FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
“RECEPTION APPARATUS, RECEPTION METHOD,
TRANSMISSION APPARATUS, TRANSMISSION
METHOD, AND PROGRAM”
SONY CORPORATION, of 1-7-1, Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
108-0075, Japan
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in
which it is to be performed.
[DESCRIPTION]
[Title]
RECEPTION APPARATUS, RECEPTION METHOD, TRANSMISSION
APPARATUS, TRANSMISSION METHOD, AND PROGRAM
[Technical Field]
[0001]
The present technology relates to a reception apparatus,
a reception method, a transmission apparatus, a
transmission method, and a program. More particularly,
this technology relates to a reception apparatus, a
reception method, a transmission apparatus, a
transmission method, and a program for flexibly offering
diverse operation modes of an NRT service.
[Background Art]
[0002]
In recent years, the widespread use of digital
broadcasting has led to the general acceptance of multichannel
or high-definition TV broadcasts.
[0003]
Meanwhile, studies are underway on the techniques and
schemes for utilizing the band frequencies available for
digital broadcasting in bringing about not only ordinary
TV broadcasts but also more sophisticated broadcast
services desired by users.
[0004]
One of the functions desired by the user is on-demand
viewing whereby content is viewed whenever it is desired.
However, it has been considered difficult to implement
on-demand viewing of not bidirectional but unidirectional
broadcasts.
[0005]
In order to bring about the on-demand viewing of
unidirectional broadcasts, studies are underway on an NRT
service (e.g., see Patent Literature 1) in which, on the
assumption that a reception apparatus retains mass
storage, the file data of broadcast content is held
temporarily in storage before being reproduced.
[0006]
In the NRT (Non Real Time) service, content is not
supposed to be viewed in real time. The file data of the
content transmitted by broadcast waves is downloaded and
accumulated in storage. This allows the user to view the
stored content regardless of the broadcast time of the
content.
[Citation List]
[Patent Literature]
[0007]
[PTL 1]
JP 2011-41242A
[Summary]
4
[Technical Problem]
[0008]
Meanwhile, where content downloads are to be reserved
with the NRT service, it is necessary to obtain
beforehand information called NRT-IT (NRT Information
Table) about downloading of the contents to be
transmitted on a non-real-time basis. NRT-IT describes a
list of the contents that can be reserved for
downloading; the desired content is selected from that
list.
[0009]
However, NRT-IT does not include file attribute
information about the content files to be downloaded. For
this reason, the reception apparatus can only handle the
files uniformly, which has limited the operation modes in
which NRT service offerings are made available.
[0010]
The present technology has been made in view of the above
circumstances and aims to provide various operation modes
of the NRT service in flexible fashion.
[Solution to Problem]
[0011]
According to a first aspect of the present technology,
there is provided a reception apparatus including: a
reception part configured to receive contents transmitted
5
by broadcast waves and targeted to be downloaded; a file
attribute information acquisition part configured to
acquire file attribute information set for each of the
files of the contents; and a control part configured to
control predetermined operations on the files of the
contents based on the file attribute information acquired.
[0012]
When the contents have been downloaded or are being
downloaded, the file attribute information acquisition
part may acquire the file attribute information.
[0013]
The reception apparatus of this technology may further
include a file attribute information setting part
configured to, if a predetermined process is performed on
the contents, change the settings of the file attribute
information in accordance with the details of the
predetermined process.
[0014]
The file attribute information may include a first
attribute for setting whether or not to display the files
of the contents, and the control part may control the
display of a list of the contents based on the first
attribute included in the file attribute information.
[0015]
If the contents are charged contents, the file attribute
6
information setting part may change the attribute value
of the first attribute from non-display to display after
a charging process on the contents is completed.
[0016]
The file attribute information may include a second
attribute for setting whether or not to read the files of
the contents, and the control part may control
reproduction of the contents based on the second
attribute included in the file attribute information.
[0017]
The file attribute information may include a third
attribute for setting whether or not to change the files
of the contents, and the control part may control changes
of the contents based on the third attribute included in
the file attribute information.
[0018]
The file attribute information setting part may change
the settings of the file attribute information in
accordance with execution of a script described in an
application program to be executed in interlocked
relation to the applicable content transmitted by
broadcast waves.
[0019]
The file attribute information setting part may change
the settings of the file attribute information solely
7
within a range of management established by a business
operator offering the contents and by a business operator
offering the application program.
[0020]
The contents may be transmitted by an NRT (Non Real Time)
broadcast utilizing a FLUTE (File Delivery over
Unidirectional Transport) session, and the file attribute
information may be defined as attributes in an NRT-IT
(NRT Information Table).
[0021]
The reception apparatus may be either an independent
apparatus or an internal block constituting part of a
single apparatus.
[0022]
Also according to the first aspect of the present
technology, there is provided a reception method or a
program functionally corresponding to the above-outlined
reception apparatus according to the first aspect of this
technology.
[0023]
By use of the reception apparatus, reception method, and
program according to the first aspect of the present
technology, the contents transmitted by broadcast waves
and targeted to be downloaded are acquired, and the file
attribute information set for each of the files of the
8
contents is acquired. Predetermined operations are then
controlled on the files of the contents based on the file
attribute information thus acquired.
[0024]
According to a second aspect of the present technology,
there is provided a transmission apparatus including: a
setting part configured to set file attribute information
for each of the files of contents transmitted by
broadcast waves and targeted to be downloaded; and a
transmission part configured to transmit the contents for
which the file attribute information has been set, using
the broadcast waves.
[0025]
Also according to the second aspect of the present
technology, there is provided a transmission method
corresponding to the above-outlined transmission
apparatus according to the second aspect of this
technology.
[0026]
By use of the transmission apparatus and transmission
method according to the second aspect of the present
technology, the file attribute information is set for
each of the files of the contents transmitted by
broadcast waves and targeted to be downloaded. The
contents for which the file attribute information has
9
been set are then transmitted using the broadcast waves.
[Advantageous Effect of Invention]
[0027]
According to the first and the second aspects of the
present technology, diverse operation modes of the NRT
service may be offered flexibly.
[Brief Description of Drawings]
[0028]
[FIG. 1]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an
NRT system as an embodiment of the present technology.
[FIG. 2]
FIG. 2 is a schematic view explanatory of the
transmission and reception flows of an NRT broadcast.
[FIG. 3]
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a typical
configuration of a reception apparatus.
[FIG. 4]
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a configuration
example of a control program.
[FIG. 5]
FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing typical tables
transmitted as control data.
[FIG. 6]
FIG. 6 is a tabular view showing a structure of an NRT-IT.
10
[FIG. 7]
FIG. 7 is another tabular view showing the structure of
the NRT-IT.
[FIG. 8]
FIG. 8 is a tabular view showing a typical description of
a file attribute information descriptor.
[FIG. 9]
FIG. 9 is a tabular view showing settings of file
attribute information.
[FIG. 10]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart explanatory of a content
download/reproduction process.
[FIG. 11]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart explanatory of a content list
display process.
[FIG. 12]
FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a display example of
the content list.
[FIG. 13]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart explanatory of a first file
attribute information changing process.
[FIG. 14]
FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing another display
example of the content list.
[FIG. 15]
11
FIG. 15 is a flowchart explanatory of a second file
attribute information changing process.
[FIG. 16]
FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing a typical
configuration of a computer.
[Description of Embodiments]
[0029]
The mode for carrying out the present technology will now
be explained below in reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0030]
[Explanation of an outline of the NRT service]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an NRT system as one
embodiment of the present technology.
[0031]
An NRT system 1 provides NRT service offerings. As shown
in FIG. 1, the NRT system 1 is configured to include a
broadcast unit 10 installed in a broadcast station 2, and
a reception apparatus 20 and a TV set 30 installed in a
user’s home 4.
[0032]
The broadcast unit 10 transmits target contents to be
downloaded (called DL contents hereunder) via a satellite
3 using a TV broadcast signal. In this specification, the
transmission of DL contents by use of the TV broadcast
12
signal is expressed as NRT broadcasting.
[0033]
That is, for NRT broadcasting, the broadcast unit 10 in
the example of FIG. 1 adopts a technique involving the
use of satellite broadcast waves. However, the technique
for TV broadcasting itself by the broadcast unit 10 is
not limited to the example of FIG. 1. The broadcast unit
10 may alternatively adopt techniques involving the use
of terrestrial broadcast waves or the use of CATV
(Community Antenna Television) networks. It is also
possible to adopt techniques that utilize broadcast waves
other than the TV broadcast waves, such as digital radio
broadcast waves.
[0034]
The reception apparatus 20 receives DL contents
transmitted from the broadcast unit 10 using broadcast
waves and accumulates the received contents in storage.
In this specification, the action of the reception
apparatus 20 receiving and storing DC contents is
expressed as downloading of the DC contents. Also, the
reception apparatus 20 allows DL contents to be
reproduced by the TV set 30 or the like at appropriate
timings within an authorized period of use.
[0035]
Although the reception apparatus 20 is shown set up
13
outside the TV set 30 in the example of FIG. 1, the
reception apparatus 20 may alternatively be incorporated
in the TV set 30.
[0036]
[Explanation of the transmission and reception flows of
NRT broadcasting]
FIG. 2 is a schematic view explanatory of the
transmission and reception flows of an NRT broadcast.
[0037]
When supplied with images and sounds constituting DL
contents, the broadcast unit 10 performs an AV
encoding/multiplexing process in step S11. In this
context, the AV encoding/multiplexing process refers to a
process in which the signals of images and sounds are
compression-encoded using predetermined methods and the
resulting video and audio data are multiplexed into files
of DL contents.
[0038]
The DL content files for this embodiment may be organized
in units of, say, TV programs but are not limited thereby.
In this case, one file may contain the DL content making
up one TV program.
[0039]
In step S12, the broadcast unit 10 retains DL content
files. The process of step S12 is called a content file
14
archiving process. The broadcast unit 10 also retains as
files diverse information about the downloaded programs
constituted as the DL contents.
[0040]
In step S13, the broadcast unit 10 performs a FLUTE/IP
packetization process in accordance with a predetermined
broadcasting schedule. In step S14, the broadcast unit 10
performs a broadcast transmission process. In this
context, the FLUTE/IP packetization process refers to a
process in which DL content files or the like are made
into TS (Transport Stream) packets in accordance with
FLUTE (File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport) and
UDP (User Datagram Protocol)/IP (Internet Protocol). Also,
the broadcast transmission process refers to a series of
processes leading up to the transmission of TS packets as
broadcast waves.
[0041]
The process flow from step S11 to step S14 above
constitutes the transmission flow of NRT broadcasting by
the broadcast unit 10. The process flow from step S15 to
step S18, to be explained below, constitutes the
reception flow of NRT broadcasting.
[0042]
The reception apparatus 20 performs a broadcast reception
process in step S15, conducts a FLUTE/IP packetization
15
process in step S16, and carries out a storage process in
step S17.
[0043]
In this context, the broadcast reception process refers
to a series of processes ranging from the reception of
broadcast waves by a tuner to the extraction of TS
packets from the received signal. The FLUTE/IP
packetization process refers to a process in which DL
content files or the like are restored from the TS
packets in accordance with FLUTE and UDP/IP. The storage
process refers to a process in which the DL content files
or the like are accumulated in storage.
[0044]
When the processes of steps S15 through S17 are performed
as described above, the DL contents are downloaded.
[0045]
In step S18, the reception apparatus 20 performs a
Demux/AV decoding process at appropriate timings within
an authorized period of use. In this context, the
Demux/AV decoding process refers to a series of processes
ranging from the separation of the video data and audio
data contained in the DL content targeted to be
reproduced, to the expansion decoding of the respective
data by predetermined methods, to the output of the
resulting video and audio signals.
16
[0046]
When the video and audio signals are fed to the TV set 30
or the like, the target DL content to be reproduced is
reproduced. The user is thus able to view the downloaded
program.
[0047]
[Typical configuration of the reception apparatus]
The configuration of the reception 20 is explained below
in reference to FIG. 3.
[0048]
The reception apparatus 20 is configured to include a
controller 101, an input part 102, a tuner 103, a TS
demux 104, a FLUTE processor 105, storage 106, a file
demux 107, a video decoder 108, a video output part 109,
an audio decoder 110, and an audio output part 111.
[0049]
The controller 101 controls the operations of the
components making up the reception apparatus 20.
[0050]
The broadcast waves transmitted from the broadcast unit
10 via a satellite 13 are input to the input part 102.
The tuner 103 obtains the received signal by demodulating
the broadcast waves received from the broadcast unit 10
and supplies the obtained signal to the TS demux 104.
[0051]
17
The TS demux 104 extracts TS packets from the received
signal fed from the tuner 103. The TS packets are sent to
the FLUTE processor 105.
[0052]
That is, the tuner 103 and TS demux 104 carry out the
broadcast reception process of step S15 in FIG. 2.
[0053]
Incidentally, the reception apparatus 20 supports not
only NRT broadcasts but also so-called real-time
broadcasts. Thus in the case of real-time broadcasting, a
video stream is generated from those TS packets that
contain the video data and the generated stream is
supplied to the video decoder 108. Also, an audio stream
is generated from those TS packets that contain the audio
data and the generated stream is fed to the audio decoder
110.
[0054]
In accordance with FLUE and UDP/IP, the FLUTE processor
105 restores DL content files or the like from the TS
packets and accumulates the restored files in the storage
106. In this manner, a plurality of DL contents are
accumulated as files in the storage 106. Also,
information such as metadata is also stored in the form
of files. That is, the FLUTE processor 105 performs the
FLUTE/IP packetization process of step S16 and the
18
storage process of step S17 in FIG. 2.
[0055]
The file demux 107 searches the multiple files
accumulated in the storage 106 for the file of the target
DL content to be reproduced, and acquires video data and
audio data separately from the file. The file demux 107
supplies the video data to the video decoder 108 and the
audio data to the audio decoder 110.
[0056]
The video decoder 108 performs an expansion decoding
process on the video data coming from the file demux 107
using a predetermined method and outputs the resulting
video signal to the TV set 30 via the video output part
109. The audio decoder 110 carries out an expansion
decoding process on the audio data sent from the file
demux 107 using a predetermined method and outputs the
resulting audio signal to the TV set 30 via the audio
output part 111.
[0057]
That is, the file demux 107, video decoder 108, and audio
decoder 110 perform the Demux/AV decoding process of step
S18 in FIG. 2.
[0058]
The reception apparatus 20 is configured as described
above.
19
[0059]
[Composition example of the control program]
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a composition example
of a control program 151 executed by the controller 101.
[0060]
The control program 151 is composed of a file attribute
information acquisition part 161, a file attribute
information setting part 162, a display control part 163,
a reproduction control part 164, and a file control part
165.
[0061]
The file attribute information acquisition part 161
acquires file attribute information about DL contents by
referring to the NRT-IT. The file attribute information
acquisition part 161 supplies the acquired file attribute
information to the display control part 163, reproduction
control part 164, or file control part 165.
[0062]
The file attribute information is information which
concerns file attributes and which is set for each DL
content file. The file attribute information is included
in the NRT-IT. For example, the attributes stipulated in
the file attribute information may include a Read
attribute for setting whether or not the file can be read,
a Write attribute for setting whether or not the file can
20
be changed, and a Visible attribute for setting whether
or not the file can be made visible in a list or the like.
That is, the file attribute information may be the
information for setting so-called file permissions. The
file attribute information will be discussed later in
detail.
[0063]
The file attribute information setting part 162 sets the
attribute value of each of the attributes stipulated in
the file attribute information by referring to the NRT-IT.
[0064]
The display control part 163 controls the display of
various screens to be displayed on the TV set 30. Also,
the display control part 163 controls the display of DL
contents in a list based on the attribute value of the
Visible attribute stipulated in the file attribute
information supplied from the file attribute information
acquisition part 161.
[0065]
The reproduction control part 164 controls the Demux/AV
decoding process (of step S18 in FIG. 2) carried out by
the file demux 107, video decoder 108, and audio decoder
110. Also, the reproduction control part 164 controls the
reproduction of DL contents based on the attribute value
of the Read attribute stipulated in file attribute
21
information supplied from the file attribute information
acquisition part 161.
[0066]
The file control part 165 controls diverse operations on
the DL content files accumulated in the storage 106. Also,
the file control part 165 controls changes of DL contents
(e.g., their erasure) based on the attribute value of the
Write attribute stipulated in the file attribute
information supplied from the file attribute information
acquisition part 161.
[0067]
The control program 151 is composed as explained above.
[0068]
[Method for downloading DL contents]
The method for downloading DL contents is explained below.
[0069]
In addition to video and audio data, the above-mentioned
TS packet when transmitted contains control data such as
an SMT (Service Map Table) and an NRT-IT. By referring to
the SMT and NRT-IT, the reception apparatus 20 identifies
the positions (e.g., temporal positions) at which to
acquire DL contents transmitted using a FLUTE session.
[0070]
FIG. 5 shows typical tables transmitted as control data.
FIG. 5 illustrates tables made of an SMT, an NRT-IT, an
22
FDT, and a TFT.
[0071]
The SMT indicates the attribute information about the
service level of NRT services included in a transport
stream. The NRT-IT indicates the attribute information
about the content level included in a single NRT service.
The SMT and NRT-IT are included in an SSC (Service
Signaling Channel) transmitted using a fixed IP address
and UDP port in the transport stream. Here, the IP
address is 224.0.23.60 and the port number is 4937, for
example.
[0072]
As shown in FIG. 5, the SMT describes the attribute
information in units of NRT services such as Service #1,
Service #2, etc., for example. Also, the SMT describes
NRT service-related information in units of NRT services,
such as Service Name, IP, Port, Service ID, Service
Category, Essential Type Codes, Media Type, Content
Length, Storage Reservation, ISO-639 language, Genre,
Consumption Model, Icon Content-Linkage, etc.
[0073]
The Service Name describes the name of the NRT service in
question.
[0074]
The IP(dst) describes the IP address of the destination.
23
And the Port describes the port number of the destination.
That is, a FLUE session is performed by transmission of a
series of packets used to transmit DL contents, the
packets being distinguished from one another by the
combination of the IP address and port number of the
destination of each packet.
[0075]
The Service ID describes the identification information
about the NRT service in question. And the Service
Category describes the category to which the NRT service
in question belongs. The Essential Type Codes describe
the codes each indicative of a predetermined type.
[0076]
The Media Type describes the media type. The Content
Length describes the data amount of DL contents. The
Storage Reservation describes information about the
reservation of storage. The ISO-639 language describes
language such as Japanese or English.
[0077]
The Genre describes information about the genre to which
the NRT service in question belongs. And the Consumption
Model describes information about a predetermined model.
The Icon Content-Linkage describes icon identification
information.
[0078]
24
Also as shown in FIG. 5, the NRT-IT describes the
attribute information in units of DL contents such as
Content #1, Content #2, etc., for example. In addition to
the Service ID, the NRT-IT describes DL content-related
information in units of DL contents, such as Content name,
Content-Linkage, Distribution start/end time, Playback
length, Content length, Media Types, Icon Content-Linkage,
ISO-639 language, Caption service, Content advisory,
Genre, Internet Location, File Attributes, etc.
[0079]
The Service ID describes the identification information
identifying the NRT service. The Service ID is associated
with the service ID of each NRT service described in the
SMT.
[0080]
The Content name describes the title of the DL content in
question. Besides, the Content-Linkage describes the
identification information identifying this DL content.
The Distribution start/end time describes information
indicating the start time and end time of this DL content.
[0081]
The Playback length describes the playback time of the DL
content in question. Besides, the Content length
describes the data amount of the DL content accumulated
in storage. The Media Types describe media types.
25
[0082]
The Icon Content-Linkage describes icon identification
information. Besides, the ISO-639 language describes
language such as Japanese or English. The Caption service
describes information about captions and subtitles.
[0083]
The Content advisory describes information about the
recommendations regarding DL contents. Besides, the Genre
describes information about the genre to which the DL
content in question belongs. The Internet Location
describes the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the
location from which to acquire the application program to
be distributed over the Internet.
[0084]
The File Attributes describes the file attribute
information about DL contents.
[0085]
Meanwhile, under FLUTE, the files and others to be
transmitted are managed as a single object using a TOI
(Transport Object Identifier). Also, an aggregate of a
plurality of objects is managed as a single session using
a TSI (Transport Session Identifier).
[0086]
That is, the objects transmitted from the broadcast unit
10 to the reception apparatus 20 are placed in IP packets
26
each supplemented with an ALC/LCT header and others. This
header describes identification information identifying
each session as the Transport Session Identifier (TSI).
Also, the header describes identification information
identifying a plurality of objects transmitted in each
session as the Transport Object Identifier (TOI). In
other words, in a FLUTE-based session, it is possible to
designate a specific file using two kinds of
identification information, i.e., TSI and TOI.
[0087]
Also in the FLUTE-based session, an FDT (File Delivery
Table) is transmitted periodically for transmitting
diverse attribute information about NRT service files.
The FDT is transmitted as a file of which TOI = 0 for
every TSI. This FDT describes index information regarding
each TSI. Also, the FDT is transmitted by an FDT Instance,
i.e., an object intended for FDT transmission. Thus the
FDT Instance is placed in IP packets of the FDT.
[0088]
As described, the reception apparatus 20 restores the DL
content from a plurality of files using the index
information described in the FDT. That is, using FLUTE
sessions, the reception apparatus 20 can download DL
contents in IP packets.
[0089]
27
Returning to the explanation of FIG. 5, the FDT (File
Delivery Table) describes attribute information about the
files to be distributed using FLUTE sessions. In the FDT,
the TOI, Content Location, Content-Linkage, and other
attribute information are described in a manner
associated with one another.
[0090]
The TOI (Transport Object Identifier) describes
identification information of the file object to be
transmitted. The TOI for the FDT Instance describes 0,
and the TOI for the file object to be transmitted
describes the identification information to be placed in
a download header, for example.
[0091]
The Content Location describes file identification
information using a URI (Uniform Resource Locator). The
Content-Linkage describes identification information
about DL contents and others. This Content-Linkage is
associated with the Content-Linkage and Icon Content-
Linkage for each of the DL contents described in the NRTIT.
[0092]
The TFT (Text Fragment Table) describes Content IDs and
Texts in a manner associated with one other. Each Content
ID describes identification information identifying a
28
given DL content. This Content ID is associated with the
Content-Linkage for each of the DL contents described in
the NRT-IT. The Text describes text information.
[0093]
Each of the tables transmitted as the control data is
constituted as explained above.
[0094]
And in reference to the above-described SMT, NRT-IT, and
FDT, the reception apparatus 20 downloads the DL contents
transmitted by broadcast waves. That is, by referring to
the SMT, the reception apparatus 20 acquires the IP
address and port number associated with the Service ID of
the designated NRT service. The reception apparatus 20
acquires the FDT of which TOI = 0 from the FLUTE session
(TSI = T1) designated by the combination of the acquired
IP address (S1) and port number (P1).
[0095]
Also, in reference to the NRT-IT, the reception apparatus
20 identifies the Content-Linkage associated with the
Service ID in question. Then, in reference to the
acquired FDT, the reception apparatus 20 checks the
Content-Linkage (id1) identified by the NRT-IT so as to
determine the Content-Linkage that is id1. This allows
the reception apparatus 20 to identify the TOI (TOI = 6,
7) associated with the Content-Linkage (id1). As a result,
29
the reception apparatus 20 downloads the DL content by
acquiring the DL content file based on the object
identified by the TOI (TOI = 6, 7) in a FLUTE session
(TSI = T1).
[0096]
The reception apparatus 20 references the FDT to check
the Icon Content-Linkage (id3) identified by the SMT, and
identifies the TOI (TOI = 9) associated with the Content-
Linkage (id3). Also, the reception apparatus 20
references the FDT to check the Icon Content-Linkage
(id2) identified by the NRT-IT, and identifies the TOI
(TOI = 8) associated with the Content-Linkage (id2). The
reception apparatus 20 further acquires these files.
[0097]
The preceding paragraphs explained the method for
downloading DL contents transmitted by broadcast waves.
[0098]
[Details of the NRT-IT]
The NRT-IT is explained below in detail by reference to
FIGS. 6 through 9.
[0099]
(Composition of the NRT-IT)
The NRT-IT is composed as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Besides,
as shown in FIG. 7, various descriptors can be described
in “descriptor()” of the NRT-IT. And the descriptor for
30
describing the file attribute information set for each DL
content file (descriptor is called the file attribute
information descriptor hereunder) is described in
“descriptor()” of FIG. 7.
[0100]
FIG. 8 shows a typical description of the file attribute
information descriptor.
[0101]
“descriptor_tag” describes the tag value assigned to the
descriptor in question. Besides, “desriptor_length”
describes the descriptor length of this descriptor.
[0102]
“file_attribute” describes file attribute information.
The attributes stipulated in the file attribute
information include the Read attribute, Write attribute,
and Visible attribute.
[0103]
As shown in FIG. 9, a sign “+” or “-” is set to each of
the Read attribute, Write attribute, and Visible
attribute. The sign “+” indicates that the operation on
the file set by the attribute in question is permitted.
And the sign “-” indicates that the operation on the file
is denied. In the ensuing description, R+ denotes the
case where “+” is set as the attribute value of the Read
attribute, and R- represents the case where “-” is set as
31
the attribute value of the Read attribute. In like manner,
the Write attribute is noted as W+ or W-, and the Visible
attribute as V+ or V-.
[0104]
That is, where “R+” is set as the attribute value of the
Read attribute, the target file is allowed to be read, so
that the reception apparatus 20 can reproduce the DL
content in question. On the other hand, where “R-” is set
as this attribute value, the reading of the target file
is denied, so that the reception apparatus 20 cannot
reproduce the DL content.
[0105]
Also, where “W+” is set as the attribute value of the
Write attribute, the target file is allowed to be changed,
so that the reception apparatus 20 can change the DL
content. On the other hand, where “W-” is set as this
attribute value, the change of the target file is denied,
so that the reception apparatus 20 cannot change the DL
content. Setting the Write attribute as desired enables
an operation in which, for example, the reception
apparatus 20 permits erasure of the target file if “W+”
is set but permits only the user having input a password
for successful authentication to delete the file in
question if “W-” is set.
[0106]
32
Also, where “V+” is set as the attribute value of the
Visible attribute, the target file is allowed to be
displayed, so that the reception apparatus 20 can display
the DL content in a list. On the other hand, where “V-”
is set as this attribute value, the display of the target
file is denied, so that the reception apparatus 20 cannot
display the DL content in a list.
[0107]
The Read attribute, Write attribute, and Visible
attribute may be represented in three bits altogether,
one bit being allotted to each attribute. For example, it
may be assumed that R+ is represented by “r,” W+ by “w”
and V+ by “v” and that R-, W- and V- are each denoted by
“-.” On that assumption, if all attributes are permitted,
then the notation is given as “rwv.” In that case, the
three-digit notation is represented by a numerical value
of 7.
[0108]
And if solely the Read attribute and Write attribute are
permitted, the notation is given as “rw-.” This threedigit
notation is represented by a numerical value of 6.
Further, if the only the Read attribute is permitted, the
notation is given as “r--.” This three-digit notation is
represented by a numerical value of 4. Also, if all
attributes are denied, then the notation is given as “---
33
.” This three-digit notation is represented by a
numerical value of 0.
[0109]
As explained, the Read attribute, Write attribute, and
Visible attribute making up the file attribute
information about DL content files are set as desired so
that the target file can be handled in keeping with the
operations of interest. This makes it possible to offer
various operation modes of the NRT service.
[0110]
The method for describing the file attribute information
descriptor explained above may be varied as desired and
is not limited to the description example in FIG. 8. Also,
the Read attribute, Write attribute, and Visible
attribute are only exemplary attributes stipulated in the
file attribute information; other attributes may also be
stipulated.
[0111]
The preceding paragraphs explained the NRT-IT in detail.
[0112]
[Specific operation examples]
Specific operation examples are explained below in
reference to FIGS. 10 through 15.
[0113]
(DL content download/reproduction process)
34
First, a content download/reproduction process is
explained by referring to the flowchart of FIG. 10.
[0114]
In step S111, the controller 101 causes the TV set 30 to
display a list of downloadable DL contents. This list is
a list of the DL contents offered by the NRT service and
is generated on the basis of the SMT and NRT-IT, for
example.
[0115]
In step S112, the controller 101 accepts the selection of
the DL content to be downloaded in accordance with the
user’s operations on the list displayed in step S111. In
this step, the download of the DL content that the user
wants to view is reserved.
[0116]
In step S113, the controller 101 determines whether or
not the broadcast start time of the DL content selected
in step S112 is reached. When the broadcast start time of
the DL content in question is reached, the process is
proceeded to step S114.
[0117]
In step S114, the controller 101 controls the tuner 103,
TS demux 104, FULTE processor 105, and storage 106 to
download the DL content.
[0118]
35
Specifically, the tuner 103 is set on the broadcast
channel of the DL content selected in step S112, thereby
identifying the data to be transmitted on the logical
channel over which the content in question is broadcast.
Also, based on the SMT and NRT-IT, the FLUTE session in
which the content in question is to be transmitted is
identified, and the files constituting the FLUTE session
are acquired. Later, when the broadcast end time is
reached, the acquisition of all files making up the FLUTE
session is finished, which completes the download of the
DL content.
[0119]
If a plurality of DL contents are selected in step S112,
the subsequent steps above are repeated so that all
selected DL contents will be downloaded.
[0120]
In step S115, the controller 101 performs a content list
display process. In the content list display process, the
TV set 30 is made to display such lists as a list of the
DL contents reserved in step S112 and a list of the DL
contents downloaded in step S114.
[0121]
The content list display process will be discussed later
in detail by reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11.
[0122]
36
In step S116, the controller 101 accepts the selection of
the DL content to be reproduced in accordance with the
user’s operations on the lists displayed in step S115.
[0123]
In step S117, the controller 101 controls the storage 106,
file demux 107, video decoder 108, and audio decoder 110
to reproduce the DL content. This step starts
reproduction of the DL content that the user wants to
view, allowing the DL content to be viewed on the TV set
30.
[0124]
The preceding paragraphs explained the content
download/reproduction process.
[0125]
(Content list display process)
Next, the content list display process corresponding to
step S115 in FIG. 10 is explained in reference to the
flowchart of FIG. 11.
[0126]
In step S151, the controller 101 determines whether or
not content list display is designated in accordance with
the user’s operations. If it is determined in step S151
that content list display is designated, the process is
proceeded to step S152.
[0127]
37
In step S152, the file attribute information acquisition
part 161 references the NRT-IT to acquire the file
attribute information of the DL content to be checked
first from among all the contents subject to list display.
[0128]
In step S153, the display control part 163 determines
whether or not the attribute value of the Visible
attribute in the file attribute information acquired by
the file attribute information acquisition part 161
indicates “V+.” If it is determined in step S153 that the
attribute value of the Visible attribute indicates “V+,”
the process is proceeded to step S154.
[0129]
In step S154, the display control part 163 displays
information (e.g., title) about the DL content of which
the attribute value of the Visible attribute is set to
“V+.” Upon completion of the display process in step S154,
the process is proceeded to step S155.
[0130]
If it is determined in step S153 that the attribute value
of the Visible attribute indicates “V-,” then the process
of step S154 is skipped and the process is proceeded to
step S155. That is, the information about the DL content
of which the attribute value of the Visible attribute is
set to “V-” is not displayed.
38
[0131]
In step S155, the display control part 163 determines
whether or not the Visible attributes of all the DL
contents subject to list display have been checked. If it
is determined in step S155 that not all DL contents have
had their Visible attributes checked yet, the process is
proceeded to step S156.
[0132]
In step S156, the file attribute information acquisition
part 161 references the NRT-IT to acquire the next DL
content to be checked from among the contents subject to
list display. When the file attribute information is
acquired, the process is proceeded to step S153.
[0133]
And in step S153, the display control part 163 determines
whether or not the attribute value of the Visible
attribute in the acquired file attribute information
indicates “V+.” If it is determined that the attribute
value of the Visible attribute indicates “V+,” the
information about the DL content in question is displayed
(in step S154).
[0134]
As explained, steps S153 through S156 are repeated until
the Visible attributes of all the DL contents subject to
list display have been checked. Displayed in list form is
39
the information about the DL contents of which the
attribute value of the Visible attribute in the file
attribute information is set to “V+.” On the other hand,
the information about the DL contents of which the
attribute value of the Visible attribute is set to “V-”
is not displayed in list form.
[0135]
FIG. 12 shows a display example of the content list.
[0136]
In the example of FIG. 12, the screen of the TV set 30
displays a content list showing a downloaded content A, a
reserved content B, a subscribed-to content C, and a
currently downloaded content E. That is, of the DL
contents, those which are already or currently downloaded
and of which the attribute value of the Visible attribute
is set to “V+” are displayed in the content list.
[0137]
Also in the example of FIG. 12, the downloaded content D
has “V-” set as the attribute value of its Visible
attribute in the file attribute information, so that the
content D is excluded from the content list and is not
displayed on the screen of the TV set 30. That is, there
may be assumed an operation mode in which the content D,
a charged content already downloaded but yet to be paid
for, will not be presented to the user, for example. In
40
such a case, “V-” may be set by the broadcast unit 10 as
the attribute value of the Visible attribute for the
content D in the file attribute information. The setting
prevents the content D from getting displayed in the list
before the charging process on the content is completed.
[0138]
Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 11, if it is
determined in step S155 that all the DL contents subject
to list display have had their Visible attributes checked
out, the content list display process is terminated.
[0139]
The preceding paragraphs explained the content list
display process. In the content list display process, the
file attribute information about the DL contents subject
to list display is acquired. The information about the DL
contents of which the attribute value of the Visible
attribute is set to “V+” is displayed in the list; the
information about the DL contents of which the attribute
value of the Visible attribute is set to “V-” is not
displayed in the list. Consequently the display and nondisplay
of the information about DL contents can be
switched in keeping with the NRT service operation. In
this manner, diverse operation modes of the service can
be offered flexibly.
[0140]
41
(First file attribute information changing process)
In the above-described display example of FIG. 12, the
content D is excluded from list display because its
charging process has yet to be completed. However, once
the charged content D is paid for, the content should not
be excluded from list display. For that reason, it is
required to change the file attribute information about
the content D in a manner setting “V+” for the attribute
value of its Visible attribute.
[0141]
Explained next in reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13
is a first file attribute information changing process
for changing the file attribute information about DL
contents.
[0142]
In step S211, the controller 101 determines whether or
not a charging process is performed on a charged DL
content already downloaded. If it is determined in step
S211 that the charging process has been performed on the
DL content in question, the process is proceeded to step
S212.
[0143]
In step S212, the file attribute information setting part
162 changes from “V-” to “V+” the attribute value of the
Visible attribute in the file attribute information about
42
the DL content on which the charging process is
determined to be completed in step S211. This change
involves replacing “V-” with “V+” as the attribute value
of the Visible attribute in the file attribute
information about the charged content D, for example. As
a result, when the above-explained content list display
process of FIG. 11 is carried out, the screen of the TV
set 30 displays in the content list the content D on
which the charging process is completed, in addition to
the contents A, B, C and E, as shown in FIG. 14.
[0144]
That is, from the user’s point of view, the downloaded
content D can be reproduced the moment the charging
process is completed, without the user becoming aware of
the content D having been downloaded previously. If the
content D could start to be downloaded only upon
completion of the charging process, the content D at the
time of the payment may or may not be available for
distribution. Even if the content D is found available
for distribution, it will take some time for the content
to become ready for reproduction after the download is
started from that point in time. This can be inconvenient
for the user.
[0145]
Thus in the first file attribute information changing
43
process, DL contents are downloaded beforehand. When the
charging process on a downloaded content is performed,
the attribute value of the Visible attribute for the
target DL content is changed from “V-” to “V+” and the
information involved is displayed in the list. This
allows the downloaded content to be reproduced
immediately.
[0146]
In the explanation above regarding FIG. 13, the first
file attribute information changing process was described
that it is carried out when the charging process is
performed on the charged DL content. However, the
charging process is only an exemplary process that
triggers the first file attribute information changing
process; the first file attribute information changing
process may alternatively be performed at timings other
than execution of the charging process.
[0147]
Also in the explanation above regarding FIG. 13, the
Visible attribute was shown to be representative of the
file attribute information subject to change.
Alternatively, the attribute value of the Read attribute
or Write attribute may be changed. In the preceding
example, the Read attribute may be set instead of the
Visible attribute so that when the charged DL content is
44
paid for, the attribute value of the Read attribute for
the target DL content will be changed from “R-” to “R+.”
In this case, the charged DL content yet to be paid for
may be displayed in the content list but cannot be
reproduced; the charged content can be reproduced only
after the charging process is completed.
[0148]
As explained, the settings of the file attribute
information may be changed as needed in keeping with the
operation mode of the NRT service. Diverse operation
modes of the service can thus be offered in a flexible
manner.
[0149]
The preceding paragraphs explained the first file
attribute information changing process.
[0150]
(Second file attribute information changing process)
The file attribute information changing process may also
be carried out in accordance with the execution of a
script described in a data broadcast application. The
data broadcast application in this context refers to an
application program designed for broadcasting data and
executed in interlocked relation to a TV program or some
other content. The data broadcast application is either
transmitted by broadcast waves or acquired from a
45
predetermined server (not shown) connected to the
Internet.
[0151]
Explained next in reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15
is a second file attribute information changing process
that changes the file attribute information about DL
contents in accordance with script execution.
[0152]
In step S251, the controller 101 performs the data
broadcast application at an appropriate timing during DL
content reproduction.
[0153]
In step S252, the controller 101 determines whether or
not a change of the file attribute information is
designated by execution of the script described in the
data broadcast application. If it is determined in step
S252 that any change of the file attribute information is
not designated, this determination process is repeated.
[0154]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S252 that
a change of the file attribute information is designated,
the process is proceeded to step S253. In step S253, the
file attribute information setting part 162 determines
whether or not the file of the target DL content falls
within a range of management.
46
[0155]
The determination process above is carried out when DL
content files accumulated in the storage 106 are stored
into the directory of each of the broadcast stations
offering NRT broadcasts. That is, the file attribute
information setting part 162 determines whether a given
DL content file falls within the range of management
depending on whether or not the file for which the change
of the file attribute information is designated is a file
stored in a layer below the directory of the broadcast
station offering the data broadcast application. In other
words, the settings of the file attribute information can
be changed only within the predetermined range of
management established by the business operator offering
the data broadcast application and by the business
operator offering the file for which the change of the
settings of the file attribute information is designated
by the data broadcast application.
[0156]
The above process for determining the range of management
is only an example. Other appropriate methods may be
adopted instead.
[0157]
If it is determined in step S253 that the file of the
target DL content within the range of management, the
47
process is proceeded to step S254. In step S254, the file
attribute information setting part 162 acquires the
attribute values designated for each file by script
function arguments. For example, the attribute values may
be designated as chmod(file,7). Of the function arguments,
a first argument designates the file about which the file
attribute information is to be changed, and a second
argument designates the numerical value corresponding to
the three-digit notation based on the above-described
attribute bits. In this case, the numerical value of 7 is
designated, so that “R+,” “W+,” and “V+” are set as the
attribute values of the Read attribute, Write attribute,
and Visible attribute, respectively.
[0158]
In step S255, the file attribute information setting part
162 sets the acquired attribute values to the
corresponding attributes in the file attribute
information about the target DL content.
[0159]
Meanwhile, if it is determined in step S253 that the file
of the target DL content is outside the range of
management, then the process is proceeded to step S256.
In step S256, the file attribute information setting part
162 communicates an error saying that the attempt to
change the settings of the file attribute information has
48
failed.
[0160]
Upon completion of step S255 or S256, the file attribute
information changing process is terminated.
[0161]
The preceding paragraphs explained the second file
attribute information changing process. The second file
attribute information changing process thus involves
changing the settings of the file attribute information
in accordance with the attribute values designated for
each file by the script function arguments described in
the data broadcast application. In this manner, the
settings of the file attribute information can be changed
as needed in keeping with the operation mode of the NRT
service. Consequently, diverse operation modes of the
service can be offered in flexible fashion.
[0162]
[Explanation of the computer to which the present
technology is applied]
The series of processes described above may be executed
either by hardware or by software. Where the softwarebased
series of processing is to be carried out, the
programs constituting the software are installed into a
suitable computer for execution. Such computers may
include those with the software incorporated in their
49
dedicated hardware beforehand, and those such as generalpurpose
personal computers and the like capable of
executing diverse functions based on diverse programs
installed therein.
[0163]
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a typical hardware
configuration of a computer that executes the abovedescribed
series of processes using programs.
[0164]
In the computer 300, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301,
a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, and a RAM (Random Access
Memory) 303 are interconnected via a bus 304.
[0165]
The bus 304 is further connected with an input/output
interface 305. The input/output interface 305 is
connected with an input part 306, an output part 307, a
recording part 308, a communication part 309, and a drive
310.
[0166]
The input part 306 is made up of a keyboard, a mouse, a
microphone, etc. The output part 307 is formed by a
display unit, speakers, etc. The recording part 308 is
composed of a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, etc. The
communication part 309 is constituted by a network
interface or the like. The drive 310 drives removable
50
media 311 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a
magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.
[0167]
In the computer 300 configured as outlined above, the CPU
301 carries out the above-described series of processes
by loading programs from, say, the recording part 308
into the RAM 303 for execution by way of the input/output
interface 305 and bus 304.
[0168]
The programs for execution by the computer 300 (CPU 301)
may be offered recorded on the removable media 311
constituting package media, for example. Also, the
programs may be offered through wired or wireless
transmission media such as local area networks, the
Internet, and digital satellite broadcasts.
[0169]
In the computer 300, the programs may be installed via
the input/output interface 305 into the recording part
308 from the removable media 311 attached to the drive
310. Also, the programs may be received by the
communication part 309 through wired or wireless
transmission media before being installed into the
recording part 308. Alternatively, the programs may be
preinstalled in the ROM 302 or recording part 308.
[0170]
51
Also, the programs for execution by the computer 300 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.
[0171]
In this specification, the processing steps that describe
the programs for causing the computer to perform diverse
operations may not be carried out in the depicted
sequence in the flowcharts (i.e., on a time series
basis); the steps may also include processes that are
conducted parallelly or individually (e.g., in parallel
or object-oriented fashion).
[0172]
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.
[0173]
Further in this specification, the term “system” refers
to an aggregate of a plurality of components (devices,
modules (parts)). It does not matter whether or not all
components are housed in the same enclosure. Thus a
system may be configured with a plurality of devices
housed in separate enclosures and interconnected via a
52
network, as well as with a single device that houses a
plurality of modules in a single enclosure.
[0174]
Also, it should be understood that the present 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.
[0175]
For example, the present technology may be configured in
a manner implementing cloud computing in which a single
function is shared and jointly processed by a plurality
of devices via a network.
[0176]
Also, the steps explained in reference to the abovementioned
flowcharts may be performed by a single device
or carried out by a plurality of devices on a shared
basis.
[0177]
Furthermore, if a single step includes a plurality of
processes, these processes may be performed by a single
device or carried out on a shared basis by a plurality of
devices.
[0178]
The present technology may also be configured as follows:
53
[0179]
(1)
A reception apparatus including:
a reception part configured to receive contents
transmitted by broadcast waves and targeted to be
downloaded;
a file attribute information acquisition part configured
to acquire file attribute information set for each of the
files of the contents; and
a control part configured to control predetermined
operations on the files of the contents based on the file
attribute information acquired.
(2)
The reception apparatus described in paragraph (1) above,
wherein, when the contents have been downloaded or are
being downloaded, the file attribute information
acquisition part acquires the file attribute information.
(3)
The reception apparatus described in paragraph (1) or (2)
above, further including
a file attribute information setting part configured to,
if a predetermined process is performed on the contents,
change the settings of the file attribute information in
accordance with the details of the predetermined process.
(4)
54
The reception apparatus described in any one of
paragraphs (1) through (3) above, wherein
the file attribute information includes a first attribute
for setting whether or not to display the files of the
contents, and
the control part controls the display of a list of the
contents based on the first attribute included in the
file attribute information.
(5)
The reception apparatus described in paragraph (4) above,
wherein, if the contents are charged contents, the file
attribute information setting part changes the attribute
value of the first attribute from non-display to display
after a charging process on the contents is completed.
(6)
The reception apparatus described in any one of
paragraphs (1) through (4) above, wherein
the file attribute information includes a second
attribute for setting whether or not to read the files of
the contents, and
the control part controls reproduction of the contents
based on the second attribute included in the file
attribute information.
(7)
The reception apparatus described in any one of
55
paragraphs (1) through (6) above, wherein
the file attribute information includes a third attribute
for setting whether or not to change the files of the
contents, and
the control part controls changes of the contents based
on the third attribute included in the file attribute
information.
(8)
The reception apparatus described in any one of
paragraphs (1) through (3) above, wherein the file
attribute information setting part changes the settings
of the file attribute information in accordance with
execution of a script described in an application program
to be executed in interlocked relation to the applicable
content transmitted by broadcast waves.
(9)
The reception apparatus described in paragraph (8) above,
wherein the file attribute information setting part
changes the settings of the file attribute information
solely within a range of management established by a
business operator offering the contents and by a business
operator offering the application program.
(10)
The reception apparatus described in paragraph (1) above,
wherein
56
the contents are transmitted by an NRT (Non Real Time)
broadcast utilizing a FLUTE (File Delivery over
Unidirectional Transport) session, and
the file attribute information is defined as attributes
in an NRT-IT (NRT Information Table).
(11)
A reception method for use with a reception apparatus,
the reception method including:
causing said reception apparatus to receive contents
transmitted by broadcast waves and targeted to be
downloaded;
causing the reception apparatus to acquire file attribute
information set for each of the files of the contents;
and
causing the reception apparatus to control predetermined
operations on the files of the contents based on the file
attribute information acquired.
(12)
A program for causing a computer to function as:
a reception part receiving contents transmitted by
broadcast waves and targeted to be downloaded;
a file attribute information acquisition part acquiring
file attribute information set for each of the files of
the contents; and
a control part controlling predetermined operations on
57
the files of the contents based on the file attribute
information acquired.
(13)
A transmission apparatus including:
a setting part configured to set file attribute
information for each of the files of contents transmitted
by broadcast waves and targeted to be downloaded; and
a transmission part configured to transmit the contents
for which the file attribute information has been set,
using the broadcast waves.
(14)
A transmission method including:
setting file attribute information for each of the files
of contents transmitted by broadcast waves and targeted
to be downloaded; and
transmitting the contents for which the file attribute
information has been set, using the broadcast waves.
[Reference Signs List]
[0180]
1 NRT system, 10 Broadcast unit, 20 Reception apparatus,
30 TV set, 101 Controller, 103 Tuner, 104 TS demux, 105
FLUTE processor, 106 Storage, 107 File demux, 108 Video
decoder, 110 Audio decoder, 151 Control program, 161 File
attribute information acquisition part, 162 File
attribute information setting part, 163 Display control
58
part, 164 Reproduction control part, 165 File control
part, 300 Computer, 301 CPU.
59
[CLAIMS]
[Claim 1]
A reception apparatus comprising:
a reception part configured to receive contents
transmitted by broadcast waves and targeted to be
downloaded;
a file attribute information acquisition part configured
to acquire file attribute information set for each of the
files of said contents; and
a control part configured to control predetermined
operations on the files of said contents based on said
file attribute information acquired.
[Claim 2]
The reception apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,
when said contents have been downloaded or are being
downloaded, said file attribute information acquisition
part acquires said file attribute information.
[Claim 3]
The reception apparatus according to claim 2, further
comprising
a file attribute information setting part configured to,
if a predetermined process is performed on said contents,
change the settings of said file attribute information in
accordance with the details of said predetermined process.
[Claim 4]
60
The reception apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
said file attribute information includes a first
attribute for setting whether or not to display the files
of said contents, and
said control part controls the display of a list of said
contents based on said first attribute included in said
file attribute information.
[Claim 5]
The reception apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, if
said contents are charged contents, said file attribute
information setting part changes the attribute value of
said first attribute from non-display to display after a
charging process on said contents is completed.
[Claim 6]
The reception apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
said file attribute information includes a second
attribute for setting whether or not to read the files of
said contents, and
said control part controls reproduction of said contents
based on said second attribute included in said file
attribute information.
[Claim 7]
The reception apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
said file attribute information includes a third
attribute for setting whether or not to change the files
61
of said contents, and
said control part controls changes of said contents based
on said third attribute included in said file attribute
information.
[Claim 8]
The reception apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
said file attribute information setting part changes the
settings of said file attribute information in accordance
with execution of a script described in an application
program to be executed in interlocked relation to the
applicable content transmitted by broadcast waves.
[Claim 9]
The reception apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
said file attribute information setting part changes the
settings of said file attribute information solely within
a range of management established by a business operator
offering said contents and by a business operator
offering said application program.
[Claim 10]
The reception apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said contents are transmitted by an NRT (Non Real Time)
broadcast utilizing a FLUTE (File Delivery over
Unidirectional Transport) session, and
said file attribute information is defined as attributes
in an NRT-IT (NRT Information Table).
62
[Claim 11]
A reception method for use with a reception apparatus,
comprising:
causing said reception apparatus to receive contents
transmitted by broadcast waves and targeted to be
downloaded;
causing said reception apparatus to acquire file
attribute information set for each of the files of said
contents; and
causing said reception apparatus to control predetermined
operations on the files of said contents based on said
file attribute information acquired.
[Claim 12]
A program for causing a computer to function as:
a reception part configured to receive contents
transmitted by broadcast waves and targeted to be
downloaded;
a file attribute information acquisition part configured
to acquire file attribute information set for each of the
files of said contents; and
a control part configured to control predetermined
operations on the files of said contents based on said
file attribute information acquired.
[Claim 13]
A transmission apparatus comprising:
63
a setting part configured to set file attribute
information for each of the files of contents transmitted
by broadcast waves and targeted to be downloaded; and
a transmission part configured to transmit said contents
for which said file attribute information has been set,
using said broadcast waves.
[Claim 14]
A transmission method comprising:
setting file attribute information for each of the files
of contents transmitted by broadcast waves and targeted
to be downloaded; and
transmitting said contents for which said file attribute
information has been set, using said broadcast waves.