JP2003037788A - Automatic setup device and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic setup device and its method that can automatically discriminate a receptible broadcast service company, a receiver connected externally and attain control setting. SOLUTION: The automatic setup device compares all reception states, capable of channel selection with a broadcast state (presence/absence of broadcasting) of a current broadcast service acquired through access to a server for storing channel information by each broadcast station, so as to automatically discriminate a broadcast service. Furthermore, the automatic setup device uses an external tuner controller and transmits a remote control code of an external tuner to the external tuner and detects a video signal so as to automatically set the external tuner.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic setup apparatus and a method thereof, and in setting a receiving channel in a STB or the like which is a kind of a television receiver or an external receiving apparatus, particularly a network using a telephone line or the like. The present invention relates to a device characterized by automatically determining an electronic program guide to be downloaded when using.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a television receiver, STB, or the like is newly purchased, or when a receivable broadcasting station (channel) is changed due to a move or the like,
If you newly connect or change the external receiver connected to these devices, access the server using a telephone line etc. to easily set the receiving channel (hereinafter also referred to as setup). , Electronic program guide (hereinafter,
(Also called EPG). Conventionally, EPG download has been performed as follows. That is, the user selects the information suitable for himself according to the menu displayed on the screen and determines the broadcasting service to be downloaded. The selection procedure by the menu is as follows.

First, the television receiver and the S
In the area where the TB or the like is installed, information on the area, for example, a telephone number or a postal code is input. As a result, a broadcasting service such as cable TV can be selected to some extent.

Next, the tuner and the video input terminal are set. In the case of a tuner, it is selected whether terrestrial broadcasting or cable TV broadcasting is input. Further, in the case of cable TV broadcasting, the broadcasting service selected from the information of the area is selected.

In the case of a video input terminal, a cable TV,
Select whether an external receiving device such as satellite broadcasting or other equipment is connected. Further, if it is an external receiving device, a control code for controlling the external receiving device is set. Further, in the case of cable TV broadcasting, as in the case of the tuner, the broadcasting service selected from the information of the area is selected. When there are a plurality of video input terminals, the same selection is made for each terminal. As described above, the broadcasting service was decided and the EPG was downloaded.

[0006]

However, in the conventional setup apparatus and method, when using the EPG, in addition to terrestrial broadcasting, cable TV in some areas.
Since there are multiple service companies, there is a problem that the user has to select the service company with which he / she contracts from a menu or the like. Also, some cable companies offer multiple services, and there are more choices. Also STB
If an external receiving device such as is connected, it is necessary to find and input the corresponding control setting from the many control settings described in the user manual. Furthermore, when there are a plurality of connected points, it is necessary to set the respective points, and it is necessary to repeatedly set the same contents.

For these reasons, there are many choices in the setup work, and the menu operating method by the user becomes complicated. In fact, the setup work is very cumbersome. Therefore, there are many complaints about setup from users, which is a problem in service support.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and automatically determines the receivable broadcasting service company and the externally connected receiving device, and automatically sets the control settings. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic setup device and a method therefor that can be performed in.

[0009]

The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention provides a receiving apparatus for accessing channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving a broadcast wave from the broadcasting station and downloading the channel information, First receiving means for selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcasting station based on channel information stored in a channel information memory for storing channel information, and channel information acquisition for accessing the server to download the channel information Means, reception state acquisition means for acquiring reception states of all broadcast waves selectable by the first reception means, broadcast service determination means for determining a broadcast service based on the reception state and the channel information, Contents of the channel information memory based on the channel information downloaded by the channel information acquisition means And a channel information memory rewriting means for rewriting, in which automatically sets the channel information to be downloaded.

The invention according to claim 2 of the present invention is a channel for storing channel information in a receiving device which accesses a server and downloads channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving a broadcast wave from the broadcasting station. Based on the channel information stored in the information memory, the receiving device is controlled by wired or wireless information to select and receive a predetermined broadcasting station, and the server is accessed to access the channel information. Channel information acquisition means for downloading, reception state acquisition means for acquiring reception states of all broadcast waves selectable by the receiving device, and broadcast service determination means for determining a broadcast service based on the reception state and the channel information. , The channel information is downloaded based on the channel information downloaded by the channel information acquisition means. Comprising: a channel information memory rewriting means for rewriting the contents of the le information memory, a, is obtained by automatically setting the channel information to be downloaded.

The invention according to claim 3 of the present invention is a channel for storing channel information in a receiving device which accesses a server and downloads channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving a broadcast wave from the broadcasting station. A first receiving means for selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcasting station based on the channel information stored in the information memory, and a second receiving means for controlling the receiving device by wired or wireless information to select and receive the predetermined broadcasting station. Reception status acquisition for acquiring the reception status of at least one or more all of the selectable broadcast waves of at least one of the reception means, the first reception means, and the second reception means Means, means for transmitting the reception status to the server, and means for accessing the server to access the channel information determined by the reception status and the channel information. Download, and a channel information memory rewriting means for rewriting the contents of the channel information memory, is obtained by automatically setting the channel information to be downloaded.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the server having the channel information for each broadcasting station, the channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving the broadcast wave from the broadcasting station is stored and stored. Means for appropriately updating channel information, reception status acquisition means for acquiring the reception status of all broadcast waves selectable by a receiving device for selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcast station connected by a network, and the reception status And channel information to be transmitted to the receiving device, and broadcast service determining means for determining a broadcast service based on the channel information, and means for transmitting the channel information of the broadcast service determined by the broadcast service determining means to the receiving device. Is automatically set.

The invention according to claim 5 of the present invention is claim 2
Alternatively, in the receiving device according to the third aspect, the second receiving unit uses a signal detecting device that detects a signal and a tuning device that can control the tuning of the receiving device, and the type and the input position of the receiving device. And a means for rewriting the contents of the tuning method storage memory that stores a code for identifying the receiving device and a code for identifying the signal detection point, which are necessary for setting the tuning device. It is a thing.

The invention according to claim 6 of the present invention is claim 1
1 to 3, the receiving device according to any one of items 3 to 5, wherein the broadcasting service includes terrestrial waves, satellite broadcasting, and cable TV.

The invention according to claim 7 of the present invention is claim 1
In the receiving device described in any one of 3 to 5, the channel information acquisition means downloads the channel information using a telephone line or a telephone line and a broadcast wave.

The invention according to claim 8 of the present invention is claim 1
The receiving device according to any one of items 3 to 5, further comprising: a unit for inputting regional information for discriminating a predetermined region; and a unit for selecting a broadcasting service receivable in the region according to the region information. It is a thing.

The invention according to claim 9 of the present invention is claim 8
In the receiving device described in the item (1), the means for inputting the area information is input by selecting an interactive form or an icon according to the image information.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the receiving device according to the eighth aspect, the area information includes a postal code or a telephone number.

The invention according to claim 11 of the present invention is the server according to claim 4, wherein the broadcasting service includes terrestrial broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, and cable TV.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic setup method of the receiving device for accessing the server and downloading the channel information for each broadcast station for receiving the broadcast wave from the broadcast station, the channel information is provided. A first receiving step of selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcasting station based on the channel information stored in the channel information memory storing the channel information; and a channel information acquiring step of accessing the server to download the channel information. A reception state acquisition step of acquiring reception states of all broadcast waves selectable by the first reception step; a broadcast service determination step of determining a broadcast service based on the reception state and the channel information; Based on the channel information downloaded in the acquisition step And a channel information memory rewriting step of rewriting the contents of the channel information memory, is obtained by automatically setting the channel information to be downloaded.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic setup method of the receiving device, the channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving the broadcasting wave from the broadcasting station is accessed and downloaded to the server. Based on the channel information stored in the channel information memory for storing, the receiving device is controlled by wired or wireless information, and a second receiving step of selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcasting station; and accessing the server, A channel information acquisition step of downloading the channel information, a reception state acquisition step of obtaining reception states of all broadcast waves selectable by the reception device, and a broadcast for determining a broadcast service based on the reception state and the channel information. Downloaded by the service determination step and the channel information acquisition step. It was based on the channel information, and a channel information memory rewriting step of rewriting the contents of the channel information memory, is obtained by automatically setting the channel information to be downloaded.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic setup method of the receiving device for accessing the server and downloading the channel information for each broadcast station for receiving the broadcast wave from the broadcast station, the channel information is provided. The first receiving step of selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcasting station based on the channel information stored in the channel information memory for storing, and controlling the receiving device by wired or wireless information to select and receive the predetermined broadcasting station. Of at least one or more steps among the second receiving steps, the first receiving step, and the receiving status of at least one or more all selectable broadcast waves of the second receiving step. To receive the reception status, to transmit the reception status to the server, to access the server, Download channel information determined by the channel information, and a channel information memory rewriting step of rewriting the contents of the channel information memory, is obtained by automatically setting the channel information to be downloaded.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the server automatic setup method having the channel information for each broadcasting station, the channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving the broadcast wave from the broadcasting station is stored. A step of appropriately updating the stored channel information; a reception state acquisition step of acquiring reception states of all broadcast waves selectable by a receiving device for selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcast station connected by a network; A broadcast service determining step of determining a broadcast service based on the reception state and the channel information; and a step of transmitting channel information of the broadcast service determined by the broadcast service determining step to the receiving device. The channel information to be transmitted is automatically set.

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Embodiment 1. Embodiment 1 of the present invention described in claim 1, claim 6, claim 7, and claim 12 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a flowchart of the automatic setup method of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an example showing an embodiment of the apparatus.

In FIG. 2, via a telephone line 2 and a server 3 in which channel information 8 for each broadcasting station is stored,
The television receiver 1 has a communication function of downloading the channel information 8 from the server 3.

The television receiver 1 includes a control unit 4,
Tuner (first receiving means, receiving state acquisition means) 5,
It comprises a modem (channel information acquisition means) 6, a storage section (channel information memory) 7, and a channel setting key 9. The tuner 5 selects a broadcast wave of a predetermined broadcasting station under the control of the control unit 4, and the modem 6 also communicates with the server 3 via the telephone line 2 under the control of the control unit 4. The storage unit 7 also stores the reception state of the tuner 5, the channel information 8 downloaded from the server 3, the EPG data, and the like. The control unit 4 determines a broadcast service based on the reception status and channel information stored in the storage unit 7, and a channel information memory rewrite that rewrites the contents of the storage unit 7 based on the channel information downloaded by the modem 6. And means. The channel setting key 9 is a key pressed by the user to start the setup operation.

Here, the channel information and EPG will be described. The channel information is data such as a start time and an end time of a program, a channel number, a title of the program and an explanation of its contents. The EPG is data for displaying channel information on a TV monitor, for example, and is created based on the channel information. By downloading this, the user can easily operate functions such as scheduled recording of programs and search. The present invention uses the start time, end time, and channel number of the program among these channel information.

Next, the automatic setup method and the operation of the apparatus will be described in detail. When the channel setting key 9 provided in the television receiver 1 is pressed, the control unit 4 stores in the storage unit 7 the presence or absence of the reception state of the channels that can be selected by the tuner 5. For example, assuming that the television receiver 1 can receive from 1ch to 125ch, the tuner 5 is set to a state of receiving the broadcast of 1ch, and the tuner 5 notifies the control unit 4 whether or not a video signal is detected. When the control unit 4 acquires the reception state of 1ch, it stores it in the storage unit 7. After that, the control unit 4 allows the tuner 5 to receive the broadcast of 2ch, and stores the reception state in the storage unit 7 as in the case of 1ch. In this way, 125ch
Repeating up to, the reception state is stored in the storage unit 7 as shown in FIG. 3A (step S1).

Next, the control unit 4 accesses the server 3 via the modem 6 and the telephone line 2. Then, from the channel information of each broadcasting service registered in the server 3, the presence or absence of broadcasting for each channel (whether or not there is broadcasting) is stored in the storage unit 7. For example, if the broadcasting service is from A to D, the data of the start time and the end time of the program information of each channel of the broadcasting service A is acquired, and the storage unit stores the state of whether or not there is broadcasting at the current time for each channel. Store in 7. When this work is similarly performed for the broadcast services B, C, and D, data as shown in FIG. 3B is stored in the storage unit 7 (step S2).

Now, the process shifts to the broadcast service determination process. A flow chart of the processing is shown in FIG. Figure 3
Explaining the case of (a) and FIG. 3 (b), 1c
In the case of h, the broadcasting service C is excluded because there is currently broadcasting. Next, looking at 2ch, since there is no broadcast, the broadcast service A is excluded and only the broadcast services B and D are narrowed down. Furthermore, if you watch 3ch, there is a broadcast, so
Broadcast service D is excluded. Thus, in this case, the television receiver 1 receives the broadcast service B, and determines that the channel information of the broadcast service B should be downloaded. The determination process is performed by the control unit 4 (step S3).

Then, the control unit 4 includes a modem 6 and a telephone line 2.
Data to be downloaded via the broadcasting service B
Is notified to the server 3, and the EPG data of the broadcasting service B registered in the server 3 is downloaded. Finally, the control unit 4 controls the previous EPG stored in the storage unit 7.
The data is rewritten (step S4). At this time, the channel information may be downloaded and the EPG data may be created on the television receiver side based on this information.

As described above, in the receiving device, the channel information is acquired from the server, and the control unit of the receiving device determines the broadcasting service to be received, so that the selection operation by the user is reduced and an appropriate EPG is provided. It can be downloaded.

Embodiment 2. A second embodiment of the invention described in claims 2, 5, 6, 7, and 13 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 5, and 6. The same components as those in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for determining an external tuner in the automatic setup method of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an example showing an embodiment of the apparatus. Figure 6
In which the channel information 8 for each broadcasting station is stored, the television receiver 10 having a communication function for downloading the channel information 8 from the server 3 via the telephone line 2, and the output thereof. It is configured by an external tuner (second receiving means, receiving state acquisition means) 13 input to the television receiver 10.

The television receiver 10 includes a control section 4, a modem (channel information acquisition means) 6, a storage section 7,
It is composed of a channel setting key 9, a signal detection device 11, and a channel selection device 14. The signal detection device 11 detects an image at the video input terminal. The tuning device 14 includes the control unit 4
The external tuner 13 can be tuned and controlled by the control of. Since the remote control code of the receiving device of each maker can be output, control of the external tuner (power ON / OFF, channel UP / DOWN) can be performed by setting according to the maker of the external tuner.
Etc.) is possible. If there are a plurality of types of remote control codes for one manufacturer, more detailed setting values are prepared. Hereinafter, such a set value will be referred to as a tuner code. In addition, the control unit 4 includes a broadcast service determining unit that determines a broadcast service based on a reception state and channel information, and a storage unit (channel information memory, channel selection method storage memory) 7 based on the channel information downloaded by the modem 6. And channel information memory rewriting means for rewriting the contents.

Next, the operation will be described in detail. When the channel setting key 9 provided on the television receiver 10 is pressed, first, the control setting of the external tuner 13 is automatically performed. This procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

The tuning device 14 is set to an unconfirmed tuner code (step S5), and a power ON command is transmitted to the external tuner (step S6).
Then, the signal detection device 11 is used to check the signal states of all the input terminals. For example, if there are three input terminals, the setting is switched to the input terminal 1 first. Then, the signal detection device 11 notifies the control unit 4 of the presence or absence of a video signal. If no signal is detected, the input terminals 2 and 3 are switched to check whether or not a signal is similarly detected. If no video signal is detected at all input terminals (NO in step S7), the process returns to the process of changing the setting of the tuner code, that is, step S5.
If a video signal is detected at any of the input terminals, the process proceeds to the next process (YES in step S7). Then, the tuner code and the input terminal location when the video signal is detected are stored in the storage unit 7 (step S8),
The external tuner determination processing ends.

With the above arrangement, the external tuner 13
When a receivable channel is selected by, the channel selection operation becomes possible by switching to the set input terminal and controlling the external tuner based on the tuner code. Using the control settings of the external tuner 13 determined in this way, the process then proceeds to step S1 shown in FIG. 1 to sequentially perform the setup operation.

As described above, even when an external tuner is connected to the video input terminal of the receiving device, the channel information is acquired from the server and the control unit of the receiving device determines the broadcast service to be received. By doing so, it is possible to download an appropriate EPG while reducing the selection operation by the user.

Embodiment 3. A third embodiment of the invention described in claims 3 to 5, claim 11, claim 14, and claim 15 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 7, and 8. FIG. 7A is a flowchart of processing performed on the receiving device side, and FIG. 7B is a flowchart of processing performed on the server side. FIG. 8 is an example showing an embodiment of the apparatus.

The same components as those in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. The control unit 4 of the television receiver 1 constitutes a channel information memory rewriting means for accessing the server 21, downloading the channel information determined by the reception state and the channel information, and rewriting the contents of the storage unit 7 according to claim 3. . Further, the control unit 22 of the server 21 stores the channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving the broadcast wave from the broadcasting station according to claim 4, and a means for appropriately updating the stored channel information, And a broadcast service determining means for determining a broadcast service based on the status and the channel information. Further, the modem 6 constitutes means for transmitting the reception status to the server 21.

Next, the operation will be described. First, the processing on the receiving device side starts. In FIG. 7A, when the channel setting key 9 provided in the television receiver 1 is pressed, the tuner 5 acquires the reception state of the broadcast wave that can be tuned to, and as shown in FIG. The reception state data is stored in the storage unit 7 (step S1). Next, the control unit 4 accesses the server 21 via the modem 6 and the telephone line 2 and transmits the data in the reception state of FIG. 3A to the server 21 (step S9).

Next, the processing on the server side is performed. Figure 7 (b)
As shown in, the server 21 starts its operation by the reception state transmission process from the television receiver 1, and performs the reception process (acquisition) of the transmitted reception state data (FIG. 3A) ( Step S11). Then, based on the channel information already registered in the server 21, FIG.
A broadcasting state for each broadcasting service as shown in is created.

Subsequently, the process shifts to the broadcast service determination process, which is performed by the same method as step S3 described in the first embodiment. Next, the EPG of the broadcasting service determined in step S3 is transmitted from the server 21 to the television receiver 1 (step S12). When the transmission is completed, the processing of the server 21 ends.

Now, the processing on the receiving device side is performed again, and as shown in FIG. 7A, the television receiver 1 downloads the EPG sent from the server 21 and stores it in the storage unit 7. The previous EPG is rewritten (step S10).

In this way, after transmitting the data of the reception state in the receiving device to the server and before transmitting the channel information of the server to the receiving device next time, the broadcasting service that the receiving device should receive on the server side. By determining, the amount of data downloaded from the server to the receiving device is minimized, the setup time is shortened, and
It is possible to reduce the selection operation by the user and download an appropriate EPG.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 9 shows the fourth embodiment of the invention described in claims 8 to 10 of the present invention.
Starting from FIG. 12, description will be made. The same components as those in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the automatic setup method of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is an example showing an embodiment of the apparatus.

In FIG. 10, the channel information 18 is downloaded from the server 17 via the telephone line 2 and the server 17 storing the channel information 18 for each broadcasting station to which the regional information is added for each broadcasting service. And a television receiver 12 having a communication function for

The television receiver 12 includes a control unit 4, a tuner 5, a modem 6, a storage unit 7, a channel setting key 9, a numeric key 16, an enter key 15, and an image processing unit 1.
9 and the display unit 20. The numeric keys 16 and the enter key 15 are keys used by the user when selecting area information (means for inputting area information). The video processing unit 19 is controlled by the control unit 4 and performs various kinds of signal processing on the output signal from the tuner 5, data processing of the menu screen, and the like. Display unit 20
Outputs the output signal from the video processing unit 19 as image information.

Next, the operation will be described in detail. When the channel setting key 9 provided on the television receiver 12 is pressed, first, the control unit 4 controls the video processing unit 19 to obtain a zip code or a telephone number, as shown in FIG. A screen as shown is displayed on the display unit 20. The user inputs the zip code or telephone number using the numeric keys 16 and presses the enter key 15. Enter key 1
When 5 is pressed, the control unit 4 discriminates the region from the station number or the postal code, and when it is determined that the region information is 001, stores the code 001 in the storage unit 7 (step S13).

Next, the control unit 4 determines whether or not there is a reception state for the channels that the tuner 5 can select.
The data is stored in the storage unit 7 as shown in FIG.
1). Then, the control unit 4 accesses the server 3 via the modem 6 and the telephone line 2. The control unit 4 is shown in FIG.
Data of area information of each broadcasting service registered in the server 3 shown in (b) is downloaded (step S
14). From this data, the control unit 4 determines the broadcast service that matches the regional information. Local information is 001 this time
Therefore, the channel information of the broadcast service B and the broadcast service D corresponding thereto is downloaded (step S15). By doing so, the storage unit 7 stores the data in FIG.
The data as shown in (c) can be stored.

After that, the setup operation is completed by performing the processes of steps S3 and S4 shown in FIG. In this way, it is not necessary to access unnecessary channel information by using the area information such as the zip code and telephone number when determining the broadcasting service that the receiving device should receive from the channel information of the server. The setup time can be shortened.

If this area information is stored in the storage unit 7, for example, when re-setup is executed when the external tuner is changed, the processing can be started from step S1 in FIG. It is also possible to omit the input processing by the user.

[0054]

As described above, the receiving device according to the first aspect of the present invention is a receiving device which accesses the server and downloads channel information of each broadcasting station for receiving the broadcast wave from the broadcasting station. A first receiving means for selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcasting station based on channel information stored in a channel information memory for storing channel information; and a channel for accessing the server to download the channel information. Information acquisition means and the first
Reception state acquisition means for acquiring reception states of all broadcast waves selectable by the reception means, broadcast service determination means for determining a broadcast service based on the reception state and the channel information, and download by the channel information acquisition means Channel information memory rewriting means for rewriting the contents of the channel information memory on the basis of the channel information stored, and the channel information to be downloaded is automatically set. Since the broadcast service input to the tuner is automatically determined by comparing with the channel information acquired from, it is possible to reduce the number of operations set by the user on the menu screen or the like.

Further, the receiving device according to the second aspect of the present invention is such that, in the receiving device which accesses the server and downloads the channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving the broadcast wave from the broadcasting station, the channel information is acquired. Channel information to be stored Based on the channel information stored in the memory,
Second receiving means for controlling the receiving device by wired or wireless information to select and receive a predetermined broadcasting station, channel information obtaining means for accessing the server to download the channel information, and the receiving device. Reception status acquisition means for acquiring the reception status of all selectable broadcast waves, broadcast service determination means for determining a broadcast service based on the reception status and the channel information, and the channel downloaded by the channel information acquisition means. The channel information memory rewriting means for rewriting the contents of the channel information memory based on the information is provided, and the channel information to be downloaded is automatically set, so that an external tuner is connected to the video input terminal or the like. If there is a reception status of the external tuner and from the server By comparing the obtained channel information, since the automatic judgment broadcasting service inputted to the external tuner, the user becomes possible to reduce the operation of setting the menu screen or the like.

Further, the receiving device according to claim 3 of the present invention is the receiving device for accessing and downloading the channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving the broadcast wave from the broadcasting station, in the receiving device. First receiving means for selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcasting station based on the channel information stored in the stored channel information memory, and controlling the receiving device by wired or wireless information to select and receive the predetermined broadcasting station. At least one or more means of the second receiving means, at least one or more of the first receiving means and the second receiving means, and obtain the reception states of all selectable broadcast waves. Reception status acquisition means, means for transmitting the reception status to the server, access to the server, and a channel determined by the reception status and the channel information. Download tunnel information, and a channel information memory rewriting means for rewriting the contents of the channel information memory, it is obtained by automatically setting the channel information to be downloaded.

The server according to claim 4 of the present invention is
A server having channel information for each broadcasting station is connected to a network for storing channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving a broadcast wave from the broadcasting station and updating the stored channel information as appropriate. A reception state acquisition means for acquiring reception states of all broadcast waves selectable by a reception device for selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcast station; and a broadcast service determination means for determining a broadcast service based on the reception state and the channel information. And means for transmitting the channel information of the broadcast service determined by the broadcast service determining means to the receiving device, and the channel information to be transmitted to the receiving device is automatically set.

Therefore, according to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, if there is at least one receiving device among the tuner and the external tuner connected to the video input terminal or the like, the reception is performed. By comparing the reception status of all the broadcast waves selectable by the device and the channel information held by the server, the broadcasting service input to the receiving device can be automatically determined. It is possible to reduce the number of operations to be set on the screen, etc. Furthermore, since a means for transmitting the broadcast status from the receiving device side to the server side is provided and the broadcast service is decided on the server side, it is used only for judgment on the receiving device side. There is no need to download the channel information
The decision time can be shortened, and an efficient broadcast service can be decided.

Further, a receiving device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the receiving device according to the second or third aspect, wherein the second receiving means selects a signal detecting device for detecting a signal and the receiving device. A station controllable tuning device is used to identify the type of the receiving device and an input point, a code for identifying the receiving device necessary for setting the tuning device, and the signal detection point. A method for selecting a channel for storing a code and a means for rewriting the contents of a storage memory, and for the external tuner connected to a video input terminal or the like, a means for discriminating the type and input point of the external tuner is provided. Therefore, the control setting of the external tuner can be automatically performed, and the user can reduce the operation of setting the type of the external tuner and the input point on the menu screen or the like.

A receiver according to claim 6 of the present invention is the receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the broadcasting service includes terrestrial broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, and cable TV. Since the channel information is widely available, it is possible to easily obtain the channel information.

Further, a receiving device according to claim 7 of the present invention is the receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, wherein the channel information acquisition means is a telephone line,
Alternatively, since the above-mentioned channel information is downloaded using a telephone line and a broadcast wave, a simple hardware configuration and a low cost can be obtained by using a generally widespread service called a telephone line or a broadcast wave. It becomes possible to download the channel information to.

Further, a receiving device according to claim 8 of the present invention is the receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, wherein means for inputting area information for discriminating a predetermined area and the area are provided. According to the information, means for selecting a broadcast service that can be received in the area,
Since the broadcasting service is selected using the area information, it is not necessary to access unnecessary channel information, and the time for determining the broadcasting service can be shortened.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the receiving apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the means for inputting the area information is input by selecting an interactive form or an icon according to the image information. Is done.

The invention according to claim 10 of the present invention is
The receiving device according to claim 8, wherein the area information is
It contains a postal code or telephone number.

Therefore, according to the inventions of claims 9 and 10, the input is completed simply by selecting the area name or position, and the postal code or telephone number is used as the input information. It becomes possible to input regional information in.

The server according to claim 11 of the present invention is the server according to claim 4, wherein the broadcasting service includes terrestrial broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, and cable TV. Since it is widely available, channel information can be easily acquired.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic setup method for a receiving device, wherein a channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving a broadcast wave from the broadcasting station is accessed by a server and downloaded. In the automatic setup method, a first receiving step of selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcasting station based on channel information stored in a channel information memory storing channel information; and accessing the server to access the channel information. A channel information acquisition step for downloading, a reception state acquisition step for acquiring reception states of all broadcast waves selectable by the first reception step, and a broadcast service for determining a broadcast service based on the reception state and the channel information. It is downloaded by the decision step and the channel information acquisition step. It was based on the channel information,
The channel information memory rewriting step of rewriting the contents of the channel information memory is provided, and the channel information to be downloaded is automatically set. Therefore, the reception state of the broadcast wave is compared with the channel information acquired from the server. As a result, the broadcast service input to the tuner is automatically determined, and thus the number of operations set by the user on the menu screen or the like can be reduced.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic setup method for a receiving device, wherein a channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving a broadcasting wave from the broadcasting station is accessed by a server and downloaded. In the automatic setup method, a second receiving step of controlling the receiving device by wired or wireless information based on the channel information stored in the channel information memory for storing the channel information and selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcasting station; Channel information acquisition step of accessing the server to download the channel information, reception state acquisition step of acquiring reception states of all broadcast waves selectable by the receiving device, the reception state and the channel information A broadcast service determining step for determining a broadcast service according to A channel information memory rewriting step of rewriting the contents of the channel information memory based on the channel information downloaded in the obtaining step, and the channel information to be downloaded is automatically set. When an external tuner is connected to the etc., by comparing the reception status of the external tuner with the channel information acquired from the server, the broadcast service input to the external tuner is automatically determined, so the user can select the menu screen. It is possible to reduce the number of operations to be set by, etc.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic set-up method for a receiving device, wherein a channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving a broadcast wave from the broadcasting station is accessed by a server and downloaded. In the automatic setup method, a first receiving step of selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcasting station on the basis of channel information stored in a channel information memory for storing channel information, and controlling the receiving device by wired or wireless information, Of at least one or more steps of the second receiving step of selecting and receiving the broadcasting station of, and at least one or more of all the selectable steps of the first receiving step and the second receiving step. A reception state acquisition step of acquiring a reception state of a broadcast wave; a step of transmitting the reception state to the server; Accessing over server, download channel information determined by the channel information and the reception state, and the channel information memory rewriting step of rewriting the contents of the channel information memory,
, And automatically sets the channel information to be downloaded.

The server automatic setup method according to claim 15 of the present invention is the server automatic setup method having the channel information for each broadcast station, wherein each broadcast station receives a broadcast wave from the broadcast station. Storing channel information and updating the stored channel information appropriately, and obtaining the reception status of all broadcast waves that can be selected by a receiving device that selects and receives a predetermined broadcasting station connected by a network A reception state acquisition step to
A broadcast service determining step of determining a broadcast service based on the reception state and the channel information, and a step of transmitting channel information of the broadcast service determined by the broadcast service determining step to the receiving device, and transmitting to the receiving device. The channel information to be set is automatically set.

Therefore, according to the fourteenth and fifteenth aspects of the present invention, if there is at least one receiving device among the tuner and the external tuner connected to the video input terminal or the like, the reception is performed. By comparing the reception status of all the broadcast waves selectable by the device and the channel information held by the server, the broadcasting service input to the receiving device can be automatically determined. It is possible to reduce the number of operations to be set on the screen, etc. Furthermore, since a means for transmitting the broadcast status from the receiving device side to the server side is provided and the broadcast service is decided on the server side, it is used only for judgment on the receiving device side. Eliminates the need to download channel information, which shortens the decision time and enables efficient broadcasting service decisions. To become.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an automatic setup method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a form of an automatic setup device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing data required for broadcast service determination processing of the automatic setup method and apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of broadcast service determination according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an external tuner control setting method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a form of an automatic setup device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart (a) of operations on the receiving device side and a flowchart (b) of operations on the server side according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a form of an automatic setup device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an automatic setup method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a form of an automatic setup device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a screen for acquiring regional information according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing data required for broadcast service determination processing of the automatic setup method and apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,10,12 Television receiver 2 telephone lines 3,17,21 servers 4, 22 Control unit 5 tuner 6 modem 7 memory 8 channel information 9 Channel setting key 11 Signal detector 13 External tuner 14 Tuning device 15 Enter key 16 number keys Channel information with 18 area information 19 Video processing unit 20 Display

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5C025 AA23 BA11 BA18 BA27 BA30                       DA05 DA07 DA10                 5K061 AA09 BB06 BB07 DD02 FF01                       FF11 JJ06 JJ07

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A receiving device that accesses and downloads channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving a broadcast wave from a broadcasting station, using the channel information stored in a channel information memory that stores the channel information. A first receiving unit for selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcasting station based on the channel information; a channel information acquiring unit for accessing the server to download the channel information; and all the channels selectable by the first receiving unit. A reception state acquisition means for acquiring the reception state of the broadcast wave, a broadcast service determination means for determining a broadcast service based on the reception state and the channel information, and based on the channel information downloaded by the channel information acquisition means, A channel information memory rewriting device that rewrites the contents of the channel information memory When the equipped, automatically sets the channel information to be downloaded, the receiving apparatus characterized by. 2. A channel information stored in a channel information memory that stores channel information in a receiving device that accesses and downloads channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving a broadcast wave from the broadcasting station. A second receiving unit that controls the receiving device based on wired or wireless information based on the wired or wireless information and selects and receives a predetermined broadcasting station; and a channel information acquiring unit that accesses the server and downloads the channel information, Reception state acquisition means for acquiring reception states of all broadcast waves selectable by the reception device, broadcast service determination means for determining a broadcast service based on the reception state and the channel information, and downloaded by the channel information acquisition means. Write the contents of the channel information memory based on the channel information Comprising: a channel information memory rewriting means to obtain, and automatically sets the channel information to be downloaded, that the received apparatus according to claim. 3. A channel information stored in a channel information memory for storing channel information in a receiving device for accessing and downloading a channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving a broadcast wave from the broadcasting station. At least one or more of a first receiving means for selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcasting station based on the first receiving means and a second receiving means for controlling the receiving device by wired or wireless information to select and receive the predetermined broadcasting station. Means, the first receiving means, and the second receiving means,
At least one or more reception status acquisition means for acquiring reception status of all selectable broadcast waves; means for transmitting the reception status to the server; and access to the server for the reception status and the channel A channel information memory rewriting means for downloading the channel information determined by the information and rewriting the contents of the channel information memory, and automatically setting the channel information to be downloaded. 4. A server having channel information for each broadcasting station, means for storing channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving a broadcast wave from the broadcasting station, and updating the stored channel information appropriately. A reception status acquisition unit that acquires reception statuses of all broadcast waves selectable by a reception device that selects a predetermined broadcast station connected by a network, and determines a broadcast service based on the reception status and the channel information. A broadcast service determining means, and means for transmitting channel information of the broadcast service determined by the broadcast service determining means to the receiving device,
A server characterized in that it automatically sets the channel information to be transmitted to the receiving device. 5. The receiving device according to claim 2, wherein the second receiving means uses a signal detecting device for detecting a signal and a tuning device capable of tuning control of the receiving device, Means for determining the type of the receiving device and the input portion, the content of the tuning method storage memory that stores a code for identifying the receiving device and a code for identifying the signal detection portion, which are necessary for setting the tuning device And a means for rewriting the receiving device. 6. The receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the broadcasting service includes ground wave, satellite broadcasting, and cable TV. . 7. The receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the channel information acquisition unit downloads the channel information by using a telephone line or a telephone line and a broadcast wave. A receiver characterized by. 8. The receiving device according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit for inputting area information for discriminating a predetermined area, and a broadcasting service capable of receiving in the area according to the area information. A receiving apparatus comprising: a means for performing selection. 9. The receiving device according to claim 8, wherein the means for inputting the area information is input by selecting an interactive mode or an icon according to the image information. apparatus. 10. The receiving device according to claim 8, wherein: The regional information is Contains a postal code or telephone number, A receiving device characterized by the above. 11. The server according to claim 4, wherein the broadcasting service includes ground wave, satellite broadcasting, and cable TV. 12. An automatic setup method of a receiving device for accessing a server to download channel information for each broadcast station for receiving a broadcast wave from a broadcast station, the channel information being stored in a channel information memory for storing the channel information. Based on the channel information, a first receiving step of selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcasting station; a channel information acquiring step of accessing the server to download the channel information; and a selecting step of the first receiving step. A reception state acquisition step of acquiring reception states of all broadcast waves that can be broadcast, a broadcast service determination step of determining a broadcast service based on the reception state and the channel information, and the channel information downloaded by the channel information acquisition step Based on the channel information memory Comprising: a channel information memory rewriting step of rewriting the contents, and automatically sets the channel information to be downloaded, the automatic setup of the receiving apparatus, characterized in that. 13. An automatic setup method for a receiving device, which accesses a server and downloads channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving a broadcast wave from the broadcasting station, the channel information being stored in a channel information memory for storing the channel information. A second receiving step of controlling the receiving device by wired or wireless information based on the channel information and selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcasting station; and accessing the server to download the channel information. Step, a reception state acquisition step of acquiring reception states of all broadcast waves selectable by the reception device, a broadcast service determination step of determining a broadcast service based on the reception state and the channel information, and the channel information acquisition Based on the channel information downloaded in step There are, and a channel information memory rewriting step of rewriting the contents of the channel information memory, to automatically set the channel information to be downloaded, the automatic setup of the receiving apparatus, characterized in that. 14. An automatic setup method of a receiving device for accessing a server to download channel information for each broadcast station for receiving a broadcast wave from a broadcast station, the channel information being stored in a channel information memory for storing the channel information. The first receiving step of selecting and receiving a predetermined broadcasting station based on the channel information, and the second receiving step of controlling and receiving the predetermined broadcasting station by wired or wireless information. At least one or more steps; at least one or more of the first receiving step and the second receiving step; Transmitting a status to the server, accessing the server to read the reception status and the channel information. A channel information memory rewriting step of downloading the determined channel information and rewriting the contents of the channel information memory, and automatically setting the channel information to be downloaded. . 15. A method of automatically setting up a server having channel information for each broadcasting station, wherein channel information for each broadcasting station for receiving a broadcast wave from the broadcasting station is stored, and the stored channel information is appropriately stored. A step of updating, a reception state acquisition step of acquiring reception states of all broadcast waves that can be selected by a reception device that selects and receives a predetermined broadcast station connected by a network, the reception state and the channel information A broadcast service determining step of determining a broadcast service; and a step of transmitting channel information of the broadcast service determined by the broadcast service determining step to the receiving device, and automatically setting channel information to be transmitted to the receiving device. A method for automatically setting up a server.