SP312140
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[DESCRIPTION]
[Title]
RECEPTION DEVICE, RECEPTION METHOD, AND PROGRAM
[Technical Field]
[0001]
This technology relates to a reception device, a
reception method, and a program. More particularly, this
technology relates to a reception device, a reception
method, and a program configured to control the operation
of a predetermined application program in linkage with
the progress of AV content such as a TV program.
[Background Art]
[0002]
In digital TV broadcasting, not only a service of
broadcasting TV programs but also a service called data
broadcasting has been implemented (for example, see
Patent Literature 1). Studies are underway to introduce
more sophisticated services utilizing the Internet for
digital TV broadcasting in the future.
[0003]
The more advanced services under study involving the use
of the Internet for digital TV broadcasting include, for
example, one which would supply a reception device side
via the Internet with an application program or the like
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operating in linkage with the progress of AV content such
as TV programs and control the operation of the reception
device accordingly, and one which would operate an
external device connected with the reception device in
linkage with AV content.
[Citation List]
[Patent Literature]
[0004]
[PTL 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2006-50237
[Summary]
[Technical Problem]
[0005]
However, a technology that would control the operation of
an external device connected with a reception device in
linkage with the progress of currently being received AV
content has not been established yet.
[0006]
This technology has been made in view of the above
circumstances and aims to control the operation of an
external device connected with a reception device in
linkage with the progress of AV content.
[Solution to Problem]
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[0007]
According to one aspect of this technology, there is
provided a reception device including: a reception block
configured to receive transmitted AV content; a trigger
extraction part configured to extract trigger information
about control of an application program to be executed
either by the reception device proper or by an external
device connected to the reception device in linkage with
the AV content, the trigger information being transmitted
together with the AV content; a device proper control
block configured such that if the extracted trigger
information indicates a command addressed to the
reception device proper, then the device proper control
block controls the operation of the application program
in accordance with the command indicated by the trigger
information; and an external device processing part
configured such that if the command indicated by the
extracted trigger information is addressed to the
external device, then the external device processing part
transfers the command indicated by the trigger
information to the external device.
[0008]
If the application program executed by the external
device is the same as the application program currently
executed by the reception device proper, the device
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proper control block may terminate the application
program currently executed by the reception device proper.
[0009]
If the application program executed by the external
device is different from the application program
currently executed by the reception device proper, the
device proper control block may cause the reception
device proper to execute continuously the application
program.
[0010]
The device proper control block may prevent the reception
device proper from executing the application program same
as the application program currently executed by the
external device.
[0011]
The command indicated by the trigger information may
include information for designating either a specific
device or part or all of the devices targeted by the
command.
[0012]
The trigger information may include any one of commands
to acquire, register, and execute a predetermined
application program, a command to fire an event, a
command to suspend the application program, and a command
to terminate the application program.
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[0013]
In response to each of the commands, the device proper
control block may control acquisition, registration, or
execution of the application program, firing of an event
in the currently executing application program,
suspension of the currently executing application program,
or termination of the currently executing application
program.
[0014]
The external device processing part may transfer to the
external device any one of the commands to acquire,
register, and execute the application program, the
command to fire an event in the currently executing
application program, the command to suspend the currently
executing application program, and the command to
terminate the currently executing application program.
[0015]
The reception device may be either an independent device
or an internal block that makes up a single apparatus.
[0016]
According to other aspects of this technology, there are
provided a reception method and a program corresponding
to the above-outlined reception device embodying one
aspect of the technology.
[0017]
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According to the reception device, reception method, and
program embodying the aspects of this technology,
transmitted AV content is received. Trigger information
transmitted together with the AV content is then
extracted, the information being about control of an
application program to be executed either by the
reception device proper or by an external device
connected to the reception device in linkage with the AV
content. If the extracted trigger information indicates a
command addressed to the reception device proper, the
operation of the application program is controlled in
accordance with the command indicated by the trigger
information. If the command indicated by the extracted
trigger information is addressed to the external device,
then the command indicated by the trigger information is
transferred to the external device.
[Advantageous Effect of Invention]
[0018]
According to the aspects of the present technology, an
external device connected with the reception device can
be operated in linkage with the progress of AV content.
[Brief Description of Drawings]
[0019]
[Fig. 1]
Fig. 1 shows a typical configuration of a broadcasting
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system.
[Fig. 2]
Fig. 2 shows a typical structure of a broadcast unit.
[Fig. 3]
Fig. 3 shows a typical structure of a reception device.
[Fig. 4]
Fig. 4 shows a typical structure of a trigger processing
block.
[Fig. 5]
Fig. 5 shows a typical structure of an external device.
[Fig. 6]
Fig. 6 lists items included in trigger information of a
Register command.
[Fig. 7]
Fig. 7 lists items included in trigger information of an
Execute command.
[Fig. 8]
Fig. 8 lists items included in trigger information of an
Inject_event command.
[Fig. 9]
Fig. 9 lists items included in trigger information of a
Suspend command.
[Fig. 10]
Fig. 10 lists items included in trigger information of a
Terminate command.
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[Fig. 11]
Fig. 11 shows a typical syntax of trigger information.
[Fig. 12]
Fig. 12 shows state transitions of a data broadcast
application.
[Fig. 13]
Fig. 13 shows relations in state transitions between each
command and a data broadcast application.
[Fig. 14]
Fig. 14 shows a typical operation scenario in effect when
different data broadcast applications are acquired.
[Fig. 15]
Fig. 15 shows a typical operation scenario in effect when
a same data broadcast application is acquired.
[Fig. 16]
Fig. 16 shows a typical operation sequence in effect when
different data broadcast applications are acquired.
[Fig. 17]
Fig. 17 shows a typical operation sequence in effect when
a same data broadcast application is acquired.
[Fig. 18]
Fig. 18 is a flowchart explaining a trigger handling
process of the reception device.
[Fig. 19]
Fig. 19 is a flowchart explaining a trigger handling
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process of the external device.
[Fig. 20]
Fig. 2 0 shows a typical coordination of data broadcast
applications.
[Fig. 21]
Fig. 21 shows a typical structure of a computer.
[Description of Embodiment]
[0020]
An embodiment of this technology is explained below in
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0021]
[Typical Configuration of Broadcasting System]
Fig. 1 shows a typical configuration of a broadcasting
system.
[0022]
A broadcasting system 1 is made up of a broadcast unit 21
and a server 22 set up on the sender side, and a
reception device 23 and an external device 24 installed
on the receiver side.
[0023]
The broadcast unit 21 is configured so as to transmit a
digital TV broadcast signal via a broadcast network 2
such as a terrestrial digital broadcast network. The
digital TV broadcast signal is used to transmit AV
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content such as TV programs and CMs.
[0024]
Also, the broadcast unit 21 transmits trigger information,
included in the digital TV broadcast signal, as a command
regarding the operation of a data broadcast application
program (also called the data broadcast application
hereunder) in linkage with AV content. Specifically, the
trigger information may be transmitted included in a
transport stream (called the TS hereunder) of the digital
TV broadcast signal or embedded in a video signal or an
audio signal.
[0025]
In addition to information indicating a command type, the
trigger information includes information indicative of a
destination from which to acquire the data broadcast
application or the like. The trigger information will be
discussed later in detail.
[0026]
In response to a request from the reception device 23 or
external device 24 having accessed the server 22 via the
Internet 3, the server 22 supplies the data broadcast
application.
[0027]
The reception device 23 receives the digital broadcast
signal broadcast from the broadcast unit 21 and outputs
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images and sounds of the received AV content to a monitor
(not shown). The reception device 23 also accesses the
server 22 via the Internet 3 to acquire the data
broadcast application therefrom and execute the acquired
data broadcast application.
[0028]
The reception device 23 is further connected with the
external device 24, and controls the operation of the
data broadcast application to be executed by the external
device 24.
[0029]
Incidentally, the reception device 23 may be set up as an
independent device or incorporated in a TV set or in a
video recorder, for example.
[0030]
The external device 24 is connected with the reception
device 23 and, under control thereof, accesses the server
22 via the Internet 3 to acquire the data broadcast
application and execute the acquired data broadcast
application.
[0031]
The external device 24 may be a smartphone, a portable
information terminal, a digital TV set, or a video
recorder, for example.
[0032]
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The broadcasting system 1 is configured as explained
above.
[0033]
[Typical Structure of Broadcast Unit]
Fig. 2 shows a typical structure of the broadcast unit.
[0034]
The broadcast unit 21 is made up of a trigger generation
block 31, a video encoder 32, an audio encoder 33, a
multiplexing block 34, and a transmission block 35.
[0035]
The trigger generation block 31 generates trigger
information in keeping with the progress of a video
stream containing TV programs and CMs input from a
preceding stage, and outputs the generated trigger
information to the video encoder 32 and multiplexing
block 34.
[0036]
The video encoder 32 encodes the video stream of AV
content such as TV programs input from the preceding
stage in accordance with a predetermined encoding method,
and supplies the encoded video stream to the multiplexing
block 34. Typical encoding methods that may be adopted by
the video encoder 32 include MPEG-2 (Moving Picture
Experts Group phase 2) and the H.2 64 standard, for
example.
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[0037]
Also, upon encoding the video stream, the video encoder
32 embeds therein the trigger information coming from the
trigger generation block 31 and performs encoding. The
video encoder 32 outputs the video stream thus encoded to
the multiplexing block 34.
[0038]
The audio encoder 33 encodes by a predetermined encoding
method an audio stream corresponding to the video stream
input to the video encoder 32, and outputs the encoded
audio stream to the multiplexing block 34. Typical
encoding methods that may be adopted by the audio encoder
33 include AC3 (Audio Code number 3) and AAC (Advanced
Audio Coding), for example.
[0039]
The multiplexing block 34 is supplied with the encoded
video stream from the video encoder 32, the encoded audio
stream from the audio encoder 33, and the trigger
information from the trigger generation block 31.
[0040]
The multiplexing block 34 multiplexes the encoded video
stream, encoded audio stream, and trigger information,
and supplies a resulting multiplexed stream to the
transmission block 35. Specifically, the video and audio
streams and the trigger information may be multiplexed
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into the TS, for example. Alternatively, the streams and
trigger information may be multiplexed into an ISO base
media file format (MP4) suitable for the transmission of
digital TV broadcasts over the network.
[0041]
The transmission block 35 transmits the multiplexed
stream fed from the multiplexing block 34 as the digital
TV broadcast signal.
[0042]
The broadcast unit 21 is structured as explained above.
[0043]
In the foregoing description, the trigger information was
shown not only embedded in the video stream but also
multiplexed into the multiplexed stream. Alternatively,
the trigger information may be either embedded in the
video stream, or multiplexed into the multiplexed stream.
The trigger information may also be transmitted by an
other method otherwise, such as in a manner embedded in
the audio stream.
[0044]
[Typical Structure of Reception Device]
Fig. 3 shows a typical structure of the reception device.
[0045]
The reception device 23 is made up of a tuner 61, a
demultiplexing block 62, an audio decoder 63, an audio
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output block 64, a video decoder 65, a video output block
66, a trigger processing block 67, a device proper
control block 68, a memory 69, an operation block 70, a
communication interface 71, a cache memory 72, an
application engine 73, an application memory 74, and an
external interface 75.
[0046]
The tuner 61 receives and demodulates the digital TV
broadcast signal corresponding to a service (i.e.,
channel) selected by a user, and supplies the multiplexed
stream resulting from demodulation to the demultiplexing
block 62.
[0047]
The demultiplexing block 62 demultiplexes an audio
encoded signal and a video encoded signal from the
multiplexed stream supplied from the tuner 61, and feeds
the audio encoded signal to the audio decoder 63 and the
video encoded signal to the video decoder 65.
[0048]
The audio decoder 63 decodes the audio encoded signal fed
from the demultiplexing block 62, and supplies the
decoded audio signal to the audio output block 64.
[0049]
The audio output block 64 outputs the audio signal fed
from the audio decoder 63 to a subsequent stage such as a
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speaker.
[0050]
The video decoder 65 decodes the video encoded signal fed
from the demultiplexing block 62, and supplies the
decoded video signal to the video output block 66 and
trigger processing block 67.
[0051]
The video output block 66 outputs the video signal coming
from the video decoder 65 to a subsequent stage such as a
display unit. Also, the video output block 66 combines
the video signal supplied from the video decoder 65 and a
video signal of a data broadcast application fed from the
application engine 73, and outputs to the subsequent
stage.
[0052]
The trigger processing block 67 continuously monitors the
video signal supplied from the video decoder 65 to
extract the trigger information embedded in the video
signal. The trigger processing block 67 analyzes the
extracted trigger information and supplies the result of
the analysis to the device proper control block 68.
[0053]
Also, based on the analyzed result of the trigger
information, the trigger processing block 67 supplies the
external interface 75 with a command included in the
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trigger information and addressed to an external device
(external device 24) and thereby controls the operation
of the data broadcast application to be executed by the
external device 24. Furthermore, the trigger processing
block 67 records various items of information to the
memory 69 or retrieves information stored in the memory
69 as needed.
[0054]
The trigger processing block 67 will be discussed later
in more detail.
[0055]
The device proper control block 68 controls the operation
of the components of the reception device 23 by executing
control programs held in the memory 69. The device proper
control block 68 is further supplied with the analyzed
result of the trigger information from the trigger
processing block 67. In accordance with a command
included in the trigger information and addressed to the
reception device proper (reception device 23), the device
proper control block 68 performs control to acquire,
register, or execute a data broadcast application, to
fire an event, to suspend the data broadcast application,
or to terminate the data broadcast application.
[0056]
The memory 69 records control programs and diverse items
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of information. The operation block 70 accepts various
operations performed by the user and supplies the device
proper control block 68 with operation signals
corresponding to the user's operations.
[0057]
The communication interface 71 under control of the
application engine 73 connects to the server 22 via the
Internet 3. Under control of the device proper control
block 68, the application engine 73 acquires the data
broadcast application from the server 22 via the
communication interface 73 and the Internet 3 and retains
the acquired data broadcast application in the cache
memory 72.
[0058]
Under control of the device proper control block 68, the
application engine 73 retrieves the data broadcast
application held in the cache memory 72 and executes the
retrieved data broadcast application. The video signal of
the currently executing data broadcast application is
supplied to the video output block 66.
[0059]
The application memory 74 is composed of a work memory
74A and a save memory 74B. The application engine 73
records data about the currently executing data broadcast
application (specifically, data including a hierarchy of
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information being displayed) to the work memory 74A. Also,
upon suspending the currently executing data broadcast
application, the application engine 73 moves data in the
work memory 74A to the save memory 74B in the application
memory 74. Upon resioming the suspended data broadcast
application, the application engine 73 moves data from
the save memory 74B to the work memory 74A to restore the
state in effect before the suspension.
[0060]
The external interface 75 establishes connection with the
external device 24 in wired or wireless fashion, and
transmits to the connected external device 24 the command
supplied from the trigger processing block 67 and
addressed to the external device 24. Furthermore, the
external interface 75 receives notifications sent from
the external device 24 to the reception device 23 and
supplies the received notifications to the trigger
processing block 67.
[0061]
The reception device 23 is structured as explained above.
[0062]
[Typical Detailed Structure of Trigger Processing Block]
Fig. 4 shows a typical detailed structure of the trigger
processing block indicated in Fig. 3.
[0063]
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The trigger processing block 67 is made up of a trigger
extraction part 81, a trigger analysis part 82, and an
external device processing part 83.
[0064]
The trigger extraction part 81 continuously monitors the
video signal supplied from the video decoder 65, extracts
the trigger information embedded in the video signal, and
feeds the extracted trigger information to the trigger
analysis part 82.
[0065]
The trigger analysis part 82 analyzes the trigger
information supplied from the trigger extraction part 81,
and supplies the device proper control block 68 with the
command included in the trigger information and addressed
to the reception device proper. Also, the trigger
analysis part 82 supplies the external device processing
part 83 with the command included in the trigger
information and addressed to the external device.
[0066]
The external device processing part 83 supplies the
external interface 75 with the command fed from the
trigger analysis part 82 and addressed to the external
device so that the command may be transferred to the
external device 24. The external device processing part
83 also performs various processes regarding the external
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device 24.
[0067]
The trigger processing block 67 is structured as
explained above.
[0068]
[Typical Structure of External Device]
Fig. 5 shows a typical structure of the external device.
[0069]
The external device 24 is made up of an external
interface 91, a command analysis block 92, a control
block 93, an operation block 94, a memory 95, an
application engine 96, a communication interface 97, and
an output block 98.
[0070]
The external interface 91 is connected with the external
interface 75 of the reception device 23 in wired or
wireless fashion, and receives the command sent from the
reception device 23 and addressed to the external device.
The external interface 91 feeds the received command to
the command analysis block 92.
[0071]
The command analysis block 92 analyzes the command fed
from the external interface 91 and addressed to the
external device, and supplies the result of the analysis
to the control block 93.
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[0072]
The control block 93 controls the operation of the
components of the external device 24 by executing control
programs recorded in the memory 95. Also, in response to
the command supplied from the command analysis block 92
and addressed to the external device, the control block
93 performs control to acquire, register, or execute a
data broadcast application, to fire an event, to suspend
the data broadcast application, or to terminate the data
broadcast application.
[0073]
The operation block 94 accepts various operations
performed by the user and supplies the control block 93
with operation signals corresponding to the user's
operations.
[0074]
The application engine 96 under control of the control
block 93 acquires the data broadcast application from the
server 22 via the communication interface 97 and the
Internet 3, and executes the acquired data broadcast
application. The video signal and audio signal of the
data broadcast application relating to the AV content
currently being received by the reception device 23 are
supplied to the output block 98.
[0075]
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The communication interface 97 under control of the
application engine 96 connects to the server 22 via the
Internet 3 and acquires the data broadcast application.
[0076]
The output block 98 displays images corresponding to the
video signal fed from the application engine 96 and
outputs sounds corresponding to the audio signal.
[0077]
The external device 24 is structured as explained above.
[0078]
[Details of Trigger Information]
Trigger information is explained below in detail. The
trigger information is information that controls the data
broadcast application. For example, the trigger
information may include a Register command, an Execute
command, an Inject_event command, a Suspend command, and
a Terminate command.
[0079]
Fig. 6 lists items included in the trigger information as
the Register command. The Register command is a command
that instructs the reception device 23 to acquire and
register the data broadcast application.
[0080]
An item "Trigger_id" is information used to identify this
trigger information. Where the trigger information of the
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same substance is transmitted a plurality of number of
times, the item "Trigger_id" remains the same in each
trigger information transmitted.
[0081]
An item ^^Target_device_type" is information that
indicates the type of a device targeted by the command.
If "OxFF" is designated, the command is common to all
device types. For example, the item "Target_device_type"
may designate a specific devipe such as the reception
device proper or the external device, or part or all of
the devices involved, as the target (destination) of the
command.
[0082]
An item "Protcol_version" indicates a protocol version of
this trigger information. An item "Command_code"
indicates the type of the command of this trigger
information. In the case of Fig. 6, information
indicative of the Register command is described.
[0083]
An item "Trigger_varidity" is a server access dispersion
parameter value indicating the probability that each
reception device 2 3 upon receipt of this trigger
information will perform processing in accordance with
the received trigger information.
[0084]
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An item ^^App_id" is information used to identify the data
broadcast application to be acquired in accordance with
this trigger information. The item "App_id" also
indicates a URL of a destination (server 22 in this case)
from which to acquire the data broadcast application in
accordance with this trigger information.
[0085]
An item "App_type" is information that indicates the type
of the data broadcast application (e.g., HTML5, Java, and
the like) corresponding to this trigger information. An
item "App_life_span" is information that indicates the
scope of operation of the data broadcast application.
[0086]
An item "Persistent_priority" indicates the priority
applicable when the corresponding data broadcast
application is to be acquired and retained. An item
"Expire_date" is information that indicates an expiration
date of the data broadcast application. When a data
broadcast application is registered, the priority
{"Persistent_priority") and expiration date
("Expire_date") are stored. The data broadcast
application will then be managed in accordance with the
priority and expiration date thus stored.
[0087]
Fig. 7 lists items included in the trigger information as
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the Execute command. The Execute command is a command
that instructs the reception device 23 to execute the
data broadcast application.
[0088]
The items ^''Trigger_id, " '*^Target_device_type, "
"Protcol_version, " "Coinmand_code, " "Trigger_varidity, "
"App_id," "App_type," and "Expire_date" are the same as
those included in the trigger information as the Register
command shown in Fig. 6. It should be noted that the item
"Command_code" describes information indicative of the
Execute command. An item "TDO_life_scope" is information
that indicates the scope of operation of the data
broadcast application.
[0089]
Fig. 8 lists items included in the trigger information as
the Inject_event command. The Inject_event command is a
command that causes the reception device 23 to fire an
event in the currently executing data broadcast
application.
[0090]
The items "Trigger_id," "Target_device_type,"
"Protcol_version, " "Command_code," "Trigger_varidity,"
"App_id," and "App_type" are the same as those of the
trigger information as the Register command shown in Fig.
6. It should be noted that the item "Command_code"
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describes information indicative of the Inject_event
command.
[0091]
An item "Event_id" is information used to identify an
event to be fired in the data broadcast application
designated by the item "App_id." An item "Event Embedded
Data" describes data to be referenced upon firing of the
event.
[0092]
Fig. 9 lists items included in the trigger information as
the Suspend command. The Suspend command is a command
that causes the reception device 23 to suspend the
currently executing data broadcast application.
[0093]
The items "Trigger_id," "Target_device_type,"
"Protcol_version, " "Command_code," "Trigger_varidity,"
and "App_id" are the same as those of the trigger
information as the Register command shown in Fig. 6. It
should be noted that the item "Command_code" describes
information indicative of the Suspend command.
[0094]
Fig. 10 lists items included in the trigger information
as the Terminate command. The Terminate command is a
command that causes the reception device 23 to terminate
the currently executing data broadcast application.
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[0095]
The items "Trigger_id," "Target_device_type,"
"Protcol_version, " "Coininand_code, " "Trigger_varidity, "
and "App_id" are the same as those of the trigger
information as the Register command shown in Fig. 6. It
should be noted that the item "Command_code" describes
information indicative of the Terminate command.
[0096]
Fig. 11 shows a typical trigger information syntax
applicable to the trigger information as each of the
commands discussed above. It should be noted that the
trigger information syntax is discretionary and is not
limited to the example shown in Fig. 11.
[0097]
[State Transitions of Data Broadcast Application]
Fig. 12 is a state transition diagram of the data
broadcast application operating in accordance with the
trigger information as each of the Register, Execute,
Inject_event, Suspend, and Terminate commands.
[0098]
As shown in Fig. 12, the data broadcast application is
defined to be in one of four states: released state,
ready state, active state, and suspended state.
[0099]
The released state indicates a state in which the data
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broadcast application has yet to be acquired by the
reception device 23. The ready state indicates a state in
which the data broadcast application in question has been
registered in the reception device 23 but has yet to be
executed thereby. The active state indicates a state in
which the data broadcast application is started and
currently executed. The suspended state indicates a state
in which the execution of the data broadcast application
is suspended and the information indicative of the state
in effect upon suspension is held in the save memory 74B.
[0100]
Fig. 13 shows relations in state transitions between each
command and the data broadcast application.
[0101]
From the released state (in which the data broadcast
application has yet to be acquired by the reception
device 23), the data broadcast application transitions to
the ready state when acquired, retained and registered in
accordance with the trigger information of the Register
command.
[0102]
From the ready state, the data broadcast application
transitions to the active state when executed in
accordance with the trigger information of the Execute
command.
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[0103]
Also from the released state (in which the data broadcast
application has yet to be acquired by the reception
device 23), the data broadcast application in question
transitions to the active state when acquired, registered
and executed in accordance with the trigger information
of the Execute command. Furthermore, in the active state,
the currently executing data broadcast application
performs predetermined processes such as firing of an
event or reading of updated data to be reflected in the
display in accordance with the trigger information of the
Inject_event command.
[0104]
From the active state, the currently executing data
broadcast application transitions to the suspended state
when suspended in accordance with the trigger information
of the Suspend command. From the suspended state, the
data broadcast application transitions to the ready state
in accordance with the trigger information of the
Terminate command.
[0105]
From the suspended state, the suspended data broadcast
application transitions to the active state when resumed
in accordance with the trigger information of the Execute
command. Also, from the active state, the currently
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executing data broadcast application transitions to the
ready state when terminated in accordance with the
trigger information of the Terminate command,
[0106]
When the data broadcast application is in the ready state,
active state, or suspended state and when the expiration
date of this data broadcast application has expired, this
data broadcast application is deleted from the cache
memory 72. With its registration also canceled, the data
broadcast application in question then transitions to the
released state.
[0107]
[Operation Scenarios]
Using the- above-described trigger information makes it
possible to operate data broadcast applications as shown
in Figs. 14 and 15, for example.
[0108]
Fig. 14 shows a typical operation scenario in effect when
different data broadcast applications are acquired by
different devices.
[0109]
In accordance with the progress of a TV program (AV
content), the broadcast unit 21 may transmit to the
reception device proper the trigger information of the
Register command that instructs acquisition and
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registration of the data broadcast application
corresponding to the TV program in question. Upon receipt
of the transmitted trigger information, the reception
device 23 acquires and registers the data broadcast
application.
[0110]
Then in accordance with the progress of the TV program,
the broadcast unit 21 may transmit to the reception
device proper the trigger information of the Execute
command regarding the data broadcast application
corresponding to that TV program. Upon receipt of the
transmitted trigger information, the reception device 23
executes the data broadcast application. The execution
causes the data broadcast application to be displayed
superimposed on an image of the TV program.
[0111]
Next, in accordance with the progress of the TV program,
the broadcast unit 21 may transmit to the external device
the trigger information of the Execute command targeting
a data broadcast application different from that which is
currently executed by the reception device 23 as the data
broadcast application corresponding to that TV program.
Upon receipt of the transmitted trigger information, the
reception device 23 transfers the Execute command to the
external device 24.
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[0112]
On receiving the Execute command transferred from the
reception device 23, the external device 24 acquires the
data broadcast application different from that which is
currently executed by the reception device 23, and
executes the acquired data broadcast application.
[0113]
Next, in accordance with the progress of the TV program,
the broadcast unit 21 may transmit the trigger
information of the Inject_event command to the reception
device proper. Upon receipt of the transmitted trigger
information, the reception device 23 performs
predetermined processes such as firing of an event in the
currently executing data broadcast application or reading
of updated data to be reflected in the display.
[0114]
Also, in a suitably timed manner, the broadcast unit 21
may transmit to the reception device proper the trigger
information of the Suspend command regarding the data
broadcast application. Upon receipt of the transmitted
trigger information, the reception device 23 suspends the
currently executing data broadcast application.
Thereafter, the broadcast unit 21 may transmit to the
reception device proper the trigger information of the
Execute command regarding the data broadcast application.
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Upon receipt of the transmitted trigger information, the
reception device 23 resumes the suspended data broadcast
application.
[0115]
In synchronism with the end of the TV program, the
broadcast unit 21 may transmit to the reception device
proper and the external device the trigger information of
the Terminate command to terminate the currently
executing data broadcast application. Upon receipt of the
transmitted trigger information, the reception device 23
terminates the currently executing data broadcast
application. Also, the reception device 23 transfers the
Terminate command to the external device 24.
[0116]
On receiving the Terminate command transferred from the
reception device 23, the external device 24 terminates
the currently executing data broadcast application.
[0117]
As explained above, where different data broadcast
applications are acquired by different devices, the
reception device 23 and external device 2 4 execute their
respective data broadcast applications independently.
[0118]
Fig. 15 shows a typical operation scenario in effect when
the same data broadcast application is acquired by
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different devices.
[0119]
As in the case of Fig. 14, the broadcast unit 21 may
transmit the trigger information of the Register command
and Execute command to the reception device proper. The
trigger information causes the data broadcast application
in question to be acquired and registered before getting
executed.
[0120]
Next, in accordance with the progress of a TV program, as
the data broadcast application corresponding to the TV
program, the broadcast unit 21 may transmit to the
external device the trigger information of the Execute
command regarding the same data broadcast application as
that which is currently executed by the reception device
23. Upon receipt of the transmitted trigger information,
the reception device 23 transfers the Execute command to
the external device 24.
[0121]
On receiving the Execute command transferred from the
reception device 23, the external device 24 acquires and
executes the same data broadcast application as that
which is currently executed by the reception device 23.
Also, when the external device 24 executes the data
broadcast application, the reception device 23 terminates
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the currently executing data broadcast application.
[0122]
Next, in accordance with the progress of the TV program,
the broadcast unit 21 may transmit the trigger
information of the Inject_event command to all devices.
Upon receipt of the transmitted trigger information, the
reception device 23 ignores the Inject_event command
because the data broadcast application has been
terminated. The reception device 23 further transfers the
Inject_event command to the external device 24.
[0123]
On receiving the Inject_event command transferred from
the reception device 23, the external device 24 performs
predetermined processes such as firing of an event in the
currently executing data broadcast application or reading
of updated data to be reflected in the display.
[0124]
Later, in a suitably timed manner, the broadcast unit 21
may transmit to the reception device proper the trigger
information of the Suspend command or Execute command
regarding the data broadcast application. Upon receipt of
the transmitted trigger information, the reception device
23 ignores these commands because the data broadcast
application has been terminated.
[0125]
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Next, in synchronism with the end of the TV program, the
broadcast unit 21 may transmit to all devices the trigger
information of the Terminate command to terminate the
currently executing data broadcast application. Upon
receipt of the transmitted trigger information, the
reception device 23 ignores the command because the data
broadcast application has been terminated. Also, the
reception device 23 transfers the Terminate command to
the external device 24.
[0126]
On receiving the Terminate command transferred from the
reception device 23, the external device 24 terminates
the currently executing data broadcast application.
[0127]
As explained above, when the same data broadcast
application is acquired by different devices, either the
reception device 23 or the external device 24 alone
executes the data broadcast application in question.
[0128]
[Operation Sequences]
Explained below in reference to Figs. 16 and 17 is how
the devices making up the broadcasting system 1 typically
operate when the above-described operation scenarios are
carried out.
[0129]
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Fig. 16 shows a typical operation sequence of each device
in effect when different data broadcast applications are
acquired by different devices.
[0130]
The reception device 23 currently receiving AV content
such as a TV program transmitted from the broadcast unit
21 may receive the trigger information of the Execute
command addressed to the reception device proper. Upon
receipt of the trigger information, the reception device
23 requests the data broadcast application from the
server 22 via the Internet 3. The reception device 23
acquires the data broadcast application transmitted from
the server 22 as requested and executes the acquired data
broadcast application.
[0131]
Incidentally, upon receipt of the Execute command, the
reception device 23 may find that the program data for
use by the data broadcast application identified by the
application ID ("App_id") has yet to be acquired, i.e.,
that the program data does not reside in the cache memory
72. In that case, the reception device 23 acquires the
program data before executing the data broadcast
application.
[0132]
Next, the broadcast unit 21 may transmit the trigger
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information of the Execute command addressed to the
external device. At this point, however, the external
device 24 has yet to be connected with the reception
device 23, so that the reception device 23 upon receipt
of the trigger information ignores the command in
question.
[0133]
Later, the external device 24 may be coupled to the
reception device 23, and a connection request may be
transmitted. At this point, the connected external device
24 is subject to terminal authentication. If the coupled
external device 24 is proved to be a valid terminal
through terminal authentication, commands addressed to
the external device from the broadcast unit 21 can be
transferred to the external device 24 thereafter.
[01343
That is, if the broadcast unit 21 again transmits the
trigger information of the Execute command addressed to
the external device, the reception device 23 notifies the
external device 24 that the Execute command addressed
thereto is being received and queries as to whether or
not to acquire the command. When requested by the
external device 24 to acquire the command, the reception
device 23 transfers the Execute command to the external
device 24.
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[0135]
Upon receipt of the Execute command from the reception
device 23, the external device 24 requests a data
broadcast application, different from that which is
currently executed by the reception device 23, from the
server 22 via the Internet 3. The external device 24
acquires the data broadcast application transmitted from
the server 22 as requested and executes the acquired data
broadcast application. The external device 24 then
notifies the reception device 23 that the operation of
the different data broadcast application is started.
[0136]
That is, the reception device 23 and external device 24
execute their respectively different data broadcast
applications.
[0137]
Later, the broadcast unit 21 may transmit the trigger
information of the Terminate command to the reception
device proper. In response, the reception device 23
terminates the currently executing data broadcast
application. And when the broadcast unit 21 transmits the
trigger information of the Terminate command addressed to
the external device, the reception device 23 queries the
external device 24 on whether or not to acquire the
command. If requested to acquire the command, the
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reception device 23 transfers the Terminate command to
the external device 24.
[0138]
On receiving the Terminate command transferred from the
reception device 23, the external device 24 terminates
the currently executing data broadcast application. Also,
the external device 24 notifies the reception device 23
that the operation of the data broadcast application is
terminated.
[0139]
The preceding paragraph completes the explanation of the
operation sequence of each device in effect when
different devices acquire different data broadcast
applications.
[0140]
Fig. 17 shows a typical operation sequence of each device
in effect when the same data broadcast application is
acquired by different devices.
[0141]
The operation sequence in Fig. 17 is the same as that in
Fig. 16 up to the step where the reception device 23 and
external device 24 are connected with each other and
subjected to terminal authentication. Thus the steps of
the sequence in Fig. 17 leading up to that step will not
be discussed further.
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[0142]
After the external device 24 is proved to be a valid
terminal through terminal authentication, the broadcast
unit 21 may transmit the trigger information of the
Execute command addressed to the external device. In that
case, the reception device 23 transfers the Execute
command to the external device 24 provided the external
device 24 requests acquisition of the command.
[0143]
Upon receipt of the Execute command from the reception
device 23, the external device 24 requests the same data
broadcast application as that which is currently executed
by the reception device 23 from the server 22 via the
Internet 3. The external device 24 acquires the data
broadcast application transmitted from the server 22 as
requested and executes the acquired data broadcast
application. And the external device 24 notifies the
reception device 23 that the operation of the same data
broadcast application is started.
[0144]
Based on the notification from the external device 24,
the reception device 23 terminates the currently
executing data broadcast application.
[0145]
That is, the reception device 23 and external device 24
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43
do not execute the same data broadcast application
respectively. When the external device 24 starts
executing the same data broadcast application, the
reception device 23 terminates the same data broadcast
application.
[0146]
Later, the broadcast unit 21 may transmit the trigger
information of the Terminate command to all devices. Upon
receipt of the transmitted trigger information, the
reception device 23 ignores the command because the data
broadcast application has already been terminated. Also,
if requested by the external device 24 to acquire the
command, the reception device 23 transfers the Terminate
command to the external device 24.
[0147]
On receiving the Terminate command transferred from the
reception device 23, the external device 24 terminates
the currently executing data broadcast application. Also,
the external device 24 notifies the reception device 23
that the operation of the data broadcast application is
terminated.
[0148]
The preceding paragraph completes the explanation of the
operation sequence in effect when different devices
acquire the same data broadcast application.
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[0149]
In the operation sequences of Figs. 16 and 17, the
reception device 23 may forcibly transfer the command to
the external device 24 without querying the latter on
whether or not to acquire the command in question.
[0150]
[Trigger Handling Process of Reception Device]
A trigger handling process to be performed by the
reception device 23 is explained below in reference to
the flowchart of Fig. 18.
[0151]
The trigger handling process of Fig. 18 may be carried
out by the reception device 23 when, for example, AV
content from the broadcast unit 21 is received and its
images are displayed on the display unit.
[0152]
In step SlOl, the external device processing part 83
controls the external interface 75 to determine whether
the external device 24 has made a connection request.
[0153]
In step SlOl, if the external device 24 is coupled to the
reception device 2 3 and the external device 24 has made a
connection request, control is passed to step S102. In
step S102, the external device processing part 83
communicates with the external device 24 via the external
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45
interface 75 to carry out a connection process with the
external device 24. For example, the connection process
may involve performing terminal authentication of the
coupled external device 24.
[0154]
In step S103, the external device processing part 83
acquires a device ID and a device type from the external
device 24 proved to be valid through terminal
authentication, for example, and records external device
information in which these items of information are
associated with each other to the memory 69. Incidentally,
the device ID is an identifier identifying the device to
be coupled, and the device type is information indicative
of the type of the device in question.
[0155]
On the other hand, in step SlOl, if the external device
24 has not made a connection request, steps S102 and S103
are skipped, and control is passed to step sl04.
[0156]
In step S104, the trigger extraction part 81 extracts the
trigger information transmitted from the broadcast unit
21 along with AV content, and determines whether the
trigger information is extracted.
[0157]
If it is determined in step S104 that no trigger
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46
information has been extracted, control is passed to step
S105. In step S105, the external device processing part
83 controls the external interface 75 to determine
whether the connected external device 24 has notified
that the operation of the data broadcast application is
started.
[0158]
If it is determined in step S105 that the notification of
the start of application operation has not been made,
control is passed to step S109. In step S109, the
external device processing part 83 controls the external
interface 75 to determine whether the connected external
device 24 has given notification that the operation of
the data broadcast application is terminated.
[0159]
If it is determined in step S109 that the notification of
the termination of application operation has not been
made, control is returned to step SlOl and the subsequent
steps are repeated. If it is determined later in step
S104 that the trigger information is extracted, control
is passed to step Sill.
[0160]
In step Sill, the trigger analysis part 82 determines the
type of the device targeted by the command included in
the received trigger information, the device type being
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the reception device proper, connected external device,
or some other device,
[0161]
The device type is determined based on the item
"Target_device_type" included in each of the commands
discussed above. Whether or not the device type is the
currently connected external device may be determined by,
say, verifying whether the device type coincides with the
device type of the currently connected external device 24
included in the external device information recorded in
the memory 69 in the processing of step S103. In this
context, some other device means a device other than the
reception device 23 or external device 24.
[0162]
In step Sill, if the device type is indicative of some
other device, control is returned to step SlOl and the
subsequent steps are repeated. For example, if the
received command is addressed to an external device yet
to be connected or to some other device, the reception
device 23 ignores the command in question.
[0163]
In step Sill, if the device type indicates the reception
device proper, control is passed to step S112. In step
S112, the trigger analysis part 82 analyzes the command
included in the received trigger information.
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[0164]
In step S113, the trigger analysis part 82 determines
whether the application ID ("App_id") of the analyzed
command is set to be blocked (i.e., the blocked data
broadcast application is not to be executed by the
reception device 23). If it is determined in step S113
that the application ID is set to be blocked, the command
is not executed, control is returned to step SlOl, and
the subsequent steps are repeated.
[0165]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S113 that
the application ID is not set to be blocked, control is
passed to step S114. In step S114, based on the result of
the analysis in step S112, the trigger analysis part 82
determines whether the command included in the trigger
information is the Execute command.
[0166]
If it is determined in step S114 that the command is the
Execute command, control is passed to step S116. In step
S116, the trigger analysis part 82 references the
external device information recorded in the memory 69 to
determine whether the trigger ID ("Trigger_id") of the
Execute command coincides with the trigger ID of the
trigger information addressed to the currently connected
external device.
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[0167]
If it is determined that the trigger ID of the Execute
command is different from the trigger ID of the trigger
information addressed to the external device, control is
passed to step S118. For example, if the trigger
information addressed to the currently connected external
device has yet to be received, it is determined that the
trigger IDs do not coincide with each other.
[0168]
In step S118, the application engine 73 under control of
the device proper control block 68 starts operating the
application. Specifically, the application engine 73
controls the communication interface 71 to acquire the
data of the data broadcast application identified by the
application ID ("App_id") of the trigger information from
the server 22 via the Internet 3, and executes the data
broadcast application thus acquired.
[0169]
In step S119, the device proper control block 68 records
the trigger ID of the currently executing data broadcast
application to the memory 69. Thereafter, control is
returned to step SlOl and the subsequent steps are
repeated.
[0170]
If a command other than the Execute command is
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50
transmitted from the broadcast unit 21 and addressed to
the reception device proper, the command is determined in
step S114 to be a command other than the Execute command,
and control is passed to step S115. In step S115, the
application engine 73 under control of the device proper
control block 68 performs processing in accordance with
the command in question. For example, if the trigger
information of the Suspend command is received, the
currently executing data broadcast application is
suspended.
[0171]
In step Sill, if the device type indicates the currently
connected external device, control is passed to step S120.
In step S120, the external device processing part 83
controls the external interface 75 to transfer to the
external device 24 the command included in the received
trigger information and addressed to the external device.
This causes the external device 24 to acquire the data
broadcast application corresponding to the command and to
execute the acquired data broadcast application.
[0172]
Although not described above for purpose of
simplification, the command may alternatively be
transferred to the external device 24 after the external
device 24 is queried as to whether or not to acquire the
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coiranand as described above.
[0173]
In step S121, the trigger analysis part 82 determines
whether the command transferred to the external device 24
is the Execute command. If it is determined in step S121
that the command is the Execute command, control is
passed to step S122.
[0174]
In step S122, the trigger analysis part 82 records to the
memory 69 the trigger ID in the trigger information of
the Execute command in association with the device ID of
the currently connected external device 24. Since the
external device information in which the device ID and
the device type are associated with each other was
already recorded to the memory 69 in step SI03, the
device ID included in the external device information is
further associated with the trigger ID in this step.
[0175]
That is, with the device ID of the transfer destination
recorded in association with the trigger ID in the
trigger information of the Execute command upon transfer
of the Execute command, when the Execute command
addressed to the reception device proper is subsequently
received, it is determined whether the trigger ID in the
trigger information of the received Execute command
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52
coincides with the trigger ID in the trigger information
of the Execute command transferred to the external device
24 serving as the transfer destination. If it is
determined that the trigger IDs coincide with each other
("Yes" in step S116), the application ID involved may be
set to be blocked (step S117). This prevents the
reception device 23 from executing the blocked data
broadcast application that is currently executed by the
external device 24.
[0176]
Upon completion of step S117 or S122, control is returned
to step SlOl and the subsequent steps are repeated.
[0177]
When starting to execute the data broadcast application,
the external device 24 notifies the reception device 23
that the operation of the application is started. In step
S105, it is determined that the notification of the start
of application operation has been made. Control is then
passed to step S106,
[0178]
In step S106, the trigger analysis part 82 determines
whether the trigger ID of the data broadcast application
currently executed by the external device 24 having made
the notification of the start of application operation
coincides with the trigger ID of the data broadcast
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application currently executed by the reception device 23.
[0179]
If it is determined in step S106 that the trigger IDs
coincide with each other, control is passed to step S107,
In step S107, the application engine 73 under control of
the device proper control block 68 terminates the
currently executing data broadcast application.
[0180]
In step S108, the trigger analysis part 82 causes the
application ID corresponding to the data broadcast
application currently executed by the external device 24
(i.e., data broadcast application terminated by the
reception device 23) to be blocked so that the data
broadcast application currently executed by the external
device 24 will not be executed by the reception device 23.
[0181]
That is, if the reception device 23 and external device
24 acquire the same data broadcast application, the data
broadcast application currently executed by the reception
device 23 is terminated; only the external device 24 is
allowed to execute the data broadcast application in
question.
[0182]
Upon completion of step SlOB, control is returned to step
SlOl and the subsequent steps are repeated.
SP312140
54
[0183]
If it is determined in step S106 that the trigger IDs do
not coincide with each other, steps S107 and S108 are
skipped, and control is passed to step S109.
[0184]
That is, if the reception device 23 and external device
24 acquire different data broadcast applications, the
reception device 23 and external device 24 execute their
respective data broadcast applications that are different
from each other.
[0185]
Later, when the external device 24 terminates the data
broadcast application, the reception device 23 is
notified of the termination of application operation. In
step S109, it is determined that the notification of the
termination of application operation has been made.
Control is then passed to step SllO.
[0186]
In step SllO, the trigger analysis part 82 deblocks the
application ID corresponding to the data broadcast
application terminated by the external device 24 having
made the notification of the termination of application
operation, so that the reception device 23 may execute
the data broadcast application that has been terminated
by the external device 24.
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[0187]
Upon completion of step SllO, control is returned to step
SlOl and the subsequent steps are repeated.
[0188]
The preceding paragraph completes the explanation of the
trigger information handling process carried out by the
reception device 23.
[0189]
According to the above-described trigger information
handling process performed by the reception device 23,
the reception device proper can execute a data broadcast
application, fire an event, or terminate the data
broadcast application in linkage with AV content such as
a TV program. Furthermore, the external device can
execute a data broadcast application, fire an event, or
terminate the data broadcast application in linkage with
AV content such as a TV program.
[0190]
[Trigger Handling Process of External Device]
A trigger handling process to be performed by the
external device 24 is explained below in reference to the
flowchart of Fig. 19.
[0191]
In step S151, the control block 93 controls the external
interface 91 to determine whether the external device 24
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56
is coupled with the reception device 23. If it is
determined in step S151 that the external device 24 is
coupled with the reception device 23, control is passed
to step S152.
[0192]
In step S152, the control block 93 controls the external
interface 91 to notify the reception device 23 of a
connection request to the reception device 23, In step
S153, the control block 93 communicates with the
reception device 23 via the external interface 91 to
perform a connection process with the reception device 23.
For example, the connection process may involve
termination authentication of the external device 24
performed by the reception device 23.
[0193]
In step S154, the control block 93 controls the external
interface 91 to determine whether the command transferred
from the reception device 23 is received. If it is
determined in step S154 that the command has yet to be
received, the determination process of step S154 is
repeated.
[0194]
If it is determined in step S154 that the command is
received, control is passed to step S155. In step S155,
the command analysis block 92 analyzes the command
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received from the reception device 23.
[0195]
In step S156, based on the result of the analysis in step
S156, the command analysis block 92 determines whether
the received command is the Execute coininand. If it is
determined in step S156 that the command is the Execute
command, control is passed to step S157.
[0196]
In step S157, the application engine 96 under control of
the control block 93 starts operating the application.
Specifically, the application engine 96 controls the
communication interface 97 to acquire the data of the
data broadcast application identified by the application
ID ("App_id") from the server 22 via the Internet 3, and
executes the data broadcast application thus acquired.
[0197]
In step S158, the control block 93 controls the external
interface 91 to notify the reception device 23 of the
start of application operation. Upon completion of step
S158, control is returned to step S154 and the subsequent
steps are repeated.
[0198]
If it is determined in step S156 that the command in
question is a command other than the Execute command,
control is passed to step S159. In step S159, based on
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58
the result of the analysis in step S155, the command
analysis block 92 determines whether the received command
is the Terminate command,
[0199]
If it is determined in step S159 that the command is not
the Terminate command, i.e., that it is a command other
than the Execute command or Terminate command, control is
passed to step S160. In step S160, the application engine
96 under control of the control block 93 performs
processing corresponding to the command. For example, if
the trigger information of the Suspend command is
received, the currently executing data broadcast
application is suspended. Upon completion of step S160,
control is returned to step S154 and the subsequent steps
are repeated.
[0200]
If it is determined in step S159 that the command is the
Terminate command, control is passed to step S161. In
step Si61, the application engine 96 under control of the
control block 93 terminates the currently executing data
broadcast application.
[0201]
In step S162, the control block 93 controls the external
interface 91 to notify the reception device 23 of the
termination of application operation. Upon completion of
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step S162, control is returned to step S154 and the
subsequent steps are repeated.
[0202]
The preceding paragraph completes the explanation of the
trigger information handling process performed by the
external device 24.
[0203]
According to the above-described trigger information
handling process performed by the external device 24, the
external device under control of the reception device
proper can execute a data broadcast application, fire an
event, or terminate the data broadcast application in
linkage with AV content such as a TV program.
[0204]
Fig. 2 0 shows a typical coordination of data broadcast
applications performed by the reception device 23 and
external device 24.
[0205]
As shown in Fig. 2 0, the display unit of the reception
device 23 displays an image of AV content currently
received from the broadcast unit 21. In the bottom left
corner of that image appears an image of the data
broadcast application in superimposed fashion. When the
reception device 23 coupled with the external device 24
receives a command that causes the data broadcast
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application currently executed by the reception device 23
to be executed by the external device 24, that command is
transferred to the external device 24.
[0206]
Based on the cominand transferred from the reception
device 23, the external device 24 acquires the same data
broadcast application as that which is currently executed
by the reception device 23 from the server 22 via the
Internet 3 and executes the data broadcast application
thus acquired. As a result of this, a screen of the
external device 24 displays the same image of the data
broadcast application as that appearing in the bottom
left corner of the display unit of the reception device
23.
[0207]
When the image of the data broadcast application is
displayed on the screen of the external device 24, the
reception device 23 causes the image of the data
broadcast application superimposed on the AV content to
disappear and leaves only the AV content displayed.
[0208]
The example explained above was a case in which the same
data broadcast application is acquired. If the reception
device 23 and external device 24 acquire different data
broadcast applications as described above, the two
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devices•execute their respective data broadcast
applications that are different from each other.
[0209]
In the manner explained above, the external device 24
connected to the reception device 23 can be operated in
linkage with the progress of AV content.
[0210]
[Typical Structure of Computer]
Incidentally, the series of the steps and processes
described above may be executed either by hardware or by
software. Where the software-based series of processing
is to be carried out, a program constituting the software
is installed from a program recording medium into either
a computer incorporated in a dedicated hardware or, for
example, a general-purpose personal computer or like
equipment capable of executing diverse functions by
installing various programs.
[0211]
Fig. 21 is a block diagram showing a typical hardware
structure of a computer that carries out the abovedescribed
steps and processes using a program.
[0212]
In a computer 200, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a
ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and a RAM (Random Access
Memory) 203 are interconnected via a bus 204.
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[0213]
An input/output interface 205 is further connected to the
bus 204. The input/output interface 205 is connected with
an input block 206 generally made up of a keyboard, a
mouse, and a microphone; an output block 207 typically
formed by a display unit and a speaker; a storage block
2 08 composed of a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory or the
like; a communication block 209 constituted by a network
interface or the like; and a drive 210 that drives
removable media 211 such as a magnetic disk, an optical
disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.
[0214]
In the computer structured as outlined above, the CPU 201
performs the above-described series of steps and
processes by loading a relevant program from, say, the
storage block 208 into the RAM 203 via the input/output
interface 205 and bus 204 and by executing the program
thus loaded.
[0215]
Also, the program 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 it is
invoked as needed.
[0216]
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Furthermore, the program may be processed by a single
computer or by a plurality of computers on a distributed
basis. The program may also be transferred to a remote
computer or computers for execution.
[0217]
In this specification, the term "system", refers to an
entire configuration made up of a plurality of component
devices.
[0218]
Also, it should be understood that this technology when
embodied is not limited to the above-described embodiment
and that various modifications may be made of this
technology so far as they are within the spirit and scope
thereof.
[0219]
This technology may also be configured as follows.
[0220]
[1]
A reception device including:
a reception block configured to receive transmitted AV
content;
a trigger extraction part configured to extract trigger
information about the control of an application program
to be executed either by the reception device proper or
by an external device connected to the reception device
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in linkage with the AV content, the trigger information
being transmitted together with the AV content;
a device proper control block configured such that if the
extracted trigger information indicates a command
addressed to the reception device proper, then the device
proper control block controls the operation of the
application program in accordance with the command
indicated by the trigger information; and
an external device processing part configured such that
if the command indicated by the extracted trigger
information is addressed to the external device, then the
external device processing part transfers the command
indicated by the trigger information to the external
device.
[2]
The reception device as described in paragraph [1] above,
in which, if the application program executed by the
external device is the same as the application program
currently executed by the reception device proper, the
device proper control block terminates the application
program currently executed by the reception device proper.
[3]
The reception device as described in paragraph [1] or [2]
above, in which, if the application program executed by
the external device is different from the application
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program currently executed by the reception device proper,
the device proper control block causes the reception
device proper to execute continuously the application
program,
[4]
The reception device as described in any one of
paragraphs [1] through [3] above, in which the device
proper control block prevents the reception device proper
from executing the application program same as the
application program currently executed by the external
device.
[5]
The reception device as described in any one of
paragraphs [1] through [4] above, in which the command
indicated by the trigger information includes information
for designating either a specific device or part or all
of the devices targeted by the command.
[6]
The reception device as described in any one of
paragraphs [1] through [5] above, in which the trigger
information includes any one of commands to acquire,
register, and execute a predetermined application program,
a command to fire an event, a command to suspend the
application program, and a command to terminate the
application program.
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[7]
The reception device as described in paragraph [6] above,
in which, in response to each of the commands, the device
proper control block controls acquisition, registration,
or execution of the application program, firing of an
event in the currently executing application program,
suspension of the currently executing application program,
or termination of the currently executing application
program.
[8]
The reception device as described in paragraph [6] or [7]
above, in which the external device processing part
transfers to the external device any one of the commands
to acquire, register, and execute the application program,
the command to fire an event in the currently executing
application program, the command to suspend the currently
executing application program, and the command to
terminate the currently executing application program.
[9]
A reception method including the steps of:
causing a reception device to receive transmitted AV
content;
causing the reception device to extract trigger
information about control of an application program to be
executed either by the reception device proper or by an
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external device connected to the reception device in
linkage with the AV content, the trigger information
being transmitted together with the AV content;
if the extracted trigger information indicates a command
addressed to the reception device proper, then causing
the reception device to control the operation of the
application program in accordance with the command
indicated by the trigger information; and
if the command indicated by the extracted trigger
information is addressed to the external device, then
causing the reception device to transfer the command
indicated by the trigger information to the external
device.
[10]
A program for causing a computer to function as:
a reception block configured to receive transmitted AV
content;
a trigger extraction part configured to extract trigger
information about control of an application program to be
executed either by a reception device proper or by an
external device connected to the reception device in
linkage with the AV content, the trigger information
being transmitted together with the AV content;
a device proper control block configured such that if the
extracted trigger information indicates a command
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addressed to the reception device proper, then the device
proper control block controls the operation of the
application program in accordance with the command
indicated by the trigger information; and
an external device processing part configured such that
if the command indicated by the extracted trigger
information is addressed to the external device, then the
external device processing part transfers the command
indicated by the trigger information to the external
device,
[Reference Signs List]
[0221]
1 Broadcasting system, 21 Broadcast unit, 22 Server, 23
Reception device, 24 External device, 61 Tuner, 67
Trigger processing block, 68 Device proper control block,
71 Communication interface, 73 Application engine, 75
External interface, 81 Trigger extraction part, 82
Trigger analysis part, 83 External device processing part,
2 00 Computer, 201 CPU

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[CLAIMS]
[Claim 1]
A reception device comprising:
a reception block configured to receive transmitted AV
content;
a trigger extraction part configured to extract trigger
information about the control of an application program
to be executed either by the reception device proper or
by an external device connected to the reception device
in linkage with the AV content, the trigger information
being transmitted together with the AV content;
a device proper control block configured such that if the
extracted trigger information indicates a command
addressed to the reception device proper, then the device
proper control block controls the operation of the
application program in accordance with the command
indicated by the trigger information; and
an external device processing part configured such that
if the command indicated by the extracted trigger
information is addressed to the external device, then the
external device processing part transfers the command
indicated by the trigger information to the external
device.
[Claim 2]
The reception device according to claim 1, wherein, if
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the application program executed by the external device
is the same as the application program currently executed
by the reception device proper, the device proper control
block terminates the application program currently
executed by the reception device proper.
[Claim 3]
The reception device according to claim 1, wherein, if
the application program executed by the external device
is different from the application program currently
executed by the reception device proper, the device
proper control block causes the reception device proper
to execute continuously the application program.
[Claim 4]
The reception device according to claim 1, wherein the
device proper control block prevents the reception device
proper from executing the application program same as the
application program currently executed by the external
device.
[Claim 5]
The reception device according to claim 1, wherein the
command indicated by the trigger information includes
information for designating either a specific device or
part or all of the devices targeted by the command.
[Claim 6]
The reception device according to claim 1, wherein the
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trigger information includes any one of commands to
acquire, register, and execute a predetermined
application program, a command to fire an event, a
command to suspend the application program, and a command
to terminate the application program.
[Claim 7]
The reception device according to claim 6, wherein, in
response to each of the commands, the device proper
control block controls acquisition, registration, or
execution of the application program, firing of an event
in the currently executing application program,
suspension of the currently executing application program,
or termination of the currently executing application
program.
[Claim 8]
The reception device according to claim 6, wherein the
external device processing part transfers to the external
device any one of the commands to acquire, register, and
execute the application program, the command to fire an
event in the currently executing application program, the
command to suspend the currently executing application
program, and. the command to terminate the currently
executing application program.
[Claim 9]
A reception method comprising the steps of:
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causing a reception device to receive transmitted AV
content;
causing the reception device to extract trigger
information about control of an application program to be
executed either by the reception device proper or by an
external device connected to the reception device in
linkage with the AV content, the trigger information
being transmitted together with the AV content;
if the extracted trigger information indicates a command
addressed to the reception device proper, then causing
the reception device to control the operation of the
application program in accordance with the command
indicated by the trigger information; and
if the command indicated by the extracted trigger
information is addressed to the external device, then
causing the reception device to transfer the command
indicated by the trigger information to the external
device.
[Claim 10]
A program for causing a computer to function as:
a reception block configured to receive transmitted AV
content;
a trigger extraction part configured to extract trigger
information about control of an application program to be
executed either by a reception device proper or by an
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external device connected to the reception device in
linkage with the AV content, the trigger information . .
being transmitted together with the AV content;
a device proper control block configured such that if the
extracted trigger information indicates a command
addressed to the reception device proper, then the device
proper control block controls the operation of the
application program in accordance with the command
indicated by the trigger information; and
an external device processing part configured such that
if the command indicated by the extracted trigger
information is addressed to the external device, then the
external device processing part transfers the command
indicated by the trigger information to the external
device.