WO2009144798A1

WO2009144798A1 - Content broadcasting equipment, content broadcasting method, and content broadcasting program

Info

Publication number: WO2009144798A1
Application number: PCT/JP2008/059916
Authority: WO
Inventors: 規之鈴木; 充彦山本; 理恵衣笠
Original assignee: 富士通株式会社
Priority date: 2008-05-29
Filing date: 2008-05-29
Publication date: 2009-12-03
Also published as: JPWO2009144798A1; JP5018962B2

Abstract

On-demand broadcasting is realized wherein a frequency band is assigned to a requested content. Frequency band ID's are stored in server equipment in such a manner that one frequency band ID is made to correspond to one transmitter ID. When the server equipment receives a request for broadcasting from a broadcast receiving terminal, a frequency band which can be used for broadcasting contents to the broadcast receiving terminal which is the originator of the request for broadcasting is detected, and the detected frequency band is notified to the broadcast receiving terminal, and at the same time, the content related to the request for broadcasting is broadcast from a broadcast wave transmitter using this frequency band.

Description

Content broadcasting apparatus, content broadcasting method, and content broadcasting program

The present invention relates to a content broadcast apparatus, a content broadcast method, and a content broadcast program.

Conventionally, there is a technology for providing content by broadcast waves such as television and radio. This technology unilaterally broadcasts and provides content such as video and audio created by a broadcasting station, etc., and provides content according to individual user requests to individual receiving devices on demand. It is not a thing.

As a technology for providing on-demand content in response to individual user requests, there is a technique of distributing to a communication terminal via a communication network. The on-demand content distribution service via the communication network includes a content distribution server that receives a user request and performs the content distribution service. The content distribution server receives a content request from the user by Internet access or the like, and receives the content. Distribute (download).

In addition, as a technology of this communication network, one frequency band ID that is not used is selected and assigned to communication among frequency band IDs (channels) that identify frequency bands that can be used for communication. A technique for performing mobile communication is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

Then, using this communication network technology, based on a connection request from a communication terminal, a communication channel is assigned to this communication terminal to connect to the communication network, and a request is made by connecting to the content distribution server via this communication network ( By transmitting (content distribution request), it is possible to download and output the corresponding content from the content distribution server.

JP 2002-271830 A

However, there are problems to be solved in the content providing technology by communication described above. That is, when the mobile communication network technology is used, one channel number that is not yet used among all the channel numbers that can be used for communication for each communication terminal that is a communication connection unit and is a content distribution destination. Was selected and assigned. For this reason, even when the same content is sent to a plurality of communication terminals, in order to establish the plurality of communications, it is necessary to assign different channel numbers and perform communication control for each communication terminal. Therefore, even if the amount of communication is reduced by multicast or the like, there is a risk that the available bandwidth of the terminal communication network closest to these communication terminals may be compressed.

Further, for example, in a communication terminal that is charged according to the amount, charging is performed according to the amount of content data, which is a burden on the user.

Because of these problems, there has been a demand for technology that allows users to view content that has a particularly large amount of data without going through a communication network.

Therefore, the content broadcasting device, the content broadcasting method, and the content broadcasting program are made to solve the above-described problems, and a content broadcasting device that realizes on-demand broadcasting by assigning a frequency band to the requested content, It is an object to provide a content broadcasting method and a content broadcasting program.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a content broadcast apparatus, a content broadcast method, and a content broadcast program that allow a content receiving terminal to easily set the frequency band of this broadcast.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the disclosed content broadcasting apparatus is associated with a transmitter ID for identifying a broadcast wave transmitter that broadcasts predetermined content using a predetermined frequency band. Frequency band usage status storage means for storing a frequency band usage status including a frequency band ID for identifying at least one of the frequency bands that can be used or not usable for broadcasting by the broadcast wave transmitter; When a broadcast request for content is received from the broadcast receiving terminal, the frequency usable for broadcasting the content related to the broadcast request with reference to the frequency band usage status stored in the frequency band usage status storage means Search means for searching for a band, frequency band notification means for notifying the receiving terminal of the frequency band searched by the search means, and the frequency band notification means Using a frequency band that is known, characterized in that it comprises a broadcasting means for broadcasting a content according to the broadcast request from the broadcast wave transmitter.

In addition, the disclosed content broadcasting method associates with a transmitter ID for identifying a broadcast wave transmitter that broadcasts predetermined content using a predetermined frequency band, and broadcasts on the broadcast wave transmitter. A frequency band usage status storage step for storing in the storage unit a frequency band usage status including a frequency band ID for identifying at least one of the frequency bands that can be used or not usable; When a broadcast request is received, a search for searching for a frequency band that can be used for broadcasting the content according to the broadcast request with reference to the frequency band usage status stored in the storage unit by the frequency band usage status storage step A frequency band notifying step for notifying the receiving terminal of the frequency band searched by the searching step, and the frequency band notifying step. Wherein the computer and broadcasting step of broadcasting content related to the broadcast request using the frequency band notified from the broadcast wave transmitter is performed by.

Further, the disclosed content broadcast program associates with a transmitter ID for identifying a broadcast wave transmitter that broadcasts predetermined content using a predetermined frequency band, and broadcasts on the broadcast wave transmitter. A frequency band usage status storage procedure for storing in the storage unit a frequency band usage status including a frequency band ID for identifying at least one of the frequency bands that can be used or not, and the content of the content from the broadcast receiving terminal. When a broadcast request is accepted, a search for searching for a frequency band that can be used for broadcasting content related to the broadcast request is made by referring to the frequency band use state stored in the storage unit by the frequency band use state storage procedure The frequency band notification procedure for notifying the receiving terminal of the frequency band searched by the search procedure and the frequency band notification procedure Characterized in that to execute the broadcasting procedure of broadcast content according to the broadcast request using the wavebands from the broadcast wave transmitter to the computer.

According to the disclosed content broadcasting apparatus, content broadcasting method, and content broadcasting program, it is possible to realize on-demand broadcasting of content by allocating a unique frequency band to the requested content and broadcasting.

Also, it is possible to easily set the frequency band where the requested content is broadcast to the receiving terminal.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the content broadcasting system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the broadcast receiving terminal. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the output of the first menu data. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the output of the second menu data. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the output of confirmation data. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the broadcast wave transmitter. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the server apparatus. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of output of data stored in the frequency band usage situation database. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of output of data stored in the content database. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of output of data stored in the personal menu database. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of output of data stored in the transmitter area management table. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of output of data stored in the broadcast management database. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of output of data stored in the mid-view viewing availability table. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the broadcast receiving terminal. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the broadcast receiving terminal. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the broadcast receiving terminal. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the broadcast receiving terminal. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the broadcast wave transmitter. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the server apparatus. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the server device. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the server device. FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing by the content broadcasting system. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a computer that executes a content broadcast program.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Broadcast receiving terminal 110 Input part 120 Transmission part 130 Output part 140 Reception part 150 Storage part 160 Control part 161 Broadcast reception start part 162 Frequency band selection reception part 163 1st menu data output part 164 Terminal ID transmission part 165 2nd menu data Reception unit 166 Second menu data output unit 167 Broadcast request transmission unit 168 Confirmation data reception unit 169 Confirmation data output unit 170 Broadcast start instruction transmission unit 171 Frequency band change unit 172 Playback unit 173 Unusable data output unit 200 Broadcast wave transmitter 210 Input unit 220 Output unit 230 Storage unit 240 Control unit 241 Frequency band usage status detection unit 242 Frequency band usage status transmission unit 243 First menu data broadcast unit 244 Broadcast start unit 300 Server device 310 Input / output unit 320 Storage unit 321 Frequency band Usage database 322 Content database 323 Personal menu database 324 Transmitter area management table 325 Broadcast management database 326 Intermediary viewing availability table 330 Control unit 331 Frequency band usage status reception unit 332 Frequency band usage status storage unit 333 Free frequency band extraction unit 334 1 menu broadcast control unit 335 terminal data collection unit 336 second menu data generation unit 337 second menu data transmission unit 338 broadcast request reception unit 339 area extraction unit 340 area broadcast program extraction unit 341 content ID determination unit 342 reception time determination unit 343 Category data extraction unit 344 Mid-stream viewing availability determination unit 345 In-area transmitter extraction unit 346 Area free frequency band extraction unit 347 Free frequency band determination unit 348 Service unusable data transmission unit 349 Broadcast management database registration unit 350 Frequency band change command transmission unit 351 Broadcast start data reception unit 352 Content extraction unit 353 Content broadcast start instruction unit 354 Broadcast start time registration unit 400 Computer 410 Input unit 420 Output unit 430 ROM (Read Only Memory)
431 Menu data transmission program 432 Content ID determination program 433 Reception time determination program 434 Category data extraction program 435 Notification availability determination program 436 Area transmitter extraction program 437 Free frequency band extraction program 438 Frequency band change command transmission program 439 Content broadcast program 440 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
441 Menu data transmission process 442 Content ID determination process 443 Reception time determination process 444 Category data extraction process 445 Notification availability determination process 446 In-area transmitter extraction process 447 Free frequency band extraction process 448 Frequency band change command transmission process 449 Content broadcast process 450 HDD (Hard disk drive)
451 Frequency band usage status database 452 Content database 453 Personal menu database 454 Transmitter area management table 455 Broadcast management database 456 Intermediary viewing availability table 460 RAM (Random Access Memory)
461 Frequency band use status data 462 Content data 463 Personal menu data 464 Transmitter area data 465 Broadcast management data 466 Intermediary viewing availability data 470 Bus

Hereinafter, embodiments of a content broadcast apparatus, a content broadcast method, and a content broadcast program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, a content broadcasting system to which the present invention is applied will be described as an example.

In the following first embodiment, the outline of the content broadcasting system according to the first embodiment, the configuration of the content broadcasting system, and the flow of processing by the content broadcasting system will be described in order, and finally the effects of the first embodiment will be described.

[Outline of Content Broadcasting System According to Embodiment 1]
First, the outline of the content broadcasting system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the content broadcasting system according to the first embodiment.

The content broadcasting system according to the first embodiment includes a server device that broadcasts content, a broadcast wave transmitter that broadcasts content broadcast from the server device, and a broadcast receiving terminal that reproduces content included in the broadcast wave. Based on the user's request, the frequency band is allocated and the content is broadcast. Also, the frequency band where the requested content is broadcast is simply set in the broadcast receiving terminal.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the server device associates with a transmitter ID for identifying a broadcast wave transmitter and associates a frequency band such as a channel number for identifying each broadcast wave frequency band usable for broadcasting. Among the IDs, for example, since the detection level (noise) of the broadcast wave is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, an unused frequency band ID that can be used for broadcasting by the transmitter is stored.

Here, as shown in (1) of FIG. 1, when the server apparatus receives a broadcast request for content from the broadcast receiving terminal, the server apparatus may broadcast the content to the broadcast receiving terminal that has transmitted the broadcast request. A possible broadcast wave transmitter is specified, and all frequency band IDs corresponding to the transmitter ID of the specified broadcast wave transmitter are extracted from the stored frequency band IDs.

Subsequently, as shown in (2) of FIG. 1, the server device selects one frequency band ID from the extracted all frequency band IDs and notifies the broadcast receiving terminal of it.

Then, as shown in (3) of FIG. 1, the server device broadcasts the content related to the broadcast request from the broadcast wave transmitter using the frequency band identified by the frequency band ID.

For this reason, the content broadcasting system according to the first embodiment can implement on-demand broadcasting by assigning a frequency band to the requested content. Further, it is possible to easily set a frequency band ID such as a channel number on which the requested content is broadcast to the broadcast receiving terminal.

[Content broadcasting system configuration]
(Configuration of broadcast receiving terminal)
First, the configuration of the broadcast receiving terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the broadcast receiving terminal 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the output of the first menu data. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the output of the second menu data. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the output of confirmation data. As shown in FIG. 2, the broadcast receiving terminal 100 (for example, a mobile phone) includes an input unit 110, a transmission unit 120, an output unit 130, a reception unit 140, a storage unit 150, and a control unit 160.

The input unit 110 is controlled by the control unit 160 and receives input of various data. For example, the input unit 110 includes a switch, a selection button, and the like, and transmits various instructions to the control unit 160 when the user presses the switch.

The transmission unit 120 is controlled by the control unit 160 and outputs various data. For example, the transmission unit 120 transmits the content ID requested by the user to the server device 300.

The output unit 130 is controlled by the control unit 160 and outputs various data. For example, the output unit 130 includes a monitor and a display and outputs content.

The receiving unit 140 is controlled by the control unit 160 and receives various data. For example, the receiving unit 140 receives a carrier wave carrying content and transmits the content to the control unit 160. In addition, the reception unit 140 receives the frequency band ID from the server device 300 and transmits it to the control unit 160.

The storage unit 150 is controlled by the control unit 160 and stores data and programs necessary for various processes performed by the control unit 160. For example, the storage unit 150 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and stores a reproduction program for reproducing content.

The control unit 160 has an internal memory for storing a control program, a program defining various processing procedures, and required data, and executes various processing controls. In particular, the control unit 160 includes a broadcast reception start unit 161, a frequency band input reception unit 162, a first menu data output unit 163, a terminal ID transmission unit 164, a second menu data reception unit 165, a second menu data output unit 166, It has a broadcast request transmission unit 167, a confirmation data reception unit 168, a confirmation data output unit 169, a broadcast start instruction transmission unit 170, a frequency band change unit 171, a reproduction unit 172, and a service unavailable data output unit 173.

The broadcast reception start unit 161 starts receiving broadcast waves. Specifically, when a button (start button) assigned to the input unit 110 to which a function for inputting broadcast viewing start is assigned is pressed down by the user, the broadcast reception start unit 161 is pressed via the reception unit 140. Start receiving broadcast waves.

The frequency band input reception unit 162 receives selection input of a frequency band ID such as a channel number by the user. Further, the first menu data output unit 163 outputs the first menu data to the output unit 130.

Specifically, the frequency band input reception unit 162 receives a selection input of a frequency band ID of a frequency band that the user desires to receive via the input unit 110.

When the first menu data output unit 163 receives a selection input via the input unit 110 of a frequency band ID such as a channel number corresponding to the first menu data, the first menu data output unit 163 outputs the first menu data via the reception unit 140. It receives and outputs to the output part 130 (refer FIG. 3).

Here, the first menu data is data output when the use of the content broadcasting service is started.

Although not described individually, what is described as data and content in this embodiment is data that can be processed by a computer, such as BML (Broadcast Markup Language), images, characters, and voices.

The terminal ID transmission unit 164 transmits a terminal ID for identifying the broadcast receiving terminal 100 to the server device 300. Specifically, the terminal ID transmission unit 164 inputs a selection input of a button (“My channel” button) assigned to the selection input of “My channel” in the first menu data output from the output unit 130. When received via the unit 110, the terminal ID for identifying the broadcast receiving terminal 100 is transmitted to the server device 300 via the transmission unit 120.

The second menu data receiving unit 165 receives second menu data from the server device 300. The second menu data output unit 166 outputs the second menu data to the output unit 130.

Specifically, when the second menu data output unit 166 receives the second menu data from the server device 300 via the reception unit 140 by the second menu data reception unit 165, the second menu data output unit 166 receives the received second menu data. It outputs to the output part 130 (refer FIG. 4).

Here, the second menu data is data used for allowing the user to easily select content desired to be broadcast.

The broadcast request transmission unit 167 transmits a content broadcast request. Specifically, when the broadcast request transmission unit 167 receives a selection input of a button (selection button for each content) assigned to the content selection input in the second menu data via the input unit 110, the broadcast request transmission unit 167 actually The transmitter ID of the broadcast wave transmitter 200 that broadcasts the received broadcast wave is acquired.

Then, the broadcast request transmission unit 167 associates the acquired transmitter ID, the content ID of the selected content, and the terminal ID of the broadcast receiving terminal 100, and sends the content request via the transmission unit 120 as a content broadcast request. To the server device 300.

Note that, as a method of transmitting data from the broadcast receiving terminal 100 to the server device 300 based on the received data such as the first menu data and the second menu data, the following methods are conceivable.

For example, a method using a link tag can be considered. A link tag is inserted into a “My channel” button as shown in FIG. 3 and a button (character string itself) for accepting a selection input such as content and menu shown in FIG. When the control unit 160 accepts the selection input of the button via the input unit 110, data such as a broadcast request and a response is transmitted to the server device 300 via the transmission unit 120. It can be used when display output data such as an image is used.

Also, for example, a method of assigning any switch or selection button of the input unit 110 as the selection input button is also conceivable. When the assigned arbitrary switch or selection button is pressed, data for realizing a function of sending necessary data to the server device 300 and video and audio data for the assignment are included in the data of the first menu. When the control unit 160 accepts pressing of any assigned switch or selection button via the input unit 110, the terminal ID is transmitted to the server device 300 via the transmission unit 120. It can also be used when using output data that does not depend on vision such as audio.

Note that the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and any technique may be used as long as data can be transmitted to the server apparatus 300 based on the received data. The same applies to the case where data is transmitted to the server apparatus 300 based on other received data described below.

The confirmation data receiving unit 168 receives confirmation data for allowing the broadcast receiving terminal 100 to easily set a frequency band identified by a frequency band ID such as a channel number on which the requested content is broadcast. Further, the confirmation data output unit 169 outputs confirmation data to the output unit 130.

Specifically, the confirmation data output unit 169 receives the confirmation received when the confirmation data receiving unit 168 receives the first confirmation data or the second confirmation data from the server device 300 via the reception unit 140. Data is output to the output unit 130 (see FIG. 5).

As described above, the buttons assigned for the positive selection input (“OK” button) in the first confirmation data and the second confirmation data are extracted by the server device 300. Data such as a link tag for realizing the function of passing the frequency band ID to the frequency band changing unit 171 described later may be inserted in association with this button.

The broadcast start instruction transmission unit 170 transmits an instruction to start broadcasting a program to the server device 300. Specifically, when the selection input of the button “OK” in the second confirmation data is received via the input unit 110, the broadcast start instruction transmission unit 170 identifies the broadcast receiving terminal 100. A broadcast start instruction including the terminal ID is transmitted to the server apparatus 300 via the transmission unit 120.

The frequency band changing unit 171 changes the frequency band to be received. Specifically, when the selection input of the button “OK” in the first confirmation data or the second confirmation data is received via the input unit 110, the frequency band changing unit 171 responds to this button. The frequency band of the broadcast wave received by the receiving unit 140 is changed to the frequency band identified by the inserted frequency band ID.

The playback unit 172 plays back content. Specifically, the reproduction unit 172 receives a broadcast wave in the frequency band identified by the frequency band ID changed by the frequency band change unit 171 via the reception unit 140 and is included in the received broadcast wave. The content is reproduced on the output unit 130.

Service unusable data output unit 173 outputs service unusable data to output unit 130. Specifically, when the service unusable data output unit 173 receives service unusable data including data such as an image, a character string, and sound indicating that the content broadcast service cannot be used from the server device 300 via the receiving unit 140. The received service unavailability data is output to the output unit 130.

(Configuration of broadcast wave transmitter)
Next, the configuration of the broadcast wave transmitter 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the broadcast wave transmitter 200. As shown in FIG. 6, the broadcast wave transmitter 200 includes an input unit 210, an output unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a control unit 240.

The input unit 210 accepts input of various data. For example, the input unit 210 has one or a plurality of ports and receives content from the server device 300.

The output unit 220 outputs various data. For example, the output unit 220 has an antenna or the like and broadcasts a broadcast wave carrying content.

The storage unit 230 stores data and programs necessary for various processes performed by the control unit 240. For example, the storage unit 230 includes a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and stores a broadcast program for broadcasting content.

The control unit 240 has an internal memory for storing a control program, a program that defines various processing procedures, and necessary data, and executes various processes using these. In particular, the control unit 240 includes a frequency band usage status detection unit 241, a frequency band usage status transmission unit 242, a first menu data broadcast unit 243, and a broadcast start unit 244.

The frequency band usage status detection unit 241 detects a frequency band ID that is not used for broadcasting, among frequency band IDs such as channel numbers for identifying frequency bands of broadcast waves that can be used for broadcasting.

Specifically, the frequency band usage status detection unit 241 uses a public broadcast antenna (not shown) or a broadcast in a frequency band that can be used for broadcasting by the broadcast wave transmitter 200 by channel seek or the like every time a certain time elapses. A broadcast wave broadcast from the wave transmitter 200 or another broadcast wave transmitter 200 is received, and a frequency band already used for broadcasting is detected as a busy frequency band. And the frequency band use condition detection part 241 detects the frequency band except the frequency band of the detected frequency band as an empty frequency band.

The frequency band usage status transmission unit 242 transmits the frequency band ID of the free frequency band detected by the frequency band usage status detection unit 241 to the server device 300. Specifically, the frequency band usage status transmission unit 242 obtains a transmitter ID for identifying each broadcast wave transmitter 200 and a frequency band ID of an empty frequency band detected by the frequency band usage status detection unit 241. Correspondingly, it is transmitted to the server apparatus 300 as frequency band usage status data.

The first menu data broadcasting unit 243 broadcasts a broadcast wave carrying the first menu data. Specifically, when the first menu data broadcasting unit 243 receives a command for broadcasting the first menu data including the frequency band ID and the first menu data from the server device 300, the first menu data broadcasting unit 243 is included in the command. The first menu data is broadcast in the frequency band identified by the current frequency band ID.

Broadcast start unit 244 broadcasts content related to a broadcast request. Specifically, when the broadcast start unit 244 receives a command for broadcasting content including the frequency band ID and the content from the server device 300, the frequency identified by the frequency band ID included in the command. Broadcast content on the band.

(Configuration of server device)
Next, the configuration of the server apparatus 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the server device 300. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of output of data stored in the frequency band usage situation database. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of output of data stored in the content database. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of output of data stored in the personal menu database. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of output of data stored in the transmitter area management table. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of output of data stored in the broadcast management database. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of output of data stored in the mid-view viewing availability table.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the server device 300 includes an input / output unit 310, a storage unit 320, and a control unit 330.

The input / output unit 310 inputs / outputs various data. For example, the input / output unit 310 has one or a plurality of ports and transmits content to the broadcast wave transmitter 200. Further, the input / output unit 310 notifies the broadcast receiving terminal 100 of the frequency band ID.

The storage unit 320 stores data and programs necessary for various processes performed by the control unit 330. In particular, the storage unit 320 includes a frequency band usage status database 321, a content database 322, a personal menu database 323, a transmitter area management table 324, a broadcast management database 325, and a halfway viewing availability table 326.

The frequency band usage status database 321 is also referred to as frequency band ID storage means. The content database 322 is also referred to as category data storage means. The transmitter area management table 324 is also referred to as location data storage means. The broadcast management database 325 is also referred to as content data storage means. Further, the halfway viewing availability table 326 is also referred to as notification availability data storage means.

The frequency band usage situation database 321 is associated with a transmitter ID for identifying the broadcast wave transmitter 200 that broadcasts the content on the broadcast wave, and the available frequency that can be used for broadcasting by the broadcast wave transmitter 200 The band ID is stored.

More specifically, as an example, the frequency band usage database 321 stores a free frequency band ID in association with the transmitter ID, as shown in FIG.

The content database 322 stores category data that identifies content categories in association with content IDs for identifying content.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the content database 322 is associated with the content ID, as shown in FIG. 9, and the content title (for example, “first menu” or “movie 1”) and the category data. (For example, “menu” or “movie”) and file data for specifying content are stored.

The personal menu database 323 stores a category of content that is likely to be viewed by the user in association with a terminal ID for identifying the broadcast receiving terminal 100. Specifically, an example of output will be described. The personal menu database 323 stores category data (for example, movies and music videos) in association with the terminal ID as shown in FIG.

The transmitter area management table 324 stores an area ID uniquely assigned to an area where each broadcast wave transmitter 200 can broadcast content in association with the transmitter ID. Specifically, the transmitter area management table 324 stores an area ID in association with the transmitter ID, as shown in FIG.

The broadcast management database 325 is associated with the transmitter ID and is currently broadcast using the broadcast frequency band ID for identifying the frequency band currently being broadcast by each broadcast wave transmitter 100 and the broadcast frequency band ID. The content ID for uniquely identifying the content being stored is stored. In addition, the broadcast management database 325 stores a start time when broadcasting of each content is started in association with the content ID.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the broadcast management database 325 includes a broadcast frequency band ID, a content ID, an IP address, and a start time in association with the transmitter ID, as shown in FIG. Remember.

The halfway viewing availability table 326 stores halfway viewing availability data indicating whether or not to notify the use frequency band ID in association with the category data. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the mid-stream viewing permission / inhibition table 326 is “possible” indicating that the broadcast frequency band ID should be notified in association with the category data, as shown in FIG. Stores “impossible” indicating that the middle frequency band ID should not be notified.

The control unit 330 has an internal memory for storing a control program, a program defining various processing procedures, and necessary data, and executes various processes using these. In particular, the control unit 330 includes a frequency band usage status reception unit 331, a frequency band usage status storage unit 332, an empty frequency band extraction unit 333, a first menu broadcast control unit 334, a terminal data collection unit 335, and a second menu data generation unit. 336, second menu data transmission unit 337, broadcast request reception unit 338, area extraction unit 339, area broadcast program extraction unit 340, content ID determination unit 341, reception time determination unit 342, category data extraction unit 343, halfway viewing availability determination 344, in-area transmitter extraction unit 345, area vacant frequency band extraction unit 346, vacant frequency band determination unit 347, service unavailable data transmission unit 348, broadcast management database registration unit 349, frequency band change command transmission unit 350, broadcast Start data reception unit 351, content extraction unit 352, content broadcast start instruction unit 53 and a broadcast start time registration unit 354.

The content ID determination unit 341 is also referred to as content data determination means. The reception time determination unit 342 is also referred to as reception time determination means. The category data extraction unit 343 is also referred to as category data extraction means. The mid-stream viewing availability determination unit 344 is also referred to as notification availability determination means. The in-area transmitter extracting unit 345 is also referred to as a broadcast wave transmitter specifying unit. The area free frequency band extraction unit 346 is also referred to as frequency band ID extraction means. The frequency band change command transmission unit 350 is also referred to as a frequency band ID notifying unit and a frequency band ID notifying unit such as a used channel number. The content broadcast start instruction unit 353 is also referred to as content broadcast means.

The frequency band usage status reception unit 331 receives frequency band usage status data from the broadcast wave transmitter 200. The frequency band usage status storage unit 332 stores the frequency band usage status data in the frequency band usage status database 321.

Specifically, the frequency band usage status storage unit 332 includes a frequency band including a transmitter ID and a frequency band ID from the broadcast wave transmitter 200 by the frequency band usage status reception unit 331 via the input / output unit 310. When the usage status data is received, the frequency band ID is stored in the frequency band usage status database 321 in association with the received transmitter ID.

The free frequency band extraction unit 333 extracts a frequency band ID for each transmitter ID stored in the frequency band usage situation database 321.

Specifically, when the frequency band ID is stored by the frequency band usage status storage unit 332, the free frequency band extraction unit 333 selects one frequency band ID from the stored frequency band IDs, and selects the frequency band ID. The selected frequency band ID and the transmitter ID corresponding to the selected frequency band ID are extracted from the frequency band usage situation database 321.

The first menu broadcast control unit 334 controls each broadcast wave transmitter 200 to broadcast the first menu data. Specifically, the first menu broadcast control unit 334 transmits the selected frequency band ID and the first frequency band ID to the broadcast wave transmitter 200 identified by the transmitter ID extracted by the empty frequency band extraction unit 333. A command for broadcasting the first menu data including the menu data is transmitted via the input / output unit 310.

The terminal data collection unit 335 receives the terminal ID. Specifically, when the terminal data collection unit 335 receives the terminal ID from the broadcast receiving terminal 100 via the input / output unit 310, the terminal data collection unit 335 extracts the category data corresponding to the received terminal ID from the personal menu database 323. .

The second menu data generation unit 336 generates second menu data. Specifically, the second menu data generation unit 336 generates second menu data including the category data extracted by the terminal data collection unit 335.

The second menu data transmission unit 337 transmits the second menu data. Specifically, the second menu data transmission unit 337 inputs the second menu data generated by the second menu data generation unit 336 to the broadcast receiving terminal 100 having the terminal ID received by the terminal data collection unit 335. The data is transmitted via the output unit 310.

The broadcast request receiving unit 338 receives a content broadcast request. Specifically, the broadcast request receiving unit 338 receives a broadcast request for content including the transmitter ID, the content ID, and the terminal ID from the broadcast receiving terminal 100 via the input / output unit 310.

The area extraction unit 339 extracts an area ID corresponding to the transmitter ID included in the broadcast request. Specifically, the area extraction unit 339 extracts an area ID corresponding to the transmitter ID accepted by the broadcast request reception unit 338 from the transmitter area management table 324.

The area broadcast program extraction unit 340 extracts the content ID from the broadcast management database 325. Specifically, the area broadcast program extraction unit 340 extracts each transmitter ID corresponding to the area ID extracted by the area extraction unit 339 from the transmitter area management table 324. Then, the area broadcast program extraction unit 340 extracts each content ID corresponding to each extracted transmitter ID from the broadcast management database 325.

The content ID determination unit 341 determines whether or not the content ID included in the broadcast request is stored in the broadcast management database 325 in association with each transmitter ID extracted by the area broadcast program extraction unit 340. .

Specifically, the content ID determination unit 341 associates each content ID extracted by the area broadcast program extraction unit 340 with the content ID received by the broadcast request reception unit 338, and stores the content ID in the broadcast management database 325. It is determined whether or not the content ID included in the broadcast request is stored.

The reception time determination unit 342 extracts the start time stored in the broadcast management database 325 in association with the content ID included in the broadcast request, and broadcasts within a specified time specified in advance from the extracted start time. Determine whether the request has been accepted.

Specifically, the reception time determination unit 342 broadcasts when the content ID determination unit 341 obtains a determination result indicating that the content ID included in the broadcast request is stored in the broadcast management database 325. The start time corresponding to the content ID included in the request is extracted from the broadcast management database 325. Then, the reception time determination unit 342 determines whether or not a broadcast request has been received within a predetermined time specified in advance from the extracted start time.

The category data extraction unit 343 extracts category data corresponding to the content ID included in the broadcast request from the content database 322. Specifically, the category data extraction unit 343 corresponds to the content ID included in the broadcast request when the reception time determination unit 342 obtains a determination result indicating that the broadcast request has been received after the specified time. Category data is extracted from the content database 322.

The mid-stream viewing availability determination unit 344 determines whether or not to notify the frequency band ID. Specifically, the mid-stream viewing availability determination unit 344 refers to the mid-stream viewing availability stored in the mid-stream viewing availability table 326 in association with the category data extracted by the category data extraction unit 343, and notifies the frequency band ID. Determine whether or not to do so.

The in-area transmitter extraction unit 345 extracts, from the transmitter area management table 324, each transmitter ID associated with the same area ID as the area ID corresponding to the transmitter ID included in the broadcast request, and extracts it. Each broadcast wave transmitter 200 corresponding to each transmitted transmitter ID is identified as a broadcast wave transmitter 200 capable of broadcasting content.

Specifically, the in-area transmitter extraction unit 345 determines whether or not the content ID determination unit 341 has determined that the content ID included in the broadcast request is not stored, or the mid-stream viewing availability determination unit. When a determination result indicating that a frequency band ID such as a channel number in use should not be notified is obtained by 344, each transmitter ID corresponding to the area ID extracted by the area extraction unit 339 is transmitted to the transmitter area management table. Extract from 324.

The area free frequency band extraction unit 346 selects all frequency band IDs corresponding to the transmitter IDs extracted by the in-area transmitter extraction unit 345 from the frequency band IDs stored in the frequency band usage situation database 321. Extract. Then, the area vacant frequency band extraction unit 346 selects and extracts one frequency band ID from the extracted all frequency band IDs.

The free frequency band determination unit 347 determines whether or not there is a free frequency band. Specifically, the free frequency band determination unit 347 determines whether or not the frequency band ID is extracted by the area free frequency band extraction unit 346.

The service unusable data transmission unit 348 displays an image or character string indicating that the content broadcast service cannot be used when the determination result that the frequency band ID is not extracted is obtained by the free frequency band determination unit 347. And service unusable data including data such as voice. Then, the service unavailable data transmitting unit 348 transmits the service unavailable data to the broadcast receiving terminal 100 having the terminal ID received by the broadcast request receiving unit 338 via the input / output unit 310.

The broadcast management database registration unit 349 registers the frequency band ID and the content ID in the broadcast management database 325. Specifically, the broadcast management database registration unit 349 adds the broadcast request reception unit 338 to the broadcast management database 325 when the determination result that the frequency band ID is extracted by the free frequency band determination unit 347 is obtained. In association with the received transmitter ID, the frequency band ID extracted by the area free frequency band extraction unit 346 is registered as the broadcast frequency band ID, and the content ID and terminal ID received by the broadcast request reception unit 338 are registered. Register.

The frequency band change command transmission unit 350 transmits the frequency band ID to the broadcast receiving terminal 100.

Specifically, the frequency band change command transmission unit 350 receives a determination result indicating that the broadcast request has been received within a specified time by the reception time determination unit 342 or is being broadcast by the mid-view viewing permission determination unit 344. When the determination result indicating that the frequency band ID should be notified is obtained, the broadcast frequency band ID corresponding to the content ID included in the broadcast request is extracted from the broadcast management database 325.

Then, the frequency band change command transmission unit 350 includes the first frequency band change command for changing the frequency band of the received broadcast wave to the frequency band identified by the extracted broadcast frequency band ID. The confirmation data is transmitted to the broadcast receiving terminal 100 identified by the terminal ID received by the broadcast request receiving unit 338 via the transmitting unit 310.

Also, the frequency band change command transmission unit 350 is extracted by the area free frequency band extraction unit 346 when the frequency band ID and the content ID are registered in the broadcast management database 325 by the broadcast management database registration unit 349. The second confirmation data including the frequency band change command for changing the frequency band of the received broadcast wave is included in the frequency band identified by the frequency band ID, and the terminal ID received by the broadcast request receiving unit 338 is included. It transmits to the broadcast receiving terminal 100 via the transmission unit 310.

The broadcast start data receiving unit 351 receives an instruction to start broadcasting a program from the broadcast receiving terminal 100. Specifically, when the broadcast start data receiving unit 351 receives a broadcast start instruction including the transmitter ID from the broadcast receiving terminal 100, the transmitter ID corresponding to the received terminal ID, the content ID, and the broadcast frequency The band ID is extracted from the broadcast management database 325.

The content extraction unit 352 extracts content related to the broadcast request. Specifically, the content extraction unit 352 extracts file data corresponding to the content ID extracted by the broadcast start data reception unit 351 from the content database 322. Then, the content extraction unit 352 extracts the content from the storage unit 330 based on the extracted file data.

The content broadcast start instructing unit 353 transmits an instruction to start broadcasting the content related to the broadcast request to the broadcast wave transmitter 200. Specifically, the content broadcast start instructing unit 353 uses the broadcast wave data transmitter 200 to which the transmitter ID extracted by the broadcast start data reception unit 351 has been assigned, extracted by the broadcast start data reception unit 351. A command for broadcasting the content including the frequency band ID such as the middle channel number and the content extracted by the content extraction unit 352 is transmitted via the input / output unit 310.

The broadcast start time registration unit 354 registers the broadcast start time in the broadcast management database 325. Specifically, the broadcast start time registering unit 354 transmits the transmission extracted in the broadcast management database 325 by the broadcast start data receiving unit 351 when a command for broadcasting the content is transmitted by the content broadcast start instructing unit 353. In association with the machine ID, the time when the command for broadcasting the content is transmitted is registered as the start time.

[Processing by content broadcasting system]
(Processing by broadcast receiving terminal)
Next, processing by the content broadcasting system will be described. First, processing performed by the broadcast receiving terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing by the broadcast receiving terminal.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the start button is pushed down by the user (Yes in step S1001), the broadcast receiving terminal 100 receives an input of a frequency band ID such as a channel number by the user (step S1002).

Here, when the broadcast receiving terminal 100 receives a frequency band ID other than the frequency band ID corresponding to the first menu data (No at step S1003), the broadcast receiving terminal 100 converts the broadcast wave in the frequency band identified by this frequency band ID. The included data is output (step S1004).

On the other hand, when receiving the frequency band ID corresponding to the first menu data (Yes at Step S1003), the broadcast receiving terminal 100 outputs the first menu data (Step S1005).

Subsequently, when the button “My channel” is selected (Yes in step S1006), the broadcast receiving terminal 100 transmits a terminal ID to the server apparatus 300 based on the data inserted in association with the “My channel” button. (Step S1007).

After that, when receiving the second menu data from the server device 300 (Yes at Step S1008), the broadcast receiving terminal 100 outputs the second menu data (Step S1009).

Here, when content is selected (Yes in step S1010), the broadcast receiving terminal 100 transmits the transmitter ID, content ID, and terminal ID of the broadcast wave transmitter 200 that is broadcasting the currently received broadcast wave. Are transmitted to the server apparatus 300 as a broadcast request (step S1011).

After transmitting the broadcast request, when receiving the first confirmation data from the server device 300 (step S1012), the broadcast receiving terminal 100 outputs the first confirmation data as shown in FIG. 15 (step S1013). ).

Here, when a button other than the button “OK” is selected in the first confirmation data (No in step S1014), the broadcast receiving terminal 100 outputs the second menu data again (step S1009).

On the other hand, when the button “OK” is selected in the first confirmation data (Yes in step S1014), the broadcast receiving terminal 100 is identified by the frequency band ID inserted in association with the “OK” button. The frequency band of the broadcast wave to be received is changed to the frequency band to be received (step S1015), the content included in the broadcast wave of the changed frequency band is reproduced (step S1016), and the process ends.

When the second confirmation data is received from the server device 300 after transmitting the broadcast request (step S1017), the broadcast receiving terminal 100 outputs the second confirmation data as shown in FIG. Step S1018).

Here, when a button other than the button “OK” is selected in the second confirmation data (No in step S1019), the broadcast receiving terminal 100 outputs the second menu data again (step S1009).

On the other hand, when the button “OK” is selected in the second confirmation data (Yes in step S1019), the broadcast receiving terminal 100 determines the terminal ID based on the data inserted in association with the “OK” button. Is transmitted to the server apparatus 300 (step S1020).

Subsequently, the broadcast receiving terminal 100 changes the frequency band of the received broadcast wave to the frequency band identified by the frequency band ID inserted in association with the “OK” button (step S1021), and changes to the broadcast wave. The contained content is reproduced (step S1022), and the process ends.

In addition, after receiving the broadcast request, when the service unavailable data is received from the server device 300 (step S1023), the broadcast receiving terminal 100 outputs the received service unavailable data as shown in FIG. (Step S1024), the process ends.

(Processing by broadcast wave transmitter)
Next, processing by the broadcast wave transmitter 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the broadcast wave transmitter 200.

As shown in FIG. 18, the broadcast wave transmitter 200 detects a frequency band ID that is not used for broadcasting (step S2002) when a certain period of time has elapsed (step S2001 affirmative), and uses the detected frequency band ID as a frequency. It is transmitted to the server device 300 as band usage status data (step S2003).

Thereafter, when receiving a command for broadcasting the first menu data (Yes in step S2004), the broadcast wave transmitter 200 broadcasts the first menu data in the frequency band identified by the frequency band ID included in the command. (Step S2005).

Thereafter, when receiving a command for broadcasting the content (Yes at Step S2006), the broadcast wave transmitter 200 broadcasts the content in the frequency band identified by the frequency band ID included in the command (Step S2007). The process ends.

(Processing by server device)
Next, processing performed by the server apparatus 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing by the server device.

As shown in FIG. 19, when receiving frequency band usage status data from broadcast wave transmitter 200 (Yes in step S3001), server apparatus 300 stores this frequency band usage status data in frequency band usage status database 321 (step S3001). S3002).

Subsequently, the server device 300 extracts a frequency band ID for each transmitter ID (step S3003), and transmits a command for broadcasting the first menu data to the broadcast wave transmitter 200 (step S3004). .

Thereafter, when the server device 300 receives the terminal ID from the broadcast receiving terminal 100 (Yes in step S3005), the server device 300 extracts category data corresponding to the received terminal ID from the personal menu database 323 (step S3006).

Subsequently, the server device 300 generates second menu data including the extracted category data (step S3007), and transmits the second menu data to the broadcast receiving terminal 100 (step S3008).

Then, as shown in FIG. 20, when the server apparatus 300 accepts a content broadcast request (Yes at step S3009), the server apparatus 300 extracts an area ID corresponding to the transmitter ID included in the broadcast request (step S3010). Each content ID of each transmitter ID corresponding to the area ID is extracted (step S3011).

Subsequently, the server apparatus 300 determines whether the content is being broadcast based on whether or not the content ID included in the broadcast request is stored in the broadcast management database 325 (step S3012).

Here, when a determination result indicating that the content ID included in the broadcast request is stored is obtained (Yes in step S3012), the server apparatus 300 stores the content ID in the broadcast management database 325 in association with the content ID. It is determined whether or not a broadcast request has been received within a prescribed time that is prescribed in advance from the designated start time (step S3013).

Here, when a determination result indicating that the time is within a predetermined time specified in advance is obtained (Yes in step S3013), the server apparatus 300 is further performing a broadcast that is stored in association with the broadcast management database 325. First confirmation data including a frequency band change command for changing to the frequency band identified by the frequency band ID is transmitted to the broadcast receiving terminal 100 (step S3014), and the process ends.

If a determination result indicating that the time is not within the prescribed time specified in advance is obtained (No in step S3013), the server device 300 extracts category data corresponding to the content ID included in the broadcast request (step S3015). ), It is determined whether or not the broadcast frequency band ID should be notified with reference to mid-stream viewing availability (step S3016).

Here, when the determination result indicating that the broadcast frequency band ID should be notified is obtained (Yes in step S3016), the server apparatus 300 includes a frequency band change command for changing to the broadcast frequency band ID. The first confirmation data is transmitted to the broadcast receiving terminal 100 (step S3014), and the process ends.

In addition, when a determination result indicating that the content ID included in the broadcast request is not stored in the broadcast management database 325 is obtained (No in step S3012), or determination that the broadcast frequency band ID should not be notified When the result is obtained (No at Step S3016), the server device 300 extracts each transmitter ID corresponding to the area ID as shown in FIG. 21 (Step S3017).

Subsequently, the server apparatus 300 extracts one frequency band ID from the frequency band IDs corresponding to the extracted transmitter IDs (step S3018).

Here, when the frequency band ID is not extracted (No at Step S3019), the server device 300 transmits service unusable data to the broadcast receiving terminal 100 (Step S3020), and ends the process.

On the other hand, when the frequency band ID is extracted (Yes in step S3019), the frequency band ID extracted in association with the transmitter ID is registered as the broadcast frequency band ID, and the content ID and the terminal ID are associated. At the same time, it is registered in the broadcast management database 325 (step S3021).

Subsequently, the server device 300 transmits second confirmation data including a frequency band change command for changing to the frequency band identified by the extracted frequency band ID to the broadcast receiving terminal 100. (Step S3022).

Thereafter, when the server apparatus 300 receives a broadcast start instruction including the terminal ID from the broadcast receiving terminal 100 (Yes in step S3023), the transmitter ID corresponding to the received terminal ID, the content ID, and the broadcast ID are received from the broadcast management database 325. The frequency band ID is extracted (step S3024), and the content is extracted from the content database 451 (step S3025).

Subsequently, the server device 300 transmits a command for broadcasting the content including the frequency band ID and the content to the broadcast wave transmitter 200 (step S3026), and transmits the broadcast wave to the broadcast management database 325. The transmitter ID is further registered in association with the transmitter ID (step S3027), and the process ends.

(Processing by content broadcasting system)
Next, data exchanged between the broadcast receiving terminal 100, the broadcast wave transmitter 200, and the server device 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing by the content broadcasting system.

As shown in FIG. 22, the broadcast wave transmitter 200 transmits the frequency band ID to the server device 300 (steps S2001 to S2003).

The server apparatus 300 that has received the frequency band ID from the broadcast wave transmitter 200 transmits a command for broadcasting the first menu data to the broadcast wave transmitter 200 (steps S3001 to S3004).

The broadcast wave transmitter 200 that has received a command for broadcasting the first menu data from the server device 300 broadcasts the first menu data (step S2004, step S2005).

The broadcast receiving terminal 100 that has received the first menu data broadcast from the broadcast wave transmitter 200 transmits the terminal ID to the server device 300 (steps S1001 to S1007).

The server apparatus 300 that has received the terminal ID from the broadcast receiving terminal 100 transmits the second menu data to the broadcast receiving terminal 100 (steps S3005 to S3008).

The broadcast receiving terminal 100 that has received the second menu data from the server device 300 transmits a broadcast request to the server device 300 (steps S1008 to S1011).

The server apparatus 300 that has received a broadcast request from the broadcast receiving terminal 100 includes first confirmation data (steps S3009 to S3016) including a frequency band change command for changing the received frequency band to a frequency band for broadcasting content. ), Service unusable data (steps S3009 to S3020) or second confirmation data including a frequency band change command for changing the received frequency band to a frequency band for broadcasting content (steps S3009 to S3022). ) Transmit to the broadcast receiving terminal 100.

The broadcast receiving terminal 100 that has received the first confirmation data from the server device 300 receives content that has already started broadcasting from the broadcast wave transmitter 200 (steps S1012 to S1016).

Also, the broadcast receiving terminal 100 that has received the second confirmation data from the server device 300 transmits a broadcast start instruction to the server device 300 (steps S1017 to S1020).

The server apparatus 300 that has received the broadcast start instruction from the broadcast receiving terminal 100 transmits a command for broadcasting the content to the broadcast wave transmitter 200 (steps S3023 to S3026).

The broadcast wave transmitter 200 that has received a command for broadcasting content from the server device 300 broadcasts the content (steps S2006 and S2007).

The broadcast receiving terminal 100 that has transmitted a broadcast start instruction to the server apparatus 300 receives content for which broadcasting has been newly started from the broadcast wave transmitter 200 (steps S1021 and S1022).

[Effect of Example 1]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, on-demand broadcasting is realized by assigning a frequency band to the requested content. Further, it is possible to easily set the frequency band in which the requested content is broadcast.
For example, the content broadcasting system according to the first embodiment can realize on-demand broadcasting because the server apparatus 300 transmits the frequency band ID for broadcasting the requested content to the broadcast transmitter 200.
Further, since the frequency band ID for broadcasting the requested content is transmitted to the broadcast receiving terminal 100, the server device 300 can easily set the frequency band in which the requested content is broadcast.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the broadcast wave transmitter 200 that can broadcast content to an area with a broadcast wave transmitter 200 that broadcasts content to one broadcast wave transmitter 200. Since the transmitter 200 is specified, it is possible to increase the possibility that the content can be broadcast, and it is possible to realize a content broadcast service using broadcast waves that is highly convenient for the user.

Further, according to the first embodiment, since the user is notified of the channel in use, it is possible to prevent the same content from being broadcast at the same time, and to effectively use the empty channel.

Further, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to avoid a risk that the user can view the content only from the middle.

Further, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the same content from being broadcast at the same time with respect to content in a category (for example, news, music video, etc.) that can be viewed from the middle. It is.

Now, although the first embodiment has been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiments. Therefore, another embodiment will be described below as a second embodiment.

For example, the processing procedure, control procedure, specific name, data including various data and parameters shown in the document and drawings according to the first embodiment (for example, the output data shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and the data shown in FIGS. The stored data shown in FIG. 13 and the like can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

Also, each component of each illustrated apparatus is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed or arbitrarily distributed in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured. For example, the frequency band usage status receiving unit 331 and the frequency band usage status storage unit 332 shown in FIG. 7 can be integrated.

Further, all or some of the processing functions performed in each device can be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or can be realized as hardware.

By the way, the present invention may be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer. Therefore, in the following, a computer that executes a content broadcast program having the same function as that of the server apparatus 300 shown in the above embodiment will be described as an example of output with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a computer that executes a content broadcast program.

As shown in the figure, the computer 400 as the server apparatus 300 is configured by connecting an input unit 410, an output unit 420, a ROM 430, a CPU 440, an HDD 450, and a RAM 460 through a bus 470 or the like.

In the ROM 430, a content broadcast program that exhibits the same function as that of the server device 300 shown in the first embodiment, that is, as shown in FIG. 23, a menu data transmission program 431, a content ID determination program 432, an acceptance time determination, and the like. A program 433, a category data extraction program 434, a notification availability determination program 435, an in-area transmitter extraction program 436, an empty frequency band extraction program 437, a frequency band change command transmission program 438, and a content broadcast program 439 are stored in advance. Note that these programs 431 to 439 may be appropriately integrated or distributed in the same manner as each component of the server apparatus 300 shown in FIG.

Then, the CPU 440 reads out these programs 431 to 439 from the ROM 430 and executes them, so that as shown in FIG. 23, the programs 431 to 439 have a menu data transmission process 441, a content ID determination process 442, and an acceptance time determination. It functions as a process 443, a category data extraction process 444, a notification availability determination process 445, an in-area transmitter extraction process 446, an empty frequency band extraction process 447, a frequency band change command transmission process 448, and a content broadcast process 449.

The menu data transmission process 441 includes the frequency band usage status reception unit 331, the frequency band usage status storage unit 332, the empty frequency band extraction unit 333, the first menu broadcast control unit 334, and the terminal data collection unit illustrated in FIG. 335, the second menu data generation unit 336, and the second menu data transmission unit 337.

The content ID determination process 442 corresponds to the broadcast request reception unit 338, the area extraction unit 339, the area broadcast program extraction unit 340, and the content ID determination unit 341 shown in FIG.

In addition, the reception time determination process 443, the category data extraction process 444, the notification availability determination process 445, and the in-area transmitter extraction process 446 are the reception time determination unit 342, the category data extraction unit 343, and whether or not viewing is possible in the middle. This corresponds to the determination unit 344 and the in-area transmitter extraction unit 345, respectively.

Also, the free frequency band extraction process 447 corresponds to the area free frequency band extraction unit 346, free frequency band determination unit 347, service unavailable data transmission unit 348, and broadcast management database registration unit 349 shown in FIG.

Also, the frequency band change command transmission process 448 corresponds to the frequency band change command transmission unit 350 shown in FIG.

Further, the content broadcast process 449 corresponds to the broadcast start data receiving unit 351, the content extraction unit 352, the content broadcast start instruction unit 353, and the broadcast start time registration unit 354 shown in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23, the HDD 450 is provided with a frequency band usage status database 451, a content database 452, a personal menu database 453, a transmitter area management table 454, a broadcast management database 455, and a mid-view viewing availability table 456.

Then, CPU 440 reads out frequency band usage status data 461, content data 462, personal menu data 463, transmitter area data 464, broadcast management data 465, and intermediate viewing permission / inhibition data 466, stores them in RAM 460, and stores them in RAM 460. Processing is executed based on the stored data 461 to data 466.

Data 461 to 466 correspond to the frequency band usage status database 321, content database 322, personal menu database 323, transmitter area management table 324, broadcast management database 325, and halfway viewing availability table 326 shown in FIG. To do.

Note that the programs 431 to 439 described above do not necessarily need to be stored in the ROM 430 from the beginning. For example, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, or a magneto-optical disk inserted into the computer 400. Connected to the computer 400 via a “portable physical medium” such as an IC card or a “fixed physical medium” such as an HDD provided inside or outside the computer 400, or via a public line, the Internet, a LAN, or a WAN. Each program may be stored in “another computer (or server)” or the like, and the computer 400 may read and execute each program from now on.

In this embodiment, an example is given in which one transmitter ID is used for each broadcast wave transmitter, and one frequency band ID is stored in association with each other. However, in the broadcast transmitter identified by the transmitter ID, You may comprise so that the number which can be broadcast is matched and memorize | stored. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to support a broadcast wave transmitter that has a plurality of broadcast antennas and can perform a plurality of broadcasts.

Also, a transmitter ID may be used for each broadcast transmission function, such as a broadcast antenna of a broadcast wave transmitter, and an ID for identifying the broadcast wave transmitter by the server device may be further associated and stored. With this configuration, for example, a plurality of broadcast antennas can be individually identified.

In this embodiment, the channel number is exemplified as the frequency band ID. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If the frequency band can be identified, other expressions such as hertz (Hz) are used. Also good.

Also, in this embodiment, an example is given in which a vacant frequency band ID is transmitted from the broadcast wave transmitter 200 to the server 300 and managed by the server 300, but on the contrary, a frequency band ID that cannot be used for broadcasting is given. You may comprise so that it may memorize | store. In this case, a frequency band other than the frequency band identified by the frequency band ID that cannot be used may be set as a usable frequency band.

Further, in this embodiment, all available free frequency band IDs are extracted, and one free frequency band ID selected from these is selected. However, the frequency band ID searched first can be selected, If at least one free frequency band ID can be selected, for example, a predetermined number of frequency band IDs of at least one or more are extracted from the top in the search order, and the frequency band ID of the frequency band with the least noise is selected from among them. Processing may be performed.

The content broadcasting method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. The program can also be executed by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD and being read from the recording medium by the computer.

Claims

Whether the broadcast wave transmitter is usable or unusable in association with the transmitter ID for identifying the broadcast wave transmitter that broadcasts the predetermined content using the predetermined frequency band. Frequency band usage status storage means for storing a frequency band usage status including a frequency band ID for identifying at least one of the frequency bands;
When a broadcast request for content is received from the broadcast receiving terminal, the frequency usable for broadcasting the content related to the broadcast request with reference to the frequency band usage status stored in the frequency band usage status storage means A search means for searching for bands,
Frequency band notifying means for notifying the receiving terminal of the frequency band searched by the searching means;
Broadcasting means for broadcasting content related to the broadcast request from the broadcast wave transmitter using the frequency band notified by the frequency band notification means;
A content broadcasting apparatus comprising:
Area storage means for storing an area ID for identifying a broadcastable area of each broadcast wave transmitter in association with the transmitter ID;
The area corresponding to the transmitter ID included in the broadcast request when the broadcast receiving terminal receives a broadcast request including the transmitter ID of the broadcast wave transmitter that is currently broadcasting the broadcast wave being received. A transmitter ID associated with the same area ID as the ID is extracted from the area storage means, and the broadcast wave transmitter identified by the extracted transmitter ID broadcasts the content that is the target of the broadcast request. Broadcast wave transmitter specifying means for specifying as a broadcast wave transmitter capable of,
The content broadcasting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the broadcasting unit determines and broadcasts a broadcast wave transmitter that broadcasts the content related to the broadcast request from the specified broadcast wave transmitters.
In association with the transmitter ID, each broadcast wave transmitter broadcast frequency storage means for storing the frequency band ID being broadcast and the content ID in association with each other,
Broadcast status determination means for determining whether the content ID of the content that the user wants to view is included in the broadcast request and is being broadcast based on whether the content is stored in the broadcast status storage means;
When the determination result indicating that the broadcast is in progress is obtained by the broadcast status determination means, the frequency band ID stored corresponding to the content ID included in the broadcast request is extracted from the broadcast status storage means. The content broadcasting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an in-broadcast frequency band notifying unit that notifies the broadcast receiving terminal of the extracted frequency band.
The search unit refers to the frequency band usage status stored in the frequency band usage status storage unit when the broadcast status determination unit obtains a determination result indicating that the broadcast status is not being broadcasted. The content broadcasting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a frequency band that can be used for broadcasting content is searched.
The broadcast status storage means further stores a broadcast start time when broadcasting of each content is started in association with the content ID,
When the broadcast status determination unit obtains a determination result indicating that the broadcast is in progress, the broadcast start time stored in the broadcast status storage unit in association with the content ID included in the broadcast request is set. Further comprising reception time determination means for extracting and determining whether or not the broadcast request has been received within a predetermined time specified in advance from the extracted broadcast start time;
When the determination result that the broadcast request is not received within a specified time is obtained by the reception time determination means,
The search means refers to the frequency band usage status stored in the frequency band usage status storage means and searches for a frequency band that can be used for broadcasting the content related to the broadcast request,
When the reception time determination unit obtains a determination result indicating that the broadcast request has been received within a specified time, the frequency band notification unit issues a broadcast request for the extracted frequency band within the specified time. 5. The content broadcasting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, when a determination result indicating that it has not been accepted is obtained, the broadcast receiving terminal is notified of the frequency band searched by the searching means.
Whether the broadcast wave transmitter is usable or unusable in association with the transmitter ID for identifying the broadcast wave transmitter that broadcasts the predetermined content using the predetermined frequency band. A frequency band usage status storage step for storing in the storage unit a frequency band usage status including a frequency band ID for identifying at least one of the frequency bands;
When a broadcast request for content is received from the broadcast receiving terminal, it is used for broadcasting content related to the broadcast request with reference to the frequency band usage status stored in the storage unit in the frequency band usage status storage step. A search step for searching for possible frequency bands;
A frequency band notifying step of notifying the receiving terminal of the frequency band searched by the searching step; and a content of the broadcast request using the frequency band notified by the frequency band notifying step of the broadcast wave transmitter Broadcasting step to broadcast from,
A content broadcasting method characterized in that a computer is executed.
Whether the broadcast wave transmitter is usable or unusable in association with the transmitter ID for identifying the broadcast wave transmitter that broadcasts the predetermined content using the predetermined frequency band. A frequency band usage status storing procedure for storing in the storage unit a frequency band usage status including a frequency band ID for identifying at least one of the frequency bands;
When receiving a broadcast request for content from the broadcast receiving terminal, refer to the frequency band usage status stored in the storage unit by the frequency band usage status storage procedure and use it for broadcasting the content related to the broadcast request A search procedure to search for possible frequency bands,
A frequency band notification procedure for notifying the receiving terminal of the frequency band searched by the search procedure; and the broadcast wave transmitter for transmitting content related to the broadcast request using the frequency band notified by the frequency band notification procedure. Broadcast procedure to broadcast from,
A content broadcast program that causes a computer to execute the program.