JP2005130075A - Television receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a television receiver capable of solving the problem that it takes time and effort for a viewer to search a program to be desired to be viewed from among a myriad of programs. <P>SOLUTION: The television receiver 100 creates access information capable of being recognized by the user on the basis of access information contained in television signals, combines the presentation screen of the created promotion information with a program guide in response to the direction of the user, and displays the information on a television screen so that the information may be overlapped on a television video image or may be displayed together with the television video image, thereby enabling the user to select the promotion information using the program guide and view it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for receiving a television broadcast, such as a television receiver, a set top box, a personal computer, and a mobile phone.

In a television receiver, a program guide is known as a method for informing a user of a program. In addition, preview broadcasting is first performed as a method for a business providing a program to advertise the provided program to viewers. It is disclosed in Patent Document 1 that a user can view a preview channel using a program guide. Secondly, it is done to let people know that they are hit using magazine media. Patent Document 1 discloses that a user displays a list of hit works using a program guide.
JP 2002-518948 A ARIB STD-B24 Volume 2 Commentary “Bookmark Overview”

  However, in the television receiver as described above, whether or not a preview is prepared for each program in the program guide is not known until the preview channel is actually viewed. For this reason, there has been a problem that it takes time for viewers to search for a preview of a program that they want to watch. Also, the viewer cannot select and read reviews written by critics for promotion by the provider providing the program using the program guide. For this reason, there has been a problem that television broadcasts cannot be sufficiently advertised compared to magazine media.

  Also, in television broadcasting using a server, when selecting a program that the viewer wants to view / purchase from a huge amount of programs accumulated by the viewer, the viewer promotes the program provided by the provider providing the program. It is possible to decide by looking at However, viewers cannot search for programs on the television screen based on the type or presence of advertisements. For this reason, there has been a problem that it takes time for viewers to search for a program to be viewed from a huge number of programs.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a television receiver that solves the above-mentioned conventional problems.

  In order to achieve this object, the television receiver of the present invention has the following configuration.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a television program is obtained based on a television signal, a television broadcast receiving means for displaying the obtained television program on a television screen, and a program table is obtained based on the program information. The program guide information receiving means for displaying the obtained program guide on the television screen, the access information receiving means for receiving the access information for accessing the promotion information transmitted to promote the television program, A television receiver including control means for obtaining accessible promotion information based on access information and controlling the obtained accessible promotion information to be incorporated into the program guide and displayed in association with the television program. It has a configuration.

  With this configuration, a program provider provides information for promoting a television program to viewers (hereinafter referred to as “promotion information”), a preview of a program, critique information and ranking information of a famous critic. Can be presented in correspondence with the program in the program guide.

  In the invention according to claim 2 of the present invention, the access information receiving means acquires the access information from a television signal or via a communication network, and each television program included in the program information is obtained. The television receiver according to claim 1, wherein the access information is acquired.

  With this configuration, the access information can be appropriately received according to the access information transmission method.

  The invention according to claim 3 of the present invention has a configuration of a television receiver according to claim 2, wherein the control means displays promotion information in each television program.

  With this configuration, promotion information can be presented for each program.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a configuration of the television receiver according to the third aspect, wherein the control means creates a program table including a list indicating promotion information. Yes.

  With this configuration, a plurality of pieces of promotion information can be presented using a list for each program.

  The invention according to claim 5 of the present invention has a configuration of a television receiver according to claim 3, wherein the control means creates a program guide including an icon indicating promotion information. Yes.

  With this configuration, a plurality of pieces of promotion information can be presented using icons for individual programs.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the control means displays a program content screen including an icon indicating the accessible promotion information on the television screen together with the reduced television program. It has the structure of the television receiver of Claim 2 characterized by these.

  With this configuration, it is possible to present a plurality of promotion information using icons together with the presentation of program contents.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the television receiver according to the sixth aspect, the control means acquires the access information for a displayed television program. Have.

  With this configuration, promotion information can be presented in the program being displayed.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input means for inputting an instruction from a user, and a promotion information receiving means for obtaining promotion information using the access information and displaying the obtained promotion information on a television screen. 2. The television receiver according to claim 1, wherein the control means performs control so as to obtain and display the promotion information when an instruction to display the promotion information is recognized. ing.

  With this configuration, promotion information for each program can be acquired and displayed.

  The invention according to claim 9 of the present invention has a configuration of a television receiver according to claim 8, wherein the promotion information is a preview content of a program.

  With this configuration, preview contents of each program can be displayed.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the television receiver according to the ninth aspect, the control means displays a display screen having a reduced preview content screen and a preview content reproduction operation panel. It has a configuration called a machine.

  With this configuration, preview contents of each program can be displayed.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a television receiver according to the eighth aspect, wherein the promotion information is a review of a program.

  With this configuration, it is possible to display a table paper of each program.

  The invention according to claim 12 of the present invention is characterized in that the control means displays a display screen having a reduced review screen and a critic name. have.

  With this configuration, it is possible to display a table paper of each program.

  The invention according to claim 13 of the present invention has a configuration of a television receiver according to claim 8, wherein the promotion information is a ranking of a program.

  With this configuration, the ranking of each program can be displayed.

  The invention according to claim 14 of the present invention is characterized in that, when the control means recognizes an instruction to rearrange the program guide, the control means performs control to rearrange the program guide based on the accessible promotion information. The television receiver according to claim 8 is provided.

  With this configuration, it is possible to search for programs based on promotion information.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when the control means recognizes an instruction to rearrange the program guide, the control means presents the accessible promotion information to be selected as a rearrangement condition. Item 14 is a television receiver.

  With this configuration, promotion information for searching for programs can be selected.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the television receiver according to the first aspect, the access information includes a title of promotion information, a type, a link destination URI, and an expiration date. It has a configuration.

  With this configuration, it is possible to acquire the title, type, link destination URI, and expiration date of the promotion information.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided storage means for storing the television program received by the television broadcast receiving means, and program guide information storage means for storing the program information received by the program guide information receiving means. Access information storing means for storing the access information received by the access information receiving means, and the control means stores individual locations of stored individual television programs and stored locations of individual access information. 2. The television receiver according to claim 1, wherein the television receiver is controlled so as to be associated with program information.

  With this configuration, even in the program stored in the storage means, a program preview provided by the provider providing the program as information for promoting the television program to viewers, critique information and ranking information of famous critics Can be presented in correspondence with the program in the program guide.

  The invention according to claim 18 of the present invention is characterized in that the control means creates a program guide including an icon indicating the accessible promotion information, and displays the created program guide on the television screen. The television receiver according to claim 17 is provided.

  With this configuration, even in the program stored in the storage means, a plurality of pieces of promotion information can be presented using icons for each program.

  The invention according to claim 19 of the present invention is characterized in that the control means creates a program table including a list showing the accessible promotion information, and displays the created program table on the television screen. The television receiver according to claim 17 is provided.

  With this configuration, even in the program stored in the storage means, a plurality of pieces of promotion information can be presented using a list for each program.

  According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the control means displays a program content screen including an icon indicating the accessible promotion information on the television screen together with the reduced television image. It has the structure of the television receiver of Claim 17 characterized by these.

  With this configuration, even in a program stored in the storage means, a plurality of promotion information can be presented using icons together with the program contents.

  The invention according to claim 21 of the present invention is characterized in that the control means reads out the access information from the access information storage means for the displayed television program. It has a configuration called a receiver.

  With this configuration, even in the program stored in the storage means, it is possible to present the promotion information of the program being displayed.

  Viewers often want to watch / purchase a program because they are interested in watching commercial videos, reviews, and audience rating rankings. The present invention can present a preview of a program prepared as promotion information, review information of famous critics, and ranking information in association with the program in the program table.

  Moreover, the program guide to be displayed can be rearranged according to the promotion information.

  As a result, it is possible to provide a business providing a program with means for efficiently advertising the program on the television screen. On the other hand, the viewer can easily search for the promotion information from the program guide, and can easily select the viewing / purchasing program by looking at the promotion information.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system including a television receiver according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The system shown in FIG. 1 includes a program providing device 1, a broadcast station device 2, a television receiver 3, a promotion information server 5, a plurality of information servers 6, and a communication network 4. Among these, the television receiver 3, the promotion information server 5, and the information server 6 are connected to each other via the communication network 4 so that they can communicate with each other. The program providing apparatus 1 and the broadcast station apparatus 2, and the program providing apparatus 1 and the promotion information server 5 are always connected by a dedicated line. Although only one television receiver 3 is shown in FIG. 1, the system shown in FIG. 1 actually includes a large number of television receivers 3.

  The information server 6 is a server that accumulates information related to the television program (hereinafter referred to as “program related information”). Program-related information is, for example, information about how to make a dish, information about a restaurant, information about tableware used when a dish is provided when there is a television program that introduces the dish provided at a restaurant And so on. As described above, the television receiver 3 is communicably connected to the information server 6 via the communication network 4. Therefore, the television receiver 3 accesses the information server 6 via the communication network 4 and acquires program related information from the information server 6. The television receiver 3 superimposes the program related information acquired from the information server 6 on the television image or displays it on the television screen together with the television image.

  The promotion information server 5 is a server managed by a provider that provides a television program (hereinafter referred to as “program provider”). The program provider stores the promotion information in the promotion server 5. Promotion information includes, for example, preview information that gives an overview of a movie program, information that a critic has reviewed a drama program, audience rating ranking information for a variety program, ranking information for audience voting for a news program, and the like. . The program provider converts the created promotion information into promotion information in a format that can be used by the television receiver 3, and transmits the obtained promotion information to the promotion information server 5 connected via a dedicated line. As described above, the television receiver 3 is communicably connected to the promotion information server 5 via the communication network 4. Therefore, the television receiver 3 accesses the promotion information server 5 via the communication network 4 and acquires promotion information from the promotion information server 5. The television receiver 3 superimposes the promotion information acquired from the promotion information server 5 on the television image or displays it on the television screen together with the television image.

  The broadcast station apparatus 2 is an apparatus managed by a television broadcast provider. The broadcast station apparatus 2 transmits a television signal to the television receiver 3. Also, the program provider converts information for accessing the created promotion information (hereinafter referred to as “access information”) into access information in a format that can be used by the television receiver 3, and converts the obtained access information. Then, the data is transmitted to the broadcasting station apparatus 2 connected via a dedicated line. The broadcast station apparatus 2 receives information (hereinafter referred to as “program information”) for configuring a program guide created by a provider providing the program guide via a dedicated line (not shown), and a television receiver. 3 is converted into program information in a format that can be used. The broadcasting station apparatus 2 transmits the television signal including access information and program information to the television receiver 3.

  The television receiver 3 has a television reception function. That is, the television receiver 3 receives the television signal transmitted from the broadcast station apparatus 2, obtains a television image based on the received television signal, and displays the obtained television image on the television screen. The television broadcast performed by the television broadcaster is typically a digital television broadcast, but may be an analog television broadcast.

  During normal operation, the television receiver 3 displays a television image based on the television signal on the television screen. In addition, the television receiver 3 creates a program table that can be recognized by the user based on the program information included in the television signal, and superimposes the created program table on the television video in accordance with an instruction from the user. Or it displays on a television screen with a television image | video. Further, the television receiver 3 creates access information in a usable format based on the access information included in the television signal, and synthesizes the created promotion information presentation screen with the program guide according to an instruction from the user. Then, it is superimposed on the television image or displayed on the television screen together with the television image.

  In the above description, the television receiver 3 acquires the promotion information from the promotion information server 5, but instead of this, the promotion information may be acquired via a television signal. For example, the broadcast station apparatus 2 may transmit the television signal including access information, program information, and promotion information to the television receiver 3. In addition, the television receiver 3 acquires the program information and the access information from the television signal, but instead, the access information may be acquired via a communication network. For example, the promotion information server 5 may transmit access information, program information, and promotion information to the television receiver 3.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the television receiver 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In particular, this is an embodiment in which the television receiver 100 stores all programs in a storage device, and a user selects and watches a program at a desired time using a program guide. Since this concept has been standardized in recent years as server-type broadcasting, such a television receiver is expected to be commercialized in the future. In addition, the storage device may exist outside the television receiver and may be connected through a network. The television receiver 100 includes a tuner 101, a separation unit 102, a decoder 103, an OSD (On Screen Display) processing unit 104, a synthesis unit 105, a display unit 106, a control unit 111, a communication unit 112, an input unit 113, and program guide information. A storage unit 114, an access information storage unit 115, a bitmap storage unit 116, a storage device 117, and an access information format storage unit 118 are provided.

  The tuner 101 extracts a signal in a frequency band selected by the user from the television signal transmitted from the broadcast station apparatus 2 and outputs it as a transport stream. The separation unit 102 separates the transport stream output from the tuner 101 into a digital video signal, a digital audio signal, and a control signal. The decoder 103 obtains an analog video signal and an analog audio signal based on the encoded digital video signal and digital audio signal output from the separation unit 102. The OSD processing unit 104 outputs an OSD display signal based on the OSD control signal output from the control unit 111. The synthesis unit 105 synthesizes the OSD display signal output from the OSD processing unit 104 with the analog video signal output from the decoder 103. The display unit 106 displays the analog video signal output from the combining unit 105 on the screen. The analog audio signal output from the decoder 103 is output from an audio output unit (not shown).

  The control unit 111 performs various controls relating to the television receiver 100. The communication unit 112 transmits and receives data between the promotion server 5 and the information server 6 connected to the communication network 4 according to control from the control unit 111. The input unit 113 is an input device for inputting a command from a user. The input unit 113 outputs a command input signal to the control unit 111 in accordance with a command input from the user.

  The program guide information storage unit 114 and the promotion information storage unit 115 store work data for the control unit 111. The control signal separated by the separation unit 102 includes program information and access information transmitted from the broadcast station apparatus 2. Program information in the work data of the control unit 111 is stored in the program guide information storage unit 114. The storage unit 115 stores the type, link destination URI, category, link destination medium, title, and expiration date for which the control unit 111 created access information in a usable format based on the access information included in the television signal. The

  The bitmap storage unit 116 stores bitmap information used for OSD display. The bitmap information includes an icon for configuring a promotion information presentation screen.

  In the above description, the television receiver 100 includes the program guide information storage unit 114, the access information storage unit 115, and the bitmap storage unit 116 separately. However, they are configured as one storage unit. Needless to say. Further, the storage device 117 may be configured.

  When the television receiver 100 displays a screen other than the television video on the television screen, the control unit 111 generates an OSD control signal for generating a screen other than the television video, and the generated OSD control signal. Is output to the OSD processing unit 104. As a result, a program guide, a promotion information presentation screen, a command input screen, and the like are displayed on the television screen superimposed on the television image or together with the television screen.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating data stored in the program guide information storage unit 114 and the access information storage unit 115. As shown in FIG. 3, the program guide information storage unit 114 stores a program URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) and an access information URI in association with program information (for example, an outline, performers, etc.). Reference numeral 121 in FIG. 3 denotes program guide information created using program information in each program. The program guide information is program information, program URI and access information URI associated with the program information. The program guide information storage unit 114 stores program guide information of all programs managed by the control unit 111.
The access information format shown in FIG. 3 is determined in advance by transmission and reception, and is stored in the access information format storage unit 118. The access information format may be stored in advance in the access information format storage unit 118 and shipped, or may be written by software download after shipment.

  The program URI is information for identifying the program content 122 (video, audio, additional data, etc.). It consists of identification data of the content 122 and data indicating the location. The location may be anywhere in a television signal, in a storage device 117 in the television receiver 100, or in an information server that can be connected via a communication network. The program URI can appropriately indicate the location in each case. When the location in the television receiver 100 is indicated as in the case of displaying the program guide of the recorded program, the program URI is created and written based on the location where the program is recorded under the control of the control unit 111. When displaying the program table of an on-air program, the program URI is written with the date, network number, and channel number that can be obtained from the program information under the control of the control unit 111. When displaying the program table stored in the information server on the communication network, the program URI is written with a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). Note that URI is a description method that indicates information resources in various media and media, and URL is well-known that a part of URI is embodied for the Internet.

  The access information URI is information for identifying access information related to a program. It consists of data indicating the location of access information. Regarding the location, a value indicating an address in the access information storage unit 115 in the television receiver can be considered. The access information URI is stored in the program guide information storage unit 114 under the control of the control unit 111. In FIG. 3, three access information URIs are associated with program information. The number of access information URIs to be associated is determined by the number of promotion information and is not particularly limited. In FIG. 3, 123, 124, and 125 are access information for this program, and the access information storage unit 115 stores access information for all programs managed by the control unit 111.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the access information storage unit 115 stores access information in which access information in a usable format is created based on access information included in a television signal. The address of the access information 123 is specified by the access information URI1 of the program guide information 121 in FIG. The access information 123 is access information when the promotion information is a preview. The format consists of the following information. The title is 00 indicating the preview. The type is 001 indicating data indicating a link. The link destination URI is effective because the type is a link, and is a URL indicating the identification and location of the preview content, http: // abc. xx. wmv. A category is data indicating a specific business operator code. The expiration date is 2003121212 which is data indicating 12:00 on December 12, 2003. The link destination medium is effective because the type is link, and the preview content reception path is data indicating a network (communication network) 00. The recording source URI 02 indicates a program identification ID for identifying a specific program to be associated. As the program identification ID, it is conceivable to use a network ID, TS_ID, and service number that are common in digital broadcasting.

  The address of the access information 124 is designated by the access information URI2 of the program guide information 121 in FIG. The access information 124 is access information when the promotion information is a review. The format consists of the following information. The title is 01 indicating the criticism. The type is 001 indicating data indicating a link. The link destination URI is effective because the type is a link, and is a URL indicating the identification and location of the criticism content 01: / 111. xyz. bml. The category B is data indicating a specific company code. The expiry date is 2003101000 which is data indicating 10 o'clock on October 10, 2003. The link destination medium is effective because the type is a link, and the reception path of the criticism content is data indicating broadcasting (television signal) 01. The recording source URI 04 indicates a program identification ID for identifying a specific program to be associated.

  The address of the access information 125 is specified by the access information URI3 of the program guide information 121 in FIG. The access information 125 is access information when the promotion information is ranking. The format consists of the following information. The title is data indicating the ranking 02. The type is data indicating a text 002. The link destination URI is invalid because the type is not a link. Category C is data indicating a specific business operator code. The expiry date is 20001111008 which is data indicating 08 o'clock on November 10, 2003. The link destination medium is invalid because the type is not link. The text is the content body of the ranking. The recording source URI indicates a program identification ID for identifying a specific program to be associated 16. The combination of the above types of promotion information and individual data of access information is merely an example, and there is no particular limitation. The control unit 111 extracts only necessary information from the access information received from the television broadcast, creates the appropriate access information for the television receiver 100 to process, and then stores it in the access information storage unit 115. Remember. Regarding the access information data described above, the data used in the bookmark service described in Non-Patent Document 1 is further improved to a data format suitable for the access information. Therefore, the access information can be included in the television broadcast signal by applying the bookmark service.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing for creating and storing program guide information and access information by the television receiver 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The control unit 111 of the television receiver 100 executes the following processing when the tuner 101 starts receiving a television broadcast.

  When the separation unit 102 inputs a transport stream from the tuner 101 (step S201), the control unit 111 uses the separation unit 102 to select a program content stream and program information data from the received transport stream. Separate access information data.

  The program content stream is stored in the storage device 117 (step S202). When the program information is detected using the separation unit 102 (step S203), the program information is stored in the program guide information storage unit 114 (step S204). The control unit 111 recognizes the address stored in the storage device 117 in step S202. Therefore, the control unit 111 associates the address where the program content is accumulated with the related program information, and stores it in the program guide information storage unit 114 as a program URI (step S205). The control unit 111 recognizes the relationship between the content of the received program and the program information using the date and time of broadcasting the program, channel information, or information for identifying the program (for example, program identification ID) included in the program information. be able to.

  When the access information is detected using the separation unit 102 (step S206), the control unit 111 refers to the access information format stored in the access information format storage unit 118, and changes the contents of the access information. After grasping, the access information converted into a usable format is stored in the access information storage unit 115 (step S207). The control unit 111 recognizes the address accumulated in the access information storage unit 115 in step S207. Therefore, the control unit 111 stores the access information accumulated address in the program guide information storage unit 114 as the access information URI in association with the related program information (step S208). The control unit 111 uses the recording-source URI information that identifies the associated program included in the access information, or uses the time when the access information is received (the associated access information is transmitted simultaneously with the program content). ), The relationship between the content of the received program, the access information, and the program information can be recognized. In this embodiment, description has been made in the order of reception of program content, reception of program information, and reception of access information. However, the order is originally determined by the television signal and is not particularly limited.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing for creating and displaying a program guide including presentation of promotion information by the television receiver 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The control unit 111 of the television receiver 100 executes the following processing when the user instructs display of the program guide of the stored program using a remote controller or the like.

  When recognizing a program guide display instruction via the input unit 113 (step S211), the control unit 111 confirms that program information is stored in the program guide information storage unit 114 (step S212). If stored, the control unit 111 sequentially reads program information (step S213). The control unit 111 displays the program information part of the program guide using the OSD processing unit 104 based on the read program information. Further, in preparation for a case where the user operates the program information part of the program guide and gives an instruction to view the program, the program information part and the program URI are associated with each other (step S214).

  When there is an unprocessed associated access information URI (step S215), the control unit 111 interprets the access information URI, recognizes an address in the access information storage unit 115, and acquires corresponding access information. (Step S216). The control unit 111 refers to the expiration date information in the acquired access information, and determines whether it is within the expiration date (step S217). If it is within the expiration date, the title information in the access information is referred to and the content of the promotion information indicated by the access information is recognized.

  Next, an icon bitmap corresponding to the content of the promotion information is read from the bitmap storage unit 116. The control unit 111 displays the promotion information presentation unit of the program guide using the OSD processing unit using the read icon bitmap. The bitmap of the icon may be stored in advance in the bitmap storage unit 116, or may be downloaded using a television signal. Further, in preparation for a case where the user operates the program information promotion information presentation unit to give an instruction to view the promotion information, the promotion information presentation unit icon is associated with the link destination URI and the link destination medium. (Step S218). If it is outside the expiration date in step S217, step S218 is not executed. At that time, the access information and the access information URI may be deleted. The processing from step S215 to step S218 is continued according to the number of access information URIs associated with each other. If the process is completed for all access information, the process returns to the process of adding the program guide for the next program information, but the process ends if the program guide cannot be added to the screen or if there is no unprocessed program information. To do.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing for displaying the promotion information by the television receiver 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The control unit 111 of the television receiver 100 executes the following processing when the user instructs display of promotion information using a remote controller or the like.

  The user can instruct the display of the promotion information using the promotion information presenting section of the program guide displayed in step S218. When the control unit 111 recognizes an instruction to display promotion information via the input unit 113 (step S221), the control unit 111 recognizes the selected promotion information and verifies the linked medium associated with it. If the link destination medium is a network, the communication unit 112 is used, and if the link destination medium is broadcast, the tuner 101 is used to access the link destination URI (step S222). Next, the content of the promotion information is acquired from the link destination URI (step S224). The control unit 111 uses the decoder 103 or the OSD processing unit 104 to appropriately decode and display the acquired content of the promotion information. At this time, the content is displayed using the synthesis unit 105 so as to have an appropriate / predetermined screen format (step S225). Thereafter, the control unit 111 ends the display if there is an instruction to end the display of the promotion information from the user (step S226).

  Here, the display screen will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first example of a program guide display screen including promotion information presented by the television receiver 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The control unit 111 of the television receiver 100 displays this screen when the user instructs display of the program guide of the stored program using a remote controller or the like. FIG. 7 shows the result of the user performing a genre search from the top screen of the program guide.

  The program guide 261 is displayed on the full screen. The user operates the remote controller or the like to move the cursor 263 on the screen. The program information section is displayed on the left side. For example, in the case of the line of program AA, the program information part includes “program AA” indicating the title, “2h” indicating the time, and “¥ 330” indicating the amount of money. “View” is a button that the user presses when viewing. The promotion information presentation section is displayed on the right side of the program information section. For example, in the row of the program AA, three icons are arranged, and from the left are a preview icon 264, a criticism icon 265, and a ranking icon 266. The reason why nothing is displayed in the promotion information presenting section in the row of the program FF is that there is no promotion information corresponding to the program. As can be seen from FIG. 7, in each program, a program display section and a promotion information presentation section are displayed side by side, and the programs are displayed side by side. Needless to say, the horizontal and vertical directions can be interchanged. The user can purchase and view the contents of the program by pressing a viewing button. Before that, it is possible to determine whether or not to purchase by looking at the promotion information. The promotion information that the user wants to see can be selected and determined by moving the cursor 263, selecting an icon, and pressing the enter button. Note that the cursor can be operated based on the description of the operation guide 262.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second example of a program guide display screen including presentation of promotion information by the television receiver 100. The control unit 111 of the television receiver 100 displays this screen when the user instructs display of the program guide of the stored program using a remote controller or the like.

  The program display section in the program guide 271 is the same as that shown in FIG. The promotion information section displays a list of associated promotion information in a window. In the promotion information section, a description indicating the presence or absence of promotion information may be written in advance in the display before opening the window. The window 273 is opened when the promotion information part of the program is selected, and the user can select the promotion information in the list using the remote controller. In the window 273, the title of the promotion information is written. The title selected by the user is highlighted, and the highlighted display can be moved according to the operation of the remote controller.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a preview information display screen by the television receiver 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The control unit 111 of the television receiver 100 displays this screen when the user instructs display of preview information, which is promotion information, using a remote controller or the like.

  The preview content playback screen 282 on the preview screen 281 is displayed at a predetermined display size and display position. The preview content is a content in which video and audio in which the program outline is known in advance by the program provider. The promotion information server 5 or the broadcasting station device 2 is prepared so that it can be connected to the television broadcast receiver 3.

  The operation panel 283 of the preview screen 281 is provided with icons for turning back, stopping, playing, and fast-forwarding from the left, and the user can select and determine the icon using the remote controller, and can play back the preview screen. A bar 284 indicating the playback time is also provided. An operation guide 285 is also displayed so that the user can determine the purchase of the program by looking at the preview content.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a review information display screen by the television receiver 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The control unit 111 of the television receiver 100 displays this screen when the user instructs display of review information that is promotional information using a remote controller or the like.

  The review information display screen 312 in the review screen 311 is displayed in a predetermined display size and display position. The review information is a sentence requested by a program provider to let a reviewer review a program in advance. The promotion information server 5 or the broadcasting station device 2 is prepared so that it can be connected to the television broadcast receiver 3.

  The scroll panel 314 of the review display screen 312 is provided with icons for upward scrolling and downward scrolling, and the user can select and determine an icon using the remote controller and scroll the review information display screen 312. The critic display 315 displays the name of the critic who wrote the criticism information. An operation guide 313 is also displayed so that the user can review the review information and decide to purchase a program. Note that there may be a plurality of pieces of review information. In this case, a plurality of pieces of information may be written on the review information display screen 312 and the critic display 315, or the review information display screen 312 and the critic display 315 may be divided into a plurality of pages.

  FIG. 11 is an example of a ranking information display screen by the television receiver 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The control unit 111 of the television receiver 100 displays this screen when the user instructs display of ranking information, which is promotion information, using a remote controller or the like.

  The ranking information display screen 322 in the ranking display screen 321 is displayed in a predetermined display size and display position. Ranking information is obtained by a program provider in advance by totaling program rankings. Ranking is considered to count the number of viewers, audience rating, or vote by viewers. The promotion information server 5 or the broadcasting station device 2 is prepared so that it can be connected to the television broadcast receiver 3. An operation guide 323 is also displayed so that the user can determine purchase of a program by looking at the ranking information.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing for rearranging and displaying the program table using the access information by the television receiver 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The control unit 111 of the television receiver 100 executes the following processing when the user instructs the rearrangement display of the program guide using a remote controller or the like.

  When the control unit 111 recognizes a program table rearrangement display instruction via the input unit 113 (step S231), the OSD processing unit 104 displays a screen for allowing the user to select promotion information used as a rearrangement condition. Use to display. (Step S232). When the user selects promotion information using a remote controller or the like, the control unit 111 recognizes the selected promotion information and deletes the screen displayed in step S232 (step S233). When the program information is stored in the program guide information storage unit 114 (step S234), the control unit 111 sequentially reads the program information (step S235). When there is an associated access information URI (step S236), the control unit 111 interprets the access information URI, recognizes an address in the access information storage unit 115, and acquires the corresponding access information (step S237). ). The control unit 111 refers to the expiration date information in the acquired access information 111 and determines whether it is within the expiration date (step S238).

  If it is within the expiration date, the title information in the access information is referred to and the content of the promotion information corresponding to the access information is recognized. The control unit 111 determines whether or not the content of the promotion information recognized here is the selected promotion information recognized in step S233 (step S239). If it is determined that the promotion information is selected, a flag with promotion information is set and written in a buffer memory (not shown) (step 240).

  If it is outside the expiration date in step S238, steps S239 and S240 are not executed. At that time, the access information and the access information URI may be deleted. The processing from step S236 to step S240 is continued according to the number of access information URIs associated with each other. When the processing is completed for all access information, the control unit 111 verifies whether or not a flag with promotion information is set in the program information. This verification is verification of whether or not the selected promotion information recognized in step S233 is included in the promotion information associated with the corresponding program information (step S241). If the flag with the promotion information is set, the control unit 111 displays the program information part of the program guide using the OSD processing unit 104 based on the program information read in step S235. Further, in preparation for the case where the user operates the program information part of the program guide and gives an instruction to view the program, the program information part and the program URI are associated with each other (step S242).

  When there is an unprocessed associated access information URI (step S243), the control unit 111 interprets the access information URI, recognizes an address in the access information storage unit 115, and acquires corresponding access information. (Step S244). The control unit 111 refers to the expiration date information in the acquired access information 111 and determines whether it is within the expiration date (step S244).

  If it is within the expiration date, the title information in the access information is referred to and the content of the promotion information indicated by the access information is recognized. Next, an icon bitmap corresponding to the content of the promotion information is read from the bitmap storage unit 116. Using the read icon bitmap, the OSD processing unit is used to display the program guide promotion information presenting unit. In addition, in preparation for the case where the user operates the program information promotion information presentation unit to give an instruction to view the promotion information, the promotion information presentation unit is associated with the link destination URI and the link destination medium (step). S246). If it is outside the expiration date in step S245, step S246 is not executed. At that time, the access information and the access information URI may be deleted. Step S245 may be omitted if the time from step S238 is short.

  The processing from step S243 to step S246 is continued according to the number of access information URIs associated with each other. If the processing is completed for all access information, or if the flag is not set in step S241, the flag is reset, and it is verified whether there is the selected promotion information recognized in step S233 for the next program information. The process returns to the process of adding the program guide according to the processing and verification results, but the process ends when the program guide cannot be added on the screen or when there is no unprocessed program information.

  FIG. 13 is an example of a display screen for allowing the user to select promotion information used as a condition for rearranging the program table by the television receiver 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention or searching for a program. FIG. The control unit 111 of the television receiver 100 displays this screen when the user uses the remote control or the like to instruct rearrangement display of the program guide by promotion information or search for programs.

  The guide screen 292 on the display screen 291 displays icons side by side indicating promotion information that can be used as a program search condition. The user can use a remote controller or the like to move the cursor 293 to select an icon and determine promotion information to be used as a program search condition.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying a rearranged program table or search result by the television receiver 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 111 of the television receiver 100 uses a remote controller or the like to select promotion information to be used as a condition, and after reordering display of the program table or determining program search, rearrangement of the program table, Alternatively, this screen is displayed as a result of the program search process.

  On the display screen 301, since the promotion selected by the user is review information, only programs associated with review information are displayed. Note that the cursor can be operated based on the description of the operation guide 302.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process for displaying program content including presentation of promotion information by the television receiver 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The control unit 111 of the television receiver 100 executes the following processing when the user instructs display of the program contents of the stored program using a remote controller or the like.

  When the control unit 111 recognizes an instruction of program content via the input unit 113 (step S251), the control unit 111 reads out the corresponding program information from the program information storage unit 114 (step S252). The control unit 111 displays the program information part of the program guide using the OSD processing unit 104 based on the read program information. In addition, the program being viewed is reduced based on a predetermined reduction rate using the decoder 103, and is combined with the program information part of the program guide and displayed using the combining unit 105 (step S253).

  If there is an unprocessed associated access information URI (step S254), the control unit 111 interprets the access information URI, recognizes an address in the access information storage unit 115, and acquires the corresponding access information. (Step S255). The control unit 111 refers to the expiration date information in the acquired access information, and determines whether it is within the expiration date (step S255). If it is within the expiration date, the title information in the access information is referred to and the content of the promotion information indicated by the access information is recognized.

  Next, an icon bitmap corresponding to the content of the promotion information is read from the bitmap storage unit 116. Using the read icon bitmap, an OSD processing unit is used to display a program content promotion information presentation unit. Also, in preparation for a case where the user operates the program information promotion information presentation unit to give an instruction to view the promotion information, the promotion information presentation unit icon is associated with the link destination URI and the link destination medium. (Step S257). If it is outside the expiration date in step S256, step S257 is not executed. At that time, the access information may be deleted. The processing from step S254 to step S257 is continued according to the number of access information URIs associated with each other. If the process is completed for all access information, the process is terminated.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a first example of a program content screen by the television receiver 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The control unit 111 of the television receiver 100 displays this screen when the user gives an instruction to display program contents using a remote controller or the like.

  The program content display screen 341 includes a screen 342 that displays a reduced view of the program being viewed, a detailed content display screen for the corresponding program (in this example, a classic concert), and an icon that indicates promotion information for the corresponding program. It is. The user can also operate the cursor 343 based on the description of the operation guide 302 to select and determine an icon and view the promotion information of the corresponding program.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a second example of the program content screen by the television receiver 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The control unit 111 of the television receiver 100 displays this screen when the user gives an instruction to display program contents using a remote controller or the like.

  The program content display screen 331 includes a program guide screen and a window 332 having an icon indicating promotion information of the corresponding program. The window 332 may include a detailed description of the corresponding program. The user can also operate the cursor 333 to select and determine an icon and view the promotion information of the corresponding program.

  As described above, in the television receiver according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the program provider provides the program preview, the critique information of the famous critics, and the ranking information that are prepared as promotion information in the program table. It can be presented using icons and lists corresponding to the program. Moreover, the program guide to be displayed can be rearranged according to the promotion information using the access information.

  As a result, it is possible to provide a business providing a program with means for efficiently advertising the program on the television screen. The viewer can easily search for the promotion information from the program table, and can easily select the viewing / purchasing program by looking at the promotion information.

  The television receiver according to the present invention has an effect that it is possible to provide a provider providing a program with a means for efficiently advertising the program on the television screen, and the viewer can easily find out from the program guide. Promotion information can be searched, and it has the effect of easily selecting a viewing / purchasing program by viewing the promotion information, and is useful as a television receiver, a set top box, a personal computer, a mobile phone, and the like.

The figure which shows the structure of the system containing the television receiver in Embodiment 1 of this invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a television receiver according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The figure which shows the data memorize | stored in the program schedule information storage part and access information storage part of this invention The flowchart which shows the process which produces and memorize | stores the program schedule information and access information by the television receiver in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the process which produces and displays the program schedule containing presentation of the promotion information by the television receiver in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the process which displays the promotion information by the television receiver in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the 1st Example of the display screen of a program schedule containing presentation of the promotion information by the television receiver in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the 2nd Example of the display screen of the program schedule containing presentation of the promotion information by the television receiver in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the Example of the display screen of the preview information by the television receiver in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the Example of the display screen of the criticism information by the television receiver in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the Example of the display screen of the ranking information by the television receiver in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the process which rearranges and displays a program schedule using the access information by the television receiver in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the Example of the display screen for making a user select the promotion information used as a condition for rearranging the program schedule by the television receiver in Embodiment 1 of this invention, or searching for a program. The figure which shows the Example of the screen which displays the rearranged program schedule or search result by the television receiver in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the process which displays the program content including the presentation of the promotion information by the television receiver in Embodiment 1 of this invention The figure which shows the 1st Example of the program content screen by the television receiver in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the 2nd Example of the program content screen by the television receiver in Embodiment 1 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Program provision apparatus 2 Broadcast station apparatus 3,100 Television receiver 4 Communication network 5 Promotion information server 6 Information server 101 Tuner 102 Separation part 103 Decoder 104 OSD process part 105 Composition part 106 Display part 111 Control part 112 Communication part 113 Input Unit 114 program guide information storage unit 115 access information storage unit 116 bitmap storage unit 117 storage device 118 access information format storage unit

Claims (21)

A television broadcast receiving means for obtaining a television program based on the television signal, displaying the obtained television program on the television screen, and obtaining a program guide based on the program information, and displaying the obtained program guide on the television screen. A program guide information receiving means, an access information receiving means for receiving access information for accessing promotion information transmitted to promote a television program, and promotional information accessible based on the access information. A television receiver comprising: control means for controlling so that the obtained accessible promotion information is incorporated in the program guide and displayed in association with the television program. The access information receiving means acquires the access information from a television signal or via a communication network, and acquires the access information of each television program included in the program information. The television receiver according to claim 1. 3. The television receiver according to claim 2, wherein the control means displays promotion information in each television program. 4. The television receiver according to claim 3, wherein the control means creates a program table including a list indicating promotion information. 4. The television receiver according to claim 3, wherein the control means creates a program table including an icon indicating promotion information. 3. The television according to claim 2, wherein the control means displays a program content screen including an icon indicating the accessible promotion information on the television screen together with the reduced television program. John receiver. The television receiver according to claim 6, wherein the control means acquires the access information for a displayed television program. Input means for inputting an instruction from a user, and promotion information receiving means for obtaining promotion information using the access information and displaying the obtained promotion information on a television screen, and the control means includes promotion information 2. The television receiver according to claim 1, wherein the television receiver is controlled so as to obtain and display promotion information when an instruction to display is recognized. 9. The television receiver according to claim 8, wherein the promotion information is a preview content of a program. 10. The television receiver according to claim 9, wherein the control means displays a display screen having a preview content reduction screen and a preview content playback operation panel. The television receiver according to claim 8, wherein the promotion information is a review paper of a program. 12. The television receiver according to claim 11, wherein the control means displays a display screen having a review paper reduction screen and a critic name. 9. The television receiver according to claim 8, wherein the promotion information is a program ranking. 9. The television receiver according to claim 8, wherein the control means performs control for rearranging the program table based on the accessible promotion information when an instruction to rearrange the program table is recognized. 15. The television receiver according to claim 14, wherein when the control unit recognizes an instruction to rearrange the program guide, the control unit presents the accessible promotion information to be selected as a rearrangement condition. The television receiver according to claim 1, wherein the access information includes a title of promotion information, a type, a link destination URI, and an expiration date. Storage means for storing the television program received by the television broadcast receiving means, program guide information storage means for storing the program information received by the program guide information receiving means, and the access information received by the access information receiving means Access information storage means for storing the information, and the control means controls the location of the stored individual television program and the location of the stored individual access information so as to be associated with the stored individual program information. The television receiver according to claim 1. 18. The television receiver according to claim 17, wherein the control means creates a program guide including an icon indicating the accessible promotion information and displays the created program guide on the television screen. . 18. The television receiver according to claim 17, wherein the control unit creates a program guide including a list indicating the accessible promotion information, and displays the created program guide on the television screen. . 18. The television according to claim 17, wherein the control means displays a program content screen including an icon indicating the accessible promotion information on the television screen together with the reduced television image. John receiver. 21. The television receiver according to claim 20, wherein the control means reads the access information from the access information storage means for the displayed television program.

Images