Receiving device, receiving method, transmission device, transmission method, and program

The present technology relates to a receiving device, a receiving method, a transmission device, a transmission method, and a program, which allow an application program to be created in an optimum production environment. An AIT acquisition and analysis unit acquires mapping information in which a first directory structure, to be used in the case of transmitting a resource constituting an application program by a first transmission system, and a second directory structure, to be used in the case of transmitting a resource constituting the application program by a second transmission system, are associated with each other. When an application program including a resource created in accordance with the first directory structure is transmitted by the second transmission system, a carousel processing unit allows the resource created in accordance with the first directory structure to correspond to the second directory structure using the mapping information to thereby acquire the application program transmitted by the second transmission system. The present technology is applicable to television receiver, for example.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a receiving device, a receiving method, a transmission device, a transmission method, and a program. In particular, the present invention relates to a receiving device, a receiving method, a transmission device, a transmission method, and a program, which allow an application program to be created in an optimum production environment.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, an application program transmitted over the Internet (hereinafter referred to as a web application) is configured of HTML (HyperText Markup Language) files, image files, and the like (for example, see Patent Document 1).

As illustrated inFIG. 1, in a production environment of a web application (1100), it is typical that in the lower-order layer of a particular folder such as “Root” (1110), folders according to the producer's convenience such as “main” (1120), “image” (1130) and the like are created, and resources necessary for such folders are placed therein. In the example ofFIG. 1, HTML document files such as A.html (1122) and B.html (1124) are placed in the main folder (1120), which is in the lower-order layer of the root folder (1110) and image files such as a.jpg (1132), b.png (1134), c.jpg (1136), and d.gif (1138) are placed in the image folder (1130).

As such a hierarchical structure is provided, resource reference in HTML documents is often described by a relative path based on the premise of the directory structure ofFIG. 1, as illustrated inFIG. 2.FIG. 2illustrates an exemplary description of a relative path (1210) in the case of referring to a.jpg (1132) laced in the image folder (1130) from A.html (1122) placed in the main folder (1120).

The web application (1100) created in this manner is uploaded to an application server connected with the Internet in a state of maintaining the directory structure ofFIG. 1, and is supplied to a receiver.

On the other hand, an application program transmitted by data carousel transmission (hereinafter referred to as a data broadcast application), used in data broadcasting, is configured of BML (Broadcast Markup Language) files, image files, and the like (for example, see Patent Document 2). There is also a case where HTML document files are used instead of BML document files.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, in the production environment of a data broadcast application (1300), it is necessary to create folders in module units such as “app1” (1320) and “app2” (1330) in the lower-class layer of a particular folder such as “Root” (1310), and to place resources together for each acquisition unit in those folders, depending on the structure of transmission data. In the example ofFIG. 3, A.html (1122), a.jpg (1132), and b.png (1134) are placed in the app1 folder (1320), and B.html (1124), a.jpg (1132), c.jpg (1136), and d.gif (1138) are placed in the app2 folder (1330).

As such, as illustrated inFIG. 4, in data carousel transmission (1400), two types of messages are mainly used, namely DDB (Download Data Block) including real data of a data broadcast application, and DII (Download Info Indication) storing directory information of DDB.

DII indicates index information to be transmitted within the data carousel. Further, information of a plurality of modules can be described in one DII. When a receiver receives the DII, it recognizes the structure of a module. In the DII (1410) ofFIG. 4, information such as module id1412and module name (4141) is described for each of the modules m1, m2, . . . , mk (1410-1,1410-2, . . .1410-k, k=1 to n).

DDB corresponds to each block of a module. The DDB (1420) ofFIG. 4is configured such that RL (Resource List,1420-1), in which names of resources stored in the module such as A.html (1422), a.jpg (1424), and b.png (1426) are listed, is placed following the header information. Further, real data of A.html (1420-2), a.jpg (1420-3), and b.png (1420-4) are placed following the RL (1420-1).

As schematically illustrated inFIG. 4, as the modules in blocks are transmitted cyclically by data carousel transmission, a receiver obtains DDB based on the DII and reconstructs the target module.

It should be noted that the transmission sequence of DDB and DII is arbitrary. However, as DII stores data equivalent to index information, it is transmitted at relatively high frequency.

CITATION LIST

Patent Document

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

Meanwhile, from the viewpoint of a producer, while it is necessary to place resources in the directory structure ofFIG. 1in the case of creating a web application, it is necessary to place resources in the directory structure ofFIG. 3in the case of creating a data broadcast application. As such, positions of resources which should be placed in folders having a hierarchical structure differ from each other.

As such, when a producer of a web application creates a data broadcast application, it is necessary to create a data broadcast application in a hierarchical structure considering modules which serve as resource acquisition units in data carousel transmission. However, as a web application creator is used to a production environment of a web application, there is a request for creating a data broadcast application in the same production environment as that of a web application.

The present technology has been made in view of such a situation, which enables creation of an application program in an optimum production environment.

Solutions to Problems

A receiving device according to a first aspect of the present technology includes: a receiving unit that receives AV content; a mapping information acquisition unit that acquires mapping information in which a first directory structure and a second directory structure are associated with each other, the first directory structure being used in a case of transmitting, by a first transmission system, a resource constituting an application program executed in conjunction with the AV content, the second directory structure being used in a case of transmitting a resource constituting the application program by a second transmission system; and an application acquisition unit that, when the application program including a resource created in accordance with the first directory structure is transmitted by the second transmission system, allows the resource created in accordance with the first directory structure to correspond to the second directory structure using the mapping information to thereby acquire the application program transmitted by the second transmission system.

The mapping information is included in control information for controlling operation of the application program, and the receiving device further includes a control unit that controls the operation of the application program based on the control information.

The first transmission system is transmission by communications using the Internet, the first directory structure has a hierarchical structure used in a production environment of an application program for transmission by communications, the second transmission system is transmission by broadcasting using data carousel transmission, and the second directory structure has a hierarchical structure used in a production environment of an application program for transmission by broadcasting.

In the first directory structure, a resource is designated by a relative path which is relative to a particular path, and the mapping information associates the resource designated by the relative path with a resource stored in a module used in data carousel transmission.

When the application acquisition unit allows a resource created in accordance with the first directory structure to correspond to the second directory structure using the mapping information, when there are resources of the same name, the application acquisition unit preferentially selects a resource stored in a module being referred to.

The application acquisition unit acquires the application program to be transmitted by a transmission system of either communications or broadcasting, in accordance with information representing a transmission system included in the control information.

The control information is transmitted by a transmission system of either communications or broadcasting.

When the application program including a resource created in accordance with the second directory structure is transmitted by the second transmission system, the application acquisition unit acquires the application program transmitted by the second transmission system without using the mapping information.

The receiving device may be an independent device or an inner block constituting a device.

A receiving method or a program according to the first aspect of the present technology is a receiving method or a program corresponding to the receiving device according to the first aspect of the present technology.

In the receiving device, the receiving method, and the program according to the first aspect of the present technology, AV content is received, mapping information is acquired in which a first directory structure to be used in the case of transmitting, by a first transmission system, a resource constituting an application program executed in conjunction with the AV content, and a second directory structure to be used in the case of transmitting a resource constituting the application program by a second transmission system, are associated with each other, and when the application program including a resource created in accordance with the first directory structure is transmitted by the second transmission system, the resource created in accordance with the first directory structure is allowed to correspond to the second directory structure with use of the mapping information, whereby the application program transmitted by the second transmission system is acquired.

A transmission device according to a second aspect of the present technology includes a generation unit that generates control information for controlling operation of an application program executed in conjunction with AV content, and a transmission unit that transmits the control information along with the AV content. The control information includes mapping information in which a first directory structure to be used in the case of transmitting a resource constituting the application program by a first transmission system, and a second directory structure to be used in the case of transmitting a resource constituting the application program by a second transmission system, are associated with each other.

The transmission device may be an independent device or an inner block constituting a device.

A transmission method or a program according to the second aspect of the present technology is a transmission method or a program corresponding to the transmission device according to the second aspect of the present technology.

In the transmission device, transmission method, and the program according to the second aspect of the present technology, control information for controlling operation of an application program executed in conjunction with AV content is generated, and the control information is transmitted along with the AV content. Further, the control information includes mapping information in which a first directory structure to be used in the case of transmitting a resource constituting the application program by a first transmission system, and a second directory structure to be used in the case of transmitting a resource constituting the application program by a second transmission system, are associated with each other.

Effects of the Invention

According to a first aspect and a second aspect of the present technology, it is possible to create an application program in an optimum production environment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.

Concept of Present Technology

FIG. 5is a drawing for explaining the concept of the present technology.

InFIG. 5, the hierarchical structure shown on the left side of the drawing illustrates a directory structure in a web application production environment (1100), and the hierarchical structure shown on the right side of the drawing illustrates a directory structure in a data broadcast application production environment (1300). It should be noted that in the following description, if it is not necessary to particularly distinct a web application from a data broadcast application, they are simply referred to as applications.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, a web application and a data broadcast application are configured of a plurality of resources such as HTML document files and image files respectively. However, as positions of the resources placed in folders in a hierarchical structure are different, it is impossible to create those applications in the same production environment.

In view of the above, the present technology prepares mapping information in advance, and associates a directory structure for a web application and a directory structure for a data broadcast application, to thereby allow resources, which are referred to according to the directory structure for a web application, to be referred to according to the directory structure for a data broadcast application.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, mapping information is transmitted by being included in an AIT (Application Information Table,1610). AIT is control information for controlling operation of an application executed in conjunction with broadcast content. For example, in the AIT, a control command such as “Auto Start” and information such as URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of an application server are described.

Further, as illustrated inFIG. 6, an application controlled based on the AIT is transmitted by means of at least one transmission system of broadcasting and communications (1622,1624, or1626).

As described above, in the present technology, as mapping information is transmitted by being included in AIT, even if a data broadcast application is created on the assumption that resources are referred to according to the directory structure for a web application, it is possible to allow the resources to be referred to according to the directory structure for a data broadcast application. Consequently, the producer is able to create the application in an optimum production environment without being conscious of the directory structure for a data broadcast application.

Specific Example of Resource Reference Using Mapping Information

FIG. 7is a drawing illustrating a specific example of resource reference using mapping information included in AIT (1710).FIG. 7illustrates resource reference in the case of using transmission systems of both broadcasting and communications.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, in the AIT1710an application descriptor (1712) a transport protocol descriptor (1714), a simple application location descriptor (Simple_app_loc descriptor,1716) and a carousel mapping descriptor (1718) are placed as descriptors.

In the application descriptor (1712), information regarding the application is described. In the application descriptor (1712), transport_protocol_label may be described.

Transport_protocol_label is a label for designating a transport stream. The transport_protocol_label is specified to “1” (1732) when broadcasting is used as a transport stream, while it is specified to “2” (1734) when communications are used. In the case of the example ofFIG. 7, as transmission systems of both broadcasting and communications are used, two types of transport_protocol_label are described, which are specified to “1” and “2”, respectively.

In the transport protocol descriptor (1714), information relating to the protocol for transmitting the application is described. However, if a plurality of types of transport_protocol_label are specified by the application descriptor, a plurality of transport protocol descriptors corresponding to them respectively are placed. In the case of the example ofFIG. 7, as transport_protocol_label of broadcasting and transport_protocol_label of communications are specified, a transport protocol descriptor (1714a) corresponding to broadcasting and a transport protocol descriptor (1714b) corresponding to communications are placed, respectively.

In the transport protocol descriptor (1714a) corresponding to broadcasting, protocol_id is specified to “4”, and transport_protocol_label is specified to “1”. Further, in the transport protocol descriptor (1714a), remote_connection, original_network_id, transport_stream_id, service_id, and component_tag (collectively1742) are specified.

remote_connection is specified to “0” if the AIT and the application are transmitted in the same service, while it is specified to “1” if they are transmitted not in the same service. In the case of the example ofFIG. 7, as the AIT and the application are not transmitted in the same service, remote_connection is specified to “1”.

original_network_id works as a label which defines a network identification, transport_stream_id is an ID designating a transport stream. As service_id, a unique ID corresponding to a service is specified, component_tag is specified to a value of a component tag of a corresponding stream given by a stream identification descriptor of PMT (Program Map Table).

As such, in the case of the example ofFIG. 7, a target data carousel (1400) is specified by original_network_id(n_id)=0x7FE9, transport_stream_id(ts_id)=0x7FE9, service_id(s_id)=0x0448, and component_tag(comp_tag)=0x40.

Thereby, DII (1410) being transmitted by the specified data carousel is obtained, and the configuration of the module is recognized. Then, DDB (1420) is obtained based on the DII, and the target module is reconstructed. In the case of the example ofFIG. 7, as Module_id=0x0010 and Module_name=app1 are specified in the DII, the DDB (module) of Module_id=0x010 is obtained. Further, as real data of a plurality of files is included in the DDB, a plurality of Resource_names are listed as Resource List (RL). For example, in the module of Module_id=0x0010, real data of index.html and the like is placed, and by reconstructing the module, resources such as index.html can be referred to.

On the other hand, in the transport protocol descriptor (1714b) corresponding to communications, protocol_id is specified to “3”, and transport_protocol_label is specified to “2”. Further, in the transport protocol descriptor (1714b) corresponding to communications, base_url and url_extension are specified.

As base_url (1752) a character string in which a scheme name and a host name are linked, for example, is specified. Further, as url_extension (1754or1756), a folder name corresponding to the directory structure in a file system of an application server (1722or1724), for example, is specified. It should be noted that although url_extension basically corresponds to a folder name, it is not always the case.

Further, even in the simple application location descriptor (1716), url extension may be specified, in which a folder name, a file name, and the like for finally specifying the resource by the producer are specified, for example.

As such, by linking the respective character strings specified by base_url and url extension of the transport protocol descriptor (1714b) corresponding to communications and specified by url_extension of the simple application location descriptor (1716), a URL capable of specifying the resource can be obtained.

In the case of the example ofFIG. 7, in the transport protocol descriptor (1714b), Base_url (1752) is specified to “http://www.xbc.co.jp/”, url_extension1 (1754) is specified to “apps1”, and url_extension2 (1754) is specified to “apps_bk”, respectively, while in the simple application location descriptor (1716), url_extension is specified to “app1/index.html”. In this case, as two URLs of “http://www.xbc.co.jp/apps1/app1/index.html” and “http://www.xbc.co.jp/apps_bk/app1/index.html” are obtained, it is possible to refer to the resource by accessing the application server (1722) according to the URLs.

Further, in the example ofFIG. 7, in the transport protocol descriptor (1714b), Base_url2 (1757) is specified to “http://www.xbc2.co.jp/” and url_extension (1759) is specified to “apps2”, respectively, and in the simple application location descriptor (1716), url_extension is specified to “app1/index.html”. In this case, as an URL of “http://www.xbc2.co.jp/apps2/app1/index.html” is obtained, it is possible to refer to the resource by accessing the application server (1724) according to the URL.

While the resource constituting an application transmitted by means of broadcasting or communications is referred to as described above, in the case of performing data carousel transmission on a data broadcast application created on the assumption that resources are referred to according to the directory structure for a web application, it is impossible to refer to the resources in this state, as described above. This means that in that case, it is necessary to refer to the resources after converting the path for resource reference corresponding to the directory structure for a web application into a path for resource reference corresponding to the directory structure for a data broadcast application, by using the mapping information.

As such, a carousel mapping descriptor (1718) is placed in the AIT (1710). In the carousel mapping descriptor (1718), mapping information (mapping_info) is placed.FIG. 8illustrates a specific example of mapping information.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, in the web application (1810), various types of resources are placed in folders such as “main” and “image” created by the producer. For example, in the main folder, HTML document files such as A.html and B.html are placed, and in the image folder, image files such as a.jpg, b.png, c.jpg, and d.gif are placed.

On the other hand, in the data broadcast application (1820) resources in module units (acquisition units) such as “app1” and “app2” are placed in blocks. For example, a module which is Module_name=app1 stores A.html, a.jpg, and b.png, and a module which is Module_name=app2 stores B.html, a.jpg, c.jpg, and d.gif.

InFIG. 8, while objects to be mapped are associated by arrows, even the same resources have different directory structures. This means that although A.html is the same resource, while “/main/A.html” is specified in a relative path for resource reference on one hand, “/app1/A.html” is specified on the other hand. Accordingly, the mapping information is configured to associate “/main/A.html” with “/app1/A.html”.

Similarly, “/main/B.html” and “/app2/B.html”, “/image/b.png” and “/app1/b.png”, “/image/c.jpg” and “/app2/c.jpg”, “/image/d.gif” and “/app2/d.gif” are associated with each other by the mapping information, respectively. However, as a.jpg is a resource which is referred to from both A.html and B.html and has the same resource name, “/image/a.jpg” is associated with both “/app1/a.jpg” and “/app2/a.jpg”.

In this way, as a resource is specified by a relative path which is relative to a particular path in the directory structure for a web application, in the mapping information, a resource specified by the relative path and a resource stored in a module used for data carousel transmission are associated.

As the carousel mapping descriptor, including such mapping information, is placed in the AIT and transmitted, when a resource is referred to from the data broadcast application, the resource is referred to after the path for resource reference is replaced using the mapping information. Consequently, even in the case of a data broadcast application created on the assumption that resources are referred to corresponding to the directory structure for a web application, the resources can be referred to properly.

It should be noted that the mapping information only needs to describe modules requiring replacement. This means that in the case of a data broadcast application created on the assumption that resources are referred to corresponding to the directory structure for a data broadcast application, as there is no need to replace the path for resource reference, mapping information is not needed. If there is no mapping information, resources stored in a module transmitted by data carousel are referred to with use of the path for resource reference described in the data broadcast application as it is.

Further, if there are a plurality of resources having the same name, like a.jpg inFIG. 8, in the mapping information as described above, it is configured that a resource stored in the module being referred to is selected preferentially. For example, when a module of Module_name=app1 is being referred to, it is only necessary that resource reference is performed by replacing the path for resource reference from “/image/a.jpg” to “/app1/a.jpg”. Furthermore, if the data size of the mapping information becomes a prescribed value or larger, a plurality of carousel mapping descriptors may be prepared, whereby it is possible to describe the mapping information therein in a divided manner.

The specific example of resource reference using mapping information is as described above.

Descriptor Included in AIT

Next, the details of descriptors placed in the AIT ofFIG. 7will be described with reference toFIGS. 9 to 12.

FIG. 9is a drawing illustrating the data structure of a transport protocol descriptor (1714aor1714b).

protocol_id describes ID of a protocol for transmitting an application. When HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) or HTTPS (HTTP over Secure Socket Layer) is used, 0x0003 is described as the value thereof. Further, in the case of using data carousel transmission, 0x0004 is described as the value thereof.

transport_protocol_label corresponds to a parameter of the same name described in the application descriptor.

Selector byte (selector_byte) provides an area in which a data structure is defined for each protocol_id.

If a plurality of transport protocols are specified, a data structure corresponding to each of the transport protocols are defined.FIG. 10illustrates a data structure of a selector byte when 0x0004 is specified as protocol_id, that is, in the case of data carousel transmission. Further,FIG. 11illustrates a data structure of a selector byte when 0x0003 is specified as protocol_id, that is, in the case of communication transmission using HTTP or the like.

(Selector Byte in Data Carousel Transmission)

FIG. 10is a drawing illustrating a data structure of a selector byte (2010) in the case of data carousel transmission (e.g., “selector_byte” inFIG. 9for transport protocol descriptor1714a).

In remote_connection, “0” is specified when AIT and an application are transmitted in the same service, while “1” is specified when they are not transmitted in the same service. However, in the case where AIT is obtained by communications, remote_connection is specified to “1”.

When remote_connection is specified to “1”, original_network_id, transport_stream_id, and service_id are described. Further, component_tag is described regardless of the value of remote_connection.

(Selector Byte in Communication Transmission)

FIG. 11is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a selector byte (2110) in the case of communications by HTTP or HTTPS (e.g., . . . “selector_byte” inFIG. 9for transport protocol descriptor1714b).

In URL_base_length, the description length of base_url is described. URL_base_byte provides an area in which base_url is described.

In URL_extension_count, as there is a case where a plurality of url_extensions are specified, a loop frequency corresponding to the number is described. Further, in URL_extension_length, the description length of url_extension is described. URL_extension_byte provides an area in which url_extension is described.

Description of the transport protocol descriptor is as given above.

FIG. 12is a drawing illustrating a data structure of a carousel mapping descriptor2210(e . . . an example for carousel mapping descriptor1718).

In descriptor_tag, a tag value assigned to the descriptor is described. Further, in descriptor_length, the descriptor length of the descriptor is described.

In number_of_modules, a loop frequency corresponding to the number of modules in which mapping information is specified is described. In module_id, ID of a module is specified.

In number_of_resources, a loop frequency corresponding to the number of resources is described. Further, in URI_length, the description length of URI_data is described. URI_data_byte provides an area in which URI_data is described.

This means that by placing “/main/A.html”, “/image/a.jpg”, and “/image/b.png” as URI_data in the loop of module_id=1, and further, placing “/main/B.html”, “/image/a.jpg”, “/image/c.jpg”, and “/image/d.gif” as URI_data in the loop of module_id=2, the mapping information illustrated inFIG. 8is obtained. However, it is assumed that module_name of module_id=1 is “app1”, and that module_name of module_id=2 is “app2”.

Description of the carousel mapping descriptor is as given above.

First Embodiment

Exemplary Configuration of Broadcast/Communication Cooperation System

Next, a specific configuration for realizing resource reference using mapping information of the present technology will be described.

FIG. 13is a drawing illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a broadcast/communication cooperation system to which the present technology is applied.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, a broadcast/communication cooperation system1is configured of a transmission device10, a receiving device20, and an application server30. The receiving device20and the application server30are connected with each other over the Internet90.

The transmission device10transmits broadcast content such as broadcast programs using digital television broadcast signals. The transmission device10also transmits a data broadcast application by means of data carousel transmission. A data broadcast application is configured of HTML document files, image files, and the like, for example.

The receiving device20is a receiver such as a television receiver. The receiving device20receives broadcast signals transmitted from the transmission device10and obtains video and audio of the broadcast content. The receiving device20displays obtained video on a display, and outputs audio corresponding to the video from a speaker.

Further, the receiving device20obtains a data broadcast application from broadcast signals transmitted from the transmission device10, and displays it.

The application server30manages web applications. Here, a web application is configured of HTML document files, image files, and the like. The application server30provides the receiving device20with a web application over the Internet90in response to a request from the receiving device20.

The receiving device20requests the application server30for a web application over the Internet90. The receiving device20receives the web application provided from the application server30in response to the request, and displays it.

It should be noted that in the exemplary configuration ofFIG. 13, while only one receiving device20is illustrated in order to simplify the description, the broadcast/communication cooperation system1is configured of a plurality of receiving devices20in practice, and each of the receiving devices20receives broadcast content from the transmission device10. Similarly, while only one application server30is illustrated inFIG. 1, a plurality of application servers are provided on a broadcaster basis, for example, in practice.

The description of the broadcast/communication cooperation system1is as given above.

Exemplary Configuration of Transmission Device

FIG. 14is a drawing illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a transmission device to which the present technology is applied.

As illustrated inFIG. 14, the transmission device10includes an audio acquisition unit111, an audio encoder112, a video acquisition unit113, a video encoder114, a data-broadcast data acquisition unit115, a data-carousel data generation unit116, an AIT data acquisition unit117, an AIT generation unit118, a multiplexing unit119, and a transmission unit120.

The audio acquisition unit111acquires an audio signal of broadcast content from an external server, a microphone, a recording medium, or the like, and supplies it to the audio encoder112.

The audio encoder112encodes audio signals, supplied from the audio acquisition unit111, in conformity with a coding system such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 2, and supplies an audio stream, obtained as a result thereof, to the multiplexing unit119.

The video acquisition unit113acquires a video signal of broadcast content from an outside server, camera, a recording medium, or the like, and supplies it to the video encoder114.

The video encoder114encodes the video signals, supplied from the video acquisition unit113, in conformity with a coding system such as MPEG2, and supplies a video stream, obtained as a result thereof, to the multiplexing unit119.

The data-broadcast data acquisition unit115acquires data for data broadcasting to be transmitted by means of data carousel transmission, and supplies it to the data-carousel data generation unit116. For example, as data for data broadcasting, HTML document files, image files such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) and PNG (Portable Network Graphics), and the like are prepared.

The data-carousel data generation unit116generates data for data carousel based on the data supplied from the data-broadcast data acquisition unit115, and supplies it as section data to the multiplexing unit119. However, data-carousel data is to be transmitted by means of data carousel transmission by each object constituting data called a module.

The AIT data acquisition unit117acquires data for AIT, and supplies it to the AIT generation unit118. For example, as data for AIT, data such as an application descriptor, a transport protocol descriptor, a simple application location descriptor, and a carousel mapping descriptor is prepared.

The AIT generation unit118generates an AIT based on the data supplied from the AIT data acquisition unit117, and supplies it as section data to the multiplexing unit119.

The multiplexing unit119multiplexes an audio stream from the audio encoder112, a video stream from the video encoder114, and section data from the data-carousel data generation unit116, and the AIT generation unit118, and supplies a transport stream, obtained as a result thereof, to the transmission unit120.

It should be noted that to the multiplexing unit119, subtitle data is supplied as needed and multiplexed with the transport stream, although not illustrated for the sake of simplifying the description.

The transmission unit120transmits the transport stream, supplied from the multiplexing unit119, as broadcast signals via an antenna121.

The transmission device10is configured as described above.

Exemplary Configuration of Receiving Device

FIG. 15is a drawing illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a receiving device to which the present technology is applied.

The receiving device20is configured of a control unit201, an operation unit202, a tuner212, a demultiplexing unit213, an audio decoder214, a video decoder215, an audio output unit216, a speaker217, a synthesis unit218, a video output unit219, a display220, a carousel processing unit221, a data broadcast application control unit222, an AIT acquisition and analysis unit223, a web application control unit224, a communication I/F225, and a memory226.

The control unit201controls operation of respective units of the receiving device20.

The operation unit202supplies operation signals corresponding to the operation of a user to the control unit201. For example, when a user operates a remote controller (not illustrated), an operation signal corresponding to the operation is supplied to the control unit201. The control unit201controls operation of the respective units of the receiving device20according to operation signals from the operation unit202.

The tuner212extracts, from broadcast signals received by an antenna211, a broadcast signal of a channel which is selected by an instruction, and demodulates it, and supplies a transport stream obtained as a result thereof to the demultiplexing unit213.

The demultiplexing unit213separates the transport stream, supplied from the tuner212, into an audio stream, a video stream, and section data. Among the separated streams, the demultiplexing unit213transmits the audio stream to the audio decoder214, transmits the video stream to the video decoder215, and transmits the section data to the carousel processing unit221and the AIT acquisition and analysis unit223, respectively.

The audio decoder214decodes the audio stream supplied from the demultiplexing unit213, by means of a decoding system corresponding to the coding system of the audio encoder112(FIG. 14), and supplies an audio signal obtained as a result thereof to the audio output unit216.

The audio output unit216supplies the audio signal, supplied from the audio decoder214, to the speaker217. Thereby, from the speaker217, audio corresponding to the video of a broadcast program or the like is output.

The video decoder215decodes the video stream, supplied from the demultiplexing unit213, by means of a decoding method corresponding to the coding method of the video encoder114(FIG. 14), and supplies the video signal obtained as a result thereof to the synthesis unit218. The synthesis unit218supplies the video signal, supplied from the video decoder215, to the video output unit219.

The video output unit219supplies the video signal, supplied from the synthesis unit218, to the display220. Thereby, the video of a broadcast program or the like is displayed on the display220.

The carousel processing unit221performs section filtering on DSM-CC (Digital Storage Media—Command and Control) section transmitted by means of data carousel transmission, of the section data separated by the demultiplexing unit213. Then, the carousel processing unit221performs analysis processing of DII (Download Info Indication) and DDB (Download Data Block) obtained as a result thereof. The carousel processing unit221supplies data of resources of HTML document files, image files, and the like included in the DDB, obtained as a result of analysis processing of the DII and the DDB, to the data broadcast application control unit222in units of modules.

It should be noted that data of the data broadcast application is transmitted by means of data carousel transmission by each object constituting data called a module.

The data broadcast application control unit222controls operation of a data broadcast application obtained from the data of resources supplied from the carousel processing unit221. For example, if the data broadcast application is configured of HTML document files and the like, the data broadcast application control unit222controls the HTML browser to execute the data broadcast application. The video signal corresponding to the data broadcast application is supplied to the synthesis unit218.

It should be noted that if the data broadcast application is configured of BML document files and the like, a BML browser is used.

To the synthesis unit218, a video signal from the video decoder215and a video signal from the data broadcast application control unit222are supplied. The synthesis unit218synthesizes a video signal of a broadcast program or the like and a video signal of a data broadcast application, and supplies it to the video output unit219. Thereby, on the display220, video in which information of data broadcast such as whether forecast is superimposed is displayed with respect to the broadcast program, for example.

Further, a broadcast signal includes an AIT section, besides the DSM-CC section described above. The AIT acquisition and analysis unit223regularly monitors the section data of the AIT separated by the demultiplexing unit213, and obtains the AIT. The AIT acquisition and analysis unit223analyzes the obtained AIT, and supplies the analysis result to the carousel processing unit221, and the data broadcast application control unit222or the web application control unit224.

In accordance with the AIT analysis result from the AIT acquisition and analysis unit223, the carousel processing unit221supplies data of resources such as HTML document files and image files in module units, to the data broadcast application control unit222. As such, in the case of a data broadcast application created on the assumption that resources are referred to corresponding to the directory structure for a web application, as mapping information is obtained, the carousel processing unit221uses the mapping information to replace the path for resource reference and refers to the resources. Thereby, the carousel processing unit221is able to obtain resource data in module units.

The data broadcast application control unit222controls operation of a data broadcast application in accordance with an AIT analysis result from the AIT acquisition and analysis unit223. Further, the web application control unit224controls operation of a web application in accordance with an AIT analysis result from the AIT acquisition and analysis unit223.

The communication I/F225accesses the application server30over the Internet90according to control by the web application control unit224, and requests for a web application. The communication I/F225receives the web application supplied from the application server30, and stores it in the memory226.

The web application control unit224reads a web application stored in the memory226in accordance with an AIT analysis result from the AIT acquisition and analysis unit223, and controls operation of the web application. For example, if the web application is configured of HTML document files and the like, the web application control unit224executes the web application by controlling the HTML browser. A video signal corresponding to the web application is supplied to the synthesis unit218.

To the synthesis unit218, a video signal from the video decoder215and a video signal from the web application control unit224are supplied. The synthesis unit218synthesizes a video signal of a broadcast program or the like and a video signal of a web application, and supplies it to the video output unit219. Thereby, with respect to the broadcast program, video, on which a web page or the like relating to the program is superimposed, is displayed on the display220, for example.

It should be noted that inFIG. 15, while it has been described that the data broadcast application control unit222and the web application control unit224are different blocks for the convenience of description, it is possible to provide an application control unit in which those blocks are integrated. That is, in that case, the application control unit controls operation of both the data broadcast application and the web application.

The receiving device20is configured as described above.

Exemplary Configuration of Application Server

FIG. 16illustrates an exemplary configuration of the application server30ofFIG. 13.

The application server30is configured of a control unit311, an application generation unit312, a recording unit313, and a communication I/F314.

The control unit311controls operation of the respective units of the application server30.

The application generation unit312generates a web application according to control by the control unit311, and records it in the recording unit313. Here, a web application is configured of HTML document files, image files such as JPEG and PNG, and the like. These resources are placed according to the directory structure of the file system of the application server30.

When a web application is requested from the receiving device20, the control unit311reads the web application from the recording unit313and obtains it.

The communication I/F314transmits a web application to the receiving device20over the Internet90according to the control by the control unit311.

The application server30is configured as described above.

Specific Contents of Processing Performed by Respective Devices

Next, with reference toFIGS. 17 to 19, specific contents of processing performed by the respective devices constituting the broadcast/communication cooperation system1will be described.

First, transmission processing performed by the transmission device10will be described with reference to the flowchart ofFIG. 17.

At step S111, the audio acquisition unit111acquires an audio signal corresponding to the audio of the broadcast content from an outside server or the like. Further, at step S112, the video acquisition unit113acquires a video signal corresponding to the video of the broadcast content from an outside server or the like.

At step S113, the data-broadcast data acquisition unit115acquires data for data broadcasting. Further, at step S114, the AIT data acquisition unit117acquires data for AIT.

At step S115, the audio encoder112encodes the audio signal acquired by the audio acquisition unit111and generates an audio stream.

At step S116, the video encoder114encodes the video signal acquired by the video acquisition unit113and generates a video stream.

At step S117, the data-carousel data generation unit116generates data for data carousel based on the data for data broadcasting acquired by the data-broadcast data acquisition unit115. The data for data carousel is configured of section data in a section form.

At step S118, the AIT generation unit118generates an AIT based on the data for AIT acquired by the AIT data acquisition unit117. The data for AIT is configured of section data in a section form.

At step S119, the multiplexing unit119multiplexes the audio stream generated by the audio encoder112, the video stream generated by the video encoder114, and the section data generated by the data-carousel data generation unit116and the AIT generation unit118, to thereby generate a transport stream.

At step S120, the transmission unit120transmits the transport stream, generated by the multiplexing unit119, as a broadcast signal via the antenna121. Upon completion of the processing of step S120, the processing is returned to step S111, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

The description of the transmission processing ends.

Next, reception processing performed by the receiving device20will be described with reference to the flowchart ofFIG. 18.

At step S211, the tuner212extracts a broadcast signal of a channel instructed to be selected, from broadcast signals received by the antenna211, and demodulates it.

At step S212, the demultiplexing unit213separates the transport stream, demodulated by the tuner212, into an audio stream, a video stream, and section data.

At step S213, the audio decoder214decodes the audio stream separated by the demultiplexing unit213to thereby generate an audio signal.

At step S214, the video decoder215decodes the video stream separated by the demultiplexing unit213to thereby generate a video signal.

At step S215, the speaker217outputs the audio corresponding to the audio signal. Further, the display220displays the video corresponding to the video signal. Thereby, video of broadcast content such as a broadcast program is displayed on the display220, and the audio corresponding to the video is output from the speaker217.

Upon completion of the processing of step S215, the processing is returned to step S211and the subsequent processing is repeated.

The description of the reception processing ends.

Next, application display processing performed by the receiving device20will be described with reference to the flowchart ofFIG. 19.

At step S251, the control unit201determines whether or not selection of a channel is instructed, based on an operation signal from the operation unit202.

At step S251, after waiting for an instruction to select a channel, the processing is proceeded to step S252.

At step S252, the AIT acquisition and analysis unit223regularly monitors section data of the AIT, separated by the demultiplexing unit213, to thereby acquire the AIT. Further, at step S253, the AIT acquisition and analysis unit223analyzes the acquired AIT.

At step S254, it is determined whether or not to display an application. At step S254, after waiting for a determination to display the application, the processing is proceeded to step S255.

At step S255, the AIT acquisition and analysis unit223determines whether or not to acquire a resource from the data carousel, based on the analysis result of the acquired AIT. Here, a source from which a resource is acquired is determined by a parameter of the transport protocol descriptor placed in the AIT.

This means that if 0x0004 is specified as protocol_id and a parameter about data carousel transmission is described in the selector byte, it is determined that a resource is acquired from the data carousel. On the other hand, if 0x0003 is specified as protocol_id and a parameter about communication transmission using HTTP or the like is described, it is determined that a resource is acquired from the application server30. However, as illustrated inFIG. 7, if both parameters of data carousel transmission and communication transmission using HTTP or the like are described, data carousel transmission is preferred, for example, according to the operation thereof.

At step S255, if it is determined that a resource is acquired from the data carousel, the processing is proceeded to step S256. At step S256, the AIT acquisition and analysis unit223determines whether or not the path for resource reference is associated by the mapping information, based on the analysis result of the acquired AIT.

At step S256, if it is determined that the path for resource reference is associated by the mapping information, the processing is proceeded to step S257. At step S257, the carousel processing unit221replaces the path for resource reference using the mapping information from the AIT acquisition and analysis unit223. Then, at step S258, the carousel processing unit221refers to the module on which data carousel transmission is to be performed and the resource stored in the module in accordance with the replaced path for resource reference, and acquires the data of the resource.

Thereby, even in the case of a data broadcast application created on the assumption that a resource is referred to corresponding to the directory structure for a web application, it is possible to refer to the resource properly.

On the other hand, at step S256, if it is determined that the path for resource reference is not associated by the mapping information, as there is no need to replace the path for resource reference, step S257is skipped and the processing is proceeded to step S258. In that case, the carousel processing unit221uses the path for resource reference as it is and refers to the module on which data carousel transmission is performed and the resource stored in the module to thereby acquire data of the resource (S258). This means that in the case of a data broadcast application created on the assumption that a resource is referred to corresponding to the directory structure of a data broadcast application, replacement of the path for resource reference is not performed.

When the resource is acquired at step S258, the processing is proceeded to step S259. At step S259, the data broadcast application control unit222allows the data broadcast application, obtained from the data of the resource from the carousel processing unit221, to be displayed on the display220via the synthesis unit218and the video output unit219.

Meanwhile, at step S255, if it is determined that a resource is acquired from the application server30, the processing is proceeded to step S260. At step S260, the web application control unit224controls the communication I/F225based on the analysis result of the AIT from the AIT acquisition and analysis unit223to thereby acquire a resource of the web application from the application server30. Then, the web application control unit224allows the web application to be displayed on the display220via the synthesis unit218and the video output unit219(S259).

When the application is displayed at step S259, the processing is proceeded to step S261. At step S261, it is determined whether or not to perform transition of the displayed application. At step S261, if it is determined to perform transition of the displayed application, the processing is returned to step S255, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

On the other hand, at step S261, if it is determined not to perform transition of the application, the processing is proceeded to step S262. At step S262, it is determined whether or not to end the application. At step S262, if it is determined to continue execution of the application, the processing is returned to step S261and the determination processing at step S261is repeated.

Then, at step S262, if it is determined to end the application, the application display processing ofFIG. 19ends.

The description of the application display processing ends.

Second Embodiment

Exemplary Configuration of Broadcast/Communication Cooperation System

FIG. 20is a drawing illustrating another configuration of an embodiment of a broadcast/communication cooperation system to which the present technology is applied. As illustrated inFIG. 20, a broadcast/communication cooperation system2is configured of the transmission device10, the receiving device20, the application server30, and an XML-AIT server40.

The XML-AIT server40manages an XML-AIT. The XML-AIT server40supplies an XML-AIT to the receiving device20over the Internet90in response to a request from the receiving device20.

Here, the XML-AIT is an AIT (Application Information Table) described in XML (Extensible Markup Language) format. For example, in the XML-AIT, a control command such as “Auto Start” and control information for controlling operation of an application such as URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the application server30are described.

The receiving device20obtains the XML-AIT by accessing the XML-AIT server40over the Internet90. The receiving device20obtains a web application, set to be automatically executed immediately, from the application server30based on the XML-AIT for example, and executes it immediately.

In this way, in the case of the configuration ofFIG. 20, the AIT is not transmitted by broadcasting but is transmitted by communications using the Internet90. Further, the AIT is configured of data in binary format or XML format, and the AIT in binary format is transmitted by means of AIT section or data carousel transmission. On the other hand, the XML-AIT in XML format may be transmitted by means of not only communications but also data carousel transmission.

The description of the broadcast/communication cooperation system2is as described above.

It should be noted that in the case where streaming reproduction of communication content is instructed, the receiving device20is able to access a delivery server (not illustrated) provided on the Internet90and perform streaming reproduction of communication content delivered from the delivery server. Here, communication content is a broadcast program which was broadcasted, a movie which was released, or an original video program, which are delivered by VOD (Video On Demand) for example. Further, the application described above may be executed in conjunction with communication content.

As described above, according to the present technology, it is possible to create an application under an optimum production environment for a producer of the application.

In particular, as a producer of a web application is used to a production environment of a web application, even in the case of creating a data broadcast application configured of HTML document files, image files, and the like, there is a demand to create the application in a production environment of a web application. Such an environment can be realized by only placing mapping information in the AIT. As a result, the operation efficiency of the producer of the application is improved, whereby it is possible to improve the efficiency of application development and to reduce the development cost.

It should be noted that while in the above description the receiving device20is described as a television receiver, the receiving device20is not limited thereto. For example, with a configuration not including a display or a speaker, the function may be incorporated in an electronic device such as a video recorder. Further, the present technology is applicable not only to a television receiver but also electronic devices such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal device, and a mobile telephone.

Description of Computer to Which the Present Technology is Applied

A series of processing described above may be performed by hardware or software. In the case of performing a series of processing by software, a program constituting the software is installed in a computer. Here, the computer includes a computer incorporated in a dedicated hardware, a general-purpose personal computer capable of performing various types of functions with various types of programs installed therein, or the like.

FIG. 21is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of hardware of a computer which executes a series of processing described above by programs.

In a computer900, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)901, ROM (Read Only Memory)902, and RAM (Random Access Memory)903are connected with one another via a bus904.

The bus904is further connected with an input/output interface905. To the input/output interface905, an input unit906, an output unit907, a recording unit908, a communication unit909, and a drive910are connected.

The input unit906is configured of a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, and the like. The output unit907is configured of a display, a speaker, and the like. The recording unit908is configured of a hard disk, nonvolatile memory, and the like. The communication unit909is configured of a network interface and the like. The drive910drives a removable medium911such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, semiconductor memory, or the like.

In the computer900configured as described above, the CPU901loads a program, stored in the recording unit908for example, to the RAM903and executes it via the input/output interface905and the bus904, whereby a series of processing described above is performed.

The program executed by the computer900(CPU901) may be provided by being recorded on the removable medium911as a package medium, for example. The program may also be provided by a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

In the computer900, a program may be installed in the recording unit908via the input/output interface905, by installing the removable medium911in the drive910. Further, a program may be received by the communication unit909and installed in the recording unit908via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Besides, a program may be preinstalled in the ROM902or the recording unit908.

It should be noted that a program to be executed by the computer900may be a program in which processing is performed in a time-series manner along with the sequence described in the present description, or a program in which processing is performed in parallel or at necessary timing such as when a call is made.

Here, in the present description, a processing step of describing a program for allowing the computer900to perform various types of processing does not necessarily perform processing in a time-series manner along with the sequence described as a flowchart, and includes processing performed in parallel or individually (for example, parallel processing or processing by an object).

Further, a program may be one processed by one computer or one processed in a distributed manner by a plurality of computers. Furthermore, a program may be one which is transferred to a remote computer and executed.

Further, in the present description, system means a set of constituent elements (devices, modules (components) and the like), regardless of all constituent elements being in the same casing. As such, system includes both a plurality of devices accommodated in separate casings and are connected over a network, and one device in which a plurality of modules are accommodated in one casing.

It should be noted that embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be changed in various manners within the scope not deviating from the gist of the present technology.

For example, the present technology may take a configuration of crowd computing in which one function is executed by being shared by a plurality of devices over a network.

Further, the respective steps described in the flowchart described above may be performed by one device or performed by being shared by a plurality of devices.

Further, if a plurality of units of processing is included in one step, the units of processing included in the one step may be performed by one device or performed by being shared by a plurality of devices.

It should be noted that the present technology may take the following configurations.

A receiving device including:

a receiving unit that receives AV content;

a mapping information acquisition unit that acquires mapping information in which a first directory structure and a second directory structure are associated with each other, the first directory structure being used in a case of transmitting, by a first transmission system, a resource constituting an application program executed in conjunction with the AV content, the second directory structure being used in a case of transmitting a resource constituting the application program by a second transmission system; and

an application acquisition unit that, when the application program including a resource created in accordance with the first directory structure is transmitted by the second transmission system, allows the resource created in accordance with the first directory structure to correspond to the second directory structure using the mapping information to thereby acquire the application program transmitted by the second transmission system.

The receiving device according to (1), wherein

the mapping information is included in control information for controlling operation of the application program,

the receiving device further including a control unit that controls the operation of the application program based on the control information.

The receiving device according to (1) or (2), wherein

the first transmission system is transmission by communications using the Internet,

the first directory structure has a hierarchical structure used in a production environment of an application program for transmission by communications,

the second transmission system is transmission by broadcasting using data carousel transmission, and

the second directory structure has a hierarchical structure used in a production environment of an application program for transmission by broadcasting.

The receiving device according to (3), wherein

in the first directory structure, a resource is designated by a relative path which is relative to a particular path, and

the mapping information associates the resource designated by the relative path with a resource stored in a module used in data carousel transmission.

The receiving device according to (4), wherein

when the application acquisition unit allows a resource created in accordance with the first directory structure to correspond to the second directory structure using the mapping information, when there are resources of the same name, the application acquisition unit preferentially selects a resource stored in a module being referred to.

The receiving device according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein

the application acquisition unit acquires the application program to be transmitted by a transmission system of either communications or broadcasting, in accordance with information representing a transmission system included in the control information.

The receiving device according to any one of (3) to (6), wherein

the control information is transmitted by a transmission system of either communications or broadcasting.

The receiving device according to any one of (2) to (7), wherein

when the application program including a resource created in accordance with the second directory structure is transmitted by the second transmission system, the application acquisition unit acquires the application program transmitted by the second transmission system without using the mapping information.

A receiving method of a receiving device, the method including the steps of, by the receiving device:

receiving AV content;

acquiring mapping information in which a first directory structure and a second directory structure are associated with each other, the first directory structure being used in a case of transmitting, by a first transmission system, a resource constituting an application program executed in conjunction with the AV content, the second directory structure being used in a case of transmitting a resource constituting the application program by a second transmission system; and

when the application program including a resource created in accordance with the first directory structure is transmitted by the second transmission system, allowing the resource created in accordance with the first directory structure to correspond to the second directory structure using the mapping information to thereby acquire the application program transmitted by the second transmission system.

A program causing a computer to function as:

a receiving unit that receives AV content;

a mapping information acquisition unit that acquires mapping information in which a first directory structure and a second directory structure are associated with each other, the first directory structure being used in a case of transmitting, by a first transmission system, a resource constituting an application program executed in conjunction with the AV content, the second directory structure being used in a case of transmitting a resource constituting the application program by a second transmission system; and

an application acquisition unit that, when the application program including a resource created in accordance with the first directory structure is transmitted by the second transmission system, allows the resource created in accordance with the first directory structure to correspond to the second directory structure using the mapping information to thereby acquire the application program transmitted by the second transmission system.

A transmission device including:

a generation unit that generates control information for controlling operation of an application program executed in conjunction with AV content; and

a transmission unit that transmits the control information along with the AV content, wherein

the control information includes mapping information in which a first directory structure to be used in a case of transmitting a resource constituting the application program by a first transmission system, and a second directory structure to be used in a case of transmitting a resource constituting the application program by a second transmission system, are associated with each other.

A transmission method of a transmission device, the method including the steps of, by the transmission device:

generating control information for controlling operation of an application program executed in conjunction with AV content; and

transmitting the control information along with the AV content, wherein

the control information includes mapping information in which a first directory structure to be used in a case of transmitting a resource constituting the application program by a first transmission system, and a second directory structure to be used in a case of transmitting a resource constituting the application program by a second transmission system, are associated with each other.

A program causing a computer to function as:

a generation unit that generates control information for controlling operation of an application program executed in conjunction with AV content; and

a transmission unit that transmits the control information along with the AV content, wherein

the control information includes mapping information in which a first directory structure to be used in a case of transmitting a resource constituting the application program by a first transmission system, and a second directory structure to be used in a case of transmitting a resource constituting the application program by a second transmission system, are associated with each other.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1,2Broadcast/communication cooperation system

221Carousel processing unit

222Data broadcast application control unit

223AIT acquisition and analysis unit

224Web application control unit