JP2017092580A - Broadcast receiver, broadcast reception method, and broadcast reception program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication service capable of stably receiving a stream.SOLUTION: A broadcast receiver that is a stream obtained by dividing information of content into a plurality of packets, comprises: a plurality of communication parts which can receive the packet of the stream to be multi-casted or broadcasted; and switching part that performs switch processing for switching the communication part to be received the packet. The switch part allows the switch processing to receive the packet in parallel to the communication part of a switch source and switch destination. Thereafter, the reception of packet by the communication part of the switch source is stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a broadcast receiving apparatus, a broadcast receiving method, and a broadcast receiving program, and more particularly to a broadcast receiving apparatus, a broadcast receiving method, and a broadcast receiving program that receive a stream in which content information is divided into a plurality of packets.

  In an IPTV service, which is a video service using an IP network, specifications necessary for providing an IP broadcast service to a fixed receiver are defined (IPTV Forum, “IP Broadcast Specification (IPTVFJ STD-0004 1. 0 version) ”, formulated on September 1, 2008 (see Non-Patent Document 1)).

  The IP broadcast service is a broadcast-type service provided by multicast streaming. The service provider transmits a service stream transmitted from the content provider by multicast, and the service provider creates and transmits the service stream by itself. There is.

  As a technique for stabilizing communication, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 4768615) discloses the following configuration. That is, a transmitter comprising a destination station that includes a receiver and a source station that includes a transmitter that communicates with a receiver on a wireless interface via a common logical channel. The first buffer to store and the maximum duration before the outer code block needs to be transmitted are determined and based on the amount of user information stored in the first buffer, Determine the optimal size of the information block that allows the user information row to occupy the information block so that the (unfilled) portion is reduced, and begin encoding the user information row In response to a request from the schedule planning unit that generates the request and the schedule planning unit, the line of user information is divided to fit the information block having the optimum size, and the user is related to the information block. − Use information blocks to generate segmentation and concatenation units that generate a length indicator within each information block indicating the end of a line of information, and redundant blocks that are added to the information block to create an outer code block An external encoding device provided on a radio link control (RLC) layer, comprising an external encoder.

  Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 4282648) discloses the following configuration. That is, the communication apparatus includes an address storage unit that stores a predetermined link layer address, and connects to one of a plurality of networks including a specific network, and stores the connected network in the address storage unit. A plurality of communication interfaces for transmitting a frame having a link layer address as a transmission source address and receiving a frame having a link layer address stored in the address storage means as a destination address from the connected network; and the specific network A first storage means for storing a predetermined specific link layer address for communicating with the upper communication device; and a communication device on the specific network and the specific link layer address among the plurality of communication interfaces. Slave interface used for communication A second storage means for storing the original link layer address of the case, a detection means for detecting a communication interface connected to the specific network among the plurality of communication interfaces, and a connection to the specific network If one of the communication interfaces is selected as the slave interface, and the communication means different from the current slave interface is selected as a new slave interface by the selection means, the current slave interface After writing the link layer address stored in the second storage unit to the address storage unit, the link layer address stored in the address storage unit of the communication interface newly selected as the slave interface is 2 rememberers And rewriting the link layer address stored in the address storage means to the specific link layer address, so that only the selected communication interface among the plurality of communication interfaces has the specific link layer address. Setting means for setting the slave interface.

Japanese Patent No. 4768615 Japanese Patent No. 4282648

IPTV Forum, “IP Broadcast Specification (IPTVFJ STD-0004 1.0 Edition)”, formulated on September 1, 2008

  For example, when a plurality of network interfaces for transmitting streams are provided in homes and offices where the above IPTV service is provided, a configuration in which the network interface is switched according to the communication environment, communication contents, and the like is conceivable. .

  However, when such interface switching is performed, the stream data may be interrupted, and the viewing content of the broadcast program may be lost.

  Here, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is a technique related to a network mechanism, and needs to be modified on the network side. Therefore, for example, it is not easy to adopt in a service that is already in operation.

  Further, the technique described in Patent Document 2 is premised on one-to-one communication, and is difficult to adopt for a service that provides streaming by multicast such as an IPTV service.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a broadcast receiving apparatus, a broadcast receiving method, and a broadcast receiving capable of easily realizing a communication service capable of stably receiving a stream. Is to provide a program.

  (1) In order to solve the above-described problem, a broadcast receiving apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a stream in which content information is divided into a plurality of packets, and receives the packet of a multicast or broadcast stream. A plurality of possible communication units, and a switching unit that performs a switching process for switching the communication unit to receive the packet, the switching unit in the switching process, the communication unit that is the switching source and the switching destination In parallel with the communication unit, the packet is received, and then the reception of the packet by the switching source communication unit is stopped.

  (5) In order to solve the above-described problem, a broadcast receiving method according to an aspect of the present invention is a stream in which content information is divided into a plurality of packets, and receives the packet of a multicast or broadcast stream. A broadcast receiving method in a broadcast receiving device including a plurality of possible communication units, the method comprising: receiving the packet; and switching the communication unit to receive the packet, and switching the communication unit Causes the switching source communication unit and the switching destination communication unit to receive the packet in parallel, and then stops receiving the packet by the switching source communication unit.

  (6) In order to solve the above-described problem, a broadcast receiving program according to an aspect of the present invention is a broadcast receiving program used in a broadcast receiving apparatus, and the computer divides content information into a plurality of packets. A program for causing a stream to function as a plurality of communication units capable of receiving the packet of a multicast or broadcast stream, and a switching unit that performs a switching process for switching the communication unit to receive the packet. And the switching unit causes the switching source communication unit and the switching destination communication unit to receive the packet in parallel in the switching process, and then receives the packet by the switching source communication unit. Stop.

  The present invention can be realized not only as a broadcast receiving apparatus including such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the broadcast receiving apparatus, or as a system including the broadcast receiving apparatus. You can do it.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the communication service which can receive a stream stably can be implement | achieved easily.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing in detail a part of the configuration of the broadcast system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast receiving apparatus in the broadcast system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart defining an operation procedure when the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention performs content viewing preparation processing.

  First, the contents of the embodiment of the present invention will be listed and described.

  (1) A broadcast receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is a stream in which content information is divided into a plurality of packets, and a plurality of communication units capable of receiving the packets of a multicast or broadcast stream A switching unit that performs a switching process for switching the communication unit that should receive the packet, and the switching unit performs the switching process in parallel with the communication unit that is the switching source and the communication unit that is the switching destination. The packet is received, and then the reception of the packet by the switching source communication unit is stopped.

  In this way, communication is continued with a configuration in which a multicast or broadcast stream that is difficult to retransmit is received from both the switching source and switching destination network interfaces, and then the switching source network interface is disabled. However, the network interface can be switched according to the communication environment, communication content, and the like. In addition, it is not necessary to modify the network side such as a router, and such a function can be easily adopted in, for example, a broadcast receiving apparatus in a service already in operation. Therefore, the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention can easily realize a communication service capable of stably receiving a stream.

  (2) Preferably, the plurality of communication units receive the packet by different types of communication methods.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to select an optimal type of communication method according to the communication environment, communication content, and the like while continuing communication by the switching process.

  (3) Preferably, the communication unit transmits the transmission request for the stream to another device, and the switching unit continues the reception of the packet in the switching process by the communication unit of the switching source. The transmission request is transmitted to the communication unit at the switching destination.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to shift a multicast or broadcast stream to a state in which a communication partner apparatus transmits to both the switching source and switching destination network interfaces in one broadcast receiving apparatus.

  (4) Preferably, the communication unit that is the switching source receives the packet by wireless communication, and the communication unit that is the switching destination receives the packet by wired communication.

  With such a configuration, for example, at the beginning of the installation of the broadcast receiving device, while receiving stream distribution at an early stage by convenient wireless communication, the performance and stability are high without causing any loss in the viewing content of a broadcast program or the like. By switching to wired communication, the communication environment and communication contents can be improved.

  (5) A broadcast receiving method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of communication units that are streams in which content information is divided into a plurality of packets and that can receive the packets of a multicast or broadcast stream. A broadcast receiving method in a broadcast receiving apparatus comprising: a step of receiving the packet; and a step of switching the communication unit that should receive the packet. In the step of switching the communication unit, the communication of the switching source And the communication unit that is the switching destination receive the packet in parallel, and then the reception of the packet by the communication unit that is the switching source is stopped.

  In this way, communication is continued by creating a state in which multicast or broadcast streams that are difficult to retransmit are received from both the switching source and switching destination network interfaces, and then disabling the switching source network interface. However, the network interface can be switched according to the communication environment, communication content, and the like. In addition, it is not necessary to modify the network side such as a router, and such a function can be easily adopted in, for example, a broadcast receiving apparatus in a service already in operation. Therefore, in the broadcast receiving method according to the embodiment of the present invention, a communication service that can stably receive a stream can be easily realized.

  (6) A broadcast receiving program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a broadcast receiving program used in a broadcast receiving apparatus, which is a stream in which content information is divided into a plurality of packets and is multicast or A program for functioning as a plurality of communication units capable of receiving the packet of the stream to be broadcast and a switching unit for performing a switching process for switching the communication unit to receive the packet, the switching unit, In the switching process, the packet is received in parallel by the switching source communication unit and the switching destination communication unit, and then the reception of the packet by the switching source communication unit is stopped.

  In this way, communication is continued with a configuration in which a multicast or broadcast stream that is difficult to retransmit is received from both the switching source and switching destination network interfaces, and then the switching source network interface is disabled. However, the network interface can be switched according to the communication environment, communication content, and the like. In addition, it is not necessary to modify the network side such as a router, and such a function can be easily adopted in, for example, a broadcast receiving apparatus in a service already in operation. Therefore, the broadcast reception program according to the embodiment of the present invention can easily realize a communication service that can stably receive a stream.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated. Moreover, you may combine arbitrarily at least one part of embodiment described below.

[Configuration and basic operation]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a broadcast system 301 is a broadcast system that provides, for example, an IPTV service, and includes a server 201, routers 151, 152A, and 152B, and broadcast receiving apparatuses 101A and 101B.

  Hereinafter, each of the broadcast receiving apparatuses 101A and 101B may be referred to as a broadcast receiving apparatus 101.

  In FIG. 1, three routers are representatively shown, but the broadcast system 301 may be configured to further include a small number or a large number of routers. In FIG. 1, two broadcast receiving apparatuses 101 are representatively shown, but the broadcast system 301 may be configured to further include a small number or a large number of broadcast receiving apparatuses 101.

  The broadcast receiving apparatus 101 is, for example, an STB (Set Top Box), and can receive content by digital broadcasting and IP broadcasting such as VOD (Video On Demand), and can record and reproduce the received content. . The broadcast receiving apparatus 101 is connected to the server 201 via a network such as the Internet.

  The server 201 is installed in, for example, an IP broadcaster's facility, and is connected to the broadcast receiving apparatuses 101A and 101B via the routers 151, 152A and 152B constituting the network, and each broadcast is transmitted via the network. Communication with the receiving apparatus 101 is possible.

  The router 151 is connected to the upper server 201 and the lower routers 152A and 152B. The routers 152A and 152B are connected to the upper router 151 and the lower broadcast receiving apparatuses 101A and 101B.

  The server 201 transmits a stream for transmitting content such as video and music. This stream is premised on, for example, one-to-many communication push distribution, and basically cannot be retransmitted.

  Specifically, the server 201 multicasts a stream for transmitting content such as video and music. In this stream, for example, content information is divided into a plurality of IP packets, and a multicast address is inserted into the destination address field of the IP packet.

  Each of the routers 151, 152A, and 152B includes a plurality of communication units capable of transmitting the received IP packet. The communication unit receives a JOIN message from the broadcast receiving apparatus 101, and transmits a packet to the transmission source of the JOIN message. Start sending. The JOIN message is a message for requesting multicast distribution described in Non-Patent Document 1, for example.

  More specifically, the routers 151, 152A, and 152B have a plurality of communication ports. When a JOIN message that is a stream transmission request is received from the lower side, the routers 151, 152A, and 152B receive the JOIN message from the server 201 via the communication port. Transfer the stream. On the other hand, the routers 151, 152A, and 152B do not transfer a stream from the server 201 via a communication port that has not received a JOIN message. Also, the routers 152A and 152B transfer the JOIN message received from the broadcast receiving apparatus 101 to the router 151.

  For example, the broadcast receiving apparatus 101 transmits a multicast address of a stream to be received included in a JOIN message.

  When the routers 151, 152A, and 152B hold the multicast address included in the received JOIN message and receive an IP packet having the held multicast address as the destination address, the received packet is sent to the lower side via the corresponding communication port. Forward.

  The routers 151, 152A, and 152B may simply be broadcast to the lower side without limiting the transfer destination of the stream from the server 201.

  In addition, when the routers 151, 152A, and 152B perform data transmission by wireless communication using, for example, a wireless LAN, the wireless channel corresponds to a communication port.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing in detail a part of the configuration of the broadcast system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 2, broadcasting system 301 includes a display device 91, a storage device 92, a broadcast receiving device 101, and a home gateway 155.

  The home gateway (HGW) 155 has a function of a router shown in FIG. 1, for example, and is connected between the router 151 and the broadcast receiving apparatus 101.

  Each of the home gateway 155 and the broadcast receiving apparatus 101 has two communication ports that provide a network interface between the two apparatuses, and performs wireless communication such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and wired communication such as a wired LAN. It is possible to do each other. Note that each of the home gateway 155 and the broadcast receiving apparatus 101 may have three or more communication ports.

  The broadcast receiving apparatus 101 can record and play back content received from the server 201 via a network, for example. More specifically, the broadcast receiving apparatus 101 can store the content in the storage device 92 or output the content of the content to a display device 91 such as a display.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast receiving apparatus in the broadcast system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the broadcast receiving apparatus 101 includes a control unit (switching unit) 11, a wireless communication unit 12, a wired communication unit 13, buffers 14 and 15, a stream processing unit 16, and a reception unit 17. Is provided.

  In FIG. 3, two communication units are representatively shown, but the broadcast receiving apparatus 101 may be configured to include a larger number of communication units. For example, the plurality of communication units receive packets using different types of communication methods.

  Specifically, the reception unit 17 receives a user operation and outputs operation information indicating the content of the received operation to the control unit 11.

  When the operation information received from the receiving unit 17 indicates content selection such as a program by the user, the control unit 11 creates a JOIN message including a multicast address corresponding to the selected content, and the wireless communication unit 12 or the wired communication unit 13 to output.

  The wireless communication unit 12 and the wired communication unit 13 transmit the JOIN message received from the control unit 11 to the home gateway 155.

  In addition, the wireless communication unit 12 and the wired communication unit 13 receive IP packets that form a stream.

  More specifically, the wireless communication unit 12 extracts, for example, RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) packets from a plurality of IP packets received from the home gateway 155 by wireless communication, and stores the extracted RTP packets in the buffer 14.

  The wired communication unit 13 extracts, for example, RTP packets from a plurality of IP packets received from the home gateway 155 by wired communication, and stores the extracted RTP packets in the buffer 15.

  The control unit 11 acquires the RTP packet stored in the buffer 14 or 15 and stores it in the storage device 92. For example, when a predetermined number of RTP packets are accumulated in the buffer 14 or 15, the control unit 11 collectively acquires these RTP packets and stores them in the storage device 92.

  For example, the stream processing unit 16 acquires an RTP packet stored in the storage device 92, performs a decoding process on the acquired RTP packet, generates a video signal and an audio signal, and outputs the video signal and the audio signal to the display device 91.

  The display device 91 reproduces content such as a program based on the video signal and the audio signal received from the stream processing unit 16.

  The control unit 11 performs a switching process for switching a communication unit that should receive a packet. In this switching process, the control unit 11 causes the switching source communication unit and the switching destination communication unit to receive the packet in parallel, and then stops receiving the packet by the switching source communication unit.

  For example, in the switching process, the control unit 11 causes the switching destination communication unit to transmit a JOIN message in a state where the switching source communication unit continues to receive packets.

  Although the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured to include different types of communication units, that is, the wireless communication unit 12 and the wired communication unit 13, the present invention is not limited to this. The broadcast receiving apparatus 101 may be configured to include the same type of communication unit.

  Further, the broadcast receiving device 101 may be configured to include at least one of the display device 91 and the storage device 92.

[Operation]
Next, a stream transmission process in the broadcasting system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Each device in the broadcasting system 301 includes a computer, and an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU in the computer reads a program including a part or all of each step of the following flowcharts and sequences from a memory (not shown) and executes the program. Each of the programs of the plurality of apparatuses can be installed from the outside. The programs of the plurality of apparatuses are distributed while being stored in a recording medium.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart defining an operation procedure when the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention performs content viewing preparation processing.

  In the broadcast receiving apparatus 101, for example, the switching source communication unit is a communication unit that receives packets by wireless communication, and the switching destination communication unit is a communication unit that receives packets by wired communication.

  Specifically, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 3, for example, in a state where the broadcast receiving apparatus 101 and the home gateway 155 are not connected by wire, the wireless communication unit 12 is connected to the home gateway 155 via the wireless LAN. Is established (step S1).

  Next, the reception unit 17 receives a content selection operation such as a program by the user, and outputs operation information indicating the content of the received operation to the control unit 11 (step S2).

  Next, the control unit 11 creates a JOIN message including a multicast address corresponding to the selected content indicated by the operation information received from the reception unit 17 and outputs the message to the wireless communication unit 12 (step S3).

  Next, the wireless communication unit 12 transmits the JOIN message received from the control unit 11 to the home gateway 155 via the wireless LAN (step S4).

  Next, the wireless communication unit 12 receives a stream from the home gateway 155 via the wireless LAN (step S5).

  Next, the control unit 11 starts a recording process. More specifically, the control unit 11 acquires the RTP packet stored in the buffer 14 and stores it in the storage device 92 (step S6).

  Next, for example, the user connects the broadcast receiving apparatus 101 to the home gateway 155 using a LAN cable in order to comfortably view the IP broadcast by improving the communication speed or the like. The wired communication unit 13 establishes a communication connection with the home gateway 155 via the wired LAN (step S7).

  Next, when detecting the establishment of a communication connection between the wired communication unit 13 and the home gateway 155, the control unit 11 starts a switching process (step S8), and creates a JOIN message including a multicast address corresponding to the selected content. To the wired communication unit 13 (step S9). At this time, the wireless communication unit 12 continues to receive the stream from the home gateway 155 and continuously stores the extracted RTP packet in the buffer 15.

  Next, the wired communication unit 13 transmits the JOIN message received from the control unit 11 to the home gateway 155 via the wired LAN (step S10).

  Next, the wired communication unit 13 receives a stream from the home gateway 155 via the wired LAN (step S11).

  Next, the control unit 11 monitors received packets from each network interface. More specifically, the control unit 11 monitors, for example, the sequence numbers of RTP packets stored in the buffers 14 and 15 (step S12).

  Next, the control unit 11 waits until packets are ready. More specifically, the control unit 11 continues the stream reception by the wireless communication unit 12 until it is confirmed that the RTP packet has been received without interruption (NO in step S13).

  Specifically, when the data transmission delay is larger in the wireless LAN than in the wired LAN, the control unit 11 indicates that the sequence number of the latest RTP packet stored in the buffer 14 is N, and the buffer 15 Assume that the sequence number of the latest stored RTP packet is N + 3. In this case, when the N + 1 and N + 2 RTP packets are stored in the buffer 14 on the wireless LAN side, the control unit 11 determines that the RTP packets have been received without interruption.

  Alternatively, when the data transmission delay is smaller in the wireless LAN than in the wired LAN, the control unit 11 has the sequence number of the latest RTP packet stored in the buffer 14 as M and is stored in the buffer 15. Assume that the sequence number of the latest RTP packet is M-1. In this case, the control unit 11 determines that the RTP packet has been received without interruption, and discards the M-1 and Mth RTP packets in the buffer 15 on the wired LAN side. RTP packets are used.

  When the control unit 11 confirms that the RTP packet has been received without interruption (YES in step S13), the control unit 11 invalidates the wireless LAN interface that is the switching source. More specifically, the control unit 11 performs, for example, a process of stopping the operation of the wireless communication unit 12, a process of disconnecting the communication connection between the wireless communication unit 12 and the home gateway 155, or acquisition of an RTP packet from the buffer 14. A stop process is performed (step S14).

  By the way, when a plurality of network interfaces for transmitting streams are provided in homes and offices where IPTV services are provided, for example, a configuration in which the network interface is switched according to the communication environment, communication contents, and the like can be considered.

  However, when such interface switching is performed, the stream data may be interrupted, and the viewing content of the broadcast program may be lost.

  Specifically, for example, in the case of an IP-STB terminal having a plurality of network interfaces, it is common to limit the network interface used for service use to one in terms of power consumption and management of communication with the server.

  However, when IP broadcasts are recorded in the background at the time of switching the network interface in the IP-STB terminal, the stream is temporarily interrupted. Data is lost.

  Here, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is a technique related to a network mechanism, and needs to be modified on the network side. Therefore, for example, it is not easy to adopt in a service that is already in operation.

  Further, the technique described in Patent Document 2 is premised on one-to-one communication, and is difficult to adopt for a service that provides streaming by multicast such as an IPTV service.

  On the other hand, in the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of communication units are streams in which content information is divided into a plurality of packets, and the packets of the stream to be multicast or broadcast are received. It can be received. The control unit 11 performs a switching process for switching a communication unit that should receive a packet. In the switching process, the control unit 11 causes the switching source communication unit and the switching destination communication unit to receive the packet in parallel, and then stops receiving the packet by the switching source communication unit.

  In this way, communication is continued with a configuration in which a multicast or broadcast stream that is difficult to retransmit is received from both the switching source and switching destination network interfaces, and then the switching source network interface is disabled. However, the network interface can be switched according to the communication environment, communication content, and the like. In addition, it is not necessary to modify the network side such as a router, and such a function can be easily adopted in, for example, a broadcast receiving apparatus in a service already in operation.

  Therefore, the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention can easily realize a communication service capable of stably receiving a stream.

  Moreover, in the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of communication units receive packets using different types of communication schemes.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to select an optimal type of communication method according to the communication environment, communication content, and the like while continuing communication by the switching process.

  In the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of communication units transmit a stream transmission request to home gateway 155. In the switching process, the control unit 11 causes the switching destination communication unit to transmit a transmission request in a state where the switching source communication unit continues to receive the packet.

  With such a configuration, the home gateway 155, which is a communication partner device, makes a transition to a state in which a multicast or broadcast stream is transmitted to both the switching source and switching destination network interfaces in one broadcast receiving device 101. Can do.

  In the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the switching source communication unit is a communication unit that receives a packet by wireless communication, and the switching destination communication unit is a communication unit that receives a packet by wired communication. .

  With such a configuration, for example, at the beginning of the installation of the broadcast receiving apparatus 101, performance and stability can be achieved without causing loss of viewing contents such as a broadcast program while receiving stream distribution at an early stage by convenient wireless communication. Switching to high wired communication can improve the communication environment and communication contents.

  In the broadcast receiving method according to the embodiment of the present invention, first, broadcast receiving apparatus 101 receives a packet. Next, the broadcast receiving apparatus 101 switches the communication unit that should receive the packet. Here, when switching the communication unit, the broadcast receiving apparatus 101 causes the switching source communication unit and the switching destination communication unit to receive the packet in parallel, and then stops receiving the packet by the switching source communication unit.

  In this way, a state in which a multicast or broadcast stream that is difficult to retransmit is received from both the switching source and switching destination network interfaces and then the switching source network interface is disabled to continue communication. However, the network interface can be switched according to the communication environment, communication content, and the like. In addition, it is not necessary to modify the network side such as a router, and such a function can be easily adopted in, for example, a broadcast receiving apparatus in a service already in operation.

  Therefore, in the broadcast receiving method according to the embodiment of the present invention, a communication service that can stably receive a stream can be easily realized.

  The above embodiment should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  The above description includes the following features.

[Appendix 1]
A plurality of communication units capable of receiving the packet of a stream to be multicast or broadcast, wherein the content information is a stream divided into a plurality of packets;
A switching unit for performing a switching process for switching the communication unit to receive the packet,
In the switching process, the switching unit causes the communication unit that is the switching source and the communication unit that is the switching destination to receive the packet in parallel, and then stops receiving the packet by the communication unit that is the switching source. ,
The content is content provided by an IP broadcast service,
The switching unit performs the switching process in the content recording process,
The other device includes a plurality of communication units capable of transmitting the received packet,
The broadcast receiving apparatus, wherein the communication unit in the other apparatus receives the transmission request and starts transmitting the packet to a transmission source of the transmission request.

11 Control unit (switching unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Wireless communication part 13 Wired communication part 14,15 Buffer 16 Stream processing part 17 Acceptance part 91 Display apparatus 92 Memory | storage device 101,101A, 101B Broadcast receiving apparatus 151,152A, 152B Router 155 Home gateway 201 Server 301 Broadcast system

Claims (6)

A plurality of communication units capable of receiving the packet of a stream to be multicast or broadcast, wherein the content information is a stream divided into a plurality of packets;
A switching unit for performing a switching process for switching the communication unit to receive the packet,
In the switching process, the switching unit causes the communication unit that is the switching source and the communication unit that is the switching destination to receive the packet in parallel, and then stops receiving the packet by the communication unit that is the switching source. Broadcast receiving device.   The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of communication units receive the packet by different types of communication methods. The communication unit transmits a transmission request for the stream to another device,
The switching unit causes the switching destination communication unit to transmit the transmission request in the switching process in a state where the switching source communication unit continues to receive the packet. 2. The broadcast receiving apparatus according to 2. The switching source communication unit receives the packet by wireless communication,
The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit that is the switching destination receives the packet by wired communication. A broadcast reception method in a broadcast reception device including a plurality of communication units capable of receiving the packet of a multicast or broadcast stream, wherein the content information is a stream divided into a plurality of packets,
Receiving the packet;
Switching the communication unit to receive the packet,
In the step of switching the communication unit, the packet is received in parallel by the communication unit that is the switching source and the communication unit that is the switching destination, and then the reception of the packet by the communication unit that is the switching source is stopped. Broadcast receiving method. A broadcast receiving program used in a broadcast receiving device,
Computer
A plurality of communication units capable of receiving the packet of a stream to be multicast or broadcast, wherein the content information is a stream divided into a plurality of packets;
A switching unit for performing a switching process for switching the communication unit to receive the packet;
As a program to function as
In the switching process, the switching unit causes the communication unit that is the switching source and the communication unit that is the switching destination to receive the packet in parallel, and then stops receiving the packet by the communication unit that is the switching source. , Broadcast reception program.

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