JP2007324814A - Information receiving terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

In content distribution using a network as a medium, channel switching delay is suppressed when a zapping operation for searching for a channel to be viewed is performed.
An information receiving terminal includes a viewing channel request unit that makes a content distribution request for a newly selected viewing channel based on a channel switching instruction, and a channel that receives content in advance based on the channel switching instruction. An algorithm selection unit that selects an appropriate algorithm from a plurality of algorithms for determining the content, and a channel on which content is received in advance using the algorithm selected by the algorithm selection unit is determined, and the content is received in advance And an algorithm execution unit that makes a channel content distribution request.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information receiving terminal that realizes high-speed and efficient channel switching according to a user's request in content distribution using a network as a medium.

  In terrestrial broadcasting using a carrier wave as a medium, Broadcasting Satellite (BS), and Communications Satellite (CS) broadcasting, the band of radio waves as a medium is guaranteed for the content distribution rate. For this reason, the contents of all the channels that the user can view at that time have arrived at the information receiving terminal. Therefore, when switching the viewing channel, the channel switching can be completed immediately and the video can be viewed simply by adjusting the tuner to the requested channel.

  However, in broadcasting using a multicast using an IP network as a medium in recent years, network bandwidth capacity that allows a user to receive contents of all channels that can be viewed at that time cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, basically, only the content of the channel that the user is viewing is requested and received, and the content of other channels is not received.

  As a result, when the user tries to switch the channel to be viewed, first the content channel of the channel currently being viewed is stopped and the content distribution of the new channel is requested. The content is received and the channel is switched. Therefore, the channel switching is delayed by the amount corresponding to the distribution stop process and the request process, compared with the broadcast using the carrier wave as a medium.

Therefore, by using the user's preferences, etc., the channel that the user is likely to select next is estimated, and by participating in the multicast group of those channels in advance, only limited content is received in advance by the information receiving terminal. A method for keeping it is proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). According to this method, when a user switches to a channel that has joined a multicast group in advance, the channel is switched by simply switching the contents that have arrived at the information receiving terminal in the same manner as broadcasting using a carrier wave as a medium. There is no delay associated with channel switching.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-143687

  However, in the above-described conventional method, preference is used as one of the elements for selecting and restricting the channel on which content is to be received in advance. Therefore, it is possible to cope with a case where the user performs channel switching not based on preference. Can not. For example, when a zapping operation for searching for a channel to be viewed by switching the channel being viewed at high speed is performed, there is a high possibility that the channel is switched in the order of the channel numbers regardless of the preference.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to suppress channel switching delay in content distribution using a network as a medium.

  An information receiving terminal of the present invention is an information receiving terminal for receiving and viewing content distributed through a network, and requests a content distribution request for a newly selected viewing channel based on a channel switching instruction. A viewing channel request unit to perform, an algorithm selection unit to select an appropriate algorithm from among a plurality of algorithms for determining a channel on which to receive content in advance based on the channel switching instruction, and the algorithm selection unit An algorithm is used to determine a channel on which content is pre-received using an algorithm, and to execute a content distribution request for the channel on which the content is pre-received.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the delay of channel switching can be suppressed in the content delivery which used the network as a medium.

  Hereinafter, an information receiving terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the following description, a channel that the user is viewing is referred to as a viewing channel, and a channel in which content is received in advance is referred to as a prior reception channel.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the internal configuration of the information receiving terminal according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of an information receiving terminal according to the present invention.

  The information receiving terminal 108 includes a viewing channel request unit 101, an algorithm selection unit 102, an algorithm execution unit 103, a reception status management unit 104, a viewing channel switching unit 105, a reception management unit 106, and a playback unit 107.

  The channel selection device 109 is a specific means such as a remote controller that allows the user to input to the information receiving terminal 108 when switching channels.

  The input transmitted from the channel selection device 109 to the information receiving terminal 108 is a channel switching instruction, and the channel switching instruction is associated with a user interface used at the time of channel selection. Specifically, a signal associated with a button pressed for channel switching becomes a channel switching instruction. At this time, designation of switching to a channel that the user desires to view is not always completed by inputting a single channel switching instruction. For example, in the case of channel selection using the up / down button, the designation of switching to the channel desired to be viewed is completed only by pressing the up / down button once. However, when selecting a channel by entering a number, it is necessary to press the number key for the number of digits of the channel number.

  Upon receiving a channel switching instruction from the channel selection device 109 at the time of channel switching, the viewing channel request unit 101 makes a distribution request for the content of the newly selected viewing channel.

  The algorithm selection unit 102 selects an appropriate algorithm from a plurality of algorithms for determining a channel on which content is received in advance based on a channel switching instruction. Specifically, a channel selection method corresponding to the channel switching instruction input from the channel selection device 109 is specified, and an appropriate one corresponding to the channel selection method is selected from a plurality of algorithms for determining a pre-received channel prepared in advance. The right algorithm.

  The algorithm execution unit 103 determines a prior reception channel using the algorithm selected by the algorithm selection unit 102, and makes a distribution request for the content of the prior reception channel.

  The reception status management unit 104 manages the reception status. The reception status is information on the viewing channel and information on the prior reception channel.

  The viewing channel switching unit 105 selects a viewing channel from all channels receiving content based on the distribution request processing by the viewing channel request unit 101 and the algorithm execution unit 103. Specifically, since the data packets of the viewing channel and the pre-reception channel arrive without distinction from the network, the data packet of the viewing channel is selected from these and transmitted to the reproducing unit 107.

  The reception management unit 106 requests the network to distribute the content of the viewing channel determined by the viewing channel request unit 101 and the pre-received channel determined by the algorithm execution unit 103. When the content distribution is performed by multicast, this request is processing related to the join of Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) or Multicast Listener Discovery Protocol (MLDP).

  The playback unit 107 plays back and outputs the data of the viewing channel selected by the viewing channel switching unit 105.

  Next, the overall operation of channel switching of the information processing terminal in Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the overall operation in channel switching.

  Channel switching is performed in parallel with a viewing channel switching process (step S201) for performing a viewing channel switching process upon reception of a user's channel switching instruction input from the channel selection device 109 and a viewing channel switching process (step S201). A pre-reception process (step S202) that estimates a channel that is likely to be switched next and performs pre-reception processing of the content of the estimated channel.

  First, the viewing channel switching process (step S201) of the information receiving terminal 108 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the viewing channel switching process (step 201) in channel switching. The viewing channel request unit 101 performs viewing channel switching processing based on a user channel switching instruction input from the channel selection device 109.

  When the viewing channel request unit 101 receives the user's channel switching instruction from the channel selection device 109, the viewing channel request unit 101 first confirms whether or not the input of switching to the channel that the user wants to view is completed with the current input. If the input has not been completed, it waits until the next input of a channel switching instruction (step S301).

  Next, information on the current viewing channel is obtained from the reception status management unit 104, and it is confirmed whether or not the channel instructed to switch by the input is the current viewing channel. If the instructed channel is the current viewing channel, the system waits until the next input of a channel switching instruction (step S302).

  Subsequently, information on the current prior reception channel is obtained from the reception status management unit 104, and it is confirmed whether or not the channel instructed to be switched by the input is included in the current prior reception channel (step S303).

  When the instructed channel is included in the current prior reception channel, the channel information is transmitted to the viewing channel switching unit 105, and the viewing channel switching unit 105 selects the content of the current prior reception channel. The content of the designated channel is selected, and the content sent to the playback unit 107 as a viewing channel is switched to the content of the designated channel (step S304).

  Finally, the reception status management unit 104 is notified of switching to a new viewing channel and is reflected in the current reception status (step S305).

  On the other hand, when the channel designated by the user in step S303 is not included in the pre-reception channel, the information on the designated channel is transmitted to the reception management unit 106, and the reception management unit 106 A distribution request for content is made (step S306).

  Subsequently, information on the channel designated by the viewing channel switching unit 105 is transmitted, and the viewing channel switching unit 105 selects the content of the channel designated by the user from the current reception channels, and reproduces it as a viewing channel. Switching to 107 is performed (step S307).

  Finally, the reception status management unit 104 is notified of switching to a new viewing channel and is reflected in the current reception status (step S305).

  Next, the advance reception process (step S202) of the information receiving terminal 108 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the prior reception process (step S202) in channel switching of the information receiving terminal 108. Based on the user's channel switching instruction input from the channel selection device 109, the algorithm selection unit 102 selects an algorithm for determining the prior reception channel. Next, the algorithm execution unit 103 executes the algorithm selected by the algorithm selection unit 102 to determine a pre-reception channel, and performs pre-reception processing on the content of the determined channel.

  For example, when the user issues an instruction to switch to the 180 channel using the up / down button of the remote controller, an algorithm is selected in which upper and lower channels of the viewing channel are determined as the prior reception channels. Execute the algorithm for this up / down button and receive in advance 180 channels (m to 179 channels, 181 to n channels, where m and n are integers of m <179, n> 181) It is set as a channel and a distribution request is made for the contents of these channels.

  Upon receiving a channel switching instruction from the channel selection device 109, the algorithm selection unit 102 specifies a channel selection method corresponding to the input channel switching instruction, and determines an advance reception channel preset in the channel selection method And the selected algorithm and the channel switching instruction received from the channel selection device 109 are transmitted to the algorithm execution unit 103 (step S401). The channel selection method and the algorithm to be received in advance set for each channel selection method will be described later.

  When the algorithm execution unit 103 receives the input from the algorithm selection unit 102, the algorithm execution unit 103 executes the algorithm selected by the algorithm selection unit 102 using the information of the channel instructed to switch by the channel switching instruction as an input, Is determined (step S402).

  Next, information on the current viewing channel and the status of the pre-received channel is obtained from the reception status management unit 104. The algorithm execution unit 103 compares the determined prior reception channel with the current prior reception channel, and selects a channel that is not currently receiving content from the determined prior reception channels (step S403).

  Subsequently, the reception management unit 106 is inquired, and the reception management unit 106 makes a distribution request to the content of the channel finally selected by the algorithm execution unit 103 (step S404).

  Finally, the updated information on the pre-reception channel is transmitted to the reception status management unit 104 and reflected in the current reception status (step S405).

  When the number of contents that can be received simultaneously by the information receiving terminal 108 is limited due to the limitation of the usable bandwidth, the viewing channel switching process (step S201) and the prior reception process (step S202) are performed in advance. The distribution stop processing of the content of the receiving channel is performed. In the viewing channel switching process (step S201), the distribution stop for the current viewing channel content is requested before the content distribution request in step S306 is made. Further, in the advance reception process (step S202), channels that have not been determined as the advance reception channel after the update are selected from the current advance reception channels after step S402. Thereafter, the distribution stop of the content of the channel selected before the distribution request is made in step S404 is requested. Thereby, the number of received contents can be limited. The distribution stop request in the case where multicast is used for distribution is processing related to the leave of IGMP or MLDP.

  Next, the channel selection method used when the user switches channels will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a remote controller 501 that is one form of the channel selection device 109 used in the information receiving terminal 108.

  Examples of the user interface used when the remote controller 501 switches channels include a number input button 502, an EPG button 503, a numeric key 504, a cross key 505, an up / down button 506, and a network switching button 507.

  Channel selection methods using these user interfaces include up / down channel selection, channel selection by number input, direct channel selection, channel selection by graphical user interface (GUI), and channel selection by network switching.

  In the up / down channel selection, the channel is selected up and down in the order of channel numbers as the up / down button 506 is pressed.

  In the channel selection by inputting a number, the user selects a channel by depressing the number input button 502 and declaring that the numeric key is used as the number input and then depressing the numeric key 504 and inputting the channel number. Specific examples of the channel number include a three-digit channel number for terrestrial digital broadcasting.

  In direct channel selection, depending on the implementation, when a specific button or numeric key 504 prepared on the remote controller is pressed, the channel assigned to those buttons is directly selected.

  Channel selection by GUI is performed by selecting a channel group displayed on the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) / Electronic Contents Guide (ECG) or the screen with the cross key 505.

  In channel selection by network switching, the network is switched in turn like a toggle switch each time the network switching button 507 is pressed. The channel displayed in each network is basically the channel that was viewed last time in the switched network. Note that the word “network” used here represents the type of broadcasting such as terrestrial, BS, CS, and IP.

  Next, the pre-received channel determination algorithm preset for each channel selection method selected and executed in step S401 and step S402 will be described in detail for each channel selection method.

  First, the case of up / down tuning will be described in detail. In the algorithm assigned to the up / down channel selection, a plurality of channels above and below the channel number designated by the channel switching instruction are determined as the prior reception channels.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a viewing channel and a pre-reception channel at the time of channel switching by up / down channel selection. In FIG. 6, the number of contents that can be received simultaneously is 5 due to the limitation of the usable bandwidth, and when the 181 channel is viewed, the up button of the up / down button 506 in FIG. It shows the case. The algorithm corresponding to up / down channel selection will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG.

  First, when the up button is pressed at timing 610 while viewing the 181 channel, the information receiving terminal 108 switches the viewing channel to the 182 channel according to the viewing channel switching process (step S201). 602 in FIG. 6 is an overhead required for the channel switching process (step S201), and 603 in FIG. 6 is an overhead required for initial buffering necessary for decoding the content. For this reason, actual channel switching is performed at timing 612.

  In parallel with the viewing channel switching process (step S201), the advance reception process (step S202) is started. First, when the up / down button 506 in FIG. 5 is pressed and channel switching is input, the information receiving terminal 108 specifies that the channel selection method is up / down channel selection, and is used for up / down channel selection. An algorithm is selected (step S401). Next, the selected algorithm is executed, and channels 180, 181, 183, and 184 are determined as pre-received channels (step S402). Since the pre-reception is not currently performed, a content distribution request is made to all the determined channels (step S404). In FIG. 6, reference numeral 601 denotes overhead required for the prior reception process (step S202). Since the advance reception process (step S202) has more steps than the viewing channel switching process (step S201), the overhead is increased by 604 in FIG. 6 compared to the start of viewing channel reception. Therefore, the advance reception is actually started at timing 613.

  Next, when the up button is pressed while viewing the 182 channel, the viewing channel switching process (step S201) and the pre-reception process (step S202) are started at the timing 614 as described above.

  First, in the viewing channel switching process (step S201), since the content of the requested channel 183 has already been received in advance, the processing ends only by switching the viewing channel (step S304) and updating the reception status (step S305). For this reason, overhead like 602 and 603 in FIG. 6 does not occur, and the channel can be switched immediately.

  On the other hand, in the prior reception process (step S202), an up / down channel selection algorithm is selected in the same manner as described above (step S401). Next, channels 181, 182, 184, and 185 are determined as pre-reception channels by the algorithm (step S 402). Subsequently, as compared with the current reception status, it is determined that the advance reception of the 180-channel content is stopped and the advance reception is newly started for the 185-channel content (step S403). Thereafter, a distribution stop request for the 180-channel content and a distribution request for the 185-channel content are made (step S404). Similar to the above, prior reception is actually started from timing 615.

  Thereafter, the same procedure is repeated each time the up button is pressed, and the viewing channel and the pre-reception channel are switched.

  As described above, by receiving the contents of the upper and lower channels of the designated channel in advance, it becomes possible to reduce the delay of channel switching when selecting up / down.

  Next, the case of channel selection by number input will be described in detail. In the algorithm assigned to channel selection by number input, a channel in which the input x digit number and the upper x digit of the channel number match is determined as a pre-reception channel.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating channels that receive content at the time of channel switching using channel selection based on number input. FIG. 7 shows a case where there is a channel switching request using the number input button 502 and the numeric key 504 in FIG. 5 while viewing 100 channels. The algorithm corresponding to channel selection by number input will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG.

  When the channel 182 is newly received as a viewing channel, the number input button 502 is first pressed. As a result, information indicating that the input of the number key 504 from the next time is for channel selection by number input is notified. The information receiving terminal 108 recognizes that the channel selection method is channel selection by number input, and selects an algorithm for channel selection by number input (step S401).

  Next, the numeric key 1 is pressed at timing 710. According to the selected algorithm, the channels 101 to 199 excluding the 100 channels that are the current viewing channels among the channels having the highest one digit of 1 are determined as the pre-reception channels (step S402). Since only 100 channels are receiving content at this time, it is determined that all the contents of the other selected channels are newly received in advance, and a distribution request is made for the contents of those channels. . (Step S403, Step S404). Thereafter, pre-reception of the requested channel content at timing 711 is started.

  Subsequently, when the numeric key 8 is input at the timing 712, the channels 180 to 189 whose upper two digits are 18 are determined as the pre-reception channels (steps S401 and S402). Next, in comparison with the current reception status, it is determined that the 101-179 channel and the 190-199 channel are to be removed from the previous reception channel (step S403). A distribution stop request is made for the content of the determined channel (step S404). Thereafter, at timing 713, the distribution of the contents of those channels is completed.

  Finally, when the numeric key 2 is input at the timing 714, the 182 channel is determined as a new viewing channel, and the distribution stop is requested for the contents of the previous viewing channel and all other pre-received channels. (Step S401, Step S402, Step S403, Step S404). Thereafter, the distribution of the contents of those channels is completed at timing 715, and all the prior receptions are completed with this.

  Although 701 in FIG. 7 represents the overhead required for prior reception, since the content of the target 182 channel has already started prior reception when “2” is finally input, overhead for channel switching is minimized. It is possible to limit to the limit.

  As described above, by performing prior reception in accordance with the input of the numeric key, it is possible to reduce the delay of channel switching at the time of channel selection by inputting the number.

  In addition, as a method of prior reception when channel selection using other numeric keys is performed, for example, when the channel number is 3 digits, prior reception is performed when the second digit of the 3-digit channel number is input. A method of starting is also conceivable. In this case, prior reception is not performed even if the first digit is input, and the prior reception channel determination is basically performed by the same steps as those described above after the second digit input, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  When the number of contents that can be simultaneously received by the information receiving terminal 108 is limited due to the limitation of the usable bandwidth, it is necessary to select several channels from the pre-reception channels determined by the algorithm. As selection criteria, the method of selecting several channels from the one with the highest number of channel selections regardless of the channel selection method based on the history, the number of times channel selection was performed by channel selection based on the history A method of selecting several channels from a large number of people, a method of selecting several channels at random, and the like are conceivable, but are not limited thereto.

  Next, the case of direct channel selection will be described in detail. In the algorithm assigned to the direct channel selection, all the channels allocated to the buttons used for the direct channel selection are determined as the pre-reception channels. For example, when channels are assigned to all the numeric keys 504 in FIG. 5, the information receiving terminal 108 performs a pre-reception process using all the 12 corresponding channels as pre-reception channels.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a viewing channel and a pre-reception channel at the time of channel switching by direct channel selection. In FIG. 8, channels are assigned to 12 numeric keys, and channel switching requests using numeric keys 504 6, 5, and 4 in FIG. 5 when viewing the channel assigned to numeric key 2. The case where there was. The algorithm corresponding to direct channel selection will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. Hereinafter, the channels assigned to the numeric key x are collectively referred to as channel x.

  First, when channel 3 is designated with the numeric key 3 at timing 810, the information receiving terminal 108 selects an algorithm directly assigned to channel selection (step S401). Next, the channel assigned to the 12 numeric keys is determined as a pre-reception channel (step S402). Finally, a distribution request is made for the content of the determined channel (step S404).

  Since the overhead required for the viewing channel switching process (step S201) and the pre-reception process (step S202) is the same as when up / down tuning is performed, description of timing and overhead is omitted.

  Thereafter, when a channel switching request using the numeric keys 6, 5, and 4 is received, since the channel content already assigned to the numeric keys has already been received in advance, channel switching can be realized without delay. . In addition, there is no change in the prior reception channel at this time.

  As described above, by receiving in advance the contents of the channels assigned to all the numeric keys, it becomes possible to reduce the channel switching delay during direct channel selection.

  If the number of contents that can be received simultaneously by the information receiving terminal 108 is limited due to the limitation of the usable bandwidth, several channels are selected from the channels allocated to the numeric keys. The channel selection criterion may be configured to select in order from the channel assigned to the button physically close to the button used at the time of channel switching.

  For example, in the remote controller 501 of FIG. 5, when 12 numeric keys 504 are assigned with channels and the numeric key 3 is pressed, when channels close to the numeric key 3 are arranged in order, i2 or 6, ii5, The order is iii1 or 9, iv4 or 8, v12, vi7 or 11, and vii10. Therefore, several channels are selected for the number of contents that can be received in the order of priority.

  In addition, the method of selecting several channels from those with a large number of channel selections regardless of the channel selection method based on the history, the number of channels with a large number of channel selections by direct channel selection based on the history A method of selecting a channel, a method of selecting several channels at random, and the like are conceivable, but are not limited to these.

  Next, the case of channel selection by GUI will be described in detail. Note that EPG / ECG channel selection and channel selection on the GUI channel group using the cross key have almost the same prior reception method using the channel selection method. Give an explanation. In the algorithm assigned to channel selection by EPG, a pre-reception channel is determined according to a cursor for designating a channel. As a specific determination method, first, there is a method of receiving all channels displayed on the EPG screen.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen transition at the time of channel selection by EPG in a method in which all channels displayed on the EPG screen are received in advance. FIG. 9 shows a case where the EPG button 503 in FIG. 5 is pressed while viewing the 183 channel. The algorithm corresponding to channel selection by EPG will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG.

  When the EPG button is pressed in i of FIG. 9, the information receiving terminal 108 first selects an EPG pre-reception channel determination algorithm (step S401). Next, all channels (channels 180 to 183) currently displayed on the EPG screen are determined as pre-reception channels (step S402). Since there is no current prior reception channel, a distribution request is made for the contents of all the channels (channels 180 to 183) determined above (steps S403 and S404).

  Next, each time a new channel appears on the EPG screen during movement of the cursor as shown in ii to iii of FIG. 9, it is set as a pre-receive channel and a content distribution request is made (channels 171 to 173) (step S401, Step S402, Step S403, Step S404).

  When the cursor further moves and finally the cursor moves as shown in iv of FIG. 9, channels 162 to 165 are received by the same operation as described above. (Step S401, Step S402, Step S403, Step S404).

  In the channel selection by EPG, the viewing channel is often determined after reading the program description by EPG and understanding the contents. For this reason, the delay of channel switching at the time of channel selection by EPG is obtained by receiving in advance the content that may have been read in the past as described above and the content in the EPG screen that is likely to be read next. Can be shortened.

  As another method for determining the pre-reception channel at the time of channel selection by EPG, when it is difficult to receive all channels, the current state is maintained while the cursor is moving, and the EPG is again when the cursor is stationary. There is also a method in which a channel displayed on the screen is determined as a pre-reception channel and a distribution request is made for the content of the determined channel.

  Furthermore, as another method for determining a pre-reception channel at the time of channel selection by EPG, there is a method of receiving only the content of the channel where the cursor is stationary.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen transition at the time of EPG channel selection according to a method in which a channel where the cursor is stationary is determined as a prior reception channel. FIG. 10 shows a case where the EPG button 502 in FIG. 5 is pressed while viewing the 183 channel. The algorithm corresponding to channel selection by EPG will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG.

  Immediately after the EPG button is pressed in i of FIG. 10, the current state is maintained because the cursor is stationary on the channel that is already being viewed. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 10ii to iv, when the cursor is stationary, the channel (180, 165, 120 channel) where the cursor is stationary is determined as the pre-reception channel, and the pre-reception processing of the contents of these channels is performed. Start (step S401, step S402, step S403, step S404).

  Furthermore, as another method for determining the pre-reception channel when switching the channel by EPG, the channel where the cursor is stationary and the channel which is physically close to the channel on the EPG screen from the channel where the cursor is stationary are pre-reception channels. The method of determining is mentioned.

  As another method, there is a method of searching for a channel where the cursor is stationary and a channel with a high frequency of channel selection by referring to the history, and determining a few channels as a pre-reception channel from the one with the highest access frequency. .

  If the number of contents that can be simultaneously received by the information receiving terminal 108 is limited due to the limitation of the usable bandwidth, every time a new prior reception channel is determined, the prior reception channel that is not currently displayed on the EPG screen A method may be considered in which the oldest channel is removed from the pre-reception channel and the distribution stop of the content is requested.

  Next, the case of tuning by network switching will be described in detail. In the algorithm assigned to channel selection by network switching, when the network switching button 507 of the remote control as shown in FIG. 5 is pressed, the previous viewing is performed in all networks that broadcast using the IP network as a medium. Pre-reception of the contents of the selected channel.

  For example, it is assumed that there are terrestrial, BS, CS1, CS2, IP1, IP2, and IP3 as networks, and the network is switched in the above order by a network switching button. In such a case, when the network switching button is pressed during viewing of the terrestrial broadcast, the network that is broadcasting using the IP network as the medium is simultaneously switched to the BS being viewed. Prior reception of the content of the channel that was previously viewed by each of IP1, IP2, and IP3 is started.

  An algorithm corresponding to network switching will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  When the network switching button 507 is pressed, a prior reception process is started in parallel with the viewing channel switching process. First, the algorithm assigned to the network switching button is selected (step S401). Next, the information of the channel that was previously viewed in all the networks that are broadcasting using the IP network as a medium is acquired (step S402). Subsequently, the acquired channel information is compared with the reception status of the current content, and a channel not receiving the current content is determined as a pre-reception channel (step S403). Finally, the distribution request for the content of the determined prior reception channel and the current reception status are updated (steps S404 and S405).

  When the network is switched by the operation as described above, the information receiving terminal 108 receives in advance the channel that was previously viewed on all receivable networks. Thereby, it is possible to improve the delay in displaying the channel immediately after the network switching.

  In addition, when switching to a network that broadcasts using an IP network as a medium when switching the network, in addition to the above method, all or some of the contents of the channels in the network are performed. A method of selecting and receiving in advance is also conceivable. As a result, it is possible to improve the delay of the first channel switching when the network switching is ended and the channel switching is performed in the network.

  For example, consider a case where there are networks IP1, IP2, and IP3 that are broadcasting using an IP network as a medium and the network switching button is pressed while viewing IP1. In this case, the viewing network is switched to IP2, and in parallel with receiving the content of the channel that was previously viewed by IP2, all other content of the channel in IP2 or some channels are selected and received in advance. To start.

  As a method for determining the pre-received channel in the network, the frequency of the channel is recorded, and a method of determining a high-frequency channel as the pre-received channel, or the frequency of the channel selection method used is recorded. In addition, a method of determining a pre-received channel based on an algorithm assigned to a frequently selected channel selection method may be considered.

  As described above, five typical channel selection methods used at the time of channel switching are listed, and an algorithm for determining a pre-reception channel for each is shown. In these explanations, all channels are treated as objects to be determined as prior reception channels. However, in paid content distribution, it is impossible to view channels outside the contract, and it is considered that the possibility of being selected is low. Therefore, a method of removing these non-contracted channels from the selection target of the prior reception channel is also conceivable.

  Further, the five types of channel selection methods and the prior reception channel determination algorithm set for each channel selection method are merely examples, and are not limited to the above.

  In parallel with the channel switching operation as described above, the viewing channel selection operation is performed in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The data packet of the viewing channel and the pre-reception channel arrives at the information receiving terminal 108 without being distinguished. For this reason, as described above, the viewing channel switching unit 105 needs to select viewing channel data and send it to the playback unit 107. This screening process basically operates independently and constantly, except when receiving viewing channel information from step S304 or step S307 in FIG.

  After the viewing channel switching process (step S201) and the prior reception process (step S202) shown in FIG. 2 and the content distribution request for the viewing channel and the prior reception channel are requested, actual content distribution is started from the server. All the data packets of the viewing channel and the pre-received channel received by the information receiving terminal 108 are sent to the viewing channel switching unit 105 without being distinguished. The viewing channel switching unit 105 selects the channel data set as the viewing channel based on the viewing channel information input from the viewing channel request unit 201 and transmits it to the playback unit 107, and discards the other channel data. To do.

  The viewing channel can be selected by the method as described above.

  Note that the above identification method is an example. For example, when the viewing channel switching unit 105 receives the data packet of the viewing channel and the pre-received channel, A method of buffering a certain amount of data packets in advance reception channels, or the viewing channel switching unit 105 manages the network interface and discards the contents of channels other than the viewing channel on the network interface for viewing. A method of receiving only the contents of the channel is conceivable and is not limited to the above.

  In the present invention, an algorithm for determining a prior reception channel is appropriately selected based on a channel selection method at the time of channel switching. As a result, the user's channel selection intention can be read more accurately, and the channel desired by the user can be accurately determined as the prior reception channel. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a delay at the time of channel switching in content distribution using a network as a medium.

(Embodiment 2)
First, the internal configuration of the information receiving terminal according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the information receiving terminal of the present invention.

  The information receiving terminal 1108 includes a viewing channel request unit 101, an algorithm selection unit 102, an algorithm execution unit 103, a reception status management unit 104, a viewing channel switching unit 105, a reception management unit 1106, a playback unit 107, and a pre-reception end unit 1101. Is done.

  Among these, the viewing channel request unit 101, the algorithm selection unit 102, the algorithm execution unit 103, the reception status management unit 104, the viewing channel switching unit 105, and the playback unit 107 have the same functions as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will be described. Omitted.

  The pre-reception end unit 1101, which is a feature of the second embodiment, makes a content distribution stop request for a channel that is pre-receiving content. Specifically, first, it is determined whether or not the channel to be viewed by the user has been determined, and when it is determined that the channel to be viewed by the user has been determined, the process of ending pre-reception of the content being performed at that time is performed. Do. In order to make this determination, the pre-reception end unit 1101 receives a channel switching instruction from the channel selection device 109 as in the viewing channel switching unit 101 and the algorithm selection unit 102.

  The reception management unit 1106 requests the network to distribute the content of the viewing channel determined by the viewing channel request unit 101 and the pre-received channel determined by the algorithm execution unit 103. On the other hand, the network is requested to stop the distribution of the content of the pre-reception channel determined by the pre-reception end unit 1101.

  Next, the overall channel switching operation of information receiving terminal 1108 in Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the overall operation in channel switching.

  Channel switching is triggered by the user's channel switching operation, in the viewing channel switching process (step S1201) for performing the same viewing channel switching process as in the first embodiment, and the channel that is likely to be switched next is estimated, and the above estimation is performed. In addition to the pre-reception process (step S1202) for performing the pre-reception process of the received channels, the pre-reception end process (step S1201) and the pre-reception end process (step S1202) for performing the pre-reception end process (step S1202) Step S1203).

  Regarding the viewing channel switching process (step S1201) and the prior reception process (step S1202) of the information receiving terminal 1108, the viewing channel switching process (step S201 in FIG. 2) and the prior reception process (in FIG. 2) in the first embodiment. Since this is the same as step S202), the description is omitted.

  Next, the advance reception end process (step S1203) of the information receiving terminal 1108 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the pre-reception end process (step S1203).

  When it is determined that the viewing channel cannot be switched for the time being, the pre-reception end unit 1101 performs all pre-reception end processes performed at that time. As a case where it is determined that the viewing channel cannot be switched for the time being, for example, there is a case where the next channel switching instruction has not been received for a certain period of time since the previous channel switching instruction was received. In such a case, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the user has already decided the channel to view.

  As described above, the pre-reception end unit 1101 receives a channel switching instruction. Then, first, it is confirmed that the timer mounted therein is stopped (step S1301). If the timer is operating, the timer is stopped (step S1302). Next, the timer is operated in accordance with a predetermined time (step S1303) and waits until the predetermined time is reached (step S1304). When the predetermined time comes, the pre-reception end unit 1101 inquires of the reception management unit 1106 and requests the content distribution stop for all the pre-received channels (step S1305). Finally, the reception status management unit 104 is inquired to update the current reception status (step S1306).

  Note that the above-described methods for terminating the prior reception are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these methods.

  The present invention has a function of terminating prior reception in advance reception performed for the purpose of delay suppression at the time of channel switching. In the method of receiving in advance a channel that is estimated to be highly likely to be switched by using the conventional preference, it is impossible to determine when the channel is switched. It is necessary to continue pre-reception of content assuming that there is a possibility that channel switching will be performed even after there is no viewing after the channel to be viewed is confirmed and until the next channel is switched On the other hand, in the method of the present invention, the advance reception end process can be started based on the channel switching instruction. As a result, in content distribution using a network as a medium, it is possible to suppress channel switching delay by using a smaller network bandwidth, and to avoid wasting network bandwidth.

(Embodiment 3)
First, the internal configuration of the information receiving terminal according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the information receiving terminal of the present invention.

  The information receiving terminal 1408 includes a viewing channel request unit 1401, an algorithm selection unit 1402, an algorithm execution unit 103, a reception status management unit 104, a viewing channel switching unit 105, a pre-reception end unit 1403, a reception management unit 1406, and a playback unit 107. Is done.

  Among these, the algorithm execution unit 103, the reception status management unit 104, the viewing channel switching unit 105, and the playback unit 107 have the same functions as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  The channel selection device 1409 is a specific means for inputting to the information processing terminal 1408 at the time of channel switching, and is a device separated from the information receiving terminal 1408 like a remote controller. In the channel selection device 1409, in addition to the channel switching button, the first sensor unit that senses whether or not the user is touching the channel selection device 1409 and the user's finger movement are followed to be pressed. And a second sensor unit that detects a predicted button before the button is pressed.

  The channel selection device 1409 transmits a channel switching instruction, a pre-reception end instruction, and a pre-reception start instruction to the information receiving terminal 1408 by a user operation.

  Here, the channel switching instruction is a signal used for viewing channel switching in the viewing channel request unit 1401 and selection of an algorithm for determining a pre-reception channel in the algorithm selection unit 1402. Specifically, it is a signal associated with a button pressed for channel switching.

  The prior reception start instruction is a signal used for selecting an algorithm for determining the prior reception channel in the algorithm selection unit 1402. Specifically, a signal indicating that the user sensed by the first sensor unit has touched the channel selection device 1409 and a button predicted to be pressed next by the user detected by the second sensor unit This signal is transmitted when sensed and detected by the two sensor units. Here, the signal representing the predicted button and the signal associated with the button are different signals.

  The advance reception end instruction is a signal used by the advance reception end unit 1403 to start the advance reception end process. Specifically, this signal indicates that the user sensed by the first sensor unit has released his hand from the channel selection device 1409, and is transmitted when the operation is sensed by the first sensor unit. .

  The viewing channel request unit 1401 makes a distribution request for the content of the viewing channel newly selected based on the channel switching instruction input from the channel selection device 1409. On the other hand, if the input signal is an advance reception start instruction and an advance reception end instruction, the process waits.

  The algorithm selection unit 1402 determines the type of signal input from the channel selection device 1409, and in the case of a channel switching instruction and a pre-reception start instruction, the algorithm selection unit 1402 determines a pre-reception channel prepared in advance. Select the appropriate algorithm from. On the other hand, if the input signal is a prior reception end instruction, the process waits.

  The pre-reception end unit 1403 makes a content distribution stop request for the pre-received channel based on the pre-reception end instruction input from the channel selection device 1409. On the other hand, when the input signal is a channel switching instruction and a prior reception start instruction, the process waits.

  The reception management unit 1406 requests the network to distribute the content of the viewing channel determined by the viewing channel request unit 101 and the pre-received channel determined by the algorithm execution unit 103. On the other hand, it requests the network to stop the distribution of the content of the prior reception channel determined by the prior reception end unit 1403. When the content is distributed by multicast, these requests are processing related to join and leave of IGMP or MLDP, respectively.

  Next, the overall operation of channel switching of the information receiving terminal in Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the overall operation in channel switching.

  The channel switching is performed together with a viewing channel switching process (step S1501) for performing a viewing channel switching process, a channel that is likely to be switched next, and a prior reception process (step S1502) for performing a preliminary reception process for the estimated channel. In addition, the reception channel switching process (step S1501) and the preliminary reception process (step S1502) are performed in parallel with the preliminary reception end process (step S1503).

  First, the viewing channel switching process (step S1501) of the information receiving terminal 1408 will be described in detail. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the viewing channel switching process (step S1501). The viewing channel is switched only when the user requests channel switching. Therefore, when receiving the input from the channel selection device 1409, the viewing channel request unit first checks whether it is a channel switching instruction. If the input is not a channel switching instruction, the viewing channel switching process is terminated (step S1601). On the other hand, the channel switching instruction is the same as that after step S301 in FIG.

  Next, the advance reception process (step S1502) of the information reception terminal 1408 will be described in detail. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the prior reception process (step S1502). The algorithm selection unit 1402 selects an advance reception channel determination algorithm based on each of a channel switching instruction and an advance reception start instruction from the user as inputs.

  Upon receiving the input from the channel selection device 1409, the algorithm selection unit 1402 confirms whether the signal content is a prior reception start instruction (step S1701).

  If the input from the channel selection device 1409 is a prior reception start instruction, the corresponding prior reception channel determination algorithm is selected. As the prior reception channel determination algorithm, when the input prior reception start instruction is a signal indicating that the user has touched the channel selection device 1409, the channel selected as the channel selection method at the previous channel switching is indicated. And select an algorithm corresponding to the channel selection method. On the other hand, if the input prior reception start instruction is a signal representing a button predicted to be pressed next by the user, the prior reception channel determination algorithm corresponding to the predicted button is selected (step S1702). .

  In addition, although an example of the selection method of the prior reception channel determination algorithm was shown in step S1702, it is not limited to this method.

  The subsequent steps are the same as those after the execution of the prior reception selection algorithm in the prior reception process of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  On the other hand, if the input is not a prior reception start instruction, it is checked whether the input is a channel switching instruction (S1703). When the input is a channel switching instruction, it is the same as the prior reception process of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. On the other hand, if the input is neither a pre-reception start instruction nor a channel switching instruction, it waits until the next input.

  When the number of contents that can be received simultaneously by the information receiving terminal 1408 is limited due to the limitation of the usable bandwidth, the viewing channel switching process (step S1501) and the prior reception are performed as in the first embodiment. In each of the processes (step S1502), the distribution stop of the pre-received channel is requested. Since the processing procedure is the same as that in the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

  Furthermore, the channel selection method used at the time of channel switching in the first embodiment of the present invention, the algorithm assigned to each channel selection method, and the setting method of the viewing channel are the same as those in the first embodiment. Description is omitted.

  Next, the advance reception end process (step S1503) of the information receiving terminal 1408 will be described in detail. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the pre-reception end process (step S1503).

  The pre-reception end unit 1403 makes a content distribution stop request for the pre-received channel based on the pre-reception end instruction.

  When receiving the input from the channel selection device 1409, the pre-reception end unit 1403 first confirms that the input is a pre-reception end instruction. If the input is not an advance reception end instruction, the advance reception end process is ended (step S1801).

  If the input is a prior reception end instruction, the reception management unit 1406 is inquired and distribution stop is requested for the contents of all channels received in advance (step S1802).

  Finally, the update information of the prior reception channel is transmitted to the reception status management unit 104 and reflected in the current reception status (step S1803).

  The pre-reception end process based on the pre-reception end instruction is implemented simultaneously with the pre-reception end process using the timer shown in the second embodiment or the pre-reception end process using the user's direct input. It is also possible.

  Note that the channel selection device 1409 may have a function of transmitting a prior reception end instruction according to a user instruction. For example, it may be configured such that a pre-reception end instruction is transmitted when the channel selection button is continuously pressed for several seconds, or is transmitted when the same button is continuously pressed several times. It may be. In addition, a dedicated button for transmitting a prior reception end instruction may be attached.

  In addition, as a 1st sensor attached to the channel selection apparatus 1409, the sensor which detects a vibration can be considered, for example. The channel selection device 1409 may be configured to transmit a pre-reception start instruction when vibration is detected by the sensor, and to transmit a pre-reception end instruction when vibration is no longer detected by the sensor.

  Other forms of the first sensor may include a temperature sensor that senses the user's body temperature, a pressure sensor that senses that the user has gripped, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

  For example, a visual sensor can be considered as the second sensor. The channel selection device 1409 may be configured to detect a button predicted to be pressed next by following the movement of the finger with the sensor.

  Further, when the user interface used for channel switching instruction in the channel selection device 1409 is in the form of a touch panel, the second sensor may be configured to detect a pre-operation that touches the user interface.

  In addition, the channel switching instruction reflects the user's clear intention to switch channels, whereas the prior reception start instruction is based on information obtained by the sensor of the channel selection device, and thus the user is compared with the channel switching instruction. There is a high possibility that the intention of channel switching is not reflected. Therefore, the algorithm selection unit may be configured to select an algorithm for determining the pre-received channel with priority given to the channel switching instruction.

  In the first and second embodiments, content is received in advance for the purpose of suppressing delay when switching channels. In the third embodiment, a sensor is introduced into a channel selection device used for this channel switching, and advance reception is started at an information receiving terminal based on information sensed and detected by this sensor. Thereby, it is possible to advance the start timing of the prior reception, and it is possible to suppress a delay associated with the first channel switching due to the channel switching instruction which is large in the first and second embodiments. Further, in the second embodiment, in order to suppress the usage amount of the network band, the prior reception is ended when it is determined that there is no channel switching for a while. By adding a function to determine when it is not necessary by releasing the remote control from the hand, it is possible to shorten the period of prior reception and avoid wasting network bandwidth. .

(Embodiment 4)
First, the internal configuration of the information receiving terminal according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the information receiving terminal of the present invention.

  The information reception terminal 1908 includes an autonomous pre-reception control unit 1901, a viewing channel request unit 101, an algorithm selection unit 1902, an algorithm execution unit 103, a reception status management unit 104, a viewing channel switching unit 105, a reception management unit 1906, and a playback unit 107. Composed.

  Among these, the channel selection device 109, the viewing channel request unit 101, the algorithm execution unit 103, the reception status management unit 104, the viewing channel switching unit 105, and the playback unit 107 have the same functions as those in FIG. Therefore, explanation is omitted.

  The autonomous advance reception control unit 1901 controls the start and end of autonomous advance reception by the information receiving terminal 1908. Here, autonomous pre-reception means predicting the timing at which a channel switching instruction is likely to be input based on the current viewing channel status such as the time and content until the end of the content, and the reception status. Regardless, it means prior reception performed spontaneously by the information receiving terminal 1908. The information receiving terminal 1908 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention performs such autonomous prior reception together with the prior reception based on the channel switching instruction as described in the first embodiment.

  The algorithm selection unit 1902 includes a plurality of algorithms for determining a pre-reception channel prepared in advance based on a signal input from the autonomous pre-reception control unit 1901 in addition to a signal input from the channel selection device 109. Select the appropriate algorithm from.

  In addition to the viewing channel request unit 101 and the algorithm execution unit 103, the reception management unit 1906 distributes or stops the distribution of the viewing channel and the content of the prior receiving channel to the network according to the instruction from the autonomous prior reception control unit 1901. Request. When the content is distributed by multicast, these requests are processing related to join or leave of IGMP or MLDP.

  As described above, information receiving terminal 1908 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention performs autonomous advance reception together with viewing channel switching based on a channel change instruction and advance reception. Among these operations, the processing relating to viewing channel switching based on the channel switching instruction and prior reception is the same as in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The autonomous pre-receiving operation of information receiving terminal 1908 in Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a flowchart regarding autonomous prior reception.

  In Embodiment 4 of the present invention, autonomous advance reception by the information reception terminal 1908 is performed in addition to advance reception based on a channel switching instruction. This is due to the channel switching instruction that could not be solved in the first embodiment by starting the prior reception before the channel switching instruction is input in a situation where the user is likely to switch the channel. The purpose is to eliminate the delay associated with the first channel switching. For example, by starting pre-reception from a point just before the content being viewed ends, it becomes possible to smoothly switch channels immediately after the content ends.

  The operation related to autonomous prior reception is always continued while the content is received, and is stopped when the content reception ends (step S2001). After confirming the reception of the content, the autonomous advance reception control unit 1901 reads the status of the received content and determines whether it is a time to start the autonomous advance reception (step S2002). The confirmation and determination of the content status will be described later.

  As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the autonomous advance reception should be started, a process related to the start of the autonomous advance reception is started. First, the algorithm selection unit 1902 receives the determination result from the autonomous advance reception control unit, and selects an algorithm that determines the advance reception channel based on the information (step S2003). The algorithm selection method will be described later. The operation after selecting the algorithm is the same as that after step S402 in FIG.

  In parallel with the process related to the start of autonomous advance reception (step S2003 and subsequent steps), the end process of autonomous advance reception is started. First, an end condition for autonomous pre-reception to be started is set (step S2004). The end condition will be described later. Next, input of a channel switching instruction is confirmed (step S2005). If there is an input of a channel switching instruction, in order to shift to the prior reception process based on the channel switching instruction, the prior reception end process is terminated while continuing the prior reception currently being performed. Subsequently, it is checked whether or not the autonomous pre-reception end condition set in step S2004 is satisfied (step S2006). If this condition is satisfied, all the prior reception of the current content is terminated and the reception status is updated (steps S2007 and S2008).

  As described above, the information receiving terminal 1908 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention determines whether or not autonomous advance reception should be started by confirming the status of the currently received content in step S2002. Here, the situation where autonomous advance reception should be started is a situation where the user is highly likely to switch channels as described above. Therefore, for example, immediately after the content being viewed ends, or during a CM broadcast. In this situation, that is, when the content prior to the end of the content or immediately after entering the CM is started, the first time by the channel switching instruction that could not be solved in the first embodiment It is possible to eliminate the delay associated with channel switching.

  As a method for confirming the status of the content as described above, a method of reading data attached to the content is conceivable. For example, when it is desired to detect the end time of content currently being viewed in digital broadcasting, from data called Event Information Table (EIT) in Service Information (SI) used as content information when displaying an EPG Can be read. In addition, when detecting that the content being viewed in the current analog broadcasting is switched to CM, it is possible to read using switching of sound from monaural to stereo.

  In addition, although the example of the condition which should perform autonomous prior reception as mentioned above and the method for the detection was shown, it is not limited to such a condition and a method.

  As described above, when it is determined to start autonomous prior reception, the algorithm selection unit 1902 selects an algorithm for determining the prior reception channel in step S2003. As an algorithm selected at this time, it is considered that an algorithm associated with the channel selection method by predicting a channel selection method to be used next by the user is the best.

  As a method of predicting a channel selection method, a method of taking a statistics of the number of times of use for each channel selection method and selecting a channel selection method with a large number of times or selecting a channel selection method used at the previous channel switching Can be considered.

  Note that the algorithm selection method for determining a channel as described above is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a method.

  As described above, autonomous prior reception is intended to assist channel prediction by predicting channel switching. For this reason, when channel switching is not performed, it is necessary to end the prior reception promptly. Therefore, an autonomous advance reception end process from step S2004 is required.

  As a condition for ending the pre-reception, there is a condition that the pre-reception is ended when a channel switching instruction is not input for a certain time after the autonomous pre-reception is started. In addition, in the autonomous advance reception at the time of the CM, a method of terminating the autonomous advance reception when the CM ends can be considered.

  In addition, although an example of conditions and methods for ending autonomous prior reception is shown here, the present invention is not limited to such methods.

  In Embodiment 4 of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the delay associated with the first channel switching due to the channel switching instruction by predicting the channel switching timing and autonomously starting the prior reception by the information receiving terminal. It becomes.

  In the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, the application area of the information receiving terminal of the present invention has been described as a broadcast using multicast using an IP network as a medium. However, the information receiving terminal of the present invention is not limited to the IP network and is also effective for streaming content distribution widely using a network as a medium.

  The information receiving terminal of the present invention is also effective when the distribution method is unicast. In this case, the “channel” in the description of the first, second, and third embodiments includes the unicast address and multicast address of the broadcast using the IP network as well as the division of the frequency band of the broadcast using the conventional carrier wave. And classification of video itself in video distribution such as VoD using an IP network as a medium.

  Further, the description has been made assuming that the channel selection device is a remote controller, but the configuration of the channel selection device is not limited to this. For example, it may be in the form of a channel selection button installed on the front surface of the video display device.

  In addition, although the form of the button is taken up as a user interface attached to the remote control, it is not limited to this. For example, a channel switching instruction may be transmitted by touching the user like a touch panel.

  Further, although cases have been described with the above embodiment as examples where the present invention is configured by hardware, the present invention can also be realized by software.

  Each functional block used in the description of each of the above embodiments is typically realized as an LSI which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually made into one chip, or may be made into one chip so as to include a part or all of them. Although referred to as LSI here, it may be referred to as IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the degree of integration.

  Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI's, and implementation using dedicated circuitry or general purpose processors is also possible. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after manufacturing the LSI, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and setting of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used.

  Furthermore, if integrated circuit technology comes out to replace LSI's as a result of the advancement of semiconductor technology or a derivative other technology, it is naturally also possible to carry out function block integration using this technology. Biotechnology can be applied.

  The present invention has a function capable of realizing high-speed and efficient channel switching according to a user's request in content distribution using multicast using an IP network as a medium, and various types using multicast using an IP network as a medium. This is useful for content distribution receiving terminals. Furthermore, the present invention also functions effectively in content distribution using a network not limited to the IP network. Furthermore, the present invention functions effectively not only in multicast distribution but also in content distribution using unicast.

The figure showing the internal structure of the information receiving terminal in Embodiment 1 of this invention The flowchart showing the whole operation | movement of the channel switching in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart showing operation | movement of the viewing-and-listening channel switching process in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart showing operation | movement of the prior reception process in Embodiment 1 of this invention. Assumed diagram of remote control used in information processing terminal 108 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention The figure showing transition of the prior reception channel at the time of up / down channel selection in Embodiment 1 of this invention The figure showing transition of the prior reception channel at the time of channel selection by the number input in Embodiment 1 of this invention The figure showing transition of the prior reception channel at the time of direct channel selection in Embodiment 1 of this invention The 1st figure showing transition of a screen when EPG is used in Embodiment 1 of this invention 2nd figure showing transition of a screen when EPG is used in Embodiment 1 of this invention The figure showing the internal structure of the information receiving terminal in Embodiment 2 of this invention The flowchart showing the whole operation | movement of the channel switching in Embodiment 2 of this invention. The flowchart showing the operation | movement of the prior reception end process in Embodiment 2 of this invention. The figure showing the internal structure of the information receiving terminal in Embodiment 3 of this invention. The flowchart showing the whole operation | movement of the channel switching in Embodiment 3 of this invention. The flowchart showing the operation of the viewing channel switching process in the third embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart showing the operation of the prior reception process in the third embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart showing the operation of the prior reception end process in the third embodiment of the present invention. The figure showing the internal structure of the information receiving terminal in Embodiment 4 of this invention The flowchart showing the operation | movement of the autonomous prior reception in Embodiment 4 of this invention

Explanation of symbols

101, 1401 Viewing channel request unit 102, 1402, 1902 Algorithm selection unit 103 Algorithm execution unit 104 Reception status management unit 105 Viewing channel switching unit 106, 1106, 1406, 1906 Reception management unit 107 Playback unit 108, 1108, 1408, 1908 Information Receiving terminal 109, 1409 Channel selection device 1101, 1403 Pre-reception end unit 1901 Autonomous pre-reception control unit 501 Remote control 502 Number input button 503 EPG button 504 Number key 505 Four-way key 506 Up / down button 507 Network switching button

Claims (16)

An information receiving terminal for receiving and viewing content distributed through a network,
A viewing channel requesting unit that requests content distribution of the newly selected viewing channel based on the channel switching instruction;
Based on the channel switching instruction, an algorithm selection unit that selects an appropriate algorithm from among a plurality of algorithms for determining a channel to receive content in advance;
An algorithm execution unit that determines a channel for performing prior reception of content using the algorithm selected by the algorithm selection unit, and performs a content distribution request for a channel for performing prior reception of the content;
An information receiving terminal comprising:
A channel selection device for transmitting the channel switching instruction to the information receiving terminal;
A system consisting of The system according to claim 1, wherein the information receiving terminal further includes a pre-reception end unit that makes a content distribution stop request for a channel that is pre-receiving content. The channel selection device further includes means for transmitting a prior reception end instruction to the information receiving terminal,
The system according to claim 2, wherein the advance reception end unit makes the content delivery stop request based on the advance reception end instruction. The system according to claim 3, wherein the advance reception end instruction is transmitted when the channel selection device is released. The channel selection device further comprises means for transmitting a prior reception start instruction to the information receiving terminal,
The system according to claim 1, wherein the algorithm selection unit selects an appropriate algorithm from a plurality of algorithms for determining a channel on which content is pre-received based on the pre-reception start instruction. The system according to claim 5, wherein the advance reception start instruction is transmitted when the channel selection device is touched. The said channel selection apparatus is further provided with the sensor part which detects the prior operation | movement which touches a user interface, The said prior reception start instruction | indication is transmitted when the said prior operation | movement is detected by the said sensor part. The described system. The system according to claim 1, wherein the channel switching instruction is associated with a user interface used during channel selection. The system according to claim 1, wherein the channel switching instruction is transmitted when a button of the channel selection device is pressed. An information receiving terminal for receiving and viewing content distributed through a network,
A viewing channel requesting unit that requests content distribution of the newly selected viewing channel based on the channel switching instruction;
Based on the channel switching instruction, an algorithm selection unit that selects an appropriate algorithm from among a plurality of algorithms for determining a channel to receive content in advance;
An algorithm execution unit that determines a channel for performing prior reception of content using the algorithm selected by the algorithm selection unit, and performs a content distribution request for a channel for performing prior reception of the content;
An information receiving terminal comprising: The information receiving terminal according to claim 10, further comprising a pre-reception end unit that makes a content distribution stop request for a channel that is pre-receiving content. The information reception terminal according to claim 11, wherein the advance reception end unit makes the content distribution stop request when the channel switching instruction is not input for a certain period of time. The information reception terminal according to claim 11, wherein the advance reception end unit makes the content distribution stop request based on an advance reception end instruction. The information receiving terminal according to claim 10, wherein the algorithm selection unit selects an appropriate algorithm from a plurality of algorithms for determining a channel on which content is pre-received based on a pre-reception start instruction. An autonomous prior reception control unit that determines whether or not to perform autonomous prior reception is further provided, and the algorithm selection unit determines a channel for performing prior reception of content based on a result of the determination in the autonomous prior reception control unit. The information receiving terminal according to claim 10, wherein an appropriate algorithm is selected from a plurality of algorithms to be determined. The information receiving terminal according to claim 15, wherein the algorithm selection unit selects an algorithm used immediately before when selecting an algorithm based on a result of determination in the autonomous prior reception control unit.

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