML document (TOO) prior to the broadcast time
of the TV program to be linked. In this manner, the
moment the TV program to be linked is started, the
corresponding data broadcast HTML document (TOO) can be
executed immediately.
[0148]
This paragraph completes the explanation of the TOO
content starting process.
[0149]
[Typical screen displays in effect upon execution of the
data broadcast HTML document (TOO)]
Fig. 15 shows typical screen transitions in effect when,
with the auto start flag in the trigger information set
to be off (i.e., manual start), a data broadcast HTML
54
• SP307819
document (TOO) is executed in linkage with the progress
of a TV program.
[0150]
Upon receipt of the trigger information of which the
trigger type is "application launch" and of which the
auto start flag is off (manual start) while the user is
viewing a TV program, the corresponding data broadcast
HTML document (TOO) (corresponding to HTML in Fig. 15) is
acquired. Then a display (corresponding to "App Start?"
in Fig. 15) prompting the user to make an operation to
start the data broadcast HTML document (TOO) is displayed
superimposed on the picture of the TV program. When the
user inputs the starting operation in response to the
prompt, the data broadcast HTML document (TOO) is
executed. This turns the screen display into the
composite picture 43 as shown in Fig. 3 for example, with
the TOO content picture 42 superimposed on the TV program
picture 41.
[0151]
If the trigger information of which the trigger type is
"application event" is received while the data broadcast
HTML document (TOO) is being executed, the event
corresponding to the event 10 in the trigger information
is fired on the currently executing data broadcast HTML
55
•
document (TOO).
SP307819
This operation changes, on the screen
display, what is shown in a TOO content display area
(e.g., area where the picture 42 is displayed in Fig. 3)
to the picture corresponding to the event 10 in the
trigger information (e.g., "information 1" is changed to
"information 2," "information 2" is changed to
"information 3," etc.).
[0152]
Thereafter, upon receipt of the trigger information of
which the trigger type is "application stop," the
currently executing data broadcast HTML document (TOO) is
terminated, and solely the TV program picture 41 is
displayed full screen.
[0153]
[Other typical screen displays in effect upon execution
of the data broadcast HTML document (TOO)]
Meanwhile, the data broadcast HTML document (TOO)
executed in linkage with the progress of the TV program
may not necessarily entail screen display. This type of
data broadcast HTML document (TOO) can be executed
without letting the user of the reception apparatus 30
know that a data broadcast HTML document (TOO) is being
executed. This type of data broadcast HTML document (TOO)
may be applied when audience research is conducted on TV
56
•
programs, for example.
SP307819
Specifically, whether or not a
given TV program is being viewed may be recorded given
the trigger information of which the trigger type is
"application event,H and the recorded result may be sent
to a predetermined server in a suitably timed manner.
This makes it possible to check the ratings of TV
programs at intervals in which the trigger information of
which the trigger type is "application eventH is
transmitted.
[0154]
Fig. 16 shows typical screen transitions in effect when,
with the auto start flag in the trigger information set
to be on (auto start), a data broadcast HTML document
(TOO) not entailing screen display is executed in linkage
with the progress of a TV program.
[0155]
Upon receipt of the trigger information of which the
trigger type is "application launchH and of which the
auto start flag is set to be on (for auto start) while
the user is viewing a TV program, the corresponding data
broadcast HTML document (TOO) is acquired and executed.
It should be noted here that solely the TV program
picture 41 remains displayed on the screen.
[0156]
57
• SP307819
Upon receipt of the trigger information of which the
trigger type is "application event" while the data
broadcast HTML document (TOO) is being executed, the
event corresponding to the event 10 in the trigger
information is fired on the currently executing data
broadcast HTML document (TOO). In this case, too, only
the TV program picture 41 remains displayed on the screen.
[0157]
Thereafter, upon receipt of the trigger information of
which the trigger type is "application stop," the
currently executing data broadcast HTML document (TOO) is
terminated.
[0158]
[Life cycle of the TOO content]
A typical life cycle of the TOO content is explained
below in reference to Fig. 17.
[ 0159]
Upon receipt of the trigger information of which the
trigger type is "application launch" when the data
broadcast HTML document (TOO) to be acquired and executed
by the reception apparatus 30 is in a TOO stop operation
state (corresponding to "TOO Stop" in Fig. 17), i.e.,
when the reception apparatus 30 has yet to acquire the
data broadcast HTML document (TOO), transition occurs
58
• SP307819
from the TOO stop operation state to a TOO active
operation state (corresponding to "TOO Active" in Fig.
17), and the data broadcast HTML document (TOO) is
acquired from the server 12.
[0160]
And a display prompting the user to perform an operation
to start the data broadcast HTML document (TOO) appears
superimposed on the TV program picture. When the user
inputs the starting operation in response to the prompt,
the data broadcast HTML document (TOO) is started. Then
as shown in Fig. 3, the composite picture 43 is displayed
on the screen with the TOO content picture 42
superimposed on the TV program pict~re 41, for example.
[0161]
In the TOO active operation state, the acquired data
broadcast HTML document (TOO) enables the reception
apparatus 30 to perform a specific process so as to
display the TOO content picture 42. That is, in the TOO
active operation state, the management mode of the
reception apparatus 30 is set for "Broadcast managed" in
which the specific process is allowed to be performed
using the data broadcast HTML document (TOO) acquired
from the server 12 managed by the broadcasting
organization.
59
• SP307819
[0162]
Upon receipt of the trigger information of which the
trigger type is "application event" in the TOO active
operation state, the event corresponding to the event 10
in the trigger information is fired on the currently
executing data broadcast HTML document (TOO).
[0163]
In the TOO active operation state, if the trigger
information of which the trigger type is "application
stop" is received or if the application stop time is
reached, transition occurs from the TOO active operation
state to the TOO stop operation state. The acquired data
broadcast HTML document (TOO) is discarded here for
example.
[0164]
Also, upon receipt of the trigger information of which
the trigger type is "pre-cache" in the TOO stop operation
state, transition occurs from the TOO stop operation
state to a TOO pre-cache ready operation state. The
corresponding data broadcast HTML document (TOO) is
acquired and pre-cached here for example.
[0165]
And upon receipt of the trigger information of which the
trigger type is "application launch" in the TOO pre-cache
60
• SP307819
ready operation state, transition occurs from the TOO
pre-cache ready operation state to the TOO active
operation state. In the TOO active operation state, the
pre-cached data broadcast HTML document (TOO) is started.
[0166]
Also in the TOO active operation state, if the user
presses a button, etc., linked to a carmaker's Web page
or the like, transition occurs from the TOO active
operation state to a Web active operation state
(corresponding to "Web Active" in Fig. 17). In the Web
active operation state, a Web page HTML document from a
server 22 not managed by the broadcasting organization is
executed, whereby the carmaker's Web page or the like is
displayed.
[0167]
In the Web active operation state, the reception
apparatus 30 is not allowed to perform specific processes
using the acquired Web page HTML document. That is, ln
the Web active operation state, the management mode of
the reception apparatus 30 is set for "Broadcast
unmanaged" in which the specific processes cannot be
performed using the Web page HTML document acquired from
the server 22 not managed by the broadcasting
organization.
61
• SP307819
[0168]
In the TOO active operation state (where the management
mode is set for "Broadcast managed"), it is necessary to
make arrangements for performing specific processes such
as the reading of pre-recorded area information from the
reception apparatus 30 in order to provide the data
broadcast service.
[0169]
On the other hand, in the Web active operation state
(where the management mode is set for "Broadcast
unmanaged"), it is necessary to make arrangements for
inhibiting specific processes so that such processes as
the reading of pre-recorded area information from the
reception apparatus 30 will not be fraudulently carried
out to make illicit leakage.
[0170]
Thus when the HTML document to be executed is acquired
from the server 12 managed by the broadcasting
organization, the reception apparatus 30 has the
management mode set for "Broadcast managed" in which
specific processes are allowed to be performed, as
discussed above.
[0171]
On the other hand, when the HTML document to be executed
62
• SP307819
is acquired from a server not managed by the broadcasting
organization, the reception apparatus 30 has the
management mode set for "Broadcast unmanaged" in which
specific processes are inhibited.
[0172]
[About the management mode]
Fig. 18 shows an example of transition occurring from the
TOO active operation state to the Web active operation
state while events are being fired one after another in
the TOO active operation state, i.e., when the management
is set from "Broadcast managed" to "Broadcast unmanaged."
[0173]
It is assumed here that in each data broadcast HTML
document (TOO), the URL identifying the HTML document to
be executed to update the TOO content picture 42 is
described in linkage with an event 10.
[0174]
With the above description in place, upon receipt of the
trigger information of which the trigger type is
"application event," an HTML document "a1.html" for
executing the event identified by the event 10 included
in the trigger information is acquired and executed based
on a URL ..http://www.a.com/a1.html .. described in the data
broadcast HTML document (TOO).
63
• SP307819
[0175]
Furthermore, when the trigger information of which the
trigger type is "application event" is received anew, an
HTML document "a2.html" for executing the event
identified by the event 10 included in that trigger
information is acquired and executed based on a URL
"http://www.a.com/a2.html" described in the data
broadcast HTML document (TOO). This causes the display of
the picture 42 to be successively updated with the
picture displayed by execution of the HTML document
"a1.html" and with the picture displayed by execution of
the HTML document "a2.html."
[0176]
Also, it is assumed that the data broadcast HTML document
(TOO) describes in it a destination
"http://www.b.com/bl.html" linked to the HTML document
"b1.html" to be executed when the user performs an
operation to select the driver's picture displayed in the
TOO content picture 42 (Fig. 3).
[0177]
If the user performs an operation to select the driver's
picture displayed in the picture 42 (Fig. 3) in the TOO
active operation state, transition occurs from the TOO
active operation state to the Web active operation state.
64
• SP307819
[0178]
In that Web active operation state, based on the link
destination "http://www.b.com/b1.html.H the reception
apparatus 30 acquires the Web page HTML document
"b1.htmlH from the server 22 not managed by the
broadcasting organization and executes the acquired
document.
[0179]
As shown in Fig. 18, where some HTML documents targeted
for execution are to be acquired from the server 12 and
executed in the TOO active operation state, for example,
the HTML documents ("al.html H and "a2.htmlH in this case)
are each acquired from the server 12 ("http://www.a.com/H
in this case) managed by the broadcasting organization.
[0180]
Also in the Web active operation state, for example,
another HTML document ("b1.html H in this case) target for
execution is acquired from the server 22
("http://www.b.com/ in this case) not managed by the
broadcasting organization.
[0181]
As explained above, when HTML documents are to be
acquired from the server 12 for execution, it is
necessary to make arrangements for permitting specific
65
• SP307819
processes to be performed; when HTML documents are to be
acquired from a server other than the server 12 for
execution, arrangements need to be made to inhibit
specific processes.
[0182]
Then the reception apparatus 30 determines whether a
given HTML document targeted for execution is acquired
from the server 12 by verifying whether the domain name
of the server 12 managed by the broadcasting organization
coincides with the domain name of the destination from
which the HTML document in question is acquired.
[0183]
Incidentally, in implementing the data broadcast service
the reception apparatus 30 determines whether a given
HTML document targeted for execution is acquired from the
server 13 by regarding the domain name of the destination
from which the first HTML document is acquired, i.e.,
from which the data broadcast HTML document (TOO) is
acquired ("www.a.com" in this case), as the domain name
of the server 12 managed by the broadcasting organization.
[0184]
Based on whether or not the domain name of the HTML
document as the destination of transition is the domain
name of the server 12 managed by the broadcasting
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• SP307819
organization, the reception apparatus 30 sets the
management mode for either "broadcast managedU or
"broadcast unmanaged. u
[0185]
And when the management mode is set for "broadcast
managedU (i.e., in the TDO active operation state), the
reception apparatus 30 can perform specific processes;
when the management mode is set for "broadcast unmanagedU
(in the Web active operation state), the reception
apparatus 30 cannot perform specific processes.
[0186]
Whereas in implementing the data broadcast service, the
reception apparatus 30 regards the domain name of the
destination from which the data broadcast HTML document
(TDO) is acquired as the domain name of the server 12
managed by the broadcasting organization, it is also
possible alternatively to retain in advance the domain
name of the server managed by each broadcaster
corresponding to each channel to be received.
[0187]
Then the reception apparatus 30 may select, from among
the domain names retained beforehand, the domain name of
the received channel and regard that domain name as the
domain name of the server managed by the broadcasting
67
• SP307819
organization.
[0188]
As another alternative, whereas the reception apparatus
30 uses the domain names to determine whether a given
HTML document targeted for execution is acquired from the
server 12, any other information may be utilized for the
purpose as long as the information in question uniquely
identifies the server of the destination from which the
document is acquired. For example, in addition to the
domain names, the reception apparatus 30 may use MAC
(Media Access Control) addresses, IP (Internet Protocol)
addresses, etc., to determine whether the HTML document
targeted for execution is acquired from the server 12.
[0189]
Incidentally, whereas the Web page HTML document acquired
from the server 22 was explained above as a typical HTML
document not authorized by the broadcasting organization
in reference to Figs. 17 and 18, the data broadcast HTML
documents (NOD) or data broadcast HTML. documents (POD)
not authorized by the broadcasting organization are also
processed in like manner.
[0190]
[NOD content starting process]
Explained below in reference to the flowchart of Fig. 19
68
• SP307819
is the NDO content starting process.
[0191]
In step S31, based on the control signal from the
operation block 70 or from the remote controller 32, the
control block 68 determines whether an event to start NDO
content has occurred. A typical event to start NDO
content is event 0 in Fig. 5 that occurs when the user
selects an independent data broadcast channel, for
example.
[0192]
For example, if event D in Fig. 5 has occurred and if it
is determined that an event to start NDO content has
taken place ("Yes" in step S31), control is passed to
step S32.
[0193]
In step S32, the control block 68 controls the browser
73-1 to access the server 12 corresponding to the URL of
the NDO content to be started so as to acquire a data
broadcast HTML document (NDO). Since the data broadcast
HTML document (NDO) acquired here is one that is
authorized by the broadcasting organization as in the use
case of Fig. 5, the document is obtained from the server
12 managed by the broadcasting organization. In this case,
the management mode is set for "Broadcast Managed" for
69
• SP307819
the data broadcast HTML document (NDO) in question.
[0194]
In step S33, the browser 73-1 under control of the
control block 68 starts the data broadcast HTML document
(NDO) acquired in step S32. In this manner, the NDO
content is started.
[0195]
Thereafter, control is returned to step S31 and the
subsequent steps are repeated.
[0196]
It was explained above in reference to the example of Fig.
19 that the data broadcast HTML (NDO) is authorized by
the broadcasting organization in keeping with the use
case of Fig. 5. If a data broadcast HTML document (NDO)
is not authorized by the broadcasting organization, that
HTML document is acquired from the server 21, and the
management mode for that document is set for "Broadcast
Unmanaged."
[0197]
The preceding paragraph completes the explanation of the
NDO content starting process.
[0198]
[PDO content starting process]
Explained below in reference to the flowchart of Fig. 20
70
• SP307819
is the PD~ content starting process.
[0199]
In step S51, based on the control signal from the
operation block 70 or from the remote controller 32, the
control block 68 determines whether an event to start PD~
content has occurred. A typical event to start PD~
content is event C in Fig. 5 that occurs when the user
selects a PD~ content channel, for example.
[0200]
For example, if event C in Fig. 5 has occurred and if it
is determined that an event to start PD~ content has
taken place ("Yes H in step S51), control is passed to
step S52.
[0201]
In step S52, the control block 68 controls the browser
73-2 to access the server 21 corresponding to the URL of
the PD~ content to be started so as to acquire a data
broadcast HTML document (PDO). Since the data broadcast
HTML document (PDO) acquired here is one that is not
authorized by the broadcasting organization as in the use
case of Fig. 5, the document is obtained from the server
21 not managed by the broadcasting organization. In this
case, the management mode is set for "Broadcast
UnmanagedH for the data broadcast HTML document (PDO) in
71
• SP307819
question.
[0202]
In step S53, the browser 73-2 under control of the
control block 68 starts the data broadcast HTML document
(PDQ) acquired in step S52. In this manner, the PDQ
content is started.
[0203]
Thereafter, control is returned to step S51 and the
subsequent steps are repeated.
[0204]
It was explained above in reference to the example of Fig.
20 that the data broadcast HTML (PDQ) is not authorized
by the broadcasting organization in keeping with the use
case of Fig. 5. If the data broadcast HTML document (PDQ)
is one that is authorized by the broadcasting
organization, that HTML document is acquired from the
server 12, and the management mode for the document is
set for "Broadcast Managed. u
[0205]
The preceding paragraph completes the explanation of the
PDQ content starting process.
[0206]
[Details of the management mode setting process]
Explained below in reference to the flowchart of Fig. 21
72
• SP307819
is the management mode setting process performed by the
reception apparatus 30 for setting the management mode
based on the domain name of the destination from which
the HTML document is acquired.
[0207]
The management mode setting process is started, for
example, when the data broadcast HTML document (TOO) is
started in step S11 of Fig. 14, or when the data
broadcast HTML document (NOO) is started in step S33 of
Fig. 19.
[0208]
In step S71, the control block 68 acquires the domain
name of the destination from which the data broadcast
HTML document to be started is obtained.
[0209]
That is, if the data broadcast HTML document (TOO) to be
started was acquired in step S5 or S14 of Fig. 14 based
on the application URL in the trigger information for
example, the control block 68 obtains the domain name of
the destination (server 12) from which to acquire the
data broadcast HTML document (TOO) to be started based on
the application URL in the trigger information.
[0210]
As another example, if the data broadcast HTML document
73
• SP307819
(TOO) to be started was read from the recording block 71
in step S6 of Fig. 14, the control block 68 controls the
browser 73-1 to acquire the domain name of the server 12
that holds the data broadcast HTML document (TOO) to be
started and feed the acquired domain name to the control
block 68. In this manner, the control block 68 obtains
the domain name.
[0211]
Incidentally, if a data broadcast HTML document (TOO) is
to be recorded in the' recording block 71, the domain name
of the server 12 that holds the data broadcast HTML
document (TOO) in question is assumed to be recorded in
association with the HTML document (TOO).
[0212 ]
As another example, if the data broadcast HTML document
(NOO) to be started is acquired in step S32 of Fig. 19
based on the URL designated by the channel selected by
the user, the domain mane of the destination (server 12)
from which to acquire the data broadcast HTML document
(NOO) to be started is obtained on the basis of that URL.
[0213 ]
In step S72, the control block 68 controls the browser
73-1 to operate in the management mode "Broadcast
Managed" in which specific processes are allowed to be
74
•
performed. That is, since the data broadcast HTML
SP307819
document (TOO) and data broadcast HTML document (NOO) in
this example are acquired from the server 12 managed by
the broadcasting organization, the control block 68
controls the execution of the HTML documents by the
browser 73-1 in a manner permitting (not restricting) the
specific processes to be carried out through HTML
document execution.
[0214]
In step S73, the control block 68 determines whether a
document transition has occurred involving HTML documents
on the basis of the input trigger information, control
signals from the operation block 70, or the remote
controller 32. Once it is determined that a document
transition has taken place, control is passed to step S74.
[0215]
In step S74, the control block 68 determines whether the
HTML document as the transition destination is acquired
from the server 12 managed by the broadcasting
organization, based on whether the domain name of the
destination from which the HTML document as the
transition destination is obtained coincides with the
domain name acquired in step S71.
[0216]
75
• 8P307819
If in step 874 it is determined that the HTML document as
the transition destination is acquired from the server 12,
control is returned to step 873 and the subsequent steps
are repeated with the browser 73-1 allowed to keep
operating in the management mode "Broadcast Managed."
[0217]
Also, if in step 874 it is determined that the HTML
document as the transition destination is not acquired
from the server 12, control is passed to step 875.
[0218 ]
For example, if event "e" occurs while UI2 in Fig. 5 is
being displayed, transition takes place from the data
broadcast HTML document (TOO) to the data broadcast HTML
document (PDO). In this case, the data broadcast HTML
document (PDO) as the transition destination is acquired
from the server 21 and the domain names of the documents
involved do not coincide with each other. Thus the result
of the determination process in step 874 is negative
("No"), and control is passed to step 875.
[0219]
As another example, if event "g" occurs while UI5 in Fig.
5 is being displayed, transition takes place from the
data broadcast HTML document (NDO) to the data broadcast
HTML document (PDO). In this case, too, the data
76
• SP307819
broadcast HTML document (PDO) as the transition
destination is acquired from the server 21 and the domain
names of the documents involved do not coincide with each
other, so that control is passed to step S75.
[0220]
In step S75, the control block 68 controls the browser
73-1 or 73-2 to operate in the management mode "Broadcast
Unmanaged" in which specific processes are not allowed to
be performed. That is, the control block 68 controls the
execution of the HTML documents by the browser 73-1 or
73-2 in a manner not permitting (restricting) the
specific processes to be carried out through HTML
document execution.
[0221]
In this case, the browser 73-2, for example, is inhibited
from performing the specific processes, and carries out
the data broadcast HTML document (PDO) as the destination
HTML document.
[0222]
Incidentally, it is assumed that the data broadcast HTML
document (TOO) is stopped based on the trigger
information of which the trigger type is "application
stop" while the data broadcast HTML document (PDO) is
being executed.
77
• SP307819
[0223]
Thereafter in step S76, based on the operation signal
from the operation block 70 or from the remote controller
32, the control block 68 determines whether a
predetermined operation such as event B in Fig. 5 has
been performed. When it is determined that the
predetermined operation has been carried out, control is
returned to step S71 and the subsequent steps are
repeated. For example, the control block 68 determines
whether trigger information is input to start a new data
broadcast HTML document (TOO). When it is determined that
the relevant trigger information is input, control is
returned to step S71 and the subsequent steps are
repeated.
[0224]
As explained above, in the management mode transition
process, if the domain name of the data broadcast HTML
document coincides with the domain name of the HTML
document as the transition destination, the management
mode is set for "Broadcast managed"; if the domain name
of the data broadcast HTML document does not coincide
with the domain name of the HTML document as the
transition destination, the management mode is set for
"Broadcast unmanaged."
78
• SP307819
[0225]
And where the management mode is set for "Broadcast
managed," such processes as the reading of the user's
pre-recorded area information from the reception
apparatus 30 are carried out through execution of the
data broadcast HTML document (TDO) or the data broadcast
HTML document (NDO). Where the management mode is set for
"Broadcast unmanaged," the processes not intended by the
user such as the read process will not be performed
through execution of the data broadcast HTML document
(PDO) or the Web page HTML document.
[0226]
Thus even if a data broadcast HTML document (PDO) or a
Web page HTML document prepared by a malicious third
party is acquired and executed, the processes not
intended by the user are inhibited from getting performed.
[0227]
<2. Variations>
In the above-described embodiment, as shown in Fig. 17,
the operation state of the data broadcast HTML document
the data broadcast HTML document (TDO) is one of four
states: TDO stop operation state, TDO pre-cache ready
operation state, TDO active state, and Web active state.
Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 22, there may be added a
79
• SP307819
TDO suspended operation state (corresponding to "TDO
SuspendH in Fig. 22) to the existing four operation
states, so that there may be five operation states in
total.
[0228]
In this case, as shown in Fig. 23, a new trigger type
"suspendH is added as part of the trigger information.
Thus the trigger type in the trigger information may
denote one of five types: application launch, application
stop, application event, pre-cache, and suspend.
[0229]
In Fig. 22, upon receipt of the trigger information of
which the trigger type is "suspendH in the TDO active
operation state, the operation state of the corresponding
data "broadcast HTML document (TDO) makes transition to
the TDO suspended operation state. In this case, with the
corresponding data broadcast HTML document (TDO) having
transitioned to the TDO suspended operation state, other
data broadcast HTML documents (TDO) may be placed in the
TDO active operation state and executed.
[0230]
Upon receipt of the trigger information of which the
trigger type is "application launchH in the TDO suspended
operation state, the corresponding data broadcast HTML
80
• SP307819
document (TOO) makes transition to the TOO active
operation state. This makes it possible to fire events on
the data broadcast HTML document (TOO). At this point,
any other data broadcast HTML document (TOO) is caused to
make transition from the TOO active operation state to
the TOO suspended operation state.
[0231]
Although the foregoing description has explained that the
data broadcast HTML documents are acquired by accessing
the servers connected to the Internet, the embodiment of
this technology may alternatively transmit data broadcast
HTML documents using a predetermined frequency band for
broadcasting data broadcast content as part of the
broadcast band of the digital TV broadcast signal. For
example, data broadcast HTML documents may be transmitted
using FLUTE (File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport)
sessions stipulated in RFC 3926. In this case, the
channel information of the FLUTE session may be used, for
example, to determine whether the data broadcast HTML
document as the destination of the document transition
that took place is under management of the broadcasting
organization (step S74 in Fig. 21).
[0232]
Also, if it is possible to acquire a data broadcast HTML
81
• SP307819
document through communication or through broadcast, that
data broadcast HTML document may be obtained either
through communication or through broadcast in accordance
with the priority of a predetermined destination from
which to obtain the document.
[0233]
Also, although the foregoing description has explained
that the data broadcast HTML documents authorized by the
broadcasting organization are retained in the server 12
managed on the side of the broadcasting organization and
the data broadcast HTML documents not authorized by the
broadcasting organization are held in the server 21
managed by some other business operator, the authorized
data broadcast HTML documents may alternatively be
retained in the server 21 managed by other business
operators such as content producers. That is, the server
21 may hold either the authorized data broadcast HTML
documents or the unauthorized data broadcast HTML
documents, or both types of HTML documents. On the other
hand, the server 12 retains solely the authorized data
broadcast HTML documents.
[0234]
[Typical structure of the computer]
Incidentally, the series of processes described above may
82
•
be executed either by hardware or by software.
SP307819
Where the
software-based series of processing is to be carried out,
the programs constituting the software may be either
incorporated beforehand in the dedicated hardware of the
computer to be used or installed upon use from a suitable
program recording medium into a general-purpose personal
computer or like equipment capable of executing diverse
functions based on the installed programs.
[0235]
Fig. 24 is a block diagram showing a typical structure of
a computer that performs the above-described series of
processes using programs.
[0236]
In this computer 100, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101,
a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access
Memory) 103 are interconnected via a bus 104.
[0237]
An input/output interface 105 is further connected to the
bus 104. The input/output interface 105 is connected with
an input block 106 typically made of a keyboard, a mouse
and a microphone; an output block 107 generally composed
of a display and speakers; a storage block 108 usually
formed by a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory or the like;
a communication block 109 typically constituted by a
83
• SP307819
network interface; and a drive 110 that drives removable
media 111 such as magnetic disks, optical disks, magnetooptical
disks, or semiconductor memories.
[0238]
In the computer structured as outlined above, the CPU 101
performs the above-described series of processes by
loading relevant programs from, say, the storage block
108 through the input/output interface 105 and bus 105
into the RAM 108 for execution.
[0239]
Incidentally, the programs to be executed by the computer
may be processed in the depicted sequence of this
specification (i.e., on a time series basis), in parallel,
or in otherwise appropriately timed fashion such as when
they are invoked as needed.
[0240]
Also, the programs may be processed by a single computer
or by a plurality of computers on a distributed basis.
The programs may also be transferred to a remote computer
or computers for execution.
[0241]
In this specification, the term "system" refers to an
entire configuration made up of a plurality of component
devices.
84
• SP307819
[0242]
Also, it should be understood that this technology when
embodied is not limited to the above-described
embodiments and that various modifications, variations
and alternatives may be made of this technology so far as
they are within the spirit and scope thereof.
[0243]
Furthermore, this technology may also be configured as
follows:
[0244]
[1 ]
A reception apparatus for receiving AV content
broadcast by broadcast waves, the reception apparatus
including:
an acquisition block configured to acquire a
description document described in a predetermined
computer language for displaying a type of content
different from the AV content;
a determination block configured to determine
whether the acquired description document is managed by a
broadcasting organization broadcasting the AV content or
by a business operator other than the broadcasting
organization; and
a control block configured to control execution of
85
• SP307819
the acquired description document in accordance with the
result of the determination made by the determination
block.
[2]
The reception apparatus as described in paragraph
[1] above, further including a trigger detection block
configured to detect trigger information which is
transmitted along with the AV content and which concerns
control of the description document to be executed in
linkage with the progress of the AV content;
wherein, based on the detected trigger information,
the acquisition block acquires the description document
from an information processing apparatus managed by the
broadcasting organization; and
wherein the determination block determines that the
description document acquired from the information
processing apparatus is managed by the broadcasting
organization.
[3]
The reception apparatus as described in paragraph
[1] or [2] above, wherein, upon execution of a
description document that can be executed independently
without linkage with the AV content, the acquisition
block acquires the description document from the
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• SP307819
information processing apparatus managed by the
broadcasting organization, and
wherein the determination block determines that the
description document acquired from the information
processing apparatus is managed by the broadcasting
organization.
[ 4]
The reception apparatus as described in anyone of
paragraphs [1] through [3] above, wherein, upon execution
of a description document that can be executed only by a
specific application program, the acquisition block
acquires the description document from another
information processing apparatus managed by the other
business operator, and
wherein the determination block determines that the
description document acquired from the other information
processing apparatus is managed by the other business
operator.
[5]
The reception apparatus as described in anyone of
paragraphs [1] through [4] above, further including an
execution block configured to execute the acquired
description document,
wherein, if it is determined that the description
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document is managed by the broadcasting organization, the
control block controls the execution block to operate in
a first management mode in which a predetermined specific
process can be performed, and
wherein, if it is determined that the description
document is managed by the other business operator, the
control block controls the execution block to operate in
a second management mode in which the specific process
cannot be performed.
[6]
The reception apparatus as described in paragraph
[5] above, wherein, with the execution block operating in
the first management mode, every time the description
document is acquired, the determination block determines
whether the acquired description document is managed by
the broadcasting organization or by the other business
operator, and
wherein, if it is determined that the description
document is managed by the other business operator, the
control block causes the execution block to exit first
management mode and enter the second management mode
while operating.
[7]
The reception apparatus as described in paragraph
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[5] above, wherein, if a predetermined operation is
performed while the execution block is operating in the
second operation mode, the control block causes the
execution block to exit the second operation mode and
enter the first management mode while operating.
[8 ]
The reception apparatus as described in paragraph
[1] above, wherein the acquisition block acquires the
description document transmitted using a predetermined
frequency band of a digital television broadcast signal
of the broadcast waves.
[9 ]
A reception method including the steps of:
causing a reception apparatus to acquire a
description document described in a predetermined
computer language for displaying a type of content
different from AV content broadcast by broadcast waveSi
causing the reception apparatus to determine
whether the acquired description document is managed by a
broadcasting organization broadcasting the AV content or
by a business operator other than the broadcasting
organizationiand
causing the reception apparatus to control
execution of the acquired description document in
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accordance with the result of the determination.
[10]
A program for controlling a reception apparatus,
the program causing a computer of the reception apparatus
to execute a process including the steps of:
acquiring a description document described in a
predetermined computer language for displaying a type of
content different from AV content broadcast by broadcast
waves;
determining whether the acquired description
document is managed by a broadcasting organization
broadcasting the AV content or by a business operator
other than the broadcasting organization; and
controlling execution of the acquired description
document in accordance with the result of the
determination.
[Reference Signs List]
[0245]
1 Broadcasting system
11 Broadcast unit
12 Server
21 Server
22 Server
30 Reception apparatus
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•
31 Monitor
32 Remote controller
61 Tuner
62 Demultiplexing block
63 Audio decoder
64 Audio output block
65 Video decoder
66 Trigger detection block
67 Video output block
68 Control block
69 Memory
70 Operation block
71 Recording block
72 Communication interface
73-1, 73-2 Browser
74 Infrared ray reception block
100 Computer
101 CPU
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[CLAIMS]
[Claim 1]
A reception apparatus for receiving AV content
broadcast by broadcast waves, said reception apparatus
comprising:
an acquisition block configured to acquire a
description document described in a predetermined
computer language for displaying a type of content
different from said AV content;
a determination block configured to determine
whether the acquired description document is managed by a
broadcasting organization broadcasting said AV content or
by a business operator other than said broadcasting
organization; and
a control block configured to control execution of
said acquired description document in accordance with the
result of the determination made by said determination
block.
[Claim 2]
The reception apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising a trigger detection block configured
to detect trigger information which is transmitted along
with said AV content and which concerns control of said
description document to be executed in linkage with the
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progress of said AV content,
wherein, based on the detected trigger information,
said acquisition block acquires said description document
from an information processing apparatus managed by said
broadcasting organization, and
wherein said determination block determines that
said description document acquired from said information
processing apparatus is managed by said broadcasting
organization.
[Claim 3]
The reception apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein, upon execution of a description document
that can be executed independently without linkage with
said AV content, said acquisition block acquires said
description document from said information processing
apparatus managed by said broadcasting organization, and
wherein said determination block determines that
said description document acquired from said information
processing apparatus is managed by said broadcasting
organization.
[Claim 4]
The reception apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein, upon execution of a description document
that can be executed only by a specific application
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program, said acquisition block acquires said description
document from another information processing apparatus
managed by the other business operator, and
wherein said determination block determines that
said description document acquired from said other
information processing apparatus is managed by said other
business operator.
[Claim 5]
The reception apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising an execution block configured to
execute the acquired description document,
wherein, if it is determined that said description
document is managed by said broadcasting organization,
said control block controls said execution block to
operate in a first management mode in which a
predetermined specific process can be performed, and
wherein, if it is determined that said description
document is managed by said other business operator, said
control block controls said execution block to operate in
a second management mode In which said specific process
cannot be performed.
[Claim 6]
The reception apparatus according to claim ·5,
wherein, with said execution block operating in
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said first management mode, every time said description
document is acquired, said determination block determines
whether said acquired description document is managed by
said broadcasting organization or by said other business
operator, and
wherein, if it is determined that said description
document is managed by said other business operator, said
control block causes said execution block to exit first
management mode and enter said second management mode
while operating.
[Claim 7]
The reception apparatus according to claim 5,
wherein, if a predetermined operation is performed while
said execution block is operating in said second
operation mode, said control block causes said execution
block to exit said second operation mode and enter said
first management mode while operating.
[Claim 8]
The reception apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein said acquisition block acquires said description
document transmitted using a predetermined frequency band
of a digital television broadcast signal of said
broadcast waves.
[Claim 9]
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A reception method comprising the steps of:
causing a reception apparatus to acquire ~
description document described in a predetermined
computer language for displaying a type of content
different from AV content broadcast by broadcast waves;
causing said reception apparatus to determine
whether the acquired description document is managed by a
broadcasting organization broadcasting said AV content or
by a business operator other than said broadcasting
organization; and
causing said reception apparatus to control
execution of said acquired description document in
accordance with the result of the determination.
[Claim 10]
A program for controlling a reception apparatus,
said program causing a computer of said reception
apparatus to execute a process comprising the steps of:
acquiring a description document described in a
predetermined computer language for displaying a type of
content different from AV content broadcast by broadcast
waves;
determining whether the acquired description
document is managed by a broadcasting organization
broadcasting said AV content or by a business operator
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other than said broadcasting organization; and
controlling execution of said acquired description
document in accordance with the result of the
determination.
Dated this 18/02/2013
97
~~\J~
(NEHA SRIVASTAVA)
OF REMFRY & SAGAR
ATTORNEY FOR THE APPLICANT[S]