JP2000184305A - Television system and program recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a television system by which whether or not a program is a rating program undesirably viewed by children can immediately be judged and to provide a program recording medium. SOLUTION: An input section 101 receives program information including a program and a rating and outputs the rating to a rating discrimination section 103 and outputs the program to a display control section 104. Ratings of programs desirably to be displayed are set to a rating setting section 102. The rating discrimination section 103 compares a received rating with the ratings set to the rating setting section 102 and controls a display control section 104 to display the rating of the program to part of a screen on which the program is displayed when the both are coincident.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a television system for controlling the viewing of a program according to a rating indicating the degree of extremity of the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the number of programs that can be viewed has increased with the increase in the number of TV program channels and diversification of user preferences.
Some programs are harmful to children, and their regulation is a problem.

[0003] In the United States, ratings that have been used for movies have been adopted for television programs, and various levels of ratings have been set according to the degree of radicality of the programs.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a rating of a television program. FIG. 5 shows that five levels of ratings are prepared and the ratings are set according to the subject.

[0005] In order to control the viewing of a harmful program, if a rating that is deemed unfavorable to view is set, the program cannot be viewed if the rating of the received program matches the set rating. A viewing control circuit called a V-Chip has been proposed as shown in USP 4,554,584 for controlling.

[0006] In the United States, to protect children from harmful programs, 13-inch or more televisions and personal computer televisions
Equipped with V-Chip is now mandatory. V-Chip is being considered in Japan and is becoming a necessary technology for TVs and STBs.

The configuration of such a conventional television system will be described together with its operation with reference to FIG. FIG.
0 is a block diagram of a conventional television system.

First, the input unit 1001 inputs a program and program information including rating information indicating the degree of extremity of the program, and outputs the program information to the rating determination unit 1003 and the program to the display control unit 1004.

[0009] In the rating setting section 1002, a rating is set by the viewer, which is considered to be undesirable for viewing. In this case, it is considered that R4 and R5 are set from the ratings shown in FIG.

[0010] The rating determining unit 1003 is provided with the input unit 10
01 is compared with the rating set in the rating setting unit 1002.

If the rating of the program information input from the input unit 1001 is R4 or R5, the rating determining unit 1003 controls the display control unit 1004 so that the program is not displayed on the monitor.

[0012]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional television system, a program to which a rating set by the viewer in the television system is added cannot be viewed.

When a parent and a child watch a program together without rating, because the parent wants to view the program, the program is harmful to the child and does not want the child to view the program. Parents cannot immediately judge whether a rating has been added or not. If the program is a program with a rating before the judgment is made, there is a problem that a harmful image is shown to a child.

In addition, since a parent's judgment is required as in R3 and R4, if there is a rating that has not been set,
Whether or not a child has viewed a program with a rating not set in the absence of a parent must be determined only by the child's declaration, and there is no way to know the actual viewing result.

Further, when a child views a program of a rating that has not been set in the absence of a parent, the program information of the program cannot be immediately confirmed.

Further, if a child watches a program with a rating that has not been set by a parent in the absence of a parent, the parent cannot confirm the contents of the program itself. Can't judge whether children can watch.

According to the present invention, such a conventional television system can immediately determine whether a program being viewed is a program having a rating that a parent wants to view but does not want children to view. An object of the present invention is to provide a television system and a program recording medium that can immediately determine whether a program being viewed is a program with a rating that a child does not want to view in consideration of the problem that the program cannot be viewed.

Also, in consideration of the problem that there is no means for surely knowing whether or not a child has watched a program with a rating set when a parent is absent, a child can watch a program with a rating set when a parent is absent. It is an object of the present invention to provide a television system and a program recording medium capable of reliably knowing whether or not the program has been performed.

In consideration of the problem that the program information of a program watched by a child in the absence of a guardian cannot be immediately checked, if a child views a program having a rating set in the absence of a guardian, the program of the child is not displayed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a television system and a program recording medium capable of immediately checking program information.

Further, in consideration of the problem that the contents of the rated program watched by the child in the absence of the parent cannot be confirmed, the contents of the program when the child views the program of the rating set in the absence of the guardian are considered. It is an object of the present invention to provide a television system and a program recording medium capable of immediately confirming.

[0021]

According to a first aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 1), there is provided an input means for inputting a program and program information including a rating indicating a degree of extremity of the program. Program selection means for selecting a program desired to be viewed from the program input by the input means; rating detection means for detecting the rating of the program selected by the program selection means from the program information; and the rating detection means When detected in, always or in certain cases,
A display control means for combining the rating with the program and displaying the program.

The second invention (corresponding to claim 2) provides:
The predetermined case means that when the rating detected by the rating detecting unit matches one of a predetermined one or a plurality of ratings, the display control unit combines the matching rating with the program. The television system according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the television system is configured to display the information.

A third aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 3) is:
An input unit for inputting a program and program information including a rating indicating the degree of extremity of the program, a program selecting unit for selecting a program to be viewed from the program input by the input unit, and a program selected by the program selecting unit Rating detection means for detecting a rating of the program information from the program information, display control means for displaying the program selected by the selection means,
When the program selected by the program selection unit and displayed by the display control unit is a program to which the rating information is attached, and the rating of the program matches one or a plurality of preset ratings And a history information generating means for generating history information.

Further, a fourth invention (corresponding to claim 4) is:
The television system according to the third invention, wherein the display control means includes a second display control means for displaying the history information.

The fifth invention (corresponding to claim 5) provides:
The television system according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the history is a channel and a time.

The sixth invention (corresponding to claim 6) provides:
The television system according to any one of the third to fifth inventions, wherein the history information is an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) of the program that generated the history information.

A seventh aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 6) is:
The television system according to any one of the third to fifth inventions, wherein the mode of the history information is the content of a program that generated the history information.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 8),
The television system according to a fourth aspect, wherein the second display control means displays the history information in the order of the one or more preset ratings.

A ninth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 9) is:
When the history information generating means generates a history exceeding a predetermined amount of history, the display control means controls so as not to display any more programs.
A television system according to any one of the eighth to eighth aspects.

The tenth invention (corresponding to claim 10)
Is a program recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a part or all of the functions of each component of the television system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0031]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) The configuration of a television system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described together with its operation.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a television system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The television system according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an input unit 101, a rating setting unit 102, a rating determination unit 103, and a display control unit 1.
04.

In the first embodiment, when there is a rating as shown in FIG.
02, an example will be described in which R4 is set as a viewable rating that the user wants to display the rating of a program at the time of viewing while watching.

When the user starts watching a program, program information including a program and a rating is input to the input unit 101. The input unit 101 sends the rating to the rating determination unit 103,
The program is output to the display control unit 104.

[0036] Rating determining section 103 compares the input rating with the viewable rating set in rating setting section 102.

When the input rating is R4, the rating determining unit 103 determines that the rating is R4.
Is transmitted to the display control unit 104 and the input unit 1
The display control unit 104 is controlled so that the rating and R4 are displayed on a part of the screen on which the program transmitted from 01 is displayed.

The display control unit 104 includes the rating judgment unit 1
03, the program and its rating,
R4 is displayed on the monitor. FIG. 6 shows an example of the display result on the monitor in this case. As shown in FIG. 6, a rating R4 of this program is displayed in a part of the program.

If the viewer is a parent with a child and is watching this program with the child, the viewer looks at the rating, R4, displayed on the monitor and finds that the program being viewed is not suitable for the child. Judging that the program is appropriate, you can immediately stop viewing.

Although the rating displayed on the monitor is displayed at the upper left in FIG. 6, it can be displayed at other positions.

Also, the display of the rating can be displayed in different colors according to the rating level.

The rating assigned to the program may be sent directly to the display control means without being judged by the rating judging unit, and all the ratings assigned to the program may be displayed.

(Embodiment 2) The configuration of a television system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described together with its operation.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a television system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The television system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention includes an input unit 201, a rating setting unit 202, a rating determination unit 203, a display control unit 2
04, the viewing history storage unit 205, and the viewing history management unit 20
6.

In the second embodiment, when there is a rating as shown in FIG.
02, but if you want to keep a record of the program when you watch it,
The case where 2, R3 and R4 are set will be described as an example.

When the user starts watching a program, the input section 201 receives program information including a program and a rating. The input unit 201 determines the rating of the program by the rating determination unit 2
03, and outputs the program to the display control unit 204.

The rating determining unit 203 compares the input rating with the viewable rating set in the rating setting unit.

If the input rating is R2, R3, or R4, rating determining section 203 controls viewing history management section 206 to obtain the viewing history of this program.

The viewing history management unit 206 causes the viewing history storage unit 205 to store the channel being viewed, the viewing time, and the like as the viewing history together with the input rating.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the viewing history stored in the viewing history storage unit 205. As shown in FIG. 7, the viewing history includes a channel of a viewed program, a viewing start time, a viewing end time, and a rating.

The viewing start time and viewing end time in FIG.
It shows not the broadcast start time and the end time of the program, but the time at which the program was actually viewed or ended.

For example, the viewing start time of the first viewing history is 17:00, but the actual broadcast start time is 17:00.
It is. This time is recorded because the viewer turned on the television at this time or switched from another channel to this channel.

Similarly, the viewing end time is 17:21, but the actual broadcast end time is 17:24. In this case, this time is recorded because the viewer has switched to another channel or turned off the television because the program that was being viewed has ended.

The viewing history management unit 206 can control the display control unit 204 to display the viewing history stored in the viewing history storage unit 205 on a monitor when instructed by the viewer.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the viewing history displayed on the monitor.

By displaying the viewing history on the monitor, it is possible to confirm whether or not the child has viewed the program having the rating set by the parent or guardian when the child is away.

The viewing history can also be displayed in the order of ratings set by the guardian.

FIG. 8 shows a display example of the viewing history when the viewing history recorded as shown in FIG. 7 is set to be displayed in the order of R2, R3, and R4. As shown in FIG. 8, the viewing history is displayed in chronological order in the order in which the rating is set.

In addition to this, it is also possible to display programs by genre. That is, it is also possible to display by genre such as movie, sport, drama, music, news and the like. Since information on the genre is included in the program information, the genre can be classified and displayed in this manner by referring to this information.

The viewer can also set the amount of viewing history to be stored in advance. For example, it is possible to set the total number of viewing hours and the number of viewing programs that a child can view per week.

In this case, when storing the viewing history, if the amount exceeds the amount of viewing history preset in the viewing history storage unit 205, the rating setting unit 203
The display control unit 204 can be controlled so that the program being viewed cannot be viewed, so that the program cannot be viewed more than the set amount.

Also, it has been described that the viewing history is displayed on the television monitor. However, the viewing history data may be transferred to a personal computer or the like and displayed at the destination.

The viewing history can record all of the programs that have been viewed. Alternatively, some programs may be viewed, so that only programs that have been viewed for a certain period of time or longer may be recorded.

The viewing history storage section and the viewing history management section of the present embodiment are examples of history information generating means of the present invention.

(Embodiment 3) The configuration of a television system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described along with its operation.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a television system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The television system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention includes an input unit 201, a rating setting unit 202, a rating determination unit 203, and a display control unit 2
04, the viewing history storage unit 305, and the viewing history management unit 30
6 and an EPG 307.

The difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment is that
Whether PG307 is present or not.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, the viewing history management unit 306 uses the EPG 307 to
Only the operation of storing the viewing history at 06 will be described.

Input unit 201, rating setting unit 20
2. The operations of the rating determination unit 203 and the display control unit 204 are the same as those described in the second embodiment of the present invention, and thus the description is omitted.

The viewing history management section 306 searches the EPG 307 for program information such as the program name of the program being viewed,
The search result is also stored in the viewing history storage unit 305 as the viewing history.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the viewing history stored in the viewing history storage unit 305. As shown in FIG. 9, the viewing history includes a channel, a program name, a viewing start time, a viewing end time, a rating, and the like.

As in the second embodiment, the viewing history management unit 3
06, if there is an instruction from the viewer, the viewing history storage unit 305
Can be displayed on the monitor by controlling the display control unit 304.

The viewing history can be displayed in the order of ratings set by the viewer or in the genre of the program.

The items displayed as the viewing history are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and any items included in the EPG information may be displayed.

The viewing history storage section and the viewing history management section of the present embodiment are examples of history information generating means of the present invention.

(Embodiment 4) The configuration of a television system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described along with its operation.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a television system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The television system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention includes an input unit 401, a rating setting unit 402, a rating determination unit 403, and a display control unit 4.
04, and a storage control unit 405.

In the fourth embodiment, when there is a rating as shown in FIG.
A case where R4 is set as the viewable rating that the user wants to record the program at the time of viewing while watching at 02 is described as an example.

When the child starts viewing, program information including a program and a rating is input to the input section 401. The input unit 401 determines the rating of the program by the rating determination unit 4.
03, and outputs the program to the display control unit 404.

The rating determining unit 403 compares the inputted rating with the viewable rating set in the rating setting unit.

When the input rating is R4, rating determining section 403 controls display control section 405 to store the program being viewed on a storage medium such as a VTR.

By watching the program stored in the storage medium, the guardian can check the contents of the program watched by the child in the absence.

Note that the viewed program is the same as in the first embodiment.
The state in which the rating of the program is displayed on a part of the screen displaying the program as shown in FIG.

Further, a viewing history may be taken at the same time as storing a program.

The input section of the present embodiment is an example of the input means of the present invention, and the rating determining section and the display control section of the present embodiment are examples of the display control means of the present invention.

The functions of the components of the television system of the present invention may be realized by dedicated hardware.
It may be realized by software using a computer program.

A program recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a part or all of the functions of each component of the television system of the present invention also belongs to the present invention.

[0088]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, when displaying a program having a rating that matches the rating set by the viewer, the rating of the program is displayed on a part of the screen. A television system can be provided.

Further, the present invention can provide a television system and a program recording medium for recording a viewing history of a program having a rating that matches the rating set by the viewer.

Further, the present invention can provide a television system and a program recording medium which, when a program having a rating set by a viewer is viewed, adds and stores program information to the viewing history of the program.

Further, when a viewer views a program having a rating that matches the rating set by the viewer, it is possible to provide a television system and a program recording medium for storing the program.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a television system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a television system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a television system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a television system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a rating.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which a rating is displayed on a part of a program.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewing history stored and displayed by a viewing history storage unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing history displayed in a predetermined rating order.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing history including program information retrieved from an EPG.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a conventional television system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101, 201, 301, 401 Input unit 102, 202, 302, 402 Rating setting unit 103, 203, 303, 403 Rating determination unit 104, 204, 304, 404 Display control unit 205, 305 Viewing history storage unit 206, 306 Viewing History management unit 307 EPG 405 Storage control unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5C025 BA25 BA28 CA09 CB05 CB06 CB07 CB09 DA05 5C063 AB05 CA23 DA07 EB33 EB35 5C064 BA01 BB08 BC08 BC23 BC25 BD13

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An input unit for inputting a program and program information including a rating indicating a degree of extremity of the program, a program selecting unit for selecting a program to be viewed from the program input by the input unit, and the program selecting unit Rating detection means for detecting the rating of the program selected in the program information from the program information; and display control for combining the rating with the program and displaying the rating when the rating detection means detects the rating, always or in a predetermined case. And a television system. 2. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined case is a case where the rating detected by the rating detecting unit matches one or more preset ratings. 2. The television system according to claim 1, wherein the television system is combined with the program and displayed. 3. An input unit for inputting a program and program information including a rating indicating a degree of extremity of the program, a program selecting unit for selecting a program to be viewed from the program input by the input unit, and the program selecting unit Rating detection means for detecting the rating of the program selected in the program information, display control means for displaying the program selected by the selection means, and display means selected by the program selection means and displayed by the display control means. History information generating means for generating history information when the rating matches any of one or a plurality of preset ratings among the programs to which the rating information is attached. A television system, characterized in that: 4. The television system according to claim 3, wherein said display control means includes second display control means for displaying said history information. 5. The television system according to claim 3, wherein the history is a channel and a time. 6. The television system according to claim 3, wherein an aspect of the history information is an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) of a program that has generated the history information. 7. The system according to claim 3, wherein the mode of the history information is the content of a program that generated the history information.
A television system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 8. The television system according to claim 4, wherein the second display control means displays the history information in the order of the one or more preset ratings. 9. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the history information generating unit generates a history exceeding a predetermined amount of history, the display control unit controls not to display any more programs. The television system according to any one of claims 3 to 8. 10. A program recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a part or all of the functions of each component of the television system according to claim 1.