JP2009055101A - Television receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a television receiver for presenting program contents of a new program or a special program in an easily understandable manner. <P>SOLUTION: The television receiver 1 can acquire video content for promotion of a new program or a special program stored in a content storage device 2 by connection to the content storage device 2 through a network N on the basis of access information (address information) included in EPG information, and can present program contents of the new program or the special program more in detail in an easily understandable manner by displaying the acquired video content on the video display part 15 of the television receiver 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a television receiver.

  Conventionally, electronic program guide information (EPG: Electronic Program Guide) related to a broadcast program is acquired, and based on the program guide information, a broadcast pattern of the program is detected to detect a new program or a special program, and a desired program is selected. An apparatus that enables this is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

There is also known an apparatus that extracts information on an electronic program guide from a broadcast signal, extracts a keyword from the information, searches a website related to the keyword by a search engine, and displays it (for example, Patent Document 2). reference.).
A technique for searching for menu items of a mobile terminal device based on an input keyword is known (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
Information retrieval based on the input keyword is simultaneously performed using electronic program guide data extracted from a broadcast signal and a search engine on the Internet, and a search result obtained by one of the two searches is output. An apparatus is known (for example, refer to Patent Document 4).
JP 2000-341593 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-23345 JP 2005-108056 A JP 2006-270734 A

  However, in the case of the above-mentioned patent document 1, a new program or a special program that is a program content desired by the user and is not a program that is continuously viewed (for example, a program that grasps the channel, broadcast day of the week, and time zone) is displayed. Although it can be detected and made available for viewing, whether or not the detected new program or special program is a program that suits the user's preference is an additional program description obtained from the program guide information. Judgment must be made on the basis of character information, and there has been a problem that it is difficult to understand the contents of new programs and special programs in the explanation of the character information.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a television receiver that presents program contents of a new program or a special program in an easily understandable manner.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is a television receiver,
Receiving means for receiving a television broadcast signal;
Obtaining means for obtaining program information from a television broadcast signal received by the receiving means;
Detecting means for detecting access information to a content storage device storing video content related to a new program or a special program included in the program information acquired by the acquiring means;
Connection means for connecting to the content storage device via a network based on the access information detected by the detection means;
Operation means for performing an operation input for obtaining video content related to a new program or a special program from the content storage device connected by the connection means;
Display means for displaying the video content obtained in response to an operation input in the operation means;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention according to claim 2 is the television receiver according to claim 1,
The image processing apparatus includes storage means for storing the video content obtained in response to an operation input from the operation means.

The invention according to claim 3 is a television receiver,
Receiving means for receiving a television broadcast signal;
Obtaining means for obtaining program information from a television broadcast signal received by the receiving means;
Detecting means for detecting access information to a content storage device storing video content related to a new program or a special program included in the program information acquired by the acquiring means;
Connection means for connecting to the content storage device via a network based on the access information detected by the detection means;
Operation means for performing an operation input for obtaining video content related to a new program or a special program from the content storage device connected by the connection means;
Storage means for storing the video content obtained in response to an operation input in the operation means;
Display means for displaying the video content stored in the storage means;
It is characterized by providing.

According to the present invention, the television receiver is connected to the network based on the access information included in the program information and the access information to the content storage device storing the video content related to the new program or the special program. Can be connected to the content storage device via the predetermined content, and the video content related to the new program or special program stored in the content storage device is acquired according to a predetermined operation, and the acquired video content is displayed on the television receiver. can do.
In this way, the television receiver can display the video content for promotion that explains the program content of a new program or a special program in more detail, for example. In comparison, the program content of a new program or a special program can be presented to the user (viewer) more easily.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a television receiver according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

As shown in FIG. 1, the television receiver 1 includes a tuner 11 having an antenna 11a, a demodulator 12, a decoder 13, a connection unit 19, an operation unit 16, a storage unit 17, a control unit 18, and the like. It is configured with. Each unit is connected by a bus 10. The television receiver 1 further includes an audio output unit 14 and a video display unit 15 connected to the decoder 13.
As shown in FIG. 1, the television receiver 1 can be connected to a content storage device 2 that is an external device via a network N.

The tuner 11 functions as, for example, a receiving unit in accordance with a control signal input from the control unit 18 and receives a television broadcast signal related to one program selected by the operation of the operation unit 16 by the user.
Specifically, the tuner 11 is a television that exists in a frequency band corresponding to a channel of a program desired by a user, for example, from a television broadcast signal (for example, a digital television broadcast signal) received by the antenna 11a. The broadcast signal is received, the received television broadcast signal is modulated, and the intermediate frequency signal is output to the demodulator 12.

Further, the tuner 11 functions as, for example, an acquisition unit in accordance with a control signal input from the control unit 18 and includes program information including program detail information such as a program name and genre information related to a genre to which the program belongs from a television broadcast signal. EPG information is acquired.
Specifically, for example, the tuner 11 acquires EPG information from a television broadcast signal received by the antenna 11 a and outputs the EPG information to the storage unit 17.
Here, the EPG information acquired by the tuner 11 includes, for example, information on the program name, genre, program content, performer name, channel number, broadcast start time, broadcast end time, etc., and an event for specifying the program ID etc. are included.
In particular, in the present invention, the EPG information includes identification information indicating that the program is a new program or a special program, or an external device (for example, content storage) in which more detailed data relating to the program content of the new program or the special program is stored. Access information for accessing device 2) is included. This access information is, for example, address information for accessing a predetermined homepage.
The EPG information acquired by the tuner 11 is EPG information related to all channels that can be received by the tuner 11.

  The demodulator 12 performs processing such as digital demodulation and error correction on the intermediate frequency signal input from the tuner 11 in accordance with a control signal input from the control unit 18 to generate a stream (for example, a transport stream). Is output to the decoder 13.

The decoder 13 decodes the transport stream input from the demodulator 12, for example, according to the control signal input from the control unit 18, determines each transport packet constituting the transport stream, and determines the user desired Data related to a transport packet related to a program is separated into audio data and video data. The audio data is decoded and output to the audio output unit 14, and the video data is decoded and output to the video display unit 15.
Further, the decoder 13 decodes the EPG information acquired by the tuner 11 and stored in the storage unit 17 in accordance with a control signal input from the control unit 18, and outputs the decoded EPG information to the video display unit 15.

  The audio output unit 14 is, for example, a speaker device, and outputs audio based on the audio data output from the decoder 13.

The video display unit 15 is a liquid crystal display device, for example, and outputs a video based on the video data output from the decoder 13.
In particular, in the present invention, the video display unit 15 functions as a display unit, for example, and a CPU 181 (described later) that has executed the video content display control program 183a relates to a new program or a special program obtained from the content storage device 2 described later. Used when displaying video content.
In addition, the video display unit 15 can display a video or an image (for example, a homepage screen) provided from the content storage device 2 to which the connection unit 19 is connected via the network N.

The connection unit 19 includes a router, for example, and connects the television receiver 1 to an external device via the network N.
Specifically, the connection unit 19 functions as a connection unit, for example, and is used when the television receiver 1 is connected to the content storage device 2 that is an external device via the network N.

Here, the content storage device 2 will be described.
The content storage device 2 is, for example, a server device managed by a broadcasting station that distributes a broadcast program. For example, various information and data are stored in the content storage device in order to provide a broadcast station or a homepage of the broadcast program to a user. 2 is stored.
In particular, the content storage device 2 stores video content for introducing and explaining the contents of new programs and special programs. This video content is a promotion video for explaining the contents of a new program or special program in a more detailed manner and presenting the user (viewer) to view the new program or special program.
The content storage device 2 has, for example, an access point for providing the user with video content related to a new program or a special program on its home page.

The operation unit 16 includes, for example, operation buttons provided on the outer surface of the television receiver 1, a remote controller (not shown) for the television receiver 1, and the like. Various signals accompanying the operation are output to the control unit 18.
The operation unit 16 functions as an operation unit, for example, and is used when performing an operation input for obtaining video content related to a new program or a special program from the content storage device 2 connected by the connection unit 19.

The storage unit 17 is configured by, for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.
Specifically, the storage unit 17 stores an EPG information data table 17a as shown in FIG. In addition, the storage unit 17 functions as a storage unit, for example, and stores a video content data table 17b.

The EPG information data table 17 a stores EPG information input from the tuner 11 in accordance with a control signal input from the control unit 18.
Here, the EPG information stored in the EPG information data table 17a is updated every time the EPG information is acquired by the tuner 11, for example.

  The video content data table 17b stores video content data related to a new program or a special program acquired by a CPU 181 (described later) executing the video content acquisition control program 183b by downloading from a content storage device 2 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 18 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 181, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 182, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 183.

  The CPU 181 performs various control operations according to various processing programs for the television receiver 1 stored in the ROM 183, for example.

  The RAM 182 includes, for example, a program storage area for expanding a processing program executed by the CPU 181 and a data storage area for storing input data and a processing result generated when the processing program is executed.

The ROM 183 is a system program that can be executed by the television receiver 1, various processing programs that can be executed by the system program, data that is used when these various processing programs are executed, and data that is a result of processing processed by the CPU 181. Memorize etc. Note that the program is stored in the ROM 183 in the form of a computer readable program code.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the ROM 183 stores a video content display control program 183a, a video content acquisition control program 183b, an external device connection program 183c, an access information detection program 183d, and the like.

The access information detection program 183d is access information included in the EPG information stored in the storage unit 17 (EPG information data table 17a) in the CPU 181 and stores video content related to a new program or a special program. This is a program for realizing a function of detecting access information to the storage device 2.
That is, the CPU 181 that executes the access information detection program 183d functions as a detection unit that detects access information (for example, homepage address information) from the EPG information.
Specifically, the CPU 181 serving as detection means detects access information (address information) from the EPG information in accordance with a predetermined operation performed on the operation unit 16 of the television receiver 1. A technique for detecting address information based on a predetermined character string or the like from EPG information or the like is a well-known technique and will not be described in detail here.

The external device connection program 183c is a program for realizing a function of causing the CPU 181 to access the content storage device 2 via the connection unit 19 and the network N based on the access information (address information) detected by the CPU 181 serving as a detection unit. is there.
That is, the CPU 181 that executes the external device connection program 183c is based on the detected access information (address information) as part of a connection unit that connects the television receiver 1 and the content storage device 2 via the network N. Function.
Specifically, the CPU 181 as connection means connects the television receiving device 1 and the content storage device 2 via the network N in accordance with a predetermined operation performed in the operation unit 16 of the television receiving device 1. Note that the television receiver 1 and the content storage device 2 may be connected by using, as a trigger, an operation for detecting access information or detecting access information according to the operation.

The video content acquisition control program 183b acquires video content related to a new program or a special program stored in the content storage device 2 from the content storage device 2 connected to the CPU 181 via the connection unit 19 and the network N. It is a program that realizes the function to be performed.
That is, the CPU 181 that executes the video content acquisition control program 183b functions as a content acquisition unit that acquires video content from the content storage device 2 and provides the video content to the television receiver 1.
Specifically, the CPU 181 serving as the content acquisition unit is a predetermined unit for obtaining video content in the operation unit 16 of the television receiver 1 connected to the access point in the content storage device 2 via the connection unit 19 and the network N. Is obtained by downloading the video content stored in the content storage device 2 and outputting it to the storage unit 17 and storing the video content in the video content data table 17b. To do.

The video content display control program 183a is a program that causes the CPU 181 to realize a function of causing the video display unit 15 to display the video content obtained by the CPU 181 as content acquisition means.
That is, the CPU 181 that executes the video content display control program 183a displays video content obtained in response to a predetermined operation input in the operation unit 16 of the television receiver 1 connected to the content storage device 2 via the network N. It functions as a part of display means for displaying on the display unit 15.
Specifically, the CPU 181 as a display unit is a video content obtained in response to a predetermined operation input made to the operation unit 16 of the television receiver 1, and is a video content data table in the storage unit 17. The video content stored in 17b is displayed on the video display unit 15.

  Next, video content display processing in the television receiver 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the CPU 181 in the television receiving device 1 that is turned on and activated determines whether or not an operation input that desires access to the content storage device 2 has been made in the operation unit 16 of the television receiving device 1. (Step S101).
When the CPU 181 determines that an access operation for detecting access information has been performed (step S101; Yes), the CPU 181 detects access information (address information) included in the EPG information stored in the storage unit 17. (Step S102).

Next, the CPU 181 determines whether valid access information (address information) has been obtained from the EPG information stored in the EPG information data table 17a of the storage unit 17 (step S103).
When the CPU 181 detects and acquires valid access information (address information) (step S103; Yes), the CPU 181 obtains the content of the television receiver 1 via the network N based on the acquired access information (address information). Connect to the storage device 2 (step S104).
On the other hand, when there is no valid access information (address information) (step S103; No), the process returns to step S101.

Next, the CPU 181 determines whether or not an operation input for acquiring video content related to a new program or a special program has been made from the content storage device 2 in the operation unit 16 of the television receiver 1 (step S105).
When the CPU 181 determines that an operation for acquiring video content has been performed (step S105; Yes), the CPU 181 acquires the video content stored in the content storage device 2 (step S106), and data of the video content. Is stored in the video content data table 17b of the storage unit 17 (step S107).
On the other hand, when the CPU 181 determines that an operation for acquiring video content has not been performed (step S105; No), the process returns to step S101.

Next, the CPU 181 determines whether or not an operation input for displaying the acquired video content has been made on the operation unit 16 of the television receiver 1 (step S108).
When the CPU 181 determines that an operation for displaying the video content on the video display unit 15 has been performed (step S108; Yes), the CPU 181 stores the video content data stored in the storage unit 17 (video content data table 17b). , And the video content is displayed on the video display unit 15 (step S109), and the video content display process is terminated.
On the other hand, when the CPU 181 determines that an operation for displaying the video content on the video display unit 15 is not performed (step S108; No), the process returns to step S101.

As described above, the television receiver 1 according to the present invention can be connected to the content storage device 2 via the network N based on the access information (address information) included in the EPG information. Video content for promotion of a new program or special program stored in the storage device 2 can be acquired, and the acquired video content can be displayed on the video display unit 15 of the television receiver 1.
As described above, the television receiver 1 can display the video content for promotion that explains the program content of the new program or the special program in more detail in an easy-to-understand manner. Compared to the description, the program contents of the new program or the special program can be presented to the user (viewer) more easily.

  In the above embodiment, the television receiver 1 detects access information (address information) or acquires video content according to various operations, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, video content that is a promotion of a new program or a special program may be displayed by a one-touch operation of video content viewing operation.

  The number of content storage devices 2 connectable via the network N is arbitrary, and changes depending on the number of broadcasting stations and the number of organizations / organizations that manage video content data.

  In addition, it is needless to say that other specific detailed structures can be appropriately changed.

It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the television receiver which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the video content display process in the television receiver which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Television receiver 11 Tuner (reception means, acquisition means)
12 Demodulator 13 Decoder 14 Audio Output Unit 15 Video Display Unit (Display Unit)
16 Operation part (operation means)
17 Storage unit (storage means)
17a EPG information data table 17b video content data table 18 control unit 181 CPU (detection means, connection means, display means)
182 RAM
183 ROM
183a Video content display control program 183b Video content acquisition control program 183c External device connection program 183d Access information detection program 19 Connection unit (connection means)
2 Content storage device N Network

Claims (3)

Receiving means for receiving a television broadcast signal;
Obtaining means for obtaining program information from a television broadcast signal received by the receiving means;
Detecting means for detecting access information to a content storage device storing video content related to a new program or a special program included in the program information acquired by the acquiring means;
Connection means for connecting to the content storage device via a network based on the access information detected by the detection means;
Operation means for performing an operation input for obtaining video content related to a new program or a special program from the content storage device connected by the connection means;
Display means for displaying the video content obtained in response to an operation input in the operation means;
A television receiver characterized by comprising:   The television receiving apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores the video content obtained in response to an operation input from the operation unit. Receiving means for receiving a television broadcast signal;
Obtaining means for obtaining program information from a television broadcast signal received by the receiving means;
Detecting means for detecting access information to a content storage device storing video content related to a new program or a special program included in the program information acquired by the acquiring means;
Connection means for connecting to the content storage device via a network based on the access information detected by the detection means;
Operation means for performing an operation input for obtaining video content related to a new program or a special program from the content storage device connected by the connection means;
Storage means for storing the video content obtained in response to an operation input in the operation means;
Display means for displaying the video content stored in the storage means;
A television receiver characterized by comprising:

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