U.S. patent application number 12/049792 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-17 for print controlling apparatus and print controlling method.
Invention is credited to Kenji HISATOMI, Jun'ichi KUBOTA, Kaoru MURASE, Kazuyuki MURATA, Yukio YAGI.
Application Number | 20080170244 12/049792 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28672029 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080170244 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HISATOMI; Kenji ; et
al. |
July 17, 2008 |
PRINT CONTROLLING APPARATUS AND PRINT CONTROLLING METHOD
Abstract
This invention relates to a producer of content who associates
information for print control with the content such as a picture,
before delivery. Specifically, a digital broadcast receiving device
receives this content delivery, and the content is decoded by a
data decoding unit via a broadcast receiving unit. A controlling
unit judges print control information registered in association
with the decoded content, performs image processing in accordance
with this print control information, and transmits data for
printing to a printing device. The printing device performs
printing according to the received data for printing.
Inventors: |
HISATOMI; Kenji;
(Hirakata-shi, JP) ; MURATA; Kazuyuki;
(Kyotanabe-shi, JP) ; KUBOTA; Jun'ichi;
(Amagasaki-shi, JP) ; MURASE; Kaoru; (Nara-shi,
JP) ; YAGI; Yukio; (Ikoma-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WENDEROTH, LIND & PONACK L.L.P.
2033 K. STREET, NW, SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
28672029 |
Appl. No.: |
12/049792 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.2 ;
348/E5.002; 348/E5.108 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4117 20130101;
H04N 1/00291 20130101; H04N 2201/3225 20130101; H04N 2201/3242
20130101; H04N 2201/3278 20130101; H04N 1/32128 20130101; H04N
21/4627 20130101; H04N 21/8355 20130101; H04N 2201/0074 20130101;
H04N 1/00294 20130101; H04N 5/4448 20130101; H04N 21/4622 20130101;
H04N 1/00912 20130101; H04N 21/426 20130101; H04N 21/436 20130101;
H04N 5/4401 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.2 |
International
Class: |
G06K 15/02 20060101
G06K015/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 2, 2002 |
JP |
2002-099979 |
Claims
1. A print controlling apparatus for use with a printing device,
said print controlling apparatus comprising: a receiving unit
operable to receive a broadcast signal including (i) print control
information and (ii) a content file including content, wherein the
print control information identifies a portion of the content to be
reduced in resolution; a print instruction obtaining unit operable
to obtain a print instruction which is an instruction to print at
least a part of the content; and an outputting unit operable to
instruct the printing device to reduce a resolution of the portion
of the content identified to be reduced in resolution by the print
control information and operable to instruct the printing device to
print the part of the content instructed to be printed by the print
instruction when the print instruction is obtained and the print
control information satisfies a predetermined condition, wherein
the part of the content instructed to be printed by the print
instruction includes a combination of a portion of the content
identified to retain an ordinary resolution and the portion of the
content identified to be reduced in resolution.
2. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 1, for use
with a displaying device, wherein: the broadcast signal further
includes a content control file including information regarding the
content; and said print controlling apparatus further comprises a
display controlling unit operable to output, to the displaying
device, an instruction to display the content according to the
information regarding the content of the content control file
included in the broadcast signal received by said receiving
unit.
3. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the print control information is associated with the content
file.
4. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
the broadcast signal further includes picture data; and the print
control information is associated with a program formed by a pair
of the content control file and the content file.
5. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein:
the content file is a program interlocking content file related to
the picture data; and said print controlling apparatus further
comprises a selecting unit operable to select one broadcast signal
from a plurality of broadcast signals received by said receiving
unit and extract the picture data from the selected broadcast
signal, wherein: said print instruction obtaining unit obtains an
instruction to print at least a part of the content file and the
picture data; and the print control information is associated with
the picture data.
6. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising the displaying device.
7. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising the printing device and the displaying device.
8. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
said outputting unit is operable to instruct the printing device to
create a striped image, with portions thereof having a reduced
picture quality, by instructing the printing device to combine a
portion of the content identified to retain an ordinary resolution
by the print control information and the portion of the content
identified to be reduced in resolution by the print control
information and operable to instruct the printing device to print
the striped image when the print instruction is obtained and the
print control information is a predetermined value.
9. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
the reduced picture quality is a reduced resolution on a print
screen.
10. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
the reduced picture quality is achieved by one of superimposing the
print screen upon another screen, and a change in color information
of the print screen.
11. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a reading unit operable to read individual print
permission information from a storage medium, wherein said
outputting unit is operable to output an instruction to print to
the printing device when the print instruction is obtained, the
print control information satisfies a first predetermined
condition, and the individual print permission information
satisfies a second predetermined condition.
12. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 11, further
comprising: a communication controlling unit operable to receive an
instruction; an updating unit operable to update a detail of the
individual print permission information in the storage medium
according to the instruction received by said communication
controlling unit; a transmit controlling unit operable to
externally transmit information; and an instruction obtaining unit
operable to obtain a print instruction from a user, wherein said
updating unit is operable to update the individual print permission
information in the storage medium according to the print
instruction.
13. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the print control information is described in the content file.
14. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 13, wherein
the content file is described in a BML format.
15. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 13, wherein
the content file in which the print control information is
described is a top page of the content.
16. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a display changing unit operable to change a display of
an instruction button provided for a user when the print control
information satisfies a predetermined condition.
17. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
the broadcast signal further includes address information
indicating an address of a site selling print content on a network;
and said print controlling apparatus further comprises a printed
matter gaining unit operable to gain a printed matter from the site
selling the print content according to the address information when
the print instruction is obtained and the print control information
indicates that printing is restricted.
18. A method for using a print controlling apparatus with a
printing device, said method comprising: receiving a broadcast
signal including (i) print control information and (ii) a content
file including content, wherein the print control information
identifies a portion of the content to be reduced in resolution;
obtaining a print instruction which is an instruction to print at
least a part of the content; and outputting an instruction to the
printing device to reduce a resolution of the portion of the
content identified to be reduced in resolution by the print control
information and outputting an instruction to the printing device to
print the part of the content instructed to be printed by the print
instruction when the print instruction is obtained and the print
control information satisfies a predetermined condition, wherein
the part of the content instructed to be printed by the print
instruction includes a combination of a portion of the content
identified to retain an ordinary resolution and the portion of the
content identified to be reduced in resolution.
19. The print controlling method according to claim 18, further
comprising reading individual print permission information from a
storage medium, wherein, said outputting of the instruction to the
printing device occurs when the print instruction is obtained, the
print control information satisfies a first predetermined
condition, and the individual print permission information
satisfies a second predetermined condition.
20. The print controlling method according to claim 18, wherein:
the broadcast signal further includes address information
indicating an address of a site selling print content on a network;
and said print controlling method further comprises gaining a
printed matter from the site selling the print content according to
the address information when the print instruction is obtained and
the print control information indicates that printing is
restricted.
21. A program for using a print controlling apparatus with a
printing device, said program recorded on a computer-readable
recording medium, and said program causing a computer to perform a
method comprising: receiving a broadcast signal including (i) print
control information and (ii) a content file including a content,
wherein the print control information identifies a portion of the
content to be reduced in resolution; obtaining a print instruction
which is an instruction to print at least a part of the content;
and outputting an instruction to the printing device to reduce a
resolution of the portion of the content identified to be reduced
in resolution by the print control information and outputting an
instruction to the printing device to print the part of the content
instructed to be printed by the print instruction when the print
instruction is obtained and the print control information satisfies
a predetermined condition, wherein the part of the content
instructed to be printed by the print instruction includes a
combination of a portion of the content identified to retain an
ordinary resolution and the portion of the content identified to be
reduced in resolution.
22. The program according to claim 21, further causing the computer
to perform reading individual print permission information from a
storage medium, wherein said outputting of the instruction to the
printing device occurs when the print instruction is obtained, the
print control information satisfies a first predetermined
condition, and the individual print permission information
satisfies a second predetermined condition.
23. The program according to claim 21, wherein: the broadcast
signal further includes address information indicating an address
of a site selling print content on a network; and said program
further causes the computer to perform gaining a printed matter
from the site selling the print content according to the address
information when the print instruction is obtained and the print
control information indicates that printing is restricted.
24. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
the print control information is associated with the content
file.
25. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:
the broadcast signal further includes picture data; and the print
control information is associated with a program formed by a pair
of the content control file and the content file.
26. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 2, further
comprising the displaying device.
27. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 2, further
comprising the printing device and the displaying device.
28. The print controlling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
the print control information is described in the content file.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a print control technology
that is used when a viewer prints out a picture or the like from a
digital broadcast. Specifically, the present invention relates to a
technology that is used principally by a provider broadcasting
content for the above-mentioned print control.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In recent years, due to the launching of full-scale digital
broadcasts which included an abundant variety of content and
information, printers from which pictures or the like can be
printed out from the digital broadcast have been suggested.
Moreover, a model that is capable of printing a high-definition
picture just the way it is displayed on a high-quality television
has come along. Practically, copyright management cannot be
achieved in this situation for a provider of broadcast content that
tries to exercise copyright to recover a part of the cost that was
required to create the broadcasted content.
[0005] One of the measures to prevent such copyright infringement
from happening is disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent No.
2001-086452 titled "System for printing out still picture, method
for printing out still picture, and information providing medium."
Using the invention of the above-mentioned reference, the provider
of the broadcast content principally limits and controls picture
printing performed by the viewer, by setting "a print permission
flag" in header information of a TS packet defined according to the
MPEG system.
[0006] However, in the case of the above-mentioned conventional
method, a subject to be controlled by the print permission flag is
only picture data and, in addition, it is controlled on a displayed
whole-screen basis. For this reason, it is impossible to cover
transmitted data contents other than pictures that are attached to
digital broadcast, and to limit print performance to only one frame
out of multi-channel display or to only pictures out of a mixed
display of pictures and text. Especially when one screen includes
both a part that needs to be limited for printing and a part that
does not need to be limited for printing, print limitation should
be placed on the whole screen. Such a feature would cause
complaints to both the provider's side of the content and the
viewer's side.
[0007] To solve the stated problem, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a print controlling apparatus that allows
print limitations to be placed on a part of a plurality of contents
displayed on one screen.
[0008] Moreover, it is a second object to provide a print
controlling apparatus that allows print limitation to be placed on
data contents interlocking with main track video.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] To achieve the stated object of the invention, the print
controlling apparatus of the present invention is a print
controlling apparatus that is connected to a printing device and
that is provided with a receiving unit operable to receive a
broadcast signal including print control information and a content
file storing a content, a print instruction obtaining unit operable
to obtain a print instruction to print at least a part of a
received content file, and an outputting unit operable to output a
subject of printing that has been instructed to print to the
printing device when the print instruction is obtained and the
print control information satisfies a predetermined condition.
[0010] Moreover, the print controlling apparatus may be further
connected to a displaying device, wherein the broadcast signal may
further include a content control file that stores information
regarding content, and wherein the print controlling apparatus may
be further include a display controlling unit operable to output a
signal displaying the content to the displaying device on the basis
of the content control file included in the broadcast signal
received by the receiving unit.
[0011] With this, the output for printing the contents is
controlled, depending on the details indicated by the print control
information included in the digital broadcast signal. Thus, it
becomes possible to control the output for printing of the various
contents included in the digital broadcast signal. Thus, the print
output control reflecting the intentions of a content producer and
a content sender becomes possible.
[0012] Here, the print control information may be associated with
the content file. On account of this, the print limitation becomes
possible in units of files, and the print limitation can be placed
on a partial content on the screen when one display is formed by a
plurality of files.
[0013] Also, the broadcast signal may further include picture data,
and the print control information may be associated with a program
that is formed by a pair of the content control file and the
content file. Accordingly, the print limitation becomes possible in
units of programs and, for a copyrighted work that is structured by
a plurality of screen designs and the like to form one piece, the
print limitation can be placed in that unit (i.e., unit of data
broadcast programs).
[0014] Also, the content file may be a program interlocking content
file that is related to the picture data, wherein the print
controlling apparatus may be further provided with a selecting unit
operable to select one broadcast signal out of a plurality of
broadcast signals received by the receiving unit and extract
picture data from the selected broadcast signal, wherein the print
instruction obtaining unit may obtain a print instruction to set at
least a part of the content file and the picture data as a subject
of printing, and wherein the print control information may be
associated with the picture data.
[0015] Thus, the print limitation becomes possible in units of
channels such as program-interlocking data broadcast, and a
provider of the content can collectively place the print limitation
on the program-interlocking content.
[0016] Also, the print controlling apparatus may be further
provided with the displaying device. With this, it becomes possible
to realize not a discrete receiver such as a Set Top Box (STB), but
a print controlling apparatus as a television set that is a
combination of an STB and TV.
[0017] Also, the print controlling apparatus may be further
provided with the printing device and the displaying device.
Accordingly, the print controlling apparatus can be realized not as
a discrete receiver such as a STB, but as a television set with a
built-in printer.
[0018] Also, the outputting unit may direct the printing device to
print with degradation in picture quality when the print
instruction is obtained and the print control information is a
predetermined value. On account of this, even when printing is
limited, a case where nothing is outputted for printing is avoided.
The user can be notified clearly that there is print limitation and
can be also encouraged to operate in order to remove the print
limitation.
[0019] Also, the degradation in picture quality may be a reduced
resolution on a print screen. With this, it becomes possible to set
the levels of print limitation in various conditions, so that
highly-detailed print limitation can be performed.
[0020] Also, the print controlling apparatus may be further
provided with a reading unit operable to read individual print
permission information from a storage medium, wherein the
outputting unit outputs the subject of printing to the printing
device when the print instruction is obtained, the print control
information satisfies a first predetermined condition, and the
individual print permission information satisfies a second
predetermined condition.
[0021] With this, since printing is judged whether or not to be
performed based on not only the print control information but also
based on the individual print permission information read out from
the storage medium. For example, it becomes possible to control the
print limitation for each print controlling apparatus like a case
where viewing/listening permission is given for a conditional
access system.
[0022] Also, the print controlling apparatus may further include a
communication controlling unit operable to receive an instruction
from outside, an updating unit operable to update a detail of the
individual print permission information in the storage medium in
accordance with the instruction, a transmit controlling unit
operable to externally transmit information, and an instruction
obtaining unit operable to obtain a print instruction from a user,
wherein the updating unit updates the individual print permission
information of the storage medium in accordance with the print
instruction.
[0023] This configuration allows remote control of a printer, such
as control of print limitation through a new contract with a
broadcast station, and also allows billing to correspond to the
number of times the user has given the print instruction or the
like by recording the billing information into the individual print
permission information.
[0024] Moreover, the broadcast signal may further include address
information indicating an address of a site selling print content
on a network, and the print controlling apparatus may further
include a printed matter gaining unit operable to gain a printed
matter from the site selling the print content on the basis of the
address information when the print instruction is obtained and the
print control information indicates that printing is limited.
[0025] Accordingly, access to the site selling the print content on
the network is possible on the basis of an alternate URL even when
on-air-contents cannot be directly printed out. Thus, printing
desired by the user can be realized.
[0026] It should be noted here the present invention may be
realized not only as the above-stated print controlling apparatus,
but as a print controlling method having steps corresponding to the
characteristic units provided in the print controlling apparatus,
and a program recorded on a recording medium for causing a
computer, such as a personal computer, execute the above-mentioned
steps. Also, it should be understood that as the recording-medium
may include a DVD or a CD-ROM.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional
construction of a digital broadcast printing system of a first
embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of hierarchical table
information used when the digital broadcast printing system of the
first embodiment performs print control according to print control
information.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates an example where print control is
performed in accordance with the print control information shown in
FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an EIT for registering
information such as a title and broadcasting data/time for each
program of one channel.
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates printing examples resulting from a print
instruction from the viewer in a case where text and a picture are
displayed together on one screen.
[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates printing examples resulting from a print
instruction from the viewer in the case of multiple displays.
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates printing example resulting from a print
instruction from the viewer to print program-interlocking content
in a case where a picture is displayed on a screen.
[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a BML example in a case where printing is
restricted for the entire screen.
[0035] FIG. 9 illustrates a BML example in a case where print
control is performed for a part of content.
[0036] FIG. 10 illustrates a BML example in a case where print
control is performed for each file in a body part of a top
page.
[0037] FIG. 11 illustrates an example in a case where an operation
of a browser is controlled according to print control information
defined by the BML of the top page.
[0038] FIG. 12 illustrates an example in a case where the operation
of the browser is controlled according to print control information
defined by the body part of the top page.
[0039] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of the
entire digital broadcast printing system of the first
embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a functional
construction of a digital broadcast printing system of a second
embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 15 illustrates an example in a case where print control
is performed according to individual print permission
information.
[0042] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of the
entire digital broadcast printing system of the second
embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 17 is an example of hierarchical table information used
when a digital broadcast printing system of a third embodiment
performs print control according to print control information and
an alternate URL.
[0044] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of a
controlling unit in a case where a user performs printing of
desired contents via a network.
[0045] FIG. 19A is a screen example displayed on a displaying
device that shows printing cannot be performed for the contents
specified by the user in the third embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 19B is a screen example displayed on the displaying
device that shows the alternate URL specified by the user has been
registered to a bookmark in the third embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 19C is a screen example displayed on the displaying
device to receive an instruction from the user in regards to
whether or not the screen may be switched to a communication system
screen in the third embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 19D is a screen example displayed on the displaying
device to receive a print instruction from the user when access to
a site selling print content is established in the third
embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 20 is a screen example of a bookmark screen in the
third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0050] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments
of the present invention, with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment
[0051] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the functional
construction of a digital broadcast printing system 10 of the
present embodiment. The present system 10 is a system that receives
digital broadcast and reproduces pictures and audio, and also
performs print control according to print control information
transmitted in association with broadcast content, when receiving
an instruction from a viewer (i.e., "user") to print the broadcast
content. This digital broadcast printing system 10 is composed of a
digital broadcast receiving device 20, a printing device 30, a
displaying device 40, a remote controller 50, and a receiving
antenna 60. It should be noted that the digital broadcast receiving
device 20, the printing device 30, and the displaying device 40 can
be realized as an all-in-one television receiver with a printing
capability that is enclosed in one package or as a unit-type system
to which each device is connected via its dedicated cable.
[0052] The digital broadcast receiving device 20 is a tuner device,
such as a set top box (STB), made for digital broadcast, which
decodes visual signals, audio signals and so forth from airwaves
etc. received via the receiving antenna 60 or the like, and then
outputs the received signals to the displaying device 40. The
digital broadcast receiving device 20 also generates image data,
text data, etc. based on instructions from the remote controller
50, operation buttons (not shown), and so forth, then outputs to
the data the printing device 30. This digital broadcast receiving
device 20 is composed of a broadcast receiving unit 21, a data
decoding unit 22, a memory unit 23, a remote controller receiving
unit 24, a printer I/F (interface) unit 25, and a controlling unit
26.
[0053] The broadcast receiving unit 21 selects an aimed carrier
wave from the received airwaves and decodes the selected wave to
reconstruct a TS (Transport Stream). The broadcast receiving unit
21 then transmits the reconstructed TS to the data decoding unit
22.
[0054] After decoding and descrambling the TS received from the
broadcast receiving unit 21, the data decoding unit 22 separates it
into images, audio, and data contents.
[0055] The memory unit 23 is provided with a frame buffer or the
like to hold the image data and data for printing in frames to be
outputted to the displaying device 40 and the printing device 30.
Moreover, the memory unit 23 is provided with a hard disc, a
DVD-RAM, etc. for accumulating the contents output from the data
decoding unit 22.
[0056] The remote controller receiving unit 24 receives an infrared
signal from the remote controller 50 and transmits the received
signal to the controlling unit 26.
[0057] The printer I/F unit 25 is an interface circuit or the like
that is capable of USB, IEEE 1394 bus, etc. communications for
connecting the digital broadcast receiving device 20 to the
printing device 30.
[0058] The controlling unit 26 is a microprocessor or the like for
controlling the entire digital broadcast receiving device 20, and
is provided with a ROM for storing dedicated control programs, a
RAM, and so forth.
[0059] The printing device 30 performs printing according to the
data for printing received via the printer I/F unit 25.
[0060] The displaying device 40 is composed of a display
controlling circuit for generating a picture signal and a TV
receiving circuit. It displays pictures and the like of the digital
broadcast and also reproduces audio.
[0061] FIG. 2 explains the general outlines in a case where the
present digital broadcast printing system 10 performs print control
according to the print control information.
[0062] For the digital broadcast, various kinds of table
information is prepared for selecting one program from one channel
stored in the TS. By using these sets of table information, it
becomes possible to identify the program contents of the channel
that is selected by the user (or, the channel that is preset). By
employing a system like this, a program lineup can be freely
modified, allowing the data related to the program to be
multiplexed with flexibility. Examples of these sets of table
information are as follows, PAT (Program Association Table), PMT
(Program Map Table), and EIT (Event Information Table). In
addition, under the PMT, DII (Download Info Indication) and DDB
(Download Data Block) are defined hierarchically. These sets of
information are stored in the TS in the form of sections.
[0063] PAT is a table in which the number of PTMs, described later,
is registered in association with each location of PTMs (that is,
PID (Packet Identifier) of a packet which stores the PTM).
[0064] PMT is a table that shows a component construction
(pictures, audio, data, etc.) of one channel (channel), and is used
for specifying a PID or the like of each component. This PMT is
prepared, corresponding to each channel.
[0065] DDI is a message that describes directory information of
DDB, each DDB being a small block divided from actual data of
contents that make up one program of data broadcast.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, PMT_PID 202 (=0x31) and service_id 203
(=0x101) indicating the storage location of the PMT of the channel
"BS 1" are defined in a PAT 201. Similarly, PMT_PID 204 (=0x32) and
service_id 205 (=0x102) indicating the storage location of the PMT
of the channel "BS 2" are defined.
[0067] Accordingly, service_id 213 (=0x101) that is the same as the
stated service_id 203 is defined in the PMT 211 of the channel BS
1. In addition, "0" is defined as print control information 214 for
the entire channel BS 1. It should be noted that the print control
information is also defined in the PMT 212 in the same way for the
channel BS 2.
[0068] Moreover, PID is defined for each program in the PMT 211 of
the channel BS 1. According to the PID, it becomes possible to
identify its subordinate DII and DDB in association with each
other, and also possible to individually define the print control
information. For example, the print control information is defined
as "3" for the entire program 1 in the DII 221 of the program 1,
and also the print control information is defined as "3" in the DDB
233 of the module 1 of the program 1.
[0069] Here, DDB is composed of two types of content files (for
example, a content file of top page described in BML (top_page.bml)
and a content file of JPEG image or the like). In more detail, DDB
is formed by slicing the content file groups, every given number of
bytes, arranged at a broadcast station. On the above-mentioned top
page (top_page.bml), how to display the JPEG images and the like is
described by the producer of the content. A STB performs print
control for the content file according to the description on the
top page (top_page.bml). Note that a more detailed explanation will
be given below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 12.
[0070] FIG. 3 is an example of print control information that is
shown in FIG. 2. This print control information is explained using
the example of FIG. 2. In the PMT 211, for instance, the print
control information for the channel BS 1 is defined as "0" and,
therefore, "freely printable" in principle in regard to BS 1.
However, the print control information 224 is defined as "3" in the
DII 221 for the program 1 of the channel BS 1, meaning that "no
printing."
[0071] FIG. 4 is an example of an EIT for registering information
such as a title and broadcasting data/time for each program of one
channel. As shown in FIG. 4, the EIT defines the print control
information for each program of channel 1 (the storage location of
data related to the program can be specified by event_id) by
quoting the service_id 402 that has the same value as the
service_id 213 (=0x101) of the PMT shown in FIG. 2.
[0072] Next, an explanation is given for specific examples where
printing is executed using the digital broadcast printing system 10
having the construction described above.
[0073] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrates a screen display example and a
printing example resulting from a print instruction from the viewer
in a case where text and a picture are displayed together on one
screen. As shown in FIG. 5A, a text 52 and a picture 53 related to
this are displayed on a screen 51. In this state, when an
instruction to "print" is received from the viewer using the remote
controller 50 or the like, the controlling unit 26 refers to the
above-mentioned DII or DDB, via the data decoding unit 22, by which
the text 52 and the picture 53 are defined, then reads out the
details of each corresponding print control information. If the
print control information corresponding to the picture 53 is "3,"
an "X" mark 56 indicating that printing is restricted would be
printed on a part corresponding to the picture 53 in a printing
result 54 as shown in FIG. 5B.
[0074] It should be noted that not only the indication that
printing is inhibited is given in the printing result 54, but also
the user is notified in advance according to the user's instruction
or on a mandatory basis to acknowledge that printing is restricted
(for example, the "X" mark indicating No Printing may be displayed
on a print preview screen). For instance, when an instruction to
show the "print preview" is received by the user on the screen
shown in FIG. 5A, the screen is switched to the print preview
screen and the screen shown in FIG. 5B is displayed. When an
instruction only to "print" is given by the user and the screen
includes a part that is restricted from printing, the screen is
forcefully switched to the "print preview screen" and the screen
shown in FIG. 5B is displayed to notify the user that the screen
includes the part that is restricted from printing.
[0075] FIG. 6 illustrates a screen display example and printing
example resulting from a print instruction given by the viewer in a
case where a multi-display is shown. In FIG. 6A, a picture 61 from
a movie is displayed on the left half of the screen 51 and a
picture 62 from a weather forecast is displayed on the right half.
In this state, when an instruction to "print" is received from the
user as is the case with FIG. 5, the controlling unit 26 as is
expected refers to the above-mentioned DII or DDB by which the
picture 61 from the movie and the picture 62 from the weather
forecast are defined, then reads out the details of each
corresponding print control information. If the print control
information corresponding to the picture 61 from the movie is "3,"
printing is not executed regarding the picture 61 from the movie
and an "X" mark 64 is printed as a printing result 63 as shown in
FIG. 6B.
[0076] FIG. 7 illustrates a screen display example and a printing
example resulting from a print instruction from the viewer to print
program-interlocking contents when a picture is displayed on the
screen. FIG. 7A is a picture example of one scene from a movie. In
this case, a bromide print button 71 is displayed at the lower left
of the screen 51, meaning that it is possible to execute a bromide
printing of an actress displayed on the screen 51 as
program-interlocking content. In this state, when an instruction to
"print" is received from the user, the controlling unit 26 refers
to the DII or DDB by which the program-interlocking content is
defined, and then reads out the details of the corresponding print
control information. If the print control information corresponding
to this bromide is "2," a printing result 72 is generated in which
a part 73 at a normal resolution and a part 74 at a low resolution
are mixed in stripes as the printing result 72, as shown in FIG.
7B.
[0077] The following is a specific explanation about a case where
print control is performed by defining the print control
information <print_ctrl> on the top page <top_page.bml>
of the DDB.
[0078] FIG. 8 illustrates a BML example in a case where printing is
restricted for the entire screen. As shown in FIG. 8A, the print
control information corresponding to the content represented by the
top page <top_page.bml> is defined using <print_ctrl>
as a new tag for a header part between <head> and
</head> of the top page <top_page.bml>. In the case of
the example shown in FIG. 8A, No Printing is specified by
copy="never (=3)". In a case where BML is defined as in FIG. 8A,
even if the user issues a print instruction, the printer or the STB
controls to print out the "X" mark indicating that printing is
restricted as the printing result.
[0079] FIG. 9 illustrates a BML example in a case where print
control is performed for a part of the content. In the case of FIG.
9A, No Printing is specified by copy="never" for the JPEG file
(image/jpeg). Therefore, even if the user issues a print
instruction, the printer or the STB controls to print out the "X"
mark indicating that printing is restricted as a printed image of
the JPEG picture part as shown in FIG. 9C (or, the STB's side
displays "No Printing" on the screen to notify the user of it).
[0080] FIG. 10 illustrates a BML example in a case where print
control is performed for each file in a body part of the top page.
In the example of FIG. 10A, No Printing is defined by copy="never"
for the individual JPEG files. With this, even if the user issues a
print instruction, the printer or the STB controls to print out the
"X" mark indicating that printing is restricted for the JPEG
picture "1.jpeg" whose <print_ctrl> is "never" as shown in
FIG. 10C.
[0081] FIG. 11 illustrates an example in a case where an operation
of the browser is controlled according to the print control
information defined by the BML of the top page. As shown in FIG.
11A, the print control information corresponding to the content
represented by the top page <top_page.bml> is written using
the print permission information tag <print_ctrl> for a
header part between <head> and </head> of the top page
<top_page.bml>. In the case of FIG. 11A, No Printing is
specified by copy="never". By defining in this way, a print button
(one of the operation buttons of the BML browser) is controlled to
grayout (=indicating it is in an inactive state) on the screen so
as to notify the user that printing is restricted. It should be
noted here that in a case where "No Printing" is specified for the
entire channel or program, the print button is also switched to the
grayout display.
[0082] FIG. 12 illustrates an example in a case where the operation
of the browser is controlled according to the print control
information defined by the body part of the top page. As shown in
FIG. 12A, No Printing is specified by copy="never" for the
individual JPEG files. With this, when the cursor on the screen
moves, by the user operation, to a position of the JPEG picture for
which printing is restricted, the print button is controlled to
grayout so as to notify the user that the printing is
restricted.
[0083] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of the
entire digital broadcast printing system 10 constructed as
described so far.
[0084] First, when receiving a "print" instruction from the viewer
(S801), the controlling unit 26 checks on the structure of the
currently-displayed screen at that point in time, and verifies
whether the number of subjects for printing is one or more (S802),
whether there is program-interlocking content (S803), whether more
than one channel is displayed (S805), whether more than one program
is displayed (S806), and so on. Here, regarding whether the number
of subjects for printing is one or more and whether there is
program-interlocking content, the verification is performed
according to the DII, for example. Also, regarding whether more
than one channel is displayed and whether more than one program is
displayed, the verification is performed according to the PAT, for
example.
[0085] Next, the controlling unit 26 checks the corresponding print
control information for each picture displayed on the screen
(S810), and then transmits data for printing to the printing device
30 to perform printing appropriate to each set of print control
information (S811).
[0086] When receiving the data for printing from the digital
broadcast receiving device 20, the printing device 30 performs
printing according to the received data (S812).
[0087] Accordingly, in the digital broadcast printing system 10,
the provider of the broadcast content previously transmits the
print control information in association with the content, and the
receiver's side of the content performs printing according to this
print control information. Thus, it becomes possible for the
provider's side of the broadcast content to principally control
print-outs of pictures by the user.
Second Embodiment
[0088] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the functional
construction of a digital broadcast printing system 100 of the
present embodiment. This digital broadcast printing system 100
receives digital broadcast and reproduces pictures and audio. When
receiving an instruction from a viewer to print the pictures, it
controls printing performances according to the print control
information and individual print permission information in an IC
card. Moreover, the present system 100 is a system that can control
printing in accordance with the details of a contract etc. made in
real time using a communication line or the like. This digital
broadcast printing system 100 is composed of a digital broadcast
receiving device 200, a displaying device 40, a remote controller
50, a printing device 210, and a receiving antenna 60. It should be
noted that the digital broadcast receiving device 200, the
displaying device 40, and the printing device 210 can be realized
as an all-in-one television receiver with a printing capability
that is enclosed in one package or as a unit-type system to which
each device is connected via its dedicated cable.
[0089] Hereafter, the explanation is given with emphasis on
components which are different from those of the digital broadcast
printing system 10 of the stated first embodiment. The same
numerals are given to the common components, and an explanation for
them is omitted.
[0090] The digital broadcast receiving device 200 is a tuner
device, such as a set top box (Set Top Box) for example, made for
digital broadcast, and is provided with the function of the digital
broadcast printing system 10 of the stated first embodiment. Also,
it controls picture printing using the individual print permission
information registered in the IC card for the viewer who holds a
conditional access contract. This digital broadcast receiving
device 200 is composed of a broadcast receiving unit 21, a data
decoding unit 22, a memory unit 204, a remote controller receiving
unit 24, a printer I/F unit 201, a data communication I/F 202, an
IC card I/F unit 203, and a controlling unit 205.
[0091] The printer I/F unit 201 is an interface circuit or the like
that is capable of USB, IEEE 1394 bus, etc. communication for
connecting this digital broadcast receiving device 200 to the
printing device 210.
[0092] The data communication I/F unit 202 is a telephone modem or
the like used for bidirectionally exchanging data between the
digital broadcast receiving device 20 and a digital broadcast
sending device via a communication network (both not shown).
[0093] The IC card I/F unit 203 is a reader/writer or the like made
for reading/writing to/from an IC card. The IC card I/F unit 203
reads/writes data related to the contract, security, billing, and
so forth regarding the conditional access from/to an IC card 220
that is used when the digital broadcast is employed according to
the conditional access system (Conditional Access System: CAS).
Note that the IC card 220 holds unique identification information
(card ID) and watched-program history information in an internal
memory and is provided with a circuit or the like to securely hold
these sets of information. When the IC card 220 is inserted into
the IC card I/F unit 203, the card ID is transmitted to the digital
broadcast receiving device 200 and is used as the user information
for identifying the user of the digital broadcast receiving device
200.
[0094] The memory unit 204 is provided with a frame buffer or the
like to hold a picture signal and image data in frames to be
outputted to the printing device 210 and the displaying device 40.
Moreover, the memory unit 204 is provided with a hard disc, a
DVD-RAM, etc. for accumulating the contents outputted from the data
decoding unit 22.
[0095] The controlling unit 205 is a microprocessor or the like for
controlling the entire digital broadcast receiving device 200, and
is provided with a ROM for storing dedicated control program, a
RAM, and so forth.
[0096] The printing device 210 performs printing of pictures etc.
according to the data for printing and individual print permission
information received via the printer I/F unit 25. The printing
device 210 is composed of a print controlling unit 211, a print
picture processing unit 212, and a print engine unit 213.
[0097] The print controlling unit 211 is a microcomputer or the
like that is provided with a ROM, a RAM, etc. to control the entire
printing device 210.
[0098] The print picture processing unit 212 performs conversion,
processing, etc. on the data for printing according to the data for
printing and the individual print permission information received
via the print controlling unit 211. For example, a part of print
area is shown by "X" as shown in FIG. 5B of the stated first
embodiment and, similarly, a part of the area is shown at a low
resolution as shown in FIG. 7B (there are methods achieved by
focusing on one pixel value, then changing surrounding pixel values
into that focused value, and by changing surrounding pixels into
white or black).
[0099] Note that although the print picture processing unit 212
performs conversion, processing, etc. on the data for printing in
the present embodiment, the digital broadcast receiving device 200
may be provided with this function.
[0100] The print engine unit 213 is a printer engine employing the
ink jet system or the like and prints color or monochrome pictures
on plain paper etc. in accordance with the data transmitted from
the print picture processing unit 212.
[0101] FIG. 15 illustrates an example in a case where print control
is performed according to the individual print permission
information. Here, "Pay per Print" refers to a printing system with
which every time a picture or image is printed out, appropriate
billing processing is performed. For example, in FIG. 7 of the
stated first embodiment, when the viewer individually makes a
contract to have a normal printing, but not printing in stripes,
printing in a high resolution becomes possible.
[0102] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of the
entire digital broadcast printing system 100 constructed as
described so far.
[0103] First, when receiving a "print" instruction from the viewer
(S801), the controlling unit 205 verifies at that point in time via
the IC card I/F unit 203 whether the individual print permission
information is stored in the IC card 220 (S1101).
[0104] If the individual print permission information is stored
(S1101: Yes), a new print condition is set in consideration of the
print control information of the stated first embodiment (S1102).
Thereafter, the same judgments are made as is the case with the
stated first embodiment according to the newly set print condition
(S802 to S810).
[0105] Next, the controlling unit 205 provides a display to have
the viewer confirm the printing or to notify the viewer that the
printing is restricted under the present circumstances (S1103).
With this, when receiving an instruction of "Pay per Print" from
the viewer, the controlling unit 205 conducts the billing
processing (or contract processing etc.) that makes "Pay per Print"
possible with a broadcasting business company or the like via the
data communication I/F unit 202 (S1105).
[0106] Finally, the controlling unit 205 transmits the individual
print permission information and the data for printing to the
printing device 210 via the printer I/F 201. When receiving the
data for printing, the printing device 210 performs image
processing on the data for printing according to the individual
print permission information and then executes printing in
accordance with the data on which the image processing has been
performed (S1107).
[0107] Accordingly, when the viewer holds the conditional access
contract, the digital broadcast printing system 100 performs the
print control for the viewer according to the individual print
permission information in consideration of the stated print control
information. Also, it performs the print control corresponding to
the contract made in real time. Thus, it becomes possible to
provide a printing system that has a high convenience for both the
provider and viewer, with copyright of the broadcast contents being
protected.
Third Embodiment
[0108] In the first and second embodiments described above, the
explanation has been given for the digital broadcast printing
system that controls printing of broadcast content according to the
print control information and individual print permission
information in the IC card. In the present embodiment, an
explanation will be given for a digital broadcast printing system
that realizes printing desired by the user via a network such as
the Internet even when broadcast content cannot be printed out.
Note that, hereinafter, the same functional components as those in
the above-described first and second embodiments are given the same
numerals, and an explanation thereof is omitted.
[0109] A digital broadcast printing system 300 (not shown) of the
present embodiment has basically the same functional construction
as the digital broadcast printing system 100 of the stated second
embodiment. It is composed of a digital broadcast receiving device
400 (not shown), a printing device 210, a displaying device 40, a
remote controller 50, and an antenna 60, and an IC card 220. The
difference between the digital broadcast receiving device 200 and
the digital broadcast receiving device 400 is that the digital
broadcast receiving device 400 is provided with a controlling unit
405 (not shown) replacing the controlling unit 205 of the digital
broadcast receiving device 200.
[0110] The controlling unit 405 is a microprocessor or the like for
controlling the entire digital broadcast receiving device 400, and
is provided with a ROM for storing dedicated control programs, a
RAM, and so forth. Moreover, the controlling unit 405 performs
control to allow getting the printing of content desired by the
user by accessing to a print content selling site via a network
such as the Internet under the user's direction even when the
broadcast content cannot be printed out. Furthermore, the
controlling unit 405 interprets the print control information
stored in the hierarchical table of the received broadcast content
and the individual print permission information stored in the IC
card 220. Based on these details, the controlling unit 405 makes a
judgment of whether or not the broadcast content can be printed and
a judgment of the printing style, and performs control to gain a
printed matter via a network such as the Internet.
[0111] FIG. 17 is an example of hierarchical table information used
when the digital broadcast printing system 300 of the present
embodiment performs print control according to the print control
information etc. As shown in FIG. 17, in the DDI, that is,
directory information defined for each content forming the program
1, "www.pcs.com/midght (in this case "HTTP://" is omitted) that is
an alternate URL (namely, URL indicating the address of the print
contents selling site on the Internet) is defined for the user who
wishes to print out with respect to the contents of the program 1.
The controlling unit 405 performs control to gain the printed
matter by accessing to the site selling the print content that is
indicated by this alternate URL under the user's direction when
Internet access is possible. Note that, as shown in FIG. 17, when
an alternate URL 1702 "www.pcs.com/midght/s.sub.--1.htm" is defined
in a DDB 231 (for example, one scene in the program 1) that is
directory information of a subordinate module 1 of the DII 221, the
controlling unit 405 may perform control to gain the printed matter
of one scene of the program 1 according to this alternate URL as in
the above case.
[0112] The following is an explanation of a practical example in a
case where the user performs printing of the desired contents via a
network in the present embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 18 to
20.
[0113] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of the
controlling unit 405 in a case where the user performs printing of
the desired contents via a network even when the broadcast contents
cannot be printed out. FIGS. 19A to 19D and FIG. 20 are screen
examples displayed on the displaying device 40 in the present
embodiment.
[0114] As shown in FIG. 18, when firstly receiving a depression of
a print button from the user (S1801: Yes), the controlling unit 405
checks whether the value of the print control information is "No
Printing" (S1802). When the printing is possible (S1802: No), it
performs printing based on the value of the print control
information (S1803). Meanwhile, when the value of the print control
information is "No Printing", the controlling unit 405 confirms
whether or not access to the site selling the print content on the
Internet is possible (that is, whether a function for access to the
Internet is provided) (S1804). When the stated access is
impossible, it directs the displaying device 40 to display that the
printing of the contents specified by the user cannot be performed
(for a display example, "No printing" as shown in FIG. 19A)
(S1805).
[0115] Moreover, the controlling unit 405 verifies whether or not
the alternate URL is defined in the DDI (or DDB) (S1806), and when
the alternate URL is not defined (S1806), it directs the displaying
device 40 to display that the printing cannot be performed as in
the stated case (S1807). If the alternate URL is defined (S1806:
Yes) and there is a bookmark function (S1808: Yes), the controlling
unit 405 registers the alternate URL to the bookmark and directs
the displaying device 40 to display so (for example, "URL of the
selling site has been registered to the bookmark" as shown in FIG.
19B). If there is not a bookmark function (S1808: No) and an
instruction to switch to a communication system screen is received
from the user on the screen to confirm whether or not to switch to
the communication system screen (a display as shown in FIG. 19C for
example) (that is, when button is pressed), the controlling unit
405 switches to the communication system screen and performs
control to print the contents (S1812). Meanwhile, when the user
directs not to switch to the communication system screen (that is,
when .tangle-solidup. button is pressed), the controlling unit 405
instructs the displaying device 40 to display that the printing
cannot be performed as in the above case (S1811).
[0116] Moreover, when the program ends (S1812: Yes), the
controlling unit 405 switches the screen to the bookmark screen and
performs control to gain the printed matter under the user's
direction (S1814).
[0117] FIG. 20 is an example of the bookmark screen. On a bookmark
screen 2001 in FIG. 20, a site selling print content 2003 related
to the alternate URL registered by the user is displayed and, in
this example, the date and time when the alternate URL was
registered and a related program title are being displayed when a
cursor 2002 is moved to a position of the "selling print content"
through an operation by the user.
[0118] As described above, using the digital broadcast printing
system of the present embodiment, access to the site selling the
print content on the network is possible according to the alternate
URL even when on-air-content cannot be directly printed out. Thus,
printing desired by the user can be realized via the network such
as the Internet.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0119] As described above, the print controlling apparatus and the
print controlling method of the present invention are useful to a
printing system in which a provider side of the broadcast content
performs control including whether or not to allow printing of the
content. In particular, they are useful to a printing system that
allows printing desired by the user to be realized using a network
such as the Internet in a case where printing is limited for the
digital broadcast.
* * * * *