JP2006333085A - Electronic program list distribution channel search method, and video device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify setting etc. of electronic program list distribution channels which are different by each service area of video device. <P>SOLUTION: A search process (ST 20 to ST 26 in figure 2) of a receivable broadcasting channel is started by external power feeding, after sales or distribution of the video device (digital TV, DVD recorder etc.) in which a searching method is performed for the electronic program list distribution channel, after a long period of power failure, or after moving house. Then a distribution channel of an electronic program list is to be stored (ST28; ST37; ST47), when the distribution channel (for example ADAMS of 10 CH in Tokyo) of the electronic program list is found ("yes" in ST24) from among receivable broadcasting channels. These processes are to be performed automatically at a primary stage of starting usage, after the video device has been installed at its service space. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement of an electronic program guide distribution channel search method in video equipment having a broadcast receiving function and an electronic program guide receiving function.

  In recent video equipment (digital TV, DVD recorder with TV tuner, etc.), the types of broadcasts that can be received (terrestrial analog broadcast, digital terrestrial broadcast, satellite BS broadcast, satellite CS broadcast, cable TV, etc.) are increasing. Here, although data broadcasting is also performed in digital broadcasting, a method for simplifying data storage has been proposed for data broadcasting even if the broadcast channel number on which the data broadcasting is multiplexed is not known ( Patent Document 1).

That is, in Patent Document 1, in response to a data broadcast accumulation start command instructed by a user (viewer), a receivable frequency is searched in order to automatically detect a channel on which the data broadcast is multiplexed, Data broadcast data of the channel is stored in the data broadcast storage means. Thus, the viewer does not need to know in advance the channel number on which the data broadcast is multiplexed, and can instruct the start of data broadcast accumulation with a simple operation.
JP 2000-308026 A (FIGS. 1 and 2; paragraphs 0010 to 0011)

  However, in general, the channel number on which data broadcasting is multiplexed is different for each broadcasting station in each region. For this reason, for example, when the data broadcast receiving device is carried and used in another area, the viewer himself has to newly set the channel of the data broadcast, which is inconvenient for the viewer. The problem remains.

  If the above problem is not limited to data broadcasting but more generalized, it becomes as follows. In other words, television broadcasting is performed on a plurality of channels with different channel configurations depending on regions. For this reason, a user who purchases a video device (such as a DVD recorder or a digital TV) having a broadcast receiving function, depending on which region (Tokyo, Hokkaido, etc.) his / her residence is at the beginning of using the device. It is necessary to set the receiving channel.

  Also, in recent years, digital satellite broadcasting and terrestrial digital broadcasting for distributing electronic program guides have been carried out. Furthermore, even in terrestrial analog broadcasting, electronic program guide distribution services have been provided on some channels (for example, 10CH in Tokyo). ADAMS: TV-Asahi Data and Multimedia Service, 6CH data parade, etc.). In this way, when the electronic program guide is distributed only on a part of the channels, if it is desired to use the electronic program guide, it is necessary to set a channel for receiving the electronic program guide.

  Furthermore, with recent video equipment, the number of types of broadcasts that can be received has increased, and so device setup operations including initial settings have become complicated, and the amount of instruction manuals tends to increase (distracted from reading). is there. However, with conventional video equipment, the setting menu is only displayed when the user first starts up (when the user turns on the power for the first time after purchasing the recorder). It is difficult to understand.

  One of the problems of the present invention is to simplify settings (such as setting of an electronic program guide distribution channel) that are different for each region where video equipment is used.

  In the electronic program guide distribution channel search method according to an embodiment of the present invention, after sales or distribution of video equipment (digital TV, DVD recorder with TV tuner, etc.) on which this method is implemented, after a power failure, or Receivable broadcast channel search processing (ST20 to ST26 in FIG. 2; ST30 to ST36 in FIG. 3; ST40 to ST46 in FIG. 4) automatically by starting external power supply after moving or by a subsequent user operation (Start of FIGS. 2 to 4). When a distribution channel of the electronic program guide (for example, ADAMS of 10CH in Tokyo) is found from the receivable broadcast channels (ST24 YES; ST35 YES; ST45 YES), the distribution channel of the electronic program guide is automatically stored. (ST28; ST37; ST47). The distribution channel of the electronic program guide stored in this way can be referred to at any time in the subsequent operation of the device unless the stored content is lost (the stored content of the electronic program guide distribution channel is always energized by the backup power supply). It can be stored in a CMOS memory or the like).

  If AC power supply is resumed after AC power supply is interrupted for a long time due to a subsequent move and the backup power supply is exhausted, the CMOS memory storing the distribution channel of the electronic program guide is reset. there is a possibility. For example, although 10 CH is stored as an electronic program guide distribution channel, the stored content may be reset to 1 CH due to the exhaustion of the backup power supply. In such a case, after the AC power supply is resumed, the process of searching for a receivable broadcast channel is automatically resumed (start of FIGS. 2 to 4), and the distribution channel of the electronic program guide is found from the receivable broadcast channels ( ST24 YES; ST35 YES; ST45 YES), the distribution channel of the electronic program guide may be stored (ST28; ST37; ST47).

  The user can automatically set the electronic program guide distribution channel at the beginning of use of the video equipment (immediately after purchase, immediately after moving, etc.) without performing a setting operation with the instruction manual.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates a digital recording apparatus as an example of video equipment to which the present invention is applied. In this embodiment, an apparatus (DVD / HDD hybrid recorder) capable of handling both an optical disk and a hard disk as a recording medium is shown. However, a semiconductor memory or the like may be used as appropriate as a recording medium. In FIG. 1, each block is roughly divided. The main block of the recording unit is shown on the left side, and the main block of the playback unit is shown on the right side.

  The recording apparatus of FIG. 1 has two types of disk drive units. First, an optical disc (DVD-RAM, DVD ± RW, DVD ± R, etc.) 1001 as a first medium, which is an information recording medium that can construct a video file, is rotated and a disc drive unit 1002 that reads and writes information is provided. Have. In addition, it includes a hard disk drive unit 2001 that drives a hard disk (HDD) as a second medium. The data processor unit 1003 can supply recording data to the disk drive unit 1002 and the hard disk drive unit 2001, and can receive a reproduced signal. The disk drive unit 1002 includes a rotation control system for the optical disk 1001, a laser drive system (using a red laser with a wavelength of 650 nm, or a blue laser with a wavelength of 405 nm or less), an optical system, and the like. The data processor (D-PRO) unit 1003 handles recording or reproduction unit data, and includes a buffer circuit, a modulation / demodulation circuit, an error correction unit, and the like.

  The recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1 mainly includes an encoder unit 50 that constitutes the recording side, a decoder unit 60 that constitutes the reproduction side, and a microcomputer block (MPU) 30 that controls the operation of the apparatus body. The encoder unit 50 includes a video and audio analog-to-digital converter that digitizes an input analog video signal or analog audio signal, a video encoder, and an audio encoder. Furthermore, a sub-picture encoder is also included. The output of the encoder unit 50 is converted into a predetermined format (DVD-RAM format or the like) by the formatter 51 including the buffer memory 52 and supplied to the previous data processor unit 1003.

  The encoder unit 50 receives an external analog video signal and an external analog audio signal from the AV input unit 41 or an analog video signal and an analog audio signal from the TV tuner unit 42. Here, the tuner unit 42 can be composed of one or more tuner units. For example, the tuner unit 42 may be configured by two or more terrestrial analog tuner units, or may be configured by adding a terrestrial digital tuner unit and / or a satellite digital tuner unit in addition to one or a plurality of terrestrial analog tuner units. be able to.

  Thus, when the tuner unit 42 is equipped with a plurality of tuner units, the encoder unit 50 can also be configured to include a plurality of MPEG encoders. For example, the tuner unit 42 can be composed of two terrestrial analog TV tuner units (or one terrestrial analog tuner and one terrestrial digital tuner), and the encoder unit 50 can be composed of two MPEG2 encoders (tuner unit). And the number of MPEG encoders may be the same or different). In this way, when a plurality of tuner units and a plurality of MPEG encoders are provided, it is possible to simultaneously perform digital recording (double recording) of another program on another channel with overlapping broadcast time zones. In this case, there is not necessarily a plurality of recording destination media, and for example, double recording can be executed using only one HDD unit 2001. Further, even when there are a plurality of tuner units, the channels quoted in the search processing described later with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 are not necessarily two or more or all of the plurality of tuner units. The channel cited in this search process may be only one of a plurality of tuner units (for example, a terrestrial analog tuner unit).

  The EPG decoder 40 is connected to the tuner unit 42 and the system bus (broken line) of the MPU 30. When the tuner unit 42 includes a terrestrial analog tuner, the EPG decoder 40 transmits EPG data (broadcast) inserted as digital data during the vertical blanking period of the composite video signal obtained by demodulation from the analog tuner. Station name, program name, program start / end time, etc.) are taken out and sent to the system bus of the MPU 30.

  Although not shown, the EPG decoder 40 can incorporate a CMOS memory backed up by the backup power source 2. In this CMOS memory, EPG data obtained from the received electronic program guide distribution channel can be stored together with information on the channel. Further, the TV tuner unit 42 can also include a CMOS memory that is backed up by the backup power source 2 although not shown. This CMOS memory can be used as a temporary storage location for information received by the tuner unit in the TV tuner unit 42. For example, when the TV tuner unit 42 includes a BS digital tuner unit, EPG data of BS digital broadcasting, information of data broadcasting, and the like can be stored in this CMOS memory.

Whether the broadcast reception channel currently set in the TV tuner unit 42 is an electronic program guide distribution channel (ST24 in FIG. 2; ST35 in FIG. 3; ST45 in FIG. 4), the EPG decoder 40 detects EPG data. It can be detected depending on whether or not it was made. (When EPG data cannot be detected, the contents of the electronic program guide (not shown) displayed on the monitor 75 or the like are blank.)
As a case where the EPG decoder 40 cannot detect (or acquire) the EPG data, there may be a case where the reception channel of the tuner unit 42 is not the distribution channel of the electronic program guide. That is, there are cases where the broadcast wave of the channel cannot be received at a sufficient signal level because the radio wave condition is bad even if it is a distribution channel of the electronic program guide. In such a case, another electronic program guide distribution channel having a sufficient signal level is searched.

  When the directly compressed digital video signal or digital audio signal is directly input, the encoder unit 50 can also supply the compressed digital video signal or digital audio signal directly to the formatter 51. The encoder unit 50 can also directly supply the digital video signal and audio signal that have been converted from analog to digital to the video mixing unit 71 and the audio selector 76. In the video encoder included in the encoder unit 50, the digital video signal is converted into a digital video signal compressed at a variable bit rate based on the MPEG2 (or MPEG1 or MPEG4-AVC) standard. The digital audio signal is converted into a digital audio signal compressed at a fixed bit rate based on the MPEG or AC-3 standard or a linear PCM digital audio signal.

  When a sub-video signal is input from the AV input unit 41 (for example, a signal from a DVD video player with an independent output terminal of the sub-video signal) or a DVD video signal having such a data structure is broadcast and is transmitted to a TV tuner. When received by the unit 42, the sub-picture signal in the DVD video signal is encoded (run-length encoded) by the sub-picture encoder to become a sub-picture bitmap. The encoded digital video signal, digital audio signal, and sub-picture data are packed by the formatter 51 to become a video pack, an audio pack, and a sub-picture pack, and these are assembled and defined by the DVD-video standard. It is converted into a format (DVD video format) or a format defined in the DVD-recording standard (DVD-VR format).

  Here, the apparatus of FIG. 1 uses the data processor unit 1003 to send information (packets of video, audio, sub-picture data, etc.) formatted by the formatter 51 and the created management information to the hard disk drive unit 2001 or the data disk. It can be supplied to the drive unit 1002 and recorded on the hard disk or the optical disc 1001. Information recorded on the hard disk or the optical disk 1001 can also be recorded on the optical disk 1001 or the hard disk via the data processor unit 1003 and the disk drive unit 1002. It is also possible to perform editing processing such as deleting a part of video objects of a plurality of programs recorded on the hard disk or the optical disc 1001, dividing the video objects, and connecting objects of different programs. This is because the DVD-VR format used in one embodiment of the present invention defines a data unit to be handled and facilitates editing.

  The microcomputer block 30 is configured based on an MPU (micro processing unit) or CPU (central processing unit), and includes a firmware ROM 31a in which a control program (firmware) and the like are written, and a work area necessary for program execution. The work RAM 31 to be provided is included. The MPU of the microcomputer block 30 uses the RAM 31 as a work area according to a control program stored in the ROM 31a, detects a defect location, detects an unrecorded area, sets recording information recording position, UDF recording, AV address setting, history information search Execute processing.

  In other words, the microcomputer block 30 has an information processing unit necessary for controlling the entire system. In addition to the firmware ROM 31a, work RAM 31, and directory detection unit 32, although not shown, VMG (total video management information) is shown. An information creation unit, a copy related information detection unit, a copy and scrambling information processing unit (RDI processing unit), a packet header processing unit, a sequence header processing unit, an aspect ratio information processing unit, and the like are provided. Further, the microcomputer block 30 includes a processing unit 36 for processing a zone (Rzone) when performing VR recording or the like on a DVD-R disc, a processing unit 35 for searching history information, and management for executing recording. An information control unit 34, a management information control unit 33 for executing editing, and the like are provided. It should be noted that initialization processing (formatting) processing of recordable optical discs (DVD ± R, DVD ± RW, etc.), finalization processing of recordable optical discs, processing of returning a partially used disc to an initialization state, and the like are performed by other processing units 37. Is done.

  Further, the microcomputer block 30 automatically receives the electronic program guide distribution channel from the receivable channel and the timer 38 for measuring the time elapsed after the device of FIG. 1 is energized and the time is set (date and time adjustment). A channel processing unit (electronic program guide distribution channel automatic search processing unit) 39 is provided. Here, the timer 38 is configured to perform time counting by being fed by the backup power source 2. When the backup power supply 2 is depleted (discharged) and its output voltage decreases too much, the timer 38 stops time counting. In such a case, even if the backup power source 2 is restored later, the time count output is flashed, for example, with a specific time display (00:00 or 12:00, etc.) unless the time is set again by the user or the like. (From this, it can be detected that the backup power supply 2 has been exhausted).

  The backup power source 2 can be composed of a large capacity capacitor (not shown) that is always charged by the main power source 1 while the main power source 1 is AC-powered. Alternatively, the backup power source 2 can be composed of an independent battery (not shown). In addition to the timer 38, the backup power source 2 can be used as a power source for backing up the setting contents of internal memories (elements such as CMOS, which consume very little current) such as the tuner 42, the EPG decoder 40, and the MPU 30.

  When the backup power supply 2 is used for backup of an information storage memory such as an electronic program guide distribution channel in addition to the timer 38, the timer 38 has a timekeeping output (such as the above-mentioned 00:00 or 12:00 display flash). Therefore, it can be detected that the backup power source 2 has been depleted, and it is possible to know (guess) that the electronic program guide distribution channel information stored in the memory is also likely to be reset. .

  Even if the backup power supply 2 is exhausted once and the time output of the timer 38 shows the time information in an apparently correct format instead of the specific time display flash, there is another means for obtaining normal time information. (For example, when the received broadcast signal includes time information and there is a device environment in which this time information can be monitored), this normal time information and the background of power supply by the depleted backup power supply 2 are included (time There is also a method of knowing that the backup power supply 2 has been exhausted by comparing the time output of the timer 38 and detecting that the difference between the two is large (for example, a difference of 5 minutes or more).

  Regardless of which method is used, if it is detected that the backup power source 2 has been depleted (that is, the AC plug has been continuously removed from the AC outlet for a certain period of time), the detection will be described below as a trigger. 2 to 4 can be configured to automatically start.

  If there is no cost problem in actual product implementation, a non-volatile flash memory that can retain stored contents without power supply is used for the above-mentioned application instead of a volatile CMOS memory that requires a backup power supply. You can also. In this case, the problem of loss of memory contents due to the exhaustion of the backup power supply 2 can be avoided (however, the malfunction of the timer 38 due to the exhaustion of the backup power supply 2 cannot be avoided).

  Among the execution results of the MPU 30, contents to be notified to the user are displayed on the display unit 43 of the video data recording / reproducing apparatus and / or displayed on the monitor display 75 as OSD (on-screen display). The microcomputer block 30 also has a key input unit 44 for giving an operation signal for operating this apparatus. The key input unit 44 corresponds to, for example, operation switches provided on the main body of the recording apparatus or the remote controller 44a. Further, the input unit 44 may be a personal computer connected to the recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention using a means such as wired communication, wireless communication, optical communication, or infrared communication. Regardless of the form, when the user operates the key input unit 44, recording processing of the input video / audio signal, playback processing of the recorded content, editing processing on the recorded content, and the like are performed. Can be applied.

  The timing at which the microcomputer block 30 controls the disk drive unit 1002, the hard disk drive unit 2001, the data processor unit 1003, the encoder unit 50, and / or the decoder unit 60 is time data from an STC (system time clock) 38. Can be performed based on. Recording and playback operations are normally executed in synchronization with the time clock from the STC 38, but other processing is executed at a timing independent of the STC 38 (for example, timing corresponding to the time count of the timer 38). Also good.

  The decoder unit 60 separates and extracts each pack from a DVD format signal having a pack structure, a memory used when pack separation or other signal processing is performed, and main video data (video packs) separated by the separator. A V decoder that decodes the content), an SP decoder that decodes the sub-picture data separated by the separator (the contents of the sub-picture pack), and an A decoder that decodes the audio data separated by the separator (the contents of the audio pack) Have A video processor is also provided that appropriately synthesizes the decoded sub-video with the decoded main video and outputs the main video with a menu, a highlight button, subtitles, and other sub-videos.

  The output video signal of the decoder unit 60 is input to the video mixing unit 71. In the video mixing unit 71, text data is synthesized. The video mixing unit 71 is also connected to a line that directly takes in signals from the TV tuner 42 and the A / V input unit 41. A frame memory 72 used as a buffer is connected to the video mixing unit 71. When the output of the video mixing unit 71 is an analog output, it is output to the outside via an I / F (interface) 73, and when it is a digital output, it is output to the outside via a digital / analog converter 74.

  The output audio signal of the decoder unit 60 is analog-converted by the digital-analog converter 77 via the selector 76 and output to the outside. The selector 76 is controlled by a select signal from the microcomputer block 30. Thus, the selector 76 can directly select a signal that has passed through the encoder unit 50 when directly monitoring a digital signal from the TV tuner 42 or the A / V input unit 41.

  Note that the formatter 51 of the encoder unit 50 creates each piece of segmentation information during recording and periodically sends it to the MPU of the microcomputer block 30 (information at the time of GOP head interrupt, etc.). The segmentation information includes the number of VOBU packs, the end address of the I picture from the beginning of the VOBU, and the playback time of the VOBU. At the same time, information from the aspect information processing unit is sent to the MPU at the start of recording, and the MPU creates VOB stream information (STI). Here, the STI stores resolution data, aspect data, and the like, and at the time of reproduction, each decoder unit is initialized based on this information.

  In the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, one video file is stored on one disc. In order to continue playback without interruption while accessing (seeking) data, a minimum continuous information unit (size) is determined. This unit is called CDA (Contiguous Data Area). The CDA size is a multiple of an ECC (error correction code) block (16 sectors), and the file system records in this CDA unit.

  The data processor unit 1003 receives data in VOBU units from the formatter of the encoder unit 50 and supplies data in CDA units to the disk drive unit 1002 or the hard disk drive unit 2001. Further, the MPU of the microcomputer block 30 creates management information necessary for reproducing the recorded data. When the MPU recognizes a data recording end command, it sends the created management information to the data processor unit 1003. Thereby, the management information is recorded on the disc. Therefore, when encoding is performed, the MPU of the microcomputer block 30 receives data unit information (eg, segmentation information) from the encoder unit 50. The MPU of the microcomputer block 30 recognizes the management information (file system) read from the optical disk and the hard disk at the start of recording, recognizes the unrecorded area of each disk, and sets the data processor area to the data processor unit 1003. Is set to disk via.

  The apparatus of FIG. 1 is configured to supply power to the entire apparatus from a home AC power outlet. The AC plug inserted into the outlet is connected to the main power supply 1 in the apparatus, and the entire apparatus is supplied with power from the main power supply 1 to perform each operation. The DC rectified output from the main power supply device 1 is also supplied to the backup power supply 2. The tuner 42, the EPG decoder 40, the internal data memory (such as a CMOS memory not shown) such as the MPU 30, and the timer 38 are powered by the backup power source 2. Thereby, even if the power supply of the AC power supply is temporarily stopped due to a power failure or the like, the data written in the memory can be left without being lost for several tens of minutes to several days (or more). Further, the timer 38 can continue to measure the correct time while being backed up by the power source 2.

However, when the user purchases the device shown in FIG. 1 (a device that has been stored in a warehouse for a long period of time after shipment from the factory or has been stored unused for a long time at a retail store), the AC plug is connected to the AC outlet for the first time after the purchase. If the AC plug is connected to the AC outlet for the first time after the AC plug has been removed for a long time due to moving or the like, the setting data in the data memory and the normal timing state of the timer 38 are lost (destroyed). There are many. For this reason, it is necessary to reset the data and set the timer time at the first energization. (However, the timer 38 can be configured to measure the lapse of time immediately after the start of energization, even if the correct time is not set. For this reason, the “n second reception check” in FIGS. (It can be executed by using the timer 38 which is not time-aligned.)
The processing described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 is configured to be automatically executed at the first energization as described above even if the timer 38 has not been timed yet (timer time adjustment is performed). (It is inconvenient if the processes in FIGS. 2 to 4 cannot be automatically executed).

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the automatic search processing (example 1) of the electronic program guide distribution channel according to the embodiment of the present invention. This processing is executed by a video device (FIG. 1) having a main power supply 1 that has a function of searching for a receivable broadcast channel and operates by external power feeding (inserting an AC plug into an AC outlet). Alternatively, this process has a function of searching for a receivable broadcast channel, and includes a main power source 1 and a backup power source 2 that operate by external power feeding, and a timer 38 that operates by being backed up by this backup power source (FIG. 1). Is executed. FIG. 2 shows an example of processing for automatically searching for an electronic program guide distribution channel in the initial setting when power is not supplied for a predetermined time or more.

  The process of FIG. 2 (retrieving broadcast channel search process) is the first external power supply after selling or distributing video equipment having the configuration shown in FIG. 1, after a long blackout, or after moving. It is automatically started by the start, or started by a subsequent user operation. Alternatively, the process of FIG. 2 is automatically performed when the first external power feeding is performed in a situation where the backup power source 2 is depleted (discharged) and the timer 38 has not performed a normal time measurement. (After the antenna connection is completed and the AC plug is inserted into the AC outlet, the user can automatically start the process of FIG. 2 without doing anything or simply turning on the power switch.) .

  When the process is started, first, a default channel (for example, 1CH) is set (step ST20). Broadcast reception of the set channel is performed for a predetermined time (n seconds: for example, about 5 to 10 seconds) (step ST22), and an electronic program guide is displayed during the reception signal (in the vertical blanking period of the composite video signal for analog TV broadcasting). It is checked whether or not the information on is included (step ST24). When the information related to the electronic program guide is not included in the received signal (NO in step ST24), the reception channel is switched to the next (for example, 2CH) (step ST26), and broadcast reception of the switched channel is performed for a certain time (n Seconds) (step ST22). When the information regarding the electronic program guide is not included in the received signal of the switched channel (NO in step ST24), steps ST22 to ST26 are repeated.

  When information about the electronic program guide (eg, ADAMS information) is included in the received signal of the switched channel (eg, 10CH in Tokyo) (Yes in step ST24), the MPU 30 uses that channel as the electronic program guide reception channel. And / or memory in the EPG decoder 40 (step ST28). Since these memories are backed up by the backup power source 2, the electronic program guide reception channel information remains in the device unless the AC plug is removed from the AC outlet for a long time or there is no power outage for a long time. Therefore, when the device is energized thereafter (next power-on), the electronic program guide reception channel search process is skipped.

  When the AC plug of the power cord is disconnected from the AC outlet for a long time, the backup power source 2 is not supplied with power for a predetermined time or longer. In this case, it is assumed that the area where the equipment is used has changed due to moving. In this case, when the backup power source 2 is a battery having a backup capability of several months or more, the elapsed time after the power supply from the AC outlet stops is measured by the timer 38 built in the device. If this time elapses, for example, for one month or more, the process shown in FIG. 2 (or FIGS. 3 to 4 described later) is automatically started when AC power supply starts thereafter, and all channels that can be received by the device itself are set. Search to find and store an electronic program guide distribution channel.

  On the other hand, when the backup power source 2 is a large-capacity capacitor having a short-time backup capability of about several tens of minutes at most, the count operation of the timer 38 immediately after the AC power supply is resumed (the clock output is flushed at the count of 00:00). It can be assumed that the use area of the device has been changed due to data loss of the CMOS memory in the MPU 30 or that the stored contents of the electronic program guide reception channel are incorrect. In such a case, the processing of FIGS. 2 to 4 is automatically started when AC power supply starts thereafter, and all channels that can be received by the device itself are searched to find and store the electronic program guide distribution channel.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the automatic search process (example 2) of the electronic program guide distribution channel according to the embodiment of the present invention. This process shows a case where an electronic program guide distribution channel is searched under a situation where the channel can be changed. This process assumes, for example, a case where the user turns on the video equipment for the first time in the new house of the moving destination and immediately starts operating the equipment.

  That is, assume that the user sets the device (FIG. 1) in the new room, connects the antenna and the external monitor, inserts the AC plug of the device into an AC outlet, and turns on the power. Then, the electronic program guide reception channel search process as described above with reference to FIG. 2 is started (it may be started immediately after the AC plug is inserted). This process is automatically executed when the device is energized for the first time without any instruction from the user, but the user may want to operate another device during the process.

For example, during the search process for the electronic program guide distribution channel (Yes in step ST30), the user suddenly starts recording the 6CH broadcast to the HDD unit 2001 when the channel being searched is set to 6CH (step ST31). And If the reception channel is automatically changed to another channel for the search processing of the electronic program guide distribution channel after the 6CH recording is started, the 6CH recording fails. In such a case, the firmware (control program) of the MPU 30 prohibits the channel change (Yes in step ST32), and displays the search results up to that point (for example, the search results of 1CH to 5CH if the search up to 5CH is completed). Are temporarily stored in the work RAM 31 (step ST33), and the electronic program guide distribution channel automatic search processing is temporarily terminated. (Alternatively, the information of the channel 6CH when the automatic search process has to be temporarily terminated or interrupted may be temporarily stored in the RAM 31. In this case, the search is resumed from 6CH when the following search is resumed. )
When the recording to the 6CH is completed and the channel can be changed, the process in FIG. 3 is automatically resumed (or by an instruction from the user). However, since the search from 1CH to 5CH has already been completed, the search is not restarted from 1CH, but the information temporarily stored in the RAM 31 or the like is used as resume information and the search is restarted from 6CH. If there is no channel change that affects the search during the resumed search (for example, if the BS digital tuner changes the channel when the search process is being performed using the terrestrial analog tuner) The channel for the search can be changed (NO in step ST32). Thereafter, processing steps ST34 to ST36 similar to the processing steps ST22 to ST26 of FIG. 2 are executed for the entire receivable channel, and the electronic program guide distribution channel found during that time is stored in the memory and / or EPG decoder in the MPU 30. 40 is stored in the memory 40 (step ST37).

  Without the resume function described above, even if 90% of the search is completed when the automatic search process of the electronic program guide distribution channel is temporarily interrupted, the search must be restarted from zero when the process is resumed. It is not efficient. In the process of FIG. 3, since the searched intermediate result is temporarily stored (step ST33), such an inefficient duplicate search process is eliminated.

  As a specific example of “channel change is impossible” (Yes in step ST32 in FIG. 3 or step ST42 in FIG. 4 to be described later) during the search process of the electronic program guide distribution channel, This includes not only the case where recording is started during the search process but also the case where the user simply selects a desired channel. The reason why the user wants to watch 3CH, for example, selects 3CH, but the receiving channel is arbitrarily changed to other than 3CH by the search processing of the electronic program guide distribution channel is because it is annoying for the user.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the automatic search processing (example 3) of the electronic program guide distribution channel according to the embodiment of the present invention. This process shows a case where the electronic program guide distribution channel is automatically re-searched when the information of the electronic program guide cannot be acquired from the stored channel.

  For example, a case where a device that has stored 10CH as an electronic program guide distribution channel while moving to Tokyo is moved to Hokkaido is taken as an example. Then, in Hokkaido, even if you try to acquire information on the electronic program guide from 10CH, it will fail. Therefore, if acquisition of electronic program guide information on the same channel fails three times (Yes in step ST40), it is determined that the channel stored in the device at that time is not an electronic program guide distribution channel. In this case, steps ST41 to ST46 similar to steps ST20 to ST26 of FIG. 2 are repeatedly executed, and if a channel in which electronic program guide information can be obtained is found (Yes in step ST45), that channel is set as an electronic program guide distribution channel. Store (step ST47), and the process of FIG. 4 is terminated.

  If a situation occurs in which the channel cannot be changed during the repeated execution of steps ST41 to ST46 (for example, recording of CH8 is started when the electronic program guide distribution channel search up to CH7 is completed), FIG. Similar to the processing, the search results up to that point are temporarily stored (step ST43), and the processing of FIG. 4 is temporarily ended. Thereafter, when returning to a state where the channel can be changed, the processing of FIG. 4 is automatically restarted from CH8 (or by the user's instruction), and if a channel transmitting electronic program guide data is found, that channel is set as the electronic program. This is stored as a table delivery channel (step ST47), and the process of FIG. 4 is terminated.

  If the electronic program guide information acquisition is successful within two trials in the determination of step ST40 (NO in step ST40), the already stored channel is the electronic program guide distribution channel. Finish relatively quickly. Here, the processing of FIG. 4 after successful acquisition of the electronic program guide information is NO in step ST40 even if it is executed, and the processing is immediately terminated. Therefore, the processing of FIG. 4 is executed every time the power is turned on. May be configured. Furthermore, the processing of FIG. 4 may be executed every time there is an electronic program guide broadcast from the stored electronic program guide distribution channel while the power is on.

<Summary>
(1) There are the following two methods for setting an electronic program guide reception channel of a device that displays an electronic program guide by broadcast waves:
<1> The user directly sets the electronic program guide distribution channel (acquired by reading the instruction manual);
<2> By setting the region where the user lives, the device itself determines and sets a channel for distributing the electronic program guide from the region database.

  For <1>, since the user does not know which channel is the electronic program guide distribution channel, it is necessary to set it by examining the instruction manual of the device. Further, since the setting is made by the user, there is a possibility that an incorrect electronic program guide reception channel is set.

  For <2>, since the electronic program guide reception channel is determined from the region, depending on the user's broadcast wave reception method (for example, using cable TV), the electronic program guide reception channel of the database owned by the device itself and the actual electronic The program schedule distribution channel is likely to be different.

  In order to deal with the problems of the above two methods, the embodiment of the present invention realizes a method in which the device itself automatically searches for an electronic program guide distribution channel (see FIGS. 2 to 4). For example, an electronic program guide distribution channel is provided in the device, and all the channels that can be received by the device itself are searched by simply starting the first energization of the device or starting a user operation. Therefore, the electronic program guide distribution channel can be set easily and reliably.

  (2) Prior to the present invention, a user operation was always required to set an electronic program guide reception channel. In one embodiment of the present invention, in order to prevent the user from making troublesome settings, when the electronic program guide reception channel can be searched, the device itself automatically searches for the electronic program guide distribution channel.

  For example, it is determined whether or not the user is not using the device, or whether or not there is no effect even if the device channel is changed (for example, if the recording channel is changed during scheduled recording). If the electronic program guide reception channel can be searched, the electronic program guide reception channel search is automatically started (see FIGS. 3 to 4).

  Further, when the search has to be interrupted during the search, the search is interrupted after storing how far the search has been performed. When the search becomes possible again, the search is resumed from where it was interrupted (search resume function). As a result, the electronic program guide distribution channel can be set efficiently without any user operation.

  (3) Before the present invention was made, when the location where the device was used changed due to moving or the like, and the available electronic program guide reception channel was different, the user had to change the setting of the electronic program guide reception channel. there were. In another embodiment of the present invention, in order to prevent the user from making troublesome setting changes, when the electronic program guide reception channel needs to be changed, the device itself automatically searches for the electronic program guide distribution channel again.

  For example, the electronic program guide receiving channel (the electronic program guide receiving channel that was available at the location before moving) tried to receive the electronic program guide several times (at the location after moving) several times. If both fail, the electronic program guide reception channel is automatically re-searched and the electronic program guide reception channel is reset (see FIG. 4). As a result, the electronic program guide distribution channel is changed without any user operation.

  With the implementation of the present invention, whether or not the set channel is an electronic program guide distribution channel in a device that uses an electronic program guide by broadcast waves, even if the user does not make settings such as the region where the device is used and the reception channel. It is possible to automatically search for a receivable channel of the electronic program guide.

<Effects of the embodiment>
(11) A conventional device that uses an electronic program guide based on broadcast waves may become an erroneous electronic program guide reception channel when the region changes. According to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 2), when the power is not supplied for a predetermined time, the electronic program guide receiving channel is automatically searched again, so that troublesome setting work is not required, and the setting error of the electronic program guide receiving channel is also caused. Disappear.

  (12) Conventionally, the user operation is always required to set the electronic program guide reception channel. However, by implementing the present invention (FIG. 3: search of the electronic program guide distribution channel when the channel can be changed), the user The electronic program guide distribution channel can be set without any operation.

  (13) Conventionally, when a device is used in a place where the electronic program guide reception channel is different due to moving or the like, it has been necessary for the user to change the setting of the electronic program guide reception channel. By automatically re-searching the program guide distribution channel), the electronic program guide receiving channel can be changed without any user operation.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified within the scope of the gist of the present invention or a future implementation stage based on the technology available at that time. It is. For example, the present invention can also be implemented in a personal computer having a DVD drive and a TV tuner by installing software using the present invention.

  In addition, the embodiments may be appropriately combined as much as possible, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some configuration requirements are deleted from all the configuration requirements shown in the embodiment, a configuration from which these configuration requirements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

The block diagram explaining the outline | summary of the video recording apparatus concerning one embodiment of this invention. The flowchart figure explaining the automatic search process (example 1) of the electronic program guide delivery channel which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. The flowchart figure explaining the automatic search process (example 2) of the electronic program guide delivery channel which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. The flowchart figure explaining the automatic search process (example 3) of the electronic program guide delivery channel which concerns on one embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Main power supply device (AC-DC converter etc.), 2 ... Backup power supply device (Farad unit large capacity capacitor or backup battery for equipment incorporation), 30 ... Microcomputer block, 31 ... Work RAM, 31a ... Firmware ROM, 32 ... directory detection unit, 33 ... management information control unit during editing, 34 ... management information control unit during recording, 35 ... history information search processing unit, 36 ... partition processing unit, 38 ... timer, 39 ... reception channel Processing unit (automatic search processing unit for electronic program guide distribution channel), 40 ... EPG decoder, 41 ... AV input unit, 42 ... TV tuner, 43 ... display unit, 44 ... key input unit, 44a ... remote control; 50 ... encoder unit , 51 ... Formatter, 52 ... Buffer memory, 60 ... Decoder unit, 1001 ... Optical disc, 100 ... disk drive unit, 1003 ... data processor unit, 2001 ... the hard disk drive unit.

Claims (7)

In video equipment that has a function to search for a receivable broadcast channel and has a main power supply that operates by external power supply.
After the sales or distribution of the video equipment, after a power failure, or by external power supply start after moving, or by a subsequent user operation, start the search process for the receivable broadcast channel,
An electronic program guide distribution channel searching method for storing an electronic program guide distribution channel when an electronic program guide distribution channel is found from the receivable broadcast channels. In video equipment that has a search function for receivable broadcast channels, and has a main power source that operates by external power supply, a backup power source, and a timer that operates by being backed up by this backup power source.
When the backup power supply is depleted and the timer is not performing timekeeping normally, when the external power is supplied, or by a subsequent user operation, start the search process for the receivable broadcast channel,
An electronic program guide distribution channel searching method for storing an electronic program guide distribution channel when an electronic program guide distribution channel is found from the receivable broadcast channels. In a video device capable of receiving both a distribution channel and a non-distribution channel of an electronic program guide and capable of setting a distribution channel of the electronic program guide,
Detect whether the set channel is the electronic program guide distribution channel,
An electronic program guide distribution channel search method for automatically searching for a receivable channel in an electronic program guide by changing the channel when it is detected that the set channel is not the electronic program guide delivery channel. A search process for searching for the electronic program guide distribution channel;
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein when the search for the electronic program guide receivable channel has to be interrupted during execution of the search process, the previous channel is stored as a searched or searched channel.   5. The method according to claim 4, wherein when the information on the searched or searching channel is stored, the process of searching for the electronic program guide distribution channel from the stored searched or searching channel is resumed. When an attempt is made to receive the electronic program guide on the stored electronic program guide distribution channel and the attempt fails for a predetermined number of times, a search process for the receivable broadcast channel is started,
The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when a distribution channel of the electronic program guide is found from among the receivable broadcast channels, the distribution channel of the electronic program guide is stored.   7. A video device having a TV tuner configured to receive one or more broadcast channels including a distribution channel of the electronic program guide, wherein the method according to claim 1 is executed. Video equipment with a microcomputer block with firmware to do.

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