JPH11146362A - Transmitter, transmission method, receiver, reception method, transmitter-receiver and transmission reception method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To apply various picture to a frame while accurately being synchronously with the frame. SOLUTION: The transmitter 1 generates an identification code to identify each frame in a television broadcast signal, start timing information to represent a timing when execution of an application program is started is added to the application program, a corresponding identification code is multiplexed on a television broadcast signal, and the application program with the start timing information added thereto is multiplexed on the television broadcast signal. The television receiver 4 demultiplexes the application program and the identification code multiplexed on the television broadcast signal, stores the application program, compares the identification code with the start timing information added to the application program and starts the application program corresponding to the result of comparison and executes it.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transmitting apparatus and a transmitting method, a receiving apparatus and a receiving method, and a transmitting / receiving apparatus and a transmitting / receiving method. In particular, various processing can be performed in synchronization with a television broadcast signal. The present invention relates to a transmitting apparatus and a transmitting method, a receiving apparatus and a receiving method, and a transmitting / receiving apparatus and a transmitting / receiving method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a data broadcasting service combining broadcasting and the Internet has been realized. As this service, there are services called intercast (InterCast) and bitcast (Bitcast). In intercast and bitcast, a television broadcast signal is converted into a VBI (Vertical Blanking Interv
al), HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) data is multiplexed and broadcast. On the other hand, on the user side, a computer equipped with a television tuner receives a television broadcast signal, and receives an HT superimposed on the VBI.
ML data is stored in a hard disk or the like. When a television broadcast program starts, a WWW (World Wide Web) browser starts up on the user's computer, and the HTML stored on the hard disk is stored.
Is interpreted, and information linked to the television broadcast program is displayed on the WWW browser.

[0003] In the current Internet, if access is concentrated on a specific WWW server due to the processing capability of the WWW server and the line condition, the transfer speed of data from the WWW server decreases, and the data is linked to a television broadcast program. Although the display may not be performed, in the case of intercast or bitcast, necessary HTML data is stored in the user's computer in advance, so that such a problem does not occur.

[0004] Therefore, for example, by operating a computer (WWW browser) while watching a drama program, the user can see the rough lines up to the previous time, use clothes worn by the hero, and use the camera for shooting. It is possible to search for information on the shop that has been made. That is, an interactive environment can be provided to the user.

[0005] In intercast and bitcast, HT that multiplexes and broadcasts a television broadcast signal is used.
By embedding a link to other HTML data (homepage) in the ML data, it is also possible to obtain a linked homepage from the Internet via a telephone line or the like.

[0006] In addition, intercast and bitcast use terrestrial waves, but data broadcasting using communication satellites has also been proposed. When a communication satellite is used, a large amount of data can be distributed in a shorter time than when terrestrial waves are used because of a large transmission capacity.

[0007] Here, the HTM is used for the television broadcast signal.
The method of multiplexing and broadcasting L data is disclosed in detail in, for example, JP-A-9-182038.

[0008]

By the way, as described above, displaying information linked to a television broadcast program together with the start of the television broadcast program requires, for example, adding a URL (Uniform) to a television broadcast signal. Resour
ce Locator) is multiplexed and broadcast.
When the RL is received, it can be realized by activating a WWW browser and displaying information (HTML data) corresponding to the URL.

However, even in that case, it is difficult to display information in synchronization with each screen (frame or field) of the television broadcast signal.

[0010] That is, for example, a television receiver capable of accessing the Internet, which is a computer network, has appeared, while Java applets and Avtivi have been introduced.
The distribution of application programs such as eX by satellite digital broadcasting is becoming possible, and as the fusion of computers and television receivers is progressing,
It is convenient if display of information related to a television broadcast program and other various processes can be performed in synchronization with each screen of the television broadcast signal.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and it is an object of the present invention to perform various processes in synchronization with each screen of a television broadcast signal.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transmitting apparatus, comprising: generating means for generating an identification code for identifying each screen in a television broadcast signal; and a timing for starting execution of the application program. Means for adding start timing information to the television broadcast signal, and multiplexing means for multiplexing a corresponding identification code on the television broadcast signal and multiplexing an application program output by the addition means. .

According to the transmission method of the present invention, an identification code for identifying each screen in a television broadcast signal is generated, and start timing information for indicating a start timing of the execution is added to the application program. And multiplexing a television broadcast signal with a corresponding identification code, and multiplexing an application program to which start timing information is added.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving apparatus for separating an application program and an identification code multiplexed into a television broadcast signal, a storage means for storing the application program output by the separating means, The identification code output by the means is compared with the start timing information added to the application program stored in the storage means, and the application program stored in the storage means is activated and executed according to the comparison result. Execution means.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the application program and the identification code multiplexed in the television broadcast signal are separated and the application program is stored, while the identification code and the start added to the application program are stored. Timing information is compared, and an application program is activated and executed according to the comparison result.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the transmitting / receiving apparatus, wherein the transmitting apparatus generates an identification code for identifying each screen in the television broadcast signal, and the application program indicates a timing at which the execution is started in the application program. A receiving device for adding the start timing information; and a multiplexing unit for multiplexing the corresponding identification code to the television broadcast signal and multiplexing the application program output by the adding unit. Separating means for separating the application program and the identification code multiplexed in the television broadcast signal; storage means for storing the application program output by the separating means; identification code output by the separating means; Start timing added to the application program Comparing the broadcast, in response to the comparison result, and having an execution unit to start and run the application program stored in the storage means.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the transmission apparatus, an identification code for identifying each screen in a television broadcast signal is generated in a transmission device, and a start timing for indicating to the application program a timing at which the execution is started. Information, and multiplex the corresponding identification code to the television broadcast signal, and multiplex the application program with the start timing information added thereto. And storing the application program, comparing the identification code with the start timing information added to the application program, and activating and executing the application program in accordance with the comparison result And wherein the door.

In the transmission device according to the first aspect, the generation means generates an identification code for identifying each screen in the television broadcast signal, and the addition means indicates to the application program the timing at which the execution is started. Start timing information is added. The multiplexing unit multiplexes the corresponding identification code into the television broadcast signal and multiplexes the application program output from the adding unit.

According to the transmission method of the present invention, an identification code for identifying each screen in the television broadcast signal is generated, and start timing information for indicating a timing of starting the execution is added to the application program. Then, a corresponding identification code is multiplexed with the television broadcast signal, and an application program to which start timing information is added is multiplexed.

In the receiving apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the separating means separates the application program and the identification code multiplexed on the television broadcast signal,
The storage means is configured to store the application program output by the separation means. The execution means compares the identification code output by the separation means with the start timing information added to the application program stored in the storage means, and executes the application program stored in the storage means in accordance with the comparison result. It is designed to get up and running.

[0021] In the receiving method according to the twelfth aspect,
While separating the application program and the identification code multiplexed in the television broadcast signal and storing the application program, the identification code is compared with the start timing information added to the application program, and the result of the comparison is determined. Thus, the application program is started and executed.

In the transmission / reception device according to the thirteenth aspect, the generation means generates an identification code for identifying each screen in the television broadcast signal, and the addition means indicates to the application program the timing to start the execution. Start timing information is added. The multiplexing unit multiplexes the corresponding identification code into the television broadcast signal and multiplexes the application program output from the adding unit. The separating means separates the application program and the identification code multiplexed on the television broadcast signal, and the storing means stores the application program output by the separating means. The execution means compares the identification code output by the separation means with the start timing information added to the application program stored in the storage means, and executes the application program stored in the storage means in accordance with the comparison result. It is designed to get up and running.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting / receiving method, the transmitting device generates an identification code for identifying each screen in the television broadcast signal, and the start to indicate to the application program the timing to start the execution. Timing information is added, a corresponding identification code is multiplexed to a television broadcast signal, and an application program to which start timing information is added is multiplexed. Then, in the receiving device, the application program and the identification code multiplexed on the television broadcast signal are separated, and the application program is stored, while the identification code is compared with the start timing information added to the application program, The application program is activated and executed according to the comparison result.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but before that, the correspondence between each means of the invention described in the claims and the following embodiments will be clarified. For this reason, the features of the present invention are described as follows by adding the corresponding embodiment (however, an example) in parentheses after each means.

That is, the transmitting device according to the first aspect is a transmitting device for transmitting a television broadcast signal, and a generating means for generating an identification code for identifying each screen in the television broadcast signal (for example, FIG. 2). And an adding unit (for example, a time information adding circuit 12 shown in FIG. 2) for adding start timing information for indicating a timing of starting the execution to the application program. A multiplexing unit (for example, a multiplexer (M) shown in FIG. 2) that multiplexes the corresponding identification code into the television broadcast signal and multiplexes the application program output by the adding unit
UX) 13) and transmitting means (for example, the transmitting circuit 14 shown in FIG. 2) for transmitting the television broadcast signal output from the multiplexing means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an application program to which start timing information for indicating execution start timing is added and an identification code for identifying each screen in a television broadcast signal are multiplexed. A receiving device for receiving a television broadcast signal, comprising: a receiving means (for example, a reception processing circuit 21 shown in FIG. 5) for receiving the television broadcast signal; an application program multiplexed with the television broadcast signal; Separating means (for example, a demultiplexer (DMUX) 27 shown in FIG. 5) for separating the identification code;
Storage means for storing the application program output by the separation means (for example, a hard disk (H
D) 29), the identification code output by the separating means,
An execution unit that compares the start timing information added to the application program stored in the storage unit with the start timing information and starts and executes the application program stored in the storage unit in accordance with the comparison result (for example, FIG. The program execution system 30 shown in FIG.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the receiving apparatus, when the application program also has deletion timing information indicating the timing of deleting the application program from the storage unit, the identification code output by the separation unit. And deletion timing information added to the application program stored in the storage means, and delete means for deleting the application program stored in the storage means in accordance with the comparison result (for example, as shown in FIG. 5). (Registering section 28, etc.).

[0028] In the receiving apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, when the execution result of the application program by the execution means is displayable, the execution result is superimposed on the image of the television broadcast signal (for example, (E.g., the superimposing circuit 23 shown in FIG. 5).

A transmitting and receiving apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect includes a transmitting apparatus for transmitting a television broadcast signal (for example, the transmitting apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1) and a receiving apparatus for receiving a television broadcast signal (for example, FIG. 1). TV (television) shown in
And a generating means for generating an identification code for identifying each screen in a television broadcast signal (for example, a frame identification code generation circuit 11 shown in FIG. 2). An adding means (for example, a time information adding circuit 12 shown in FIG. 2) for adding start timing information for indicating a start timing of the execution to the application program, and an identification code corresponding to the television broadcast signal. Multiplexing means (for example, the multiplexer 13 shown in FIG. 2) for multiplexing the application program output from the adding means, and transmitting means (for example, for transmitting the television broadcast signal output from the multiplexing means) , A transmitting circuit 14 shown in FIG. 2), and the receiving device is a television set from the transmitting device. A receiving unit (for example, the reception processing circuit 21 shown in FIG. 5) for receiving the transmission signal and a separating unit (for example, the demultiplexing unit shown in FIG. 5) for separating the application program and the identification code multiplexed into the television broadcast signal. Multiplexer 27), storage means (for example, hard disk 29 shown in FIG. 5) for storing the application program output by the separation means, identification code output by the separation means, and the application program stored in the storage means. And execution means (for example, the program execution system 30 shown in FIG. 5) for starting and executing the application program stored in the storage means in accordance with the result of the comparison. It is characterized by the following.

Of course, this description does not mean that each means is limited to those described above.

FIG. 1 shows a broadcasting system to which the present invention is applied (a system refers to a system in which a plurality of devices are logically assembled, and it does not matter whether or not the devices of each configuration are in the same housing). 1 shows a configuration example of one embodiment.

In the broadcasting station, the transmitting device 1 generates an identification code (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a frame identification code) for identifying each frame in a television broadcast signal (images and sounds constituting a television broadcast program). At the same time, start timing information for indicating the timing of starting the execution is added to a predetermined application program. Further, in the transmitting device 1, the television broadcast signal is multiplexed with the corresponding frame identification code, and the application program to which the start timing information is added is multiplexed. That is, for example, in a vertical blanking period of each frame of the television broadcast signal, a frame identification code corresponding to the frame is superimposed, and an application program is further superimposed. Then, the resulting television broadcast signal is transmitted as a radio wave from the antenna 2 of the transmission device 1.

Radio waves (terrestrial waves) from the antenna 2 are received by the antenna 3 on the user side, and the resulting reception signal is supplied to the TV receiver 4. In the TV receiver 4,
An application program and an identification code multiplexed on a signal received from the antenna 3, that is, a television broadcast signal are separated, and the application program is stored in a hard disk 29 in FIG. In the TV receiver 4, the identification code separated from the television broadcast signal is compared with the start timing information added to the application program stored in the hard disk 29, and the application program is determined according to the comparison result. Start up and run.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the transmitting device 1 of FIG.

The transmitting apparatus 1 receives a television broadcast signal to be transmitted and an application program. The television broadcast signal is supplied to a frame identification code generating circuit 11 and a multiplexer 13.
In addition, the application program is supplied to the time information adding circuit 12.

The frame identification code generation circuit 11 monitors the television broadcast signal supplied thereto, generates a frame identification code corresponding to the frame at the start timing of each frame, and supplies it to the multiplexer 13. Has been made.

Here, in the present embodiment, as the frame identification code, for example, a code that has a one-to-one correspondence with the absolute time at which each frame is transmitted is used. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG.
The first frame (the first frame to be broadcast), the second frame, the third frame, broadcast on June 12, 1997,.
The frame identification codes of.
12000000001,1997061200000000
02,197706120,0000003,... In this 16-digit frame identification code, the first four digits indicate the year to be transmitted, the next two digits indicate the month to be transmitted, and the next two digits indicate the date to be transmitted. The digits indicate the number of the frame on the day of transmission. Therefore, for example, if the transmission of the television broadcast signal starts at midnight and the frame period of the television broadcast signal is about 30 ms, for example, the frame identification code is 197706120
The transmission time of 000000002 is 00:00:30 ms on June 12, 1997. When the frame period of the television broadcast signal is about 30 ms, the number of the frame on the transmitted date is supposed to be 2
Even if a 4-hour broadcast is performed, a unique number can be assigned to each frame with eight digits.

Returning to FIG. 2, the time information adding circuit 12 adds start timing information to the application program supplied thereto to indicate the start timing of the execution of the application program. This application program is stored (recorded) in the hard disk 29 (FIG. 5) of the TV receiver 4 as described later.
The time information adding circuit 12 also adds, from the hard disk 29, deletion timing information indicating the timing of deleting the application program to the application program supplied thereto. The application program to which the start timing information and the deletion timing information are added is supplied from the time information adding circuit 12 to the multiplexer 13.

In the present embodiment, for example, a frame identification code corresponding to a time at which an application program should be executed or a time at which an application program should be deleted is added as start timing information or deletion timing information.

The application program referred to here includes not only a completed program including a so-called main routine, but also objects, libraries, modules, and the like.

Here, in the present embodiment, the application program supplied to the transmission device 1 can include call timing information for indicating the timing of calling the procedure (included) described therein. It has been made like that. That is, when the application program is described in an object-oriented language such as C ++, Java, or smalltalk, the method possessed by each object can be associated with call timing information for indicating the timing of calling the method. Has been made. Further, when the application program is described in a functional language such as C, for example, the function can be associated with call timing information for indicating the timing of calling the function. In this case, the method or function is called at the timing indicated by the corresponding call timing information. In the present embodiment, for example, a frame identification code corresponding to the time of calling (calling) a method or a function is used as the call timing information.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the procedure described (included) in the application program supplied to the transmitting apparatus 1 is periodically synchronized with the cycle of the frame in the television broadcast signal. It is also possible to include a flag to indicate whether to call. In other words, the methods and functions that make up the application program are synchronized with the frame cycle,
It can be called periodically, and if called periodically, a flag indicating that (hereinafter, referred to as
If necessary, a period flag is described. When a periodic flag is described, the timing at which periodic calls of a method or a function are started and ended (hereinafter, referred to as periodic call start timing information and periodic call end timing information as appropriate, respectively) is added to the description. ), Information indicating the number of cycles to be called (hereinafter, referred to as cycle information as appropriate), and the like are also described as necessary. In the present embodiment, as the periodic call start timing information and the periodic call end timing information, for example, a frame identification code corresponding to the time at which the periodic call of the method or the function starts and ends is used.

The multiplexer 13 multiplexes the frame identification code from the frame identification code generation circuit 11 in a vertical blanking period of a corresponding frame of the television broadcast signal. Further, the multiplexer 13 also multiplexes the application program from the time information adding circuit 12 into a television broadcast signal and outputs the multiplexed application program to the transmitting circuit 14. The transmission circuit 14 performs modulation and other processes required for transmission on the television broadcast signal from the multiplexer 13 and supplies the processed signal to the antenna 2.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The processing in the transmitting device 1 of FIG. 2 will be described.

In the transmitting apparatus 1, first, in step S
In step 1, the frame identification code generation circuit 11 determines whether the supplied television broadcast signal corresponds to the beginning of a frame. If it is determined in step S1 that the television broadcast signal corresponds to the beginning of the frame, the process proceeds to step S2, where the frame identification code generation circuit 11 generates a frame identification code corresponding to the frame, The data is supplied to the multiplexer 13 and the process proceeds to step S3.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the television broadcast signal supplied thereto does not correspond to the head of the frame, step S2 is skipped, the process proceeds to step S3, and the multiplexer 13 multiplexes. Is performed. That is, the multiplexer 13
When receiving the frame identification code from the frame identification code generation circuit 11, the multiplexor multiplexes the frame identification code in the vertical blanking period of the corresponding frame.

Further, when receiving the application program from the time information adding circuit 12, the multiplexer 13 also multiplexes the application program during the vertical blanking period of the television broadcast signal. That is, when the application program is supplied thereto, the time information adding circuit 12 adds the start timing information and the deletion timing information to, for example, the head of the application program, and outputs the information to the multiplexer 13. When the application program is supplied from the time information adding circuit 12 in this way, the multiplexer 13 also multiplexes the application program in the vertical blanking period.

When neither the frame identification code nor the application program is supplied, the multiplexer 13 directly outputs the television broadcast signal supplied thereto.

The television broadcast signal multiplexed by the multiplexer 13 is supplied to a transmission circuit 14. In the transmission circuit 14, in step S4, processing required for transmission is performed on the television broadcast signal from the multiplexer 13, and the television broadcast signal is transmitted from the antenna 2 as radio waves (here, ground waves). Then, step S1
And the same processing is repeated thereafter.

The start timing information and the deletion timing information added to the application program by the time information addition circuit 12 are smaller than the frame identification code superimposed on the frame of the vertical blanking period in which the application program is multiplexed. It must represent a later time. In other words, the application program needs to be multiplexed in the vertical blanking period of the frame transmitted earlier than the start timing information and the deletion timing information added thereto.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the TV receiver 4 shown in FIG.

A reception signal corresponding to a radio wave received by the antenna 3 is supplied to a reception processing circuit 21. The reception processing circuit 21 receives a reception signal from the antenna 3, performs demodulation and other necessary processing on the reception signal, and converts a resulting television broadcast signal of a predetermined channel into a signal processing circuit 22. And a demultiplexer 27.

The signal processing circuit 22 performs predetermined signal processing on the television broadcast signal from the reception processing circuit 21 and further separates the television broadcast signal into an image signal and an audio signal. And audio signals are output to the amplifier 25, respectively. Also, the signal processing circuit 2
2 detects a vertical synchronization signal (Vsync) from the image signal,
It is also supplied to the program execution system 30.

The superimposing circuit 23 superimposes (superimposes) the image supplied from the program execution system 30 on the image signal from the signal processing circuit 22 and performs CRT (Cathod).
RayTube) 24. CRT
Reference numeral 24 indicates an image corresponding to the image signal supplied via the superimposing circuit 23. Amplifier 25
Is configured to amplify the audio signal supplied from the signal processing circuit 22 as necessary and supply the amplified signal to the speaker 26. The speaker 26 outputs a sound corresponding to the sound signal from the amplifier 25.

The demultiplexer 27 is connected to the reception processing circuit 2
The application program and the frame identification code multiplexed during the vertical blanking period of the television broadcast signal from No. 1 are separated and supplied to the registration unit 28. The frame identification code is supplied to the registration unit 28 and also to the program execution system 30. The registration unit 28 stores the application program from the demultiplexer 27,
A registration process for recording (registering) on the hard disk 29 and a deletion process for deleting the application program recorded on the hard disk 29 in accordance with the frame identification code from the demultiplexer 27 are performed. The hard disk 29 stores an application program supplied from the registration unit 28 and other necessary information.

The program execution system 30 compares the start timing information added to the application program recorded (stored) on the hard disk 29 with the frame identification code supplied from the demultiplexer 27, and based on the comparison result. , An application program recorded on the hard disk 29 is activated and executed. Further, the program execution system 30 executes the application program as a result,
When an image to be displayed is obtained, the image is supplied to the superimposing circuit 23.

The operation unit 31 is, for example, an operation panel provided on the TV receiver 4 or a remote commander for performing a remote operation. The operation unit 31 is operated by the user, and supplies a signal corresponding to the operation to necessary blocks. It has been made to be.

FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of the program execution system 30 of FIG.

The ROM (Read Only Memory) 41 stores, for example, an IPL (Initial Program Loading) program. CPU (Central Processing Uni
t) 42 is the OS (O) stored in the auxiliary storage device 44
Under the control of the perating system, various processes are performed in synchronization with each frame of the television broadcast signal by activating and executing the application program stored in the hard disk 29. RAM (Rand
The om Access memory 43 temporarily stores a program to be executed by the CPU 42 and data necessary for its operation. The auxiliary storage device 44 is composed of, for example, a hard disk, and stores an OS and programs necessary for the program execution system 30 to read and execute application programs from the hard disk 29. Further, the auxiliary storage device 44 includes a CPU
42 temporarily stores data necessary for performing the processing, data obtained as a result of the processing, and the like. The external I / F (Interface) 45 is a signal processing circuit 2
2. It manages data and other inputs and outputs between the superimposing circuit 23, the demultiplexer 27, and the hard disk 29.

The program execution system 30 is configured such that the above-described blocks are mutually connected via a bus.

Next, the processing of the television receiver 4 shown in FIG. 5 will be described.

A reception signal corresponding to the radio wave received by the antenna 3 is supplied to a reception processing circuit 21. The reception processing circuit 21 receives a reception signal from the antenna 3 and extracts a television broadcast signal of a channel corresponding to the operation of the operation unit 31 therefrom. This television broadcast signal is supplied to the signal processing circuit 22. In the signal processing circuit 22, the television broadcast signal from the reception processing circuit 21 is separated into an image signal and an audio signal. The image signal is supplied to a CRT 24 via a superimposing circuit 23 for display, and the audio signal is supplied to a speaker 26 via an amplifier 25 and output.

As described above, the image or the sound corresponding to the television broadcast program of the channel corresponding to the operation of the operation section 31 is displayed or output.

On the other hand, in the reception processing circuit 21, the television broadcast signal is supplied not only to the signal processing circuit 22 but also to the demultiplexer 27. Demultiplexer 2
7 separates the application program multiplexed in the vertical blanking period of the television broadcast signal from the reception processing circuit 21 from the frame identification code, registers the application program in the registration unit 28, and registers the frame identification code in the registration unit 28. And program execution system 30
To supply.

Upon receiving the frame identification code from the demultiplexer 27, the registration unit 28 performs registration processing and deletion processing.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the registration processing performed by the registration unit 28.

In the registration process, first, in step S11, it is determined whether the demultiplexer 27 has supplied an application program together with a frame identification code. That is, in the present embodiment, the frame identification code is always multiplexed during the vertical blanking period of the corresponding frame. However, if the application program is unnecessary (if there is no application program to be transmitted), It is not multiplexed with the John broadcast signal. Therefore, in step S11, it is determined whether the television broadcast signal is multiplexed with the application program, that is, whether the application program is supplied from the demultiplexer 27.

If it is determined in step S11 that the application program has not been supplied together with the frame identification code, steps S12 to S14
Is skipped, and the registration process ends.

If it is determined in step S11 that the application program has been supplied together with the frame identification code, the flow advances to step S12 to generate a file name for recording the application program as a file on the hard disk 29. You. That is, in the present embodiment, for example, the frame identification code supplied together with the application program is directly used as the file name. As described above, since the frame identification code corresponds to the absolute time, the frame identification code is directly used as the file name of the application program, and the acquisition time (reception time) of the application program is obtained from the file name. Can be easily recognized.

Here, the application program is:
In some cases, the frame is multiplexed and broadcast over a plurality of frames. In this case, for example, the frame identification code of the frame in which the head of the application program is multiplexed is the file name of the application program. Is done. Conversely, a plurality of application programs may be multiplexed and broadcast in one frame. In this case, for example, a frame identification code of a frame in which the plurality of application programs are multiplexed is used. A code with sequential numbers at the end is used as the file name of each of the plurality of application programs.

When the file name is generated, step S1
Proceeding to 3, the file is opened on the hard disk 29 with the file name, and the application program is recorded there. When the recording of the application program ends, the file is closed, and the process proceeds to step S14, where the recorded application program is registered in the execution list.

Here, for example, an execution list as shown in FIG. 8 is recorded on the hard disk 29, and the application program recorded in step S13 is registered in this execution list.

That is, the file name of the application program recorded on the hard disk 29 is arranged in the leftmost column (the “file name” column) of the execution list.
In the second column from the left of the execution list (the column of “execution start time”), start timing information added to the application program recorded on the hard disk 29 is arranged. The rightmost column of the execution list ("Expiration date"
Column), delete timing information added to the application program recorded on the hard disk 29 is arranged.

Here, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the first line of the execution list has a file name "1997061200".
00000 "(the application program multiplexed and broadcast during the vertical blanking period of the first frame on June 12, 1997), and the time to be executed or the time to be deleted is respectively The timing at which the twelfth frame on June 12, 1997 or the thirteenth frame on June 12, 1997 is received is registered.
In the second line, the file name is "1977061".
200000000002 ”, and the time to be executed or the time to be deleted is 13th frame or 19th of June 12, 1997, respectively.
The timing at which the 14th frame on June 12, 1997 was received is registered. Furthermore, 3
In the line, the file name is "197706120000000"
003 ”, and the time to be executed or the time to be deleted is 1997, respectively.
The thirteenth frame on June 12, or June 1, 1997
The timing at which the 25th frame of the second day is received is registered.

When the registration in the execution list as described above is completed, the registration processing is completed.

As described above, the application program multiplexed during the vertical blanking period of the television broadcast signal is recorded on the hard disk 29.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The deletion process performed by the registration unit 28 will be described.

In the deletion process, first, in step S2
In step 1, the current time (including the date) is recognized from the frame identification code supplied from the demultiplexer 27, and the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, by referring to the execution list recorded on the hard disk 29, it is determined whether there is an application program whose expiration date has passed. That is, in step S22, the deletion timing information described in the expiration date column (rightmost column) of the execution list in FIG. 8 is converted into a time, and it is determined whether the current time has passed. You.

If it is determined in step S22 that there is no application program whose expiration date has passed, step S23 is skipped and the deletion process ends. If it is determined in step S22 that there is an application program whose expiration date has passed, the process proceeds to step S22, and the application program is deleted from the hard disk 29. Further, in step S22, information on the application program whose expiration date has passed is also deleted from the execution list, and the deletion processing ends.

As described above, since the application program whose expiration date has passed is deleted, the hard disk 29 remains in a state in which the application program that is no longer needed is recorded. It is possible to prevent the program from being unable to be recorded.

Next, the program execution system 30 shown in FIG.
Will be described.

In the program execution system 30, every time a frame identification code is supplied from the demultiplexer 27, for example, a start-up process according to the flowchart of FIG. 10 is performed.

That is, in the program execution system 30,
First, in step S31, the execution list (FIG. 8) recorded on the hard disk 29 is referred to, and the start timing information (the column of “execution start time”) in the list is stored with the frame identification code from the demultiplexer 27. It is determined whether there is a matching application program. If it is determined in step S31 that there is no application program whose start timing information matches the frame identification code from the demultiplexer 27, step S32 is skipped and the startup processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that there is an application program whose start timing information matches the frame identification code from the demultiplexer 27, the process proceeds to step S33, where the application program is loaded from the hard disk 29. Activate and execute, and terminate the activation process.

According to the above-described activation processing, the application program can be activated accurately in synchronization with a desired frame.

When the application program is executed in the program execution system 30 and, as a result, an image to be displayed such as an EPG (Electric Program Guide) is obtained, the image is sent to the superimposing circuit 23. Supplied. In this case, in the superposition circuit 23,
The image from the program execution system 30 is superimposed on the image from the signal processing circuit 23, supplied to the CRT 24, and displayed. That is, for example, when an image obtained as a result of executing the application program is, for example, an EPG, the EPG is superimposed on an image as a television broadcast program and displayed.

Next, as described above, in the present embodiment, the application program can include call timing information for indicating the timing of calling the procedure described therein. For the procedure in which such timing information is described, a call is made in the program execution system 30 at a timing corresponding to the timing information.

That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, a procedure func which constitutes an application program is now described.
When the timing information (call time) is described for 1 (), func2 (), func3 (),... In the program execution system, each procedure func1 (), func2 (), fu
nc3 (),... are called when the frame identification code corresponding to the timing information is supplied from the demultiplexer 27. Therefore, in this case, processing corresponding to various procedures can be executed accurately in synchronization with a desired frame.

Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the application program indicates whether the procedure described therein is to be called periodically in synchronization with the frame cycle of the television broadcast signal. Flag, a periodic call start timing information, a periodic call end timing information, and a period information. The procedure in which the period flag is described is described in the signal processing circuit 22 in the program execution system 30. Is called periodically at a timing corresponding to the vertical synchronization signal supplied from the communication device.

That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, procedures func1 (), func2 (), func3 (),...
When the cyclic call start timing information (start time), the cycle information (period), and the periodic call end timing information (end time) are described in the program execution system, each procedure func1 (), func2 () , Func
Are called when the frame identification code corresponding to the periodic call timing information is supplied from the demultiplexer 27, and thereafter, the signal processing circuit 2
Each time a vertical synchronization signal is supplied from 2, the call is made in accordance with the period information. That is, for example, in the embodiment of FIG. 12, the cycle information of the procedures func1 (), func2 (), and func3 () is 1, 2, and 3, respectively.
The procedures func1 (), func2 (), and func3 () are performed by the signal processing circuit 22.
Is called each time the vertical synchronization signal is received 1, 2, 3 times, respectively. Therefore, in this case, the predetermined processing is
It can be executed periodically in exact synchronization with the frame.

As described above, the application program is started in synchronization with the frame, and various processes (procedures) are executed in synchronization with the frame period.
Various processes can be performed in a more closely related manner to the television broadcast program.

Further, since the processing is performed accurately in synchronization with the frame, for example, the application program
In the case of displaying an EPG (Electric Program Guide), the commercial is started when the sponsor requests to stop displaying the EPG while the commercial is being broadcast. The EPG is displayed until the timing of the frame immediately before the current frame, and the EPG can be erased at the timing of the frame where the commercial starts.

Further, the application program is:
For example, when displaying an EPG,
In synchronization with the frame, the content constituting the EPG can be subjected to various actions. In this case,
It can draw the user's attention.

When the application program is for displaying information using, for example, a television broadcast program, it is possible to display the information accurately linked to the screen.

That is, FIG. 13 shows a display example of a screen by an application program for displaying information about leisure (leisure information) using a television broadcast program.

This screen is a selection screen for selecting the type of leisure for displaying leisure information, and is configured, for example, as shown in FIG.

That is, the selection screen shown in FIG.
(B), a window composed of objects realized in an object-oriented language is superimposed (overlaid) on a screen of a television broadcast program of four channels as shown in FIG. I have.

Here, the screen of the television broadcast program shown in FIG. 14A is configured by arranging the screens of the programs of the first to fourth channels at the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right, respectively. I have. Also, the windows shown in FIG. 14B form buttons 101 to 104, each of which is formed by a bitmap, for selecting the leisure related to the programs of the first to fourth channels, respectively, and form the title of the selection screen. It is composed of a bitmap 105 and a text 106, and a text 107 as a message "Click on an interesting number" for prompting selection of leisure.

Now, with the selection screen shown in FIG. 13 displayed, one of the buttons 101 to 104, for example, the button 104 for selecting a leisure related to the program of the fourth channel is operated (for example, Click with mouse)
Suppose it was done. Now, in the fourth channel, a scene in which windsurfing is being performed is displayed. Therefore, when the button 104 is operated, a leisure information screen relating to windsurfing is displayed, for example, as shown in FIG. An information screen is displayed.

In this leisure information screen, for example, a screen of the fourth channel is cut out from the screen shown in FIG. 16A similar to the screen shown in FIG.
6 (B) (this window is also realized by an object, for example). Note that the window in FIG.
The same bitmap 201 as the button 104 operated on the selection screen, the text 202 as the title of windsurfing for leisure information, the content of leisure information "You can enjoy windsurfing on the private beach in the park", "Board rental" 1000 yen / 1
It includes texts 203 to 205 as "time" and "there is a private lesson by the instructor", and a bitmap 206 and a text 207 which are used to explain how to return to the selection screen in FIG.
Then, the fourth screen cut out from the screen shown in FIG.
Is pasted in the margin 208 of the window shown in FIG. 16B, and the leisure information screen shown in FIG. 15 is configured.

Now, when a program on a certain channel is being viewed and switched to the selection screen shown in FIG. 13, the display of the television broadcast program screen shown in FIG. It is necessary to simultaneously display the window shown in FIG. As described above, in the program execution system 30, various processes (procedures) are executed in synchronization with the frame period. Therefore, the display of the television broadcast program screen shown in FIG.
The display of the window shown in (B) can be performed simultaneously. That is, before or after the screen of the television broadcast program shown in FIG. 14A is displayed, the window shown in FIG. 14B is displayed.
It is possible to prevent the viewer from feeling uncomfortable.

When the selection screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed, the display screen is switched to the leisure information screen as shown in FIG. Provides an interactive user interface.

Next, scheduling when the program execution system 30 executes an application program will be described by taking, for example, an application program displaying an EPG as an example.

In the present embodiment, the application program is described in an object-oriented language such as the Java language, for example. Here, the EPG corresponds to EPG parts such as moving images, still images, texts, and buttons. Objects that operate the objects corresponding to the respective parts, and objects that perform time scheduling.

That is, in the present embodiment, the EPG is constituted by one or more objects called scenes. The scene has at least objects called actors and behavior schedulers.

Actors are operable objects corresponding to parts such as moving images, still images, texts, buttons, and the like.
Its behavior (for example, its display position on the screen,
Size, color to display, whether to move on the screen, if it moves, its moving direction, moving speed, moving amount,
(For example, to reproduce or pause content such as moving images, still images, and audio). Actors are basically unique and do not have a class inheritance relationship (however, in Java, any object will ultimately
Object class (Object type) is inherited). However, an actor has an interface (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as an operation interface) for causing a behavior to be described later to operate data held by the actor (Java language or C ++).
Interface specified in
This allows the behavior to access data possessed by the actor by using the operation interface even if there is no class inheritance relationship.

When performing simulation by object-oriented programming, there is a case where a calculation model capable of parallel processing is composed of objects that behave independently. In this case,
The object that behaves independently is generally called an actor, but the actors that make up the scene are different from the actors that make up the computation model. That is, all actors have in common that they have data that determines their own behavior, but actors that make up the scene basically have that data in that they do not have a method to manipulate that data. Different from the actors that make up the model. However, it is also possible to provide the actors constituting the scene with a method for operating the data possessed by the actors (the actors constituting the scene can be constituted in the same manner as the actors constituting the calculation model). .

The behavior scheduler has an object called a behavior for operating data possessed by the actor, and performs time scheduling of the behavior. That is, the behavior scheduler manages a table in which a behavior to be time-scheduled and a time constraint for causing the behavior to operate the actor data are registered in association with each other. Based on the registration information, cause the behavior to perform processing (operate the data of the actor).

Here, the behavior uses the above-described operation interface to read and process the data of the actor that implements the operation interface, and sets the data after the processing to the actor again. The actor behaves (acts) according to the set data. Behaviors are basically unique, like actors, and do not have class inheritance.
Further, the behavior can have a behavior scheduler having the child behavior scheduler which is a behavior scheduler subordinate to the parent behavior scheduler as a parent behavior scheduler. In this case, both the behavior of the parent behavior scheduler (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as parent behavior) and the behavior of the child behavior scheduler (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as child behavior) operate the data of the actor, and the behavior of the actor Is controlled. That is, thereby, the actor behaves as a combination (combination) of both the data operation by the parent behavior and the data operation by the child behavior.

Since the behavior is included in the behavior scheduler, and the behavior scheduler constitutes a scene, the scene is configured to include three types of objects in which the behavior is added to the actor and the behavior scheduler. Can also.

The behavior (behavior scheduler) can have a hierarchical structure of three or more layers.

In the scene configured as described above, in the behavior, the data of the actor is manipulated in accordance with the time scheduling by the behavior scheduler, and thereby the behavior of the actor is controlled. That is, the behavior of the actor is controlled to a higher degree. Therefore,
Since the actor's data manipulation is performed by a different behavior from the actor (because the method that manipulates the data of the actor is implemented in a different behavior than the actor), recreate the behavior only, or By simply exchanging, adding, etc., the behavior can be extended (changed) without recreating the actor.

Furthermore, a behavior (behavior scheduler) can have a child behavior (child behavior scheduler) subordinate to it, that is,
Since a behavior (behavior scheduler) can have a hierarchical structure, a complex behavior can be easily realized by combining a plurality of behaviors corresponding to a simple behavior.

The behavior scheduler, which is an object for time-scheduling the behavior,
Since they are separately prepared, a plurality of behaviors can be easily combined simply by time-scheduling the behaviors by the behavior scheduler.

As described above, the behavior scheduler time-schedules its own behavior, and the behavior of the actor is controlled by the time-scheduled behavior, whereby one scene (scene) is formed. Therefore, an object having a combination of an actor and a behavior scheduler is called a scene.

By the way, in the present embodiment, the scene is
The scene can be set as a parent scene and can have child scenes (sub-scenes) as subordinate scenes. That is, the scene can also have a hierarchical structure like a behavior (behavior scheduler). In this case, the parent scene is a scene scheduler (child scene scheduling object) which is an object configured in the same manner as the behavior scheduler for time-scheduling the child scene.
Is further comprised.

When a scene has a child scene, the child scene is executed at the timing that is time-scheduled by the corresponding scene scheduler. That is,
Child scenes, like parent scenes, actors, behaviors,
(And may also have its grandchild scene, and in this case, also has a scene scheduler that schedules the grandchild scene in time), and the scene scheduler of the child scene sends a process to the behavior scheduler of the child scene. (If the child scene has a grandchild scene and its scene scheduler, the process is also performed by the scene scheduler of the grandchild scene). Thus, in the child scene,
In the behavior of the child scene, according to the time scheduling by the behavior scheduler of the child scene, the data of the actor of the child scene is operated, and the behavior of the actor is controlled.

Here, the behavior scheduler and the scene scheduler are configured in the same manner as described above, so that both will be hereinafter simply referred to as a scheduler.

The scheduler implements a method for performing scheduling with respect to time (time scheduling). An interface for performing time scheduling (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a scheduled interface) (specified by the Java language or C ++). Other schedulers and behaviors that implement this interface are subject to time scheduling. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the scheduler and the behavior to be time-scheduled implement the scheduled interface, and the scheduler performs the time scheduling of the scheduler and the behavior using the scheduled interface.

As described above, the scheduler can time-schedule another scheduler, so that the other scheduler performs time scheduling based on the timing of time scheduling by a certain scheduler. Combination (combination) of scheduling becomes possible.

Here, in the present embodiment, a scheduler having two different functions is prepared. One is a scheduler called a parallel scheduler. When a plurality of executable objects are registered in its own table, all of the plurality of executable objects can be executed in parallel.
The other is a scheduler called a sequential scheduler, which can execute only one of the executable objects with priority when a plurality of executable objects are registered in its own table. .

In the sequential scheduler, when a plurality of executable objects are registered in its own table, various methods may be used to determine which of them is to be executed with priority. The order in which objects are registered in the table can be prioritized. When the execution start time of an object is defined, for example, the object with the earliest execution start time can be given priority. Further, when the execution time of the object (the time from the execution start time to the execution end time) is specified, for example, the object having the longest execution time can be given priority.

Executing an object means calling a method of the object.

A scene corresponds to a container, so to speak, an actor, a behavior scheduler, and a child scene constituting the scene correspond to components of the container.

FIG. 17 schematically shows an EPG composed of the above scenes.

In the embodiment of FIG. 17, first, FIG.
An EPG is constructed as shown in FIG.
However, at a predetermined timing, it changes to that shown in FIG. Note that FIG.
The EPG shown in (A) has a background 31, an image 32, a background 33, and buttons 34 to 37 as actors, and the EPG shown in FIG. , A background 41, buttons 42, and 43 as actors.

The behavior of the EPG as shown in FIG. 17 (change of the EPG from FIG. 17A to FIG. 17B) is as follows.
This is realized by, for example, reproducing (executing) the scene as shown in FIG.

That is, the EPG shown in FIG. 17 is composed of a scene Scene0. The scene Scene0 has a background 31 of the EPG as an actor, and has a scene Scene0 as its child scene.
1, Scene02 and Scene03. In addition, scene Sce
ne0 is the child scene Scene01 to Scene03, times t ₀ to t ₀ time scheduling to the scheduler (scene scheduler) to reproduce each in ', t ₀ to t _1, t ₁ to t _0' also has. Note that FIG.
In the embodiment, the scene Scene0, the time t ₀ to t ₀ '
However, since Scene0 is the scene of the highest hierarchy, the time scheduling is, for example, an instance of a thread class (assigned to reproduce the EPG in FIG. 17). Thread).

A scene Scene01 has an image 32 as an actor.

The scene Scene02 has, as an actor, a background 33 of a portion where the buttons 34 to 37 are arranged, and
As its child scenes, scenes Scene021, Scene022, Scen
e023 and Scene024. In addition, Scene02
Is any of its child scenes Scene021 to Scene024,
It has a scheduler that performs time scheduling so that playback is performed from time t _{0 to} t ₁ . The scenes Scene021 to Scene024 have buttons 34 to 37 as actors, respectively.

Scene03 is composed of buttons 42 and 43.
Has the background 41 of the portion where is placed as an actor, and has scenes Scene031 and Scene032 as its child scenes. Furthermore, scene Scene03 is a child scene S
Cene031, both also of Scene032, has a scheduler for time scheduled to play at a time t ₁ to t ₀ '. And the scene Scene031, Scen
e032 has buttons 42 and 43 as actors, respectively.

Therefore, at time t ₀ , scene Scene ₀
Is started, a background 31 as an actor of the scene Scene0 is displayed. Further, in the scheduler of scene Scene0, scenes Scene01 and Sce
The reproduction of ne02 is started, whereby the image 32 or the background 33 as the actor of the scene Scene01 or Scene02 is displayed. Also, scene Scene0
2, the scenes Scene021 through S
Playback of cene024 starts, and this causes scene Scene02
Buttons 34 to 37 as actors included in 1 to Scene024 are displayed.

As a result, the EPG shown in FIG. 17A is displayed. Scenes Scene0, Scene01, Scene02, Sc
ene021 to Scene024 have behaviors for manipulating the data of the background 31, the image 32, the background 33, and the buttons 34 to 37 as the actors of the ene021 to Scene024, and the display manner (size, color, display position, etc.) ) (Behavior) is controlled by operating this actor's data on each actor.

Thereafter, when the current time reaches time t ₁ (provided that t ₀ <t ₁ <t ₀ ′), the reproduction of the scene Scene02 is terminated in the scheduler of the scene Scene0, and further, the scheduler of the scene Scene02 is ,
The reproduction of the scenes Scene021 to Scene024 ends. Thereby, the display of the image 32 as an actor of the scene Scene02 and the display of the buttons 34 to 37 as the actors of the scenes Scene021 to Scene024 are deleted.

At time t ₁ , the reproduction of the scene Scene03 is started in the scheduler of the scene Scene0, and the background 41 as the actor of the scene Scene03 is displayed. In the scheduler of scene Scene03, scenes Scene031 and Scen
Playback of e032 is started, whereby the button 4 as an actor of the scene Scene031 or Scene032 respectively
2 or 43 is displayed.

As a result, the EPG shown in FIG. 17B is displayed instead of the EPG shown in FIG. In addition,
Each of the scenes Scene03, Scene031, and Scene032 has a behavior for operating the data of the background 41 and the buttons 42 and 43 as the actors of the scenes. It is controlled by operating.

Thereafter, when the current time reaches time t ₀ ′,
Playback of scene Scene0 is terminated, and scene Scene0
In the scheduler that has the scenes Scene01 and S
At the end of the reproduction of scene03, the scenes scene031 and sc
The playback of ene032 is terminated. By this, scene Scene0
, An image 32 as an actor of scene Scene01, a scene 41 as an actor of scene03, scenes scene031, scene0
The display of the buttons 42 and 43 as actors of the respective 32 is deleted.

That is, the EPG shown in FIG. 17B is erased.

Since the scenes constituting the EPG have a hierarchical structure, the actors constituting the EPG and the behavior thereof can be easily changed.

That is, for example, as shown in FIG.
The change of G is made by the actor background 33 and the buttons 34 to 3.
7 can be performed only by switching the scene Scene02 to the scene Scene03 instead of deleting one by one and performing control such that the background 41 and the buttons 42 and 43 as actors are displayed one by one.

Next, as described above, the behavior can also have a hierarchical structure similar to the scene, and as a result,
The complex behavior of actors can be easily realized.

That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, a behavior Behavior0 is added to a certain Behavior Behavior0.
1 and Behavior02 are subordinate, and further, BehaviorBehavior01, BehaviorBehavior011 and Behavior
It is assumed that r012 is subordinate. Also, Behavior Behavior
0, Behavior01, Behavior02, Behavior011, Behavior01
2 are times t _{0 to} t ₀ ′, t _{0 to} t ₅ , t _{5 to} t ₀ ′,
In each of t _{0 to} t ₃ and t _{2 to} t ₄ , time scheduling is performed so as to control the behavior of the actor (however, t ₀ <t ₂ <t ₃ <t ₄ <t ₅ <
t ₀ '). Further, for example, behavior Behavior0 performs an operation of changing the display color of an actor from red to green in the behavior
Behavior01 is an operation of moving the actor on a straight line having a slope of 2. A behavior Behavior02 is an operation of moving the actor by a slope of -2.
To move on the straight line of the behavior Behavior011
Means that the size of the actor is increased by one, and the behavior Behavior 012 performs the operation of moving the actor on the circumference of a circle having a radius of 5. The behavior Behavior0 controls the behavior of an actor as a button as shown in FIG. In addition, behavior Behavior0, Behavior01, Behavior02, Behavior01
1, Behavior012 has a hierarchical structure, and therefore, Behavior Behavior, which is a child behavior of Behavior Behavior0.
ior01, Behavior02, and behavior Behavior01
Behavior011, Behavio, which is a child behavior
r012 also controls the same actor behavior as behavior Behavior0.

In this case, when the current time reaches time t ₀ , the behavior Behavior ₀ changes the display color of the actor from red to green (the original display color of the actor is now red. There). In addition, Behavior Behavior
01 starts the movement of the actor along the straight line with the slope 2, and the behavior Behavior011 enlarges the size of the actor by one. Then, when the current time reaches t ₂ , the behavior Behavior 012 starts moving the actor along the circumference of the circle having the radius 5, and thereafter, the current time becomes the time t ₃
Becomes, the behavior Behavior011 stops the expansion of actors, further current time becomes the time t _4, behaviors Behavior012 stops the movement of the actor along the circumference of a circle of radius 5.

When the current time reaches time t ₅ ,
The behavior Behavior01 stops the movement of the actor along the straight line having the inclination 2 and the behavior Behavior02 has the inclination-2.
Start moving the actor along the straight line. afterwards,
When the current time reaches time t ₀ ′, the behavior Behavior ₀
Step 2 stops the movement of the actor along the straight line having a slope of −2, and the control of the display color of the actor by the behavior Behavior 0 is terminated.

As a result, the button as an actor is
0, at time t ₀ , the display color is changed from red to green (in the figure, red is represented by a blank pattern and green is represented by diagonal lines). While moving (the part indicated by A in the figure), its size is increased by one (part indicated by C in the figure).
Further, at time t ₂ , the actor starts moving on the circumference of the radius 5 in addition to moving on the straight line having the slope 2 (portion indicated by B in the same drawing), and at time t ₃ , Stops moving on the straight line having the slope 2. Thereafter, part actor, shown at time t _4, stop moving the circle on the radius 5, at time t _5, in which start (figure to move in a straight line the slope -2 D ). Then, at time t ₀ ′, the actor stops all operations.

As described above, since the behaviors can be formed in a hierarchical structure, a complicated behavior combining the behaviors of the respective behaviors can be easily realized.

Further, the behavior can be easily changed. That is, for example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 19 and 20, in order to prevent the actor from moving on a straight line with a slope of 2, increasing in size, and moving on a circle with a radius of 5, a behavior is required. Behavior01, Behavior011, Beh
It is not necessary to remove the avior012 one by one, but only the behavior Behavior01 which is the behavior of the highest hierarchy among them.

Next, FIG. 21 shows a configuration example of another embodiment of a broadcasting system to which the present invention is applied.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, broadcasting by terrestrial broadcasting is performed. In the embodiment of FIG. 21, broadcasting is performed by using a satellite line. I have.

That is, the transmitting apparatus 51 of the broadcasting station performs the same processing as the transmitting apparatus 1 of FIG. However, since the transmission bandwidth of a satellite line is wider than that of a terrestrial wave, the application program is output not in a form superimposed on the vertical blanking period of the television broadcast signal but in a frequency multiplexed or time division multiplexed form. It has been made to be.

An output signal output from the transmitting device 51 is emitted from an antenna 52 and received by a user's antenna 54 via a satellite 53. The received signal received by the antenna 54 is supplied to an STB (Set Top Box) 55. In the STB 55, basically the same processing as in the case of the TV receiver 4 in FIG. 1 is performed, and the resulting image is supplied to the CRT 56 and displayed.

As described above, in the case of using a satellite line, since the transmission band is wide, many application programs can be transmitted at a higher speed than in the case of using terrestrial waves.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the case where the present invention is applied to the broadcasting of television broadcast signals using terrestrial waves and satellite links, the present invention is limited to those using terrestrial waves and satellite links. Not the other, CATV
The present invention is also applicable to broadcasting using networks and other transmission media. That is, the present invention is applicable to any transmission medium capable of digital broadcasting. Also, the method of multiplexing the frame identification code and the application program is not particularly limited.

In this embodiment, each frame has
A code (frame identification code) for identifying the code is added, but such a code can be added not in units of frames but in units of fields or in units of several frames. is there.

In the present embodiment, the application program is described in an object-oriented language or a functional language. However, the application program may be described in, for example, a machine language or Basic. It is possible.

Further, in the present embodiment, the image and the sound as the television broadcast program are transmitted without encoding, but the image and the sound as the television broadcast program are encoded and transmitted. It is also possible.
For example, as an encoding method, MPEG (Moving Picture)
In the case of using the Experts Group, the application program is used to obtain the MPE obtained by performing the MPEG encoding.
For example, it can be arranged in an area called user data of the G stream.

Further, in the present embodiment, the frame identification code corresponding to the time of deletion from the hard disk 29 is added to the application program as deletion timing information. Can be used to record the data on the hard disk 29 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a deletion time). The time at which the application program was recorded on the hard disk 29 can be obtained from its file name, and the current time can be obtained from the frame identification code. Time can also be determined.
Therefore, when the deletion time is used as the deletion timing information, the application program may be deleted based on whether the elapsed time exceeds the deletion time as the deletion timing information.

Further, the frame identification code is not limited to the one described in the present embodiment, and any code capable of identifying each frame can be used.

[0159]

According to the transmission apparatus of the first aspect and the transmission method of the fifth aspect, an identification code for identifying each screen in a television broadcast signal is generated, and the execution is performed in an application program. Is added to start timing information for indicating the timing at which the start is performed. Then, the corresponding identification code is multiplexed with the television broadcast signal, and the application program to which the start timing information is added is multiplexed. Therefore, on the receiving side, the application program can be started accurately in synchronization with the screen of the television broadcast signal.

A receiver according to claim 6 and claim 1
According to the receiving method described in Item 2, the application program and the identification code multiplexed on the television broadcast signal are separated, and the application program is stored. On the other hand, the identification code is compared with the start timing information added to the application program, and the application program is activated and executed according to the comparison result. Therefore, it becomes possible to start the application program accurately in synchronization with the screen of the television broadcast signal.

According to the transmission / reception device of the thirteenth aspect and the transmission / reception method of the fourteenth aspect, the transmission device generates an identification code for identifying each screen in the television broadcast signal, and includes the following in the application program: Start timing information for indicating the timing to start the execution is added, a corresponding identification code is multiplexed on the television broadcast signal, and an application program to which the start timing information is added is multiplexed. Then, in the receiving device, the application program and the identification code multiplexed on the television broadcast signal are separated and the application program is stored, and the identification code is compared with the start timing information added to the application program. The application program is activated and executed according to the comparison result. Therefore, in the receiving device, the application program can be started accurately in synchronization with the screen of the television broadcast signal.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a first embodiment of a broadcasting system to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a transmission device 1 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a frame identification code output by a frame identification code generation circuit 11 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the transmission device 1 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a TV receiver 4 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a program execution system 30 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a registration process performed by a registration unit of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an execution list.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a deletion process performed by a registration unit 28 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a startup process performed by the program execution system 30 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing that a procedure is added with timing information indicating a time at which the procedure is called.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing that a call start time, a call cycle, and a call end time are added to a procedure.

FIG. 13 is a photograph of a halftone image displayed on a display, showing a selection screen.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a selection screen in FIG. 13;
It is a photograph of a halftone image displayed on a display.

FIG. 15 is a photograph of a halftone image displayed on a display, showing a leisure information screen.

FIG. 16 is a photograph of a halftone image displayed on a display for explaining the configuration of the leisure information screen of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an EPG composed of one or more scenes.

18 is a diagram for describing reproduction of a scene constituting the EPG of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a hierarchical structure of a behavior.

FIG. 20 illustrates the behavior of an actor controlled by a hierarchically structured behavior.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a second embodiment of a broadcast system to which the present invention has been applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 transmission device, 2, 3 antenna, 4 TV receiver, 11 frame identification code generation circuit, 12 time information addition circuit, 13 multiplexer, 14 transmission circuit, 21 reception processing circuit, 22 signal processing circuit, 23 superposition circuit, 24 CRT , 25 amplifiers, 26 speakers, 27 demultiplexers,
28 registration unit, 29 hard disk, 30 program execution system, 31 operation unit, 41 RO
M, 42 CPU, 43 RAM, 44 auxiliary storage device, 45 external I / F, 51 transmission device, 52
Antenna, 53 Satellite, 54 Antenna, 55
STB, 56 CRT

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A transmitting device for transmitting a television broadcast signal, comprising: a generating means for generating an identification code for identifying each screen in the television broadcast signal; and an application program indicating a timing at which execution of the application program is started. Means for adding start timing information for multiplexing, the multiplexing means for multiplexing the identification code corresponding to the television broadcast signal, and multiplexing an application program output by the adding means, Transmitting means for transmitting the television broadcast signal output by the means. 2. In a receiving apparatus for receiving the television broadcast signal transmitted by the transmitting means, when the application program is recorded on a recording medium, the adding means includes:
The transmission device according to claim 1, wherein deletion timing information for indicating a timing of deleting the application program from the recording medium is also added. 3. The application program according to claim 1, wherein the application program includes call timing information for indicating a timing of calling a procedure included in the application program.
The transmitting device according to claim 1. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the application program includes a flag for indicating whether a procedure included in the application program is called periodically in synchronization with a screen cycle of the television broadcast signal. Item 2. The transmitting device according to Item 1. 5. A transmission method for transmitting a television broadcast signal, comprising: generating an identification code for identifying each screen in the television broadcast signal; and indicating to an application program a timing at which execution of the application program is to be started. A transmission method, comprising: adding start timing information; multiplexing the corresponding identification code with the television broadcast signal; and multiplexing and transmitting the application program to which the start timing information is added. 6. An application program to which start timing information for indicating execution start timing is added, and the television broadcast signal in which an identification code for identifying each screen in the television broadcast signal is multiplexed are received. A receiving device, receiving means for receiving the television broadcast signal, separating means for separating the application program and identification code multiplexed on the television broadcast signal, and application program output by the separating means Storage means for storing the identification code output by the separation means and the start timing information added to the application program stored in the storage means, and in accordance with the comparison result, The application stored in storage means; Receiving apparatus characterized by comprising an execution means for executing start the down program. 7. The application program includes:
Deletion timing information for indicating the timing of deleting the application program from the storage unit is also added. The identification code output by the separation unit and the deletion code added to the application program stored in the storage unit are added. 7. The receiving device according to claim 6, further comprising a deletion unit that compares the application program stored in the storage unit with the timing information and compares the comparison result with the timing information. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deletion timing information is information indicating a time during which the application program is stored in the storage unit or an absolute time at which the application program stored in the storage unit is deleted. The receiving device according to claim 7, wherein 9. The application program includes call timing information for indicating a timing of calling a procedure included therein, and the execution unit compares the identification code output by the separation unit with the call timing information. 7. The receiving apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said procedure is called according to a result of the comparison. 10. The application program,
The execution means includes a flag for indicating whether a procedure included therein is periodically called in synchronization with a cycle of a screen in the television broadcast signal, and the execution means periodically executes the procedure based on the flag. 7. The receiving device according to claim 6, wherein the receiving device is called in a call. 11. When the execution result of the application program by the execution means is displayable, the apparatus further comprises a superimposing means for superimposing the execution result on the image of the television broadcast signal. The receiving device according to claim 6. 12. An application program to which start timing information for indicating execution start timing is added, and the television broadcast signal in which an identification code for identifying each screen in the television broadcast signal is multiplexed. A receiving method, comprising: receiving the television broadcast signal; separating the application program and the identification code multiplexed into the television broadcast signal; storing the application program; A receiving method comprising: comparing the start timing information added to an application program; and starting and executing the application program in accordance with the comparison result. 13. A transmission / reception device comprising: a transmission device for transmitting a television broadcast signal; and a reception device for receiving the television broadcast signal, wherein the transmission device identifies each screen in the television broadcast signal. Generating means for generating an identification code to be executed; addition means for adding start timing information for indicating the timing of starting execution to the application program; and multiplexing the identification code corresponding to the television broadcast signal. And a multiplexing unit that multiplexes the application program output by the adding unit; and a transmitting unit that transmits the television broadcast signal output by the multiplexing unit. Receiving means for receiving the television broadcast signal, and Separating means for separating the multiplexed application program and identification code; storage means for storing the application program output by the separating means; the identification code output by the separating means; Executing means for comparing the start timing information added to the application program and starting and executing the application program stored in the storage means in accordance with the comparison result. Transmitting and receiving device. 14. A transmission / reception method for a transmission / reception device comprising: a transmission device for transmitting a television broadcast signal; and a reception device for receiving the television broadcast signal, wherein the transmission device includes: Along with generating an identification code for identifying a screen, the application program is added with start timing information for representing a timing at which execution of the application program is started, and the television broadcast signal is multiplexed with the identification code corresponding thereto. The application program to which the start timing information is added is multiplexed and transmitted. In the receiving device, the television broadcast signal is received, and the application program and the identification code multiplexed in the television broadcast signal are transmitted. Separate the said applique Storing the application program, comparing the identification code with the start timing information added to the application program, and activating and executing the application program in accordance with the comparison result. Transmission / reception method.