Distribution device and reception device

There is provided a preview distribution technique capable of realizing a flexible preview distribution between a distribution side and a user side. According to the technique, preview meta data describing reference destination information to the preview-constituting data of a plurality of types constituting the content preview is transmitted to a reception terminal. The reception terminal acquires the preview-constituting data by using the reference destination information described in the preview meta data and generates/reproduces the preview. Thus, when modifying the preview, the reception terminal can reproduce the preview after the modification, by acquiring only the data constituting the preview of the modified part, thereby easily modifying the data constituting the preview. That is, it is possible to perform a flexible preview distribution.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a distributing apparatus that distributes a preview of content, and a receiving apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, in a broadcast receiving terminal such as a television, a program guide that displays information such as program channels, broadcast times and content, is realized. As a function of the program guide, for example, a preview that introduces a program by displaying a part of the program video has been proposed.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of adding data indicating a part of a program video to meta data relating to the program, transmitting the data to a receiving terminal, and thereby creating a preview for displaying a part of the program video corresponding to the data.

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique of adding information relating to given content to meta data corresponding to another content. That is, the technique realizes preview distribution by adding information relating to the main program content (for example, the reception method of the main program content) to meta data corresponding to the program preview.

Thus, the preview indicating an outline of the program content is distributed to the user before distribution of the program content. The user grasps an outline of the program content by referring to the preview and requests distribution of the program content. By this means, the user can identify the desired program content, so that the user can cut wasteful spending on program content that charges a fee, for example.Patent Document 1: International Patent No. WO00/45593Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2004-282634

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the entire program video must be received assuming that the preview corresponding to the data indicating a part of the program video is cut out and displayed. Further, the preview is limited to the video stream that is cut out from the program video, and therefore there is a fixed limitation in the variations of preview content.

With the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, the preview and the meta data corresponding to the preview are generated and distributed to the receiving terminal. As a result, each time the preview and the information added to the preview are changed, the entity of the new preview that includes unchanged parts must be regenerated and redistributed. This results in the problem of an increase in transmission capacity. That is, the preview of parts other than the part the user truly desires to view must be distributed between the distributing side and user side, resulting in the problem of a lack of flexibility.

The present invention has been implemented taking into consideration the problems described above, and it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a distributing apparatus, receiving apparatus and distribution system capable of realizing flexible preview distribution between a distributing side and user side, and a distribution method, reception method and transmission and reception method thereof.

Means for Solving the Problem

The distributing apparatus of the present invention employs a configuration having: a preview meta data managing section that manages preview meta data that describes reference destination information for preview-constituting data that constitutes content preview data; and a transmitting section that transmits the preview meta data.

The receiving apparatus of the present invention employs a configuration having: a receiving section that receives preview meta data that describes reference destination information for preview-constituting data that constitutes content preview data; a preview-constituting data acquiring section that acquires the preview-constituting data using the reference destination information described in the preview meta data; and a preview generating section that generates the preview data based on the preview-constituting data.

The distribution system of the present invention employs a configuration having a distributing apparatus and a receiving apparatus, wherein: the distributing apparatus has: a preview meta data managing section that manages preview meta data that describes reference destination information for preview-constituting data that constitutes content preview data; and a transmitting section that transmits the preview meta data; and the receiving apparatus has: a receiving section that receives the preview meta data transmitted from the distributing apparatus; a preview-constituting data acquiring section that acquires the preview-constituting data using the reference destination information described in the preview meta data; and a preview generating section that generates the preview based on the preview-constituting data.

The distribution method of the present invention has a step of transmitting preview meta data that describes reference destination information for preview-constituting data that constitutes content preview data.

The reception method of the present invention has the steps of: receiving preview meta data that describes reference destination information for preview-constituting data that constitutes content preview data; acquiring the preview-constituting data using the reference destination information described in the preview meta data; and generating the preview data based on the preview-constituting data.

The transmission and reception method of the present invention has the steps of: transmitting preview meta data that describes reference destination information for preview-constituting data that constitutes content preview data from a distributing apparatus; receiving the preview meta data transmitted from the distributing apparatus at a receiving apparatus; acquiring the preview-constituting data using the reference destination information described in the preview meta data at the receiving apparatus; and generating the preview data based on the preview-constituting data at the receiving apparatus.

Advantageous Effect of the Invention

According to the present invention, even when a preview is changed, a receiving apparatus can acquire only data constituting the preview of a changed part and play back the changed preview, so that flexible preview distribution can be realized.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the present specification, data of the overall preview is referred to as “preview data,” data constituting the data of the overall preview is referred to as “preview-constituting data,” and data that includes reference destination information for the preview-constituting data is referred to as “preview meta data.”

Further, “preview data” is multimedia data comprised of various elements called “preview-constituting data,” including moving picture, audio, still image and text, and realizes a multimedia preview comprised of one of the various elements or a combination of the elements.

First, a configuration of a content distribution system according to this embodiment will be described usingFIG. 1.

Content distribution system100according to this embodiment employs a configuration where content server101that distributes content such as programs, meta data server102that distributes meta data relating to the content, preview-constituting data server103that distributes a preview relating to the content, and receiving terminal104that receives content, meta data and preview data, are connected via broadcast network105and communication network106.

Furthermore, content distribution system100includes both broadcast network105and communication network106, but may use only broadcast network105or only communication network106. Further, communication network106is used between content server101and meta data server102, but it is also possible to use broadcast network105. Further, communication network106is used between content server101and preview-constituting data server103, but it is also possible to use broadcast network105. Further, although communication network106is used between meta data server102and preview-constituting data server103and receiving terminal104, it is also possible to use broadcast network105. Furthermore, the meta data broadcasted from meta data server102to receiving terminal104is sometimes also generally referred to as a service guide.

First, the configuration of content server101will be described.

Content server100has content storing section107that stores a plurality of content for distribution. Content storing section107is configured with a large-capacity storage medium and the like.

Further, content server101has content managing section108that manages the content stored in content storing section107. Content managing section108selects the content to be distributed, determines the content distribution destination, and manages information such as the identification information that identifies the meta data corresponding to the content. Further, content managing section108transmits to transmitting section109the identification information of the meta data corresponding to the distributed content.

Further, content server101has transmitting section109. Transmitting section109distributes the content to receiving terminal104through broadcast network105, transmits information that identifies the meta data corresponding to the content to meta data server102through communication network106, and distributes the content to preview-constituting data server103through communication network106. Transmitting section109has a communication function using broadcast network105and a communication function using communication network106.

Content server101is configured as described above.

Next, the configuration of meta data server102will be described.

Meta data server102handles service description, purchase information and preview meta data, for example, as content meta data. The service description is information relating to the content. Further, the service description is information that describes the content title, cast members, time, genre and the content access information (such as the channel number, IP address and port number), or information that includes the reference destination information for data constituting this service description. The purchase information is information relating to the content purchasing method or information that includes the reference destination information of this information. The preview meta data is information relating to the content preview or information that includes the reference destination information of preview-constituting data (details described later).

Furthermore, the meta data handled by meta data server102is not limited to these, and may be data relating to the content.

Meta data server102has, as a meta data storage means, service description storing section112that stores a service description, purchase information storing section113that stores purchase information, and preview meta data storing section114that stores preview meta data.

The service description stored in service description storing section112and the purchase information stored in purchase information storing section113may be provided from content server101, may be provided from another external apparatus not shown, or may be provided through a user input operation.

Further, meta data server102has receiving section110and transmitting section111as a communication means using communication network106. Furthermore, meta data server102has a communication function using broadcasting when meta data server102is connected to another apparatus using broadcast network105.

That is, the concept of “distribution” in the present specification includes both distribution using communication and distribution using broadcasting.

Receiving section110receives information which identifies the meta data corresponding to the content and is transmitted from content server101, and transmits the received information to meta data managing section115. Further, receiving section110receives the preview meta data (details described later) transmitted from preview-constituting data server103, and stores the received preview meta data in preview meta data storing section114.

In the preview meta data stored in preview meta data storing section114, purchase information and a service description which can be associated with each other by information (such as the reference destination information of preview-constituting data) included in the preview meta data, are associated with each other. For example, when the preview meta data relating to the preview data of specific content is stored in preview meta data storing section114and the purchase information of the specific content is stored in purchase information storing section113, the preview meta data and purchase data are associated with each other (a link is established). That is, preview meta data storing section114has a function of managing the correspondence relationship between the preview meta data and other information.

Furthermore, the preview meta data and information such as service description and purchase information are associated using an arbitrary method. This association can be added, deleted and changed.

Meta data managing section115manages the preview meta data in which predetermined information is described on a per type basis, such as moving picture, audio, still image and text. Further, meta data managing section115analyzes the information for identifying the meta data received by receiving section110, that is, the information for identifying the meta data corresponding to the content to be distributed by content server101. Then, meta data managing section115extracts according to the analysis result the meta data (service description, purchase information and preview meta data) corresponding to the content to be distributed, and transmits the extracted meta data to transmitting section111.

That is, meta data managing section115generates meta data comprised of the preview meta data, service description and purchase information corresponding to the content to be distributed, from the various information stored in service description storing section112, purchase information storing section113and preview meta data storing section114. Then, meta data managing section115temporarily stores the generated meta data as meta data to be transmitted to receiving terminal104.

In other words, meta data managing section115prepares as meta data to be transmitted to receiving terminal104the preview meta data corresponding to the content to be distributed and the meta data comprised of a service description and purchase information, which are preview meta data additional information. Here, what additional information is to be included in the preview meta data may be flexibly determined according to settings which are performed between the transmitting side and receiving side, reception environments of the receiving side, requests from the user, or the like.

Transmitting section111, under the management of meta data managing section115, transmits to receiving terminal104meta data (service description, purchase information and preview meta data). At this time, it is not necessary to transmit all information of service description, purchase information and preview meta data as meta data, as described above, and the information to be transmitted may be changed as appropriate. For example, meta data comprised of preview meta data and a service description may be transmitted.

Meta data server102is configured as described above.

Next, the configuration of preview-constituting data server103will be described.

Preview-constituting data server103has receiving section116and transmitting section117as a communication means using communication network106. Furthermore, preview-constituting data server103has a communication function using broadcasting when preview-constituting data server103is connected to another apparatus using broadcast network105.

Receiving section116receives the content transmitted from content server101, and transmits the received content to preview generating section118.

Preview generating section118generates preview data using the received content. Specifically, preview generating section118generates a moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview, which are the preview-constituting data indicating a content outline, and the layout information of these preview-constituting data. Then, preview generating section118transmits the generated moving picture preview to moving picture preview storing section119, the generated audio preview to audio preview storing section120, the generated still image preview to still image preview storing section121, and the generated text preview to text preview storing section122.

Further, preview generating section118transmits information relating to the generated moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview, and the temporal and spatial layout information of these preview-constituting data to preview meta data generating section123. Further, when the received content includes the identification information of the meta data (service description and purchase information) relating to the content, preview generating section118also transmits the identification information to preview meta data generating section123.

Furthermore, the processing for generating the preview data from the content by preview generating section118has been conventionally proposed, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Moving picture preview storing section119stores the moving picture preview from preview generating section118. Audio preview storing section120stores the audio preview from preview generating section118. Still image preview storing section121stores the still image preview from preview generating section118. Text preview storing section122stores the text preview from preview generating section118.

Further, preview meta data generating section123generates the preview meta data from the information relating to the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview transmitted from preview generating section118, and the temporal and spatial layout information of these preview-constituting data. Then, preview meta data generating section123transmits the generated preview meta data to meta data server102via transmitting section117.

The preview meta data describes the reference destination information, layout information, and the like of the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview. The preview meta data will be described in detail later.

Further, preview-constituting data server103has preview managing section124. Preview managing section124receives a request for distributing the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview transmitted from receiving terminal104via receiving section116, and extracts the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview corresponding to the distribution request from moving picture preview storing section119, audio preview storing section120, still image preview storing section121and text preview storing section122. Then, preview managing section124transmits the extracted data to receiving terminal104via transmitting section117.

Preview-constituting data server103is configured as described above. Furthermore, in this embodiment, preview-constituting data server103receives content and generates preview data, but preview-constituting data server103may receive preview data. In this case, preview generating section118is not needed.

Next, the configuration of receiving terminal104will be described.

Receiving terminal104has receiving section125and transmitting section126as a communication means having functions using broadcast network105and communication network106. Furthermore, receiving terminal104has only a communication function using broadcast network105when receiving terminal104is connected to another apparatus using broadcast network105, and has only a communication function using communication network106when receiving terminal104is connected to another apparatus using communication network106.

Further, receiving terminal104has meta data analyzing section127that acquires meta data (service description, purchase information and preview meta data) transmitted from meta data server102via receiving section125. Meta data analyzing section127analyzes the meta data. Then, meta data analyzing section127acquires information relating to the content included in the meta data, such as information relating to the preview, the content title, channel, cast members and purchasing, for example, and transmits the acquired information to EPG (Electronic Program Guide) generating section128.

EPG generating section128generates an EPG based on the information transmitted from meta data analyzing section127and transmits the generated EPG to display section129. In the EPG, the information relating to the content (such as a preview) is arranged at the inserting point of rectangles which have channel information on the horizontal axis and time on the vertical axis. The EPG will be described in detail later.

Display section129displays the EPG transmitted from EPG generating section128, and information such as the preview data transmitted from preview generating section132and the content transmitted from content processing section133described later.

Further, receiving terminal104has input section130for the user to perform various inputs relating to processing such as content download and preview data distribution.

Further, receiving terminal104has preview-constituting data acquiring section131. Preview-constituting data acquiring section131uses the reference destination information of the preview-constituting data described in the preview meta data transmitted from meta data server102via receiving section125and acquires the preview-constituting data. Specifically, preview-constituting data acquiring section131acquires via receiving section125the preview-constituting data transmitted from preview-constituting data server103that receives a request for distributing the preview from receiving terminal104.

Further, receiving terminal104has preview generating section132. Preview generating section132generates the preview data selected using input section130by the user who views the EPG. Specifically, first preview generating section132analyzes the preview meta data corresponding to the preview data selected by the user, and identifies the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview which are the preview-constituting data that constitutes the preview data. Then, preview generating section132transmits the request for distributing the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview that constitute the preview data to preview-constituting data server103via transmitting section126. Then, preview generating section132receives the request for distributing the preview-constituting data acquired by preview-constituting data acquiring section131, and generates a preview based on the preview-constituting data transmitted from preview-constituting data server103. Preview data is generated by sorting the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview transmitted from preview-constituting data server103based on the positional and temporal layout information described in the preview meta data. Preview generating section132transmits the generated preview data to display section129.

Further, according to the reception performance and reception environments of receiving terminal104, a preview distribution request generating section (not shown) that automatically generates a request for distributing preview-constituting data may be provided.

Further, receiving terminal104has content processing section133. Content processing section133converts the content received via receiving section125to a form that can be displayed by display section129, and transmits the converted content to display section129.

Receiving terminal104is configured as described above. Furthermore, in this embodiment, receiving terminal104acquires the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview used for the preview when necessary, but receiving terminal104may receive in advance and accumulate the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview. This is preferable when the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview are unilaterally transmitted through broadcasting, or the like. Further, in this case, it is preferable to store the data used for the preview, service description and purchase information in association with each other on a per content basis.

Next, the preview meta data generated by preview meta data generating section123will be described. First, an outline of the preview meta data will be described usingFIG. 2.

As shown inFIG. 2, in preview meta data200, identification number201of the preview meta data is described.

Further, in preview meta data200, validity period information204is described. In validity period information204, start time202indicating the start time at which use is permitted, and end time203indicating the expiration time, are described.

Further, in preview meta data200, layout information205that indicates the temporal and spatial layout of the moving picture (preview-constituting data) audio (preview-constituting data), still image (preview-constituting data) and text (preview-constituting data) is described. Layout information205is described using the international standard SMIL (Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language). Layout information205enables a complicated and rich configuration of data used for the preview. Further, layout information205is described based on the international standard and therefore has versatility.

Further, in preview meta data200, moving picture information206relating to the moving picture (preview-constituting data) is described. Moving picture information206is comprised of reference destination information207for the moving picture, codec208that indicates the compression method of the moving picture, and alternative text209and alternative still image210that are played back in place of the moving picture when the moving picture cannot be played back.

Reference destination information207indicates the storage destination of the moving picture preview, and, in this case, is the reference destination address such as a URI relating to moving picture preview storing section119of preview-constituting data server103.

In this way, in moving picture information206, reference destination information207of the data constituting the moving picture preview is described instead of the entity of the moving picture preview. Thus, the moving picture preview is changed by changing reference destination information207or by changing the moving picture preview stored in the link destination of reference destination information207. This results in significant reduction in the amount of transmitted data compared to the conventional method of also transmitting the unchanged data when only the moving picture preview is changed. As a result, communication network constriction is prevented, and communication efficiency is improved. Further, the moving picture preview is stored in the reference destination, so that the moving picture preview can be shared with the previews of other content. This also results in reduction in the storage area for the moving picture preview.

Further, even when the moving picture cannot be played back, preview data that is based on text and a still image can be generated using alternative text209and alternative still image210, so that it is possible to grasp an outline of the content based on this preview data. In this way, it is possible to perform preview distribution compatible with the function of receiving terminal104, that is, flexible preview distribution. Further, in alternative text209and alternative still image210, the entity of the text preview and still image preview may be described, or the storage destinations of the still image preview and text preview, and, in this case, the reference destination addresses such as the URIs of still image preview storing section121and text preview storing section122of preview-constituting data server103may be described.

Further, in preview meta data200, audio information211relating to the audio (preview) is described. Audio information211is comprised of reference destination information212for the audio, codec213that indicates the compression method of the audio, and alternative text214and alternative still image215that are played back in place of the audio when the audio cannot be played back.

Reference destination information212indicates the storage destination of the audio preview, and, in this case, indicates the reference destination address such as the URI relating to audio preview storing section120of preview-constituting data server103.

In this way, in audio information211, reference destination information212of the data constituting the audio preview is described instead of the entity of the audio preview. Thus, only the audio preview is changed by changing reference destination information212or by changing the audio preview stored in the link destination of reference destination information212. This significantly reduces the amount of data compared to the conventional method of also transmitting unchanged data when only the audio preview is changed. As a result, communication network constriction is prevented, and communication efficiency is improved. Further, the audio preview is stored in the reference destination, so that the audio preview can also be shared with other content previews. This also results in reduction in the storage area for the audio preview.

Further, when the audio cannot be played back, preview data based on text and still image can be generated using alternative text209and alternative still image210. The content outline can be grasped from this preview data. In this way, it is possible to perform preview distribution compatible with the function of receiving terminal104, that is, flexible preview distribution. Further, in alternative text214and alternative still image215, the entity of the text preview and still image preview may be described, or the storage destinations of the still image preview and text preview, and, in this case, the reference destination addresses such as the URIs of still image preview storing section121and text preview storing section122of preview-constituting data server103may be described.

Further, in preview meta data200, still image information216relating to the still image preview or alternative still image is described. Still image information216is comprised of reference destination information217for the still image, codec218for converting the still image to a form that can be displayed, and alternative text219that is displayed in place of the still image when the still image cannot be displayed.

Reference destination information217indicates the storage destination of the still image preview or alternative still image, and, in this case, indicates the reference destination address such as the URI relating to still image preview storing section121of preview-constituting data server103.

Thus, by describing reference destination information217constituting the still image preview or alternative still image in still image information216instead of the entity of the still image preview or alternative still image, when only the still image preview is changed, it is only necessary to change reference destination information217or change only the still image preview stored in the link destination of reference destination information217. This significantly reduces the amount of data compared to the conventional method of also transmitting unchanged data when only the still image preview is changed. As a result, communication network constriction is prevented, and communication efficiency is improved. Further, the still image preview or alternative still image is stored in the reference destination, and therefore the still image preview or alternative still image can also be shared with other content previews. This also results in reduction in the storage area for the still image preview or alternative still image.

Further, even when the still image cannot be displayed, preview data based on text can be generated using alternative text219, so that it is possible to grasp an outline of the content by this preview data. In this way, it is possible to perform preview distribution compatible with the function of receiving terminal104, that is, flexible preview distribution. Further, in alternative text219, the entity of the text preview or the storage destination of the text preview, and, in this case, the reference destination address such as the URI relating to text preview storing section122of preview-constituting data server103may be described.

Further, in preview meta data200, text information220relating to the text preview or alternative text is described. Text information220may be the text or a reference destination address such as the URI relating to text preview storing section122of preview-constituting data server103.

Further, in preview meta data200, access object221, which is information of the relevant meta data is described. Access object221includes a relevant service description, the identification information of purchase information, the reference destination information for relevant meta data. Further, the information of relevant meta data is not only described in preview meta data200, but also in the service description, purchase information and other relevant meta data.

This makes it possible to provide a service with high volumes of meta data such as service descriptions and purchase information. For example, after the user refers to a service description and grasps the content of the service, the user can refer to the preview data based on the preview meta data in the service description. Furthermore, if the user likes the preview content, the user can also refer to the purchase information based on the purchase information in the preview meta data. Further, when a plurality of previews exist for the same content, these previews may also be associated.

Furthermore, it is possible to refer to the preview meta data from the service description, purchase information and other relevant meta data. This makes it possible to provide a service with high volumes of meta data such as service descriptions and purchase information.

As described above, by referring to preview meta data200, it is possible to constitute preview data that intricately combines moving picture preview-constituting data, audio preview-constituting data, still image preview-constituting data and text preview-constituting data. Further, in preview meta data200, the reference destination information of the preview-constituting data of the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview is described instead of the entity of these previews. By this means, when one of the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview is changed, it is only necessary to distribute only the changed moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview or text preview. As a result, compared to the conventional method of distributing all preview data, the distributed data amount can be drastically reduced.

Next, the schema of preview meta data will be described usingFIG. 3andFIG. 4. Schema300of preview meta data is described using the international standard XML (eXtensible Markup Language). Thus, schema300is a general-purpose schema.

In schema300of the preview meta data, the element “PreviewDataID,” which is the identification number of the preview meta data is defined as indicated by301in the figure. Further, in schema300of the preview meta data, the element “Version,” which is the version information of the preview meta data is defined as indicated by331in the figure. Further, in schema300of the preview meta data, the element “ValidTime,” which is the validity period information of the preview meta data is defined as indicated by302in the figure. In schema300of the preview meta data, the element “SMIL,” which is the layout information of the preview meta data is defined as indicated by303in the figure. Further, in scheme300of the preview meta, the elements “Video” which is the moving picture information of the preview meta data is defined as indicated by304in the figure, “Audio” which is the audio information of the preview meta data is defined as indicated by305in the figure, “Picture” which is the still image information of the preview meta data is defined as indicated by306in the figure, and “Text” which is the text information of the preview meta data is defined as indicated by307in the figure. Further, in schema300, “AccessObject” which is the access destination information when the preview is a low-rate video stream or the like, is defined as indicated by308in the figure.

Further, scheme300of the preview meta data defines the element “ValidTime” as having the sub-elements “StartTime”310, which is the start time, and “EndTime”311as indicated by309in the figure. Further, schema300defines that the element “StartTime”310has the attribute “autoStart” as indicated by312in the figure. Here, when the attribute “autoStart” has the value “true,” the preview automatically starts a playback at the time specified by “StartTime.” When the attribute “autoStart” has the value “false,” the element “StartTime”310simply indicates the start time of the preview validity period.

Further, schema300defines the element “SMIL” as indicated by313in the figure. Furthermore, the element “SMIL” is based on an international standard, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As indicated by314in the figure, schema300defines the element “Video” as having the sub-elements “VideoURI”315which indicates reference destination information, “Codec”316which indicates the compression method, “AlternativeText”317which indicates the alternative text, and “AlternativePicture”318which is the alternative still image. Further, “AlternativeText”317and “Alternative Picture”318are defined by “TextType” and “PictureType” described later.

As indicated by319in the figure, schema300defines the element “Audio,” as having the sub-elements “AudioURI”320which indicates reference destination information, “Codec”321which indicates the compression method, “AlternativeText”322which indicates the alternative text and “AlternativePicture”323which is the alternative still image. Further, “AlternativeText”322and “Alternative Picture”323are defined by “TextType” and “PictureType” described later.

As indicated by324in the figure, schema300defines the elements “Picture” and “AlternativePicture” as having the sub-elements “PictureURI”325which indicates reference destination information, “Codec”326which indicates the compression method and “AlternativeText”327which indicates the alternative text. Further, “AlternativeText”327is defined by “TextType” described later.

As indicated by328in the figure, schema300defines the elements “Text” and “AlternativeText,” as having the sub-elements “lang”330which indicates the language, “font”332which indicates the font, “color”333which indicates the color and “size”334which indicates the font size.

Further, schema300defines the element “AccessObject” as indicated by335in the figure. The element “AccessObject” can specify the identification information for the service description and purchase information, the reference destination information to the relevant meta data, and the like. Further, for example, the element “AccessObject” indicates the access destination information when the preview is a program comprised of a low-rate video stream. As an example of a description of access destination information, the Service ID held by the program for preview is described in the figure. The Service ID in the service description of the program described inFIG. 6is specified as ServiceId=“urn:3gpp:1234567890coolcat.”

By using such schema300, it is possible to describe rich preview meta data that intricately combines moving picture, audio, still image and text.

Next, a specific example of the preview meta data will be described usingFIG. 5. Preview meta data500shown inFIG. 5constitutes a description based on schema300shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4.

In preview meta data500shown inFIG. 5, “1234” is described as the element “PreviewDataID” as indicated by501in the figure. Further, in preview meta data500, “1.0” is described as the element “Version” as indicated by502in the figure.

Further, in preview meta data500, the element “ValidTime” is described as indicated by503in the figure. Further, “200501300000” is described as the sub-element “StartTime” as indicated by504in the figure, and “200502300000” is described as the sub-element “EndTime” as indicated by505in the figure.

Further, in preview meta data500, the element “SMIL” is described as indicated by506in the figure. In507in the figure, the configuration for a case where the communication network bit rate is “2000” is described, and in508in the figure, the configuration for a case where the communication network bit rate is “16000” is described.

Further, in preview meta data500, the element “Video” is described as indicated by509in the figure. Further, in preview meta data500, “esg:videoOOO01” is described as the sub-element “URI” as indicated by510in the figure, “mpeg1” is described as the sub-element “Codec” as indicated by511in the figure, the sub-element “AlternativeText” is described as indicated by512in the figure, and the sub-element “AlternativePicture” is described as indicated by513in the figure.

In “AlternativeText”512, the element “XXX Cartoon Movie” is described as indicated by517in the figure. Further, in “AlternativeText”512, “eng” is described as the attribute “lang” as indicated by515in the figure, and “blue” is described as the attribute “color” as indicated by516in the figure.

In “AlternativePicture”513, “esg:pictureOOO02” is described as the sub-element “PictureURI” as indicated by521in the figure, “jpeg” is described as the sub-element “Codec” as indicated by518in the figure, and “AlternativeText” is described as the sub-element as indicated by522in the figure. Furthermore, in sub-element “AlternativeText”522, “XXX Cartoon Movie” is described as indicated by520in the figure, and “eng” is described as the attribute “lang” as indicated by519in the figure.

Further, in the element “Text” indicated by514in the figure, “Welcome to XXX world!” is described as indicated by523in the figure. Further, “eng” is described as the attribute “lang” as indicated by524in the figure, “red” is described as the attribute “color” as indicated by525in the figure, and “5” is described as the attribute “size” as indicated by526in the figure.

As described above, in preview meta data500, the reference destination information of these data is described instead of the entity of the moving picture, audio, still image or text constituting the preview data. Further, in preview meta data500, the alternative data for a case where the moving picture cannot be played back is defined. Further, in preview meta data500, the layout of the moving picture, audio, still image and text constituting the preview data is also described.

Next, the service description stored in service description storing section112of meta data server102will be described usingFIG. 6.

In service description600shown inFIG. 6, text indicating the name of the content is described as indicated by601in the figure. In service description600, the language in which the service is to be performed is described as indicated by602in the figure. In service description600, the access destination information for receiving and referring to the service is described by the URI as indicated by603in the figure. In603in the figure, it is indicated that receiving terminal104receives a file that describes information such as the access destination IP address and port through broadcasting in the same way as the service description, and it is possible to refer to the file within receiving terminal104using the URI described in603. Further, in service description600, the ID of the relevant preview meta data is described as indicated by604in the figure. Thus, in service description600, the identification information for the preview meta data, which is the relevant meta data, as well as information relating to the content are described.

Next, the EPG generated by EPG generating section128of receiving terminal104will be described with reference toFIG. 7.

As shown inFIG. 7, the EPG is a rectangular table with channels on the horizontal axis and time on the vertical axis. At the location where the vertical axis and horizontal axis intersect, information relating to the content broadcasted on the corresponding channel at the corresponding time is described.

Specifically, as the content information, information which can be extracted from the service description, such as indicated by700in the figure, information which can be extracted from purchase information, such as indicated by701in the figure, and information which can be extracted from preview meta data, such as indicated by702in the figure, are described.

Further, when information700extracted from the service information is selected by a mouse or the like, a screen (not shown) with more detailed service information is displayed. When information701extracted from the purchase information is selected by a mouse or the like, a screen (not shown) with more detailed purchase information is displayed. When information702extracted from the preview meta data is selected by a mouse or the like, meta data is generated, and a display screen (not shown) of the generated meta data is displayed.

Further, a preview dedicated channel such as indicated by703in the figure may be provided as a channel. By describing the preview dedicated channel in an access object of the preview meta data, it is possible to acquire pre-generated preview data without acquiring the moving picture, audio, and the like from the preview meta data and generating the preview data.

The EPG is configured as described above.

Next, the preview distribution operation of content distribution system100according to this embodiment will be described using the sequence diagrams shown inFIG. 8andFIG. 9.

First, content managing section108of content server101extracts the content from content storing section107. The extracted content is distributed via transmitting section109to receiving terminal104using broadcast network105and to preview-constituting data server103using communication network106(ST801and ST802). Next, content managing section108transmits information for identifying the meta data (service description and purchase information) relating to the content transmitted in ST801to meta data server102via transmitting section109using communication network106(ST803).

On the other hand, preview-constituting data server103receives the content in receiving section116and transmits the content to preview generating section118. Then, preview generating section118generates preview data from the content using a predetermined method (ST804). Next, preview generating section118stores the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview, which are the preview-constituting data that constitutes the preview data, in moving picture preview storing section119, audio preview storing section120, still image preview storing section121, and text preview storing section122, respectively (ST805). Further, preview generating section118transmits the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview, text preview reference destination information, the temporal and spatial layout information of these preview-constituting data, the information relating to other corresponding meta data, validity period, version information, and the like to preview meta data generating section123. Further, preview-constituting data server103may unilaterally transmit the generated moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview to receiving terminal104by a broadcast network or the like. In this case, receiving terminal104may receive and accumulate the received moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview.

On the other hand, preview meta data generating section123generates preview meta data500such as shown inFIG. 5, for example, using the reference destination information of the received moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview, and the temporal and spatial layout information of these previews, the information relating to other corresponding meta data, validity period, version information, and the like (ST806). Then, preview meta data generating section123transmits the generated preview meta data to meta data server102via transmitting section117and communication network106(ST807).

On the other hand, meta data server102receives the preview meta data in receiving section110and transmits the preview meta data to meta data managing section115. Meta data managing section115stores the transmitted preview meta data to preview meta data storing section114.

Next, meta data server102shifts the processing to processing of transmitting meta data to receiving terminal104at a predetermined timing. First, meta data managing section115of meta data server102extracts the service description, purchase information, and preview meta data corresponding to the information that identifies the meta data transmitted in ST803from service description storing section112, purchase information storing section113, and preview meta data storing section114, respectively (ST808). Then, transmitting section111transmits the extracted meta data (service description, purchase information and preview meta data) to receiving terminal104via communication network106(ST809to ST811).

On the other hand, receiving terminal104receives the service description, purchase information and preview meta data in receiving section125, and transmits the information to meta data analyzing section127and preview generating section131. Then, meta data analyzing section127analyzes the service description, purchase information, and preview meta data, extracts the information included in the service description, purchase information and preview meta data, and transmits the extracted information to EPG generating section128(ST812). Specifically, meta data analyzing section127extracts the content title, service details, and the like from the service description, and the charged fee, payment method, and the like from the purchase information.

On the other hand, EPG generating section128generates the EPG shown inFIG. 7based on the information transmitted from meta data analyzing section127and transmits the displayed EPG to display section129, and display section129displays the EPG (ST813).

Next, when the user who refers to the EPG selects preview data using input section130(ST814), preview generating section132analyzes the preview meta data corresponding to the selected preview data (ST815). Then, preview generating section132extracts the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview, text preview, and the like required for generating the preview data, and transmits the distribution requests thereof to preview-constituting data server103via transmitting section126and communication network106(ST816). When preview-constituting data server103unilaterally transmits the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview to receiving terminal104by a broadcast network or the like, preview generating section132extracts the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview, text preview, and the like required for generating the preview data from the received preview information. Preview generating section132acquires the preview data according to the extraction result from the data accumulated in receiving terminal104that is received in advance.

For example, in the case of preview meta data500shown inFIG. 5, preview generating section132transmits the sub-element “URI”510of the element “Video” to preview-constituting data server103. Further, when receiving terminal104is determined not to have the capacity to display moving picture, preview generating section132transmits the sub-element “pictureURI” of the element “AlternativePicture” to preview-constituting data server103to request the alternative still image of the moving picture. Furthermore, when receiving terminal104is determined not to have the capacity to display still image, preview generating section132extracts the element “AlternativeText”512, which is the alternative text of the moving picture.

On the other hand, preview managing section124of preview-constituting data server103receives the request for distributing the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview, text preview, and the like (specifically, reference destination information) transmitted from receiving terminal104via receiving section116. Next, preview managing section124analyzes the reference destination information of the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview and text preview described in the distribution requests, and extracts the corresponding data from moving picture preview storing section119, audio preview storing section120, still image preview storing section121, and text preview storing section122, respectively. Then, preview managing section124transmits the extracted moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview, text preview, and the like to receiving terminal104via transmitting section117and communication network106(ST817).

On the other hand, preview-constituting data acquiring section131of receiving terminal104acquires the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview, text preview, and the like from preview-constituting data server103via receiving section125. Next, preview generating section132generates the preview data by arranging the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview, text preview, and the like acquired from preview-constituting data acquiring section131, based on the layout information of the preview meta data (ST818). Then, preview generating section132transmits the generated preview data to display section129, and display section129displays the preview data (ST819).

Display section129may display the preview data using the alternative still image or alternative text when the reception state of the preview data is poor. For example, when the preview data is transmitted by broadcasting and the moving picture preview to be displayed cannot be received, receiving terminal104may extract and display the received alternative still image or alternative text as the preview data. Further, when a request for distributing the moving picture preview is transmitted to preview-constituting data server103and preview data distribution does not start or end within a predetermined period of time, receiving terminal104may transmit the alternative still image or alternative text of the moving picture preview to preview-constituting data server103and the received alternative still image or alternative text may be displayed as the preview data.

Next, when the user who refers to the preview data inputs the selection of distribution of the content corresponding to the referred preview data from input section130(ST820), content processing section133converts the content transmitted from content server101to a form which can be displayed by display section129, and transmits the converted content to display section129. Then, display section129plays back and displays the content (ST821).

As described above, according to this embodiment, receiving terminal104can actively generate preview data from preview meta data. That is, in the preview meta data, the reference destination information of the data constituting the preview data is described instead of the entity of the preview data, so that, when the preview data is changed, it is possible to readily change the data constituting the preview data by changing the reference destination information, and realize flexible preview distribution. Further, when the preview is changed, the reference destination information or the data stored in the reference destination information is changed. However, it is only necessary for receiving terminal104to download only the changed reference destination information or data, so that, compared to the conventional method of redistributing the entire changed preview, it is possible to reduce communication fees and improve communication efficiency.

Further, in the preview meta data of this embodiment, the reference destination information of the plurality of data (moving picture, audio, still image and text) constituting the preview data and the layout information of the plurality of data (moving picture, audio, still image and text) may be described. Thus, a plurality of different data (moving picture, audio, still image and text) is combined, and rich picture data can be generated. That is, from the preview meta data it is possible to generate preview data from which an outline of the complicated content of recent years can be determined.

Furthermore, it is also possible to include the entity of the preview-constituting data such as moving picture in a part of the preview meta data. In this case, the entity of the preview-constituting data included in the preview meta data preferably has a small amount of data.

Further, according to this embodiment, receiving terminal104may use preview-constituting data such as the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview, text preview, and the like for generating the preview data stored in preview-constituting data server103as necessary. As a result, receiving terminal104may acquire these preview-constituting data stored in preview-constituting data server103only when necessary, and therefore it is not necessary to provide a large storage apparatus, and it is possible to realize a small storage apparatus. Further, the preview-constituting data including the moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview, text preview, and the like is stored in preview-constituting data server103, so that these preview-constituting data stored in preview-constituting data server103can be shared by a plurality of receiving terminals104. As a result, it is possible to realize small storage apparatuses of the overall content distribution system100.

Further, according to this embodiment, the reference destination information for the entity (moving picture preview, audio preview, still image preview, text preview, and the like) of the preview-constituting data is described in the preview meta data, so that, when the preview data is to be updated, the preview data can be updated by replacing only the entity of the preview-constituting data stored in preview-constituting data server103. That is, receiving terminal104can reduce the processing relating to preview updating and can acquire new preview data.

Furthermore, content server101, meta data server102, and preview-constituting data server103have been described as separate configurations in this embodiment, but a single configuration is also possible.

Further, the processing performed by content server101, meta data server102, preview-constituting data server103and receiving terminal104may be programmed and executed on a general-purpose computer.

The present application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-058116 filed on Mar. 2, 2005, the entire content of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Industrial Applicability

The preview distribution technique of the present invention has the advantage of realizing flexible preview distribution between the distributing side and user side, and is useful as a distributing apparatus, receiving apparatus and distribution system that distributes to a user terminal a preview of multimedia content such as moving picture, audio, still image, text, and the like, and a distribution method, reception method, and transmission/reception method thereof. Further, the present invention can reduce the data relating to the preview, accumulated in advance, so that it is possible to provide a large advantage by applying the present invention to an apparatus having a relatively small storage capacity such as a mobile terminal.