EP1447929A1 - An apparatus and method for receiving a digital audio broadcast - Google Patents

An apparatus and method for receiving a digital audio broadcast Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1447929A1
EP1447929A1 EP04002228A EP04002228A EP1447929A1 EP 1447929 A1 EP1447929 A1 EP 1447929A1 EP 04002228 A EP04002228 A EP 04002228A EP 04002228 A EP04002228 A EP 04002228A EP 1447929 A1 EP1447929 A1 EP 1447929A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
service
desired service
broadcast
configuration information
information
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP04002228A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Tetsuya Nakamura
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
JVCKenwood Corp
Original Assignee
Kenwood KK
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kenwood KK filed Critical Kenwood KK
Publication of EP1447929A1 publication Critical patent/EP1447929A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/35—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users
    • H04H60/38—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for identifying broadcast time or space
    • H04H60/40—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for identifying broadcast time or space for identifying broadcast time
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/35—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users
    • H04H60/38—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for identifying broadcast time or space
    • H04H60/41—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for identifying broadcast time or space for identifying broadcast space, i.e. broadcast channels, broadcast stations or broadcast areas
    • H04H60/44—Arrangements for identifying or recognising characteristics with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time, e.g. for identifying broadcast stations or for identifying users for identifying broadcast time or space for identifying broadcast space, i.e. broadcast channels, broadcast stations or broadcast areas for identifying broadcast stations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H2201/00—Aspects of broadcast communication
    • H04H2201/10—Aspects of broadcast communication characterised by the type of broadcast system
    • H04H2201/20—Aspects of broadcast communication characterised by the type of broadcast system digital audio broadcasting [DAB]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a broadcast receiving apparatus and method, and more particularly to a broadcast receiving apparatus and method for receiving a multiplexed broadcast such as a DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) having a plurality of services (audio programs, information programs such as weather and traffic) multiplexed at one carrier frequency.
  • a multiplexed broadcast such as a DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) having a plurality of services (audio programs, information programs such as weather and traffic) multiplexed at one carrier frequency.
  • DAB is used in practice in Europe, presenting radio programs of a high sound quality to mobile terminals. DAB has the merit that a number of audio programs, weather information, or traffic information can be received at any time.
  • Each broadcast channel of present DAB utilizes an empty frequency between reception frequencies assigned to respective channels of television broadcasting.
  • a carrier frequency group corresponding to respective broadcast channels is called an ensemble.
  • a plurality of services are multiplexed at each ensemble.
  • multiplexing broadcasting by one ensemble is constituted of a DAB transmission frame.
  • An MSC (Main Information Channel) of the DAB transmission frame contains real data of each service, and an FIC (First Information Channel) contains DAB broadcasting management information such as ensemble identification information and service configuration information representative of the configuration of services contained in a broadcast.
  • DAB is allowed to optionally configure the configuration (the number of services, audio bit rate) of services during broadcasting.
  • This is called an MRC (Multi Re-Configuration).
  • the MRC function will be described with reference to Fig. 5.
  • Services on air include services A, B and C and the configuration of the services A, B and C is changed at a timing t s .
  • the service configuration information contains only the configuration information of the services A, B and C now on air before a timing t P which is 6 seconds before the configuration is changed.
  • broadcast information includes service configuration information of the services now on air, advance notice information for notifying in advance the configuration information of services A, B and D after the configuration change, and remaining time information to the configuration change. After the configuration change, the advance notice information is not broadcast and there is only the service configuration information of the services A, B and D now on air.
  • the details of the function of such MRC are described in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication HEI-11-68597.
  • Fig. 6 shows the general structure of a DAB broadcast receiver.
  • a DAB receiver unit 2 receives a DAB broadcast signal (multiplexed broadcast signal) from an antenna 1 by tuning in a desired ensemble in a DAB broadcast band by using a variable reception frequency.
  • the DAB receiver unit 2 analyzes the DAB broadcast management information (service configuration information and the like) contained in FIC and outputs it, reproduces an audio signal of a music program desired by a user and outputs it, derives weather information or traffic information desired by a user and outputs it.
  • a display unit 3 displays information on a selected service, weather information, traffic information or the like.
  • An operation unit 4 is used for selecting a desired service.
  • a control unit 5 controls each unit of the DAB broadcast receiving apparatus and operates to output audio sounds of a service desired by a user, weather information or traffic information.
  • Fig. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a conventional service search process to be executed by the control unit 5.
  • the control unit 5 first controls the DAB receiver unit 2 which in turn tunes in a first ensemble frequency having the lowest frequency in a predetermined DAB broadcast band (Steps S10, S11). It is then checked whether the DAB receiver unit 2 receives a DAB broadcast signal (Step S12). If not, it is checked whether or not a tuning operation was performed up to the ensemble having the highest frequency in the DAB broadcast band (Step S13). If not, a tuning operation is performed for the next highest ensemble frequency (Steps S14, S11).
  • Step S12 It is checked whether or not the DAB receiver unit 2 received a DAB broadcast signal (Step S12). If received, the operation stands by until the DAB receiver unit 2 completes an analysis of the DAB broadcast management information (Step S15). It is checked from the analyzed result whether or not a desired service is now on air, by referring to the service configuration information of services now on air (Step S16). It not, the DAB receiver unit 2 is again controlled to tune in the next highest ensemble channel frequency (Steps S13, S14, S11).
  • Step S16 If it is judged at Step S16 that the desired service is now on air, the DAB receiver unit 2 is controlled to reproduce and output audio sounds if the desired service is an audio program, or to derive information if the desired service is weather information or traffic information and input it to the display unit 3 to display it (Step S17). In this manner, service desired by a user can be output.
  • Step S16 a desired service D selected by the operation unit 4 is checked whether it is now on air (Step S16) and if it is just three seconds before the desired service D is broadcast in DAB broadcasting (refer to t x in Fig. 5), it is judged that the desired service D is not presently broadcast because only the services A, B and C are presently broadcast, so that the next ensemble is received. Searching the desired service is therefore mishit, and after searching up to the highest ensemble frequency in the DAB broadcast band, the lowest ensemble frequency in the DAB broadcast is again searched. It takes therefore a long time to complete searching the desired service.
  • a receiving apparatus having reception means for receiving a multiplexed broadcast having a plurality of services multiplexed at one carrier frequency, outputting an audio signal of a desired service or information, or deriving and outputting service configuration information, comprising: selection means for selecting a desired service to be searched; judgement means for judging whether the service configuration information output from the reception means contains an advance notice representative of a change to a new service configuration; and service search control means for controlling, when the selection means selects a desired service, the reception means to sequentially tune in a plurality of multiplexed broadcasts existing in a predetermined band, when the reception means receives a certain multiplexed broadcast, checking the service configuration information received from the certain multiplexed broadcast, if the service configuration information now on air contains the desired service, controlling the reception means to continue to tune in the certain multiplexed broadcast and reproduce and output the desired service, if the service configuration information now on air contains neither the desired service nor the advance notice information, controlling the reception means to tune in
  • a broadcast receiving method for a broadcast receiving apparatus having reception means for receiving a multiplexed broadcast having a plurality of services multiplexed at one carrier frequency, outputting an audio signal of a desired service or information, or deriving and outputting service configuration information
  • the method comprising the steps of: when a desired service is selected, controlling the reception means to sequentially tune in a plurality of multiplexed broadcasts existing in a predetermined band; and when the reception means receives a certain multiplexed broadcast, checking the service configuration information received from the certain multiplexed broadcast, if the service configuration information now on air contains the desired service, controlling the reception means to continue to tune in the certain multiplexed broadcast and reproduce and output the desired service, if the service configuration information now on air contains neither the desired service nor the advance notice information, controlling the reception means to tune in the next multiplexed broadcast, if the service configuration information now on air does not contain the desired service, but contains the advance notice information and the advance notice information does not contain the desired
  • Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a DAB broadcast receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 1 similar constituent elements to those shown in Fig. 6 are represented by identical reference numerals.
  • a DAB receiver unit 2 tunes in a desired ensemble in the DAB broadcast band by using a variable reception frequency to thereby receive a DAB broadcast signal (multiplexed broadcast signal).
  • the DAB receiver unit 2 analyzes the DAB broadcast management information contained in FIC and outputs it, reproduces an audio signal of a music program desired by a user and outputs it, derives weather information, traffic information or the like desired by a user and outputs it.
  • a display unit 3 displays information on a selected service, weather information, traffic information or the like.
  • An operation unit 4 is used for selecting a desired service.
  • a control unit 5A controls each unit of the DAB broadcast receiving apparatus and operates to output audio sounds of a service desired by a user, weather information or traffic information.
  • the control unit 5A checks the service configuration information received at the DAB receiver unit 2 in order to search a service. In this case, the control unit 5A checks whether a desired service exists or not, by referring not only to the service configuration information of services now on air but also to the service configuration information after the configuration change indicated by advance notice information if this information exists. If the desired service is not contained in the service configuration information of services now on air but is contained in the advance notice information, the desired service is output when the configuration is changed.
  • Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a service search process to be executed by the control unit 5
  • Figs. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the service search process. With reference to Fig. 2 and Figs. 3A and 3B, the operation of the embodiment will be described.
  • the control unit 5A When a desired service, e.g., a service D, is selected by using the operation unit 4, the control unit 5A first controls the DAB receiver unit 2 which in turn tunes in a first ensemble frequency having the lowest frequency in a predetermined DAB broadcast band (Steps S10, S11). It is then checked whether the DAB receiver unit 2 received a DAB broadcast signal (Step S12). If not, it is checked whether or not a tuning operation was performed up to the ensemble having the highest frequency in the DAB broadcast band (Step S13). If not, a tuning operation is performed for the next highest ensemble frequency (Steps S14, S11). It is checked again whether or not the DAB receiver unit 2 received a DAB broadcast signal (Step S12).
  • a desired service e.g., a service D
  • Step S15 the operation stands by until the DAB receiver unit 2 complete an analysis of the DAB broadcast management information (Step S15). It is checked from the analyzed result whether or not a desired service is now on air, by referring to the service configuration information of services now on air (Step S16). It is assumed in this case that as shown in Fig. 3A, services E, F and G are presently broadcast at the second ensemble and that the configuration does not change during a certain period. If the judgement at Step S16 is made at a predetermined timing, the judgement at Step S16 is negated. Next, it is checked whether the DAB broadcast management information contains advance notice information of a service configuration change (Step S18). If not, the DAB receiver unit 2 is controlled to tune in the second highest ensemble frequency (Steps S13, S14, S11).
  • Step S12 It is again checked whether the DAB receiver unit 2 received a DAB broadcast signal (Step S12). If received, the operation stands by until the DAB receiver unit 2 complete an analysis of the DAB broadcast management information (Step S15). It is checked from the analyzed result whether or not a desired service is now on air, by referring to the service configuration information of services now on air (Step S16). It is assumed in this case that as shown in Fig. 3B, services H, I and J are presently broadcast at the third ensemble and that the advance notice information and remaining time information to the configuration change are also broadcast. If the judgement at Step S16 is made at a timing t x , the judgement at Step S16 is negated.
  • Step S18 it is checked whether the DAB broadcast management information contains advance notice information of the service configuration change. In this case, the advance notice information exists. It is then checked whether the service configuration after the configuration change indicated by the advance notice information contains the desired service (Step S19). If not, the DAB receiver unit 2 is again controlled to tune in the next highest ensemble frequency (Steps S13, S14, S11). However, in this case, the judgement at Step S19 is affirmed. Next, it is repetitively checked whether new DAB broadcast management information is received at the DAB receiver unit 2 and whether the remaining time to the configuration change becomes zero. The judgement at Step S20 is affirmed when the configuration change occurs (at timing t s shown in Fig. 3B).
  • the DAB receiver unit 2 is controlled to reproduce and output audio sounds if the desired service is an audio program, or to derive information if the desired service is weather information or traffic information and input it to the display unit 3 to display it (Step S17). In this manner, service desired by a user can be output quickly.
  • the control unit 5A when the control unit 5A checks the service configuration information in a DAB broadcast signal received at the DAB receiver unit 2 in order to search a service, the control unit 5A refers not only to the service configuration information of services now on air but also to the service configuration information after a configuration change indicated by the advance notice information if it exists. If a desired service exists in the advance notice information although it does not exist in the service configuration information of services now on air, the desired service is output when the configuration change occurs. If only the service configuration information of services now on air in the DAB broadcast signal is checked and if the desired service is DAB broadcast immediately thereafter, this service is missed. Such a miss can be avoided and the desired service search can be completed quickly.
  • receiving a DAB broadcast practically used in Europe has been described illustratively.
  • the invention is not limited only to a DAB broadcast, but various other types of multiplexing broadcasting may also be used.
  • the service configuration information of multiplexing broadcasting is checked to search a desired service, not only the service configuration information now on air but also the advance notice information broadcast before a configuration change is checked. A search miss can therefore be avoided and a desired service search can be completed quickly.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Circuits Of Receivers In General (AREA)

Abstract

A desired service can be searched quickly. When a control unit checks the service configuration information in a DAB broadcast signal received at a DAB receiver unit in order to search a service, the control unit refers not only to the service configuration information of services now on air but also to the service configuration information after a configuration change indicated by the advance notice if it exists. If a desired service exists in the advance notice although it does not exist in the service configuration information of services now on air, the desired service is output when the configuration change occurs. If only the service configuration information of services now on air in the DAB broadcast signal is checked and if the desired service is DAB broadcast immediately thereafter, this service is missed. Such a miss can be avoided

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention
  • The present invention relates to a broadcast receiving apparatus and method, and more particularly to a broadcast receiving apparatus and method for receiving a multiplexed broadcast such as a DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) having a plurality of services (audio programs, information programs such as weather and traffic) multiplexed at one carrier frequency.
    • Related Background Art
  • DAB is used in practice in Europe, presenting radio programs of a high sound quality to mobile terminals. DAB has the merit that a number of audio programs, weather information, or traffic information can be received at any time.
  • Each broadcast channel of present DAB utilizes an empty frequency between reception frequencies assigned to respective channels of television broadcasting. A carrier frequency group corresponding to respective broadcast channels is called an ensemble. A plurality of services are multiplexed at each ensemble. As shown in Fig. 4, multiplexing broadcasting by one ensemble is constituted of a DAB transmission frame. An MSC (Main Information Channel) of the DAB transmission frame contains real data of each service, and an FIC (First Information Channel) contains DAB broadcasting management information such as ensemble identification information and service configuration information representative of the configuration of services contained in a broadcast.
  • DAB is allowed to optionally configure the configuration (the number of services, audio bit rate) of services during broadcasting. This is called an MRC (Multi Re-Configuration). The MRC function will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Services on air include services A, B and C and the configuration of the services A, B and C is changed at a timing ts. The service configuration information contains only the configuration information of the services A, B and C now on air before a timing tP which is 6 seconds before the configuration is changed. At the timing tP, broadcast information includes service configuration information of the services now on air, advance notice information for notifying in advance the configuration information of services A, B and D after the configuration change, and remaining time information to the configuration change. After the configuration change, the advance notice information is not broadcast and there is only the service configuration information of the services A, B and D now on air. The details of the function of such MRC are described in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication HEI-11-68597.
  • Fig. 6 shows the general structure of a DAB broadcast receiver. A DAB receiver unit 2 receives a DAB broadcast signal (multiplexed broadcast signal) from an antenna 1 by tuning in a desired ensemble in a DAB broadcast band by using a variable reception frequency. The DAB receiver unit 2 analyzes the DAB broadcast management information (service configuration information and the like) contained in FIC and outputs it, reproduces an audio signal of a music program desired by a user and outputs it, derives weather information or traffic information desired by a user and outputs it. A display unit 3 displays information on a selected service, weather information, traffic information or the like. An operation unit 4 is used for selecting a desired service. In response to a selection of a desired service by the operation unit 4, a control unit 5 controls each unit of the DAB broadcast receiving apparatus and operates to output audio sounds of a service desired by a user, weather information or traffic information.
  • Fig. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a conventional service search process to be executed by the control unit 5. When a desired service is selected by using the operation unit 4, the control unit 5 first controls the DAB receiver unit 2 which in turn tunes in a first ensemble frequency having the lowest frequency in a predetermined DAB broadcast band (Steps S10, S11). It is then checked whether the DAB receiver unit 2 receives a DAB broadcast signal (Step S12). If not, it is checked whether or not a tuning operation was performed up to the ensemble having the highest frequency in the DAB broadcast band (Step S13). If not, a tuning operation is performed for the next highest ensemble frequency (Steps S14, S11). It is checked whether or not the DAB receiver unit 2 received a DAB broadcast signal (Step S12). If received, the operation stands by until the DAB receiver unit 2 completes an analysis of the DAB broadcast management information (Step S15). It is checked from the analyzed result whether or not a desired service is now on air, by referring to the service configuration information of services now on air (Step S16). It not, the DAB receiver unit 2 is again controlled to tune in the next highest ensemble channel frequency (Steps S13, S14, S11). If it is judged at Step S16 that the desired service is now on air, the DAB receiver unit 2 is controlled to reproduce and output audio sounds if the desired service is an audio program, or to derive information if the desired service is weather information or traffic information and input it to the display unit 3 to display it (Step S17). In this manner, service desired by a user can be output.
  • While a certain DAB broadcast is received, if a desired service D selected by the operation unit 4 is checked whether it is now on air (Step S16) and if it is just three seconds before the desired service D is broadcast in DAB broadcasting (refer to tx in Fig. 5), it is judged that the desired service D is not presently broadcast because only the services A, B and C are presently broadcast, so that the next ensemble is received. Searching the desired service is therefore mishit, and after searching up to the highest ensemble frequency in the DAB broadcast band, the lowest ensemble frequency in the DAB broadcast is again searched. It takes therefore a long time to complete searching the desired service.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • It is an object of the invention to solve the above problem and provide a broadcast receiving apparatus and method capable of searching a desired service at high speed.
  • According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving apparatus having reception means for receiving a multiplexed broadcast having a plurality of services multiplexed at one carrier frequency, outputting an audio signal of a desired service or information, or deriving and outputting service configuration information, comprising: selection means for selecting a desired service to be searched; judgement means for judging whether the service configuration information output from the reception means contains an advance notice representative of a change to a new service configuration; and service search control means for controlling, when the selection means selects a desired service, the reception means to sequentially tune in a plurality of multiplexed broadcasts existing in a predetermined band, when the reception means receives a certain multiplexed broadcast, checking the service configuration information received from the certain multiplexed broadcast, if the service configuration information now on air contains the desired service, controlling the reception means to continue to tune in the certain multiplexed broadcast and reproduce and output the desired service, if the service configuration information now on air contains neither the desired service nor the advance notice information, controlling the reception means to tune in the next multiplexed broadcast, if the service configuration information now on air does not contain the desired service, but contains the advance notice information and the advance notice information does not contain the desired service, controlling the reception means to tune in the next multiplexed broadcast, and if the service configuration information now on air does not contain the desired service, but contains the advance notice information and the advance notice information contains the desired service, then controlling the reception means to continue to tune in the certain multiplexed broadcast and reproduce the desired service when the desired service starts being broadcast.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a broadcast receiving method for a broadcast receiving apparatus having reception means for receiving a multiplexed broadcast having a plurality of services multiplexed at one carrier frequency, outputting an audio signal of a desired service or information, or deriving and outputting service configuration information, the method comprising the steps of: when a desired service is selected, controlling the reception means to sequentially tune in a plurality of multiplexed broadcasts existing in a predetermined band; and when the reception means receives a certain multiplexed broadcast, checking the service configuration information received from the certain multiplexed broadcast, if the service configuration information now on air contains the desired service, controlling the reception means to continue to tune in the certain multiplexed broadcast and reproduce and output the desired service, if the service configuration information now on air contains neither the desired service nor the advance notice information, controlling the reception means to tune in the next multiplexed broadcast, if the service configuration information now on air does not contain the desired service, but contains the advance notice information and the advance notice information does not contain the desired service, controlling the reception means to tune in the next multiplexed broadcast, and if the service configuration information now on air does not contain the desired service, but contains the advance notice information and the advance notice information contains the desired service, then controlling the reception means to continue to tune in the certain multiplexed broadcast and reproduce the desired service when the desired service starts being broadcast.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a DAB broadcast receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a service search process to be executed by a control unit shown in Fig. 1.
  • Figs. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the service search process to be executed by the DAB broadcast receiving apparatus shown in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 4 is an illustrative diagram of a DAB transmission frame.
  • Fig. 5 is an illustrative diagram showing a service re-configuration function in a DAB broadcast.
  • Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of a conventional, general DAB broadcast receiving apparatus.
  • Fig. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a service search process to be executed by a control unit shown in Fig. 6.
    • DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a DAB broadcast receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 1, similar constituent elements to those shown in Fig. 6 are represented by identical reference numerals.
  • Referring to Fig. 1, a DAB receiver unit 2 tunes in a desired ensemble in the DAB broadcast band by using a variable reception frequency to thereby receive a DAB broadcast signal (multiplexed broadcast signal). The DAB receiver unit 2 analyzes the DAB broadcast management information contained in FIC and outputs it, reproduces an audio signal of a music program desired by a user and outputs it, derives weather information, traffic information or the like desired by a user and outputs it. A display unit 3 displays information on a selected service, weather information, traffic information or the like. An operation unit 4 is used for selecting a desired service. In response to a selection of a desired service by the operation unit, a control unit 5A controls each unit of the DAB broadcast receiving apparatus and operates to output audio sounds of a service desired by a user, weather information or traffic information.
  • The control unit 5A checks the service configuration information received at the DAB receiver unit 2 in order to search a service. In this case, the control unit 5A checks whether a desired service exists or not, by referring not only to the service configuration information of services now on air but also to the service configuration information after the configuration change indicated by advance notice information if this information exists. If the desired service is not contained in the service configuration information of services now on air but is contained in the advance notice information, the desired service is output when the configuration is changed.
  • Other structures are quite the same as those shown in Fig. 6.
  • Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a service search process to be executed by the control unit 5, and Figs. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the service search process. With reference to Fig. 2 and Figs. 3A and 3B, the operation of the embodiment will be described.
  • When a desired service, e.g., a service D, is selected by using the operation unit 4, the control unit 5A first controls the DAB receiver unit 2 which in turn tunes in a first ensemble frequency having the lowest frequency in a predetermined DAB broadcast band (Steps S10, S11). It is then checked whether the DAB receiver unit 2 received a DAB broadcast signal (Step S12). If not, it is checked whether or not a tuning operation was performed up to the ensemble having the highest frequency in the DAB broadcast band (Step S13). If not, a tuning operation is performed for the next highest ensemble frequency (Steps S14, S11). It is checked again whether or not the DAB receiver unit 2 received a DAB broadcast signal (Step S12). If received, the operation stands by until the DAB receiver unit 2 complete an analysis of the DAB broadcast management information (Step S15). It is checked from the analyzed result whether or not a desired service is now on air, by referring to the service configuration information of services now on air (Step S16). It is assumed in this case that as shown in Fig. 3A, services E, F and G are presently broadcast at the second ensemble and that the configuration does not change during a certain period. If the judgement at Step S16 is made at a predetermined timing, the judgement at Step S16 is negated. Next, it is checked whether the DAB broadcast management information contains advance notice information of a service configuration change (Step S18). If not, the DAB receiver unit 2 is controlled to tune in the second highest ensemble frequency (Steps S13, S14, S11).
  • It is again checked whether the DAB receiver unit 2 received a DAB broadcast signal (Step S12). If received, the operation stands by until the DAB receiver unit 2 complete an analysis of the DAB broadcast management information (Step S15). It is checked from the analyzed result whether or not a desired service is now on air, by referring to the service configuration information of services now on air (Step S16). It is assumed in this case that as shown in Fig. 3B, services H, I and J are presently broadcast at the third ensemble and that the advance notice information and remaining time information to the configuration change are also broadcast. If the judgement at Step S16 is made at a timing tx, the judgement at Step S16 is negated. Next, it is checked whether the DAB broadcast management information contains advance notice information of the service configuration change (Step S18). In this case, the advance notice information exists. It is then checked whether the service configuration after the configuration change indicated by the advance notice information contains the desired service (Step S19). If not, the DAB receiver unit 2 is again controlled to tune in the next highest ensemble frequency (Steps S13, S14, S11). However, in this case, the judgement at Step S19 is affirmed. Next, it is repetitively checked whether new DAB broadcast management information is received at the DAB receiver unit 2 and whether the remaining time to the configuration change becomes zero. The judgement at Step S20 is affirmed when the configuration change occurs (at timing ts shown in Fig. 3B). At this time, the DAB receiver unit 2 is controlled to reproduce and output audio sounds if the desired service is an audio program, or to derive information if the desired service is weather information or traffic information and input it to the display unit 3 to display it (Step S17). In this manner, service desired by a user can be output quickly.
  • According to this embodiment, when the control unit 5A checks the service configuration information in a DAB broadcast signal received at the DAB receiver unit 2 in order to search a service, the control unit 5A refers not only to the service configuration information of services now on air but also to the service configuration information after a configuration change indicated by the advance notice information if it exists. If a desired service exists in the advance notice information although it does not exist in the service configuration information of services now on air, the desired service is output when the configuration change occurs. If only the service configuration information of services now on air in the DAB broadcast signal is checked and if the desired service is DAB broadcast immediately thereafter, this service is missed. Such a miss can be avoided and the desired service search can be completed quickly.
  • In the above-described embodiment, receiving a DAB broadcast practically used in Europe has been described illustratively. The invention is not limited only to a DAB broadcast, but various other types of multiplexing broadcasting may also be used.
  • According to the invention, when the service configuration information of multiplexing broadcasting is checked to search a desired service, not only the service configuration information now on air but also the advance notice information broadcast before a configuration change is checked. A search miss can therefore be avoided and a desired service search can be completed quickly.

Claims (2)

  1. A broadcast receiving apparatus having reception means for receiving a multiplexed broadcast having a plurality of services multiplexed at one carrier frequency, outputting an audio signal of a desired service or information, or deriving and outputting service configuration information, comprising:
    selection means for selecting a desired service to be searched;
    judgement means for judging whether the service configuration information output from said reception means contains an advance notice representative of a change to a new service configuration; and
    service search control means for controlling, when said selection means selects a desired service, said reception means to sequentially tune in a plurality of multiplexed broadcasts existing in a predetermined band, when said reception means receives a certain multiplexed broadcast, checking the service configuration information received from the certain multiplexed broadcast, if the service configuration information now on air contains the desired service, controlling said reception means to continue to tune in the certain multiplexed broadcast and reproduce and output the desired service, if the service configuration information now on air contains neither the desired service nor the advance notice information, controlling said reception means to tune in the next multiplexed broadcast, if the service configuration information now on air does not contain the desired service, but contains the advance notice information and the advance notice information does not contain the desired service, controlling said reception means to tune in the next multiplexed broadcast, and if the service configuration information now on air does not contain the desired service, but contains the advance notice information and the advance notice information contains the desired service, then controlling said reception means to continue to tune in the certain multiplexed broadcast and reproduce the desired service when the desired service starts being broadcast.
  2. A broadcast receiving method for a broadcast receiving apparatus having reception means for receiving a multiplexed broadcast having a plurality of services multiplexed at one carrier frequency, outputting an audio signal of a desired service or information, or deriving and outputting service configuration information, the method comprising the steps of:
    when a desired service is selected, controlling said the reception means to sequentially tune in a plurality of multiplexed broadcasts existing in a predetermined band; and
    when said reception means receives a certain multiplexed broadcast, checking the service configuration information received from the certain multiplexed broadcast, if the service configuration information now on air contains the desired service, controlling said reception means to continue to tune in the certain multiplexed broadcast and reproduce and output the desired service, if the service configuration information now on air contains neither the desired service nor the advance notice information, controlling said reception means to tune in the next multiplexed broadcast, if the service configuration information now on air does not contain the desired service, but contains the advance notice information and the advance notice information does not contain the desired service, controlling said reception means to tune in the next multiplexed broadcast, and if the service configuration information now on air does not contain the desired service, but contains the advance notice information and the advance notice information contains the desired service, then controlling said reception means to continue to tune in the certain multiplexed broadcast and reproduce the desired service when the desired service starts being broadcast.
EP04002228A 2003-02-17 2004-02-02 An apparatus and method for receiving a digital audio broadcast Withdrawn EP1447929A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2003038897A JP2004253829A (en) 2003-02-17 2003-02-17 Broadcast receiver and broadcast receiving method
JP2003038897 2003-02-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1447929A1 true EP1447929A1 (en) 2004-08-18

Family

ID=32677669

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04002228A Withdrawn EP1447929A1 (en) 2003-02-17 2004-02-02 An apparatus and method for receiving a digital audio broadcast

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1447929A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2004253829A (en)
DE (1) DE04002228T1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1729516A2 (en) * 2005-06-03 2006-12-06 LG Electronics Inc. Digital multimedia broadcasting system and method for managing multimedia broadcast channels
EP1761059A2 (en) * 2005-08-29 2007-03-07 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving broadcast data and service information

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100664181B1 (en) 2004-11-22 2007-01-03 엘지전자 주식회사 Method for searching program in wireless terminal with digital multimedia broadcasting

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10037940A1 (en) * 1999-08-03 2001-02-08 Pioneer Corp Arrangement for receiving radio signals has display controller driving display to indicate information showing that change has been detected without altering selected programme
US20020045430A1 (en) * 2000-10-16 2002-04-18 Takayuki Kamei Broadcast progam search method in digital broadcasting radio receiving apparatus, and computer-readable recording medium recording broadcast program search program

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10037940A1 (en) * 1999-08-03 2001-02-08 Pioneer Corp Arrangement for receiving radio signals has display controller driving display to indicate information showing that change has been detected without altering selected programme
US20020045430A1 (en) * 2000-10-16 2002-04-18 Takayuki Kamei Broadcast progam search method in digital broadcasting radio receiving apparatus, and computer-readable recording medium recording broadcast program search program

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1729516A2 (en) * 2005-06-03 2006-12-06 LG Electronics Inc. Digital multimedia broadcasting system and method for managing multimedia broadcast channels
EP1729516A3 (en) * 2005-06-03 2007-09-19 LG Electronics Inc. Digital multimedia broadcasting system and method for managing multimedia broadcast channels
US7653343B2 (en) 2005-06-03 2010-01-26 Lg Electronics Inc. Digital multimedia broadcasting system and method for managing multimedia broadcast channels
CN1921359B (en) * 2005-06-03 2012-02-29 Lg电子株式会社 Digital multimedia broadcasting system and method for managing multimedia broadcast channels
US8331849B2 (en) 2005-06-03 2012-12-11 Lg Electronics Inc. Method for service management
EP1761059A2 (en) * 2005-08-29 2007-03-07 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving broadcast data and service information
EP1761059A3 (en) * 2005-08-29 2009-08-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving broadcast data and service information

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2004253829A (en) 2004-09-09
DE04002228T1 (en) 2005-05-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1961216B1 (en) Methods for using broadcast multimedia content information and related broadcast multimedia receivers/playback devices
US7308236B2 (en) Broadcast receiver and channel scanning method
US7190938B2 (en) Broadcast receiver
JPH1127593A (en) Method and system for updating electronic program guide information for digital television receiver
US20060194536A1 (en) Mobile terminal and method for providing user interface using received terrestrial digital broadcasting data
EP2012540A1 (en) Receiving device of digital broadcasts and its receiving method
EP1762039A1 (en) Multiple services within a channel-identification in a device
US20070242783A1 (en) Digital Broadcast Reception Device
EP1734750A2 (en) Method and apparatus for receiving digital broadcasting
WO2006134351A1 (en) Method of tuning digital receivers
US20070060082A1 (en) Receiving apparatus
US20070089123A1 (en) Terrestrial digital broadcasting system and method
EP1447929A1 (en) An apparatus and method for receiving a digital audio broadcast
JP2001177778A (en) Method and device for reception
EP3906698A1 (en) Generation of media station previews using a reference database
WO2020142426A1 (en) Generation of media station previews using a secondary tuner
KR100866563B1 (en) Method for automatic updating data broadcating and Apparatus thereof
CN101820519A (en) Be used to change/method and the radio receiver of managing channel
EP1643770A2 (en) Method and apparatus for searching for a digital broadcasting program
KR100969240B1 (en) Receiving devices
WO2004098187A1 (en) Method and arrangement for automatically searching information sources accessible through a network for contents satisfying predefined criteria
EP1727362B1 (en) Digital multimedia broadcasting receiver and channel managing method of the same
KR100700806B1 (en) Apparatus and method for setting a broadcasting channel in DMB receiver
KR20070026995A (en) Method for reconfigurating a broadcasting channel in t-dmb receiver
JP3336565B2 (en) Radio receiver

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK

EL Fr: translation of claims filed
17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20050131

DET De: translation of patent claims
AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: JVC KENWOOD CORPORATION

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN

18W Application withdrawn

Effective date: 20151126