JP7843897B2 - How to launch an application - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a method for launching an application.

One of the extended features of digital broadcasting services is data broadcasting, which transmits digital data via broadcast waves to display various information such as weather forecasts, news, and recommended programs. Numerous television receivers capable of receiving data broadcasting are already commercially available, and many technologies related to data broadcasting reception have been published, including Patent Document 1 below.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-186486

One characteristic of data broadcasting is that television receivers compatible with digital broadcasting services can receive data broadcasts independently and acquire/display various types of information. However, due to limitations in the radio frequency band, the amount of data that can be transmitted is limited, making it difficult to achieve high-definition screen displays or sophisticated effects. Therefore, there has been a challenge in implementing high-value, useful functions with current digital broadcasting receivers.

The objective of this invention is to provide a digital broadcast receiver capable of performing functions with higher added value.

As a means to solve the aforementioned problems, the technology described in the claims is used.
For example, the technology described in claim 1 is used.

By utilizing the technology of the present invention, it is possible to provide a digital broadcast receiver capable of performing functions with higher added value.

System configuration diagram of the communication system according to the embodiment. Block diagram of a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment. Software configuration diagram of a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment. Block diagram of a broadcasting station server according to an embodiment. Block diagram of the service provider server according to the embodiment. Block diagram of a portable information terminal according to an embodiment. Software configuration diagram of a portable information terminal according to an embodiment. Data structure diagram of application control information related to the embodiment. Operation sequence diagram of the broadcast receiving device application startup according to the embodiment. Operation sequence diagram of the broadcast receiving device application startup according to the embodiment. Operation sequence diagram of the broadcast receiving device application startup according to the embodiment. Operation sequence diagram of the mobile information terminals during the linking process according to the embodiment. Operation sequence diagram of the mobile information terminals during the linking process according to the embodiment. Operation sequence diagram of the mobile information terminals during the linking process according to the embodiment. Operation sequence diagram for application startup of a broadcast receiving device and a mobile information terminal according to an embodiment. A diagram showing the basic screen of the mobile information terminal's linked control application according to the embodiment. A diagram showing the basic screen of the mobile information terminal's linked control application according to the embodiment. A diagram showing the data broadcast screen of a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment. A screen display diagram of the notification screen of a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment. A diagram showing the screen display of the broadcast linkage application launcher of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. A diagram showing the screen display of the broadcast linkage application execution screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. A diagram showing the screen display of the broadcast linkage application execution screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. A diagram showing the screen display of the broadcast linkage application execution screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. A diagram showing the screen display of the broadcast linkage application execution screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. A diagram showing the error display screen of a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment. A diagram showing the screen display of the broadcast linkage application execution screen of a mobile information terminal according to the embodiment. A screen display diagram of the EPG display screen of a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment. A diagram showing detailed information of the EPG display screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. Operation sequence diagram for the broadcast receiving device when acquiring the broadcast linkage application according to the embodiment. Operation sequence diagram during terminal linkage according to the embodiment. Operation sequence diagram during terminal linkage according to the embodiment. Operation sequence diagram during terminal linkage according to the embodiment. Operation sequence diagram during terminal linkage according to the embodiment. A diagram showing the screen display of the broadcast linkage application launcher of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. A diagram showing the screen display of the broadcast linkage application launcher of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. A diagram showing the screen display of the broadcast linkage application launcher of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. A diagram showing the screen display of the broadcast linkage application launcher of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. Screen display diagram of a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment. A diagram showing the screen display of the broadcast-linked application launcher for a mobile information terminal according to the embodiment. A diagram showing the system configuration and usage example, including a broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. A diagram illustrating the operation sequence when the broadcast linkage application for the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment is launched. A diagram illustrating the operation sequence when the broadcast linkage application for the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment is launched. A diagram illustrating the operation sequence when the broadcast linkage application for the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment is launched. A diagram showing the screen display of the startup/failure confirmation screen for the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. A diagram showing the user settings screen of a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment. A diagram showing the system configuration and usage example, including a broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. A diagram illustrating examples of multiple types of applications and transitions between applications related to the embodiment. A diagram illustrating the operation sequence when the broadcast linkage application for the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment is launched. A diagram showing an example of controlling the playback of a broadcast program and the execution of an application according to the embodiment. A diagram showing an example of the startup selection screen for a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment. A diagram showing an example of the startup selection screen for a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a screen display of a broadcast receiving device running multiple applications according to an embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a screen display of a broadcast receiving device running multiple applications according to an embodiment.

Examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, we will describe an example of a digital broadcasting service that can be received by the broadcasting receiving device of this embodiment.
For example, in one example of BS/terrestrial digital broadcasting that can be received by the broadcast receiving device of this embodiment, multiple transport streams (TS) can be multiplexed and transmitted on a single transponder (frequency channel). A TS is a sequence of TS packets of a predetermined length, formed by dividing data streams such as video/audio elementary streams (ES), program-specific information (PSI), and service information (SI), and adding a TS header.

The PSI (Program Information System) is a unique information table defined in the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group)-2 system standard, used to identify which program each ES (Environmental Sample) included in a TS (Transaction System) belongs to. The PSI consists of components such as the PAT (Program Association Table), PMT (Program Map Table), and CAT (Conditional Access Table). The PAT defines the list of programs included in the TS using the PMT's PID (Packet Identifier). The PMT defines the PIDs of the components of each program, etc. The CAT includes information regarding restricted access.

Furthermore, SI extends PSI to include program information, etc., and contains information related to the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) as defined by the Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB) in ARIB STD-B10. SI consists of BIT (Broadcaster Information Table), SDT (Service Description Table), EIT (Event Information Table), TOT (Time Offset Table), etc. BIT includes broadcaster identification information, network information, broadcaster SI transmission information, etc. SDT includes information such as a network ID for identifying the network, a TS ID for identifying the TS, and a service ID (so-called channel number) for identifying individual services (so-called channels) within the network. EIT includes a service ID for identifying individual services within the network, and information about each event (so-called program), such as its name, broadcast date and time, and broadcast content. TOT includes information about the current date and time.

Furthermore, the TS includes PCR (Program Clock Reference) information, which serves as the basis for playback timing in the decoder, and BML (Broadcast Markup Language) documents subsetted based on the BML specification defined in ARIB STD-B24.

In this embodiment, the broadcast receiving device can receive and decode a TS (Transaction Stream) composed of the aforementioned video/audio ES (Electronic Stream Signal) and various other information, thereby providing users with broadcast programs, EPGs (Electronic Program Guides), BMLs (Broadcasting Mapping), and other data broadcast screens.

Furthermore, the broadcast receiving device of this embodiment can integrate functions utilizing a broadband network with digital broadcasting services, enabling a broadcast-communication collaboration system that combines digital broadcasting services with functions such as the acquisition of additional content via the broadband network, computational processing on server devices, and presentation processing in collaboration with mobile terminal devices. To realize this broadcast-communication collaboration system, the broadcast receiving device of this embodiment is capable of executing applications written in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), etc. The broadcast-communication collaboration system supported by this broadcast receiving device utilizes extended BML specifications, application control information (Application Information Table: AIT) in the broadcast-communication collaboration system, and extended PSI/SI information necessary for transmitting applications over broadcast waves. AIT is information for providing or disseminating various information necessary to launch an application, such as the application's acquisition destination, and control information for controlling application startup/shutdown, etc.

The above explanation is based on Japan's digital broadcasting service, but the broadcast receiving equipment in this embodiment, including the corresponding broadcast-communication collaboration system, is not limited to application within Japan.

Next, a specific example of the configuration of the embodiment in this model will be described.

[System Configuration]
Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the communication system of this embodiment that realizes a broadcast-communication collaboration system. The communication system of this embodiment consists of a broadcast receiving device 100 and an antenna 100a, a broadband network such as the Internet 200 and a router device 210, a broadcasting station's radio tower 300t, a broadcasting station server 300, a service provider server 400, other application servers 500, a mobile telephone communication server 600 and a base station 600b of the mobile telephone communication network, and a mobile information terminal 700.

The broadcast receiving device 100 is a television receiver that, in addition to existing digital broadcasting reception functions, also has functions compatible with the aforementioned broadcast-communication collaboration system. The broadcast receiving device 100 receives broadcast waves transmitted from the radio tower 300t via the antenna 100a. Furthermore, the broadcast receiving device 100 can connect to the internet 200 via the router device 210, enabling data transmission and reception through communication with various server devices on the internet 200.

The router device 210 is connected to the Internet 200 via wireless or wired communication, and is also connected to the broadcast receiving device 100 via wireless or wired communication, and to the personal information terminal 700 via wireless communication. This allows each server device on the Internet 200, the broadcast receiving device 100, and the personal information terminal 700 to mutually transmit and receive data via the router device 210. Note that communication between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the personal information terminal 700 may be performed directly using methods such as Bluetooth® or NFC (Near Field Communication) without going through the router device 210.

The radio tower 300t transmits broadcast waves from the broadcasting station's broadcasting equipment, including digital broadcast signals, AIT (Application Information Technology), and control information related to application presentation. The control information related to application presentation refers to control information regarding the overlay of broadcast programs and applications on television receivers, and whether or not applications can be presented. The broadcasting station also includes a broadcasting station server 300. The broadcasting station server 300 stores broadcast programs (video content, etc.) and metadata such as the program title, program ID, program summary, cast, and broadcast date and time for each program. It is capable of providing the video content and metadata to service providers based on a contract. The provision of the video content and metadata to service providers may be done through an API (Application Programming Interface) provided by the broadcasting station server 300.

The service provider server 400 is a server device prepared by the service provider to provide services through the broadcast-communication collaboration system. The service provider server 400 stores, manages, and distributes video content and metadata provided by the broadcast station server 300, as well as content and applications created for the broadcast-communication collaboration system. It also has the function of searching for and providing a list of available applications in response to inquiries from television receivers. Note that the storage, management, and distribution of the content and metadata and the storage, management, and distribution of the applications may be performed by different server devices. The broadcast station and the service provider may be the same or different. Multiple service provider servers 400 may be prepared for different services. Furthermore, the functions of the service provider server 400 may also be provided by the broadcast station server 300.

Other application servers 500 are well-known server devices that store, manage, and distribute general applications, operating programs, content, and data other than those related to the aforementioned broadcast-communication collaboration system.

The mobile telephone communication server 600 is connected to the internet 200, and is also connected to the personal information terminal 700 via the base station 600b. The mobile telephone communication server 600 manages telephone communication (calls) and data transmission/reception of the personal information terminal 700 via the mobile telephone communication network, and enables data transmission/reception through communication between the personal information terminal 700 and various server devices on the internet 200. Note that communication between the personal information terminal 700 and the broadcast receiving device 100 may also be conducted via the base station 600b, the mobile telephone communication server 600, the internet 200, and the router device 210.

[Hardware configuration of broadcast receiving equipment]
Figure 2A is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the broadcast receiving device 100. The broadcast receiving device 100 consists of a main control unit 101, a system bus 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, a storage unit 110, a LAN communication unit 121, an expansion interface unit 124, a digital interface unit 125, a tuner/demodulation unit 131, a first separation unit 132, a first video decoding unit 133, a first audio decoding unit 134, a first subtitle decoding unit 135, a data broadcasting reception processing unit 141, a data broadcasting engine 142, a streaming reception processing unit 151, a second separation unit 152, a second video decoding unit 153, a second audio decoding unit 154, a second subtitle decoding unit 155, an application control unit 161, an application engine 162, a video overlay unit 171, an audio selection unit 172, a video display unit 173, a speaker 174, a video output unit 175, an audio output unit 176, a presentation synchronization control unit 181, and a terminal linkage control unit 191.

The main control unit 101 is a microprocessor unit that controls the entire broadcast receiving device 100 according to a predetermined operation program. The system bus 102 is a data communication path for transmitting and receiving data between the main control unit 101 and each operation block within the broadcast receiving device 100.

The ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 is a memory that stores basic operating programs such as the operating system and other operational programs. For example, a rewritable ROM such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) or flash ROM is used. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 serves as the work area during the execution of basic operating programs and other operational programs. The ROM 103 and RAM 104 may be integrated with the main control unit 101. Furthermore, the ROM 103 may not have an independent configuration as shown in Figure 2A, but may utilize a portion of the storage area within the storage unit 110.

The storage unit 110 stores the operating program and settings of the broadcast receiving device 100, as well as the personal information of the broadcast receiving device 100 user. It can also store operating programs downloaded from the network and various data created by those operating programs. Furthermore, it can store content such as video, still images, and audio acquired from broadcast waves or downloaded from the network. A portion of the storage unit 110 may replace all or part of the functions of the ROM 103. The storage unit 110 also needs to retain the stored information even when the broadcast receiving device 100 is not receiving external power. Therefore, devices such as flash ROM, SSD (Solid State Drive) or other semiconductor memory, or HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or other magnetic disk drives are used.

Furthermore, the aforementioned operating programs stored in ROM 103 and storage unit 110 can be updated and their functions expanded through download processing from various server devices on the Internet 200.

The LAN (Local Area Network) communication unit 121 is connected to the Internet 200 via the router device 210 and transmits and receives data with various server devices on the Internet 200. The connection to the router device 210 may be a wired connection or a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The LAN communication unit 121 shall be equipped with encoding circuits, decoding circuits, etc. Furthermore, the broadcast receiving device 100 may also be equipped with other communication units such as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, an NFC communication unit, or an infrared communication unit.

The tuner/demodulator 131 receives broadcast waves from the radio tower 300t via the antenna 100a and tunes (selects) to the channel of the service desired by the user based on the control of the main control unit 101. Furthermore, the tuner/demodulator 131 demodulates the received broadcast signal to obtain a TS (Transaction Time). While Figure 2A illustrates a configuration with a single tuner/demodulator, the broadcast receiving device 100 may be configured with multiple tuners/demodulators for purposes such as simultaneous display of multiple screens or recording of programs while watching another. Additionally, the main control unit 101 may control access to the demodulated TS.

The first separation unit 132 receives the TS output from the tuner/demodulation unit 131 and separates and outputs it into various data sequences, such as video data sequences, audio data sequences, subtitle data sequences, program information data sequences, AIT data sequences, and BML data sequences. These data sequences may be in, for example, ES format. The first video decoding unit 133 decodes the video data sequences input from the first separation unit 132 and outputs video information. The first audio decoding unit 134 decodes the audio data sequences input from the first separation unit 132 and outputs audio information. The first subtitle decoding unit 135 decodes the subtitle data sequences input from the first separation unit 132 and outputs subtitle information.

The data broadcasting reception processing unit 141 decodes the BML data sequence input from the first separation unit 132 and reconstructs the BML document. The data broadcasting engine 142 is a BML browser that executes the BML document; it executes the BML document reconstructed by the data broadcasting reception processing unit 141 and outputs data broadcasting screen information.

The streaming reception processing unit 151, based on the control of the main control unit 101, accesses video content and the like stored on various server devices on the Internet 200 via the LAN communication unit 121 and acquires the program stream (PS) of the video content and the like. Furthermore, based on the control of the main control unit 101, it may also perform control of DRM (Digital Rights Management) processing on the acquired PS.

The second separation unit 152 receives the PS output from the streaming reception processing unit 151 and separates and outputs it into various data sequences, such as video data sequences, audio data sequences, and subtitle data sequences. These data sequences may be in, for example, ES format. The second video decoding unit 153, second audio decoding unit 154, and second subtitle decoding unit 155 perform the same processing as the first video decoding unit 133, first audio decoding unit 134, and first subtitle decoding unit 135, respectively, and therefore their explanation is omitted.

Furthermore, the first separation unit 132 and the second separation unit 152, the first video decoding unit 133 and the second video decoding unit 153, the first audio decoding unit 134 and the second audio decoding unit 154, and the first subtitle decoding unit 135 and the second subtitle decoding unit 155 may be used interchangeably.

The application control unit 161, based on the AIT data sequence input from the first separation unit or AIT files acquired from various server devices on the Internet 200, interacts with the application engine 162 regarding applications created for the broadcast-communication collaboration system, controlling and managing the lifecycle and events of each application. It also controls the application's functional constraints as appropriate, depending on the application's state and AIT instructions. The application engine 162 is an HTML browser that acquires and executes applications created for the broadcast-communication collaboration system based on the control of the application control unit 161.

The video overlay unit 171 receives video information output from the first video decoding unit 133, subtitle information output from the first subtitle decoding unit 135, data broadcasting screen information output from the data broadcasting engine 142, video information output from the second video decoding unit 153, subtitle information output from the second subtitle decoding unit 155, and application execution screen information output from the application engine 162, and performs processing such as selection and/or overlay. The video overlay unit 171 includes a video RAM (not shown), and the video display unit 173, etc., are driven based on the video information input to the video RAM. Furthermore, based on the control of the main control unit 101, the video overlay unit 171 performs scaling processing and overlay processing of EPG screen information created based on the program information data sequence output from the first separation unit 132, as needed.

The audio selection unit 172 receives audio information output from the first audio decoding unit 134, audio information output from the second audio decoding unit 154, and application execution audio information output from the application engine 162, and appropriately selects and outputs the audio information according to the control of the main control unit 101.

The video display unit 173 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, and provides video information selected and/or superimposed by the video superposition unit 171 to the user of the broadcast receiving device 100. The speaker 174 provides audio information output from the audio selection unit 172 to the user of the broadcast receiving device 100. The video output unit 175 is a video output interface that outputs video information selected and/or superimposed by the video superposition unit 171. The audio output unit 176 is an audio output interface that outputs audio information output from the audio selection unit 172. As mentioned above, if the broadcast receiving device 100 is a television receiver or the like, the video output unit 175 and the audio output unit 176 are not essential components of this invention.

The presentation synchronization control unit 181 controls the presentation synchronization on the video display unit 173 and speaker 174, or on the video output unit 175 and audio output unit 176, based on, for example, PCR information, etc., of the video and audio information obtained by decoding the TS acquired from the broadcast wave, the video and audio information obtained by decoding the PS acquired from each server device on the Internet 200, and the application execution screen information and application execution audio information output from the application engine 162.

The terminal linkage control unit 191 manages and controls the discovery and authentication of the linked device (mobile terminal device), the connection between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the linked device, and the linkage of applications when linking with an external mobile terminal device.

The expansion interface unit 124 is a group of interfaces for expanding the functionality of the broadcast receiving device 100. In this embodiment, it consists of an analog video/audio interface, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a memory interface, etc. The analog video/audio interface handles the input of analog video/audio signals from external video/audio output devices and the output of analog video/audio signals to external video/audio input devices. The USB interface connects to a PC or other device for data transmission and reception. An HDD may be connected to record broadcast programs and content. A keyboard or other USB device may also be connected. The memory interface connects to a memory card or other memory medium for data transmission and reception.

The digital interface unit 125 is an interface for outputting or inputting encoded digital video data and/or digital audio data. The digital interface unit 125 is capable of directly outputting TS acquired by the tuner/demodulation unit 131 and PS acquired by the streaming reception processing unit 151. Alternatively, the TS and PS input from the digital interface unit 125 may be controlled to be input to the first separation unit 132 and the second separation unit 152. Output of digital content stored in the storage unit 110, or storage of digital content to the storage unit 110, may be performed via the digital interface unit 125. The digital interface unit 125 may be a DVI terminal, HDMI terminal, etc., and may output or input data in a format compliant with the DVI specification, HDMI specification, etc. It may also output or input data in a serial data format compliant with the IEEE 1394 specification, etc.

The broadcast receiving device 100 may be a television receiver, an optical disc drive recorder such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) recorder, a magnetic disc drive recorder such as an HDD recorder, an STB (Set-Top Box), etc. It may also be a PC (Personal Computer), tablet terminal, game console, etc., equipped with digital broadcast receiving and broadcast communication linkage functions. If the broadcast receiving device 100 is a DVD recorder, HDD recorder, STB, etc., the video display unit 173 and speaker 174 are not required. By connecting an external monitor and external speakers to the video output unit 175 and audio output unit 176, operation similar to that of the broadcast receiving device 100 in this embodiment becomes possible.

[Software configuration of broadcast receiving equipment]
Figure 2B is a software configuration diagram of the broadcast receiving device 100 in this embodiment, showing the software configuration in the ROM 103, RAM 104, and storage unit 110. In this embodiment, the ROM 103 stores the basic operation program 1001 and other operation programs, and the storage unit 110 stores the reception function program 1002, BML browser program 1003, HTML browser program 1004, and other operation programs. The storage unit 110 also includes a content storage area 1011 for storing content such as video, still images, and audio, an authentication information storage area 1012 for storing authentication information used when coordinating with external mobile terminal devices, and various information storage areas for storing various other information.

The basic operation program 1001 stored in ROM 103 is loaded into RAM 104, and the main control unit 101 then executes the loaded basic operation program to constitute the basic operation execution unit 1101. Similarly, the receiving function program 1002, BML browser program 1003, and HTML browser program 1004 stored in storage unit 110 are each loaded into RAM 104, and the main control unit 101 then executes each of the loaded operation programs to constitute the receiving function execution unit 1102, the BML browser engine 1103, and the HTML browser engine 1104. Furthermore, RAM 104 includes a temporary storage area for temporarily holding data created during the execution of each operation program as needed.

For the sake of simplicity, the following description assumes that the basic operation execution unit 1101 controls each operation block, rather than the main control unit 101 loading the basic operation program 1001 stored in the ROM 103 into the RAM 104 and executing it. The same description applies to other operation programs.

The reception function execution unit 1102 controls each operating block of the broadcast receiving device 100 to realize broadcast reception functions and broadcast communication cooperation functions. In particular, the broadcast program playback unit 1102a mainly controls the tuner/demodulation unit 131, the first separation unit 132, the first video decoding unit 133, the first audio decoding unit 134, the first subtitle decoding unit 135, the data broadcast reception processing unit 141, and the data broadcast engine 142. Note that the data broadcast engine 142 may be replaced by the BML browser engine 1103 deployed on RAM 104. The communication content playback unit 1102b mainly controls the streaming reception processing unit 151, the second separation unit 152, the second video decoding unit 153, the second audio decoding unit 154, and the second subtitle decoding unit 155. The cooperation application control unit 1102c mainly controls the application control unit 161 and the application engine 162. The application engine 162 may be replaced by the HTML browser engine 1104 deployed on RAM 104. The terminal connection management unit 1102d primarily controls the terminal connection control unit 191.

The aforementioned operating programs may be pre-stored in the ROM 103 and/or storage unit 110 at the time of product shipment. Alternatively, they may be acquired after product shipment from other application servers 500, etc., on the Internet 200 via the LAN communication unit 121. Furthermore, the aforementioned operating programs stored on memory cards, optical discs, etc., may be acquired via the expansion interface unit 124, etc.

[Broadcasting station server configuration]
Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the broadcasting station server 300. The broadcasting station server 300 consists of a main control unit 301, a system bus 302, a RAM 304, a storage unit 310, and a LAN communication unit 321.

The main control unit 301 is a microprocessor unit that controls the entire broadcasting station server 300 according to a predetermined operating program. The system bus 302 is a data communication path for sending and receiving data between the main control unit 301 and each operating block within the broadcasting station server 300. The RAM 304 serves as the work area during the execution of each operating program.

The storage unit 310 stores the basic operation program 3001 and the content management/distribution program 3002, and further includes a video content storage area 3011 and a metadata storage area 3012. The video content storage area 3011 stores the video content of each broadcast program aired by the broadcasting station. The metadata storage area 3012 stores metadata such as the program title, program ID, program summary, cast, broadcast date and time, etc., for each of the aforementioned broadcast programs.

Furthermore, the basic operation program 3001 and the content management/distribution program 3002 stored in the storage unit 310 are loaded into the RAM 304, and the main control unit 301 then executes the loaded basic operation program and content management/distribution program, thereby configuring the basic operation execution unit 3101 and the content management/distribution execution unit 3102.

For the sake of simplicity, in the following explanation, the process by which the main control unit 301 controls each operation block by loading the basic operation program 3001 stored in the storage unit 310 into the RAM 304 and executing it will be described as if the basic operation execution unit 3101 controls each operation block. The same description will be applied to other operation programs.

The content management/distribution execution unit 3102 manages the video content and metadata stored in the video content storage area 3011 and the metadata storage area 3012, and controls the provision of the video content and metadata to the service provider based on the contract. Furthermore, when providing the video content and metadata to the service provider, the content management/distribution execution unit 3102 also performs authentication processing of the service provider server 400 based on the contract, as necessary.

The LAN communication unit 321 is connected to the Internet 200 and communicates with service provider servers 400 and other devices on the Internet 200. The LAN communication unit 321 is equipped with encoding circuits, decoding circuits, and the like.

[Service provider server configuration]
Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the service provider server 400. The service provider server 400 consists of a main control unit 401, a system bus 402, RAM 404, a storage unit 410, and a LAN communication unit 421.

The main control unit 401 is a microprocessor unit that controls the entire service provider server 400 according to a predetermined operating program. The system bus 402 is a data communication path for sending and receiving data between the main control unit 401 and each operating block within the service provider server 400. The RAM 404 serves as the work area during the execution of each operating program.

The storage unit 410 stores the basic operation program 4001, the content management/distribution program 4002, and the application management/distribution program 4003. Furthermore, it includes a video content storage area 4011, a metadata storage area 4012, and an application storage area 4013. The video content storage area 4011 and the metadata storage area 4012 store the video content and metadata provided by the broadcasting station server 300, as well as content produced by the service provider and metadata related to that content. The application storage area 4013 stores applications necessary for realizing each service of the broadcast-communication collaborative system, for distribution in response to requests from each television receiver.

Furthermore, the basic operation program 4001, the content management/distribution program 4002, and the application management/distribution program 4003 stored in the storage unit 410 are each loaded into the RAM 404. The main control unit 401 then executes the loaded basic operation program, content management/distribution program, and application management/distribution program, thereby configuring the basic operation execution unit 4101, the content management/distribution execution unit 4102, and the application management/distribution execution unit 4103.

For the sake of simplicity, in the following explanation, the process by which the main control unit 401 controls each operation block by loading the basic operation program 4001 stored in the storage unit 410 into the RAM 404 and executing it will be described as if the basic operation execution unit 4101 controls each operation block. The same description will be applied to other operation programs.

The content management/distribution execution unit 4102 acquires video content and metadata from the broadcasting station server 300, manages the video content and metadata stored in the video content storage area 4011 and the metadata storage area 4012, and controls the distribution of the video content and metadata to each television receiver. The application management/distribution execution unit 4103 manages the applications stored in the application storage area 4013 and controls the distribution of these applications to each television receiver in response to requests. Furthermore, when distributing the applications to each television receiver, the application management/distribution execution unit 4103 also performs authentication processing for each television receiver as needed.

The LAN communication unit 421 is connected to the Internet 200 and communicates with the broadcasting station server 300 on the Internet 200, as well as the broadcasting receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 via the router device 210. The LAN communication unit 421 is equipped with encoding circuits, decoding circuits, and the like.

[Hardware configuration of mobile devices]
Figure 5A is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a personal information terminal 700. The personal information terminal 700 consists of a main control unit 701, a system bus 702, a ROM 703, a RAM 704, a storage unit 710, a communication processing unit 720, an expansion interface unit 724, an operation unit 730, an image processing unit 740, an audio processing unit 750, and a sensor unit 760.

The main control unit 701 is a microprocessor unit that controls the entire portable information terminal 700. The system bus 702 is a data communication path for sending and receiving data between the main control unit 701 and each operational block within the portable information terminal 700.

ROM 703 is memory that stores basic operating programs such as the operating system and other operational programs. For example, a rewritable ROM such as EEPROM or flash ROM is used. RAM 704 serves as the work area during the execution of basic operating programs and other operational programs. ROM 703 and RAM 704 may be integrated with the main control unit 701. Furthermore, ROM 703 may not have an independent configuration as shown in Figure 5A, but may utilize a portion of the storage area within the storage unit 710.

The storage unit 710 stores the operating program and settings of the personal information terminal 700, as well as the personal information of the personal information terminal 700 user. It can also store operating programs downloaded from the network and various data created by those operating programs. Furthermore, it can store content such as videos, still images, and audio downloaded from the network. A portion of the storage unit 710 may replace all or part of the functions of the ROM 703. The storage unit 710 also needs to retain the stored information even when the personal information terminal 700 is not receiving external power. Therefore, devices such as flash ROM, SSD, or HDD are used.

Furthermore, the aforementioned operating programs stored in ROM 703 and storage unit 710 can be updated and their functions expanded through download processing from various server devices on the Internet 200.

The communication processing unit 720 consists of a LAN communication unit 721, a mobile telephone network communication unit 722, and an NFC communication unit 723. The LAN communication unit 721 is connected to the Internet 200 via a router device 210 and transmits and receives data with various server devices on the Internet 200. The connection to the router device 210 is made via a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The mobile telephone network communication unit 722 performs telephone communication (calls) and data transmission/reception via wireless communication with base stations 600b of the mobile telephone network. The NFC communication unit 723 performs wireless communication when in proximity to a corresponding reader/writer. The LAN communication unit 721, mobile telephone network communication unit 722, and NFC communication unit 723 are each equipped with coding circuits, decoding circuits, antennas, etc. Furthermore, the communication processing unit 720 may also include other communication units such as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit or an infrared communication unit.

The expansion interface unit 724 is a group of interfaces for expanding the functionality of the portable information terminal 700. In this embodiment, it consists of a video/audio interface, a USB interface, a memory interface, etc. The video/audio interface handles the input of video/audio signals from external video/audio output devices and the output of video/audio signals to external video/audio input devices. The USB interface connects to a PC or other device for sending and receiving data. It may also be used to connect a keyboard or other USB devices. The memory interface connects to a memory card or other memory medium for sending and receiving data.

The operation unit 730 is an instruction input unit that inputs operation instructions for the portable information terminal 700. In this embodiment, it consists of a touch panel 730t superimposed on the display unit 741 and an operation key 730k arranged in a row of button switches. Either one or the other may be used. The portable information terminal 700 may also be operated using a keyboard connected to the expansion interface unit 724. Alternatively, the portable information terminal 700 may be operated using a separate portable terminal device connected via wired or wireless communication. Furthermore, the touch panel function may be provided by the display unit 741.

The image processing unit 740 consists of a display unit 741, an image signal processing unit 742, a first image input unit 743, and a second image input unit 744. The display unit 741 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, and provides image data processed by the image signal processing unit 742 to the user of the portable information terminal 700. The image signal processing unit 742 includes a video RAM (not shown), and the display unit 741 is driven based on the image data input to the video RAM. The image signal processing unit 742 also has functions to perform format conversion, menu and other OSD (On Screen Display) signal superposition processing as needed. The first image input unit 743 and the second image input unit 744 are camera units that input image data of the surroundings and objects by converting light input from the lens into electrical signals using electronic devices such as CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensors.

The audio processing unit 750 consists of an audio output unit 751, an audio signal processing unit 752, and an audio input unit 753. The audio output unit 751 is a speaker and provides the audio signal processed by the audio signal processing unit 752 to the user of the portable information terminal 700. The audio input unit 753 is a microphone and inputs the user's voice and other audio data.

The sensor unit 760 is a group of sensors for detecting the state of the portable information terminal 700. In this embodiment, it consists of a GPS receiver 761, a gyro sensor 762, a geomagnetic sensor 763, an acceleration sensor 764, an illuminance sensor 765, and a proximity sensor 766. These sensors enable the detection of the position, tilt, direction, movement, ambient brightness, proximity of surrounding objects, etc., of the portable information terminal 700. The portable information terminal 700 may also be equipped with other sensors, such as a barometric pressure sensor.

The personal digital information terminal 700 may be a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, etc. It may also be a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or a notebook PC. Furthermore, it may be a digital still camera, a video camera capable of recording video, a portable game console, or other portable digital device.

Note that the example configuration of the portable information terminal 700 shown in Figure 5A includes many components that are not essential to this embodiment, such as the sensor unit 760. However, the effectiveness of this embodiment will not be impaired even if these components are not included. Furthermore, additional components not shown, such as a digital broadcasting reception function or an electronic money payment function, may also be included.

[Software configuration of mobile devices]
Figure 5B is a software configuration diagram of the portable information terminal 700 of this embodiment, showing the software configuration in the ROM 703, RAM 704, and storage unit 710. In this embodiment, the ROM 703 stores the basic operation program 7001 and other operation programs, and the storage unit 710 stores the cooperation control program 7002, the HTML browser program 7003, and other operation programs. The storage unit 710 also includes a content storage area 7011 for storing content such as video, still images, and audio, an authentication information storage area 7012 for storing authentication information used during cooperation with a television receiver, and various information storage areas for storing other various information.

The basic operation program 7001 stored in ROM 703 is loaded into RAM 704, and the main control unit 701 then executes the loaded basic operation program to constitute the basic operation execution unit 7101. Similarly, the cooperation control program 7002 and the HTML browser program 7003 stored in storage unit 710 are each loaded into RAM 704, and the main control unit 701 then executes each of the loaded operation programs to constitute the cooperation control execution unit 7102 and the HTML browser engine 7103. Furthermore, RAM 704 includes a temporary storage area for temporarily holding data created during the execution of each operation program as needed.

For the sake of simplicity, the following description assumes that the basic operation execution unit 7101 controls each operation block, whereas the main control unit 701 controls each operation block by loading the basic operation program 7001 stored in the ROM 703 into the RAM 704 and executing it. The same description applies to other operation programs.

The collaborative control execution unit 7102 manages device authentication and connection, transmission and reception of data, etc., when the mobile information terminal 700 performs collaborative operations with the television receiver. The HTML browser engine 7103 is an HTML browser that executes applications created for the broadcast-communication collaborative system on the mobile information terminal 700.

The aforementioned operating programs may be pre-stored in the ROM 703 and/or storage unit 710 at the time of product shipment. Alternatively, they may be acquired after product shipment from other application servers 500, etc., on the Internet 200 via the LAN communication unit 721 or the mobile telephone network communication unit 722. Furthermore, the aforementioned operating programs stored on a memory card, optical disc, etc., may be acquired via the expansion interface unit 724, etc.

[Overview of Application Control Information (AIT)]
The application control information (AIT) in this embodiment is intended to inform the television receiver, etc. (in this embodiment, the broadcast receiver 100) of the existence of an application that links to broadcast services (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a broadcast link application) and to instruct its control in the broadcast communication link function supported by the broadcast receiver 100. The broadcast link application may be distinguished into (1) broadcast managed applications that operate only in a broadcast reception state based on control signals such as start/stop included in the broadcast signal and are permitted to access broadcast resources based on the control signals, (2) non-broadcast managed applications that operate in a manner not controlled by broadcast signals such as start/stop and are permitted to access broadcast resources based on means such as application authentication, and (3) other general applications that are not permitted to access broadcast resources.

The AIT transmission method may be either a method of transmitting AIT in section format or XML (extensible Markup Language) format via broadcast waves using a data carousel (DC) method, or a method of distributing the aforementioned section format or XML format AIT files from a server device on the Internet 200 using http (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) or https (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), etc. Other methods may also be adopted.

Figure 6 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the AIT data structure. The AIT primarily consists of information such as application type 901, application identifier 902, application control code 903, application profile 904, application acquisition source information 905, application boundary and access permission settings 906, startup priority 907, cache information 908, and server access distribution parameters 909. Other information may also be included.

Application type 901 defines the application description method. In this embodiment, the application description method is assumed to be HTML. Application identifier 902 is identification information for identifying application units, consisting of an organization identifier that identifies the business operator and an application identifier assigned to each business operator. An application unit is a set of HTML documents and their reference resources, with the HTML document located at the location specified in application acquisition information 905 as the entry document. Application control code 903 defines the operation control for the target application, and one of the following is described: (1) automatic startup, (2) operational, (3) termination, or (4) prefetch. Application profile 904 is a value indicating the functions of the television receiver required by the application, and is shown by combining the functions that the television receiver has as options. The availability of the application is determined by referring to this value.

The application acquisition destination information 905 is information that identifies the acquisition destination of the application, and is location information for acquiring the HTML document that is first referenced when the application is launched. Since the application is expected to be transmitted via broadcast or reside on a server device on a communication network, the location information specified in the application acquisition destination information 905 is defined to accommodate both broadcast and communication acquisition. The application boundary and access restriction setting 906 is information that indicates the scope of operation for the broadcast-managed application as a set of one or more areas (URL: Uniform Resource Locator). Furthermore, access restrictions to broadcast resources for each area are set on a functional basis. The application boundary and access restriction setting 906 specifies the scope of document transitions to prevent unexpected document transitions or inappropriate access to broadcast resources due to chains of document transitions from the entry document at application launch. Additionally, it is possible to set access permissions to specific broadcast resources on an area-by-area basis within the scope of the document transitions.

The startup priority 907 specifies which to start first when data broadcasting via broadcast services and broadcast-managed applications using HTML documents exist simultaneously. It is possible to unconditionally designate data broadcasting as the highest priority on the PMT, specify the startup priority for a specific application type on the PMT, and specify the startup priority of the target application using startup priority 907. Cache information 908 is information used for cache control when retaining application resources in preparation for application reuse. This information allows caching of application resources for reuse even after application termination. Server access distribution parameters 909 are a set of parameters for distributing access to reduce the load on servers experiencing concentrated access, such as application retrieval destinations. The television receiver may operate to probabilistically delay the application of application control codes according to the settings of these parameters.

The operation of the broadcast receiving device 100 in this embodiment will be described below.

[Application startup sequence]
First, the startup process for the broadcast-linked application based on AIT transmitted via broadcast waves in the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment will be described. In the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to specify which to start first when data broadcasting by broadcast services and a broadcast-linked application exist simultaneously, based on information on the PMT and information such as the AIT application control code 903 and startup priority 907.

Figure 7A is an operation sequence diagram showing an example of the operation sequence of a broadcast linkage application when it is specified to be launched with priority. This diagram illustrates the series of steps from when the broadcast receiving device 100 appropriately checks the PMT and AIT to when it launches the predetermined broadcast linkage application.

When the tuner/demodulation unit 131 of the broadcast receiving device 100 performs the channel selection process for the channel desired by the user and acquires the TS, the main control unit 101 then acquires the PMT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S101) and checks the startup priority described in the PMT. After confirming in the process of S101 that the startup priority of the broadcast linkage application is high (S102), the application control unit 161 acquires the AIT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S103) and checks the application control code 903 of the acquired AIT data sequence (S104). In the process of S104, if the application control code 903 is "Automatic Startup", the application profile 904 of the acquired AIT data column is further checked (S105). If it is confirmed that the broadcast-linked application specified in the AIT can be executed, a request to transmit the broadcast-linked application is sent to the predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121, based on the information described in the application acquisition destination information 905 (S106).

Upon receiving the transmission request for the broadcast-linked application, the service provider server 400, based on the control of the application management/distribution execution unit 4103, performs authentication processing on the broadcast receiving device 100 as necessary, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast-linked application stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S107). Note that any known method may be used for the authentication processing, and a detailed explanation is omitted. Next, the application engine 162 of the broadcast receiving device 100, based on the control of the application control unit 161, activates the predetermined broadcast-linked application distributed from the service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S108).

Figure 7B is an operation sequence diagram showing an example of the operation sequence of a broadcast-linked application when it is specified to prioritize the activation of data broadcasting via broadcast services. This diagram illustrates the series of steps from when the broadcast receiving device 100 appropriately checks the PMT and AIT to when it activates the predetermined broadcast-linked application.

When the tuner/demodulation unit 131 of the broadcast receiving device 100 selects the channel desired by the user and obtains the TS, the main control unit 101 then obtains the PMT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S201) and checks the startup priority described in the PMT. If the process in S201 confirms that the startup priority for data broadcasting by the broadcast service is high (S202), the data broadcasting reception processing unit 141 obtains the BML data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 and plays the BML document (S203). If automatic startup of data broadcasting is set in the BML document, and if the user requests the startup of data broadcasting using an operating terminal (portable information terminal 700, remote control, etc.) (S204), the data broadcasting engine 142 executes the played BML document to generate data broadcasting screen information and displays it on the video display unit 173 (S205).

After processing S205, or simultaneously with processing S205, the application control unit 161 acquires the AIT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S206) and checks the application profile 904 of the acquired AIT data sequence (S207). If, in processing S207, it is confirmed that the broadcast-linked application specified in the AIT can be executed, an entry button for the executable broadcast-linked application is displayed on the data broadcast screen. The entry button may always be displayed, and its color scheme may be changed from an inactive color to an active color only when the broadcast-linked application can be executed. The inactive and active states of the entry button may also be switched by changing its shape.

When the user selects the entry button using the operating terminal (S208), the data broadcasting engine 142 terminates the process of executing the BML document and generating data broadcasting screen information (S209). Subsequently, the application control unit 161 acquires the AIT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S210) and confirms the application acquisition destination information 905 of the acquired AIT data sequence. Furthermore, based on the information described in the application acquisition destination information 905 confirmed in S210, a transmission request for the broadcasting collaboration application is sent to a predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S211).

Upon receiving the transmission request for the broadcast-linked application, the service provider server 400, based on the control of the application management/distribution execution unit 4103, performs authentication processing of the broadcast receiving device 100 as necessary, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast-linked application stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S212). Next, the application engine 162 of the broadcast receiving device 100, based on the control of the application control unit 161, activates the predetermined broadcast-linked application distributed from the service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S213).

Figure 7C is an operation sequence diagram showing an example of the operation sequence of a broadcast-linked application when no priority startup is specified. This diagram illustrates the sequence of events from when the broadcast receiving device 100 appropriately checks the PMT and AIT to when it starts the predetermined broadcast-linked application.

When the tuner/demodulation unit 131 of the broadcast receiving device 100 selects the channel desired by the user and acquires the TS, the main control unit 101 then acquires the PMT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S301) and checks the startup priority described in the PMT. If the process in S301 confirms that the broadcast-linked application has a high startup priority (S302), the application control unit 161 acquires the AIT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S303) and checks the application control code 903 of the acquired AIT data sequence (S304). If the application control code 903 in the process in S304 is "Startable" and not "Automatic Startup," neither the data broadcasting service nor the broadcast-linked application will start, and the display of the broadcast program will continue.

If, after the processing in S304 is completed, the user requests the activation of data broadcasting using the operating terminal (S305), the process will proceed as in the processing from S205 onwards in Figure 7B, including the acquisition of BML data columns, playback of BML documents, and generation of data broadcasting screen information (however, this is not shown). On the other hand, if, after the processing in S304 is completed, the user requests the activation of the broadcast-linked application launcher using the operating terminal (S306), the application control unit 161 acquires the AIT data columns separated by the first separation unit 132 (S307) and confirms the application profile 904 of the acquired AIT data columns (S308). Furthermore, the application control unit 161 displays a list of executable broadcast-linked applications on the video display unit 173 as the broadcast-linked application launcher (S309).

When the user selects a predetermined broadcast-linked application from the broadcast-linked application launcher displayed in S309 using the operating terminal (S310), the application control unit 161 acquires the AIT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S311) and confirms the application acquisition destination information 905 of the acquired AIT data sequence. Furthermore, based on the information described in the application acquisition destination information 905 confirmed in S311, a broadcast-linked application transmission request is sent to the predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S312).

Upon receiving the transmission request for the broadcast-linked application, the service provider server 400, based on the control of the application management/distribution execution unit 4103, performs authentication processing of the broadcast receiving device 100 as necessary, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast-linked application stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S313). Next, the application engine 162 of the broadcast receiving device 100, based on the control of the application control unit 161, activates the predetermined broadcast-linked application distributed from the service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S314).

Furthermore, while the startup sequence of the broadcast-linked application described using Figures 7A to 7C all illustrate examples of acquiring AIT from a broadcast wave, it is also possible to acquire the AIT file from a predetermined server device specified by the PMT information description, etc. Additionally, the acquisition of the broadcast-linked application may be performed from the broadcast wave instead of from a server device on the network (service provider server 400). That is, if the location information described in the AIT application acquisition destination information 905 indicates a broadcast wave, the application control unit 161 can reconstruct an HTML document from the HTML data sequence transmitted using a data carousel method, etc., and separated and output by the first separation unit 132, and the application engine 162 can then execute the reconstructed HTML document (broadcast-linked application).

Furthermore, if there is no information on the PMT specifying the startup priority when data broadcasting via broadcast services and broadcast-linked applications exist simultaneously, the startup priority may be determined solely by information such as the AIT's application control code 903 and startup priority 907. Similarly, if obtaining the aforementioned information from the PMT fails, the startup priority may be determined solely by information such as the AIT's application control code 903 and startup priority 907. In other words, regardless of the information on the PMT, the AIT should be checked periodically, and if a broadcast-linked application specified as "automatic startup" in the AIT's application control code 903 exists, the startup of the broadcast-linked application should be prioritized. If no broadcast-linked application specified as "automatic startup" in the AIT's application control code 903 does not exist, the startup of data broadcasting via broadcast services should be prioritized.

Furthermore, if a response from the service provider server 400 is not received for a predetermined period of time after a broadcast-linked application distribution request is made in S106, S211, and S312, a message such as "Please wait a moment" may be displayed on the video display unit 173. Alternatively, in this case, a message asking the user whether to cancel the execution of the broadcast-linked application may be displayed.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that the launch sequence for broadcast-linked applications is not limited to the three patterns mentioned above; it may also be launched by different sequences.

[Operation sequence when connecting mobile devices]
In this embodiment, the broadcast receiving device 100 is designed to enable functional enhancement of broadcast communication linkage services through coordinated operation between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the personal information terminal 700. For example, by installing an application (cooperation control application) provided by the television receiver manufacturer, the personal information terminal 700 can be used as a high-function remote control for the broadcast receiving device 100. Furthermore, by running the broadcast linkage application on the personal information terminal 700, it becomes possible to display services linked to the broadcast program currently displayed on the broadcast receiving device 100, for example, on the personal information terminal 700. In order to perform functional enhancement through coordinated operation between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the personal information terminal 700, it is desirable that the cooperation control application is running on the personal information terminal 700, and the broadcast linkage application running on the personal information terminal 700 is controlled by the cooperation control application.

Figure 8A is an operation sequence diagram showing an example of the operation sequence when the aforementioned collaborative control application is launched on the mobile information terminal 700. This diagram shows the sequence of events (initial) from when the mobile information terminal 700 performs authentication processing with the broadcast receiving device 100 until collaborative operation becomes possible. It is assumed that the collaborative control application, as the collaborative control program 7002, is pre-installed on the storage unit 710 of the mobile information terminal 700.

When a user instructs the mobile information terminal 700 to launch the linked control application (S401), the linked control execution unit 7102 of the mobile information terminal 700 searches for a television receiver on the network that can communicate (operate in a linked manner) (S402), and displays the search results as a list of television receivers on the display unit 741. If no television receiver that can communicate is found, the system displays a message to that effect and terminates the process. When a user selects a television receiver (the broadcast receiving device 100 in this embodiment) from the list of television receivers, the linked control execution unit 7102 displays a login screen for connecting to the broadcast receiving device 100 on the display unit 741. When a user enters authentication information (such as a login name and password specified by the broadcast receiving device 100) on the login screen via the operation unit 730 (S403), the linked control execution unit 7102 stores the entered authentication information in the authentication information storage area 7012 and simultaneously transmits it to the broadcast receiving device 100 (S404). The transmission of the authentication information to the broadcast receiving device 100 may be performed via the LAN communication unit 721 and the router device 210, or it may be performed directly to the broadcast receiving device 100 via the NFC communication unit 723.

Upon receiving the authentication information via the LAN communication unit 121, the terminal linkage control unit 191 of the broadcast receiving device 100 checks whether the received authentication information is correct by referring to the authentication information storage area 1012 (S405). If the received authentication information is confirmed to be correct in S405, the information of the mobile information terminal 700 is stored in the authentication information storage area 1012, and the mobile information terminal 700 is authenticated (S406). Having obtained authentication from the broadcast receiving device 100, the mobile information terminal 700 displays the basic screen of the linkage control application (for example, the high-function remote control screen) on the display unit 741 (S407). If the received authentication information is not confirmed to be correct in S405, the terminal linkage control unit 191 of the broadcast receiving device 100 returns an error to the mobile information terminal 700. Through the above processing, the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 become capable of coordinated operation.

Figure 8B is an operation sequence diagram showing an example of the operation sequence when the aforementioned collaborative control application is launched on the mobile information terminal 700. This diagram shows the sequence of events (from the second time onward) from when the mobile information terminal 700 performs authentication processing with the broadcast receiving device 100 until collaborative operation becomes possible.

When the user instructs the mobile information terminal 700 to launch the linked control application (S501), the linked control execution unit 7102 of the mobile information terminal 700 searches for a television receiver on the network that can communicate and displays the search results as a list of television receivers on the display unit 741. If no television receivers that can communicate are found, the system displays a message to that effect and terminates the process. The user selects a television receiver (the broadcast receiving device 100 in this embodiment) from the list of television receivers (S502). If the selected broadcast receiving device 100 is a device that has been previously connected (operated in a linked manner), the linked control execution unit 7102 reads the authentication information for the broadcast receiving device 100 from the authentication information storage area 7012 and transmits it to the broadcast receiving device 100 (S503).

The terminal linkage control unit 191 of the broadcast receiving device 100, which receives the authentication information via the LAN communication unit 121, checks whether the received authentication information is correct by referring to the authentication information storage area 1012 (S504). If the process in S504 confirms that the received authentication information is correct, the mobile information terminal 700 is authenticated (S505). Having obtained authentication from the broadcast receiving device 100, the mobile information terminal 700 displays the basic screen of the linkage control application on the display unit 741 (S506). Through the above process, the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 become ready for linked operation.

Furthermore, when launching the broadcast linkage application in the broadcast receiving device 100 following the processes shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the processes shown in Figures 7A and 7C should be performed after the processes shown in Figures 8A and 8B.

Figure 8C is an operation sequence diagram showing an example of the operation sequence when the aforementioned collaborative control application is launched on the mobile information terminal 700. This diagram shows the sequence of events (from the second time onward) from when the mobile information terminal 700 performs authentication processing with the broadcast receiving device 100 until collaborative operation becomes possible. However, this diagram shows an example where the broadcast receiving device 100, which executes the launch sequence of the broadcast collaborative application, requests the launch of the collaborative control application on the mobile information terminal 700.

When the tuner/demodulation unit 131 of the broadcast receiving device 100 performs the channel selection process for the channel desired by the user and acquires the TS, the main control unit 101 then acquires the PMT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S601) and checks the startup priority described in the PMT. If the process in S601 confirms that the startup priority of the broadcast linkage application is high (S602), the application control unit 161 acquires the AIT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S603) and checks the application control code 903 of the acquired AIT data sequence (S604). If the application control code 903 in the process in S604 is "Automatic Startup", the application profile 904 of the acquired AIT data sequence is further checked (S605). In the process of S605, if it is confirmed that the broadcast collaboration application specified in the AIT can be executed, and if it is determined that collaboration control of a mobile terminal device is necessary, the terminal collaboration control unit 191 refers to the authentication information storage area 1012, selects the mobile information terminal 700 as the mobile terminal device, and sends a collaboration control application launch request to the selected mobile information terminal 700 (S606).

Furthermore, the selection of the portable information terminal 700 by referring to the authentication information storage area 1012 should be based on the latest information in the authentication information storage area 1012, or on the most frequently used information in the authentication information storage area 1012.

Furthermore, in the processing of S606, if a mobile terminal device to which a request to launch the linked control application should be sent cannot be found, a message indicating this may be displayed on the video display unit 173. Alternatively, in this case, a message asking the user whether to cancel the execution of the broadcast linked application may be displayed.

The main control unit 701 of the mobile information terminal 700 activates the linked control application (linked control execution unit 7102) in response to the linked control application activation request received via the LAN communication unit 721 (S607). Furthermore, the linked control execution unit 7102 reads the authentication information for the broadcast receiving device 100 from the authentication information storage area 7012 and transmits it to the broadcast receiving device 100 (S608).

The terminal cooperation control unit 191 of the broadcast receiving device 100, which receives the authentication information via the LAN communication unit 121, checks whether the received authentication information is correct by referring to the authentication information storage area 1012 (S609). If the process in S609 confirms that the received authentication information is correct, the mobile information terminal 700 is authenticated (S610). Having obtained authentication from the broadcast receiving device 100, the mobile information terminal 700 displays the basic screen of the cooperation control application on the display unit 741 (S611). Through the above process, the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 become ready for cooperative operation.

Furthermore, if the broadcast linkage application is to be executed on both the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 following the aforementioned process, the process shown in Figure 9 should be followed. Figure 9 is an operation sequence diagram showing an example of the startup sequence for the broadcast linkage application on the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700.

Specifically, after the processing steps S601 to S611 in Figure 8C, the application control unit 161 of the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires the AIT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S612), and confirms the application acquisition destination information 905 of the acquired AIT data sequence. Furthermore, based on the information described in the application acquisition destination information 905 confirmed in S612, a transmission request for the broadcast-linked application (TV side) is sent to a predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S613).

Upon receiving the transmission request for the broadcast-linked application (TV side), the service provider server 400, based on the control of the application management/distribution execution unit 4103, performs authentication processing of the broadcast receiving device 100 as necessary, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast-linked application (TV side) stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S614). The application engine 162 of the broadcast receiving device 100, based on the control of the application control unit 161, activates the predetermined broadcast-linked application (TV side) distributed from the service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S615).

Next, the terminal linkage control unit 191 of the broadcast receiving device 100 transmits to the mobile information terminal 700 (S616) the URL information, etc., of the broadcast linkage application (terminal side) to be executed on the mobile information terminal 700, which was obtained from the broadcast linkage application (TV side) executed in AIT or S615. The linkage control execution unit 7102 of the mobile information terminal 700, based on the URL information, etc., of the broadcast linkage application (terminal side) received via the LAN communication unit 721, transmits a request to the designated service provider server 400 to send the broadcast linkage application (terminal side) via the LAN communication unit 721 (S617).

Upon receiving the transmission request for the aforementioned broadcast-linked application (terminal side), the service provider server 400, based on the control of the application management/distribution execution unit 4103, performs authentication processing of the mobile information terminal 700 as necessary, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast-linked application (terminal side) stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S618). The HTML browser engine 7103 of the mobile information terminal 700 launches the predetermined broadcast-linked application (terminal side) distributed from the service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 721 (S619).

Furthermore, the ability to obtain the AIT file from a predetermined server device, and the ability to obtain the broadcast-linked application from the broadcast wave rather than from a server device on the network, are the same as in the operation sequence in Figures 7A to 7C. When obtaining the broadcast-linked application from the broadcast wave, the broadcast receiving device 100 can obtain the broadcast-linked application (terminal side) to be executed on the mobile information terminal 700 from the broadcast wave, and then transfer the obtained broadcast-linked application (terminal side) to the mobile information terminal 700 via the communication unit 121. Alternatively, the broadcast receiving device 100 can obtain the broadcast-linked application (terminal side) to be executed on the mobile information terminal 700 from the broadcast wave, store it in the storage unit 110, and in the processing of S616 in Figure 9, transmit the location information of the storage unit 110 of the broadcast receiving device 100 as URL information to be sent to the mobile information terminal 700. The broadcast receiving device 100 may acquire the broadcast-linked application (TV side) from the broadcast wave, while the mobile information terminal 700 may acquire the broadcast-linked application (terminal side) from a server device on the network. Alternatively, the mobile information terminal 700 may directly acquire the broadcast-linked application (terminal side) from the broadcast wave using its digital broadcast receiving function.

Furthermore, the operation sequences in Figures 7A-7C, 8A-8C, and 9 can be partially combined as appropriate, and some operation steps can be rearranged, operated simultaneously, etc., with other operation steps as appropriate.

[Basic screen of the mobile device control app]
Figure 10A is a screen display diagram showing an example of the basic screen of the linked control application displayed by the processing in S407 of Figure 8A, the processing in S506 of Figure 8B, the processing in S611 of Figure 8C, etc. In this embodiment, the basic screen 741a of the linked control application is provided with the functionality of a high-function remote control corresponding to the broadcast receiving device 100.

The basic screen 741a of the linked control application, as shown in Figure 10A, consists of the following keys: power key 741a1, network selection key (terrestrial digital, BS, CS) 741a2, number keys (1-12) 741a3, volume up/down key 741a4, channel up/down key 741a5, input switching key 741a6, program guide key 741a7, data key 741a8, linked application key 741a9, menu key 741aa, back key 741ab, cursor keys (up, down, left, right) 741ac, select key 741ad, and color keys (blue, red, green, yellow) 741ae. Other operation keys may also be displayed.

The aforementioned operation keys should have the same key layout and operation as the dedicated remote control included with the broadcast receiving device 100 for ease of use. Furthermore, the power key 741a1, network selection key 741a2, numeric key 741a3, etc., have the same functions as the operation keys on a known television remote control, and therefore, detailed explanations are omitted. The linked application key 741a9 is an operation key provided for the broadcast communication linkage function of this embodiment.

Furthermore, in the processes of S204 in Figure 7B and S305 in Figure 7C, it is assumed that data broadcasting can be started/stopped by selecting the data key 741a8. Also, in the processes of S208 in Figure 7B and S310 in Figure 7C, it is assumed that the executionable broadcast-linked application can be selected by operating the cursor key 741ac and the select key 741ad. Finally, in the process of S306 in Figure 7C, it is assumed that the broadcast-linked application launcher can be launched by selecting the linked application key 741a9.

By providing the linked application key 741a9 or another operation key with similar functionality on the basic screen 741a of the linked control application, it becomes possible to easily select and launch each broadcast linked application used in the broadcast linked system of this embodiment. Alternatively, the linked application key 741a9 or another operation key with similar functionality may be provided on a dedicated remote control attached to the broadcast receiving device 100.

Figure 10B is a screen display diagram showing an example of the basic screen of the linked control application displayed by the processes S407 in Figure 8A, S506 in Figure 8B, S611 in Figure 8C, etc., and is a different example from Figure 10A.

The basic screen 741b of the linked control application consists of a linked control message 741b1 and a linked control application operation screen 741b2. Other objects may also be displayed. The linked control message 741b1 is a message displayed to inform the user that the mobile information terminal 700 is operating in conjunction with the broadcast receiving device 100. The linked control application operation screen 741b2 is an area where the linked control application displays arbitrary screens; a detailed explanation is omitted in this embodiment. For example, the configuration within the linked control application operation screen 741b2 may be the same as the basic screen 741a of the linked control application described above. A sub-screen of a broadcast program displayed on the broadcast receiving device 100 may also be displayed.

As shown in Figure 10B, by displaying the "Cooperation Control in Progress" message 741b1, the user of the mobile information terminal 700 can easily understand that the mobile information terminal 700 is operating in cooperation with the broadcast receiving device 100. Note that the "Cooperation Control in Progress" message 741b1 is not limited to text; it may also be a symbol, graphic, or other representation. A difference in background color, etc., may also be used as a substitute for the "Cooperation Control in Progress" message 741b1.

[Data broadcasting screen on a broadcasting receiver]
Figure 11 is a screen display diagram showing an example of a data broadcast screen displayed by the processing in S205 of Figure 7B. In this embodiment, it is assumed that three broadcast collaboration applications, collaboration application A, collaboration application B, and collaboration application C, are in an executable state on the broadcast receiving device 100, based on the description in AIT, etc. In this case, the entry button 173a2 for collaboration application A, the entry button 173a3 for collaboration application B, and the entry button 173a4 for collaboration application C are displayed at arbitrary positions on the data broadcast screen 173a.

In the data broadcasting screen 173a shown in Figure 11, selecting entry buttons 173a2, 173a3, 173a4, etc., using the cursor keys 741ac and select key 741ad on the basic screen 741a of the linked control application will terminate the display of the data broadcasting screen 173a, and linked applications A, B, C, etc., will be launched under the control of the application control unit 161 and the application engine 162.

Furthermore, when displaying the data broadcast screen 173a, the frame color, internal color, shape, font, size, blinking status, etc., of each entry button may be appropriately changed depending on the type of broadcast-linked application and its security status. For example, if linked application A is a broadcast-managed application, the frame color of entry button 173a2 may be set to blue; if linked application B is an off-broadcast-managed application, the frame color of entry button 173a3 may be set to yellow; and if linked application C is a general application, the frame color of entry button 173a4 may be set to red. Alternatively, if linked application A is deemed trustworthy from a security standpoint, the frame color of entry button 173a2 may be set to blue; if linked application B is not deemed trustworthy from a security standpoint, the frame color of entry button 173a3 may be set to yellow; and if linked application C is deemed a security risk, the frame color of entry button 173a4 may be set to red.

Furthermore, the frame color, internal color, shape, font, size, blinking status, etc. of each entry button may be appropriately changed depending on the function and genre of the aforementioned broadcast linkage application, or depending on the expiration date of each broadcast linkage application. The frame color, internal color, shape, font, size, blinking status, etc. of each entry button may also be appropriately changed depending on whether or not the aforementioned broadcast linkage application has already been acquired from the network. For example, if linkage application A has already been acquired from the network (cached in RAM 104 or storage 110), the frame color of entry button 173a2 may be set to blue; if linkage application B is being acquired, the frame color of entry button 173a3 may be set to yellow; and if linkage application C has not yet been acquired, the frame color of entry button 173a4 may be set to red.

In this way, users of the broadcast receiving device 100 can easily understand the types of broadcast-linked applications that can be run on the broadcast receiving device 100, as well as their security status.

[Broadcast receiving device's broadcast linkage app launcher screen]
Figure 12A is a screen display diagram showing an example of a notification screen in the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment, which informs the user that there is a broadcast linkage application that can be launched.

For example, in the operation sequence shown in Figure 7C, after processing S304, the display of the broadcast program continues without launching either the data broadcasting service or the broadcast-linked application. However, in this case, displaying an icon 173b0, as shown in Figure 12A, to let the user know that a launchable broadcast-linked application exists would improve the usability of the broadcast receiver 100. In other words, displaying the icon 173b0 prevents the user from overlooking the existence of a launchable broadcast-linked application.

The display position of icon 173b0 can be any position on the screen, but it is desirable to place it in a location that does not interfere with viewing broadcast programs. For example, the four corners of the screen. Furthermore, icon 173b0 may be a text display as shown in Figure 12A, or it may be a symbol, graphic, etc. Also, icon 173b0 may be displayed at all times, or it may be displayed only for a predetermined time after the power is turned on or after channel switching. Alternatively, it may be displayed simultaneously when program information or channel numbers are displayed.

Figure 12B is a screen display diagram showing an example of a broadcast-linked application launcher displayed by the process S306 in Figure 7C. In this embodiment, it is assumed that three broadcast-linked applications, linked application A, linked application B, and linked application C, are in an executable state on the broadcast receiving device 100, based on the description in AIT, etc. In this case, the broadcast-linked application launcher 173b1 is displayed at an arbitrary position on the broadcast program screen 173b, and furthermore, the entry button 173b2 for linked application A, the entry button 173b3 for linked application B, the entry button 173b4 for linked application C, and the back button 173b5 are displayed within the broadcast-linked application launcher 173b1.

With the broadcast-linked application launcher 173b1 displayed as shown in Figure 12B, selecting entry buttons 173b2, 173b3, 173b4, etc., using the cursor keys 741ac and select key 741ad on the basic screen 741a of the linked control application will launch linked applications A, B, C, etc., under the control of the application control unit 161 and application engine 162. If the back button 173b5 is selected, the display of the broadcast-linked application launcher 173b1 will end.

Furthermore, when displaying the broadcast-linked application launcher 173b1 on the broadcast program screen 173b, the frame color, internal color, shape, font, size, blinking status, etc. of each entry button may be appropriately changed depending on the type and security status of the broadcast-linked application, the functions and genre of the broadcast-linked application, the status of acquisition of the broadcast application from the network, etc., as is the case when displaying the entry buttons for each broadcast-linked application on the data broadcast screen 173a in Figure 11.

Furthermore, if there are no broadcast-linked applications that can be executed on the broadcast receiving device 100, the broadcast-linked application launcher 173b1 may be hidden. Alternatively, in this case, a message such as "No applications available" may be displayed within the broadcast-linked application launcher 173b1.

[Screenshot of the broadcast receiving device's broadcast linkage application]
Figure 13A is a screen display diagram showing an example of a broadcast collaboration application execution screen displayed in the process of S108 in Figure 7A, the process of S213 in Figure 7B, the process of S314 in Figure 7C, the process of S615 in Figure 9, etc. The broadcast collaboration application in this embodiment is equipped with graphics performance and effect performance based on HTML description, and is capable of overlay display with the broadcast program screen on the video display unit 173. For example, as shown in Figure 13A, the broadcast collaboration application unit 173c1, which displays information such as weather forecasts and news, is overlaid and displayed at an arbitrary position on the broadcast program screen 173c. The broadcast collaboration application unit 173c1 is composed of a first main object 173c2, a second main object 173c3, a third main object 173c4, and a background object 173c5, etc. Other objects may also be displayed.

With the broadcast linkage application unit 173c1 overlaid on the broadcast program screen 173c, selecting the data key 741a8 on the basic screen 741a of the linkage control application will terminate the execution of the broadcast linkage application and return to the data broadcasting screen. Furthermore, selecting the linkage application key 741a9 on the basic screen 741a of the linkage control application will terminate the execution of the broadcast linkage application and return to displaying only the broadcast program screen 173c. These processes may be achieved using different operation keys.

Furthermore, while the broadcast collaboration application unit 173c1 is overlaid on the broadcast program screen 173c, the transparency of the broadcast collaboration application unit 173c1 can be changed by operating the operation keys on the basic screen 741a of the collaboration control application. This transparency change process may be performed on the entire broadcast collaboration application unit 173c1 at once, or on the first main object 173c2, second main object 173c3, third main object 173c4, and background object 173c5 individually. It may also be performed on a predetermined group (for example, multiple objects existing on the same graphics layer).

When performing the transparency change process, for example, an object can be selected using the cursor keys 741ac on the basic screen 741a of the linked control application, and the transparency of the object can be increased using the 'blue' key of the color keys 741ae, or decreased using the 'yellow' key. Different operation keys may also be used to perform the transparency change process. By setting the transparency of the entire broadcast linked application unit 173c1 to 100%, the broadcast linked application unit 173c1 can be temporarily hidden. For example, if an emergency broadcast is transmitted via broadcast waves, it is possible to set the transparency of the entire broadcast linked application unit to 100% and display only the broadcast program screen of the emergency broadcast on the video display unit 173. Alternatively, a commercial detection unit (not shown) may detect when the broadcast program changes from the main video to a commercial video and control the entire broadcast linked application unit 173c1 to 100% transparency (or a transparency level that allows the broadcast program video to be clearly viewed).

By performing the aforementioned process, it becomes possible to check the broadcast program screen in the background while the broadcast-linked application is running, without having to close the application.

Figure 13B is a screen display diagram showing a different example of the broadcast collaboration application execution screen displayed in the processes of S108 in Figure 7A, S213 in Figure 7B, S314 in Figure 7C, S615 in Figure 9, etc. In the example shown in Figure 13B, the broadcast collaboration application section 173c6, which introduces recommended programs, is overlaid and displayed at an arbitrary position on the broadcast program screen 173c. The broadcast collaboration application section 173c6 displays the first recommended program information 173c7, the second recommended program information 173c8, the third recommended program information 173c9, etc. Further recommended program information may be displayed through scrolling, page switching, etc.

The aforementioned recommended program information may be information about programs recommended in relation to the currently displayed broadcast program (broadcast program screen 173c), information about programs recommended based on the user's viewing history, or information about programs that are trending on the internet, etc. It may also be information about programs recommended by a friend of the user of the broadcast receiving device 100. Furthermore, the recommended programs may be programs transmitted via broadcast waves of a digital broadcasting service, or VOD (Video On Demand) programs distributed from various server devices on the Internet 200, etc. It may also be information screens such as homepages prepared on server devices on the Internet 200.

With the broadcast linkage application unit 173c6 overlaid on the broadcast program screen 173c, selecting the first recommended program information 173c7, second recommended program information 173c8, third recommended program information 173c9, etc., using the cursor keys 741ac and select key 741ad on the basic screen 741a of the linkage control application, the program videos recommended by the first recommended program information 173c7, second recommended program information 173c8, third recommended program information 173c9, etc., will be displayed on the display unit 173.

Figure 13C is a screen display diagram showing an example of when a program video recommended by the broadcast linkage application unit 173c6 is displayed. For example, if the first recommended program information 173c7 of the broadcast linkage application unit 173c6 is selected using the cursor keys 741ac and select key 741ad on the basic screen 741a of the linkage control application, the program video 173ca of the program recommended by the first recommended program information 173c7 will be displayed on the display unit 173. The program video 173ca may be paused or jumped to at a specified time by the user operating the control terminal. In addition, when displaying the program video 173ca, the original broadcast program screen 173c may be displayed in PIP (Picture In Picture) format at an arbitrary position. In this case, the user may change whether the program video 173ca of the recommended program or the original broadcast program screen 173c is the main screen by operating the control terminal. The user may be able to adjust the size of the original broadcast program screen 173c window through operations on their operating terminal.

Furthermore, displaying an icon 173cb at any position on the screen indicating that the program video 173ca of the recommended program was displayed as a result of selecting any of the recommended program information displayed in the broadcast linkage application unit 173c6 can improve user convenience. Needless to say, the transparency of the broadcast linkage application unit 173c6 can also be changed in the broadcast linkage application execution screen shown in Figure 13B, as described above.

Figure 13D is a screen display diagram showing a different example of the broadcast collaboration application execution screen displayed in the processes of S108 in Figure 7A, S213 in Figure 7B, S314 in Figure 7C, S615 in Figure 9, etc. In the example shown in Figure 13D, the broadcast collaboration application section 173cc, which serves as a portal for SNS (Social Networking Service) services, is overlaid and displayed at an arbitrary position on the broadcast program screen 173c. The broadcast collaboration application section 173cc displays entry buttons for the first SNS service 173cd, the second SNS service 173ce, the third SNS service 173cf, etc. Furthermore, entry buttons for many more SNS services may be displayed through scrolling, page switching, etc.

With the broadcast linkage application section 173cc overlaid on the broadcast program screen 173c, selecting the entry buttons for the first SNS service 173cd, the second SNS service 173ce, the third SNS service 173cf, etc., using the cursor keys 741ac and select key 741ad on the basic screen 741a of the linkage control application activates the functions assigned to each entry button, such as chat, bulletin board, and internet telephone functions. This makes it possible to enjoy the displayed broadcast program (broadcast program screen 173c) while exchanging information with others. Furthermore, the basic screen 741a of the linkage control application on the mobile information terminal 700 may simultaneously be changed to a text input screen such as a software keyboard, or a voice input screen for chatting or posting on a bulletin board using voice input.

Furthermore, in addition to the examples described above, the broadcast-linked application executable by the broadcast receiver 100 in this embodiment may also be one that utilizes the linking function between the broadcast receiver 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 to display related commercial applications on both the broadcast receiver 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 in synchronization with the timing of commercial broadcasts. Alternatively, in the case of paid services available on the broadcast receiver 100, the broadcast-linked application may check whether the user of the broadcast receiver 100 is subscribed to a paid service, and change the display on the broadcast receiver 100 and/or the mobile information terminal 700 accordingly. In the broadcast receiver 100 of this embodiment, regardless of which broadcast-linked application is executed, it is possible to enjoy the effects described using Figures 13A and 13B, etc.

[Error display screen for broadcast receiving equipment]
Figure 14 is a screen display diagram showing an example of an error display screen that appears when it is determined that the broadcast-linked application cannot be executed based on the verification of the application profile 904 of the acquired AIT data column, such as in the process of S105 in Figure 7A, the process of S207 in Figure 7B, the process of S308 in Figure 7C, the process of S605 in Figure 8C, etc., when there is insufficient information in the AIT description, or when the acquisition of AIT fails.

In the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment, if it is determined that the broadcast linkage application cannot be executed, the reason why the broadcast linkage application cannot be executed, such as the result of checking the application profile 904, is displayed in the error message 173d1. For example, if the result of checking the application profile 904 is that a predetermined optional function is lacking on the television receiver side, this fact is displayed in the error message 173d1. An error code and a link (URL, etc.) to the television receiver manufacturer's website where the explanation of the error code is described may also be displayed. Alternatively, if the broadcast linkage application is to be acquired from the network, the network connection status is naturally checked in advance. In this case, if the acquisition of the broadcast linkage application is not possible due to, for example, a faulty LAN cable connection, this fact is displayed in the error message 173d1. Furthermore, even if the network connection is established, the error status is so poor that the acquisition of the broadcast linkage application cannot be performed correctly, the error message 173d1 may also be displayed. The error message 173d1 may also be displayed if the acquisition of the broadcast linkage application is in progress and the system is not yet in a state where the broadcast linkage application can be executed. Furthermore, if the broadcast signal reception is unstable, and information such as AIT (Advanced Information Technology) is initially received but then becomes unavailable, error message 173d1 may be displayed. In such cases, the broadcast collaboration application obtained from each server device should be cached, allowing it to be used again after the broadcast signal reception is restored.

Furthermore, if the application profile 904 check reveals that a predetermined optional function is missing on the television receiver side, the error message 173d1 may include a message recommending checking for or updating the latest firmware for the television receiver. Alternatively, the broadcast receiving device 100 may automatically perform the aforementioned firmware check or update. Alternatively, if the broadcast-linked application can be made executable by adding paid optional hardware or software to the television receiver, information about the paid optional hardware or software may be displayed. Note that the error message 173d1 may be displayed on the mobile information terminal 700 instead of the broadcast receiving device 100.

[Screenshot of the broadcast-linked application running on a mobile device]
Figure 15 is a screen display diagram showing an example of the broadcast collaboration application (terminal side) execution screen displayed in the process of S619 in Figure 9. The broadcast collaboration application execution screen 741c shown in Figure 15 consists of a main window 741c1, a sub-window 741c2, a selection marker 741c3, cursor keys 741c4 and 741c5, an explanation display section 741c6, and an exit button 741c7. Other objects may be added.

In this embodiment, the broadcast-linked application (terminal side) executed on the mobile information terminal 700 is an application for checking the details of the broadcast program currently displayed on the broadcast receiving device 100. The main window 741c1 displays the same image as the broadcast program screen displayed on the broadcast receiving device 100, while the sub-window 741c2 displays an enlarged image of the position specified by the selection marker 741c3. The position of the selection marker 741c3 can be changed by selecting the cursor keys 741c4 and 741c5. The explanation display unit 714c6 displays explanatory subtitles related to the broadcast program displayed in the main window 741c1, as well as comments posted by other users regarding the broadcast program. The exit button 741c7 is a button for ending the operation of the broadcast-linked application (terminal side).

By running the aforementioned broadcast collaboration application (terminal side) on the mobile information terminal 700, it becomes possible to expand the functionality of the broadcast communication collaboration service through the coordinated operation of the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700.

[EPG screen of broadcast receiver]
Figure 16A is a screen display diagram showing an example of the electronic program guide (EPG) display screen in the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment. The EPG display screen 173e is a broadcast program distribution schedule for the digital broadcasting service of this embodiment, created by the main control unit 101 based on the program information data sequence output from the first separation unit 132. The EPG display screen 173e is displayed on the video display unit 173 by selecting the program guide key 741a7 on the basic screen 741a of the linked control application.

In this embodiment, the EPG display screen 173e is a matrix with the vertical axis representing time and the horizontal axis representing service ID (channel), displaying detailed information about each broadcast program broadcast on each channel during each time period. The detailed information 173e1 for each broadcast program, as shown in Figure 16A, mainly consists of a title area 173e2 and a detailed description area 173e3.

The title area 173e2 displays the program title of each broadcast program and symbols representing the attributes of each broadcast program. These symbols representing the attributes of each broadcast program may include, for example, a symbol representing "New" indicating a new program, or a symbol representing "Replay" indicating a rebroadcast program. Alternatively, a symbol representing "data" indicating that the program supports data broadcasting via the broadcast service may also be used. Furthermore, if a broadcast program has a broadcast-linking application available that can be executed on the broadcast receiver 100 of this embodiment, a symbol representing "Linkage" indicating this may also be used. The detailed description area 173e3 displays related information such as the program content, cast, and the URL of the homepage introducing each broadcast program.

Furthermore, the symbol representing "Linkage" displayed in the title area 173e2 may not be displayed if, even if a broadcast-linked application is available for the broadcast program, the application profile 904 check indicates that execution on the information display device 100 is not possible. Additionally, the symbol representing "Linkage" displayed in the title area 173e2, indicating that an executable broadcast-linked application is available for the broadcast program, may have its color, shape, font, etc., changed depending on whether or not it is possible to operate in conjunction with a mobile device. If operation with a mobile device is possible, a symbol representing "Mobile" may be displayed in addition to the symbol representing "Linkage."

Furthermore, the presence or absence of the symbols representing "Linkage" and "Mobile" can be controlled by obtaining information that is pre-recorded in the EIT information, which includes detailed information about each broadcast program. This information could include whether or not each broadcast program is one for which a broadcast-linking application executable by the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment is available, and whether or not the executable broadcast-linking application is capable of cooperating with a mobile terminal device. Alternatively, the aforementioned information obtained from program distribution information of digital broadcast programs prepared on a predetermined server device on the Internet 200 may be added to an electronic program guide created based on a sequence of program information data obtained from the broadcast waves of the digital broadcasting service.

As described above, by displaying symbols representing "Linkage" (indicating that an executable broadcast-linking application is available) and "Mobile" (indicating that it can be linked with mobile devices) on the EPG display screen 173e, users can easily understand the broadcast-communication linkage service compatibility status of each broadcast program in the broadcast receiving device 100. Needless to say, the symbols representing the attributes of each broadcast program may be replaced with the characters themselves or sentences. The compatibility status of each broadcast program with broadcast-communication linkage services may also be indicated by changing the background color of the detailed information 173e1 for each broadcast program. Furthermore, the symbols representing "Linkage" and "Mobile" may not normally be displayed in the title area 173e2, but may only be displayed as a pop-up when each broadcast program is selected by the program selection cursor 173e4.

The broadcast receiving device 100 in this embodiment has a function to make viewing and/or recording reservations for each broadcast program from the EPG display screen 173e. For example, while the EPG display screen 173e is displayed, the program selection cursor 173e4 on the EPG display screen 173e is moved using the cursor keys 741ac on the basic screen 741a of the linked control application, and the desired broadcast program is selected using the OK key 741ad, thereby making a viewing and/or recording reservation for the selected broadcast program.

In the aforementioned process, if the broadcast program for which viewing and/or recording reservations have been made is a broadcast program compatible with the broadcast-communication collaboration service, the system may initiate the acquisition of the broadcast-communication collaboration application prepared for the broadcast program without waiting for the broadcast start time, triggered by the viewing and/or recording reservation. That is, the EIT information, which includes detailed information for each broadcast program, may include information specifying the acquisition location of the broadcast-communication collaboration application (location information such as a URL). In this way, the broadcast receiving device 100 can obtain the acquisition location information for the broadcast-communication collaboration application prepared for each broadcast program as soon as the broadcast program is selected using the program selection cursor 173e4. Therefore, the broadcast receiving device 100 can begin acquiring the broadcast-communication collaboration application before the broadcast start time of the broadcast program.

Furthermore, if the broadcast program for which viewing and/or recording reservations have been made is a broadcast program compatible with the broadcast-communication collaboration service and is a broadcast program that can operate in conjunction with a mobile terminal device, the broadcast collaboration application (terminal side) prepared for the mobile terminal device may also be configured to begin acquiring data before the broadcast start time of the broadcast program, using the same processing as described above. Also, as shown in Figure 16B, a two-dimensional barcode 173e5 or the like indicating the acquisition destination information (location information such as a URL) for the broadcast collaboration application (terminal side) prepared for the mobile terminal device may be displayed on the EPG display screen 173e to prompt the user to download the broadcast collaboration application (terminal side) prepared for the mobile terminal device.

In this way, by having the broadcast receiving device 100 refer to the information on the source of the broadcast-linked application included in the EPG information and start acquiring the broadcast-linked application before the broadcast program's start time, it becomes possible to distribute the load on the service provider server 400 that stores the broadcast-linked application. Furthermore, even if the network communication speed between the service provider server 400 and the information display terminal 100 is insufficient, the broadcast-linked application can be effectively utilized immediately after the broadcast program begins.

Figure 17 is an operation sequence diagram showing an example of the acquisition sequence of the broadcast-linked application when a viewing reservation and/or recording reservation for a broadcast program is made from the EPG display screen 173e.

While viewing a digital broadcast service, the main control unit 101 of the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires a program information data sequence output from the first separation unit 132 (S701). When the user requests the activation of the EPG screen using an operation terminal (S702), the EPG display screen 173e is displayed on the video display unit 173 (S703). When the user selects a broadcast program on the EPG display screen 173e using an operation terminal to make a viewing reservation and/or recording reservation for the broadcast program (S704), the main control unit 101 confirms the program information data sequence acquired from the first separation unit 132 (S705), and further confirms the location of the broadcast linkage application linked to the broadcast program for which the viewing and/or recording reservation was made (S706).

After processing in S706, the application control unit 161 sends a request to transmit the broadcast-linked application to a predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121, based on the confirmed URL (S707). Upon receiving the request to transmit the broadcast-linked application, the service provider server 400, based on the control of the application management/distribution execution unit 4103, performs authentication processing of the broadcast receiving device 100 as necessary, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast-linked application stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S708). Subsequently, the application control unit 161 caches the predetermined broadcast-linked application distributed from the service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 in the RAM 104 or storage 110 (S709).

The transceiver 100 of this embodiment, as described above, enables the execution of functions with higher added value.

The following describes Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the configuration and effects in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Therefore, the following description will primarily focus on the differences between this embodiment and Embodiment 1, omitting explanations of common points to avoid repetition.

While Example 1 described an embodiment of the process for performing mobile information terminal linkage processing (hereinafter referred to as terminal linkage), a more detailed embodiment will be explained below.

When performing mobile device linkage, there are cases where it is desirable to restrict the use of the device linkage to only mobile devices 700 located within the same household as the broadcast receiving device 100 (hereinafter referred to as "same-house restriction"). For example, this might be necessary when the display screen of the broadcast receiving device 100 and the display screen of the mobile device 700 are closely related in an application used for broadcast linkage (hereinafter referred to as the broadcast linkage application), or when it is necessary to ensure that users of the mobile device 700 view advertising videos displayed on the broadcast receiving device 100.

Furthermore, one point that must be considered in the procedure is whether the target broadcast-linked application imposes a same-household restriction. If it is assumed that all broadcast-linked applications have a same-household restriction, this determination is unnecessary. However, if there are cases where the restriction does not exist, the broadcast receiving device 100 must acquire control information regarding the presence or absence of the same-household restriction and change the operating procedure accordingly. This control information regarding the presence or absence of the restriction can be obtained from the broadcast signal (for example, as an AIT item) or from a server designated by the broadcasting station.

This embodiment describes the procedure for ensuring that the portable information terminal 700 is located within the same premises as the broadcast receiving device 100, including the steps outlined above.

Typically, devices located within the same household are on the same local network connected to the same router device 210. Therefore, the fact that the portable information terminal 700 is connected to the same local network as the broadcast receiving device 100 allows us to determine that they are located within the same household. Note that determining whether a device is connected to the local network can be done using a well-known method, and therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted.

Furthermore, even if the mobile information terminal 700 is not on the local network, it can be determined to be located within the same premises by communicating directly with the broadcast receiving device 100 via NFC, Bluetooth, infrared communication, etc. In this case, communication for acquiring broadcast-linked applications, etc., may be via the direct communication described above, or via mobile telephone communication.

As described above, there are several possible methods for confirming presence within the same house. The method to be used is, for example, recorded in the AIT (Automatic Information Technology) and read by the broadcast receiving device 100.

Furthermore, once the presence of a mobile information terminal 700 in the same household is confirmed, it can be assumed to be present until the program ends. Alternatively, a certain validity period (e.g., 10 minutes) can be set, during which the device is assumed to be present in the same household. After this period, it will not be assumed to be present in the same household unless further confirmation is made. This validity period can be, for example, recorded in the AIT (Automatic Information Technology) and read by the broadcast receiving device 100.

Furthermore, it is also possible to set an event signal in the broadcast signal at any point during the program's progress, and to confirm the presence of the mobile information terminal 700 within the same household each time this event signal is received.

Furthermore, it is possible to combine the two methods mentioned above.

Next, we will explain the specific procedure for allowing terminal linking only to the mobile information terminal 700 located within the same household. In this embodiment, restrictions are placed on the mobile information terminal 700 when it acquires the broadcast linking application or when it acquires information used by the broadcast linking application (hereafter, the broadcast linking application and the information used by the broadcast linking application, specifically HTML documents and streaming video, are collectively referred to as broadcast linking information). There are two methods for acquiring broadcast linking information: communication acquisition, which is acquired from the broadcast station server 300 or the carrier server 400, and broadcast acquisition, which is acquired from the broadcast wave. In the case of communication acquisition, there are two methods: acquiring after the start of broadcast reception and acquiring before the start of broadcast reception. Furthermore, in the case of communication acquisition, there are two cases: one in which the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires the information first and then the mobile information terminal 700 acquires it from the broadcast receiving device 100, and another in which the mobile information terminal 700 directly acquires the information from the broadcast station server 300 or the carrier server 400. While various methods exist, from the perspective of the mobile information terminal 700, they can be broadly categorized into two types: acquisition from the broadcast receiving device 100 and acquisition from the broadcasting station server 300 or the carrier server 400.

This embodiment describes the case where the mobile information terminal 700 acquires broadcast coordination information from the broadcast receiving device 100. The case where the information is acquired from a server will be described in the next embodiment.

Figure 18A shows the procedure of this embodiment.

First, before performing terminal linking, the linking control application, which controls terminal linking, is launched on both the mobile information terminal 700 and the broadcast receiving device 100 (S10001, S10002). In this state, the mobile information terminal 700 sends a terminal linking request to the broadcast receiving device 100 (S10003). Next, the AIT (Air Traffic Information) is obtained from the broadcast signal (S10004). From this AIT information, it is determined whether the application for the target mobile information terminal has a same-house restriction (S10006). If there is a restriction, the process proceeds to S10008. At the initial stage of the terminal linking request, the process proceeds to step S10009, where it is determined whether the mobile information terminal 700 that made the terminal linking request is in the same house as the broadcast receiving device 100 (S10009). If the determination is that they are not in the same house, a linking denial response is sent to the linking control application on the mobile information terminal, and the process ends (S10011).

Here, assuming that all broadcast-linked apps have restrictions within the same household, the S10006 check is skipped. The S10006 check is performed only when there is a possibility of both apps having and not having restrictions within the same household.

If it is determined that the mobile information terminal 700 is in the same household, or if the application does not have a same-house restriction, the process proceeds to S10012, and broadcast-linked application-related services are performed. In this service (S10012), the broadcast-linked information distribution request (S10013) from the mobile information terminal 700 is processed, and the broadcast-linked information is distributed to the mobile information terminal 700 (S10018). This broadcast-linked information includes information received by the broadcast receiving device 100 from the distribution server, which is the carrier server 300 (S10014, S10015, S10016), information acquired from broadcast signals (S10017), and information stored in the broadcast receiving device 100. The reception of broadcast coordination information by the broadcast receiving device 100 (S10016, S10017) may not only occur in response to a broadcast coordination information distribution request from the mobile information terminal 700 (S10013), but may also occur autonomously by the broadcast receiving device 100 or based on an event occurring from the broadcast signal. Furthermore, the distribution of broadcast coordination information to the mobile information terminal 700 (S10018) may also occur spontaneously from the broadcast receiving device 100.

After the processing of receiving (acquiring) and distributing a series of broadcast linkage information is completed, the broadcast receiving device 100 determines whether it is continuing to watch the same program (S10019). If it is not, it sends a response to the linkage control application on the mobile information terminal indicating that the linkage is not permitted, and terminates the process (S10020).

If viewing continues, the procedure returns to S10005. If there are home restrictions, it checks whether the mobile information terminal 700 is in the same home (S10009). It then determines whether a pre-set validity period has elapsed since the last check, or whether a confirmation request (S10007) has been generated from the broadcast signal or distribution server since the last check (S10008). If neither condition is met, the check for presence in the same home (S10009) is skipped, and the process proceeds via S10010 to the execution of the next broadcast-linked application-related service (S10012). Here, it is stated that the confirmation request from the broadcast signal (S10007) should be obtained from the broadcast-linked information, but here it is also stated that event messages are included in the broadcast-linked information. Furthermore, this confirmation request may also be included in the AIT.

The procedure described above is a loop processing procedure for the entire system, including the broadcast signal, broadcast receiving device 100, mobile information terminal 700, and distribution server, within the section indicated by the arrow in S10022. The confirmation request in S10007 can occur at any point within the loop.

Furthermore, the authentication information described in the AIT may be incorporated into the authentication key used for authentication on the distribution server (S10015). This allows for verification that the authentication request is legitimate. Additionally, by changing the authentication information described in the AIT as the program progresses, and by requiring the distribution server to only perform authentication with an authentication key that incorporates information synchronized with the program's progress, it is possible to confirm that the user is continuously watching the same program. In this case, the information in the AIT should be read and updated as needed (S10021). Note that the authentication information to be incorporated into the broadcast signal can be included not only in the AIT but also as broadcast linkage information. Furthermore, as a method that effectively changes the authentication information, it is also possible to change the URL of the distribution server itself according to the program's progress.

In this way, while executing the broadcast-linked application-related service (S10012), the mobile information terminal 700 can be checked to see if it is in the same premises as the broadcast receiving device 100 at pre-set valid intervals, or each time there is a broadcast signal or a verification request from the distribution server. This allows for the appropriate execution of broadcast-related applications that are restricted to use within the same premises. Furthermore, by using the authentication information embedded in the broadcast signal for authentication at the distribution server, the legitimacy of distribution requests can be ensured. By appropriately changing the authentication information in the broadcast signal, it is also possible to verify that the user is continuously watching the same program.

According to the mobile information terminal linkage technology described above, it becomes possible to implement same-house restriction for mobile information terminals linked with broadcast receiving equipment.

This embodiment describes a case where the mobile information terminal 700 obtains broadcast coordination information from the distribution server.

Figure 18B shows the procedure for this embodiment.

First, before performing terminal linking, the linking control application, which controls terminal linking, is launched on both the mobile information terminal 700 and the broadcast receiving device 100 (S10101, S10102). In this state, the mobile information terminal 700 sends a terminal linking request to the broadcast receiving device 100 (S10103). Next, the AIT is obtained from the broadcast signal (S10104). Information such as the URL of the distribution server is obtained from this AIT information, and this information is sent to the mobile information terminal 700 (S10105). Next, the broadcast receiving device 100 sends a time confirmation request to the distribution server (S10106), and based on this request, the distribution server sends time information to the broadcast receiving device 100 (S10107). This allows the subsequent authentication key issuance (S10115) to be performed in accordance with the distribution server's time, but this step can be omitted if the time difference is not a problem.

From this point onward, the program enters the loop control indicated by the arrow in S10127.

First, the mobile information terminal 700 sends a request to the broadcast receiving device 100 for the issuance of an authentication key or a request for the distribution of broadcast-linked information (S10109). The authentication key is used in the subsequent request for the distribution of broadcast-linked information to the distribution server (S10125). The broadcast-linked distribution request in S10109 is a request for the distribution of information obtained from the broadcast signal, and corresponds to the procedure in S10126.

In any case, when the request S10109 is issued from a mobile device, it is determined whether the broadcast-linked application has a same-house restriction (S10111). If there is a restriction, the process proceeds to the next step S10112; otherwise, the procedure for S10112 is skipped and the process proceeds to S10114. If all broadcast-linked applications have a same-house restriction, the determination in S10111 is not performed, and the process proceeds to S10112. In S10112, it is determined whether the mobile device that made the request is in the same house. If not, the terminal connection is terminated (S10113). If it is in the same house, the requested procedure is performed: obtaining broadcast-linked information from the distribution server (S10125) or obtaining broadcast-linked information from the broadcast signal (S10126). Since obtaining information from the broadcast signal is also acceptable in addition to obtaining it from the distribution server, the procedure for S10126 is also described.

First, we will explain the procedure for obtaining broadcast coordination information from the distribution server (S10125).

First, the broadcast receiver 100 issues the authentication key requested by the information sharing terminal 700. At this time, the authentication key, including the time of issuance, is valid only for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 minutes). The distribution server verifies the authentication information, including whether the authentication key is valid within its time limit. If authentication is successful, it permits the distribution of broadcast sharing information. Thereafter, information distribution is permitted as long as the validity period is active, but distribution stops once the validity period expires. For example, streaming video becomes unavailable after its validity period expires.

The pre-set validity period may be stored on the distribution server, or the broadcast receiving device 100 may obtain it from the broadcast signal (e.g., AIT) and incorporate the validity period information into the authentication key. The mobile information terminal 700 may be notified of the validity period in advance and requested to issue an authentication key before the validity period expires. Alternatively, the validity period may be managed by the broadcast receiving device 100, and before the validity period expires, the broadcast receiving device 100 may automatically issue an authentication key to the mobile information terminal 700 after confirming that the mobile information terminal 700 is in the same household.

The validity period can be the same throughout a single program, or it can change according to the program's progress. Alternatively, if no validity period is set, authentication can remain valid for the duration of program viewing after a single authentication.

Furthermore, the authentication information described in the AIT may be incorporated into the authentication key used for authentication on the distribution server (S10117). This allows for confirmation that the authentication request is legitimate. Additionally, by changing the authentication information described in the AIT as the program progresses, and by requiring the distribution server to only perform authentication with an authentication key that incorporates information synchronized with the program's progress, it is possible to confirm that the user is continuously watching the same program. In this case, the information in the AIT will be read and updated as needed (S10124). Note that the authentication information to be incorporated into the broadcast signal may be included not only in the AIT but also as broadcast linkage information. Furthermore, as a method that effectively changes the authentication information, it is also possible to change the URL of the distribution server itself according to the program's progress. Note that in this case, the URL change is for cases where the distribution server remains the same but the entry point is different; however, it is also possible to change to a new distribution server due to changes in the broadcast linkage application, etc. In this case, the following steps are performed each time a change is made: sending distribution server information (S10105), requesting time confirmation (S10106), and sending time information (S10107).

Next, the procedure for obtaining broadcast coordination information from the broadcast signal (S10126) will be explained.

In this case, after confirming that the mobile information terminal 700 is located within the same household, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires broadcast coordination information from the broadcast signal (S10119), and then distributes that information to the mobile information terminal 700 (S10120).

Furthermore, if the broadcast linkage information is changed in accordance with the progress of the program, a notification of the change may be issued from the broadcast signal (S10110), and the broadcast linkage information may be acquired based on that notification. In that case, if the information is acquired from the distribution server, the broadcast receiving device 100 issues an authentication key to the mobile information terminal (S10115) and notifies that a change notification has been received. If it is within the validity period, the issuance of the authentication key may be omitted, and only the change notification may be sent. If the information is acquired from the broadcast signal, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires the information (S10119) and distributes it to the mobile information terminal (S10120). Furthermore, if the information is acquired from the broadcast signal, it may be confirmed that the mobile information terminal 700 is in the same house for each change notification, or, as in Example 2, this confirmation may be omitted if it is within the validity period. Here, it is written that the change notification from the broadcast signal (S10110) is acquired from the broadcast linkage information, but here it is written that event messages are also included in the broadcast linkage information. Furthermore, this change notification may also be written to the AIT.

After the processing of receiving (acquiring) and distributing a series of broadcast linkage information is completed, the broadcast receiving device 100 determines whether it is continuing to watch the same program (S10121). If it is not continuing, it sends a linkage denial response to the linkage control application on the mobile information terminal and terminates the process (S10123). If it is continuing to watch, it returns to S10108 and continues the loop processing S10127.

In this way, by including time information in the authentication key used for authentication on the distribution server and managing its validity period, it is possible to periodically confirm that the mobile information terminal 700 is in the same premises as the broadcast receiving device 100, and to appropriately execute broadcast-linked applications that have restrictions on use within the same premises. Furthermore, by using the authentication information embedded in the broadcast signal for authentication on the distribution server, the legitimacy of the distribution request can be ensured, and by appropriately changing the authentication information in the broadcast signal, it is also possible to confirm that the same program is being viewed continuously.

According to the mobile information terminal linkage technology described above, even when a mobile information terminal linked to a broadcast receiving device obtains broadcast linkage information from a distribution server, it becomes possible to achieve same-household restriction.

Examples 2 and 3 described the procedure for achieving in-home restriction in terminal linking, but some broadcast linking applications may also allow use from outside the home. This example describes such a case. For example, if the program itself, such as a TV shopping program, serves as publicity and advertising, it is desirable for the broadcaster to allow the broadcast linking application to be used both inside and outside the home. In the case of such programs, once registered with the broadcast receiving device 100, the use of the broadcast linking application may be permitted regardless of whether the mobile information terminal 700 is inside the home or not. In this case, the convenience is further enhanced if the broadcast linking application converts the broadcast video itself into streaming data and distributes it from the broadcast receiving device 100 to the mobile information terminal 700 via the internet. The streaming data may be encrypted by the broadcast receiving device 100 for copyright protection. Whether the broadcast linking application allows use from outside the home, including the distribution of broadcast video outside the home, should be indicated in the data within the broadcast signal (e.g., AIT).

The specific procedure is shown in Figure 18C. Since some of the steps are common to Examples 2 and 3, the explanation of the parts that overlap with Examples 2 and 3 will be omitted. When the broadcast receiving device 100 receives a terminal linkage request from outside the home (S10203), if the application is permitted for use outside the home, it verifies that the requester is a registered mobile information terminal (S10205) and then grants permission for linkage. Here, if necessary, authentication may be performed between the mobile information terminal 700 and the broadcast receiving device 100 to protect the copyright of the broadcast video and broadcast linkage information (S10207). In this case, the authentication may also be performed on the distribution server (S10207). Information regarding the necessity of copyright protection and the method of copyright protection authentication is obtained from the broadcast signal (for example, as described in AIT), and control is performed accordingly. If this information is not stored in the broadcast signal, the broadcast receiving device 100 follows a predetermined method. For example, a predetermined copyright protection process may be performed. Furthermore, if this information is not stored in the broadcast signal, it may be predetermined that the broadcast receiving device 100 will not perform copyright protection processing.

The following are specific examples of authentication for copyright protection. Each of the following authentications may be performed individually, or a combination of the authentications exemplified below may be used. Furthermore, the authentications exemplified below may be combined with other authentication processes not exemplified below.

[Authentication using ID and password]
When registering the mobile information terminal 700 with the broadcast receiving device 100, an ID and password are issued, and the broadcast receiving device 100 authorizes the connection by verifying this ID and password.

[Using an encryption key]
In addition to authentication using the above ID and password, the broadcast receiving device 100 transmits an encryption key for decrypting encrypted video data, etc., to the mobile information terminal. This encryption key may also be obtained from the broadcast signal (for example, recorded in AIT).

[Using a distribution server]
A method for issuing encryption keys to decrypt encrypted video data, etc., from a distribution server. The personal digital assistant (PDTA) 700 sends an ID and password to the distribution server and obtains the encryption key. In this case, security is enhanced by obtaining the distribution server's location information (specifically, the URL) from the broadcast signal (for example, recorded in the AIT), and transmitting this location information from the broadcast receiving device 100 to the PDTA 700. Since the PDTA 700 cannot decrypt the video, etc., if it cannot obtain the encryption key, the broadcast receiving device 100 may request authentication from the distribution server to protect copyright, or the PDTA 700 may notify the broadcast receiving device 100 that it has obtained the encryption key to complete the authentication. The distribution server may also charge a fee.

[Mutual authentication of encryption keys]
Copyright protection is authenticated by mutually authenticating and verifying the encryption keys held by the broadcast receiving device 100 and the portable information terminal 700.

If the information stored in the broadcast signal indicates that copyright protection is required by a predetermined method, and copyright protection authentication cannot be performed by that predetermined method, terminal connection will not be permitted. Furthermore, even if there is no specification in the broadcast signal and authentication is performed by the default method of the broadcast receiver 100, terminal connection will not be permitted if copyright protection authentication cannot be performed by that default method.

If terminal linking is permitted, the system will no longer check whether the mobile information terminal 700 is located within the same household. Instead, it will distribute broadcast linking information to the mobile information terminal 700 (S10217) and issue an authentication key for the distribution server (S10212) in accordance with requests from the mobile information terminal 700 (S10211), autonomous control of the broadcast receiving device 100, and requests from the broadcast signal (S10210). In this case, it is not necessary to set an effective time limit. The mobile information terminal 700 located outside the household obtains the broadcast linking information from the broadcast receiving device 100 or from the distribution server using the issued authentication key (S10215). Furthermore, by incorporating authentication information obtained from the broadcast signal (for example, as recorded in the AIT) into the authentication key issued by the broadcast receiving device 100, and allowing the distribution server to grant access only if the authentication key incorporates the authentication information obtained from the broadcast signal, the system can further optimize use outside the household.

Furthermore, in cases where unlimited use of the broadcast-linked app is not permitted, such as when offering discounts as a premium for program viewing, it is preferable not to allow unlimited use. In such cases, it is preferable to perform authentication once while the mobile device is in the same household, and then allow use of the distribution server even if it is not in the same household. In this case, it is not necessary for the mobile device 700 to be registered with the broadcast receiving device 100.

The specific procedure in this case is shown in Figure 18D. Since some of the steps are the same as those in Figure 18C, the explanation of the overlapping parts will be omitted. First, with the mobile information terminal 700 located in the same premises as the broadcast receiving device 100, the mobile information terminal 700 requests terminal linkage from the broadcast receiving device 100. The broadcast receiving device 100 confirms that the mobile information terminal 700 is in the same premises (S10305) and then grants permission for linkage. Here, if necessary, authentication may be performed between the mobile information terminal 700 and the broadcast receiving device 100 to protect the copyright of the broadcast video and broadcast linkage information (S10307). In this case, the authentication may be performed on an external distribution server. Information regarding the necessity of copyright protection and the method of copyright protection authentication is obtained from the broadcast signal (for example, as described in the AIT), and control is performed accordingly. If this information is not stored in the broadcast signal, the broadcast receiving device 100 follows a predetermined method. For example, it may perform a predetermined copyright protection process. Furthermore, if this information is not stored in the broadcast signal, it may be predetermined that the broadcast receiving device 100 will not perform copyright protection processing.

The following are specific examples of authentication for copyright protection. Each of the following authentications may be performed individually, or a combination of the authentications exemplified below may be used. Furthermore, the authentications exemplified below may be combined with other authentication processes not exemplified below.

[Using an encryption key]
While the mobile information terminal 700 is in the same house, the broadcast receiving device 100 transmits an encryption key for decrypting encrypted video data, etc., to the mobile information terminal. This encryption key may also be obtained from the broadcast signal (for example, recorded in the AIT). Authentication is performed by handing over this encryption key within the same house. Furthermore, by making it so that the encryption key can only be obtained from the broadcast signal at a certain point in the program, and limiting the handover of the encryption key to the mobile information terminal 700 to within the same house, a restriction can be imposed that viewers must be in the same house at that time, which can also be used to add a premium for viewing.

[Using a distribution server]
This method involves issuing an encryption key for decrypting encrypted video data, etc., from a distribution server. The personal digital assistant (PDTA) 700 sends an ID and password to the distribution server to obtain the encryption key. In this case, security is enhanced by obtaining the distribution server's location information (specifically, the URL) from the broadcast signal (for example, recorded in the AIT), and transmitting this location information from the broadcast receiving device 100 to the PDTA 700. Since the PDTA 700 cannot decrypt the video, etc., if it cannot obtain the encryption key, the broadcast receiving device 100 may request authentication from the distribution server to protect copyright, or the authentication may be completed by the PDTA 700 notifying the broadcast receiving device 100 that it has obtained the encryption key. Access to the distribution server can be done both inside and outside the home, but by making it so that the distribution server's location information can only be obtained from the broadcast signal at a certain point in the program, and limiting the transfer of location information to the PDTA 700 to within the same home, a restriction can be imposed that viewers must be in the same home at that time, which can also be used to add a premium for viewing. It is acceptable for the distribution server to charge for the service.

[Mutual authentication of encryption keys]
Copyright protection is authenticated by mutually authenticating and verifying the encryption keys held by the broadcast receiving device 100 and the portable information terminal 700. This authentication can be performed either inside or outside the home.

If the information stored in the broadcast signal indicates that copyright protection is required by a predetermined method, and copyright protection authentication cannot be performed by that predetermined method, terminal connection will not be permitted. Furthermore, even if there is no specification in the broadcast signal and authentication is performed by the default method of the broadcast receiver 100, terminal connection will not be permitted if copyright protection authentication cannot be performed by that default method. The procedure after terminal connection is permitted is the same as the procedure in Figure 18C, so the explanation is omitted.

According to the mobile information terminal linkage technology described above, it becomes possible to enable the use of a mobile information terminal linked to a broadcast receiving device from outside the home while paying attention to copyright protection.

In actual use, it is desirable to be able to easily see whether a program uses a device linking app and which device linking apps are available. This example describes how to display the availability status of device linking apps. A device linking app refers to a broadcast linking app used for device linking.

Figure 19A shows an example of the launcher screen (173b11) for a broadcast linkage application when a terminal linkage application is available. The broadcast linkage application is displayed as an icon with framed text. The broadcast linkage applications for the broadcast receiver 100 (173b12-173b14) and the broadcast linkage applications for the mobile information terminal (173b15-173b17), linked to the currently viewed program, are displayed. In this example, the thickness of the border surrounding the text and the color within the border indicate the status of the application. Main applications A and B (173b12, 173b13) and terminal applications A and B (173b15, 173b16) are available, while main application C (173b14) and terminal application C (173b17) are unavailable. An unavailable terminal application means that among the mobile information terminals 700 that are able to communicate with the broadcast receiver 100, there are no devices capable of executing that application.

Figure 19B shows the screen after selecting terminal application A in Figure 19A. It shows the status of each mobile information terminal 700 related to terminal application A. The mobile information terminals displayed on this screen are those that have previously linked with the broadcast receiving device 100 or are registered.

The solid outlines on the icons of mobile terminals 1 (173b22) and 2 (173b23) indicate that they are in a state where they can communicate with the broadcast receiving device 100, while the dotted outlines on mobile terminals 3 (173b24) and 4 (173b25) indicate that they are not in a state where they can communicate with the broadcast receiving device 100. Furthermore, the white outlines on the icons of mobile terminals 1 (173b22) and 3 (173b24) indicate that they have the functionality to run terminal application A, while the gray outlines on mobile terminals 2 (173b23) and 4 (173b25) indicate that they do not have the functionality to run terminal application A. Additionally, if an application is already running on the terminal, an icon design that indicates this may be used.

Furthermore, using images in icons makes them more visually understandable; an example is shown below.

Figure 19C shows an example of a launcher screen (173b31) displaying a list of broadcast-linked applications. Icons are shown for each type of mobile information terminal 700, in addition to the broadcast receiving device 100. Icons 173b32 and 173b33 represent the broadcast receiving device 100, icons 173b34 and 173b35 represent smartphone-type mobile information terminals 700, and icon 173b36 represents head-mounted display-type mobile information terminals 700. Each application is for the device indicated by its icon.

In Figure 19C, if the application is unavailable, a mark indicating its unavailability (in this case, a circle with a diagonal line) is displayed over the image of the device. Furthermore, for the broadcast receiving device 100, if the application is already running, a mark indicating this (in this case, a circle with a dot) may be displayed overlaid. This display prevents unnecessary actions such as proceeding with the launcher procedure even though the application is already running. For the mobile information terminal 700, it is also possible to display a mark indicating that the application is running on all terminals that are able to communicate with the broadcast receiving device and are capable of running the application.

Figure 19D shows the screen (173b41) after selecting application C (173b34) in Figure 19C. It shows the status of the mobile information terminal 700, which corresponds to application C. On this screen, if the mobile information terminal 700 does not have the functionality to execute the broadcast-linked application, is not in a state where it can communicate with the broadcast receiving device 100, or is already running the broadcast-linked application, a mark indicating these conditions is displayed over the icon. In this example, a circle with a diagonal line is displayed if the application does not have the execution function (173b44, 173b46), a triangle with an exclamation mark is displayed if it is not in a state where it can communicate (173b45, 173b46), and a circle with a dot is displayed if it is already running (173b43).

Furthermore, it would be desirable to have a way to indicate the presence of a broadcast-linked app without having to launch the launcher every time the situation changes. For example, when the power is turned on, when the channel is changed, at the start of a program, when there is a change in the broadcast-linked app during a program, when there is a change in the communication status between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700, or when the app's execution status changes, an icon should be displayed for a predetermined time, showing the current status.

Figure 19E shows an example of this case. If an icon indicating the type of device is displayed, it indicates that a broadcast-linked application is available for that type of device. In this case, a circle with a diagonal line indicates that there are no devices of that type that are available to run the application. A circle with a dot indicates that the application is running on all devices of that type that are available to run.

Figure 19F shows the display screen (10401) on the mobile information terminal 700. When requesting terminal linkage from the mobile information terminal 700, it is convenient to know in a list which broadcast linkage app is available on which broadcast receiving device 100. Figure 19F shows an example of such a list (10402). This table shows which broadcast receiving device 100 in the home is available with the broadcast linkage app corresponding to the program to be checked. Displaying the status of each broadcast receiving device 100 would further enhance convenience, especially when using it from outside the home. In this example, examples of displays include: receiving the program, receiving another program, available, and another program scheduled (when recording of another program is scheduled from the middle of the program). Furthermore, if there are multiple tuners in the broadcast receiving device 100, displaying the status of each tuner would further enhance convenience. In Table 10202, branch numbers indicate the distinction between tuners within the same device. For example, receiving devices B-1 and B-2 are tuners within the same broadcast receiving device 100. In the case of terminal connectivity, if broadcast video and audio can be received as streaming data, there is no need to use the video unit of the broadcast receiving device 100. Broadcasting can be used as long as the tuners within the broadcast receiving device 100 are available. Therefore, knowing the usage status of each tuner is convenient.

Furthermore, in order to perform the display described in this embodiment, each broadcast-linked application must have information indicating whether it is an application compatible with the broadcast receiving device 100, or what type of mobile information terminal 700 it is compatible with. Additionally, information is required for the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 to execute the corresponding application. This information can be obtained by the broadcast receiving device 100, for example, by recording it in the AIT (Application Information Terminal).

According to the mobile information terminal linkage technology of this embodiment described above, by displaying information related to the broadcast linkage application, the broadcast receiving device 100, and the mobile information terminal 700, it becomes possible to use broadcast linkage services with greater convenience.

The following describes Embodiment 6 of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the configuration and effects in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Therefore, the following description will primarily focus on the differences between this embodiment and Embodiment 1, and common points will be omitted as much as possible to avoid repetition.

In this embodiment, the operation of the broadcast receiving device 100 in the case of the AIT transmission via the broadcast wave, particularly in the following case, will be explained with an example. This case refers to the situation where the broadcast collaboration application is a broadcast-managed application, and where, based on information on the PMT and information such as the AIT application control code 903 and startup priority 907 (Figure 6), the broadcast-managed application, which is the broadcast collaboration application, is specified and instructed to be automatically started with priority. Hereinafter, the broadcast-managed application may be referred to as the "broadcast-managed app."

The broadcast receiving device 100 of Example 6 has a function to control the startup process of a broadcast-linked application designated for automatic startup in a digital broadcasting service, according to the user's selection. When there is a provision or instruction for automatic startup, the broadcast receiving device 100 of Example 6 does not unconditionally start the broadcast-linked application, but rather controls it to start automatically only when the following conditions (1) to (3) are met: (1) Automatic startup is enabled in the user settings of the broadcast receiving device. (2) The user is viewing the broadcast with a predetermined terminal linked to the broadcast receiving device; in other words, automatic startup is enabled in the user settings of the linked terminal. (3) The user is asked to confirm startup each time, and the confirmation is affirmative.

Figure 20 shows the system configuration and usage example of the broadcast receiving device 100 in Embodiment 6. The broadcast receiving device 100 receives broadcast waves from the broadcasting station server 300 via the radio tower 300t and separates the video of the broadcast program from information such as AIT. Based on the AIT and other information, the broadcast receiving device 100 appropriately obtains broadcast-linked applications from the service provider server 400. The AIT may include information instructing the automatic activation of broadcast-linked applications linked to the broadcast program.

There is one or more mobile information terminals 700 that connect to the broadcast receiving device 100. For example, one broadcast receiving device 100 can connect to and be shared by two users' mobile information terminals 700. For instance, there might be terminal A owned by user A and terminal B owned by user B. However, a single user may use multiple mobile information terminals 700.

The broadcast receiving device 100 of Example 6 has an application launch control means 2000 including a user selection means 2001. The user selection means 2001 is a means for selecting whether or not to allow the launch and execution of a broadcast-linked application based on the user's operation of the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700. The user selection means 2001 is composed of, for example, an instruction input unit and a user setting unit in the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700. When the automatic launch of a broadcast-linked application is instructed by AIT, the application launch control means 2000 controls the launch of the broadcast-linked application according to the selection made by the user and the user selection means 2001 regarding whether or not to allow the launch and execution of the broadcast-linked application.

[In the case of automatic startup of broadcast-managed applications]
In Example 6, when it is specified that the broadcast-managed application should be automatically launched first, the operation sequence from when the broadcast receiver 100 appropriately checks information such as PMT and AIT to when it launches the broadcast-managed application is the same as the explanation using Figure 7A in Example 1. In the example of Figure 7A, the broadcast receiver 100 checks whether the target broadcast-managed application can be executed by checking the application profile 904 of the AIT (S105). If execution is confirmed, the broadcast-managed application will always be automatically launched regardless of the user's selection of the broadcast receiver 100.

However, it should be considered that the user of the broadcast receiving device 100 may not wish to automatically launch the broadcast-managed application, for example, if they wish to concentrate on watching broadcast programs. The broadcast receiving device 100 of Embodiment 6 has an application launch control means 2000 as a control function that takes this possibility into account. That is, even when there is an instruction for automatic launch prioritizing the broadcast-managed application based on the PMT and AIT information, and when the execution capability of the broadcast-managed application is confirmed based on the AIT information, the broadcast receiving device 100 of Embodiment 6 controls the launch of the application according to the user's choice of whether or not to launch it. The following describes an example of how the automatic launch of the broadcast-managed application is controlled.

[Operation sequence when a broadcast-managed application is launched (1)]
Figure 21 shows an example of the operation sequence when a broadcast-linked application is started, as a first configuration example and processing example of the broadcast receiving device 100 of Embodiment 6, in which it is stipulated that a broadcast-linked application, which is a broadcast-managed application, should be started preferentially. Figure 21 shows a series of steps from when the broadcast receiving device 100 appropriately checks the PMT and AIT information, to when it controls whether or not to automatically start a predetermined broadcast-linked application according to the user's selection. In the first configuration example, the user selection means 2000 uses user settings in the broadcast receiving device 100.

In Figure 21, the broadcast receiving device 100 uses the tuner/demodulation unit 131 in Figure 2A to select the channel desired by the user and obtain the TS. Next, the broadcast receiving device 100 uses the main control unit 101 to obtain the PMT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S1101), and confirms the startup priority described in the obtained PMT (S1102). Through processes S1101 and S1102, the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms that the broadcast-managed application, which is a broadcast-linked application, has a high startup priority.

Upon confirming the above, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires the AIT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 via the application control unit 161 (S1103), and checks the application control code 903 of the acquired AIT data sequence (S1104). If, in the processes of S1103 and S1104, the application control code 903 is "Automatic Startup," i.e., automatic startup of the broadcast-linked application is specified, the broadcast receiving device 100 further checks the application profile 904 of the acquired AIT data sequence (S1105).

In S1105, the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms that it can execute the broadcast-linked application specified for the AIT by checking the information in the application profile 904. If this execution capability is confirmed, the broadcast receiving device 100 further refers to the operation setting values stored in the storage unit 110 by the application control unit 161. This allows the broadcast receiving device 100 to confirm whether automatic startup of the broadcast-linked application is permitted in the user settings of the broadcast receiving device 100 (S1106).

The operating setting value indicating whether or not the broadcast-linked application can be automatically launched can be selected and set by the user according to their preference via the function setting menu of the broadcast receiver 100. The broadcast receiver 100 provides the user with a function setting menu via a screen or other means as a user selection means 2001. The user can configure various functions using the function setting menu on this screen by operating the broadcast receiver 100's remote control or a linked mobile information terminal 700. The broadcast receiver 100 stores the user settings information from this function setting menu as an operating setting value in its internal memory.

If the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms in process S1106 that automatic startup of the broadcast linkage application is not permitted ("No"), that is, that the user does not wish for the broadcast linkage application to start automatically (S1107-No), then it terminates the process shown in Figure 21. In other words, the application control unit 161 does not acquire or start the broadcast linkage application specified in AIT.

On the other hand, if the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms in the S1106 process that automatic startup of the broadcast linkage application is permitted ("OK"), that is, that the user desires automatic startup of the broadcast linkage application (S1107 - Yes), it proceeds to S1108. In the S1108 process, the broadcast receiving device 100, using the application control unit 161, sends a broadcast linkage application distribution request to a predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121, based on the information described in the AIT application acquisition destination information 905.

Upon receiving the broadcast-linked application distribution request in S1108, the service provider server 400, based on the control of the application management/distribution execution unit 4103 shown in Figure 4, performs authentication processing of the broadcast receiving device 100 as necessary, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast-linked application stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S1109). Note that any known method may be used for this authentication process, and a detailed explanation is omitted.

Next, the broadcast receiving device 100, based on the control of the application control unit 161 by the application engine 162, launches a predetermined broadcast collaboration application distributed from the service provider server 400, which was received via the LAN communication unit 121 (S1110). This executes the broadcast collaboration application and displays its execution screen.

As a variation, the processes in S1106-S1107 may be performed after the broadcast linkage application has been acquired in the processes in S1108-S1109.

As shown in the first configuration example in Figure 21 above, in Embodiment 6, the broadcast linkage application can be launched when automatic startup is confirmed to be permitted in the user settings of the broadcast receiving device 100.

[Operation sequence when a broadcast-managed application is launched (2)]
Figure 22 shows an example of the operation sequence when a broadcast-linked application is started, different from Figure 21, as a second configuration and processing example of the broadcast receiving device 100 of Embodiment 6, in which the broadcast-managed application, which is a broadcast-linked application, is specified to be started preferentially. Figure 22 is an example in which the automatic startup of the broadcast-linked application is confirmed by referring to the operation setting values, i.e., user setting information, stored in the mobile information terminal 700 that performs the aforementioned terminal linkage operation with the broadcast receiving device 100. In the second configuration example, the user setting on the mobile information terminal 700 is used as the user selection means 2000. The user selects and sets whether or not to allow the automatic startup of the broadcast-linked application on the mobile information terminal 700.

In Figure 22, the broadcast receiving device 100 first performs the processes S1201 to S1205, which are the same as the processes S1101 to S1105 in Figure 21. If, in S1205, the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms that the broadcast collaboration application specified in AIT is executable by checking the application profile 904, it then proceeds to process S1206. In S1206, the broadcast receiving device 100, via the application control unit 161, sends a user setting confirmation request to the mobile information terminal 700 that is currently in collaboration operation. Here, we assume that the mobile information terminal 700 that is currently in collaboration operation or in a state where terminal collaboration is possible is, for example, terminal A in Figure 20.

The mobile information terminal 700, in response to the user setting confirmation request received via the LAN communication unit 721 by the cooperation control execution unit 7102 (Figure 5B), refers to the operation setting values for the broadcast receiving device 100 stored in the storage unit 710 (Figure 5A). This allows the mobile information terminal 700 to confirm whether the broadcast cooperation application on the broadcast receiving device 100 can be automatically started, according to the user settings on the mobile information terminal 700 (S1207). The mobile information terminal 700, via the cooperation control execution unit 7102, transmits the result of this automatic startup confirmation as a user setting confirmation result to the broadcast receiving device 100 via the LAN communication unit 721 (S1208).

The user setting information for the mobile information terminal 700, specifically the setting value for whether or not the broadcast link application is automatically launched on the broadcast receiving device 100, can be set, for example, by the following means. That is, in the linked operation state between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700, the user can select and set this according to their preference using the link function setting menu, which is one of the function setting menus of the mobile information terminal 700. The mobile information terminal 700 provides the user with the above function setting menu via a screen or other means. The user selects the link function setting menu from the function setting menu. The link function setting menu is a menu that allows settings related to linked operation. By selecting from the link function setting menu, the user can set whether or not the broadcast link application is automatically launched on the broadcast receiving device 100. The mobile information terminal 700 saves the user setting information from the function setting menu as an operation setting value in its memory.

If the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms through the processes S1206 to S1208 that automatic startup of the broadcast linking application is not permitted, that is, that the user owning the mobile information terminal 700 does not wish for the broadcast linking application to be automatically started on the broadcast receiving device 100 (S1209-No), then the process shown in Figure 22 is terminated. In other words, the application control unit 161 does not acquire or start the broadcast linking application specified in AIT.

On the other hand, if the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms that automatic startup of the broadcast linkage application is permitted, that is, that the user who owns the mobile information terminal 700 wishes to have the broadcast linkage application automatically started on the broadcast receiving device 100 (S1209 - Yes), the process proceeds to S1210.

In S1210, the broadcast receiving device 100, based on the information described in the AIT application acquisition destination information 905, transmits a broadcast-linked application distribution request to a predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121, using the application control unit 161.

Upon receiving the broadcast-linked application distribution request described in S1210, the service provider server 400, based on the control of the application management/distribution execution unit 4103, performs authentication processing of the broadcast receiving device 100 as necessary, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast-linked application stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S1211).

Next, the broadcast receiving device 100, based on the control of the application control unit 161 by the application engine 162, launches a predetermined broadcast collaboration application distributed from the service provider server 400, which it received via the LAN communication unit 121 (S1212).

As shown in the second configuration example in Figure 22 above, in Embodiment 6, a mobile information terminal 700 is linked to the broadcast receiving device 100. The broadcast linkage application can be launched when automatic startup is permitted in the user settings of the mobile information terminal 700.

As a variation, if the mobile information terminal 700 is not operating in conjunction with the broadcast receiving device 100 during the user setting confirmation in Figure 22, the processes S606 to S611 in Figure 8C may be performed before the processes S1206 to S1208. In this variation, the linkage control application is launched to initiate the linkage operation of the mobile information terminal 700 with the broadcast receiving device 100, and the user setting confirmation is performed in this state.

Furthermore, as variations, embodiments are possible in which the system controls S1209 to select "Yes" or to select "No" in the following cases. These cases include situations where there is no mobile information terminal 700 to which a user setting confirmation request is sent in S1206, where there is no response to the request, or where the user setting confirmation result could not be correctly obtained in S1208. These cases include situations where there is no mobile information terminal 700 capable of terminal linkage at that time, or where communication between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 is temporarily impossible. In the former embodiment, permission for startup based on user settings could not be confirmed, but the broadcast linkage application is launched. In the latter embodiment, permission for startup based on user settings could not be confirmed, so the broadcast linkage application is not launched. Which control operation is adopted in the above variations is specified in the specifications of the broadcast receiving device 100, or it may be possible to set a user selection.

As another variation, the processing in S1206-S1209 may be performed after the broadcast linkage application has been acquired in the processing in S1210-S1211.

[Operation sequence when a broadcast-managed application is launched (3)]
Figure 23 shows an example of the operation sequence when a different broadcast-linked application is launched, as a third configuration and processing example of the broadcast receiving device 100 of Embodiment 6, in a case where the broadcast-managed application, which is a broadcast-linked application, is specified to be launched first. Figure 23 is an example in which the user is asked in real time whether or not to launch the broadcast-linked application via a message on the screen. In the third configuration example, the user selection means 2000 uses instruction input from a mobile information terminal 700 to the broadcast receiving device 100.

In Figure 23, the broadcast receiving device 100 first performs the processes S1301 to S1305, which are the same as the processes S1101 to S1105 in Figure 21. If, in S1205, the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms that the broadcast-linked application specified in AIT is executable by checking the application profile 904, it then performs the process in S1306. In S1306, the broadcast receiving device 100, using the application control unit 161, displays a startup confirmation screen on the video display unit 173, allowing the user to choose whether or not to allow the broadcast-linked application to start.

The user, using a portable information terminal 700 or remote control, selects whether or not to launch the broadcast-linked application on the launch confirmation screen displayed in S1306 (S1307). The broadcast receiving device 100 receives this selection information as an instruction input.

The broadcast receiving device 100 terminates the process shown in Figure 23 if, based on the user's selection in S1307, the user does not select to launch the broadcast linkage application, i.e., if the user does not permit launching at this point (S1308-No). In other words, the application control unit 161 does not acquire or launch the broadcast linkage application specified in AIT.

On the other hand, if the user selects to launch the broadcast-linked application in S1307, that is, if the user allows the launch at this point (S1308 - Yes), the broadcast receiving device 100 proceeds to S1309. In the process of S1309, the broadcast receiving device 100, based on the information described in the application acquisition destination information 905, sends a broadcast-linked application distribution request to a predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121.

Upon receiving the distribution request for the above-mentioned broadcast-linked application, the service provider server 400, based on the control of the application management/distribution execution unit 4103, performs authentication processing of the broadcast receiving device 100 as necessary, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast-linked application stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S1310).

Next, the broadcast receiving device 100, based on the control of the application control unit 161 by the application engine 162, launches a predetermined broadcast collaboration application distributed from the service provider server 400, which it received via the LAN communication unit 121 (S1311).

As a variation, the processing in S1306-S1308 may be performed after the broadcast linkage application has been acquired in the processing in S1309-S1310.

As shown in the third configuration example in Figure 23 above, in Embodiment 6, the user is prompted to confirm the startup on the screen each time, and if permission is confirmed, the broadcast-linked application can be launched.

In the example shown in Figure 23 above, the portable information terminal 700 functions as an operating means for the broadcast receiving device 100 via terminal linkage, allowing the user to select whether or not to activate the device. However, this is not the only possible implementation; the activation can also be selected using a remote control or similar device provided on the main broadcast receiving device 100.

[Startup Availability Confirmation Screen]
Figure 24 shows an example of a screen for confirming whether the broadcast receiving device 100 can be started, which is displayed by the process in S1306 of Figure 23. In this embodiment, a message box 173f1 is displayed on the screen of the video display unit 173 in Figure 24 as a screen for confirming whether the broadcast receiving device can be started. The message box 173f1 includes a message indicating that a predetermined broadcast linkage application is available, as well as "Yes" and "No" buttons to allow the user to select whether or not to start the broadcast linkage application. An example message is "Broadcast linkage application XXX is available. Do you want to start broadcast linkage application XXX?". Another example message is "Starting broadcast linkage application XXX is specified and it can be started, but do you want to allow it to start?".

When the message box 173f1 shown in Figure 24 is displayed, the user selects whether to activate or not using the above operating means (S1307). For example, the user selects "Yes" or "No" on the basic screen 741a of the linked control application on the mobile information terminal 700 shown in Figure 10A, using the cursor keys 741ac and the select key 741ad, etc. This allows the user to choose whether to allow or deny the activation of the broadcast linked application presented in the message box 173f1 on the broadcast receiving device 100, according to their own convenience and circumstances at the time.

As a variation, instead of the message box 173f1 described above, an icon 173b0 indicating the presence of a linked application, as shown in Figure 12A, or another mark or image, may be displayed on the screen, allowing the user to select it. In this case, the user would, for example, press the linked application key 741a9 on the basic screen 741a of the linked control application. This would launch the designated broadcast linked application. Furthermore, if the linked application key 741a9 corresponding to the selection of icon 173b0 is not pressed for a predetermined period of time, the display of icon 173b0 may be cleared.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, according to the various configuration examples of the broadcast receiving device 100 in Embodiment 6, there are provisions and instructions for automatic startup prioritizing broadcast managed applications by PMT and AIT, and even when the execution of a broadcast managed application is confirmed by AIT, the startup of the broadcast managed application can be appropriately controlled according to the user's selection. In other words, the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment can perform functions with higher added value.

The choice of which of the above configuration examples (1st to 3rd) or various modifications to adopt will be specified in the specifications of the broadcast receiving device 100, etc., or it will be possible for the user to select from the settings for the broadcast receiving device 100, etc. For example, in the configuration examples in Figures 21 and 22, the user can select from two values as the operation setting value: (a) "Allow the launch of the broadcast managed application (OK)" and (b) "Do not allow the launch of the broadcast managed application (NO)". Not limited to this, as a modification, the user may select from multiple values in addition to (a) and (b), including (c) "Inquire with the terminal" and (d) "Confirm on the screen each time". In this modification, the broadcast receiving device 100 performs control operations according to the first to third configuration examples in accordance with the setting value selected by the user. If setting (c), the processing of the second configuration example is performed; if setting (d), the processing of the third configuration example is performed.

In particular, in the first configuration example shown in Figure 21, the activation of the broadcast linkage application can be controlled according to the user's pre-configured settings for the broadcast receiving device 100. Users can change the settings as needed to utilize the broadcast linkage application.

Figure 25 shows an example of displaying a user settings menu on the screen of the broadcast receiving device 100. The user settings menu 173f2 is displayed on the screen in response to user operations using a remote control or similar device. In the first configuration example, one of the settings items in menu 173f2 is "Allow launch of broadcast-managed applications." This item corresponds to "whether or not to allow automatic launch when automatic launch of broadcast-linked applications is specified." The user can set the enable/disable status corresponding to (a) and (b) above by turning a button on or off in this setting item of menu 173f2. Similar functionality can be implemented on the screen of the mobile information terminal 700.

In particular, in the second configuration example shown in Figure 22, it is possible to configure whether or not the broadcast-managed application is automatically launched on a per-user basis, depending on whether or not a mobile information terminal 700 is present. Furthermore, it is also possible to select whether or not the broadcast-managed application is automatically launched based on the presence or absence of a mobile information terminal 700 that performs coordinated operation.

Using Figure 20 mentioned above, we will explain an example of the above settings and usage. As for the user settings on the mobile information terminal 700, user A's terminal A is set to setting A, while user B's terminal B is set to a different setting B. For example, setting A allows automatic startup of the broadcast linkage application, while setting B does not. At the point of processing S1206 to S1209 in Figure 22, if, for example, only user A's terminal A is operating in a linked state, a confirmation is made to terminal A, and startup is permitted. If only user B's terminal B is operating in a linked state, a confirmation is made to terminal B, and startup is not permitted. In this way, the ability to start the broadcast linkage application can be set on a per-user basis for each user's mobile information terminal 700, and the broadcast linkage application can be started and used depending on the presence or absence of a linked mobile information terminal 700 at that time.

Furthermore, as a variation, control operation is possible that takes into account combinations of both the specifications or user settings of the broadcast receiving device 100 and the specifications or user settings of the portable information terminal 700. For example, both embodiments are possible where the user settings of the portable information terminal 700 take precedence over the user settings of the broadcast receiving device 100, and embodiments where the user settings of the broadcast receiving device 100 take precedence over the user settings of the portable information terminal 700.

Furthermore, in the second configuration example, user settings may be enabled regarding whether or not to query the mobile information terminal 700 to confirm whether or not the broadcast-linked application can be launched. In that case, a setting item corresponding to "Query the terminal" in (c) above will be provided in the user setting menu 173f2 in Figure 25 above.

In particular, in the third configuration example shown in Figure 23, it is possible to control whether or not each broadcast-managed application, prepared for each broadcast program, can be launched. Users can view the broadcast-managed application and confirmation information displayed on the screen and, if they wish to launch the application at that time, allow it to launch; if they do not wish to launch the application at that time, deny it.

Furthermore, in the third configuration example, user settings may be enabled regarding whether or not to confirm on the screen each time whether the broadcast-linked application can be launched. In that case, a setting item corresponding to "Confirm on the screen each time" in (d) above will be provided in the user setting menu 173f2 in Figure 25 above.

Other embodiments include the following. In other embodiments, even if the user has previously selected "No" in the configuration examples shown in Figures 21 and 22, an option is provided to forcibly launch the broadcast-managed application regardless of that setting. In this embodiment, for example, in the AIT data configuration shown in Figure 6, in addition to (1) to (4), a setting value of (5) "Force Start" is provided as a parameter setting value for application control code 903. Alternatively, a separate item, "Force Start Setting," may be provided as one of the AIT parameters (one of the "Other Information" in Figure 6). These settings can be selected as, for example, "Enabled" or "Disabled."

Furthermore, if the setting value of application control code 903 is (5) "Force Start" or if the value of the "Force Start Setting" item is "Enabled", the broadcast receiving device 100 controls as follows: That is, even if the above operation setting value is set to (b) "No", the broadcast receiving device 100 controls itself to forcibly start the broadcast managed application. In other words, in this embodiment, forced start is provided as a higher-priority item than the user selection item regarding automatic start described above. In an embodiment with such a forced start option, applications with a high degree of need for display and provision, such as applications for displaying emergency information from the broadcasting station or applications necessary for the production of specific commercials, can be suitably displayed and provided to the user.

In another embodiment, if the broadcasting linkage application is pre-installed inside the broadcasting receiver 100, the processing of obtaining the broadcasting linkage application from the service provider server 400 (for example, steps S1108 to S1110 in Figure 21) becomes unnecessary.

The information included in the broadcast wave for controlling broadcast-linked applications is not limited to PAT or AIT; it is applicable in other ways as well. For example, one of the AIT parameters (901-909) in Figure 6 may be separated and configured and provided as independent control information. This control information may be provided included in the broadcast wave or provided separately from the broadcast wave. This control information may also be pre-configured within the device.

The following describes Embodiment 7 of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the configuration and effects in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Therefore, the following description will primarily focus on the differences between this embodiment and Embodiment 1, omitting explanations of common points to avoid repetition.

The broadcast-linked application used in this embodiment's broadcast-communication linkage system is composed of an HTML document, and therefore can be linked with other HTML documents on the network. Broadcast-managed applications have their startup/shutdown operations controlled based on application control codes such as AIT 903 included in the broadcast signal of the broadcast wave. Non-broadcast-managed applications and general applications are not controlled by the above-mentioned broadcast signals. Hereinafter, non-broadcast-managed applications may be referred to as "non-broadcast applications," and general applications as "general applications."

Since links are possible in the HTML documents that constitute the broadcast-linked application described above, in Example 7, it is assumed that transitions from the broadcast-managed application to non-broadcast applications and general applications are possible. Furthermore, in Example 7, non-broadcast applications and general applications can also be launched directly from the aforementioned broadcast-linked application launcher screen, etc., in response to user instructions. For example, broadcasters and service providers may include information instructing transitions to other HTML documents constituting non-broadcast applications, etc., within the HTML document of the broadcast-managed application, using URLs or other links. In such cases, transitions from the broadcast-managed application to non-broadcast applications, etc., may occur.

Because the above-mentioned non-broadcast and general applications are not controlled by broadcast signals for their startup/shutdown, users may run non-broadcast or general applications while watching a broadcast program. Furthermore, while a user is running a non-broadcast application while watching a broadcast program, they may also be required to launch a broadcast-managed application linked to that program. Such a request could be, for example, a startup instruction via AIT application control code 903 included in the broadcast signal. In other words, in this case, the user is required to run the non-broadcast or general application and the broadcast-managed application in parallel, or to select one or the other. While running multiple applications of different types in parallel is technically possible, it may be undesirable from a control perspective and inconvenient for the user.

Therefore, the broadcast receiving device 100 of Example 7 has a function to control the overlapping or parallel startup of the applications, or the startup and shutdown of each application, so that it can suitably handle the above situation. This function controls the operation, including startup and shutdown, of the second application when the startup and execution of the second application is requested while the first application is running, according to the user's selection. In particular, this function controls the shutdown of the non-broadcast application and the startup of the broadcast-managed application when a request to start a broadcast-managed application comes in while a non-broadcast application is running, according to the user's instructions and settings. Example 7 will describe an example of the control operation of the broadcast receiving device 100 in the above-described cases and situations.

Examples of control based on user selection using the above function are as follows: (1) The above function will launch and execute the target broadcast-managed application while continuing to run any non-broadcast or general applications that are currently running at the time the above request is received. (2) The above function will terminate any non-broadcast or general applications that are currently running at the time the above request is received, and then launch and execute the target broadcast-managed application. (3) The above function will continue to run any non-broadcast or general applications that are currently running at the time the above request is received, and will not launch or execute the target broadcast-managed application.

The means of user selection using the above function are as follows: (a) When the above request is received, the above function displays information on the screen informing the user that a request has been received to launch a broadcast-managed application other than the currently running non-broadcast application, and information allowing the user to select the application to launch or terminate, or the action of the above control. This function accepts user input for selection on the screen. This function executes the content of the control selected from, for example, (1) to (3) above, according to the user's selection. (b) This function accepts user settings in advance. When the above request is received, this function executes the content of the control selected from, for example, (1) to (3) above, according to the confirmation of the user settings information.

Figure 26 shows the system configuration and usage example of the broadcast receiving device 100 in Embodiment 7. The broadcast receiving device 100 receives broadcast waves from the broadcasting station server 300 via the radio tower 300t and separates the video of the broadcast program from information such as AIT. Based on the AIT and other information, the broadcast receiving device 100 appropriately obtains broadcast-managed applications, which are broadcast-linked applications, from the service provider server 400, etc. The broadcast receiving device 100 also appropriately obtains non-broadcast applications and general applications from the service provider server 400 and other application servers 500, etc. Furthermore, there may be a mobile information terminal 700 that performs terminal linkage with the broadcast receiving device 100, and various applications may be obtained and executed between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 while terminal linkage is active.

The broadcast receiving device 100 of Example 7 has a multiple application execution control means 2600 including a user selection means 2601. The user selection means 2601 is a means for selecting control content, such as operations including the launch and termination of multiple types of applications, and parallel execution, based on user operations of the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700. The user selection means 2601 includes, for example, an instruction input unit that receives and processes instruction inputs from the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700, etc., as described in (a) above. The user selection means 2601 also includes, for example, a user setting unit that receives and processes user settings, as described in (b) above.

The multiple application execution control means 2600 controls, for example, when a broadcast wave's AIT (Active Information Technology) instructs the launch of a broadcast-managed application while a non-broadcast application or general application is running during viewing of a broadcast program. Based on the user and the user selection means 2601, it controls actions such as terminating the non-broadcast application or launching the broadcast-managed application, according to the user's and user selection means 2601's selection of corresponding control actions.

[Examples of multiple types of apps]
Figure 27 shows examples of document structures for multiple types of applications, the startup of each application, and transitions between applications. The broadcast wave 2010 contains video of a broadcast program, information such as AIT, and information such as BML. As mentioned above, in the broadcast communication cooperation function, the AIT informs the broadcast receiving device 100 of the existence of the broadcast cooperation application and instructs it to control its startup, shutdown, etc. For example, the broadcast managed application 2011 is started by the AIT information contained in the broadcast wave 2010.

In Example 7, broadcast-linked applications can be broadly categorized into (a) broadcast-managed applications, (b) non-broadcast applications, and (c) general applications. Broadcast-managed applications operate in a broadcast reception state based on control signals included in the broadcast signal, and are permitted access to broadcast resources. Non-broadcast applications operate independently of the broadcast signal, without control over their startup/shutdown, and are permitted access to broadcast resources based on authentication, etc. General applications operate independently of the broadcast signal and are not permitted access to broadcast resources.

In Figure 27, App1, a broadcast-managed application 2011, consists of four documents, for example, HTML11 to HTML14. App2, a non-broadcast application 2012, consists of two documents, for example, HTML21 to HTML22. App3, a general application 2013, consists of two documents, for example, HTML31 to HTML32. Each HTML document is navigable via links indicated by solid arrows. For example, it is possible to navigate from HTML13 in App1 to HTML21 in App2, or to HTML31 in App3. Dashed arrows illustrate examples of transitions between HTML documents.

In Figure 27, for example, in response to user operation 2020 on the aforementioned broadcast-linked application launcher screen, App2 (a non-broadcast application 2012) and App3 (a general application 2013) can be launched. App2 is executed by loading HTML21, for example, and App3 is executed by loading HTML31, for example.

The following is an example of how individual applications can run while a broadcast program (for example, let's call it Broadcast Program A) is being played back via Broadcast Wave 2010: (a1) The AIT instructs the launch of App1, which is a Broadcast Managed Application 2011, and App1 is launched and executed. App1 is granted access to Broadcast Program A. Then, when the AIT instructs the termination of App1, App1 is terminated.

(a2) Based on user input and other selections, the launch of App2, a non-broadcast application 2012, is instructed via the broadcast-linked application launcher screen or a link from App1's HTML13, and App2 is launched and executed. App2 is granted access to broadcast program A. App2 is terminated when instructed to do so. (a3) Similarly, based on user selections, the launch of App3, a general application 2013, is instructed via the broadcast-linked application launcher screen or a link from App1's HTML13, and App3 is launched and executed. App3 is not granted access to broadcast program A. App3 is terminated when instructed to do so.

[Operation sequence when a broadcast-managed application is launched]
Figure 28 shows the control operation sequence in the broadcast receiving device 100 of Embodiment 7 when a broadcast managed application is requested to be launched by the AIT of the broadcast signal while a non-broadcast application is running during viewing of a broadcast program. The following explanation will focus on the case of a non-broadcast application, but the same procedure can be applied to general applications. In Figure 28, it is assumed that the launch of the broadcast managed application is prioritized and instructed based on information on the PMT and information such as the application control code 903 and launch priority 907 of the AIT.

In the broadcast receiving device 100, while a user is watching a broadcast program, the device is instructed to launch an external application in response to the user's operation of selecting a desired external application from the broadcast-linked application launcher screen. The broadcast receiving device 100 then displays, for example, the execution screen of the external application superimposed on the broadcast program screen (S1401). When the broadcast program changes in the state of S1401, the content of information such as PMT and AIT in the broadcast signal is updated. Even after this update, the external application continues to run because its startup/shutdown operations are not controlled by the broadcast signal.

Next, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires the PMT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 via the main control unit 101 (S1402) and checks the startup priority described in the PMT (S1403). In the S1403 process, for example, it is confirmed that the startup priority of the broadcast managed application is high. Then, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires the AIT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 via the application control unit 161 (S1404) and checks the application control code 903 of the acquired AIT data sequence (S1405). In the S1405 process, if the application control code 903 is "Automatic Startup", the broadcast receiving device 100 further checks the application profile 904 of the AIT data sequence (S1406). In S1406, the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms that the broadcast managed application specified in the AIT is executable.

If the above execution feasibility is confirmed, the broadcast receiving device 100 displays a startup selection screen (such as Figure 30 described later) on the video display unit 173 via the application control unit 161 (S1407). The startup selection screen contains information that allows the user to select the control operations related to the startup/termination of a currently running non-broadcast application and a broadcast-managed application that has been requested to start automatically. In other words, it allows the user to select which applications to start and which to terminate. In Embodiment 7, as a selection of the above control operations, the startup selection screen allows the user to choose whether to continue or terminate the execution of the non-broadcast application, whether or not to start the broadcast-managed application, etc. In other words, it allows the user to choose whether or not to allow parallel execution of the non-broadcast application and the broadcast-managed application, etc.

On the startup selection screen displayed in S1407, the user selects a control operation related to the startup and shutdown of the above-mentioned multiple types of applications using their means of operation, such as a mobile information terminal 700 or the remote control of the broadcast receiving device 100 (S1408). The broadcast receiving device 100 receives the user's selection result as an instruction input. If the startup of the broadcast-managed application is not selected according to the user's selection result in S1408 (S1409-No), the broadcast receiving device 100 terminates this process as shown in Figure 28. That is, the application control unit 161 does not acquire or start the broadcast-managed application specified in AIT. Non-broadcast applications continue to run.

On the other hand, if the launch of the broadcast-managed application is selected (S1409 - Yes), the process proceeds to S1410. In S1410, the broadcast receiving device 100 terminates the operation of the non-broadcast application currently running via the application control unit 161.

Next, the transmitting/receiving device 100 transmits a distribution request for a broadcast-managed application to a predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121, based on the information described in the AIT application acquisition destination information 905 (S1412). Upon receiving the distribution request in S1412, the service provider server 400, based on the control of the application management/distribution execution unit 4103, performs authentication processing of the broadcast receiving device 100 as necessary, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast-managed application stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S1412). The broadcast receiving device 100 then uses the application engine 162 to launch the broadcast-managed application received via the LAN communication unit 121, based on the control of the application control unit 161 (S1413).

In the above embodiment, if the launch of the broadcast-managed application is selected in S1409, control is performed in S1410 to terminate the non-broadcast application. However, this is not the only possible control; the following control is also possible. The broadcast receiving device 100 checks in S1409 or in a subsequent step whether the termination of the non-broadcast application is selected. Depending on the user's selection in this step, the broadcast receiving device 100 executes S1410 if the termination of the non-broadcast application is selected, and proceeds to S1411 if it is not selected.

As a variation, the startup confirmation and termination of non-broadcast applications described in S1407-S1410 may be performed after obtaining the broadcast-managed application in S1411-S1412.

[Control Example]
Figure 29 shows an example of controlling the playback and execution of broadcast programs and multiple types of applications, corresponding to the processing in Figure 28 of Embodiment 7. The horizontal axis represents time. The vertical axis shows the relationship between the playback of broadcast program video using broadcast signals and control instructions by AIT, and (A) the first control, (B) the second control, and (C) the third control. (A) The first control shows (A1) the execution of App2, which is an off-broadcast application, and (A2) the execution of App1, which is a broadcast-managed application. Similarly, (B) the second control shows (B1) the execution of App2 and (B2) the execution of App1. (C) The third control shows (C1) the execution of App2 and (C2) the execution of App1. As mentioned above, the startup priority is set so that App1, which is a broadcast-managed application, is higher than App2, which is an off-broadcast application.

First, as an example of broadcast program playback, broadcast program A is played from time t1 to t3. From t3 to t4, the system switches to broadcast program B, and from t4 to t6, broadcast program B is played. Upon switching to broadcast program B, AIT instructs the system to launch App1, a broadcast-managed application that works in conjunction with broadcast program B.

(A) In the first control case, as shown in (A1), for example, at time t2, App2, an application outside of broadcasting, is launched by user operation, and execution begins from t2. Suppose that at t3, an instruction to launch App1 occurs while App2 is running. At this time, from t3 to t4, the user selection means 2601 selects to continue running App2 and launch App1. The multiple application execution control means 2600 of the broadcasting receiver 100, in accordance with the user selection, continues the execution of App2, launches App1 at t4 as shown in (A2), and controls the screen display state accordingly. Subsequently, for example, from t4 to t5, App1 and App2 are executed in parallel, and at t5, App2 is terminated by user operation, etc. From t5 to t6, the execution of App1 continues, and at t6, App1 is terminated according to the AIT's instruction to terminate App1.

(B) In the second control case, as shown in (B1), App2 is executed during the period from t2 to t3. Upon receiving the instruction to start App1 at t3, the user selects to terminate App2 and start App1. The broadcast receiving device 100 terminates the execution of App2 according to the user selection and starts App1 at t4 as shown in (B2). Subsequently, App1 is executed during the period from t4 to t6.

(C) In the third control case, as shown in (C1), App2 is executed during the period from t2 to t3. Upon receiving the instruction to start App1 at t3, the user selects to continue App2 and not start App1. The broadcast receiving device 100 continues the execution of App2 according to the user selection, and does not start or execute App1 at t4, as shown in (C2). Subsequently, App2 is executed during the period from t4 to t5.

[Startup Selection Screen]
Figure 30 shows an example of the startup selection screen displayed by the process in S1407 of Figure 28 in Embodiment 7. This screen displays a message box 173g1. The message box 173g1 includes a message indicating that an off-broadcast application is currently running, that a broadcast-managed application has been instructed to start and is ready for such start, and that the user is asked to confirm and select whether or not to start the application. The message box 173g1 in this example includes "Yes" and "No" buttons to allow the user to select whether or not to start the application.

With the message box 173g1 displayed, the user selects "Yes" or "No" using, for example, the cursor keys 741ac and the select key 741ad on the basic screen 741a of the linked control application. That is, the user selects "Yes" if they want to launch a broadcast-managed application, or "No" if they want to continue running a non-broadcast application. This screen allows the user to easily select whether or not to launch a new broadcast-managed application on the broadcast receiving device 100 while a desired non-broadcast application is running, according to their convenience and preferences at the time. The above control is also possible for general applications.

Alternatively, instead of the message box 173g1 described above, the icon 173b0 or other marks shown in Figure 12A may be displayed to prompt a predetermined user action, which may control the launch of broadcast-managed applications or the termination of non-broadcast applications. For example, a mark or message indicating a request to launch a broadcast-managed application may be displayed in the corner of the screen via the OSD. If no predetermined user action is performed after the display of such an icon, the display will be dismissed.

Figure 31 shows an example of another startup selection screen. The startup selection screen in Figure 31 displays a message box 173g2. The message box 173g2 includes messages and other information to allow the user to select control actions related to the startup and shutdown of multiple types of applications, including the non-broadcast applications and broadcast-managed applications mentioned above. The message box 173g2 includes information on specific control options, such as: (1) Start the broadcast-managed application while the non-broadcast application is running, (2) Shut down the non-broadcast application and start the broadcast-managed application, (3) Do not start the broadcast-managed application, etc.

With the message box 173g2 displayed, the user selects from the above options using, for example, the color key 741ae on the basic screen 741a of the linked control application. For example, blue corresponds to control (1), red to (2), and yellow to (3). This screen also allows the user to easily select actions such as closing or starting each application according to the current situation.

The above startup selection screen is not limited to being displayed when a request occurs; it can also be displayed when the user configures the settings. In this case, the broadcast receiving device 100 displays a user configuration menu on the screen of the video display unit 173, for example, as shown in Figure 25. This menu displays control options such as (1) to (3) above, allowing the user to configure their selection. When a request occurs, the broadcast receiving device 100 executes the control according to this user configuration information.

[Screenshots of multiple applications in operation]
When the broadcast receiving device 100 controls the termination of the non-broadcast application and the launch and execution of the broadcast-managed application, it controls the display on the video display unit 173 screen in the same manner as in the example described above. That is, the broadcast receiving device 100 terminates the execution screen of the non-broadcast application that was displayed on the video display unit 173 screen in an area separate from the broadcast program screen, or in an overlapping area within the broadcast program screen, and newly displays the execution screen of the broadcast-managed application.

Furthermore, when the broadcast receiving device 100 launches the broadcast-managed application while the non-broadcast application continues to run, i.e., when controlling the system to run both applications in parallel, the display on the video display unit 173 may be controlled as follows: The broadcast receiving device 100 may, for example, appropriately adjust the size and display position of the execution screens of one or both applications so that the displays of the non-broadcast application execution screen and the broadcast-managed application execution screen do not overlap overall. Alternatively, the screens may be adjusted to overlap in a portion of their respective areas.

The broadcast receiving device 100 may, for example, reduce the size of the execution screen of a currently running non-broadcast application so as not to interfere with the display of the execution screen of a newly launched broadcast-managed application. Conversely, the size of the execution screen of a newly launched broadcast-managed application may be reduced so as not to interfere with the display of the execution screen of a currently running non-broadcast application. Alternatively, the non-broadcast application may be temporarily displayed as an icon, with only the execution screen of the broadcast-managed application shown, and the display of the non-broadcast application's execution screen restored by the user selecting the non-broadcast application's icon. Alternatively, both applications may be displayed as icons, and their execution screens may be displayed according to the user's icon selection.

The broadcast receiving device 100 may, for example, display the broadcast program playback screen on the screen of the video display unit 173, overlay the execution screen of an external application onto a portion of the broadcast program playback screen, and further overlay the execution screen of a broadcast-managed application onto a portion of the execution screen of the external application. Alternatively, the broadcast receiving device 100 may divide all or part of the screen of the video display unit 173 to display the broadcast program and the execution screens of both applications in parallel.

Figure 32 shows an example screen of the video display unit 173 corresponding to an example of controlling the parallel execution of the multiple applications described above. In the screen of Figure 32, the execution screen of a newly launched broadcast-managed application is overlaid on a portion of the broadcast program display screen 173g, specifically in area 173g3. Simultaneously, the execution screen of a currently running non-broadcast application is displayed in a reduced size or as an icon in a portion of area 173g4 within area 173g3. If 173g4 is selected by the user, the execution screen of the non-broadcast application is displayed enlarged in area 173g3, while the execution screen of the broadcast-managed application is displayed in a reduced size or as an icon in area 173g4. Area 173g4 may also display a mark or message indicating that there is a command to launch a broadcast-managed application.

As shown in the example above, users can easily understand and recognize the status of broadcast programs and the execution status of various types of applications.

Figure 33 shows another example screen of the video display unit 173 corresponding to the control example of parallel execution of multiple applications described above. The screen in Figure 33 displays, in parallel, a broadcast program screen 173g, an execution screen 173g5 for non-broadcast applications, an execution screen 173g6 for a newly launched broadcast-managed application, and an area 173g7 for displaying information for launch selection, etc. Area 173g7 may display a mark or message indicating that a broadcast-managed application has been instructed to launch, or it may display application list information similar to the broadcast-linked application launcher in Figure 12B. Furthermore, if there are two or more non-broadcast applications, general applications, or two or more broadcast-managed applications, the execution screens of each application may be displayed in parallel.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, according to the broadcast receiving device 100 of Embodiment 7, even when a request to launch a broadcast-managed application is generated by AIT or the like while an off-broadcast application or general application is running on the broadcast receiving device 100, the launch and termination of various applications can be appropriately controlled according to the user's selection. In other words, the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment enables the execution of functions with higher added value. Users can select and use off-broadcast applications or broadcast-managed applications according to the circumstances and convenience at the time the request is generated.

Regarding the control methods, modifications, and screen display control methods of Example 7, the choice of which method to adopt will be specified in the specifications of the broadcast receiving device 100, or it will be possible for the user to select the method for the broadcast receiving device 100.

The following modifications are possible for Example 7. As a first modification, after the processing up to S1406 in Figure 28, the system may automatically terminate the non-broadcast application and start the broadcast-managed application (S1410-S1413) without confirming the user's selection (S1407-S1408). Similarly, after the processing up to S1406, the system may automatically start the broadcast-managed application while the non-broadcast application continues running, without confirming the user's selection. Similarly, while a non-broadcast application or a general application is running, the system may automatically prevent the broadcast-managed application from starting without confirming the user's selection. In these modifications, the user requires less effort.

As a second variation, in addition to confirming user selection input on the startup confirmation screen, control of the execution of multiple types of applications may be implemented using user settings on the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700, similar to the above-described embodiment 6. For example, the user can select and set, according to their preference, whether or not to launch the broadcast-managed application while non-broadcast applications or general applications are running, using user setting information such as the function setting menu described above. The broadcast receiving device 100 stores this setting value in the storage unit 110. When the broadcast receiving device 100 receives a request to launch the broadcast-managed application while a non-broadcast application is running, for example, during processing S1407 to S1409 above, it refers to and confirms the contents of the user setting information of the broadcast receiving device 100. The broadcast receiving device 100 then determines and decides on the above-mentioned startup control according to the contents. In this variation, the user can change the user settings as appropriate according to their own convenience and use multiple types of broadcast-linked applications.

This can be achieved similarly when using the user settings of the mobile information terminal 700. Similar to Example 6, the launch and termination of the above-mentioned multiple types of applications can be flexibly controlled depending on the presence or absence of a connected mobile information terminal 700, or the user settings for each connected mobile information terminal 700.

As another variation, the broadcast receiving device 100 may, as an example of control related to the second control (B) in Figure 29, display information indicating that the non-broadcast application was terminated midway and the broadcast-managed application was launched. After the broadcast-managed application is terminated, the non-broadcast application that was terminated midway may be automatically or, through a predetermined user operation, restarted and executed again. In this variation, the user can easily return to using the non-broadcast application.

As another variation, the broadcast receiving device 100, as an example of control related to the third control (C) in Figure 29, when a request to launch a broadcast-managed application is received, will, according to the user's selection, postpone launching the broadcast-managed application and continue running the currently running non-broadcast application. Subsequently, the broadcast receiving device 100 will launch the previously postponed broadcast-managed application, for example, after the non-broadcast application has finished. An example of screen display control in this case would be to display a message or mark indicating a request to launch the broadcast-managed application, or indicating that launching is postponed, in the corner of the non-broadcast application's execution screen. This prompts the user to terminate the non-broadcast application and launch the broadcast-managed application. In this variation, the user can switch to using the broadcast-managed application at a time convenient for them.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above using Examples 1 to 7. However, the configurations that realize the technology of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications are possible. For example, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and a configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. All of these fall within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the numbers and messages that appear in the text and figures are merely examples, and using different ones will not impair the effects of the present invention. The functions of the present invention described above may be partially or entirely realized in hardware, for example, by designing an integrated circuit, or they may be realized in software, such as by a microprocessor unit interpreting and executing an operating program that realizes each function, or they may be realized by a combination of hardware and software. Also, the control lines and information lines shown in the figures are those considered necessary for explanation and do not necessarily represent all control lines and information lines on the product; in reality, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected.

The aforementioned software for controlling the broadcast receiving device 100 may be pre-stored in the ROM 103 or storage unit 110 of the broadcast receiving device 100 at the time of product shipment. Alternatively, it may be acquired after product shipment from other application servers 500 on the Internet 200 via the LAN communication unit 121. Furthermore, software stored on a memory card or optical disc may be acquired via the expansion interface unit 124. Similarly, the software for controlling the personal information terminal 700 may be pre-stored in the ROM 703 or storage unit 710 of the personal information terminal 700 at the time of product shipment. Alternatively, it may be acquired after product shipment from other application servers 500 on the Internet 200 via the LAN communication unit 721 or mobile telephone network communication unit 722. Furthermore, software stored on a memory card or optical disc may be acquired via the expansion interface unit 724.

100: Broadcast receiving device, 132: First separation unit, 133: First video decoding unit, 134: First audio decoding unit, 135: First subtitle decoding unit, 141: Data broadcasting reception processing unit, 142: Data broadcasting engine, 151: Streaming reception processing unit, 152: Second separation unit, 153: Second video decoding unit, 154: Second audio decoding unit, 155: Second subtitle decoding unit, 161: Application control unit, 162: Application engine, 171: Video overlay unit, 172: Audio selection unit, 173: Video display unit, 174: Streaming - C, 175: Video output unit, 176: Audio output unit, 181: Presentation synchronization control unit, 191: Terminal linkage control unit, 300: Broadcast station server, 400: Service provider server, 500: Other application server, 600: Mobile telephone communication server, 600b: Base station, 700: Mobile information terminal, 2600: Multiple application execution control means, 2601: User selection means, 2010: Broadcast wave, 2011: Broadcast managed application, 2012: Non-broadcast application, 2013: General application, 2020: User operation.

Claims (1)

A method for starting an application in a broadcast receiving device,
A broadcast reception step in which the broadcast receiving device receives a digital broadcast signal,
A display step in which the video of the broadcast program included in the digital broadcast signal received in the broadcast reception step is displayed on the broadcast receiving device,
An application execution step in which a broadcast-managed application that works in conjunction with a broadcast program is executed in the broadcast receiving device based on application-related information contained in the digital broadcast signal received in the broadcast reception step,
A data broadcasting processing step that controls the execution of data broadcasting based on the digital broadcasting signal received in the broadcasting reception step,
Equipped with,
If the PMT (Program Map Table) information contained in the digital broadcast signal received in the broadcast reception step indicates that data broadcasting has a high activation priority, the execution of data broadcasting in the data broadcasting processing step will be prioritized over the execution of the broadcast-managed application in the application execution step.
In the data broadcasting processing step, the broadcast receiving device is controlled to display an entry button for launching the broadcast managed application.
If, during the execution of the data broadcast by the data broadcasting processing step, an instruction to operate the entry button is received as an instruction to start the broadcast-managed application, the data broadcasting that is currently running is terminated, and the broadcast-managed application is started based on the application-related information by the application execution step.
In the data broadcasting processing step, when the broadcast receiving device confirms that it is capable of executing the broadcast managed application, the system controls the display of the entry button on the broadcast receiving device.
How to launch the application.