JP2009118408A - Television broadcast receiver and channel list setting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a television broadcast receiver capable of efficiently setting an optimum channel list and resetting a channel list with a proper timing, and to provide a method for setting a channel list. <P>SOLUTION: The television broadcast receiver 1 for receiving a TV broadcast signal is configured to set a channel list, when the reception range, including the detected current position, is changed by scanning channels in a preset order, while skipping channels that are already set in the current channel list; detecting a channel capable of receiving TV broadcast signal by a tuner 11; identifying an area capable of receiving the TV broadcast signal corresponding to a receivable channel (when detected), based on the area identification information contained in the TV broadcast signal; obtaining a channel list for the identified area from a sectionalized channel list storage file 183a1; and setting the obtained channel list. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a television broadcast receiver and a channel list setting method.

  In a television broadcast receiver capable of receiving a television broadcast signal (hereinafter referred to as “TV broadcast signal”), for example, during normal operation, a TV broadcast signal corresponding to the channel selected by the user is quickly received. In order to be able to do so, a channel list in which channels that can receive TV broadcast signals are listed is set by initial setting or resetting.

Specifically, for example, in a television broadcasting receiver capable of receiving terrestrial digital television broadcasting (one-segment broadcasting) for mobile communication terminals, it is received from the base station at the timing when the base station is switched by handoff. There has been proposed a technique (for example, see Patent Document 1) in which channel search is performed on a channel based on channel information, and a channel list is created and set based on the channel search.
Also, for example, in a portable terminal having a television broadcast receiving function, a channel list request signal is transmitted to the server at a timing when a predetermined operation button is pressed by the user, and the channel list transmitted according to the request signal is received. A technique for setting the parameters (for example, see Patent Documents 2 and 3) has also been proposed.
Further, for example, in a channel search device (television broadcast receiver), a channel list corresponding to each preset region is stored, and at a scheduled time when the user arrives at a certain region, which is input by the user. At that time, a channel list corresponding to the region input by the user (or the region including the position acquired by GPS) and the region close to the region is selected from the channel list stored in advance. A setting technique (see, for example, Patent Document 4) has also been proposed.
JP 2007-212476 A JP 2002-290356 A JP 2007-67771 A JP 2006-67270 A

However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since a channel list created based on channel search is set, if there is a channel that cannot be received at the time of channel search but can be received by moving, the Channels are not listed in the channel list, and there is a problem that an optimal channel list cannot be set efficiently. Moreover, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the set channel list is updated at the timing when the base station is switched by handoff, but the broadcast reception range and the communication range of the base station are different. Therefore, there is also a problem that the channel list cannot be reset at a suitable timing.
In the techniques described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, the set channel list is updated when a predetermined operation button is pressed by the user, so that the channel list is reset at a suitable timing. There is a problem that you can not.
Further, in the technique described in Patent Document 4, if the area is close to the area input by the user (or the area including the position obtained by GPS), regardless of whether the television broadcast signal can be received, Since a channel list corresponding to the adjacent area is set, there is a problem that an optimum channel list cannot be set efficiently. In the technique described in Patent Document 4, the set channel list is updated at the timing when the scheduled time input by the user is reached, so that the channel list is reset at a suitable timing. There is also a problem that cannot

  An object of the present invention is to provide a television broadcast receiver and a channel list setting method capable of efficiently setting an optimum channel list and resetting the channel list at a suitable timing.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1
In a television broadcast receiver that receives a television broadcast signal during normal operation based on a set channel list,
Channel list storage means for storing a channel list corresponding to each preset region;
Receiving means for receiving a television broadcast signal including area identification information for identifying a receivable area;
Scanning means for scanning channels in a predetermined order and detecting a channel capable of receiving a television broadcast signal by the receiving means;
When one channel that can be received by the scanning unit is detected, the identification that identifies the area where the television broadcast signal can be received based on the area identification information included in the television broadcast signal corresponding to the channel Means,
Obtaining means for obtaining a channel list corresponding to the area specified by the specifying means from the channel list storage means;
Setting means for setting the channel list acquired by the acquisition means;
Detection means for detecting the current position;
Receiving range storage means for storing a receiving range capable of receiving a television broadcast signal including area identification information of the area for each of the preset areas;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the reception range including the current position detected by the detection unit is switched from one reception range stored in the reception range storage unit to another reception range;
With
The scanning unit starts the scan when the determination unit determines that the reception range including the current position has been switched from one reception range to another reception range, and the channel set by the setting unit The scanning is performed by skipping channels listed in the list.

The invention described in claim 2
The television broadcast receiver according to claim 1,
The reception range storage means, when there is an area where the reception range overlaps with the reception range of another area in each of the preset areas, the reception range of the area is received as the reception range of the other area It is characterized by being stored separately in a range excluding a portion overlapping with the range and a range of a portion overlapping with the reception range of the other area.

The invention according to claim 3
The television broadcast receiver according to claim 1 or 2,
The detection means detects the current position using GPS (Global Positioning System) and / or ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System).

The invention according to claim 4
In a portable and / or vehicle-mounted television broadcast receiver that receives a television broadcast signal during normal operation based on a set channel list,
Channel list storage means for storing a channel list corresponding to each preset region;
Receiving means for receiving a television broadcast signal including area identification information for identifying a receivable area;
Scanning means for scanning channels in a predetermined order and detecting a channel capable of receiving a television broadcast signal by the receiving means;
When one channel that can be received by the scanning unit is detected, the identification that identifies the area where the television broadcast signal can be received based on the area identification information included in the television broadcast signal corresponding to the channel Means,
Obtaining means for obtaining a channel list corresponding to the area specified by the specifying means from the channel list storage means;
Setting means for setting the channel list acquired by the acquisition means;
Detection means for detecting the current position;
Receiving range storage means for storing a receiving range capable of receiving a television broadcast signal including area identification information of the area for each of the preset areas;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the reception range including the current position detected by the detection unit is switched from one reception range stored in the reception range storage unit to another reception range;
With
The scanning unit starts the scan when the determination unit determines that the reception range including the current position has been switched from one reception range to another reception range, and the channel set by the setting unit Skip the channels listed in the list and perform the scan,
The detection means detects the current position using GPS (Global Positioning System) and / or ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System),
The reception range storage means, when there is an area where the reception range overlaps with the reception range of another area in each of the preset areas, the reception range of the area is received as the reception range of the other area It is characterized by being stored separately in a range excluding a portion overlapping with the range and a range of a portion overlapping with the reception range of the other area.

The invention described in claim 5
In the channel list setting method by the television broadcast receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A detection step of detecting a current position by the detection means;
A determination step of determining whether or not the reception range including the current position detected by the detection unit is switched from one reception range stored in the reception range storage unit to another reception range by the determination unit; ,
When it is determined in the determination step that the reception range including the current position has been switched from one reception range to another reception range, the scan unit lists the channel range set by the setting unit. A scan step of scanning the channels in a predetermined order while skipping the channels, and detecting a channel capable of receiving a television broadcast signal by the receiving means;
When one receivable channel is detected in the scanning step, the specifying unit can receive the television broadcast signal based on the area identification information included in the television broadcast signal corresponding to the channel. Specific steps to identify the region,
An acquisition step of acquiring a channel list corresponding to the area specified by the specifying means from the channel list storage means by the acquiring means;
A setting step of setting the channel list acquired by the acquisition unit by the setting unit;
It is characterized by providing.

According to the present invention, in a television broadcast receiver that receives a television broadcast signal during normal operation based on a set channel list and a channel list setting method by the television broadcast receiver, the television broadcast receiver includes: Channel list storage means for storing a channel list corresponding to each preset area, receiving means for receiving a television broadcast signal including area identification information for identifying a receivable area, and each preset A reception range storage means for storing a reception range capable of receiving a television broadcast signal including area identification information of the area for each area, and detecting the current position and including the current position detected by the detection means The reception range is switched from one reception range stored in the reception range storage means to another reception range. If it is determined that the reception range including the current position has been switched from one reception range to another reception range, the channels listed in the set channel list are skipped. When a channel capable of receiving a television broadcast signal is detected by scanning in a predetermined order and one receivable channel is detected, the channel is included in the television broadcast signal corresponding to the channel. Based on the area identification information, it is possible to specify an area where the television broadcast signal can be received, acquire a channel list corresponding to the specified area from the channel list storage means, and set the acquired channel list. .
That is, when one channel is detected, it is possible to set a channel list in a region where a television broadcast signal corresponding to the one channel can be received. In addition to being able to be omitted, it is possible to set only a channel list in a region where a television broadcast signal can be received. Therefore, an optimum channel list can be set efficiently.
Also, the channel list is suitable because the channel list can be reset when the reception range including the current position is switched from the reception range in the region corresponding to the set channel list to another reception range. It can be reset at the right time.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out 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.

<Configuration of television broadcast receiver>
First, the configuration of the television broadcast receiver 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

The television broadcast receiver 1 receives, for example, a television broadcast signal (TV broadcast signal) during normal operation based on a set channel list (channel list 171 stored in the memory unit 17). This is a television broadcast receiver that can be mounted on a vehicle. Specifically, the television broadcast receiver 1 is, for example, a portable television, an in-vehicle television, a television built in a portable terminal, a television built in a car navigation device, or the like.
The television broadcast receiver 1 includes, for example, a tuner 11, a demodulation unit 12, a decoder unit 13, an output unit 14, a current position signal reception unit 15, an operation unit 16, a memory unit 17, and a control unit 18. And so on.

For example, the tuner 11 receives a TV broadcast signal as a receiving unit.
Specifically, for example, the tuner 11 selects one channel selected from TV broadcast signals (for example, digital TV broadcast signals) received by the antenna 11 a according to a control signal input from the control unit 18. The TV broadcast signal existing in the frequency band corresponding to the channel is received, the TV broadcast signal is modulated, and the intermediate frequency signal is output to the demodulator 12.

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the decoder unit 13 includes a separation unit 131, a video decoder 132, an audio decoder 133, a data decoder 134, and the like.

  For example, according to the control signal input from the control unit 18, the separation unit 131 converts the TV broadcast signal (TS) input from the demodulation unit 12 into PSI (Program Specific Information: Program Specific Information) in video data, audio data, and digital broadcasting. Information), SI (Service Information: program arrangement information), and the like, and necessary TS packets are acquired based on PSI and PID (Packet Identifier) included in each TS packet. MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group 2) standard) video stream is output to the video decoder 132, the audio stream is output to the audio decoder 133, and necessary PSI, SI, and the like are output to the data decoder 134.

PSI is a PMT (Program Map Table), PAT (Program Association Table), NIT (Network Information Table), and CAT (Conditional Access Table) table, and provides programs selected based on the PID of TS packets. It is used when selecting packets necessary for
The NIT includes area identification information (for example, network_id) for identifying an area where a TV broadcast signal including the NIT can be received. That is, the NIT can identify which broadcast station in which region the TV broadcast signal including the NIT is broadcast by.

  SI is an SDT (Service Description Table) that describes information about services (channels), an EIT (Event Information Table) that describes information about programs (events), and a TOT (Time Offset Table) that describes the current date and time. ), And various tables such as BIT (Broadcaster Information Table) describing information related to broadcasters.

  For example, the video decoder 132 decodes the video stream input from the separation unit 131 according to the control signal input from the control unit 18 to generate video data, and the video output unit 141 included in the control unit 18 or the output unit 14. Output to.

  For example, the audio decoder 133 decodes the audio stream input from the separation unit 131 according to the control signal input from the control unit 18 to generate audio data, and the audio output unit 142 included in the control unit 18 or the output unit 14. Output to.

  For example, the data decoder 134 decodes the PSI, SI, and the like input from the separation unit 131 according to the control signal input from the control unit 18 and outputs the decoded data to the control unit 18.

  The output unit 14 includes, for example, a video output unit 141 and an audio output unit 142 as shown in FIG.

  The video output unit 141 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device or the like, and displays a video based on video data input from the video decoder 132 in accordance with a control signal input from the control unit 18, for example.

  The audio output unit 142 is, for example, a speaker device, and outputs audio based on the audio data input from the audio decoder 133 in accordance with a control signal input from the control unit 18, for example.

  The current position signal receiving unit 15 is, for example, a GPS antenna. For example, the current position signal receiving unit 15 receives GPS signals transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites as a current position signal related to the current position, and outputs the GPS signals to the control unit 18.

The operation unit 16 includes, for example, operation buttons provided on the outer surface of the television broadcast receiver 1, a remote controller for the television broadcast receiver 1, and a remote control receiver that can communicate with the remote controller. For example, when operated by the user, various signals accompanying the operation are output to the control unit 18.
Specifically, the operation unit 16 is provided with, for example, a channel up / down key and a channel number key, and the operation unit 16 is used when the user selects a desired channel, for example. .

  The memory unit 17 stores, for example, a channel list 171 set by a CPU 171 (described later) that has executed the setting program 183b6.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 18 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 181, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 182, a storage unit 183, and the like.

  For example, the CPU 181 performs various control operations according to various processing programs for the television broadcast receiver 1 stored in the storage unit 183.

  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 storage unit 183 is, for example, a system program that can be executed by the television broadcast receiver 1, various processing programs that can be executed by the system program, data used when executing these various processing programs, and arithmetic processing by the CPU 181. The data of the processed result is stored. Note that the program is stored in the storage unit 183 in the form of a computer-readable program code.

  Specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the storage unit 183 includes a regional channel list storage file 183a1, a reception range storage file 183a2, a current position detection program 183b1, a determination program 183b2, and a scan program 183b3. And a specific program 183b4, an acquisition program 183b5, a setting program 183b6, and the like.

The regional channel list storage file 183a1 stores, for example, a channel list corresponding to each preset region as channel list storage means.
Specifically, the channel list storage file 183a1 by region stores channel lists corresponding to preset regions such as region A, region B, region C,..., For example, as shown in FIG. ing.
Here, the preset area (area A, area B, area C,...) Is, for example, an area divided for each TV broadcast signal transmission place or an area divided for each prefecture.

  In the channel list, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the name of a broadcasting station that broadcasts a TV broadcast signal, the NIT (region identification information) included in the TV broadcast signal, and the frequency band in which the TV broadcast signal exists The physical channel number assigned to correspond to the frequency value, the remote control number selected when selecting the TV broadcast signal assigned to each broadcast station that broadcasts the TV broadcast signal, and the TV broadcast signal The transmission location to be sent, etc. are listed.

The reception range storage file 183a2 is transmitted from a reception range that can receive a TV broadcast signal including area identification information of the area, for example, for each preset area as a reception range storage means, that is, from the area. A reception range in which a TV broadcast signal can be received is stored.
Specifically, the reception range storage file 183a2 stores the local reception range, for example, with the latitude and longitude of the reception range.

Here, if the reception range storage file 183a2 has a region where the reception range overlaps with the reception range of another region in each preset region, the reception range of the region, for example, the other Are stored separately in a range excluding a portion that overlaps the reception range of the other region and a range that overlaps the reception range of the other region. The preset reception range of each region is set to a range larger than the region so that a TV broadcast signal including the region identification information of the region can be received at any position in the region. ing. Therefore, the reception ranges may overlap between adjacent areas.
Specifically, for example, the region A and the region B are set in advance. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the reception range of the region A is substantially circular, and the reception range of the region A has a portion that overlaps the reception range of another region (region B). Further, the reception range of the region B is substantially circular, and the reception range of the region B has a portion that overlaps with the reception range of another region (region A). In this case, the reception range storage file 183a2 defines a range excluding a portion (a hatched portion in FIG. 3) that overlaps the reception range (substantially circular range) of the region B in the reception range (substantially circular range) of the region A. “Area A reception range” is stored, and a range excluding a portion (a hatched portion in FIG. 3) that overlaps a reception range (substantially circular range) of the region A in the reception range (substantially circular shape range) of the region B “ The reception range of area B is stored, and the range of the area where the reception range of area A (substantially circular range) and the reception range of area B (substantially circular range) overlap (the hatched portion in FIG. 3) is defined as “area A”. And the reception range of area B ”. If the reception range (substantially circular range) of area A does not overlap with the reception range (substantially circular range) of another area (for example, area B), the reception range storage file 183a2 receives the reception of area A. The entire range (substantially circular shape range) is stored as “reception range of region A”, and the reception range (substantially circular shape range) of region B is a reception range (substantially circular shape range) of another region (for example, region A). ), The reception range storage file 183a2 stores the entire reception range (substantially circular range) of the region B as “reception range of the region B”.

The current position detection program 183b1 causes the CPU 181 to realize a function of detecting the current position (latitude and longitude) of the television broadcast receiver 1 based on the GPS signal input from the current position signal receiving unit 15, for example.
Here, the detection means for detecting the current position using GPS (Global Positioning System) is configured by a current position signal receiving unit 15 that is a GPS antenna and a CPU 181 that executes the current position detection program 183b1.

  The determination program 183b2 includes, for example, a reception range including the current position detected by the CPU 181 that has executed the current position signal reception unit 15 and the current position detection program 183b1, from one reception range stored in the reception range storage file 183a1. The CPU 181 realizes a function of determining whether or not the reception range has been switched.

Specifically, for example, the CPU 181 recognizes an area corresponding to the channel list 171 stored in the memory unit 17.
More specifically, for example, when the channel list 171 stored in the memory unit 17 is only the channel list of “Region A”, the CPU 181 recognizes “Region A”.
On the other hand, for example, when the channel list 171 stored in the memory unit 17 is a channel list of “Region A” and “Region B”, the CPU 181 recognizes “Region A and Region B”.

Then, for example, the CPU 181 refers to the reception range storage file 183a2 and determines whether or not the detected current position is within the reception range of the recognized area.
More specifically, for example, when recognizing “region A”, the CPU 181 determines that the detected current position is the reception range (substantially circular shape) of region B within the reception range (substantially circular range) of region A. It is determined whether or not it is within a range (“reception range of area A” stored in the reception range storage file 183a2) excluding a portion that overlaps (range) (hatched portion in FIG. 3). When the CPU 181 determines that the reception range is within the range, the CPU 181 determines that the reception range is not switched. When the CPU 181 determines that the reception range is not within the range, the CPU 181 determines that the reception range is switched.
On the other hand, for example, when recognizing as “region A and region B”, the CPU 181 determines that the detected current position is a reception range of the region A (substantially circular range) and a reception range of the region B (substantially circular range). Is within the range of the overlapping portion (shaded portion in FIG. 3) (“Reception range of area A and area B” stored in the reception range storage file 183a2). If the CPU 181 determines that the reception range is within the range, the CPU 181 determines that the reception range is not switched. If the CPU 181 determines that the reception range is not within the range, the CPU 181 determines that the reception range is switched.
The CPU 181 functions as a determination unit by executing the determination program 183b2.

For example, the scan program 183b3 causes the CPU 181 to realize a function of scanning channels in a predetermined order and detecting a channel on which the tuner 11 can receive a TV broadcast signal.
Here, the predetermined order is, for example, the order of physical channel numbers.
Further, for example, when the CPU 181 that has executed the determination program 183b2 determines that the reception range including the current position has been switched from one reception range to another reception range, the CPU 181 starts scanning. .
For example, if there is a channel listed in the channel list (channel list 171 stored in the memory unit 17) set by the CPU 181 that executed the setting program 183b6, the CPU 181 skips that channel and scans it. Is supposed to do.

Specifically, the CPU 181 stores, for example, one channel (physical channel) to be selected in the channel list set by the CPU 181 that executed the setting program 183b6 (that is, the channel list 171 stored in the memory unit 17). It is determined whether or not the channel is listed (physical channel).
For example, when the CPU 181 determines that one channel to be selected is not a channel listed in the channel list 171 stored in the memory unit 17, the CPU 181 selects the one channel (that is, the one channel). A frequency band corresponding to the channel is set in the tuner 11), and it is determined whether or not video data or audio data is output from the decoder unit 13. When CPU 181 determines that video data or audio data has been output from decoder unit 13, CPU 181 detects the selected channel as a channel through which tuner 11 can receive a TV broadcast signal. On the other hand, if the CPU 181 determines that no video data or audio data is output from the decoder unit 13, the selected channel is not detected as a channel through which the tuner 11 can receive a TV broadcast signal.
On the other hand, for example, if the CPU 181 determines that one channel to be selected is a channel listed in the channel list 171 stored in the memory unit 17, the one channel is not selected.
Then, the CPU 181 performs this series of operations in the order of physical channel numbers.
The CPU 181 functions as a scanning unit by executing the scan program 183b3.

  For example, when one receivable channel is detected by the CPU 181 that executes the scan program 183b3, the specific program 183b5 is based on the NIT (region identification information) included in the TV broadcast signal corresponding to the channel. The CPU 181 is made to realize a function of specifying an area where the television broadcast signal can be received.

Specifically, for example, when one receivable channel is detected by the CPU 181 that has executed the scan program 183b3, the CPU 181 reads the NIT in the PSI input from the data decoder 134, and in the read NIT The channel list in which the area identification information is listed is searched from the area-specific channel list storage file 183a1, and the area corresponding to the searched channel list is specified as the area where the TV broadcast signal can be received.
More specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, when the information “7FE0” is included in the read NIT, the CPU 181 specifies the region where the TV broadcast signal can be received as “region A”. .
The CPU 181 functions as a specifying unit by executing the specifying program 183b4.

  Note that the channel list in which the area identification information in the read NIT is listed is searched from the area-specific channel list storage file 183a1, and the area where the TV broadcast signal can be received is not specified, but is set in advance, for example. The area identification information list corresponding to each area is stored in an area-specific area identification information list storage file (not shown) in the storage unit 183, and the area identification information in the read NIT is listed. The information list may be searched from the region-specific region identification information list storage file to identify regions where TV broadcast signals can be received.

For example, the acquisition program 183b5 causes the CPU 181 to realize a function of acquiring a channel list corresponding to the area specified by the CPU 181 that has executed the specifying program 183b4 from the area-specific channel list storage file 183a1.
The CPU 181 functions as an acquisition unit by executing the acquisition program 183b5.

For example, the setting program 183b6 causes the CPU 181 to realize the function of setting the acquired channel list by storing the channel list acquired by the CPU 181 that executed the acquisition program 183b5 in the memory unit 17 as the channel list 171. .
The CPU 181 functions as a setting unit by executing the setting program 183b6.

<Channel list setting method>
Next, a channel setting method by the television broadcast receiver 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, the CPU 181 executes the current position detection program 183b1 and detects the current position of the television broadcast receiver 1 based on the GPS signal input from the current position signal receiving unit 15 (step S1).

  Next, the CPU 181 executes the determination program 183b2 to determine whether or not the reception range including the detected current position has been switched from one reception range stored in the reception range storage file 183a1 to another reception range. (Step S2).

If it is determined in step S2 that the reception range including the detected current position has not been switched from one reception range stored in the reception range storage file 183a1 to another reception range (step S2; No), the CPU 181 The processes after step S1 are repeated.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S2 that the reception range including the detected current position has been switched from one reception range stored in the reception range storage file 183a1 to another reception range (step S2; Yes), the CPU 181 By executing the scan program 183b3 and erasing the channel list 171 stored in the memory unit 17, the set channel list is erased (step S3).

Next, the CPU 181 sets the smallest physical channel number in the “n (physical channel number of the channel to be selected)” storage area in the RAM 182 (step S4).
Specifically, for example, when the physical channels are 50 channels of 13 ch to 62 ch, the CPU 181 sets “13” in the “n” storage area.

  Next, the CPU 181 selects a channel whose physical channel number is “n” (step S5).

  Next, the CPU 181 determines whether the tuner 11 can receive a TV broadcast signal (step S6).

If it is determined in step S6 that the tuner 11 cannot receive a TV broadcast signal (step S6; No), the CPU 181 proceeds to the process of step S11.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that the tuner 11 can receive a TV broadcast signal (step S6; Yes), the CPU 181 selects one channel (that is, the channel whose physical channel number is “n”). Is detected as a channel through which the tuner 11 can receive TV broadcast signals (step S7).

  Next, the CPU 181 executes the specific program 183b4 and can receive the TV broadcast signal corresponding to the channel having the physical channel number “n” based on the area identification information in the NIT included in the received TV broadcast signal. A specific region is specified (step S8).

  Next, the CPU 171 executes the acquisition program 183b5 to acquire a channel list corresponding to the specified area from the area-specific channel list storage file 183a1 (step S9).

  Next, the CPU 181 executes the setting program 183b6 and stores the acquired channel list in the memory unit 17, thereby setting the acquired channel list (step S10).

Next, the CPU 181 executes the scan program 183b3, and determines whether or not the number stored in the “n” storage area is the largest physical channel number (step S11).
Specifically, for example, when the physical channels are 50 channels of 13ch to 62ch, the CPU 181 determines whether or not the number stored in the “n” storage area is “62”.

If it is determined in step S11 that the number stored in the “n” storage area is the largest physical channel number (step S11; Yes), the CPU 181 repeats the processing from step S1.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the number stored in the “n” storage area is not the largest physical channel number (step S11; Yes), the CPU 181 sets “n + 1” in the “n” storage area ( Step S12).

  Next, the CPU 181 determines whether or not the channel having the physical channel number “n” is listed in the channel list set in step S10 (step S13).

If it is determined in step S13 that the channel with the physical channel number “n” is not listed in the channel list set in step S10 (step S13; No), the CPU 181 repeats the processes in and after step S5. Do.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the channel with the physical channel number “n” is listed in the channel list set in step S10 (step 13; Yes), the CPU 181 performs the processing from step S11 onward. Repeat.

  Here, the process of step S1 corresponds to a detection step, the process of step S2 corresponds to a determination step, the processes of steps S3 to S7 and steps S11 to S13 correspond to a scan step, and the process of step S8 is a specific step. The process of step S9 corresponds to the acquisition step, and the process of step S108 corresponds to the setting step.

According to the television broadcast receiver 1 and the channel list setting method by the television broadcast receiver 1 of the present invention described above, the television broadcast receiver 1 stores a channel list corresponding to each preset region. A channel list storage file 183a1 by region, a tuner 11 that receives a TV broadcast signal including region identification information for identifying a receivable region, and region identification information of the region for each preset region A reception range storage file 183a2 for storing a reception range capable of receiving a TV broadcast signal, and the current position signal receiving unit 15 and the CPU 181 that has executed the current position detection program 183b1 detect the current position, and determine the determination program 183b2. Including the current position detected by the executed CPU 181 It is determined whether the reception range has been switched from one reception range stored in the reception range storage file 183a2 to another reception range, and the reception range including the current position is switched from one reception range to another reception range. If the CPU 181 executes the scan program 183b3, the channels are scanned in a predetermined order while skipping the channels listed in the set channel list. When a receivable channel is detected by the CPU 181 that detects the receivable channel and executes the specific program 183b4, the CPU 181 detects the receivable channel based on the area identification information included in the TV broadcast signal corresponding to the channel. Specify an area where TV broadcast signals can be received and acquire program 18 The CPU181 executing the b5, a channel list corresponding to the specific area obtained from the regional channel list storage file 183A1, the CPU181 executing the setting program 183B6, it is possible to set the acquired channel list.
That is, when one channel is detected, a channel list for a region capable of receiving a TV broadcast signal corresponding to the one channel can be set, so that time for detecting other channels receivable in that region is omitted. In addition, it is possible to set only a channel list in a region where a TV broadcast signal can be received. Therefore, an optimum channel list can be set efficiently.
Also, the channel list is suitable because the channel list can be reset when the reception range including the current position is switched from the reception range in the region corresponding to the set channel list to another reception range. It can be reset at the right time.

Further, according to the television broadcast receiver 1 and the channel list setting method by the television broadcast receiver 1 of the present invention described above, the channel list set in the television broadcast receiver 1 cannot be detected during scanning. However, since the channel list that may be detected when the television broadcast receiver 1 moves is also listed, the frequency of resetting the channel list can be suppressed.
Specifically, for example, when a television broadcast receiver is in a position where a certain TV broadcast signal (for example, the first TV broadcast signal) is difficult to reach at the time of scanning, for example, a reception range including the position (for example, the region A There may be a TV broadcast signal (first TV broadcast signal) that is originally receivable in the (reception range) but cannot be received during scanning. In this case, if the position of the television broadcast receiver is moved, the first TV broadcast signal may be received. However, as in the prior art, a channel list that scans all the channels and lists only the detected channels is provided. When set, in order to view video and audio based on the first TV broadcast signal during normal operation, it is necessary to reset the channel list. However, according to the television broadcast receiver 1 and the channel list setting method by the television broadcast receiver 1 of the present invention, if a TV broadcast signal other than the first TV broadcast signal that can be received in the reception range of the region A can be received, Since a channel list in which channels corresponding to one TV broadcast signal are listed can be set, the frequency of resetting the channel list can be suppressed.

Further, according to the television broadcast receiver 1 and the channel list setting method by the television broadcast receiver 1 of the present invention described above, the reception range storage file 183a2 of the television broadcast receiver 1 is set to each preset region. If there is a region where the reception range overlaps with the reception range of another region, the reception range of the region is excluded from the range excluding the portion that overlaps the reception range of the other region, It is divided and stored in the range of the part that overlaps the reception range.
For example, a TV broadcast signal corresponding to a region (for example, region B) close to region A may be received at the outer edge portion of the reception range of a certain region (for example, region A). That is, for example, the outer edge portion of the reception range of area A and the outer edge portion of the reception range of area B may overlap. In this case, in the television broadcast receiver in the range where the reception range of the area A and the reception range of the area B overlap, the broadcast corresponding to the area A and the broadcast corresponding to the area B can be viewed. Is preferred. Therefore, in the television broadcast receiver 1 of the present invention, a portion where the reception range including the current position overlaps with the reception range (substantially circular range) of the region B in the reception range (substantially circular range) of the region A. The channel list and the region B corresponding to the region A when the region A reception range (substantially circular range) and the region B reception range (substantially circular range) overlap are switched from the excluded range. Since a channel list corresponding to the area A can be set, a broadcast corresponding to the area A and a broadcast corresponding to the area B can be viewed.

  In addition, according to the television broadcast receiver 1 and the channel list setting method by the television broadcast receiver 1 of the present invention described above, the current position signal receiving unit 15 and the current position detection program 183b1 of the television broadcast receiver 1 are set. The executed CPU 181 can detect the current position using GPS (Global Positioning System), and therefore can detect the accurate current position.

In addition, according to the television broadcast receiver 1 and the channel list setting method by the television broadcast receiver 1 of the present invention described above, the television broadcast receiver 1 can be carried and / or mounted on a vehicle.
Therefore, compared with a television broadcast receiver that cannot be carried and / or mounted on a vehicle, the frequency of moving between preset regions (region A, region B, region C,. Although the frequency of resetting is increased, the television broadcast receiver 1 can set an optimum channel list efficiently, and thus is easy to use.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist thereof.

Although the current position is detected using GPS, the method of detecting the current position is arbitrary. For example, the current position may be detected using ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System).
In this case, the current position signal receiving unit 15 is an ETC antenna. Further, an ETC gate position information storage file for storing, for example, ETC gate identification information for identifying an ETC gate and position information (latitude and longitude) of the ETC gate in association with each other in the storage unit 183 or the like. It is necessary to remember. Specifically, the current position signal receiving unit 15 receives, for example, an ETC signal including ETC gate identification information of the ETC gate transmitted from the ETC gate as current position information regarding the current position, and controls the control unit 18. Output to. The CPU 181 that has executed the current position detection program 183b1 obtains, for example, the ETC gate position information corresponding to the ETC gate information included in the ETC signal input from the current position signal receiving unit 15 from the ETC gate position information storage file. By acquiring, the current position (latitude and longitude) of the television broadcast signal receiver 1 is detected.
Further, the current position may be detected using both GPS and ETC.

The predetermined order does not need to be the order of the physical channel numbers and is arbitrary.
Further, the shape of the local reception range is not limited to a substantially circular shape, and is arbitrary.

When the television broadcast receiver 1 is an in-vehicle television, a current position signal (GPS signal or ETC signal) may be acquired from a car navigation device or an ETC terminal mounted on the vehicle with the television broadcast receiver 1.
When the television broadcast receiver 1 is a television built in a portable terminal or a television built in a car navigation device, a current position signal (GPS signal or ETC signal) is acquired from the portable terminal or car navigation device. You may do it.
Further, the television broadcast receiver 1 need not be portable and / or in-vehicle.

  The television broadcast receiver 1 does not need to include the output unit 14. In this case, the television broadcast receiver 1 outputs video and audio based on the TV broadcast signal from an external output device connected to the television broadcast receiver 1.

  The television broadcast receiver 1 not only has a channel list setting method for setting a channel list in a region where a TV broadcast signal corresponding to one receivable channel can be received, but in addition to this channel list setting method, The channel list can also be set by setting a channel list that lists only the channels detected by scanning or setting a channel list corresponding to the postal code entered by the user. good. In this case, for example, a user-desired method may be selected from a plurality of methods for setting the channel list by the operation of the operation unit 16 by the user.

It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the television broadcast receiver of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a data structure of “area-specific channel list storage file” in FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the reception range divided | segmented into the range except the part which overlaps with the reception range of another area, and the range of the part which overlaps with the reception range of another area. It is a 1st flowchart for demonstrating the channel list setting method of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart for demonstrating the channel list setting method of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Television broadcast receiver 11 Tuner (reception means)
15 Current position signal receiver (detection means)
181 CPU (detection means, determination means, scanning means, identification means, acquisition means, setting means)
183a1 Region-specific channel list storage file (channel list storage means)
183a2 Reception range storage file (reception range storage means)
183b1 Current position detection program (detection means)
183b2 determination program (determination means)
183b3 scan program (scanning means)
183b4 specific program (specific means)
183b5 acquisition program (acquisition means)
183b6 setting program (setting means)

Claims (5)

In a television broadcast receiver that receives a television broadcast signal during normal operation based on a set channel list,
Channel list storage means for storing a channel list corresponding to each preset region;
Receiving means for receiving a television broadcast signal including area identification information for identifying a receivable area;
Scanning means for scanning channels in a predetermined order and detecting a channel capable of receiving a television broadcast signal by the receiving means;
When one channel that can be received by the scanning unit is detected, the identification that identifies the area where the television broadcast signal can be received based on the area identification information included in the television broadcast signal corresponding to the channel Means,
Obtaining means for obtaining a channel list corresponding to the area specified by the specifying means from the channel list storage means;
Setting means for setting the channel list acquired by the acquisition means;
Detection means for detecting the current position;
Receiving range storage means for storing a receiving range capable of receiving a television broadcast signal including area identification information of the area for each of the preset areas;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the reception range including the current position detected by the detection unit is switched from one reception range stored in the reception range storage unit to another reception range;
With
The scanning unit starts the scan when the determination unit determines that the reception range including the current position has been switched from one reception range to another reception range, and the channel set by the setting unit A television broadcast receiver that performs the scan by skipping channels listed in the list. The television broadcast receiver according to claim 1,
The reception range storage means, when there is an area where the reception range overlaps with the reception range of another area in each of the preset areas, the reception range of the area is received as the reception range of the other area A television broadcast receiver that stores data in a range that excludes a portion that overlaps the range and a range that overlaps the reception range of the other region. The television broadcast receiver according to claim 1 or 2,
The television broadcast receiver characterized in that the detection means detects a current position by using GPS (Global Positioning System) and / or ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System). In a portable and / or vehicle-mounted television broadcast receiver that receives a television broadcast signal during normal operation based on a set channel list,
Channel list storage means for storing a channel list corresponding to each preset region;
Receiving means for receiving a television broadcast signal including area identification information for identifying a receivable area;
Scanning means for scanning channels in a predetermined order and detecting a channel capable of receiving a television broadcast signal by the receiving means;
When one channel that can be received by the scanning unit is detected, the identification that identifies the area where the television broadcast signal can be received based on the area identification information included in the television broadcast signal corresponding to the channel Means,
Obtaining means for obtaining a channel list corresponding to the area specified by the specifying means from the channel list storage means;
Setting means for setting the channel list acquired by the acquisition means;
Detection means for detecting the current position;
Receiving range storage means for storing a receiving range capable of receiving a television broadcast signal including area identification information of the area for each of the preset areas;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the reception range including the current position detected by the detection unit is switched from one reception range stored in the reception range storage unit to another reception range;
With
The scanning unit starts the scan when the determination unit determines that the reception range including the current position has been switched from one reception range to another reception range, and the channel set by the setting unit Skip the channels listed in the list and perform the scan,
The detection means detects the current position using GPS (Global Positioning System) and / or ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System),
The reception range storage means, when there is an area where the reception range overlaps with the reception range of another area in each of the preset areas, the reception range of the area is received as the reception range of the other area A television broadcast receiver that stores data in a range that excludes a portion that overlaps the range and a range that overlaps the reception range of the other region. In the channel list setting method by the television broadcast receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A detection step of detecting a current position by the detection means;
A determination step of determining whether or not the reception range including the current position detected by the detection unit is switched from one reception range stored in the reception range storage unit to another reception range by the determination unit; ,
When it is determined in the determination step that the reception range including the current position has been switched from one reception range to another reception range, the scan unit lists the channel range set by the setting unit. A scan step of scanning the channels in a predetermined order while skipping the channels, and detecting a channel capable of receiving a television broadcast signal by the receiving means;
When one receivable channel is detected in the scanning step, the specifying unit can receive the television broadcast signal based on the area identification information included in the television broadcast signal corresponding to the channel. Specific steps to identify the region,
An acquisition step of acquiring a channel list corresponding to the area specified by the specifying means from the channel list storage means by the acquiring means;
A setting step of setting the channel list acquired by the acquisition unit by the setting unit;
A channel list setting method comprising:

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