JP2010010888A - Digital broadcast receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital broadcast receiver which performs EPG (Electronic Program Guide) display which is intuitive and easy to understand the program content without increasing the processing load of a CPU, or reduces the processing load of the CPU at a time of receiving data broadcast. <P>SOLUTION: A video image obtained by receiving and demodulating low hierarchy broadcasting like one-segment broadcast is displayed in a selected program column of the EPG display. Moreover, when a window area of the video display is comparatively small at a time of receiving data broadcast, a low hierarchy video image is displayed instead of a high hierarchy video image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, and more particularly to an improvement of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus having an electronic program display function.

In recent years, terrestrial digital broadcasting services have been started and many programs can be enjoyed with high-definition high-definition. In addition, along with digitization, satellite broadcasting and cable television services have also been enhanced so that a large number of broadcasting channels can be viewed.
In domestic digital television broadcasting (ISDB-T), the frequency band of 470 MHz to 770 MHz of the UHF band is divided into 50 channels (channels) of ch13 to ch62, and each channel of 6 MHz is further divided into 13 segments. It has become. Of these, 12 segments are used for high-definition broadcasting, and 1 segment is used for television broadcasting for mobile terminal receivers such as mobile phones. Currently, 1Seg broadcasting is the same program as terrestrial digital broadcasting. Are broadcast simultaneously (simultaneous broadcasting).
On the other hand, in response to these situations, electronic program guide (EPG) information is transmitted through various means so that the viewer can know what kind of content is broadcast when. Provided to viewers.
As a general EPG display, as shown in FIG. 4, the radio station and television program table (commonly called “Late column”) displays a matrix system in which broadcast stations and times are arranged vertically and horizontally. It is known that a viewer can operate a remote controller (remote controller) to select an arbitrary program column to make a recording reservation and confirm detailed contents.

Furthermore, conventionally, various ideas have been made to make the EPG easy to use for the viewer. For example, when performing EPG display over an image being viewed, the EPG display is made translucent, or only the character portion is displayed to make the background transparent, or the EPG display window is made smaller, so that the broadcast being received is reduced. There are known devices that minimize the area that hinders viewing of images. Patent Document 1 proposes an EPG display position that can be moved to an arbitrary position on the screen by the operation of the viewer when EPG display is performed together with the currently viewed image. Further, Patent Document 2 includes a means for automatically adjusting the EPG display position in accordance with the type of aspect ratio (aspect ratio) of the image receiving screen (monitor screen), thereby enabling viewing of the video being received. There is a proposal that does not interfere with this.
In digital broadcasting, data broadcasting is provided so that a large amount of information can be transmitted in addition to video. Further, in cable television broadcasting, etc., the function of transmitting information from the viewer side to the broadcasting station is also provided. Two-way communication with is performed. In data broadcasting, a TV video display window is provided at the center of the display screen, and characters and symbols are displayed at the bottom and sides of the window, and the text display is displayed as subtitles and pictures as a telop (Television Opaque Projector). It is common to display the flow.
JP 2004-282563 A JP 2001-157136 A

However, since the above-described conventional digital broadcast receiving apparatus having an EPG display function is a guide by characters and symbols as shown in FIG. 4, there is a drawback that it is difficult to read the contents of a program on a small window screen. In particular, when a large number of program columns are displayed by the above-described matrix-type EPG display, the display area of one program column is small, so it is extremely difficult to intuitively understand the program contents.
At the same time, the process of displaying an EPG image while receiving and demodulating a broadcast that is being viewed increases the processing amount of the CPU and requires a CPU with a considerable processing capability, leading to an increase in the cost of the apparatus. become. Such an increase in the processing load on the CPU is the same in data broadcasting, and when processing for synthesizing reception and demodulation of television broadcasting and an EPG display screen, further information transmission processing from a viewer, etc. are added, Furthermore, a high CPU processing capability is required.
Moreover, since the current consumption increases as the processing amount of the CPU increases, not only a larger CPU heat dissipation function is required, but also the battery usage time is shortened in the case of a portable device.
The present invention has been made in view of various circumstances relating to such a digital receiver having a conventional EPG function, and provides an EPG display that makes it easy to understand program contents intuitively while reducing the processing load on the CPU. It is another object of the present invention to provide a digital broadcast receiving apparatus that can enable and reduce the processing load on the CPU in the data broadcast receiving process.

In order to solve such a problem, the present invention provides a digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, which displays a broadcast program table in a digital broadcast receiving apparatus that receives and demodulates a digital broadcast and displays the video. EPG display means, means for selecting a program column of the broadcast program table displayed by the EPG display means, means for receiving and demodulating the broadcast described in the selected program column, and selecting and receiving the received demodulated video as described above And a means for displaying in the program column.
A digital broadcast receiver according to a second aspect of the present invention is the digital broadcast receiver according to the first aspect, wherein the digital broadcast simultaneously broadcasts a high-level image signal and a low-level image signal, and is selected. The image displayed in the program column is a demodulated low-level image signal.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the digital broadcast receiver according to the first or second aspect, the ratio of the area of the selected program column to the total area of the display screen of the video display means is further detected. And a means for displaying a low-level image when the ratio of the detected area is smaller than a preset threshold value.
A digital broadcast receiver according to claim 4 is a digital broadcast receiver for receiving a data broadcast and a broadcast including the same video signal including both a high layer image signal and a low layer image signal. Means for receiving and demodulating a signal, means for receiving and demodulating a low-level image signal, means for receiving and demodulating a data broadcast, video display means for displaying the received and demodulated video, and displaying a video obtained by receiving and demodulating the data broadcast Means for detecting the ratio of the window area to the area of the entire display screen of the video display means, and means for displaying a low-level image in the window when the ratio of the detected window area is smaller than a preset threshold value. It is characterized by that.

As described above, when the EPG display is performed, the present invention is configured to display the video obtained by receiving and demodulating the corresponding broadcast in the program column selected by the viewer. It becomes easier to intuitively understand the broadcast content compared to displaying the program content with characters and symbols. Further, if the video to be displayed is a video or image obtained by receiving and demodulating a low-level image signal such as one segment, the processing load on the CPU that controls the receiving apparatus is greatly reduced.
In addition, when a data broadcast is received, if the window area for displaying the video is relatively small, the processing load on the CPU can be reduced by using the video obtained by receiving and demodulating the low-level image signal. is there. As described above, in the present invention, a digital broadcast receiving apparatus that enables EPG display that allows the program contents to be intuitively understood while reducing the processing load on the CPU, and that reduces the processing load on the CPU in the data broadcast receiving process. It can be provided, and secondary effects such as reduction in power consumption and reduction in the amount of heat generated by the CPU can be obtained.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. However, the components, types, combinations, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like described in this embodiment are merely illustrative examples and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only unless otherwise specified. . In addition, the same parts and the same matters as those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals and numbers, and redundant description is omitted.
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention. The configuration shown in this example includes an antenna 1, a front end unit 2 that amplifies a high-frequency signal captured by the antenna 1 to a required level, converts the signal into an intermediate signal, and a demodulator that demodulates an encoded signal such as OFDM Unit 3, a full-segment decoder 4 that extracts a 12-segment (full-segment) signal including a high-level image signal from the demodulated signal, a one-segment decoder 5 that similarly extracts a one-segment signal including a low-level image signal from the demodulated signal, and An image synthesizing unit 6 that synthesizes a high-level image signal and a low-level image signal as necessary, a data broadcast processing unit 7 that processes at least a data broadcast signal included in a full-segment signal at the time of data broadcast reception, The display unit 8 for displaying images and videos based on the output signals of the image synthesis unit 6 and the data broadcast processing unit 7, and the processing of the entire apparatus And a CPU9 to Batch.
Although not shown, various memories (ROM, RAM) necessary for processing are added to the CPU 9, and a program and data for displaying an EPG are recorded in some cases. In addition, when data necessary for EPG display is transmitted superimposed on a television broadcast signal, the latest program information can be displayed by receiving and demodulating them. In this embodiment, each functional block is illustrated as an individual configuration. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and various configurations are possible. For example, a configuration using minimum hardware such as an antenna and an oscillator, a high-performance CPU, a memory device, and software radio technology configured by a program for controlling them is possible.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a screen for displaying an EPG while receiving a terrestrial digital broadcast by the digital broadcast receiving apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. In this example, the same matrix display program table as the conventional one is displayed on the display device, and the viewer operates the remote controller or the like (not shown) to broadcast NHK from AM10 (10:00 am) to AM11. A state in which a general broadcast program is selected is shown. The present invention is characterized in that a program broadcast at that time is received and demodulated in a program column selected by the viewer, and an image obtained thereby is displayed in the selected program column. Furthermore, in this example, instead of full-segment broadcast video, video obtained by reception and demodulation of one-segment broadcast is displayed. As described above, if one-segment broadcasting images are used, the processing amount of the CPU for controlling the apparatus is greatly reduced because the processing amount is significantly reduced as compared with the reception processing of full-segment broadcasting.
Moreover, as is clear from FIG. 2, since the area of the EPG program column is relatively small, even if the resolution of the image is low as in one-segment broadcasting, the roughness of the viewer is rarely concerned. In this example, the video obtained by receiving and demodulating the one-segment broadcasting as the video to be displayed in the program column is used. However, if the display screen of the receiving device is a large screen, the area of the program column is relatively large, In the one-segment broadcasting screen, when the roughness of the image due to a decrease in resolution is a concern, the one-segment broadcasting screen may be switched to the received demodulated video of full-segment broadcasting. These switching operations can be configured so that the viewer can switch by a remote controller or an operation button of the receiving device.

It is also possible to configure the switching to be performed automatically. For example, when the ratio (ratio) between the area of the program column selected by the viewer and the area of the entire display screen of the receiving device is detected and the ratio is larger than a preset threshold (the area of the program column is displayed) If it is much smaller than the entire screen), the image to be displayed may be configured to be switched to a smaller processing amount like one-segment broadcasting. It is also possible to set values of several steps as those threshold values and change them according to the viewer's preference.
Such switching is not limited to the example of full-segment broadcasting and one-segment broadcasting, but can be applied when high-layer image signals and low-layer image signals are simultaneously broadcast as simultaneous broadcasts. Needless to say, the present invention is applicable not only to terrestrial digital broadcasting but also to satellite broadcasting and other broadcasting.

FIG. 3 is an EPG display diagram showing a modified embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the video broadcast at that time is displayed in the program column selected by the viewer in the same manner as in the above embodiment, but the selected program column is enlarged by pop-up processing. The point to display is characteristic. In order to clarify which broadcast station has been selected, the corresponding broadcast station display (“NHK general” in FIG. 3) is emphasized by displaying bold characters, colors, or blinking that are different from the others. It could be easy to understand. Similar highlighting can be performed for the time zone display of the program guide.
In the embodiment described above, the case where the video of the one-segment broadcasting of the broadcast channel (ch) selected at that time is displayed in the program column is shown. However, if means for receiving and demodulating a plurality of one-segment broadcasting channels simultaneously is provided. Each channel video can be displayed in a plurality of program selection fields. In the case of a low-level image signal such as one-segment broadcasting, even if simultaneous processing is performed for a plurality of channels, the processing load on the CPU will not increase extremely.

The following method is also conceivable as means for displaying video and images in a plurality of program columns without greatly increasing the burden on the CPU. That is, one program is selected and the broadcast at that time is displayed as a one-segment image in the corresponding program column, and one screen of the video is stored in the memory device as a still image or a moving image of a short period. When a new program column is selected, the broadcast of the new channel (program) is received and demodulated, and a moving image is displayed in the corresponding program column, but the recorded still image is displayed in the previous program column. Or, a moving image of a short period is repeatedly displayed. By sequentially performing this operation, it is possible to grasp the contents of the program being broadcast for a plurality of desired programs as images or videos. Thus, if each of a plurality of programs can be displayed as an image, it will be useful in selecting a program that most closely matches the preference from the plurality of programs.
Furthermore, the means for switching and displaying the high-level image signal and the low-level image signal according to the present invention is not limited to the EPG display, but can also be used in the data broadcast reception display. That is, as described above, in digital broadcasting, data broadcasting is provided for the purpose of transmitting a lot of information other than video. For example, a cable television broadcasting service or the like has a function of transmitting information from the viewer side to the broadcast provider side via a public communication line or the Internet, and realizes two-way communication.

In data broadcasting, for example, a TV image display window is provided in the center of the display screen, and characters and symbols are displayed at the bottom and sides thereof. The character display is displayed as a caption (Telop: Television Opaque Projector). It is common to display a picture. That is, when switching to data broadcasting, high-definition broadcasting video is displayed in a relatively small area window in order to secure a space for displaying information such as characters. Therefore, in the present invention, when the area of the video display window in the data broadcast is small, it is configured to switch to the video obtained by receiving and demodulating the one-segment broadcast as an image to be displayed there.
That is, digital broadcasting reception capable of receiving data broadcasting, full-segment broadcasting that is a high-level image signal, and broadcasts that simultaneously transmit the same video signal as a low-level image signal, such as one-segment broadcasting, as in terrestrial digital broadcasting The apparatus includes means for detecting a ratio of the area of the video display window at the time of data broadcast reception with respect to the area of the entire display screen, and when the ratio of the detected window area is smaller than a preset threshold, a low-level image is displayed in the window. To display.

The ratio of the area of the video display window to the area of the entire display device is detected in this way because the roughness is conspicuous when a low-level image is displayed in a window having a relatively large area. However, it is also possible to provide a changeover switch so that the viewer can switch to the lower layer image according to the will of the viewer. It is also possible to configure so that the threshold value for automatic switching can be set according to the viewer's preference. As the window area determination means, in addition to detecting the ratio between the area of the entire display device and the area of the window, it is also possible to directly detect the area and size of the window. Since it is possible to switch to a lower hierarchy image when the threshold value is lower than the threshold value compared with a preset threshold value, any one may be selected as appropriate.
In this way, if the video obtained by receiving and demodulating the low-level image broadcast according to the size of the video display window in the data broadcast reception is displayed, the processing load on the CPU is reduced. It can be used for other processing related to broadcasting.

In addition, in order to reduce the processing load of the CPU, if the image reproduction processing of the main broadcast can be omitted for the portion hidden by the EPG display (except for the case of semi-transparency), the processing load of the CPU can be further reduced. Is possible. Also, if all the processing for video playback is stopped and only the audio is demodulated, the processing load on the CPU can be further greatly reduced, so the video processing is stopped as needed and other processing is performed. The CPU's ability can also be used.
The present invention can be variously modified without being limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the present invention can be applied to any case where a high-level image signal and a low-level image signal are similarly available, not limited to television broadcasting and wireless broadcasting. In addition, there are not only two low-level and high-level images, but when video and image signals with different levels are obtained for three or more, the video signals and image signals of those levels are switched and displayed as appropriate. By doing so, it is also possible to obtain the processing reduction effect of CPU.
As an example of three or more layers, although actual broadcasting has recently decreased, in terrestrial digital broadcasting, 4 segment broadcasting, which is an intermediate layer between full segment broadcasting and one segment broadcasting, is set as general broadcasting. Switching between full-segment (12-segment broadcasting) and 4-segment broadcasting and switching between 4-segment broadcasting (general broadcasting) and one-segment broadcasting are also conceivable.
Note that the above-mentioned Patent Document 2 discloses means relating to EPG display. Therefore, when implementing the present invention, they can be referred to or used together, and the digital broadcast reception of the present invention described above can be used. If various control methods related to the apparatus are programmed based on an OS that can be controlled by the computer, the computer can be controlled by the same processing method. In recent years, most electronic devices having an image display function use a digital processing circuit such as a computer or a DSP. Therefore, if the method of the present invention is stored in a memory as a program or data, these functions are all integrated. This makes it possible to implement the present invention.

The block diagram which shows one Example of the digital receiver of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the EPG display screen in the digital receiver of this invention. The figure which shows the other example of the EPG display screen in the digital receiver of this invention. The figure which shows the example of the EPG display screen in the conventional digital receiver.

Explanation of symbols

1 antenna, 2 front end section, 3 demodulating section, 4 12-segment (full-segment) recorder, 5 one-segment (1-segment) decoder, 6 running synthesis section, 7 data broadcast processing section, 8 display section

Claims (4)

  In a digital broadcast receiving apparatus for receiving and demodulating a digital broadcast and displaying the video, an EPG display means for displaying a broadcast program guide, a means for selecting a program column of the broadcast program guide displayed by the EPG display means, and this selection A digital broadcast receiving apparatus comprising: means for receiving and demodulating the broadcast described in the program column; and means for displaying the received and demodulated video in the selected program column.   The digital broadcasting broadcasts a high layer image signal and a low layer image signal simultaneously, and the image displayed in the selected program column is a demodulated signal received from a low layer image signal. The digital broadcast receiver according to claim 1.   3. The digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for detecting the ratio of the area of the selected program column to the total area of the display screen of the video display means; and a threshold value for which the ratio of the detected area is set in advance. A digital broadcast receiving apparatus comprising means for displaying a low-level image when the image size is smaller.   In a digital broadcast receiving apparatus for receiving data broadcasting and broadcasting including the same video signal including both a high-level image signal and a low-level image signal, means for receiving and demodulating the high-level image signal, and the low-level image signal Means for receiving and demodulating, means for receiving and demodulating the data broadcast, video display means for displaying the received and demodulated video, and the area of the window for displaying the video received and demodulated for the data broadcast is the entire display screen of the video display means A digital broadcast receiving apparatus comprising: means for detecting a ratio to the area; and means for displaying a low-level image in a window when the ratio of the detected window area is smaller than a preset threshold.

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