JP2000004272A - Data distributing method, transmitter, receiver and data distribution system applying this data distributing method and data structure used for this data distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform data distribution that has high transmission efficiency without depending on information transfer media by converting stored meta-information into a transmission format that is suitable for transmission and transmitting content data and meta-information after conversion which corresponds to the content data through the information transfer media. SOLUTION: Stored meta-information is converted into a transmission format that is suitable for transmission and content data and meta-information after conversion which corresponds to the content data are transmitted through information transfer media. An information receiving side refers to a meta-information schema representing the structure of the meta-information, selects meta-information matched with an acquisition condition and acquires content data corresponding to the meta-information, based on the selected meta-information. In this system, a transmitter 103 belonging to an information offerer is provided with a database 121 which stores content data that becomes an object to be offered, etc., and a server device 123 which transmits the stored content data to the receiving side through information transfer media.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to, for example, a method for selectively transmitting necessary data from an enormous amount of data groups provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources via an information transmission medium. The present invention relates to a data distribution method for distributing data to an information receiving side. In particular, data that can realize high data transmission with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency while allowing a flexible meta information expression format without depending on an information transmission medium. A distribution method, a transmission device, a reception device, a data distribution system to which the data distribution method is applied, and
The present invention relates to a data structure used in the data distribution system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Many methods have been proposed as conventional data distribution systems. For example, on the current Internet, HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Pro
Data distribution by the WWW (World Wide Web) using tocols (tocols) has been performed.

[0003] In order to distribute necessary data from a huge data group such as WWW via an information transmission medium, for example, PICS (Platform for Internet Content) is used.
t Selection) or RDF (Resource Description Fram)
ework) has been proposed.

[0004] In the PICS or RDF, so-called meta information indicating the information content included in the data is added to each data, and the data is selectively distributed based on the meta information.

On the other hand, in digital broadcasting, EPG (E
Meta information including a program title and a broadcast time, which are components of program guide information called an electronic program guide, is distributed in the form of an EIT (Event Information Table).

[0006] As described above, meta information has been added to contents provided through various information transmission media such as communication media such as the Internet and broadcast media such as digital broadcasting.

[0007]

However, among the unspecified number of information providing sources, the meta information corresponding to the content data including the content to be provided, which is stored in a certain information providing source, is stored in different information providing sources. When attempting to distribute each via the transmission media, a plurality of problems described below will become apparent.

[0008] The first problem is that the expression format of meta information between mutually different information transmission media is not compatible, in other words, the expression of meta information which can be distributed by mutually different information transmission media. This is an issue due to the limited format. That is, at present, the meta information expression format has not been standardized, for example, the meta information is described in a unique expression format for each information providing source or each content to be provided. Reflecting this situation,
For example, while meta information corresponding to content data attempted to be distributed from a certain information providing source can be distributed through mutually different information transmission media, while distribution from a different information providing source different from the above is attempted. The meta information corresponding to the content data may not be able to be distributed via some information transmission media.

[0009] The second problem is that among information transmission media,
For example, in EIT which is positioned as meta information used in digital broadcasting which is one of broadcasting media, it is possible to distribute meta information only within a predetermined descriptor range, but the data structure of meta information is It is difficult to change, in other words, a problem caused by lack of flexibility in the expression format of meta information.
That is, due to the lack of flexibility in the expression format of the meta information, meta information having a flexible expression format such as PICS or RDF is converted to an MP format used in digital broadcasting.
It has been difficult to distribute in accordance with the regulations of the EG system.

A third problem is a problem caused by adopting a text format as an expression format of meta information.
That is, in a system developed on WWW such as PICS or RDF, there is a problem in transmission efficiency because meta information is described in a text format, and further, among information transmission media, for example, via a broadband broadcast network. In order to selectively receive the meta information distributed by the receiver, high-speed filtering is required on the receiver side, but it is difficult to perform high-speed filtering in an expression format such as a text format.

[0011] Therefore, when distributing necessary data selectively to an information receiving side via an information transmission medium from an enormous amount of data provided from time to time from an unspecified number of information providing sources, It has long been anticipated among concerned parties to develop a new technology capable of realizing data transmission with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency while allowing a flexible meta-information expression format without depending on information transmission media. Was.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an unspecified large number of information by converting meta information into a transmission format suitable for transmission with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency and transmitting it. When distributing necessary data selectively to the information receiving side via the information transmission medium from the huge amount of data provided from moment to moment from the source,
A data distribution method capable of realizing data distribution with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency while allowing a flexible meta information expression format without depending on an information transmission medium, and a transmission device to which the data distribution method is applied It is an object to provide a receiving device, a data distribution system, and a data structure used in the present data distribution system.

[0013]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 selectively transmits necessary data from a data group provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources. A data distribution method for distributing to an information receiving side via a medium, wherein the information providing source stores content data including content to be provided in a database and stores meta information regarding the content data. Converting the stored meta information into a transmission format suitable for transmission, transmitting the content data and the converted meta information corresponding to the content data via the information transmission medium, The information receiving side refers to the meta information schema representing the structure of the meta information, and the meta information corresponding to the content data required by itself. The acquisition condition is registered in advance, and the content data and the converted meta information corresponding to the content data are received via the information transmission medium, and the registered acquisition information is included in the received meta information. Selecting meta information that satisfies a condition, and acquiring content data corresponding to the meta information based on the selected meta information, thereby selectively distributing necessary data through the information transmission medium. Is the gist.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, first, the information providing source stores content data including the content to be provided in the database, and also stores meta information regarding the content data. Next, the stored meta information is converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission.
The content data and the converted meta information corresponding to the content data are transmitted via the information transmission medium.

On the other hand, the information receiving side refers to a meta information schema representing the structure of meta information and registers in advance the conditions for acquiring meta information corresponding to the content data required by itself. Next, the content data and the converted meta information corresponding to the content data are received via the information transmission medium. Then, among the received meta information, meta information that matches the registered acquisition condition is selected, and based on the selected meta information, content data corresponding to the meta information is acquired, and the necessary data is It is selectively delivered via a transmission medium.

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the information providing source converts meta information such as RDF into a transmission format suitable for transmission with high transmission efficiency and filtering efficiency. While transmitting the subsequent meta information via the information transmission medium, the information receiving side refers to the meta information schema representing the structure of the meta information, selects meta information that matches the acquisition condition, and selects the selected meta information. The content data corresponding to the meta information is acquired based on the information transmission media. Therefore, the necessary data is transmitted from an enormous amount of data groups provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources every moment. When selectively distributing to the information receiving side via the Internet, the transmission efficiency and filtering efficiency are allowed while allowing a flexible meta-information expression format without depending on the information transmission media. It is possible to obtain data distribution method capable of realizing a high data delivery.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the information transmission medium is a broadcast medium. In this case, the information providing source transmits the converted meta information corresponding to the content data via the broadcast medium. Therefore, the gist is to describe and transmit the information in the form of a descriptor in a section conforming to the rules of the MPEG system.

According to the invention of claim 2, the information providing source is:
Since the converted meta information corresponding to the content data is described via a broadcast medium in the form of a descriptor in a section conforming to the rules of the MPEG system and transmitted.
Therefore, meta information such as RDF is
The data can be converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the G system and transmitted. As a result, an optimal data distribution method used for data distribution via broadcast media can be obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a data distribution for selectively distributing necessary data to an information receiving side via an information transmission medium from a data group provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources. The method, wherein the information providing source stores content data including content to be provided in a database, stores meta information regarding the content data, and stores the stored meta information suitable for transmission. While converting the meta information schema representing the structure of the meta information into the transmission format, the content data,
The meta information and the meta information schema after the conversion corresponding to the content data are transmitted via the information transmission medium, while the information receiving side transmits the content data and the meta information and the schema after the conversion corresponding to the content data. Receiving the meta-information and the meta-information schema through the information transmission medium, storing the received meta-information schema, and obtaining the meta-information required by itself by referring to the stored meta-information schema. By registering a condition, selecting meta information that matches the registered acquisition condition from among the received meta information, and acquiring content data corresponding to the meta information based on the selected meta information, The gist of the present invention is to selectively deliver necessary data via the information transmission medium.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, first, the information providing source stores content data including the content to be provided in the database, and also stores meta information regarding the content data. Next, the stored meta information is converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission, and the meta information schema representing the structure of the meta information is converted into the transmission format described above. Then, the content data and the converted meta information and meta information schema corresponding to the content data are transmitted via the information transmission medium.

On the other hand, the information receiving side first receives the content data and the converted meta information and meta information schema corresponding to the content data via the information transmission medium. Next, the received meta information schema is stored, and the meta information acquisition condition required by itself is registered with reference to the stored meta information schema.
Then, among the received meta information, meta information that matches the registered acquisition condition is selected, and based on the selected meta information, content data corresponding to the meta information is acquired, and the necessary data is It is selectively delivered via a transmission medium.

As described above, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the information providing source transmits meta-information such as RDF and a corresponding meta-information schema to a transmission suitable for transmission with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency. The meta information and the meta information schema after the conversion are transmitted through the information transmission medium while the information receiving side refers to the received meta information schema and selects the meta information matching the acquisition condition. Then, based on the selected meta information, the content data corresponding to the meta information is obtained.
Depends on the information transmission medium when selectively distributing necessary data to the information receiving side via the information transmission medium from the vast amount of data provided from time to time from an unspecified number of information supply sources Thus, it is possible to obtain a data distribution method capable of realizing data distribution with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency while permitting a flexible meta information expression format.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, even if the information receiving side does not have a meta information schema corresponding to the meta information transmitted from the information providing source, the meta information and the meta information schema Can be received from the information providing source, and therefore, a more convenient and practical data distribution method can be obtained as compared with the first aspect of the present invention.

Further, in the invention according to claim 4, the information transmission medium is a broadcast medium, and in this case, the information providing source stores the converted meta information schema corresponding to the content data in the broadcast medium. Through
The gist is to describe and transmit in a section format conforming to the rules of the MPEG system.

According to the invention of claim 4, the information providing source is:
Since the converted meta information schema corresponding to the content data is described and transmitted via a broadcast medium in a section format conforming to the rules of the MPEG system, the meta information corresponding to the meta information such as RDF can be obtained. The schema can be converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the MPEG system and transmitted. As a result, an optimal data distribution method can be obtained for data distribution via broadcast media.

[0026] Further, the invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the information providing source writes the converted meta information corresponding to the content data in a section conforming to the MPEG system regulations via the broadcast medium. The gist is to describe and transmit in the child format.

According to the invention of claim 5, the information providing source is:
Since the converted meta information corresponding to the content data is described via a broadcast medium in the form of a descriptor in a section conforming to the rules of the MPEG system and transmitted.
Therefore, meta information such as RDF is
It can be converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the G system and transmitted. As a result, similar to the invention of claim 4,
It is possible to obtain an optimal data distribution method used for data distribution via broadcast media.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data distribution system for selectively distributing necessary data to an information receiving side via an information transmission medium from a data group provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources. A transmission device to which the method is applied,
A database in which content data including content to be provided is stored, a providing side meta information storage unit for storing meta information regarding the content data, and a service for storing a meta information schema representing a structure of the meta information regarding the content data Side meta information schema storing means, meta information converting means for converting meta information stored in the providing side meta information storing means into a transmission format suitable for transmission, and stored in the providing side meta information schema storing means A meta information schema converting unit for converting a meta information schema into the transmission format; and meta information converted by the meta information converting unit corresponding to the content data, together with the content data stored in the database; The meta-information schema converted by the meta-information schema conversion means is stored in the Transmission means for transmitting via a transmission medium, and the gist to be configured with.

According to the invention of claim 6, first, the meta information conversion means converts the meta information stored in the providing side meta information storage means into a transmission format suitable for transmission, and converts the meta information schema. Converts the meta information schema stored in the providing side meta information schema storage means into the above-mentioned transmission format. Then, the transmitting means, along with the content data stored in the database, the meta information converted by the meta information converting means corresponding to the content data, and the meta information schema converted by the meta information schema converting means, Send via transmission media.

Thus, according to the invention of claim 6, meta-information such as RDF and a corresponding meta-information schema are converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency, Since the converted meta information and meta information schema are transmitted via the information transmission medium, the necessary data can be selected from among a huge amount of data provided from time to time by an unspecified number of information sources. Is selectively delivered to the information receiving side via the information transmission medium, without depending on the information transmission medium,
Transmission efficiency, while allowing flexible meta information representation format
Further, it is possible to obtain a transmission device capable of realizing data distribution with high filtering efficiency.

Further, according to the invention of claim 6, even when the information receiving side does not have the meta information schema corresponding to the meta information to be transmitted, the meta information and the meta information schema are addressed to the information receiving side. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a practical transmission device with improved convenience.

Further, in the invention according to claim 7, the information transmission medium is a broadcast medium, and in this case, the transmitting means corresponds to the content data and is converted by the meta information schema converting means into a meta information schema. Is described in a section format conforming to the MPEG system regulations and transmitted via the broadcast medium.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means converts the meta information schema corresponding to the content data, which has been converted by the meta information schema converting means, into a section conforming to the MPEG system regulations via broadcast media. Therefore, the meta information schema corresponding to the meta information such as RDF,
The data can be transmitted after being converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the G system. As a result, an optimal transmission device used for data distribution via broadcast media can be obtained.

Further, the invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the transmitting means transmits the meta information corresponding to the content data, which has been converted by the meta information converting means, to the MPEG system via the broadcast medium. The main point is to describe and transmit in the format of the descriptor in the specified section.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means converts the meta information corresponding to the content data, which has been converted by the meta information converting means, into a section in a section conforming to the MPEG system regulations, via broadcast media. Since the descriptor is transmitted in the form of a descriptor, meta information such as RDF can be converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the MPEG system and transmitted. As in the case of the present invention, it is possible to obtain an optimal transmitting apparatus for use in data distribution via broadcast media.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided data for selectively distributing necessary data to an information receiving side via an information transmission medium from a data group provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources. A receiving apparatus to which a distribution method is applied, wherein content data including content to be provided, and meta information corresponding to the content data and a meta information schema representing a structure of the meta information are transmitted via the information transmission medium. A receiving means for receiving, a receiving side meta information schema storing means for storing the meta information schema received by the receiving means, and a meta information schema stored in the receiving side meta information schema storing means, which is required by itself. Acquisition condition registration means for registering the acquisition condition of the meta information to be performed, and the acquisition condition registration means of the meta information received by the reception means. Selecting means for selecting meta information matching the recorded acquisition condition, and content data obtaining means for obtaining content data corresponding to the meta information based on the meta information selected by the selecting means. The point is that

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the receiving means firstly stores the content data including the content to be provided, the meta information corresponding to the content data, and the meta information schema representing the structure of the meta information. Receive via information transmission media. Next, the selection unit selects meta information that matches the acquisition condition registered by the acquisition condition registration unit from the meta information received by the reception unit. Then, the content data obtaining means obtains content data corresponding to the meta information based on the meta information selected by the selecting means.

As described above, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, by referring to the received meta information schema, the meta information matching the acquisition conditions is selected, and the meta information corresponding to the selected meta information is selected based on the selected meta information. Content data to be obtained, and therefore, from an enormous amount of data provided from time to time by an unspecified number of information providing sources, the necessary data can be selectively transmitted to the information receiving side via an information transmission medium. In this case, a receiving apparatus capable of realizing data distribution with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency while allowing a flexible expression format of meta information without depending on information transmission media can be obtained.

Further, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, even if the information receiving side does not have a meta information schema corresponding to the meta information transmitted from the information providing source, the meta information and the meta information schema Can be received from the information providing source, and therefore, a practical receiver with improved convenience can be obtained.

On the other hand, a tenth aspect of the present invention is a data distribution for selectively distributing necessary data to an information receiving side via an information transmission medium from a data group provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources. A data distribution system to which a method is applied, wherein the information providing source is a database in which content data including content to be provided is stored, and a providing side meta information storage unit that stores meta information regarding the content data; A providing-side meta-information schema storing means for storing a meta-information schema representing a structure of meta-information relating to the content data; and a meta for converting the meta-information stored in the providing-side meta information storing means into a transmission format suitable for transmission. Information conversion means, and a meta information schema stored in the providing side meta information schema storage means,
Meta information schema conversion means for converting to the transmission format;
In addition to the content data stored in the database, the meta information converted by the meta information conversion unit corresponding to the content data, and the meta information schema converted by the meta information schema conversion unit are stored in the information transmission medium. Transmitting means for transmitting the content data, and the information receiving side, the content data transmitted from the transmitting means, and meta information and meta information schema corresponding to the content data, A receiving unit that receives the information via the information transmission medium, a receiving side meta information schema storing unit that stores the meta information schema received by the receiving unit, and a meta information schema stored by the receiving side meta information schema storing unit. hand,
An acquisition condition registration unit for registering the acquisition condition of the meta information required by itself, and a selection unit for selecting, from the meta information received by the reception unit, meta information that matches the acquisition condition registered by the acquisition condition registration unit And content data acquisition means for acquiring content data corresponding to the meta information based on the meta information selected by the selection means,
The gist of the present invention is that it is provided with:

According to the tenth aspect, first, in the information providing source, the meta information converting means converts the meta information stored in the providing side meta information storing means into a transmission format suitable for transmission. The meta information schema converting means converts the meta information schema stored in the providing side meta information schema storing means into the above-mentioned transmission format. Then, the transmitting means, along with the content data stored in the database, the meta information converted by the meta information converting means corresponding to the content data, and the meta information schema converted by the meta information schema converting means, Send via transmission media.

On the other hand, on the information receiving side, the receiving means comprises:
Content data transmitted from the transmission means, and
The meta information and the meta information schema corresponding to the content data are received via the information transmission medium. Next, the selecting unit, out of the meta information received by the receiving unit,
The meta information that matches the acquisition condition registered by the acquisition condition registration unit is selected. Then, the content data acquisition means,
Based on the meta information selected by the selection means, the content data corresponding to the meta information is obtained.

Thus, according to the tenth aspect of the present invention,
The information providing source converts the meta information such as RDF and the corresponding meta information schema into a transmission format suitable for transmission with high transmission efficiency and filtering efficiency, and converts the converted meta information and meta information schema into: While transmitting via the information transmission medium, the information receiving side refers to the received meta information schema, selects meta information that matches the acquisition condition, and responds to the meta information based on the selected meta information. Since the content data is acquired, the necessary data can be selectively sent to the information receiving side via the information transmission medium from the vast amount of data provided from time to time by an unspecified number of information providing sources. When delivering,
It is possible to obtain a data distribution method capable of realizing data distribution with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency while allowing a flexible meta information expression format without depending on an information transmission medium.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, even if the information receiving side does not have a meta information schema corresponding to the meta information transmitted from the information providing source, the meta information and the meta information schema Can be received from the information providing source, and therefore, a practical data distribution system with improved convenience can be obtained.

Further, in the invention according to claim 11, the information transmission medium is a broadcast medium, and in this case, the transmitting means belonging to the information providing source is converted by the meta information schema converting means corresponding to the content data. The later meta information schema is transferred to the broadcast medium via MPEG.
The gist is to describe and transmit in section format conforming to the system regulations.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means belonging to the information providing source converts the meta information schema corresponding to the content data, which has been converted by the meta information schema converting means, into
Since it is described and transmitted in a section format conforming to the MPEG system regulations via broadcast media, a meta information schema corresponding to meta information such as, for example, RDF is transmitted in a manner suitable for transmission on the MPEG system. The data can be converted into a format and transmitted. As a result, an optimal data distribution system used for data distribution via broadcast media can be obtained.

Further, according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means belonging to the information providing source transmits the meta information corresponding to the content data, which has been converted by the meta information converting means, via the broadcast medium, The gist is to describe and transmit in the form of a descriptor in a section conforming to the MPEG system regulations.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means belonging to the information providing source converts the meta information corresponding to the content data, which has been converted by the meta information converting means, into the provisions of the MPEG system via broadcast media. Since it is written and transmitted in the form of a descriptor in a compliant section,
For example, meta information such as RDF can be converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the MPEG system and transmitted. As a result, similar to the invention of claim 11, the meta information can be used for data distribution via broadcast media. And an optimal data distribution system can be obtained.

On the other hand, the invention of claim 13 is a data distribution system for selectively distributing necessary data to an information receiving side via an information transmission medium from a data group provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources. A data structure used in a data distribution system to which the method is applied, which is configured to include a meta information description area for describing meta information regarding content data including content to be provided.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a data structure including a meta information description area for describing meta information relating to content data including content to be provided is proposed. The meta information can be transmitted by describing the meta information in the area, and as a result, the necessary data can be obtained from a huge amount of data groups provided from an unspecified number of information sources every moment. When selectively distributing to the information receiving side via the transmission medium, data transmission with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency can be realized while allowing a flexible meta information expression format without depending on the information transmission medium. Data structure can be obtained.

The gist of the invention of claim 14 is that the invention further comprises a meta-information schema description area for describing a meta-information schema representing a structure of meta-information relating to the content data.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is proposed a data structure further including a meta information schema description area for describing a meta information schema representing a structure of meta information relating to content data. Even if the information receiving side does not have a meta information schema corresponding to the meta information transmitted from the providing source, the meta information and the meta information schema can be received from the information providing source. Thus, a data structure capable of realizing practical data distribution can be obtained.

[0053]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A data distribution method according to the present invention, a transmitting apparatus to which the data distribution method is applied,
An embodiment of a receiving device, a data distribution system, and a data structure used in the present data distribution system will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, the outline of the first data distribution method according to the present invention will be described.
A data distribution method for selectively distributing necessary data to an information receiving side via an information transmission medium from a data group provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources, wherein the information providing source comprises: The content data including the target content is stored in a database, and meta information regarding the content data is stored, and the stored meta information is converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission, the content data, and While transmitting the converted meta information corresponding to the content data via the information transmission medium, the information receiving side refers to a meta information schema representing a structure of the meta information, and it is necessary for the information receiving side to transmit the meta information. The conditions for acquiring meta-information corresponding to the content data to be registered are registered in advance, and the content data and the content Receiving the converted meta information corresponding to the metadata, via the information transmission medium, selecting, from the received meta information, meta information that matches the registered acquisition condition, and On the basis of the content data corresponding to the meta information, the required data is selectively delivered via the information transmission medium.

According to the first data distribution method described above,
First, the information provider stores content data including the content to be provided in the database,
Meta information regarding content data is stored. Next, the stored meta information is converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission, and the content data and the converted meta information corresponding to the content data are transmitted via the information transmission medium.

On the other hand, the information receiving side refers to the meta information schema representing the structure of the meta information and registers in advance the conditions for acquiring meta information corresponding to the content data required by itself. Next, the content data and the converted meta information corresponding to the content data are received via the information transmission medium. Then, among the received meta information, meta information that matches the registered acquisition condition is selected, and based on the selected meta information, content data corresponding to the meta information is acquired, and the necessary data is It is selectively delivered via a transmission medium.

As described above, according to the first data distribution method, the information providing source transmits meta information such as RDF, for example,
The meta information is converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission with high transmission efficiency and filtering efficiency, and the converted meta information is transmitted via an information transmission medium. , And selects the meta information that matches the acquisition conditions, and acquires the content data corresponding to the meta information based on the selected meta information. When distributing necessary data selectively to the information receiving side via the information transmission medium from the vast amount of data provided, it is a flexible meta information expression format independent of the information transmission medium And a data distribution method capable of realizing data distribution with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency can be obtained.

Next, prior to a brief description of the second data distribution method according to the present invention, differences between the second data distribution method and the above-described first data distribution method will be described. In the first data distribution method described above, it is assumed that the information receiving side previously holds the meta information schema corresponding to the meta information transmitted from the information providing source. In the distribution method, it is assumed that the information receiving side does not previously hold the meta information schema corresponding to the meta information transmitted from the information providing source.

That is, the second data distribution method selectively distributes necessary data to an information receiving side via an information transmission medium from a data group provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources. A data distribution method, wherein the information providing source stores content data including content to be provided in a database, stores meta information regarding the content data, and transmits the stored meta information. And the meta information schema representing the structure of the meta information is converted into the transmission format, the content data, and the converted meta information and meta information corresponding to the content data. The schema is transmitted via the information transmission medium, while the information receiving side transmits the content data, Receiving the converted meta information and meta information schema corresponding to the content data via the information transmission medium, storing the received meta information schema, and referring to the stored meta information schema. Register the acquisition condition of the meta information required by itself, select the meta information that matches the registered acquisition condition from the received meta information, and, based on the selected meta information, It is characterized in that necessary data is selectively delivered via the information transmission medium by acquiring corresponding content data.

According to the above-described second data distribution method,
First, the information provider stores content data including the content to be provided in the database,
Meta information regarding content data is stored. Next, the stored meta information is converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission, and the meta information schema representing the structure of the meta information is converted into the transmission format described above. Then, the content data and the converted meta information and meta information schema corresponding to the content data are transmitted via the information transmission medium.

On the other hand, the information receiving side first receives the content data and the converted meta information and meta information schema corresponding to the content data via the information transmission medium. Next, the received meta information schema is stored, and the meta information acquisition condition required by itself is registered with reference to the stored meta information schema.
Then, among the received meta information, meta information that matches the registered acquisition condition is selected, and based on the selected meta information, content data corresponding to the meta information is acquired, and the necessary data is It is selectively delivered via a transmission medium.

As described above, according to the second data distribution method, the information providing source converts meta-information such as RDF and the corresponding meta-information schema into a high transmission efficiency and a high filtering efficiency suitable for transmission. The information is converted into a transmission format, and the converted meta information and the meta information schema are transmitted via the information transmission medium. On the other hand, the information receiving side refers to the received meta information schema to determine the meta information that matches the acquisition condition. Since the content data corresponding to the selected meta information is acquired based on the selected meta information, therefore, from among a huge amount of data groups provided from time to time from an unspecified number of information providing sources, When distributing necessary data selectively to the information receiving side via the information transmission medium, a flexible meta-information expression format is allowed without depending on the information transmission medium. While, transmission efficiency, and filtering efficiency can be obtained data distribution method capable of realizing a high data delivery.

Further, according to the second data distribution method,
Even when the information receiving side does not have a meta information schema corresponding to the meta information transmitted from the information providing source,
Since the meta information and the meta information schema can be received from the information providing source, a more convenient and practical data distribution method can be obtained as compared with the first data distribution method. .

Next, a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a data distribution system to which the above-described data distribution method is applied will be described in detail below.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic block configuration of a data distribution system including a transmitting device and a receiving device to which the data distribution method according to the present invention is applied.

As shown in the figure, the data distribution system 101 includes a plurality of transmitting devices 103 belonging to an information provider positioned as an information providing source, and a transmission device belonging to a broadcasting station similarly positioned as an information providing source. Apparatus 10
5, a plurality of receiving terminal devices 107 belonging to a user who is positioned as an information receiving side that enjoys various information, a transmitting device 105 belonging to a broadcasting station, and a plurality of receiving terminal devices 107
, And a bidirectional network 111 that connects the devices 103, 105, and 107 described above, respectively.

In FIG. 1, the data distribution system 1
The transmission device 105 belonging to one broadcasting station that forms a part of the information providing source is a component included in
However, in practice, the data distribution system 1 may include a plurality of transmission devices belonging to a plurality of broadcast stations.

Further, referring to the correspondence between each component in FIG. 1 and each component in the claims, the transmitting device 10
3, the transmitting device 105 corresponds to the transmitting device, the receiving terminal device 107 corresponds to the receiving device, and the broadcast network 10
9 and the two-way network 111 correspond to information transmission media, and the broadcast network 109 corresponds to broadcast media.

Now, the transmitting device 103 belonging to the information provider
Is configured to include a database 121 that stores content data to be provided and the like, and a server device 123 that transmits the content data stored in the database 121 to an information receiving side via an information transmission medium. .

More specifically, the transmitting device 103 belonging to the information provider stores, in its database 121, content data to be provided, a meta information schema indicating the structure of meta information relating to the data, and meta information for each content data. Hold. Examples of the content data stored in the database 121 include a WWW page. Note that the transmitting device 103 can provide the receiving terminal device 107 with the content data, the meta information schema, and the meta information via the two-way network 111.

The transmitting device 105 belonging to the broadcasting station stores the database 1 for storing content data to be provided.
31 and a server device 133 for transmitting the content data stored in the database 131 to the information receiving side via the information transmission medium.

More specifically, the transmitting device 105 belonging to the broadcasting station, in the same way as the transmitting device 103 belonging to the information provider, shows in its database 131 the content data to be provided and the structure of meta information relating to the data. It holds a meta information schema and meta information for each content data. Examples of the content data stored in the database 131 include a program to be broadcast. The transmitting device 105 belonging to the broadcasting station can provide the receiving terminal device 107 with the content data, the meta information schema, and the meta information via the broadcast network 109. Further, content data, a meta information schema, and meta information are received from the transmission device 103 belonging to the information provider via the bidirectional network 111, and the received information is transmitted to the broadcast network 10
9 can be provided to the receiving terminal device 107.

FIG. 2 shows a functional block configuration inside transmitting apparatus 105 belonging to a broadcasting station.

As shown in the figure, the transmitting apparatus 105 belonging to the broadcasting station includes a meta information schema storage section 201, a meta information storage section 202, a data storage section 203, a meta information schema conversion section 204, It is configured to include a conversion unit 205, a transmission unit 206, a communication control unit 207, and a meta information / data search unit 208.

Here, referring to the correspondence between each constituent member in FIG. 2 and each constituent member in the claims, the meta information schema storage unit 201 corresponds to the providing side meta information schema storage means, The information storage unit 202 corresponds to the provider side meta information storage unit, the data storage unit 203 corresponds to the database, the meta information schema conversion unit 204 corresponds to the meta information schema conversion unit, and the meta information conversion unit 205 corresponds to the meta information conversion unit. The transmission unit 206 corresponds to the transmitting unit.

The data storage unit 203 stores the receiving terminal device 10
7 and a content data storage function of storing content data provided to the transmission device 103 belonging to the information provider. Here, there is a case where the content data provided from the transmitting device 103 of the information providing source is temporarily stored.

The meta information schema storage unit 201 has a meta information schema storage function for storing a meta information schema representing the structure of meta information corresponding to the content data stored in the data storage unit 203. The meta information schema includes, for example, “program title”,
The structure of added meta information such as “program genre”, “broadcast time”, and “parental guide” is defined.

The type of the meta information schema stored in the meta information schema storage unit 201 is not limited to one type. The meta information schema is stored in the meta information schema storage unit 201
When a plurality of types are stored in each meta information schema, each meta information schema is identified by a meta information schema identifier. For example, if the content data is a TV program,
"Program name", "Program genre", "Parental guide"
If it is a data broadcast, the meta-data added according to the content targeted by the meta-information or the change of the times, such as “program name”, “program genre”, and “target OS type” are added as meta-information Since the structure of the information is different, there are a plurality of meta information schemas to cope with this. Further, before transmitting the meta information, a meta information schema representing the structure of the meta information is received in advance via the bidirectional network 111 or the broadcast network 109 so that the meta information schema can be updated as necessary. It is also possible to transmit to the terminal device 107.

The meta information storage unit 202 stores the data storage unit 2
It has a meta information storage function of storing meta information according to the meta information schema structure in the meta information schema storage unit 201 in association with each content data stored in the content data 03. For example, as meta information corresponding to a certain program,
"Program title: News at 7:00", "Program genre:
Meta information such as “news” and “broadcast time: 7:00 to 7:30”. It also includes the identifier of the meta information schema according to the meta information.

The meta information schema conversion unit 204 has a meta information schema conversion function for converting the meta information schema stored in the meta information schema storage unit 201 into a transmission format. The description format of the schema stored in the meta information schema storage unit 201 may be different for each target content data or each information provider 101, but the meta information schema expression format is the meta information schema conversion unit 204. Is converted to one transmission format.

The meta information conversion unit 205 has a meta information conversion function of converting the meta information stored in the meta information storage unit 202 into a transmission format. The description format of the meta information stored in the meta information storage unit 202 may be different for each target content data or for each information provider 101, but the meta information expression format is the meta information conversion unit 205.
Is converted to one transmission format.

The transmission unit 206 transmits the broadcast network 109
And multiplexes and broadcasts the meta information schema converted by the meta information schema conversion unit 204, the meta information converted by the meta information conversion unit 205, and the content data itself stored in the data storage unit 203. Network 1
09 is transmitted.

When receiving a request for a meta information schema, meta information, and content data from the receiving terminal device 107, the meta information / data search unit 208 retrieves the meta information schema, meta information, and content data that match the request conditions. It has a search function to search and retrieve.

The communication control unit 207 is connected to the two-way network 111 and, when receiving a request for the meta information schema, meta information, and content data from the receiving terminal device 107, performs a search function of the meta information / data search unit 208. And transmitting a meta-information schema, meta-information, and content data that meet the required conditions to the receiving terminal device 107 via the two-way network 111. .

The transmitting device 103 belonging to the information provider
Has a configuration similar to that of the transmission device 105 belonging to the broadcasting station except that the transmission unit 206 for transmitting to the broadcast network 109 is not provided in FIG. 2, and the description of the configuration and operation is omitted.

Next, the operation of the transmitting apparatus 105 belonging to the broadcasting station configured as described above will be described.

First, the meta information schema storage unit 201
The meta information schema that stores the structure of the meta information corresponding to the content data stored in the data storage unit 203 is stored.
The meta information according to the meta information schema structure in the meta information schema storage unit 201 is stored in association with each content data stored in the.

Before transmitting the content data, the meta-information schema conversion unit 204 converts the meta-information schema stored in the meta-information schema storage unit 201 into a transmission format. The meta information stored in the storage unit 202 is converted into a transmission format. The transmission format adopted here is a transmission format that takes into account that the transmission efficiency and the filtering efficiency in the receiving terminal device 107 are increased.

Then, the transmission unit 206 transmits the meta information schema converted by the meta information schema conversion unit 204, the meta information converted by the meta information conversion unit 205, and the content data itself stored in the data storage unit 203. Are multiplexed and transmitted to the broadcast network 109.

Note that when the communication control unit 207 receives a request for the meta information schema, meta information, and content data from the receiving terminal device 107, the communication control unit 207 performs the search function of the meta information / data search unit 208 to extract the data. The meta information schema, meta information, and content data that meet the required conditions are transmitted to the receiving terminal device 107 via the bidirectional network 111.

As described above, according to the transmission apparatus to which the data distribution method according to the present invention is applied, meta information such as RDF and the corresponding meta information schema are suitable for transmission with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency. The meta information and meta information schema after the conversion are transmitted through the information transmission medium, and therefore, a huge amount of data groups provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources every moment Among them, when selectively distributing necessary data to the information receiving side via the information transmission medium, without depending on the information transmission medium, while allowing a flexible meta information expression format, transmission efficiency, and A transmission device capable of realizing data distribution with high filtering efficiency can be obtained.

Further, according to the transmitting apparatus, even when the information receiving side does not have the meta information schema corresponding to the meta information to be transmitted, the meta information and the meta information schema are transmitted to the information receiving side. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a practical transmission device with improved convenience.

[0093] In this transmitting apparatus, when a broadcast medium is employed as the information transmission medium, the transmission section 206 functioning as a transmitting means is provided with a meta information schema functioning as a meta information schema converting means corresponding to the content data. The meta information schema converted by the conversion unit 204 can be configured to be described and transmitted via a broadcast medium in a section format conforming to the MPEG system regulations.

In this way, for example, a meta information schema corresponding to meta information such as RDF can be converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the MPEG system and transmitted. It is possible to obtain an optimal transmitting device for use in data distribution via the Internet.

Further, in the present transmitting apparatus, when a broadcast medium is employed as the information transmission medium, the transmitting section 206 functioning as transmitting means is provided with a meta information converting section functioning as meta information converting means corresponding to the content data. The meta information converted in 205 may be configured to be described and transmitted via a broadcast medium in the form of a descriptor in a section conforming to the rules of the MPEG system.

In this way, meta information such as RDF can be converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the MPEG system and transmitted. As a result, broadcast media can be transmitted as described above. It is possible to obtain an optimal transmission device for use in data distribution via the Internet.

Next, the receiving terminal device 107 belonging to the user
Will be described with reference to a functional block configuration diagram inside the receiving terminal device 107 shown in FIG.

The receiving terminal device 107 belonging to the user includes a receiving unit 301, a user profile storage unit 302, a meta information filter 303, and a meta information schema storage unit 30.
4, the profile operation unit 305, and the meta information storage unit 3
06, a data receiving unit 307, a communication control unit 308,
And a data storage unit 309.

Here, referring to the correspondence between each component in FIG. 3 and each component in the claims, the receiving unit 301
Corresponds to the receiving means, and the user profile storage unit 302
The profile operation unit 305 corresponds to an acquisition condition registration unit, the meta information filter 303 corresponds to a selection unit, the meta information schema storage unit 304 corresponds to a reception side meta information schema storage unit, and the data reception unit 307. The communication control unit 308 and the data storage unit 309 correspond to a content data acquisition unit.

[0100] The receiving section 301 is a broadcast network 109.
And has a receiving function of receiving a meta information schema, meta information, and content data transmitted via the broadcast network 109.

The user profile storage unit 302 has a user profile storage function of storing user-specific profile information that includes conditions for acquiring meta information.

[0102] The meta information filter 303 stores the user profile storage unit 30 in the meta information received by the receiving means.
2 has a selection function of selecting meta information that matches the acquisition condition selected by the user profile information stored in the user profile information.

Note that the meta-information filter 303 first converts the meta-information received by the receiving means into the meta-information once instead of selecting the meta-information which matches the acquisition condition and which targets the meta information received by the receiving means. The same applies to a case in which the storage unit 306 sequentially accumulates, and the processing of selecting the meta information that matches the acquisition condition for the stored meta information group is executed at an appropriate timing. It is possible to exhibit various selection functions.

The meta information schema storage section 304 has a meta information schema storage function of storing the meta information schema received by the receiving section 301.

The profile operation unit 305 is used when the user of the receiving terminal device 107 performs an operation input. By operating the profile operation unit 305, the profile operation unit 305 is stored in the meta information schema storage unit 304. The user-specific profile information can be generated with reference to the meta information schema.

The meta information storage unit 306 has a meta information storage function of storing meta information selected by the meta information filter among the meta information received by the receiving unit 301.

The data receiving section 307 is provided in the meta information storage section 3
The content data reception / acquisition function of receiving / acquiring content data corresponding to the meta information based on the meta information stored in 06.

The communication control unit 308 is connected to the bidirectional network 111, and transmits the meta information schema, meta information, and contents via the bidirectional network 111.
It has a communication control function for requesting or receiving.

The data storage unit 309 has a content data storage function of storing the content data received and acquired by the data reception unit 307.

Next, the operation of the receiving terminal device 107 belonging to the user configured as described above will be described.

First, the receiving unit 301 receives the meta information schema, meta information, and content data transmitted via the broadcast network 109.

The meta information schema received by receiving section 301 is stored in meta information schema storage section 304.

The user of the receiving terminal device 107 operates the profile operation unit 305 to refer to the meta information schema stored in the meta information schema storage unit 304, generate profile information unique to the user, and generate the generated profile information. Information is stored in the user profile storage unit 302.

The meta information received by the receiving unit 301 is selected by the meta information filter 303 only from the meta information that matches the acquisition condition selected by the user profile information stored in the user profile storage unit 302. The meta information obtained is stored in the meta information storage unit 306.

Based on the meta information stored in meta information storage section 306, content data corresponding to the meta information is received by data receiving section 307, and the received content data is stored in data storage section 309.

The meta information schema, meta information, and contents can be obtained by using the communication control unit 308.
Requests and receptions via the bidirectional network 111 are also possible.

As described above, according to the receiving apparatus to which the data distribution method according to the present invention is applied, the meta information matching the acquisition condition is selected with reference to the received meta information schema.
Based on the selected meta information, the content data corresponding to the meta information is acquired. Therefore, necessary data can be obtained from an enormous amount of data groups provided from an unspecified number of information sources every moment. When information is selectively delivered to the information receiving side via the information transmission medium, data transmission with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency is allowed without depending on the information transmission medium while allowing a flexible meta information expression format. A feasible receiving device can be obtained.

Further, according to the present receiving apparatus, even if the information receiving side does not have a meta information schema corresponding to the meta information transmitted from the information providing source, the meta information and the meta information schema can be stored in the information receiving apparatus. Since it is possible to receive from the providing source, it is possible to obtain a practical receiver with improved convenience.

On the other hand, according to the data distribution system to which the data distribution method according to the present invention is applied, the information providing source converts the meta information such as RDF and the corresponding meta information schema with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency. , Converted to a transmission format suitable for transmission, and transmits the converted meta information and meta information schema via the information transmission medium, while the information receiving side refers to the received meta information schema and sets the acquisition conditions. Matching meta information is selected, and based on the selected meta information, the content data corresponding to the meta information is acquired. Therefore, a huge amount of data provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources every moment When selectively distributing necessary data to the information receiving side via the information transmission media from the group, without depending on the information transmission media, While allowing representation of soft meta information, transmission efficiency, and filtering efficiency can be obtained data distribution method capable of realizing a high data delivery.

Further, according to the present data distribution system,
Even when the information receiving side does not have a meta information schema corresponding to the meta information transmitted from the information providing source,
Since the meta information and the meta information schema can be received from the information providing source, a practical data distribution system with improved convenience can be obtained.

In the present data distribution system, when a broadcast medium is employed as the information transmission medium, the transmission unit 206 functioning as a transmission unit transmits the meta information corresponding to the content data and functioning as a meta information schema conversion unit. The meta information schema converted by the schema conversion unit 204 can be configured to be described and transmitted via a broadcast medium in a section format conforming to the MPEG system regulations.

In this manner, for example, a meta information schema corresponding to meta information such as RDF can be converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the MPEG system and transmitted. An optimal data distribution system can be obtained by using the data distribution via the Internet.

Further, in the present data distribution system, when a broadcast medium is adopted as the information transmission medium, the transmission unit 206 functioning as a transmission unit is adapted to convert the meta information conversion function corresponding to the content data and functioning as a meta information conversion unit. The meta information converted by the unit 205 may be configured to be described and transmitted via a broadcast medium in the form of a descriptor in a section conforming to the MPEG system regulations.

In this way, for example, meta information such as RDF can be converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the MPEG system and transmitted. As a result, broadcast media can be transmitted as described above. It is possible to obtain an optimal data distribution system for use in data distribution via the Internet.

On the other hand, the data structure used in the data distribution system according to the present invention is provided with a meta information description area for describing meta information relating to content data including contents to be provided.

That is, since a data structure including a meta information description area for describing meta information relating to content data including content to be provided is proposed, therefore, meta information is described in the meta information description area. Can send meta information, and as a result,
Depends on the information transmission medium when selectively distributing necessary data to the information receiving side via the information transmission medium from the huge amount of data provided from time to time from an unspecified number of information supply sources Thus, it is possible to obtain a data structure capable of realizing data distribution with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency while allowing a flexible meta information expression format.

The data structure used in the data distribution system according to the present invention further includes a meta information schema description area for describing a meta information schema representing a meta information structure relating to content data.

That is, since a data structure further including a meta-information schema description area for describing a meta-information schema representing a meta-information structure relating to content data is proposed, a meta-data transmitted from an information providing source is therefore proposed. Even if the information receiving side does not have the meta information schema corresponding to the information, the meta information and the meta information schema can be received from the information providing source. As a result, practical data distribution is achieved. A feasible data structure can be obtained.

FIG. 4 shows an outline of the RDF data model. In the RDF data model, the data model is represented by a directed graph composed of a node representing a resource 401 to which metadata is added, a named attribute edge (PropertyType) 402, and a node representing its value (Value) 403. In addition, Pr in the RDF data model
opertyType is also a resource, ie PropertyTy
pe is a special node. Therefore, R
The DF data model can be represented by a triple of nodes such as (Resource, PropertyType, Value).
These triples are called assertions.

FIG. 5 shows a rating information schema as an example of a meta information schema added to a program. FIG. 5 shows that as the meta information, from the four viewpoints of violence, language, sex, and nudity, the respective degrees are ranked by numerical values of “0” to “4” and added as meta information.

FIG. 6 shows an example in which the meta information schema of FIG. 5 is described by the data model of RDF in the left part.
(This assumes a schema description by RDFSchema). Violenc as meta information (allowed property) of the program
eDF, language, sex, nudity
It is represented as a directed graph by a data model.

The right part in FIG. 6 shows a certain program (some movie) based on the RDF schema description in the left part in FIG.
An example of the RDF meta information description regarding e) is shown. viol
From the four viewpoints of ence, language, sex, and nudity, the degrees are ranked as "3", "3", "2", "2".

FIG. 7 shows an RDF data model representing the meta information schema description shown in FIG.
ation: program arrangement information) shows the result converted as a table structure. This is hereinafter referred to as a metadata definition section.
The metadata definition section includes a node identification number (node_id) 701 serving as a resource 401 and a node name 70
2 is described by the number of nodes. 703 descriptor ()
Inside, a PropertyType 402 and a Value node 403 are described.

FIG. 8 shows the structure of the metadata definition section. The description of the node 801 is 701,
702. 802 corresponds to 703 and is described by the metadata definition descriptor of FIG. 803 is described in a portion 901, and 804 is described in a portion 902. In the metadata definition descriptor, a node representing PropertyType and Value is described for each resource node described in the metadata definition table. By this description, it is an RDF data model (Resou
A set of three (rce, PropertyType, Value) is converted and described in the SI table structure.

The metadata descriptor shown in FIG. 11 describes the RDF data model representing the meta information as EIT (Event Infor
mation table) in the descriptor area of the SI table. The structure is illustrated in FIG. FIG.
The node with the number 1001 in 0 is a node representing the resource to be described. However, since this is the SI data itself in which the metadata descriptor is stored, there is no need to describe it in the metadata descriptor. Proper of number 1002 in FIG.
The tyType is 1102, and the value node with the number 1003 in FIG. 10 is described with the number 1103 in FIG.

In the case where the value node with the number 1103 in FIG. 11 is a basic data type such as a character string (String) or an integer value (Integer), the character string or the integer value is described in 1104.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show examples in which the RDF data model of FIG. 6 is described by a metadata definition section, a metadata definition descriptor, and a metadata descriptor. FIG.
An ID is assigned to each node of the RDF model as shown in 2. R
InstanceOf, all as basic vocabulary of DF schema description
Since owed-property, range, integer, etc. are pre-defined and IDs are reserved, these need not be explicitly described in the metadata definition section. Where instanceOf = 0, allowed-pro
It is assumed that IDs are reserved such as perty = 1, range = 2, integer = 3.

A number 1301 in FIG. 13 is an ID number for uniquely identifying the metadata definition section, and is described in a number 704 in FIG. The number 1302 in FIG. 13 is the identification number of the node described in the number 701 in FIG.
The number 1303 in 3 is the name of the node described in the number 702 in FIG. The descriptor (des) of the number 703 in FIG.
13, the number 1304 in FIG. 13 is the identification number of the property described in the number 901 in FIG. 9, and the number 1305 in FIG. 13 is the identification number of the node described in the number 902 in FIG. 9. Each is described.

For a certain program, for example, desc in the EIT
In the riptor area, metadata is described in the form of a metadata descriptor. Numeral 1306 in FIG. 13 indicates which schema, that is, the metadata is described based on the metadata definition section. Number 13 in FIG.
07 is the identification number of the property described in the number 1102 in FIG. 11, and the number 1308 in FIG. 13 is the number 1 in FIG.
It is the identification number of the value node described in 103. For example
proerty_id = 0 represents instanceOf, while node_id =
100 represents an Event, whereby the resource represented by this descriptor is an instance of the event,
And the type of attribute value (property) it has. pr
oerty_id = 103 represents violence, while node_id = 103
Reference numeral 3 denotes Integer, and a specific value of Integer is described in a number 1309 in FIG. This is described by reference numeral 1104 in FIG.

[Modification] FIGS. 14 and 15 show propertyType.
Not described (when PropertyType is fixed)
Indicates the property definition descriptor and property descriptor of. The property definition descriptor corresponds to the metadata definition descriptor, and the property descriptor corresponds to the metadata descriptor.
Since no description about ropertyType is made, a simple expression can be used.

[Further Modification] FIGS. 16 to 19 show another modification. FIG. 16 shows a metadata definition section. The structure is almost the same as that of FIG. 7, and the concept of the node corresponding to 701 is described by reference numeral 1602 in FIG. 16, and the description about each node, that is, the relationship between the node name and other nodes is shown in FIGS. De by descriptor
Describe in the area of scriptor (). It differs from the case of FIG. 7 in that the node name of each node is described in the descriptor () of the number 1603 in FIG.

The property definition descriptor shown in FIG. 17 corresponds to the metadata definition descriptor shown in FIG. The relationship between the node of number 1602 in FIG. 16 and the node identified by number 1702 in FIG. 17 is described by the property type of number 1701 in FIG. It is necessary to assign a value to a basic property type in advance for the property type. For example, Ins in the RDF model
Assign values to properties such as tanceOf, PropName, and PropObj.

The property descriptor in FIG. 19 corresponds to the metadata descriptor in FIG. The node defined in FIG. 16 is indicated by the node identification (node_id) of the number 1901 in FIG. Priorit number 1902 in FIG.
y is a number 1901 in FIG.
When the node identification (node_id) points to the same node, the order relation between them is shown. Whether there is an order relationship between the nodes depends on the node pointed to by the node identification (node_id).

For example, as shown in FIG. 20, news is divided into top news, international and domestic scenarios.
Considering the structure of watching along (Senario),
The presentation order of scenes in each scenario is expressed by this priority. Each scenario is given a node number of # 0 to # 3 in the metadata definition table. (node_id, priority) is (# 1, p-1) (# 2, p-
It is described as 2). That is, scene1 is TopNews
In the scenario that is presented first, International
In the second scene1 is presented (first sc
ene2 is presented). The meaning of order specification by priority is determined by order_type in the metadata definition section.

It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in other forms by appropriately changing it within the scope of the claims. .

[0146]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the information providing source converts meta information such as RDF into a transmission format having high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency and suitable for transmission. While transmitting the meta information via the information transmission medium, the information receiving side refers to the meta information schema representing the structure of the meta information, selects the meta information that matches the acquisition condition, and, based on the selected meta information, Therefore, since the content data corresponding to the meta information is acquired, the necessary data can be transmitted via the information transmission medium from the huge amount of data provided from time to time from an unspecified number of information providing sources. When selectively distributing to the information receiving side, the data with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency is allowed while allowing a flexible meta-information expression format without depending on the information transmission media. It is possible to obtain a data delivery method capable of realizing a data delivery.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the information providing source transmits the converted meta information corresponding to the content data to the descriptor of the descriptor in the section conforming to the MPEG system regulations via the broadcast medium. Therefore, meta information such as RDF can be converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the MPEG system and transmitted. As a result, data distribution via broadcast media can be performed. And an optimal data distribution method can be obtained.

Further, according to the invention of claim 3, the information providing source converts the meta information such as RDF and the corresponding meta information schema into a transmission format suitable for transmission having high transmission efficiency and filtering efficiency. Convert and transmit the converted meta information and meta information schema via the information transmission medium, while the information receiving side refers to the received meta information schema and selects meta information that matches the acquisition condition, Based on the selected meta information, the content data corresponding to the meta information is acquired. Therefore, the necessary data can be obtained from a huge amount of data groups provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources every moment. Is selectively delivered to the information receiving side via the information transmission medium, while allowing a flexible meta information expression format without depending on the information transmission medium. Transmission efficiency, and filtering efficiency can be obtained data distribution method capable of realizing a high data delivery.

Furthermore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, even if the information receiving side does not have a meta information schema corresponding to the meta information transmitted from the information providing source, the meta information and the meta information schema Can be received from the information providing source, and therefore, a more convenient and practical data distribution method can be obtained as compared with the first aspect of the present invention.

Further, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the information providing source describes the converted meta information schema corresponding to the content data in a section format conforming to the MPEG system regulations via broadcast media. Therefore, the meta information schema corresponding to the meta information such as RDF can be converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the MPEG system and transmitted.
As a result, an optimal data distribution method used for data distribution via broadcast media can be obtained.

Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the information providing source transmits the converted meta information corresponding to the content data to the descriptor of the descriptor in the section conforming to the MPEG system regulations via the broadcast medium. Since it is described in a format and transmitted, it is possible to convert meta information such as RDF into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the MPEG system and transmit it. Similarly, an optimal data distribution method can be obtained using data distribution via broadcast media.

According to the invention of claim 6, for example, R
Meta information such as DF and the corresponding meta information schema are converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission with high transmission efficiency and filtering efficiency, and the converted meta information and meta information schema are transmitted via the information transmission medium. Therefore, when the required data is selectively delivered to the information receiving side via the information transmission medium from among a huge amount of data groups provided from time to time from an unspecified number of information providing sources. Thus, it is possible to obtain a transmission device capable of realizing data distribution with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency while allowing a flexible expression format of meta information without depending on an information transmission medium.

According to the invention of claim 6, even if the information receiving side does not have the meta information schema corresponding to the meta information to be transmitted, the meta information and the meta information schema are addressed to the information receiving side. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a practical transmission device with improved convenience.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7, the transmitting means converts the meta information schema corresponding to the content data, which has been converted by the meta information schema converting means, into the MPEG system via broadcast media. Described in the section format described above and transmitted.
Meta information schema corresponding to meta information such as DF,
The data can be transmitted after being converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the MPEG system. As a result, it is possible to obtain an optimal transmission apparatus used for data distribution via broadcast media.

Further, according to the invention of claim 8, the transmitting means transmits the meta information corresponding to the content data, which has been converted by the meta information converting means, to the MPE via the broadcast medium.
Since it is described and transmitted in the form of a descriptor in a section conforming to the regulations of the G system,
Can be converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the MPEG system and transmitted. As a result, similar to the invention of claim 7, the meta information can be optimally used for data distribution via broadcast media. A simple transmission device can be obtained.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, by referring to the received meta information schema, the meta information matching the acquisition condition is selected, and the meta information corresponding to the selected meta information is selected based on the selected meta information. Because content data is acquired,
Therefore, when distributing necessary data to an information receiving side selectively from an enormous amount of data provided from time to time by an unspecified number of information providing sources, the information transmitting medium It is possible to obtain a receiving apparatus capable of realizing data distribution with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency while allowing a flexible expression format of meta information without depending on.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, even if the information receiving side does not have a meta information schema corresponding to the meta information transmitted from the information providing source, the meta information and the meta information schema Can be received from the information providing source, and therefore, a practical receiver with improved convenience can be obtained.

On the other hand, according to the invention of claim 10, the information providing source converts the meta information such as RDF and the corresponding meta information schema into a transmission format suitable for transmission having high transmission efficiency and filtering efficiency. Convert and transmit the converted meta information and meta information schema via the information transmission medium, while the information receiving side refers to the received meta information schema and selects meta information that matches the acquisition condition, Based on the selected meta information, the content data corresponding to the meta information is acquired. Therefore, the necessary data can be obtained from a huge amount of data groups provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources every moment. Is selectively delivered to the information receiving side via the information transmission medium, while allowing a flexible meta information expression format without depending on the information transmission medium. Transmission efficiency, and filtering efficiency can be obtained data distribution method capable of realizing a high data delivery.

Furthermore, according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, even if the information receiving side does not have a meta information schema corresponding to the meta information transmitted from the information providing source, the meta information and the meta information schema Can be received from the information providing source, and therefore, a practical data distribution system with improved convenience can be obtained.

Further, according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means belonging to the information providing source converts the meta information schema corresponding to the content data, which has been converted by the meta information schema converting means, into MPEG data via broadcast media. Since it is described in section format conforming to the system regulations and transmitted,
Therefore, for example, a meta information schema corresponding to meta information such as RDF can be converted into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the MPEG system and transmitted. As a result, the meta information schema can be used for data distribution via broadcast media. An optimal data distribution system can be obtained.

Furthermore, according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention,
The transmitting means belonging to the information providing source describes the meta information corresponding to the content data, which has been converted by the meta information converting means, in the form of a descriptor in a section conforming to the MPEG system regulations via broadcast media. To send,
Therefore, meta information such as RDF is
It is possible to convert the data into a transmission format suitable for transmission on the G system and to transmit the data. As a result, similar to the invention of claim 11, it is possible to obtain an optimal data distribution system used for data distribution via broadcast media. Can be.

On the other hand, according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a data structure including a meta information description area for describing meta information relating to content data including content to be provided is proposed. The meta information can be transmitted by describing the meta information in the information description area. As a result, the necessary data can be obtained from a huge amount of data provided from time to time by an unspecified number of information sources. When information is selectively delivered to the information receiving side via the information transmission medium, data transmission with high transmission efficiency and high filtering efficiency is allowed without depending on the information transmission medium while allowing a flexible meta information expression format. A feasible data structure can be obtained.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is proposed a data structure further including a meta information schema description area for describing a meta information schema representing a structure of meta information relating to content data. Since the meta information and the meta information schema can be received from the information providing source even when the information receiving side does not have the meta information schema corresponding to the meta information transmitted from the information providing source, As a result, there is an extremely excellent effect that a data structure capable of realizing practical data distribution can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block configuration diagram of a data distribution system including a transmission device and a reception device to which a data distribution method according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a functional block configuration diagram inside a transmission device 105 belonging to a broadcasting station.

FIG. 3 is a functional block configuration diagram inside a receiving terminal device belonging to a user;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an RDF data model;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schema of rating information as an example of a meta information schema added to a program;

6 is a diagram showing an example in which the meta information schema of FIG. 5 is described using an RDF data model,
The right part in FIG. 6 is the RDF of the left part in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of RDF meta information description about a certain program (some movie) based on a schema description.

FIG. 7 shows an RDF data model representing the meta information schema description illustrated in FIG. 6 in SI (Service Informatio).
(n: program arrangement information) is a diagram showing a table structure converted.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a metadata definition section.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a metadata definition descriptor.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an RDF data model;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a metadata descriptor.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the RDF data model of FIG. 6 is described by a metadata definition section, a metadata definition descriptor, and a metadata descriptor.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the RDF data model of FIG. 6 is described by a metadata definition section, a metadata definition descriptor, and a metadata descriptor.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a property descriptor. It is.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a property definition descriptor.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a metadata definition section.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a property definition descriptor.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a metadata information descriptor.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a property descriptor.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a structure in which news is viewed according to top news, international, and domestic scenarios (Senario).

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Data distribution system 103 A plurality of transmitting devices belonging to an information provider 105 A transmitting device belonging to a broadcasting station 107 A plurality of receiving terminal devices belonging to a user 109 Broadcast network 111 Two-way network 121 Database 123 Server device 131 Database 133 Server device 201 Meta Information schema storage unit 202 Meta information storage unit 203 Data storage unit 204 Meta information schema conversion unit 205 Meta information conversion unit 206 Transmission unit 207 Communication control unit 208 Meta information / data search unit 301 Receiving unit 302 User profile storage unit 303 Meta information filter 304 Meta information schema storage unit 305 Profile operation unit 306 Meta information storage unit 307 Data reception unit 308 Communication control unit 309 Data storage unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kazuo Haraoka 1-1-1, Nishiasakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo Inside the Next Generation Information Broadcasting System Research Laboratories (72) Inventor Yasuaki Yamagishi 1 Nishiasakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo No. 1-1 in the Next Generation Information and Broadcasting System Research Laboratories (72) Inventor Kazuhiro Machida 1-1-1 Nishiasakusa in Taito-ku, Tokyo F-Terminology in the Next Generation Information and Broadcasting System Research Laboratories 5C063 AA20 AB03 AB07 AC10 CA23 CA40 DA20 5K034 BB07 CC02 EE10 HH01 HH02 HH06 HH61

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A data distribution method for selectively distributing necessary data to an information receiving side via an information transmission medium from a data group provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources, The providing source stores the content data including the content to be provided in the database, stores the meta information regarding the content data, converts the stored meta information into a transmission format suitable for transmission, While transmitting the content data and the converted meta information corresponding to the content data via the information transmission medium, the information receiving side refers to a meta information schema representing a structure of the meta information. In advance, the conditions for acquiring meta information corresponding to the content data required by the user are registered in advance, and the content data is registered. And receiving the converted meta information corresponding to the content data via the information transmission medium, selecting meta information that matches the registered acquisition condition from the received meta information, A data distribution method characterized by acquiring content data corresponding to the meta-information based on the meta-information and selectively distributing necessary data via the information transmission medium. 2. The information transmission medium is a broadcast medium. In this case, the information providing source transmits the converted meta information corresponding to the content data to an MPEG system specification via the broadcast medium. 2. The data distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the data is transmitted in the form of a descriptor in a compliant section. 3. A data distribution method for selectively distributing necessary data to an information receiving side via an information transmission medium from a group of data provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources, The providing source stores content data including the content to be provided in a database, stores meta information related to the content data, converts the stored meta information into a transmission format suitable for transmission, and Converting the meta information schema representing the structure of the meta information into the transmission format, and transmitting the content data and the converted meta information and meta information schema corresponding to the content data via the information transmission medium. While the information receiving side responds to the content data and the content data. Receiving the converted meta information and meta information schema via the information transmission medium, storing the received meta information schema, and referring to the stored meta information schema to make the necessary Register the acquisition condition of the meta information, select the meta information that matches the registered acquisition condition from the received meta information, and acquire the content data corresponding to the meta information based on the selected meta information A method for selectively distributing necessary data via the information transmission medium. 4. The information transmission medium is a broadcast medium. In this case, the information providing source transmits the converted meta information schema corresponding to the content data to an MPEG system via the broadcast medium. 4. The data distribution method according to claim 3, wherein the data is transmitted after being described in a section format conforming to the standard. 5. The information providing source describes the converted meta information corresponding to the content data in the form of a descriptor in a section conforming to the MPEG system regulations via the broadcast medium. The data distribution method according to claim 3, wherein the data is transmitted. 6. A transmitting apparatus to which a data distribution method for selectively distributing necessary data to an information receiving side via an information transmission medium from a data group provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources is provided. A database in which content data including content to be provided is stored; a provider-side meta-information storage unit that stores meta-information related to the content data; and a meta-information schema representing a structure of meta-information related to the content data. Providing side meta information schema storing means for storing, and meta information stored in the providing side meta information storing means,
Meta information conversion means for converting to a transmission format suitable for transmission; meta information schema conversion means for converting a meta information schema stored in the provider side meta information schema storage means to the transmission format; The meta information converted by the meta information conversion unit and the meta information schema converted by the meta information schema conversion unit corresponding to the content data are transmitted along with the content data via the information transmission medium. A transmission device, comprising: transmission means. 7. The information transmission medium is a broadcast medium. In this case, the transmitting unit transmits a meta information schema corresponding to the content data, which has been converted by the meta information schema converting unit, via the broadcast medium. 7. The transmitting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the transmitting apparatus describes and transmits the data in a section format conforming to the rules of the MPEG system. 8. The transmitting means transmits, via the broadcast medium, meta information corresponding to the content data and converted by the meta information converting means,
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the description is made in the form of a descriptor in a section conforming to the rules of the MPEG system.
The transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 9. A receiving apparatus to which a data distribution method for selectively distributing necessary data to an information receiving side via an information transmission medium from a data group provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources is provided. Receiving means for receiving, via the information transmission medium, content data including content to be provided, meta information corresponding to the content data, and a meta information schema representing a structure of the meta information; The receiving side meta information schema storing means for storing the meta information schema received by the means, and the meta information schema stored by the receiving side meta information schema storing means are referred to, and the acquisition conditions of the meta information required by itself are registered. Acquiring condition registering means, and among the meta information received by the receiving means, matching the acquiring condition registered by the acquiring condition registering means. Selecting means for selecting meta information to be obtained, and content data obtaining means for obtaining content data corresponding to the meta information based on the meta information selected by the selecting means. Receiver. 10. A data distribution system to which a data distribution method for selectively distributing necessary data to an information receiving side via an information transmission medium from a data group provided from an unspecified number of information supply sources is provided. Wherein the information providing source includes: a database in which content data including content to be provided is stored; a provider-side meta information storage unit that stores meta information related to the content data; Providing side meta information schema storing means for storing a meta information schema representing a structure, meta information stored in the providing side meta information storing means,
Meta information conversion means for converting to a transmission format suitable for transmission; meta information schema conversion means for converting a meta information schema stored in the provider side meta information schema storage means to the transmission format; The meta information converted by the meta information conversion unit and the meta information schema converted by the meta information schema conversion unit corresponding to the content data are transmitted along with the content data via the information transmission medium. Transmitting means for transmitting, the information receiving side, the content data transmitted from the transmitting means,
Receiving means for receiving the meta information and the meta information schema corresponding to the content data via the information transmission medium; receiving side meta information schema storing means for storing the meta information schema received by the receiving means; With reference to the meta-information schema stored in the receiving-side meta-information schema storage unit, an acquisition condition registration unit that registers an acquisition condition of meta information required by itself, and among the meta information received by the reception unit, A selection unit that selects meta information that matches the acquisition condition registered by the acquisition condition registration unit; a content data acquisition unit that acquires content data corresponding to the meta information based on the meta information selected by the selection unit; A data distribution system comprising: 11. The information transmission medium is a broadcast medium. In this case, the transmission unit belonging to the information providing source converts a meta information schema corresponding to the content data, which is converted by the meta information schema conversion unit, into: 11. The data distribution system according to claim 10, wherein the data is described and transmitted in a section format conforming to the MPEG system regulations via the broadcast medium. 12. A transmitting means belonging to the information providing source, converts the meta information corresponding to the content data by the meta information converting means via the broadcast medium,
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the description is made in the form of a descriptor in a section conforming to the rules of the MPEG system.
12. The data distribution system according to 0 to 11. 13. A data distribution system to which a data distribution method for selectively distributing necessary data to an information receiving side via an information transmission medium from a data group provided from an unspecified number of information providing sources is provided. A data structure, comprising: a meta information description area for describing meta information on content data including content to be provided. 14. The data structure according to claim 13, further comprising a meta information schema description area for describing a meta information schema representing a structure of meta information regarding the content data.