Data transceiving system and method therefor Number:7,437,750 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent An object is to perform retrial processing according to the allowable volume on communication lines made available at response information receiving equipment. A broadcast unit 140, when broadcasting video and audio, includes retrial information in that broadcast, according to the allowable volume on the communication lines between the television receivers and the response information receiving equipment 150. Television receivers effect display based on the received digital data. Response information input by users is sent to the response information receiving equipment 150. The television receivers make retrial transmissions based on the received retrial information when communications could not be established with the response information receiving equipment 150. This retrial information is responsive to the allowable volume on the communication lines between the television receivers and the response information receiving equipment 150, wherefore retrial transmissions are made according to the allowable volume on the communication lines.<H transceiving, therefor, Data, transceivi, 7437750.html, Patent, pto, 7437750

Title: Data transceiving system and method therefor

Abstract: An object is to perform retrial processing according to the allowable volume on communication lines made available at response information receiving equipment. A broadcast unit 140, when broadcasting video and audio, includes retrial information in that broadcast, according to the allowable volume on the communication lines between the television receivers and the response information receiving equipment 150. Television receivers effect display based on the received digital data. Response information input by users is sent to the response information receiving equipment 150. The television receivers make retrial transmissions based on the received retrial information when communications could not be established with the response information receiving equipment 150. This retrial information is responsive to the allowable volume on the communication lines between the television receivers and the response information receiving equipment 150, wherefore retrial transmissions are made according to the allowable volume on the communication lines.

Patent Number: 7,437,750 Issued on 10/14/2008 to Sonoda, et al.

Inventors: Sonoda; Yasuyuki (Kyoto, JP), Shimoji; Tatsuya (Neyagawa, JP), Okamura; Kazuo (Hirakata, JP)
Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (JP)

Appl. No.: 09/545,851

Filed: April 10, 2000

Foreign Application Priority Data


Apr 12, 1999 [JP]			11-103619

Current U.S. Class: 725/61 ; 725/121; 725/122

Current International Class: H04N 5/445 (20060101); H04N 7/173 (20060101)

Field of Search: 725/121,122,61,131,132 709/217-219 379/92.04

References Cited [Referenced By]

U.S. Patent Documents


4829558	May 1989	Welsh
4930118	May 1990	Sugihara
5181107	January 1993	Rhoades
5270809	December 1993	Gammie et al.
5444718	August 1995	Ejzak et al.
5572517	November 1996	Safadi
5754940	May 1998	Smith et al.
5768280	June 1998	Way
5794117	August 1998	Bernard
5818825	October 1998	Corrigan et al.
5859899	January 1999	Sakai et al.
5966636	October 1999	Corrigan et al.
5978381	November 1999	Perlman et al.
5999224	December 1999	Maeda et al.
6012086	January 2000	Lowell
6035324	March 2000	Chang et al.
6112181	August 2000	Shear et al.
6237146	May 2001	Richards et al.
6381748	April 2002	Lin et al.

Foreign Patent Documents


1111889	Nov., 1995	CN
0 594 353	Apr., 1994	EP
08-139806	May., 1996	JP
08-205123	Aug., 1996	JP
8-275140	Oct., 1996	JP
09-070035	Mar., 1997	JP
09-093366	Apr., 1997	JP
09-098411	Apr., 1997	JP
09-163346	Jun., 1997	JP
09-298733	Nov., 1997	JP
10-155026	Jun., 1998	JP

Other References

European Search Report, Application No. 00303030.1-2202, Mailing Date: Jun. 18, 2002. cited by other .
Suzuki, Tatsuo et al., "A Participatory Interactive TV Program Using JoiNet.TM. System", NTT Human-Interface Labs, Sep. 13, 1996, pp. 21-28. cited by other .
Suzuki, Tatsuo et al., "JoiNet.TM. Information Communication Environment", The Institute of Electronics Information and Communication Engineers, Aug. 1995, pp. 27-32. cited by other .
Notification of Reason(s) for Refusal, Feb. 4, 2004. cited by other.

Primary Examiner: Lonsberry; Hunter B.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Studebaker & Brackett PC Studebaker; Donald R.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A data transceiving system for causing a broadcasting station to transmit data to a plurality of television receivers through broadcasting and causing said television receivers to transmit response information to response information receiving equipment via a separate communication line, wherein each of said television receivers receive determining data for determining initial transmission scheduling time and retrial information containing a retrial period transmitted by said broadcasting station at the same time, and wherein the television receivers perform the following processing: 1) calculating the initial transmission scheduling time with a random number delay time at each of said receivers using the determining data for determining initial transmission scheduling time and storing the initial transmission scheduling time in memory; 2) transmitting the response information via a separate communication line when the initial transmission scheduling time comes; 3) when communication between the television receivers and the response information receiving equipment is unsuccessful, adding the retrial period to the initial transmission scheduling time to calculate retrial transmission scheduling time, and retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the calculated retrial transmission scheduling time; 4) when the retransmission of the retrial information has failed, calculating a subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time by adding the retrial period to the retrial transmission scheduling time and altering the condition of retrial transmission based on the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time; and 5) repeating a process for retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time until the retransmission of the retrial information is successful.

2. A television receiver for displaying images in response to receipt of data transmitted by a broadcasting device and for transmitting response information to response information receiving equipment via a separate communication line, wherein the television receiver performs the following processing: 1) receiving determining data for determining initial transmission scheduling time and retrial information containing a retrial period transmitted by said broadcasting station at the same time; 2) calculating the initial transmission scheduling time with a random number delay time at each of said receivers using the determining data for determining initial transmission scheduling time, storing the initial transmission scheduling time in memory, and receiving response information via a separate communication line when the initial transmission scheduling time comes; 3) when communication between the television receivers and the response information receiving equipment is unsuccessful, adding the retrial period to the initial transmission scheduling time to calculate retrial transmission scheduling time, and retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the calculated scheduling time; 4) when the retransmission of the retrial information has failed, calculating a subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time by adding the retrial period to the retrial transmission scheduling time and altering the condition of retrial transmission based on the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time; and 5) repeating a process for retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time until the retransmission of the retrial information is successful.

3. The television receiver according to claim 2, wherein determination as to whether or not to make retrial transmissions is based on a transmission end time sent from said broadcasting device.

4. The television receiver according to claim 2, comprising detection means for detecting causes of non-establishment of communications with said response information receiving equipment.

5. The television receiver according to claim 4, comprising retrial condition alteration means for altering conditions for subsequent retrial transmissions based on said detected causes.

6. The television receiver according to claim 5, wherein said retrial condition alteration means generate notification data for altering a setting time width for retrial transmissions.

7. The television receiver according to claim 5, wherein said retrial condition alteration means suspend retrial transmissions.

8. The television receiver according to claim 4, wherein notification data is generated for notifying of said detected causes.

9. The television receiver according to claim 2, wherein time remaining for transmission is computed from a transmission end time sent from said broadcasting device, and said retrial transmission conditions are altered according to said time remaining for transmission.

10. The television receiver according to claim 2, wherein notification data is generated for notifying of results of communications with said response information receiving equipment.

11. The television receiver according to claim 10, wherein communication results are received from said response information receiving equipment and notification data is generated.

12. The television receiver according to claim 10, wherein a history of communications with said response information receiving equipment is stored in a memory and notification data is generated.

13. The television receiver according to claim 3, comprising: storing means for storing said response information to be transmitted after a delay; and notification means for notifying of said response information.

14. The television receiver according to claim 13, comprising editing means for editing said response information when an edit instruction is sent from a user.

15. A television receiver, comprising: means for receiving data sent from a broadcasting device; means for outputting display data to a display means based on said received data; means for inputting response information by an operator based on display of said display data by said display means; memory means for storing the response information, an initial transmission scheduling time, and a notification of an unsuccessful communication; retrial condition alteration means for altering conditions of a retrial transmission; and communication means for transmitting said response information via a separate communication line, wherein said receiving means receives determining data for determining initial transmission scheduling time and retrial information containing a retrial period transmitted by said broadcasting station at the same time; and wherein the communication means performs the following processing: 1) calculating the initial transmission scheduling time with a random number delay time using the determining data for determining initial transmission scheduling time, forwarding the initial transmission scheduling time to the memory means, and receiving response information via a separate communication line when the initial transmission scheduling time comes; 2) when communication between the television receiver and response information receiving equipment is unsuccessful, adding the retrial period to the initial transmission scheduling time to calculate retrial transmission scheduling time, and retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the calculated retrial scheduling time; 3) when the retransmission of the retrial information has failed, calculating a subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time by adding the retrial period to the retrial transmission scheduling time and altering the condition of retrial transmission based on the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time; and 4) repeating a process for retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time until the retransmission of the retrial information is successful.

16. A television receiver, comprising: means for receiving data sent from a broadcasting device; means for displaying data based on said received data; memory means for storing an initial transmission scheduling time; retrial condition alteration means for altering conditions of a retrial transmission; and communication means for transmitting response information via a separate communication line, wherein said receiving means determines data for determining the initial transmission scheduling time and retrial information containing a retrial period transmitted by said broadcasting device at the same time, and wherein the communication means performs the following processing: 1) calculating the initial transmission scheduling time with a random number delay time using the determining data for determining initial transmission scheduling time, forwarding the initial transmission scheduling time to the memory means, and receiving response information via a separate communication line when the initial transmission scheduling time comes; 2) when communication between the television receiver and response information receiving equipment is unsuccessful, adding the retrial period to the initial transmission scheduling time to calculate retrial transmission scheduling time, and retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the calculated retrial transmission scheduling time; 3) when the retransmission of the retrial information has failed, calculating a subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time by adding the retrial period to the retrial transmission scheduling time and altering the condition of retrial transmission based on the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time; and 4) repeating a process for retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time until the retransmission of the retrial information is successful.

17. A data receiving device, comprising: means for receiving data sent from a broadcasting device; memory means for storing an initial transmission scheduling time; retrial condition alteration means for altering conditions of a retrial transmission; and communication means for transmitting response information via a separate communication line, wherein said receiving means receives determining data for determining initial transmission scheduling time and retrial information containing a retrial period transmitted by said broadcasting device at the same time, and wherein the communication means performs the following processing: 1) calculating the initial transmission scheduling time with a random number delay time using the determining data for determining initial transmission scheduling time, forwarding the initial transmission scheduling time to the memory means, and receiving response information via a separate communication line when the initial transmission scheduling time comes; 2) when communication between the data receiving device and response information receiving equipment is unsuccessful, adding the retrial period to the initial transmission scheduling time to calculate retrial transmission scheduling time, and retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the calculated retrial transmission scheduling time; 3) when the retransmission of the retrial information has failed, calculating a subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time by adding the retrial period to the retrial transmission scheduling time and altering the condition of retrial transmission based on the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time; and 4) repeating a process for retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time until the retransmission of the retrial information is successful.

18. The data receiver according to claim 17, wherein determination as to whether or not to make retrial transmission is made based on transmission end time provided by said broadcasting device.

19. The data receiver according to claim 17, comprising detection means for detecting causes of non-establishment of communications with said response information receiving equipment.

20. A television receiver, comprising: a tuner for selecting a transport stream from data sent from a broadcasting device; a transport stream decoder for selecting display data of a desired service from said selected transport stream; an AV decoder for outputting said display data of said selected service to a monitor; a control input unit for a user to input response information; a line communication unit for sending said response information via a separate communication line; a CPU; retrial condition alteration means for altering conditions of a retrial transmission; and a memory in which a control program for said CPU is stored, and in which an initial transmission scheduling time is stored; wherein said tuner receives determining data for determining initial transmission scheduling time and retrial information transmitted by said broadcasting device at the same time, and wherein said control program performs the following processing: 1) calculating the initial transmission scheduling time with a random number delay time using the determining data for determining initial transmission scheduling time, forwarding the initial transmission scheduling time to the memory, and receiving response information via a separate communication line when the initial transmission scheduling time comes; 2) when communication between the line communication unit and the response information receiving equipment is unsuccessful, adding the retrial period to the initial transmission scheduling time to calculate retrial transmission scheduling time, and retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the calculated retrial transmission scheduling time; 3) when the retransmission of the retrial information has failed, calculating a subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time by adding the retrial period to the retrial transmission scheduling time and altering the condition of retrial transmission based on the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time; and 4) repeating a process for retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time until the retransmission of the retrial information is successful.

21. A data transceiving method for receiving data from a broadcast device and sending response information via a separate communication line to a response information receiving equipment, comprising: transmitting data for determining initial transmission scheduling time and retrial information containing a retrial period transmitted at the same time from said broadcasting device; receiving the determining data for determining the initial transmission scheduling time and retrial information containing the retrial period transmitted by the broadcasting station at the same time, calculating the initial transmission scheduling time with a random number delay time using the determining data for determining initial transmission scheduling time; storing the initial transmission scheduling time in memory; sending response information via a separate communication line to the response information receiving equipment at the initial transmission scheduling time thus determined; adding the retrial period to the initial transmission scheduling time to calculate retrial transmission scheduling time and retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the calculated retrial transmission scheduling time when communication between the television receiver and the response information receiving equipment is unsuccessful; calculating a subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time by adding the retrial period to the retrial transmission scheduling time and altering the condition of retrial transmission based on the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time, when the retransmission of the retrial information has failed; and repeating a process for retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time until the retransmission of the retrial information is successful.

22. A executable program embodied in a recording medium for controlling, by a computer, a television receiver that receives data broadcast from a broadcasting device and sends response information to response information receiving equipment via a separate communication line, wherein said executable program comprises instructions of: receiving determining data for determining initial transmission scheduling time and retrial information containing a retrial period transmitted at the same time from said broadcasting device; calculating the initial transmission scheduling time with a random number delay time using the determining data for determining initial transmission scheduling time; storing the initial transmission scheduling time in memory; sending response information via a separate communication line to the response information receiving equipment at the initial transmission scheduling time thus determined; adding the retrial period to the initial transmission scheduling time to calculate retrial transmission scheduling time, and retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the calculated retrial transmission scheduling time when communication between the television receiver and the response information receiving equipment is unsuccessful; calculating a subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time by adding the retrial period to the retrial transmission scheduling time and altering the condition of retrial transmission based on the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time, when the retransmission of the retrial information has failed; and repeating a process for retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time until the retransmission of the retrial information is successful.

23. A data receiving device, comprising: a tuner for receiving data sent from a broadcasting device; a memory for storing an initial transmission scheduling time and a notification of an unsuccessful communication; retrial condition alteration means for altering conditions of a retrial transmission; and a communication unit for transmitting response information via a separate communication line, wherein said tuner receives determining data for determining initial transmission scheduling time and retrial information containing a retrial period transmitted by said broadcasting device at the same time, and wherein the communication unit performs the following processing: 1) calculating the initial transmission scheduling time with a random number delay time using the determining data for determining initial transmission scheduling time, forwarding the initial transmission scheduling time to the memory, and receiving response information via a separate communication line when the initial transmission scheduling time comes; 2) when communication between the data receiving device and response information receiving equipment is unsuccessful, adding the retrial period to the initial transmission scheduling time to calculate retrial transmission scheduling time, and retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the calculated retrial transmission scheduling time; 3) when the retransmission of the retrial information has failed, calculating a subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time by adding the retrial period to the retrial transmission scheduling time and altering the condition of retrial transmission based on the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time; and 4) repeating a process for retransmitting the retrial information via a separate communication line at the subsequent retrial transmission scheduling time until the retransmission of the retrial information is successful.

24. The data receiver according to claim 23, wherein determination as to whether or not to make retrial transmission is made based on transmission end time provided by said broadcasting device.

25. The data receiver according to claim 23, comprising detection means for detecting causes of non-establishment of communications with said response information receiving equipment.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 11-103619 (filed on Apr. 12, 1999), including specification, claims, drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a data transceiving system, and particularly to retrial transmission.

2. Description of the Related Art

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-275140/1996 (published) a bidirectional program response apparatus is disclosed for randomly delaying transmission times from the time of a response operation, receiving terminal by receiving terminal, in order to prevent the concentration of transmissions of response information to a bidirectional program. Using such an apparatus, the actual times of transmissions from a broadcast receiving party are delayed and dispersed even when response operations are temporarily concentrated for the broadcast. Thus it is possible to avoid telephone line blowout between the receiving terminals and the center.

The following problem arises, however, when the time of response information transmission is delay-processed in this manner. In cases where, as a result of a delayed transmission, a telephone connection with the center cannot be made, even though a user believes that a shopping request has been made, a situation will arise where no response information has actually been transmitted to the center.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a data transceiving system or method therefor wherewith the problem noted above can be resolved, and, when response information has been transmitted after a delay, the response information receiving equipment can more definitely receive the response information.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a data transceiving system or method therefor wherewith retrials can be made according to the allowed volume on the communication line between the response information receiving equipment and the television receivers.

In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, there is provided a data transceiving system wherein: data are sent from a broadcasting station to a plurality of television receivers by broadcasting; response information is sent from said television receivers to response information receiving equipment by communication lines; and said broadcast station makes transmissions inclusive of retrial information to enable said television receivers to make retrial transmissions when said television receivers are unable to establish communications with said response information receiving equipment.

In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, there is provided a data transceiving system wherein: data are sent from a broadcasting station to a plurality of television receivers by broadcasting; response information is sent from said television receivers to response information receiving equipment by communication lines; and said television receivers, upon receiving data containing retrial information to enable retrial transmissions with said response information receiving equipment when communications could not be established with said response information receiving equipment, retransmit said response information on basis of that retrial information.

In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, there is provided a data transceiving system comprising: a broadcast unit for broadcasting data; a plurality of television receivers for receiving said data and transmitting response information over communication lines; and response information receiving equipment, connected via said communication lines to said television receivers, for receiving response information from said television receivers; wherein: said broadcast unit sends retrial information, according to allowable volume of said communication lines, included in said data; and said television receivers retrial-transmit said response information on basis of said retrial information received when communications could not be established with said response information receiving equipment.

In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, there is provided a television receiver for receiving data broadcast from a broadcast unit and displaying images, and transmitting response information to response information receiving equipment over communication lines, wherein: said response information is retrial-transmitted to said response information receiving equipment, on basis of retrial information received from said broadcast unit, when communications could not be established with said response information receiving equipment.

In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, there is provided a television receiver comprising: means for receiving data sent from a broadcast unit; means for outputting display data based on said received data to display means; and communication means, being means that transmit said response information over communication lines, for retrial-transmitting said response information, on basis of retrial information contained in said received data, when communications could not be established with said response information receiving equipment.

In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, there is provided a television receiver comprising: means for receiving data sent from a broadcast unit; means for displaying display data based on said received data; and communication means, being means that transmit response information over communication lines, for retrial-transmitting said response information, on basis of retrial information sent from said broadcast unit, when communications could not be established with response information receiving equipment.

In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, there is provided a data receiver comprising: means for receiving data sent from a broadcast unit; and communication means for sending response information over communication lines; wherein: said communication means retrial-transmit said response information, based on retrial information contained in said data received, when communications could not be established with response information receiving equipment.

In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, there is provided a data transceiving system wherein: data are sent from a broadcast station to a plurality of data receivers by broadcasting; response information is sent after a delay from said plurality of data receivers to response information receiving equipment by communication lines; said broadcast station sends retrial information contained in said data; said data receiver resends said response information based on said retrial information when communications could not be established with said response information receiving equipment; and said response information receiving equipment, upon receiving said response information from said data receiver, notifies a user of said data receiver that response information was received by a communication line other than said communication lines.

In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, there is provided a television receiver comprising: a tuner for selecting a transport stream from data sent from a broadcast unit; a transport decoder for selecting display data of a desired service from said selected transport stream; an AV decoder for outputting said display data of said selected service to a monitor; a control input unit wherewith a user inputs response information; a line communication unit for sending said response information over a communication line; a CPU; and a memory in which a control program for said CPU is stored; wherein: said control program retrial-transmits said response information via said line communication unit, based on retrial information contained in said data, when communications could not be established with said response information receiving equipment.

In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, there is provided a data transceiving system comprising: a server wherein prescribed data are stored in memory unit; and a plurality of computers capable of being connected to said server; wherein: said server, when said computers send download requests to said server, send data specified by said download requests to said computers; said server, upon receiving said download requests, sends download request transmission-delaying programs to said computers making those download requests; and said computers send download requests, after a delay, to said server, based on said download request transmission-delaying program.

In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, there is provided a data transceiving system server which, being a server connected to a plurality of computers, upon receiving a download request from any computer, does not cause data specified by that download request to be transmitted to said computer making that download request, but rather sends thereto a download request transmission-delaying program which sends download requests to said server after a delay.

In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, there is provided a data transceiving system comprising: a broadcast unit for broadcasting data: a plurality of data receivers for receiving said data and transmitting response information over communication lines; and response information receiving equipment connected to said data receivers via said communication lines for receiving response information from said data receivers; wherein: said broadcast unit sends probability variation data, included in said data, wherewith probability of generating a transmission time varies over time; and said data receivers determine transmission scheduling times for transmitting to said response information receiving equipment on basis of said received probability variation data.

In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, there is provided a data transceiving system for transmitting data by broadcast from a broadcast station to a plurality of data receivers, and transmitting response information from said data receivers to response information receiving equipment by communication lines, wherein: said receivers, upon receiving probability variation data wherewith the probability wherewith transmission times are generated varies over time from said broadcast unit, determine transmission scheduling times for transmitting to said response information receiving equipment on basis of said received probability variation data.

In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, there is provided a data receiver for receiving data broadcast from a broadcast unit and sending response information over a communication line to response information receiving equipment, wherein: transmission scheduling times for transmitting to said response information receiving equipment are determined on basis of received probability variation data, when said probability variation data, wherewith probability with which transmission times are generated varies over time, are received from said broadcast unit.

In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, there is provided a data transceiving method for receiving broadcast data and sending response information over communication lines, wherein: when data inclusive of retrial information according to allowable volume on said communication lines are received, when communication could not be established using said communication lines, said response information are retrial-transmitted on basis of said received retrial information.

In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, there is provided a data transceiving method for sending response information over communication lines when data broadcast are received, wherein: said data include probability variation data wherewith probability of generating a transmission time varies over time; and transmission scheduling times for transmitting over said communication lines are determined on basis of said received probability variation data.

While the novel features of the invention are set forth in a general fashion, both as to organization and content. Other objects and features of the present invention will be more apparent to those skilled in the art on consideration of the accompanying drawings and following specification wherein are disclosed several exemplary embodiments of the invention with the understanding that such variations, modifications and elimination of parts may be made therein as fall within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing how radio signals are sent in satellite broadcasting;

FIG. 2 is a diagram representing the configuration of transmitters in satellite broadcasting;

FIG. 3 is a diagram representing a transport stream sent in satellite broadcasting;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the structure of packeted data;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the content of control data PMT1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of the content of control data PAT;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of the content of control data NIT;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a common configuration for a receiver unit;

FIG. 9 is an overall configuration diagram of a bidirectional transceiving system according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a detailed functional block diagram for the receiver shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagram representing a transmitted transport stream;

FIG. 12 is a diagram of the content of control data PMT1;

FIG. 13 is a diagram of the content of control data PAT;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of the content of navigation data NVT1;

FIG. 15 is a diagram of the content of navigation data NVT2;

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a hardware configuration in a receiver;

FIG. 17 is a detailed diagram of an AV decoder 52;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for a program in reception processing;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for a program that interprets and executes navigation data;

FIG. 20 is a diagram of an external view of a remote control apparatus 78;

FIG. 21 is a diagram representing a household product television shopping screen displayed on a TV set 46;

FIG. 22 is a diagram representing a household product television shopping screen displayed on the TV set 46;

FIG. 23 is a diagram representing an apparel product television shopping screen displayed on the TV set 46;

FIG. 24 is a delayed transmission registration information table;

FIG. 25 is a delayed transmission registration processing flowchart;

FIG. 26 is a delayed transmission registration processing flowchart;

FIG. 27 is a diagram of the content of a communication log recorded in a memory 60;

FIGS. 28A, 28B, and 28C are examples of a probability density function;

FIGS. 29A, 29B, and 29C are examples of a probability distribution function;

FIG. 30 is a diagram of how still videos are transferred; and

FIG. 31 is a diagram for describing another embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Table of Contents

1. Satellite Broadcast System Overview 1.1 Radio Signal Transmission in Satellite Broadcasting 1.2 Transmitter Unit Configuration 1.3 Transport Stream Structure 1.4 Receiver Unit Configuration 2. Bidirectional Transceiving System 1 2.1 Overview 2.2 Detailed Description 2.3 Transmission Data 2.4 Concrete Configuration Example for and Operation of Receiver 2.5 Delayed Transmission Processing 2.6 Cause Detection Processing for Delayed Transmissions 2.7 Computation of Initial Scheduled Transmission Time 3. Other Embodiments

A description is given below of the present invention as applied to satellite broadcasting. If data broadcasting is in view, however, the present invention can be applied to ground wave broadcasting, cable TV and other land line broadcasting, and internet broadcasting, etc. Before describing an embodiment of the present invention, an overview of a satellite broadcasting system is first given.

1. Satellite Broadcasting System Overview

1.1 Radio Signal Transmission in Satellite Broadcasting

In FIG. 1 is represented a model of how radio signals are sent in satellite broadcasting. A radio signal from a ground station 2 is sent via a broadcast satellite 4 back to earth. Multiple transport streams TS1, TS2, and TS3 are sent from the broadcast satellite 4. These transport streams are differentiated by frequency and plane of polarization, etc.

In the transport stream TS1, a plurality of services (corresponding to channels in ground wave broadcasting) SV11, SV12, SV13, and SV14 are packeted and multiplexed by time division. In transport stream TS2, similarly, services SV21, SV22, SV23, and SV24 are multiplexed, and in transport stream TS3, services SV31, SV32, SV33, and SV34 are multiplexed. In each transport stream, furthermore, in addition to video data and audio data for the services, control data for indicating program information, control data for indicating the current time, and control data that are necessary in connection with packeting, etc., are also sent.

In FIG. 1, three transport streams are represented. In actual practice, however, many more transport streams are sent. In FIG. 1, furthermore, four services are shown multiplexed in each transport stream. In actual practice, however, many more services are multiplexed.

1.2 Transmitter Unit Configuration

In FIG. 2 is represented a configuration for a transmitter unit for generating and transmitting the transport streams described in the foregoing. Only the transport stream TS1 is represented in FIG. 2, but the other transport streams TS2 and TS3 are generated in the same way.

Video/audio data ES11 of the service SV11 are compressed by an encoder E1 and sent to a multiplexer 10. Similarly, video/audio data ES12 of the service SV12 are compressed by an encoder E2 and sent to the multiplexer 10, video/audio data ES13 of the service SV13 are compressed by an encoder E3 and sent to the multiplexer 10, and video/audio data ES14 of the service SV14 are compressed by an encoder E4 and sent to the multiplexer 10.

A control data generator 6 generates control data for packet multiplexing, control data for indicating program information, and control data for indicating the current time. The control data for packet multiplexing are added for such purposes as correctly identifying the video/audio data of the plurality of services time-divided and packeted.

The multiplexer 10 time-divides the control data and the compressed video/audio data ES11, ES12, ES13, and ES14 to form fixed-length packets which it sends as transport stream TS1.

A scrambler 12 scrambles the output packets using a scrambling key provided by a scrambling key controller 16. The scrambled transport stream TS1 is modulated in a modulator 14 and broadcast to viewers via the broadcast satellite 4.

The scrambling key used in the scrambler 12 is encrypted by an ECM generator 8 and rendered into ECM (entitlement control message) data. That is, ECM data are generated that further encrypt a key for undoing the scrambling. The multiplexer 10 forms packets that include these ECM data.

1.3 Transport Stream Structure

In the transport stream TS1 generated by the transmitter unit diagrammed in FIG. 2 are multiplexed the video data ES(V)1 and audio data ES(A)1 of the service SV11, the video data ES(V)2 and audio data ES(A)2 of the service SV12, the video data ES(V)3 and audio data ES(A)3 of the service SV13, and the video data ES(V)4 and audio data ES(A)4 of the service SV14, as diagrammed in FIG. 3.

Control data NIT, PAT, PMT1, PMT2, PMT3, and PMT4 for packet multiplexing are also multiplexed. The these control data can separate the multiplexed video/audio data of the services SV11, SV12, SV13, and SV14.

In addition, control data ECM1, ECM2, ECM3, and ECM4 for scrambling keys, control data EIT1, EIT2, EIT3, and EIT4 for indicating program information, and control data TDT for indicating the current time, etc., are multiplexed. In actual practice, moreover, much more control data are multiplexed (not shown in drawings).

Packeting is performed as indicated by the vertical line 18a in FIG. 18. That is, packeting is performed in the order of control data NIT, PAT, PMT, EIT, TDT, ECM, video data ES(V), and audio data ES(A). When the packeting is completed to the audio data ES(A)4, packeting is then repeated beginning with control data NIT (cf. vertical line 18b).

In FIG. 4 is diagrammed the basic structure of packeted data. Both control data and video/audio data are made into packets having the data structure diagrammed in FIG. 4. A PIDentification (hereinafter referred to as PID) is attached at the head of the packeted data. The PID is a code that is uniquely added to each of the packets to identify them. The content data are the data to be packeted (control data, video/audio data, etc.).

In FIG. 5 are diagrammed the data content of the control data PMT1 for packet multiplexing. In PMT1 are written the PID for the video data ES(V)1 and ES(A)1 for the service SV11, and the PID for the ECM1 for unscrambling those data. In PMT2, PMT3, and PMT4 are similarly written PIDs for the services SV12, SV13, and SV14, respectively.

As diagrammed in FIG. 6, in the PAT are written the PID for the PMT1 corresponding to the service SV11, the PID for the PMT2 corresponding to the service SV12, the PID for the PMT3 corresponding to the service SV13, and the PID for the PMT4 corresponding to the service SV14.

As diagrammed in FIG. 7, in the NIT are written such transmission specifications as frequency and plane of polarization for all of the transport streams TS1, TS2, and TS3, together with lists of services multiplexed in those transport streams. Thus it is possible to know to which transport stream of what frequency a given service has been multiplexed.

1.4 Receiver Unit Configuration

An overview of a receiver unit is diagrammed in FIG. 8. A transport stream is selected by a tuner 22, scrambling is undone by a descrambler 24, and video/audio data ES for a desired service are separated by a transport decoder 26. A microprocessor (MPU) 28 sends the ECM obtained to an IC card 30, and a scrambling key restored by the IC card 30 is received. The MPU 28 sets this scrambling key in the descrambler 24. Thus the video/audio data ES can be descrambled.

The MPU 28 also sets the PID for the video/audio data ES of the desired service in the transport decoder 26. Thus the transport decoder 26 outputs the video/audio data ES for that service. Also, when the PID of control data are set in the transport decoder 26, the separated control data are sent to the MPU 28.

Assuming now that the service SV33 of the transport stream TS3 is being received, the operation is now described for the case where a command to change over to the service SV12 of the transport stream TS1 has been sent to the MPU 28. First, the MPU 28 controls the transport decoder (that is, sets the PID for the control data NIT), and fetches the NIT. By what is written in this NIT, it is learned that the service SV12 for which reception is desired is being multiplexed in the transport stream TS1 (cf. FIG. 7).

The MPU 28 controls the tuner 8 so that the tuner 8 receives the transport stream TS1. The MPU 28 controls the transport decoder 26, so as to obtain the PAT and PMT2 are fetched. The MPU 28 obtains the PIDs for the video data ES(V)2 and audio data ES(A)2 for the desired service SV12 and the ECM PID.

The MPU28 sets these PIDs in the transport decoder 26 so that the video data ES(V)2 and audio data ES(A)2 for the desired service SV12 are output from the transport decoder 26. In parallel thereto, furthermore, the MPU 28 sends the ECM data obtained from the transport decoder 26 to the IC card 30 to fetch the scrambling key, and sets that in the descrambler 24. Thus the MPU 28 obtains the unscrambled video data ES(V)2 and audio data ES(A)2. Received services are switched over in the manner described in the foregoing.

When a command is sent to the MPU 28 to display the program schedule and program information, the MPU 28 controls the transport decoder 26 so as to fetche the EIT data. The MPU 28 outputs command to display the program information, etc. based on the fetched EIT data.

2. Bidirectional Transceiving System 1

A bidirectional transceiving system 1 that is one embodiment of the present invention is now described.

2.1 OVERVIEW

The overall configuration of the bidirectional transceiving system 1 according to this embodiment of the present invention is diagrammed in FIG. 9.

A broadcasting unit 140 broadcasts such digital data as video and audio. When that is being done, retrial information corresponding to the allowed volume on the communication line between the response information receiving equipment 150 and television receivers 160.sub.1 to 160n are included in these digital data and broadcast.

The television receivers 160.sub.1 to 160n receive the digital data noted above. The television receivers 160.sub.1 to 160n perform display based on the received digital data. When a user views a displayed image, and inputs response information, the television receivers 160.sub.1 to 160n transmit that response information over the communication line to the response information receiving equipment 150.

The response information receiving equipment 150 can be connected by communication lines to the television receivers 160.sub.1 to 160n and thus receive response information from the television receivers.

When communications are not established with the response information receiving equipment 150, the television receivers 160.sub.1 to 160n retrial-transmit the response information on the bases of the retrial information received from the broadcast unit 140. Thus, even when responses to the response information receiving equipment from the television receivers 160.sub.1 to 160n are concentrated, retrial transmissions are made based on the response information corresponding to the allowable volume on the communication lines. Accordingly, response information can be received with greater certainty even when at first no connection could be made with the response information receiving equipment 150. In addition, retrial transmission processing corresponding to the allowable volume on the communication lines can be controlled by the retrial information transmitted from the broadcast unit 140.

2.2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The configuration of the broadcast unit 140 is the same as the broadcast unit diagrammed in FIG. 2 except for the generation of navigation data (described below), and so is not further described here. As diagrammed in FIG. 9, the response information receiving equipment 150 has a communication unit 151, controller 153, and memory unit 155. The communication unit 151 is capable of sending and receiving data between the television receivers 160.sub.1 to 160n over telephone lines as communication lines. The controller 153 controls the communication unit 151 and manages data received. The memory unit 155 stores response information received by the communication unit 151.

The television receiver 160.sub.1 is now described with reference to FIG. 10. The television receiver 160.sub.1 has receiving means 161, display data output means 163, input means 165, communication means 167, detection means 171, retrial condition alteration means 173, memory means 175, edit means 177, and display means 179.

The receiving means 161 receive digital data transmitted from the broadcast unit 140 indicated in FIG. 9. The display data output means 163 output display data based on the digital data received to the display means 179. The display means 179 perform display based on the display data. The user inputs response information to the input means 165 based on that display.

The communication means 167, when communication cannot be made with the response information receiving equipment 150, compute retrial time specifying data that specifies a retrial time, based on the retrial information and, when that retrial time is reached, retransmits the response information stored in the memory means 175. That is, in cases where communication cannot be established with the response information receiving equipment 150 concurrently with the communication of the response information over a communication line, the response information is retrial-transmitted, based on the retrial information sent from the broadcast unit 140.

Thus, even in cases where the response information is transmitted after a delay, response information can be transmitted with certainty by the response information receiving equipment. Moreover, the retrial transmission processing in the television receiver 160.sub.1 can be controlled by the digital data broadcast from the broadcast unit 140.

The detection means 171 detect causes why communication is not established with the response information receiving equipment 150. The retrial condition alteration means 173, based on the cause so detected, alter the conditions of retrial transmission from the next retrial. Thus flexible retrial transmissions can be made according to the cause of failure.

The display data output means 163, when a read instruction is sent from a user, outputs the response information input to the display means 179. The edit means 177 edit the edit instructions sent from a user and edit the response information stored in the memory means 175.

In this embodiment, by making a display on the display means 179, the configuration facilitates notification of causes for the non-establishment of communications, wherefore the display data correspond to notification data. This poses no limitation, however, and this information may be notified by another method such as audio, for example. In that case, the audio data correspond to the notification data.

The configuration may also be such that notification is made of the results of communications with the response information receiving equipment noted earlier. In that way, the user can be informed of response results based on delayed transmissions.

The television receivers 160.sub.2 to 160n are the same as the television receiver 160.sub.1.

The response information stored in the memory means 175 does not consist only of that which has been input, but may be information generated by response information generation means based on received reception data.

2.3 TRANSMISSION DATA

In a broadcast system that supports interactive operations, the data structure in the transport stream sent from the transmitter unit is as diagrammed in FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, nothing is indicated about video or audio elementary streams of any service other than the service SV11. The service SV11 is configured of a first video elementary stream ES(V)11, a second video elementary stream ES(V)12, a first audio elementary stream ES(A)11, and a second audio elementary stream ES(A)12. Thus, at the point where two types of video/audio ES are contained in one service SV11, the data structure differs from that diagrammed in FIG. 3. The configuration is made such that these two types of video/audio ES can be interactively switched between in response to the input of a user on the receiving end, based on navigation data NVT1 and NVT2 which are interactive control data. The configuration also permits additional displays to be interactively altered by input from a user on the receiving end, based on the navigation data.

In FIG. 12 is diagrammed the content of PMT1 for the service SV11. To the control data PMT1 are written PIDs for all the contents (video, audio, navigation data), and a PID for ECM data for obtaining a key to unscramble those contents. In addition, the video, audio, and navigation data all contain multiple contents, wherefore that which is to be output first is written as the entry contents. The PID for these control data PMT1 themselves is "0x0011."

In FIG. 13 is diagrammed the content of the control data PAT. To the control data PAT are written PIDs for PMTs of the services SV11, SV12, SV13, and SV14 multiplexed in this transport stream TS1. Thus it can be known that the PID for the service SV11 is "0x0011." The control data PAT is obtained by receiving the packet attached PID "0x0000" because the PID of the control data PAT is fixedly determined as "0x0000".

The content written in the navigation data NVT1 and NVT2 is diagrammed in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. With this one set of navigation data NVT1 and NVT2 the same content is repeatedly sent. By means of these navigation data NVT1 and NVT2, as will be described later, service content can be switched between interactively by input from a user.

2.4 CONCR