JP2009118352A - Broadcast receiver, channel scan method, and channel scan program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user with broadcast that can be received on a specific date and time or at a regular date and time securely by performing channel scanning automatically. <P>SOLUTION: A television broadcast receiver 1 can perform channel scanning automatically on a specific date and time or a regular date and time by setting a date and time to perform channel scanning and performing the channel scanning on the set date and time. As a result, for example, when the receiver is installed in an area where terrestrial digital broadcast is not yet started, as soon as terrestrial digital broadcast is started, channel scanning is performed and a broadcast channel that can be received can be registered, thereby broadcast that can be received is provided to users securely. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a broadcast receiver, a channel scan method, and a channel scan program, and is suitable for application to, for example, a broadcast receiver capable of receiving terrestrial digital broadcasts.

  Terrestrial television broadcasts have been decided to shift from analog broadcasts to digital broadcasts (called terrestrial digital broadcasts, etc.) by 2011. Therefore, in recent years, many of the television broadcast receivers to be released support digital terrestrial broadcasting in addition to analog broadcasting.

  By the way, in the terrestrial digital broadcasting, the allocation of the broadcasting channel differs for each region. For this reason, when a user installs a terrestrial digital broadcast-compatible television broadcast receiving apparatus, the user scans each broadcast channel to be received and registers a receivable broadcast channel in the television broadcast receiving apparatus ( This is also called channel scan processing).

  Specifically, when the television broadcast receiving apparatus is instructed to execute the channel scanning process, it first scans each broadcast channel to be received. Next, the television broadcast receiving apparatus, based on the reception intensity of each broadcast channel obtained as a result of the scan, can receive a broadcast channel whose reception intensity is a predetermined value or more in a set area. Detect and register as

As a result of executing the channel scan processing in this way, the video and audio of the registered broadcast channel can be viewed on this television broadcast receiving apparatus thereafter (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2007-221626 A

  By the way, there is a region where terrestrial digital broadcasting has not yet started at present, which is a transition period from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting. In such an area, a receivable broadcast channel is not detected even when the television broadcast receiver is caused to execute channel scan processing. Therefore, in order for a user in such a region to view a digital terrestrial broadcast with a television broadcast receiver, it is necessary to cause the television broadcast receiver to execute channel scan processing again at least after the digital terrestrial broadcast is started. There is.

  However, for example, not all users know or remember when digital terrestrial broadcasting starts in their area. Therefore, even though it is an area where terrestrial digital broadcasting has started, there is a possibility that the terrestrial digital broadcasting cannot be viewed because the television broadcast receiving apparatus is not executing channel scan processing.

  As described above, in the conventional television broadcast receiving apparatus, there is a case where the user cannot view the terrestrial digital broadcast even though the terrestrial digital broadcast can be received.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to propose a broadcast receiving apparatus, a broadcast receiving method, and a broadcast receiving program that can reliably provide a receivable broadcast to a user.

  In order to solve this problem, in the present invention, each broadcast channel to be received is scanned to obtain the reception intensity of each broadcast channel, and whether or not each broadcast channel can be received is determined based on the reception intensity. A channel scan processing execution unit for executing channel scan processing for registering broadcast channels determined to be receivable, a date and time setting unit for setting a date and time for the channel scan processing execution unit to execute channel scan processing, and a date and time setting unit And a control unit for controlling the channel scan processing execution unit so as to execute the channel scan processing at the date and time.

  By setting the date and time for executing the channel scan processing in this way and executing the channel scan processing at the date and time, the channel scan processing is automatically executed at a specific date and time or at a regular date and time. Can do. As a result, as soon as the broadcast is started, a channel scan process can be executed to register a receivable broadcast channel.

  According to the present invention, each broadcast channel to be received is scanned to obtain the reception intensity of each broadcast channel, and whether or not each broadcast channel can be received is determined based on the reception intensity. A channel scan processing execution unit for executing channel scan processing for registering the broadcast channel, a date setting unit for setting a date and time for the channel scan processing execution unit to execute the channel scan processing, and a channel at the date and time set by the date and time setting unit. By providing a control unit that controls the channel scan process execution unit to execute the scan process, the channel scan process can be automatically executed at a specific date and time or at a regular date and time. As a result, the broadcast receiving apparatus, the channel scanning method, and the channel capable of registering the receivable broadcast channels as soon as the broadcast is started and registering the receivable broadcast channels and thus reliably receiving the broadcasts. A scan program can be realized.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) Configuration of Television Broadcast Receiving Device In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes the configuration of the television broadcast receiving device. The television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 mainly includes a reception / reproduction function of digital (terrestrial digital broadcast, satellite (BS: Broadcasting Satellite, CS: Digital Communication)) and analog (terrestrial analog broadcast) television broadcasts, And an EPG (Electric Program Guide) information acquisition function.

  Specifically, in the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1, the host microcomputer 2 executes various processes according to a program stored in a built-in memory (not shown) or a nonvolatile memory 4 connected via a bus 3. The host microcomputer 2 receives an infrared signal (that is, a signal corresponding to an operation of the remote controller RM) input from a remote controller (hereinafter also referred to as a remote controller) RM via a UI (User Interface) control unit 5 and a light receiving unit 6. It is received as a command, and the operation of each part is controlled in accordance with this command.

  In practice, the television broadcast receiver 1 inputs a digital broadcast signal (terrestrial digital broadcast signal or satellite digital broadcast signal) received through the digital antenna 7 to the digital tuner 8 under the control of the host microcomputer 2. . Under the control of the host microcomputer 2, the digital tuner 8 extracts a broadcast signal of a predetermined channel (for example, a channel designated via the remote controller RM) from the digital broadcast signal, and further extracts the broadcast channel signal. By performing demodulation processing, descrambling processing, etc., broadcast channel data is obtained, and this broadcast channel data is sent to the demultiplexer 9.

  The demultiplexer 9 separates video data and audio data from the broadcast channel data and sends them to an AV (Audio Video) decoder 10. The AV decoder 10 obtains a video signal and an audio signal by decoding each of the video data and the audio data, and sends the video signal to the display 12 via a GUI (Graphical User Interface) superimposer 11, while A signal is sent to the speaker 13. At this time, the GUI superimposer 11 superimposes a graphic signal such as OSD (On Screen Display) on the video signal.

  As a result, a digital broadcast program video is output from the display 12 of the television broadcast receiver 1, and program audio is output from the speaker 13. In this way, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 receives a digital broadcast and reproduces the program video and program audio.

  In addition, the television broadcast receiver 1 inputs an analog broadcast signal received via the analog antenna 14 to the analog tuner 15 under the control of the host microcomputer 2. The analog tuner 15 extracts a broadcast signal of a predetermined channel from the analog broadcast signal under the control of the host microcomputer 2 and sends the extracted broadcast signal to the demodulator 16. The demodulator 16 obtains a demodulated signal by performing predetermined demodulation processing on the broadcast signal, further separates the video signal and the audio signal from the demodulated signal, and displays the video signal via the GUI superimposer 11. The audio signal is sent to the speaker 13. At this time, the GUI superimposer 11 superimposes a graphic signal such as OSD (On Screen Display) on the video signal.

  As a result, analog broadcast program video is output from the display 12 of the television broadcast receiver 1, and program audio is output from the speaker 13. In this way, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 receives an analog broadcast and reproduces the program video and program audio.

  Further, the television broadcast receiver 1 separates the EPG information of the digital broadcast from the broadcast channel data by the demultiplexer 9 under the control of the host microcomputer 2, and records this in the nonvolatile memory 4.

  Further, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 sends the demodulated signal demodulated by the demodulator 16 to a VBI (Vertical Blanking Interval) slicer 17 under the control of the Host microcomputer 2. The VBI slicer 17 cuts out a specific line of the demodulated signal and sends it to the EPG decoder 18. The EPG decoder 18 decodes the specific line of the demodulated signal to obtain EPG information of the analog broadcast and stores it in the nonvolatile memory. Record in 4.

  Also, the television broadcast receiver 1 receives analog broadcast EPG information transmitted from an EPG information distribution server (not shown) via the network terminal 19 under the control of the host microcomputer 2 and receives this signal. EPG information is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 4 via the network controller 20 and the bus 3.

  In this way, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 is configured to acquire EPG information. Incidentally, the EPG information includes, for example, broadcast station name, channel number, broadcast date and time, program name, genre, program overview, program details, performers, etc. as program information of a program scheduled to be broadcast.

  Further, in the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1, the host microcomputer 2 generates electronic program guide data based on the EPG information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 4 in accordance with the operation of the remote controller RM. The host microcomputer 2 temporarily stores this data in the RAM 21 via the bus 3 and then sends the data from the RAM 21 to the GUI superimposer 11. The GUI superimposer 11 generates a screen signal based on the data of the electronic program guide and sends it to the display 12. As a result, an electronic program guide screen is displayed on the display 12 of the television broadcast receiver 1.

  In this way, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 realizes a reception / playback function for digital (terrestrial digital broadcast, satellite digital broadcast) and analog (terrestrial analog broadcast) television broadcasts, and an EPG information acquisition function. ing.

  Further, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 has a screen (setup is set up) for the host microcomputer 2 to perform various settings and various processes related to reception and reproduction of the television broadcast from the nonvolatile memory 4 in response to an operation of the remote controller RM. Data) is also read. The host microcomputer 2 temporarily stores this data in the RAM 21 via the bus 3 and then sends the data from the RAM 21 to the GUI superimposer 11. The GUI superimposer 11 generates a screen signal based on the data of the setup screen and sends it to the display 12. As a result, a setup screen is displayed on the display 12 of the television broadcast receiver 1.

  When the host microcomputer 2 performs various settings on this setup screen according to the operation of the remote controller RM, the host microcomputer 2 stores setting information indicating the results in the nonvolatile memory 4. By doing so, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 subsequently executes various processes related to reception and reproduction of the television broadcast based on the stored setting information. Further, when the host microcomputer 2 is instructed to execute various processes via the setup screen, the host microcomputer 2 is also configured to execute various processes in response to the instructions.

  In this way, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can perform various settings and various processes related to the reception and reproduction of the television broadcast via the setup screen displayed on the display 12.

(2) Configuration of Remote Controller Next, a remote controller RM that transmits various commands to the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 as infrared signals will be described with reference to FIG.

  The remote controller RM has a rectangular housing 30, and a power key 31 corresponding to power on / off of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1, a mute key 32 corresponding to mute, and various settings are executed on the upper end portion of the one side. A setup key 33 corresponding to the display of the setup screen in the case of performing, a direction key 34 corresponding to the cursor operation on the GUI screen such as the setup screen, and a determination key 35 corresponding to the determination of the operation on the GUI screen are provided. .

  Further below, an analog key 36 corresponding to selection of terrestrial analog broadcast, a digital key 37 corresponding to selection of terrestrial digital broadcast, a BS key 38 corresponding to selection of BS digital broadcast, and a selection of CS digital broadcast are supported. A CS key 39, a numeric key 40 for selecting a channel for satellite (BS, CS) digital broadcasting, and the like are provided.

  Further below, a subtitle key 41 corresponding to the display of subtitles, a program description key 42 corresponding to the display of the program description acquired as EPG information, and a numeric key for channel selection of terrestrial (terrestrial analog, terrestrial digital) broadcasting 43 etc. are provided.

  Below that, a channel + key 44 and a channel − key 45 corresponding to channel switching (channel number +1 or −1), a volume up key 46 corresponding to volume adjustment (volume up or down), and a volume down A key 47 and the like are provided.

  When these keys are pressed, the remote controller RM transmits an infrared signal corresponding to the pressed key from an infrared signal transmitter 48 provided at the upper end of the housing 30. As a result, a command corresponding to the operation of the remote controller RM is input to the television broadcast receiving device 1, and the television broadcast receiving device 1 executes processing according to this command.

(3) Channel Scan Processing As described above, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can receive and reproduce terrestrial digital broadcasts. However, it is at least installed to actually receive and reproduce terrestrial digital broadcasts. After terrestrial digital broadcasting is started in a certain area, it is necessary to execute channel scan processing. Here, this channel scan processing will be described.

  When the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiver 1 recognizes that the setup key 33 of the remote controller RM has been pressed, it displays a setup screen on the display 12. When the host microcomputer 2 is instructed to execute the channel scan process from the setup screen, the host microcomputer 2 executes the channel scan process by controlling each unit in response thereto.

  Specifically, the host microcomputer 2 causes the digital tuner 8 to scan each broadcast channel to be received in the area based on information (for example, a zip code) specifying the area registered by the user.

  The digital tuner 8 obtains the reception intensity of each broadcast channel by scanning, determines that the broadcast channel having the reception intensity equal to or higher than a predetermined value is a broadcast channel that can be received in this area, and notifies the host microcomputer 2 of that fact. The host microcomputer 2 registers the broadcast channel determined to be receivable by the digital tuner 8 in the channel database constructed in the nonvolatile memory 4 as a receivable broadcast channel.

  By executing such channel scan processing, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can subsequently receive and reproduce broadcast channels registered in the channel database. That is, terrestrial digital broadcasting can be viewed.

(4) Reservation of channel scan processing Further, in this television broadcast receiving apparatus 1, not only the channel scan processing is executed when the channel scan processing is instructed on the setup screen, but also the date and time when the channel scan processing is executed. By setting (also called execution date and time), channel scan processing can be reserved. Here, reservation for this channel scan processing will be described.

  Specifically, when the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 recognizes that the setup key 33 of the remote controller RM has been pressed, it displays a setup screen on the display 12. When the reservation for the channel scan process is selected as an item from the setup screen, the host microcomputer 2 displays a screen 50 for reserving the channel scan process (also referred to as a reservation screen) as shown in FIG. .

  The reservation screen 50 displays a date display area 51 for displaying a date for executing a channel scan process that can be set as reservation contents, and a time for displaying a time for starting execution of the channel scan process that can be set as reservation contents. The display area 52 is composed of a reservation confirmation button 53 for confirming a reservation for channel scan processing with reservation contents displayed in the date display area 51 and the time display area 52, and a reservation cancel button 54 for canceling the reservation.

  Here, the current date (for example, “12/12 (day)”) is displayed as a default in the date display area 51, and the current time (for example, “10:00 am” as a default is displayed in the time display area 52. ) Is displayed.

  After displaying such a reservation screen 50, the Host microcomputer 2 changes the reservation contents displayed in the date display area 51 and the time display area 52 in accordance with the operation of the remote controller RM.

  In practice, when the date display area 51 is selected by the cursor Cu and the upper side of the direction key 34 of the remote controller RM is pressed, the host microcomputer 2 changes the date displayed in the date display area 51 to the next date. The date is changed to the date of the day (for example, “12/13 (month)”). Thereafter, each time the upper side of the direction key 34 is pressed, the host microcomputer 2 changes the date displayed in the date display area 51 to the date of the next day (for example, “12/14 (Tue)”, “12 / 15 (Wednesday) ”,…).

  Then, the host microcomputer 2 further presses the direction key 34 in a situation where the date after the date displayed in the date display area 51 exceeds one month from the current date (for example, “12/12 (Sunday)”). When the button is pressed, as shown in FIG. 4, the date displayed in the date display area 51 is changed to the day of the week (for example, “every Sunday”) on which the channel scanning process is executed every week. Thereafter, each time the upper side of the direction key 34 is pressed, the host microcomputer 2 changes the day of the week displayed in the date display area 51 to the next day of the week (for example, “every Monday”, “every Tuesday”,...). Change.

  Then, in the situation where the day of the week displayed in the date display area 51 is the last day of the week (for example, “every Saturday”), the host microcomputer 2 further presses the upper side of the direction key 34 as shown in FIG. In addition, the day of the week displayed in the date display area 51 is changed to the day (for example, “1st of every month”) on which the channel scan process is executed every month. Thereafter, each time the upper side of the direction key 34 is pressed, the host microcomputer 2 sets the day displayed in the date display area 51 to the next day (for example, “every day 2”, “every day 3”,... ) Will be changed.

  Incidentally, when the lower side of the direction key 34 is pressed, the date, day of the week and day displayed in the date display area 51 are changed in the reverse order to the case where the upper side is pressed.

  Further, when the upper side of the direction key 34 of the remote controller RM is pressed while the time display area 52 is selected by the cursor Cu, the host microcomputer 2 divides the time displayed in the time display area 52 by +1. The time is changed (for example, “10:01 am”). Thereafter, every time the upper side of the direction key 34 is pressed, the host microcomputer 2 +1 times the time displayed in the time display area 52 (for example, “10:02 AM”, “10:03 AM”). ”,…).

  Incidentally, when the lower side of the direction key 34 is pressed, the time displayed in the time display area 52 is changed in the reverse order to the case where the upper side is pressed.

  In this way, the host microcomputer 2 changes the reservation contents displayed in the date display area 51 and the time display area 52.

  Here, for example, if the reservation content displayed in the date display area 51 is “12/13 (Month)” and the reservation content displayed in the time display area 52 is “3:00 am”, The execution date and time of the channel scan process is set to a specific date and time of “3:00 AM on 12/13 (Monday)”. Also, for example, if the reservation content displayed in the date display area 51 is “Every Tuesday” and the reservation content displayed in the time display area 52 is “11:00 am”, the execution date and time of the channel scan processing is periodically set. Is set to “11:00 am every Tuesday”. Further, for example, if the reservation content displayed in the date display area 51 is “3rd of every month” and the reservation content displayed in the time display area 52 is “10:00 pm”, the execution date and time of the channel scan process is set. Set to “10:00 pm on the 3rd of every month” which is a regular date and time.

  As described above, on the reservation screen 50, a specific date and time or a regular date and time can be set as the execution date and time of the channel scan processing.

  After setting the execution date and time of the channel scan processing in this way, when the reservation confirmation button 53 is selected by the cursor Cu and the determination key 35 of the remote controller RM is pressed, the host microcomputer 2 presses the reservation determination button 53. By registering the set execution date and time in the reservation database built in the nonvolatile memory 4, the reservation for the channel scan process is confirmed.

  In contrast, when the reservation cancel button 54 is selected by the cursor Cu and the determination key 35 of the remote controller RM is pressed, the host microcomputer 2 determines that the reservation cancel button 54 has been pressed and discards the set execution date and time. Then, the reservation of the channel scan process is canceled.

  When the host microcomputer 2 confirms the reservation for the channel scan process, the channel scan is performed when the current date and time obtained from the internal clock (not shown) becomes the execution date and time of the channel scan process registered in the reservation database. Start executing the process.

  As described so far, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 sets the execution date and time of the channel scan process and reserves the channel scan process, thereby automatically performing the channel scan process at a specific date or a regular date and time. Can be done with.

  Incidentally, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can execute the channel scan process as long as the main power is turned on even when the power is turned off in response to pressing of the power key 31 of the remote controller RM.

(5) Notification that a receivable broadcast channel has been detected and registered Furthermore, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 has detected and registered a receivable broadcast channel as a result of automatically performing channel scan processing. In addition, it has a function of notifying the user of that fact (that is, the fact that terrestrial digital broadcasting can be viewed on the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1).

  In practice, in this television broadcast receiving apparatus 1, a user is notified that a receivable broadcast channel has been detected and registered by two types of notification methods (also referred to as a first notification method and a second notification method). Has been made to notify. First, the first notification method will be described.

(5-1) First Notification Method In the first notification method, after the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 detects and registers a receivable broadcast channel, it is first turned on in accordance with the operation of the remote controller RM. Sometimes, the fact is displayed on the display 12 as a message to notify the user.

  Specifically, the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 stores notification information indicating whether or not a receivable broadcast channel is detected and registered in the nonvolatile memory 4. .

  In addition, the host microcomputer 2 determines whether a receivable broadcast channel is registered in the channel database constructed in the nonvolatile memory 4 when the power is turned on. Here, when the receivable broadcast channel is registered, the host microcomputer 2 further detects that the receivable broadcast channel is detected and registered based on the notification information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 4. Determine if notified.

  Here, if not notified yet, the host microcomputer 2 reads the text data indicating that the receivable broadcast channel is detected and registered from the nonvolatile memory 4 and sends it to the GUI superimposer 11. .

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, on the display 12, for example, a text indicating that a receivable broadcast channel has been detected and registered in a predetermined portion (for example, the lower right corner) of the image of the selected broadcast channel. A message based on the data (for example, “Digital terrestrial broadcast has been received. Digital terrestrial broadcast can be viewed by pressing the“ digital ”key”) is displayed in a superimposed manner.

  By doing so, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can make the user recognize that the digital terrestrial broadcast can be viewed.

  At this time, the host microcomputer 2 updates the notification information by notifying that the receivable broadcast channel is detected and registered. As a result, every time the power is turned on, a message indicating that a receivable broadcast channel has been detected and registered is not displayed.

  If a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses after displaying the message in this way, the host microcomputer 2 hides this message.

  As described above, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 displays a message indicating that a receivable broadcast channel has been detected and registered when the power is turned on, and as a result of executing the channel scan processing, the digital terrestrial digital The user can be made aware that the broadcast can be viewed.

  In this case, when the power is turned on, the user is likely to be gazing at the display 12, and a message indicating that a receivable broadcast channel is detected and registered is displayed. The message can be seen more reliably.

(5-2) Second Notification Method Next, a second notification method will be described. In the second notification method, after the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 detects and registers a receivable broadcast channel, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 generates and stores an email indicating that fact, and responds to the operation of the remote controller RM. By displaying this mail on the display 12, the user is notified that a receivable broadcast channel has been detected and registered.

  Specifically, when the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 detects and registers a receivable broadcast channel as a result of automatically executing the channel scan processing, it generates a mail indicating that and generates it. Save in the nonvolatile memory 4.

  Thereafter, when the host microcomputer 2 recognizes that the setup key 33 of the remote controller RM has been pressed, the host microcomputer 2 displays a setup screen on the display 12. The host microcomputer 2 confirms the mail from this unit as shown in FIG. 7 when the confirmation of the mail from this unit (that is, the television broadcast receiver 1) is selected as an item from this setup screen. A screen (also referred to as a mail confirmation screen) 60 is displayed.

  The mail confirmation screen 60 includes a mail content display area 61 that displays the contents of mail from the machine, and a number display area 62 that displays the number of mails from the machine.

  Here, in the mail content display area 61, for example, the latest mail content is displayed as a default. When the number of mails is two or more, the mail contents displayed in the mail content display area 61 are sequentially switched according to the operation of the direction key 34 of the remote controller RM.

  In this mail content display area 61, an email indicating that a receivable broadcast channel has been detected and registered is also sent as an email from this unit (for example, “terrestrial digital broadcast has been received.“ Digital ” Press the key to watch digital terrestrial broadcasting. ”) Is displayed.

  As described above, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 displays the content of the mail indicating that the receivable broadcast channel is detected and registered in the mail content display area 61 of the mail confirmation screen 60, so that the user is notified. It is possible to recognize that terrestrial digital broadcasting can be viewed.

  In this way, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can be used to notify a user who missed a message indicating that a receivable broadcast channel has been detected and registered by the first notification method when the power is turned on. It is possible to reliably recognize that the terrestrial digital broadcast can be viewed by the mail indicating that.

  As described above, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 notifies the fact that a receivable broadcast channel is detected and registered (that is, that terrestrial digital broadcasting can be viewed) by a message displayed at power-on. Notification is performed by the first notification method to be performed and the second notification method in which notification is automatically generated by the apparatus. As a result, the user can be surely recognized that the digital terrestrial broadcast can be viewed on the television broadcast receiver 1.

(6) Processing procedure Next, the above-described processing procedure for reserving the channel scan processing (also referred to as a scan reservation processing procedure), and the processing procedure for executing the channel scan processing in accordance with the reservation for the channel scan processing (scanning this) An execution process procedure), a process procedure for notifying that a broadcast channel that can be received by the first notification method is detected and registered (this is also called a first notification process procedure), and a second notification A processing procedure in the case of notification by a method (this is also referred to as a second notification processing procedure) will be described in order.

(6-1) Reservation Processing Procedure First, the scan reservation processing procedure RT1 will be described with reference to FIG. Incidentally, this scan reservation processing procedure RT1 is mainly a processing procedure executed by the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 in accordance with a program stored in a built-in memory or a non-volatile memory 4 (not shown).

  When the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 recognizes that the reservation for the channel scan processing is selected as an item from the setup screen by operating the remote controller RM, for example, the host microcomputer 2 starts this scan reservation processing procedure RT1, Control goes to step SP1.

  In step SP1, the host microcomputer 2 displays the reservation screen 50 and proceeds to the next step SP2. In step SP2, the host microcomputer 2 sets the reservation content, that is, the execution date and time of the channel scan process in accordance with the operation of the remote controller RM, and proceeds to the next step SP3.

  In step SP3, the host microcomputer 2 determines whether or not the reservation confirmation button 53 is pressed. If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP3, this indicates that the reservation is confirmed by the set execution date and time, and the host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP4.

  In step SP4, the host microcomputer 2 completes the reservation by registering the set execution date and time in the reservation database built in the nonvolatile memory 4, and then proceeds to the next step SP5. In step SP5, the host microcomputer 2 deletes the reservation screen 50, returns to the setup screen, and ends this scan reservation processing procedure RT1.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP3 described above, this indicates that the reservation confirmation button 53 has not been pressed. At this time, the Host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP6.

  In step SP6, the host microcomputer 2 determines whether or not the reservation cancel button 54 has been pressed. If a negative result is obtained in step SP6, this indicates that neither the reservation confirmation button 53 nor the reservation cancellation button 54 has been pressed, that is, that the reservation has not yet been confirmed. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 performs step SP2. Return to.

  On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP6, this indicates that the reservation has been cancelled. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 moves to step SP5, erases the reservation screen 50, returns to the setup screen, and performs this scan. The reservation processing procedure RT1 is terminated.

  According to such a scan reservation processing procedure RT1, the host microcomputer 2 reserves a channel scan process.

  Next, the scan execution processing procedure RT2 will be described with reference to FIG. Incidentally, this scan execution processing procedure RT2 is also a processing procedure executed mainly by the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 in accordance with a program stored in a built-in memory or the non-volatile memory 4 (not shown).

  When the reservation of the channel scan processing is completed according to the above-described reservation processing procedure RT1, the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 starts this scan execution processing procedure RT2 and proceeds to step SP10.

  In step SP10, the host microcomputer 2 waits until the current date and time obtained from the internal clock reaches the execution date and time of the channel scan process registered in the reservation database. Move. In step SP11, the host microcomputer 2 executes a channel scan process and proceeds to the next step SP12.

  In step SP12, the host microcomputer 2 determines whether or not a receivable broadcast channel has been detected as a result of executing the channel scan process. If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP12, this indicates that a receivable broadcast channel has been detected, that is, it is possible to view terrestrial digital broadcast. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP13. .

  In step SP13, the host microcomputer 2 registers a receivable broadcast channel in the channel database constructed in the nonvolatile memory 4, and proceeds to the next step SP14. In step SP14, the host microcomputer 2 generates a mail indicating that a receivable broadcast channel is detected and registered, stores the mail in the nonvolatile memory 4, and then ends the scan execution processing procedure RT2.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP12 described above, this indicates that a receivable broadcast channel has not been detected, that is, it is not possible to view digital terrestrial broadcasting. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 Ends the scan execution processing procedure RT2.

  In accordance with such a scan execution processing procedure RT2, the host microcomputer 2 executes channel scan processing at the set execution date and time.

  Next, the first notification processing procedure RT3 will be described with reference to FIG. Incidentally, the first notification processing procedure RT3 is also a processing procedure executed mainly by the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 in accordance with a program stored in a built-in memory or the non-volatile memory 4 (not shown). .

  When the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 is turned on in accordance with the operation of the remote controller RM, it starts the first notification processing procedure RT3 and proceeds to step SP20. In step SP20, the host microcomputer 2 determines whether or not a receivable broadcast channel is registered in the channel database constructed in the nonvolatile memory 4. If a negative result is obtained in this step SP20, this indicates that the receivable broadcast channel is not registered in the channel database, that is, the terrestrial digital broadcast cannot be viewed. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 The first notification processing procedure RT3 is finished.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step SP20, this indicates that a receivable broadcast channel is registered in the channel database, that is, it is possible to view digital terrestrial broadcasting. The microcomputer 2 moves to step SP21.

  In step SP21, the host microcomputer 2 determines based on the notification information stored in the nonvolatile memory 4 whether or not it has already been notified that a receivable broadcast channel has been registered. If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP21, this indicates that notification has been made that a receivable broadcast channel has been registered, and at this time, the host microcomputer 2 ends the first notification processing procedure RT3.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP21, this indicates that the broadcast channel that can be received is not yet notified, and the host microcomputer 2 moves to step SP22.

  In step SP22, the host microcomputer 2 controls the GUI superimposer 11 to display a message indicating that a receivable broadcast channel has been registered on the display 12, and proceeds to the next step SP23.

  In step SP23, the host microcomputer 2 updates the notification information by notifying that a receivable broadcast channel has been registered, and then ends the first notification processing procedure RT3.

  In accordance with the first notification processing procedure RT3, the host microcomputer 2 notifies the user that a receivable broadcast channel has been registered, that is, that the digital terrestrial broadcast can be viewed. .

  Next, the second notification processing procedure RT4 will be described with reference to FIG. Incidentally, the second notification processing procedure RT4 is also a processing procedure executed mainly by the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 in accordance with a program stored in a built-in memory or the non-volatile memory 4 (not shown). .

  When the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 recognizes that the confirmation of the mail from this apparatus is selected as an item from the setup screen by operating the remote controller RM, for example, the second notification processing procedure RT4 is executed. Start and move to step SP30.

  In step SP30, the host microcomputer 2 displays the mail confirmation screen 60 and proceeds to the next step SP31. In step SP31, the host microcomputer 2 determines whether or not a mail indicating that a receivable broadcast channel is registered in the channel database is stored in the nonvolatile memory 4.

  If a negative result is obtained in this step SP31, this indicates that the mail is not stored, that is, the terrestrial digital broadcast is not ready for viewing. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 performs the second notification process. The procedure RT4 is terminated.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step SP31, this indicates that the mail is stored, that is, that the terrestrial digital broadcast can be viewed. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 Control goes to step SP32.

  In step SP32, the host microcomputer 2 displays the contents of the mail on the display 12 in accordance with the operation of the remote controller RM, and then ends the second notification processing procedure RT4.

  Incidentally, in practice, the host microcomputer 2 handles mail indicating that a receivable broadcast channel has been registered in the same manner as other mail, but here, the processing procedure in the second notification method will be briefly described. Therefore, the mail indicating that a receivable broadcast channel has been registered is handled separately from other mail.

  In accordance with the second notification processing procedure RT4, the host microcomputer 2 notifies the user that the receivable broadcast channel has been registered, that is, that the digital terrestrial broadcast can be viewed. .

(7) Operation and Effect In the above configuration, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 sets the execution date and time of the channel scan process to a specific date or a regular date and time in the reservation database according to the operation of the remote controller RM by the user. By registering, channel scan processing is reserved.

  Here, for example, if the user knows the date and time when digital terrestrial broadcasting starts in his / her area, the date and time may be set as the execution date and time of the channel scan process. A periodic date and time may be set as the execution date and time of the channel scan process.

  Then, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 starts executing the channel scan process when the execution date and time registered in the reservation database comes.

  By doing so, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can automatically execute the channel scan processing at a specific date and time or at a regular date and time.

  That is, for example, when the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 is installed in an area where terrestrial digital broadcasting has not yet started, the channel broadcast processing can be automatically executed and received as soon as terrestrial digital broadcasting is started. Broadcast channels can be registered.

  In addition, as a result of automatically executing the channel scanning process in this way, when a receivable broadcast channel is detected and registered, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 notifies the user to that effect by two types of notification methods. .

  That is, in the first notification method, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 displays a message to that effect on the display 12 when the power is turned on for the first time after detecting and registering a receivable broadcast channel. Notify

  In this way, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 displays a message on the display 12 indicating that a receivable broadcast channel has been detected and registered at the time of power-on when there is a high possibility that the user is watching the display 12. By doing so, it is possible to more reliably recognize to the user that a receivable broadcast channel has been detected and registered, that is, that terrestrial digital broadcasting can be viewed.

  In the second notification method, when the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 detects and registers a receivable broadcast channel, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 generates and saves an email indicating that fact and responds to the operation of the remote controller RM. Then, the user is notified by displaying the mail on the display 12.

  By doing so, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 detects a receivable broadcast channel by a stored mail even for a user who has missed the message displayed when the power is turned on by the first notification method. Thus, it can be recognized that the registration has been made, that is, that the terrestrial digital broadcasting can be viewed.

  As described above, when the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 automatically executes the channel scan process to detect and register a receivable broadcast channel, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 notifies the user to that effect so that the terrestrial digital broadcast can be performed. It is possible to make the user recognize that it is possible to view.

  According to the above configuration, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 sets the date and time for executing the channel scan process, and executes the channel scan process at the set date and time, or at a specific date or time. The channel scan process can be executed automatically at any date and time. As a result, for example, when installed in an area where terrestrial digital broadcasting has not yet started, as soon as terrestrial digital broadcasting is started, channel scan processing can be executed and receivable broadcast channels can be registered, thus Broadcasts that can be received can be reliably provided to the user.

(8) Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 sets the execution date and time of the channel scan process to the date and time designated by the user via the remote controller RM. Although the case where the channel scan is executed at the execution date / time has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the execution date / time is set in advance in the television broadcast receiver 1 and the channel scan is performed at the execution date / time. It may be executed automatically.

  In this case, for example, “3:00 am on the first day of every month” is set in the television broadcast receiver 1 as the execution date and time, and the television broadcast receiver 1 can detect and register a receivable broadcast channel. Until this execution date and time, the channel scan process is executed.

  In this way, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 more reliably registers a receivable broadcast channel as soon as the terrestrial digital broadcast is started, even when installed in an area where the terrestrial digital broadcast has not yet started. be able to. In other words, the digital terrestrial broadcast can be viewed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the day of the week and the day can be set as “every Sunday” or “1st of every month” as the date and time for periodically executing the channel scan processing has been described. The invention is not limited to this, and the interval may be set, for example, “every 5 days” or “every 2 weeks”.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which the time in minutes can be set as the hour and minute as the start time for starting execution of the channel scan processing, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be possible to set a time having a width such as what time to what time.

  In this case, for example, if the start time is set to “3: 00 am to 6:00 am”, the television broadcast receiver 1 performs processing between “3: 00 am to 6:00 am”. When the load is light (for example, when the power is off), the channel scan process is executed. In this way, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the channel scanning process is executed when the user is watching the television broadcast, and the user cannot view the television broadcast.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, as a first notification method for notifying that a receivable broadcast channel is detected and registered, a message indicating that is displayed for a predetermined time when the power is turned on. As described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a sound indicating that may be output from the speaker 13.

  In addition, a message indicating that a receivable broadcast channel has been detected and registered may not be displayed for a predetermined time, but may be displayed until some operation of the remote controller RM is performed. Further, this message may be repeatedly displayed when the power is turned on, for example, until a terrestrial digital broadcast channel selection operation is performed (that is, until the terrestrial digital broadcast is viewed).

  In this case, the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 stores channel selection information indicating whether or not digital terrestrial broadcasting has been selected (channel selection) in the nonvolatile memory 4. The channel selection information is, for example, information that sets a flag when digital terrestrial broadcasting is selected. The host microcomputer 2 indicates that the receivable broadcast channel is detected and registered when the receivable broadcast channel is registered in the channel database and the channel selection information flag is not set when the power is turned on. A message to be displayed is displayed on the display 12.

  In this way, a message can be displayed until the user actually views the terrestrial digital broadcast.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as a second notification method for notifying that a receivable broadcast channel has been detected and registered, an email indicating that is generated and stored, and this is stored as necessary. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, text data indicating that fact is generated, and this is referred to by the user. It may be stored in a possible state and displayed as necessary (that is, according to an instruction from the user). That is, as long as the information is stored so that the user can refer to it at any time, not only mail and text data but also various other information may be used.

  Furthermore, when an e-mail is generated and stored, the fact that a new e-mail exists may be displayed on the display 12 as an icon.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and the other embodiments described so far, and a part or all of the above-described embodiment and the other embodiments described so far are included. The scope of application extends to arbitrarily combined forms or forms in which a part is extracted. For example, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 that notifies either of the first notification method and the second notification method may be used.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 corresponding to the terrestrial analog broadcast and the terrestrial digital broadcast has been described. The present invention may be applied to a television broadcast receiving apparatus that supports only broadcasting. Further, the present invention may be applied not only to the current digital terrestrial broadcast but also to a broadcast receiving apparatus corresponding to various other broadcasts as long as it is necessary to execute channel scan processing.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a program for executing the scan reservation process, the scan execution process, the first notification process, and the second notification process is stored in the internal memory or the non-volatile memory 4 (not shown) of the host microcomputer 2. Although the case of storing in advance has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and this program is recorded on a recording medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or a memory card, and this program is received by television broadcasting. The apparatus 1 may be read from a recording medium via a drive (not shown) externally connected and installed in the built-in memory of the host microcomputer 2 or the nonvolatile memory 4.

  Furthermore, the order of the steps in each of the scan reservation processing procedure RT1, the scan execution processing procedure RT2, the first notification processing procedure RT3, and the second notification processing procedure RT4 according to the above-described embodiment is not limited. For example, the order of step SP13 and step SP14 of the scan execution processing procedure RT1 may be interchanged, or the order of step SP20 and step SP21 of the first notification processing procedure RT3 may be interchanged. Each of the scan reservation processing procedure RT1, the scan execution processing procedure RT2, the first notification processing procedure RT3, and the second notification processing procedure RT4 may be separate programs or may be implemented as one program.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the digital tuner 8 as a channel scan process execution unit and the host microcomputer 2 as a channel scan process execution unit, a date and time setting unit, a control unit, and a notification unit mainly serve as a broadcast reception device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other channel scan processing execution unit, date / time setting unit, and the like may be used as long as they have similar functions. You may make it comprise the television broadcast receiver 1 by a control part and a notification part. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the television broadcast receiver 1 is provided with the host microcomputer 2 that functions as a channel scan processing execution unit, a date and time setting unit, a control unit, and a notification unit. A plurality of function units that realize the functions of the execution unit, the date / time setting unit, the control unit, and the notification unit by hardware or software may be provided.

  The present invention can be widely and effectively used in, for example, a television broadcast receiver that supports terrestrial digital broadcasting.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a television broadcast receiver. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a remote controller. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure (1) of a reservation screen. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure (2) of a reservation screen. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure (3) of a reservation screen. It is a basic diagram with which it uses for description of the notification by a 1st notification method. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a mail confirmation screen. It is a flowchart which shows a scan reservation process procedure. It is a flowchart which shows a scan execution process procedure. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st notification process procedure. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd notification process procedure.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Television broadcast receiver, 2 ... Host microcomputer, 4 ... Non-volatile memory, 7 ... Digital antenna, 8 ... Digital tuner, 9 ... Demultiplexer, 10 ... AV decoder, 11 ... GUI superimposer, 12 ... display, 13 ... speaker, 14 ... analog antenna, 15 ... analog tuner, 16 ... demodulator, 33 ... setup key, 34 ... direction key, 35 ... enter key 50 …… Reservation screen, 51 …… Date display area, 52 …… Time display area, 53 …… Reservation confirmation button, 54 …… Reservation cancel button, 60 …… Mail confirmation screen, 61 …… Mail content display area, RM: Remote control.

Claims (9)

Each broadcast channel to be received is scanned to obtain the reception intensity of each broadcast channel, and whether or not each broadcast channel can be received is determined based on the reception intensity. A channel scan processing execution unit for executing channel scan processing;
A date and time setting unit for setting a date and time for the channel scan processing execution unit to execute the channel scan processing;
A broadcast receiving apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the channel scan processing execution unit to execute the channel scan processing at a date and time set by the date and time setting unit. 2. A notification unit for notifying that a broadcast channel determined to be receivable is registered when a broadcast channel determined to be receivable is registered by the channel scan processing execution unit. The broadcast receiving apparatus described. The notification part
A message indicating that a broadcast channel determined to be receivable has been registered is displayed on the display unit at a predetermined timing to notify that a broadcast channel determined to be receivable has been registered. 2. The broadcast receiving apparatus according to 2. The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined timing is when the power is turned on. The notification part
When a broadcast channel determined to be receivable by the channel scan processing execution unit is registered, a mail indicating that the broadcast channel determined to be receivable has been registered is generated and stored in the storage unit. The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a notification that a broadcast channel determined to be receivable has been registered is displayed by displaying the mail on a display unit. The date and time setting part
The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a date and time at which the channel scan processing execution unit executes the channel scan processing is set according to a user operation. The date and time setting part
The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a specific date and time or a regular date and time is set as a date and time when the channel scan processing execution unit executes the channel scan processing. Each broadcast channel to be received is scanned to obtain the reception intensity of each broadcast channel, the reception capability of each broadcast channel is determined based on the reception intensity, and the broadcast channel determined to be receivable as a result of the determination is registered. A date and time setting step for setting a date and time for the channel scan processing section to execute the channel scan processing;
A channel scan processing execution step for causing the channel scan processing section to execute the channel scan processing at the date and time set in the date and time setting step;
A channel scanning method characterized by comprising: For information processing equipment
Each broadcast channel to be received is scanned to obtain the reception intensity of each broadcast channel, the reception capability of each broadcast channel is determined based on the reception intensity, and the broadcast channel determined to be receivable as a result of the determination is registered. A date and time setting step for setting a date and time for the channel scan processing section to execute the channel scan processing;
A channel scan processing execution step for causing the channel scan processing section to execute the channel scan processing at the date and time set in the date and time setting step;
A channel scan program characterized in that

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