JP2010011231A - Guide notification device of television program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem wherein, since program information is notified to a user regardless of a channel or a program being currently viewed by the user in a conventional technique, the content of the notified information may be identical to the program being viewed, and the notification is an eyesore to the user. <P>SOLUTION: This invention provides an AV device characterized in that channel information included in notification information obtainable from the outside is compared with channel information being broadcast in the television, and notification information is output in accordance with the result thereof. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology for providing information to a viewer according to notification information acquired from the outside.

At present, an index called audience rating is mainly used as a means for examining the popularity of programs broadcast on television. The audience rating is an estimated value that represents what percentage of the public watched. That is, it can be estimated that a program with a higher audience rating is attracting public interest. However, the audience rating is often informed to the viewer via the media after the broadcast ends, and the audience rating cannot be known in real time. For example, there is no function for recommending a channel with a high audience rating. Therefore, the following techniques are provided. First, there is provided a technique relating to a television capable of automatically switching to a channel of a program with a high audience rate described in Patent Document 1 or notifying the channel. Secondly, there is provided a technique for automatically detecting the degree of excitement of a program described in Patent Document 2 and notifying the monitor or recording it on an HDD recorder.
JP-A-2005-347806 JP2007-116567

  However, since the techniques described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 notify the user of the program information regardless of the channel or program that the user is currently viewing, the content of the information being notified is the same as the program being viewed. There is a problem that is noticeable for the user. Furthermore, in recent years, television receivers are used not only for broadcast reception but also as displays for outputting external inputs such as video games and DVD playback. If a broadcast is being received, the user can find a program that the user needs by switching channels between CMs provided in the program, but when playing a game while playing a DVD. There is a problem that there is a high possibility that the user will miss a program that the user needs.

  Accordingly, an AV apparatus is provided that compares channel information included in notification information that can be obtained from the outside with channel information broadcast on a television, and outputs notification information according to the result. Specifically, the following AV apparatus is used.

  In the first invention, a notification information acquisition unit for acquiring notification information including at least a channel ID, a channel selection unit for selecting a channel to be viewed, a content output unit for outputting content, and a channel of the selected channel Channel ID acquisition unit for acquiring ID, channel ID included in notification information acquired by notification information acquisition unit, comparison unit for comparing channel ID acquired by channel ID acquisition unit, and comparison by comparison unit Viewer notification information acquisition unit for acquiring viewer notification information to be notified to the viewer according to the result, and output control for outputting the viewer notification information from the content output unit simultaneously with the content being output And an AV apparatus having a unit.

  In the second invention, on the basis of the first invention, the output control unit outputs the viewer notification information from the content output unit simultaneously with the content when the comparison result in the comparison unit is the same as the comparison result. Provided is an AV apparatus having a non-display control means for performing control that does not occur.

  In the third invention, the notification information acquisition unit for acquiring the notification information, the mode information acquisition unit for acquiring the mode information of the selected content output unit, the content output unit for outputting the content, the notification information and the mode information A viewer notification information acquisition unit that acquires viewer notification information to be notified to the viewer, and an output control unit that outputs the viewer notification information from the content output unit simultaneously with the content being output; Are provided.

  In the fourth invention, the channel selection unit for selecting at least a channel to be viewed based on the third invention, the channel ID acquisition unit for acquiring the channel ID of the selected channel, and the notification information acquisition unit A comparison unit that compares the channel ID included in the notification information with the channel ID acquired by the channel ID acquisition unit, and the viewer notification information acquisition unit includes: In this case, an AV apparatus is provided that includes channel mode viewer notification information acquisition means for acquiring viewer notification information to be notified to the viewer according to the comparison result in the comparison unit.

  The fifth invention has a television-side generated information holding unit for holding the television-side generated information for generating the viewer notification information corresponding to the comparison result or mode information based on the first, second, and fourth inventions. The viewer notification information acquisition unit acquires the television side generation information from the TV side generation information holding unit according to the comparison result in the comparison unit or the mode information acquired in the mode information acquisition unit, and the viewer notification information An AV apparatus having viewer notice information generating means for generating the viewer is provided.

  In the sixth invention, based on the first, second, and fourth inventions, the viewer notification information is acquired from a plurality of types corresponding to each comparison result so that either the comparison result or the mode information may be any. Viewer notification information external acquisition unit, the viewer notification information acquisition unit is a comparison result in the comparison unit from a plurality of viewer notification information acquired in the viewer notification information external acquisition unit, or Provided is an AV device having viewer notification information selection means for selecting viewer notification information according to mode information acquired by a mode information acquisition unit.

  In the seventh invention, based on the first invention, the viewer notification information acquisition unit acquires NULL data as the viewer notification information corresponding to the comparison result that the comparison result in the comparison unit is the same. Provided is an AV apparatus having a NULL data acquisition means.

  In the eighth invention, the content output unit further includes source device identification means for identifying the source device of the content being output based on the first to seventh inventions, and the viewer notification information acquisition unit further includes the source device. Provided is an AV apparatus having source device-specific acquisition means for acquiring viewer notification information according to identification information.

  According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided an AV system comprising a recording device connected to an AV apparatus and the AV apparatus according to any one of the first, second, fourth to seventh aspects, wherein the AV apparatus is connected to the comparison unit. A recording command output unit that outputs a recording command for recording a channel identified by the channel ID acquired by the notification information acquisition unit to the recording device when the comparison result indicates that the comparison results are different; An AV system including an AV device is provided.

  According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided an AV system comprising a recording device connected to an AV device and the AV device of the eighth aspect, wherein the source device identified by the source device identification unit is other than a television. In the case of a source device, the AV further includes a recording command output unit for each source device that outputs a recording command for recording the channel identified by the channel ID acquired by the notification information acquisition unit to the recording device. An AV system comprising the apparatus is provided.

  In the eleventh invention, a notification information acquisition step for acquiring notification information including at least a channel ID, a channel selection step for selecting a channel to be viewed, a content output step for outputting content, and a channel of the selected channel Channel ID acquisition step for acquiring ID, channel ID included in the notification information acquired by the notification information acquisition unit, comparison step for comparing the channel ID acquired by the channel ID acquisition unit, and comparison by the comparison unit Viewer notification information acquisition step for acquiring viewer notification information to be notified to the viewer according to the result, and output control for outputting the viewer notification information from the content output unit simultaneously with the content being output And an operation method of the AV apparatus comprising the steps.

  In the twelfth invention, based on the eleventh invention, the output control step outputs the notice information for the viewer from the content output unit simultaneously with the content when the comparison result in the comparison unit is the same as the comparison result. Provided is a method of operating an AV apparatus having a non-display control step for performing non-controlling.

  In the thirteenth invention, the notification information acquisition step for acquiring the notification information, the mode information acquisition step for acquiring the mode information of the selected content output step, the content output step for outputting the content, the notification information and the mode information A viewer notification information acquisition step for acquiring viewer notification information to be notified to the viewer in response, and an output control step for outputting the viewer notification information from the content output unit simultaneously with the content being output; An operation method of an AV apparatus having the above is provided.

  In the fourteenth invention, the channel selection step for selecting at least the channel to be viewed based on the thirteenth invention, the channel ID acquisition step for acquiring the channel ID of the selected channel, and the notification information acquisition step A comparison step of comparing the channel ID included in the notification information with the channel ID acquired in the channel ID acquisition step. The viewer notification information acquisition step includes: In this case, there is provided an AV apparatus operating method including a channel mode viewer notification information acquisition step of acquiring viewer notification information to be notified to a viewer according to the comparison result in the comparison step.

  In the fifteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a TV-side generated information holding step for holding TV-side generated information for generating the viewer-side notice information corresponding to the comparison result on the basis of the eleventh aspect of the invention. Provides an operation method of an AV apparatus having a viewer notification information generation step of generating TV notification information from the TV generation information holding unit according to the comparison result in the comparison unit and generating viewer notification information To do.

  In the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the viewer notification information is externally acquired based on the eleventh aspect of the invention, so that the comparison result can be obtained from a plurality of types corresponding to each comparison result. The viewer notification information acquisition step selects the viewer notification information according to the comparison result in the comparison step from the plurality of viewer notification information acquired in the viewer notification information external acquisition step. A method for operating an AV apparatus having a viewer notification information selection step is provided.

  In the seventeenth invention, on the basis of the eleventh invention, the viewer notification information acquisition step acquires NULL data as the viewer notification information corresponding to the comparison result that the comparison result in the comparison step is the same. An operation method of an AV apparatus having a NULL data acquisition step is provided.

  In an eighteenth aspect of the invention, the content output step further includes a source device identification step for identifying the source device of the content being output based on the eleventh to seventeenth aspects, and the viewer notification information acquisition step further comprises the source device. Provided is an AV device operation method including an acquisition step for each source device that acquires viewer notification information according to identification information.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a system comprising a recording device connected to an AV apparatus and an AV apparatus, which is based on any one of the eleventh, twelfth, fourteenth to seventeenth aspects of the invention, The operation method of the AV apparatus records the channel identified by the channel ID acquired in the notification information acquisition step for the recording device when the comparison result indicates that the comparison result in the comparison step is different. An AV apparatus operating method having a recording command output step for outputting a recording command, and an AV system operating method comprising:

  According to a twentieth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operating a system comprising a recording device connected to an AV apparatus and the AV apparatus, which is based on the operation method of the eighteenth aspect of the invention, and the operation method of the AV apparatus comprises source device identification. If the source device identified in the step is a source device other than a television, the source device outputs a recording command for recording the channel identified by the channel ID acquired in the notification information acquisition step to the recording device. Provided is an AV system operation method comprising an AV device operation method newly having a separate recording command output step.

  As described above, it is possible to make a program announcement corresponding to the channel that the user is viewing based on the channel information included in the notification information received according to the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be carried out in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention.

  The first embodiment mainly includes claims 1 and 11, the second embodiment mainly includes claims 2 and 12, the third embodiment mainly includes claims 3 and 13, and the fourth embodiment mainly claims 4. , 14, embodiment 5 mainly claims 5 and 15, embodiment 6 mainly claims 6 and 16, embodiment 7 mainly claims 7 and 17, and embodiment 8 claims 8. , 18, Example 9 explains Claims 9 and 19, and Example 10 explained Claims 10 and 20.

  Example 1

    <Overview>

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conceptual diagram of the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. The AV apparatus according to the present embodiment compares the channel ID included in the notification information notified from the outside with the channel ID for which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected, acquires the viewer notification information according to the comparison result, and acquires the AV apparatus. The AV apparatus is characterized in that the notification information for viewers obtained is output on a screen on which content is output.

    <Functional configuration>

  The functional blocks of the AV system described below can be realized as hardware, software, or both hardware and software. Specifically, if a computer is used, a CPU, a main memory, a bus or a secondary storage device (a hard disk or a non-volatile memory), a driver program for controlling those hardware, and other application programs are included. can give.

  In addition, these hardware and software process the program developed on the main memory with the CPU, process and store data stored on the memory and hard disk, data input via the interface, etc. This is used for output processing or for controlling each hardware component. The present invention can be realized not only as an apparatus but also as a method. A part of the invention can be configured as software. Furthermore, a software product used for causing a computer to execute such software and a recording medium on which the product is fixed are naturally included in the technical scope of the present invention. (Same throughout this specification)

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration in the “AV apparatus” of the present embodiment. The “AV device” of this embodiment includes a “notification information acquisition unit” (0201), a “channel selection unit” (0206), a “content output unit” (0205), and a “channel ID acquisition unit” (0207). And “comparison unit” (0202), “notification information acquisition unit for viewer” (0203), and “output control unit” (0204).

  The “notification information acquisition unit” (0201) has a function of acquiring notification information including at least a channel ID. Specifically, notification information including at least a channel ID is received from the outside, and a channel ID included in the received notification information is acquired. Here, when receiving the notification information, the notification information may be received by wire or may be received wirelessly.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the data structure of the notification information that is actually received. As shown in FIG. 3, the notification information is described in the XML format. The notification information in this example is information including at least data in which “channel ID” is associated with “notification channel information”. (For example, “channel ID” = “6” is associated with “notification channel information”.) As a result, the name of a broadcasting station such as “channel ID” = “XX TV”, etc. Any means that can be uniquely associated with any channel is not limited.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a program for actually acquiring the channel ID from the notification information shown in FIG. 3, for example. The program example shown in FIG. 4 is described so as to operate as follows. First, it is detected that the notification information has been received (Line 30 in FIG. 4). When the notification information is received, the channel ID included in the notification information is acquired (Line 50 in FIG. 4). Then, the acquired channel ID is transferred to a “comparator” described in detail below (Line 60 in FIG. 4).

  The “channel selection unit” (0206) has a function of selecting a channel for selecting a channel to be viewed. Specifically, the channel information selected for viewing by the user using the AV apparatus of the present embodiment is received, and the content of the channel selected by the user is output to the “content output unit” (0205) described in detail later. .

  The “content output unit” (0205) has a function of outputting content. Specifically, the channel selected by the “channel selection unit” (0206) is output, or the content received by external input or the like is output. Moreover, while outputting a content according to a request | requirement, you may have the function to divide the content screen currently output and to output a message simultaneously while popping up a message.

  The “channel ID acquisition unit” (0207) has a function of acquiring the channel ID of the selected channel. Specifically, the channel ID of the channel selected by the user or the like in the “channel selection unit” (0206) and output to the “content output unit” (0205) is acquired.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a program for acquiring the channel ID of the channel actually selected by the AV apparatus. The program example shown in FIG. 5 is described to operate as follows. First, it is detected that the notification information has been received (Line 30 in FIG. 5). When the notification information is received, the channel ID currently selected by the channel of the AV apparatus is acquired (Line 50 in FIG. 5). Then, the obtained channel ID is transferred to a “comparator” described in detail below (Line 60 in FIG. 5).

  The “comparison unit” (0202) has a function of comparing the channel ID included in the notification information acquired by the notification information acquisition unit with the channel ID acquired by the channel ID acquisition unit. Specifically, the channel IDs delivered from the “notification information acquisition unit” (0201) and the “channel ID acquisition unit” (0207) are compared. Then, when the comparison is made, the comparison result is delivered to the “notification information acquisition unit for viewers” (0203) described in detail later.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a program that compares channel IDs actually received from the notification information acquisition unit and the channel ID acquisition unit and delivers the comparison result to the “notification information acquisition unit for viewers” (0203). The program shown in FIG. 6 is described to operate as follows. First, it is detected that the channel ID is received from the notification information acquisition unit and the channel ID acquisition unit (Line 40 in FIG. 6). When the channel ID is received, the channel IDs are compared (Line 70 in FIG. 6). When the comparison is made, the comparison result is acquired (FIG. 6, Lines 80 and 100). When the comparison result is acquired, the comparison result is delivered to the “notification information acquisition unit for viewers” (0203) described in detail below.

  The “viewer notification information acquisition unit” (0203) has a function of acquiring viewer notification information to be notified to the viewer according to the comparison result in the comparison unit. Specifically, first, a comparison result is received from the “comparison unit” (0202). When the comparison result is received, information for notifying the viewer according to the received comparison result is acquired. When the information for notification is acquired, the acquired information is delivered to an “output control unit” (0204) described in detail later. Here, as will be described in detail in a later embodiment, the information for notifying the viewer may be stored in advance in the AV device, or may include information to be notified in the notification information received from the outside. It is good also as acquiring from notification information each time.

  FIG. 7A shows an example of a program that actually receives the comparison result and delivers information for notifying the viewer based on the comparison result to the output control unit. FIG. 7B shows an example of data in which information to be notified is associated with the comparison result. This data may be stored in advance in the AV device as described above, or may be acquired each time by being included in the notification information. In this example, it is assumed that notification information is held in the AV device in advance.

  The outline of the operation of an example of the program shown in FIG. First, it is detected that the comparison result has been received (FIG. 7A, Line 40). When the comparison result is received, the notification information for the viewer corresponding to the comparison result is acquired (for example, when the comparison result = 1 (when the channel ID is different), from the data shown in FIG. , Channel "RCV_CHANEL_ID" is getting more attention "). (FIG. 7 (a) Line 60). Then, the obtained notification information for the viewer is transferred to an “output control unit” which will be described in detail below (FIG. 7 (a) Line 70).

  The “output control unit” (0204) has a function of outputting the notification information for the viewer from the content output unit simultaneously with the content being output. Specifically, the viewer notification information, which is the information to be notified acquired in the “viewer notification information acquisition unit” (0203), is the content being output in the “content output unit” (0205). Output simultaneously. (For example, when receiving the information that “attention level of the channel“ RCV_CHANEL_ID ”is currently increasing” from the “notification information acquisition unit for viewers”, the content output unit outputs the received information.)

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a program for actually receiving the viewer notification information and causing the content output unit to output the viewer notification information. The program shown in FIG. 8 is described to operate as follows. First, it is detected that the viewer notification information is received from the viewer notification information acquisition unit (Line 30 in FIG. 8). When the viewer notification information is received, the received viewer notification information is output (Line 60 in FIG. 8).

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. The operation of each hardware component in the AV apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to this figure.

  As shown in this figure, the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a “CPU” (0701) that performs various arithmetic processes and controls, and a “main memory” (0702). The AV device also stores a “storage device” (0703) for storing channels that can be selected, a “screen” (0705) for outputting content, and an “I / I” for receiving notification information. O "(0704) is also provided. These are connected to each other via a data communication path such as a “system bus”, and perform transmission / reception and processing of information.

  Here, it is assumed that notification information including a channel ID is received via “I / O” (0704). When the reception of the notification information is detected, the AV apparatus calls the “notification information acquisition program” (0706) and the “channel ID acquisition program” (0707) developed in the work area of the “main memory” (0702). The called “notification information acquisition program” (0706) and “channel ID acquisition program” (0707) operate as follows. First, the “notification information acquisition program” (0706) acquires the channel ID from the notification information received by the “I / O” (0704), and delivers it to the “channel ID comparison program” (0708). Next, the “channel ID acquisition program” (0707) acquires the channel ID in which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected, and passes it to the “channel ID comparison program” (0708).

  The “channel ID comparison program” (0708) receives the channel IDs from the “notification information acquisition program” (0706) and the “channel ID acquisition program” (0707), and compares the channel IDs of the two. Then, the comparison result is delivered to the “notification information acquisition program” (0709).

  When the “notification information acquisition program” (0709) receives the comparison result from the “channel ID comparison program” (0707), the notification information acquisition program for the viewer corresponding to the comparison result is acquired. Then, the acquired notification information for the viewer is transferred to the “output control program” (0710), and the notification information for the viewer is output from the “screen” (0705).

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow from reception of notification information to output of viewer notification information in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. The steps shown below may be processing steps that are recorded on a medium and constitute a program for controlling the computer.

  First, it is assumed that the AV apparatus receives notification information (S1001). When the notification information is received, the channel ID is acquired from the notification information (S1002). Further, the channel ID for which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected is acquired (the channel being viewed is acquired) (S1003). Here, steps (S1002) and (S1003) are described as a parallel process, but may be a sequence process. When the channel ID is acquired, the channel IDs are compared (S1004). When the channel IDs are compared, the viewer notification information corresponding to the comparison result is acquired (S1005). When the viewer notification information is acquired, the viewer notification information is output (S1006).

  Here, the viewer notification information, which will be described in detail in a later embodiment, may be stored in advance in the AV device, or by including information to be notified in the notification information received from outside, It is good also as acquiring from notification information each time.

  <Brief description of effect>

  When the channel ID included in the notification information and the channel of the AV device are the same as the selected channel, the AV device of this embodiment can output different notice information for the viewers in different cases.

    << Example 2 >>

    <Overview>

  This embodiment is based on the configuration of the first embodiment, and AV notification information is not output when the channel ID included in the notification information received by the AV apparatus is equal to the channel ID being viewed. Device.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the present embodiment is characterized in that, based on the first embodiment, the “output control unit” (1104) newly has “non-display control means” (1108).

  Here, detailed description of the configuration described in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only characteristic portions in the present embodiment will be described.

  “Non-display control means” (1108) is a function for performing control so that viewer notification information is not output from the content output unit simultaneously with the content when the comparison result in the comparison unit is the same. Have Specifically, if the comparison results in the comparison unit are equal, even if the viewer notification information is received from the “viewer notification information acquisition unit” (1103), the “content output unit” (1105) prevents the viewer notification information from being output.

  FIG. 12 shows that the viewer notification information is actually received, and when the comparison results are different, the content output unit outputs the viewer notification information, and when the comparison results are equal, the viewer notification information is not output. An example of a program is shown. The program shown in FIG. 12 is described to operate as follows. First, it is detected that the viewer notification information is received from the viewer notification information acquisition unit (Line 30 in FIG. 12). When the viewer notification information is received, the comparison result is referred to. When the comparison result is equal, the program is terminated (Line 60 in FIG. 12). When the comparison results are different, the viewer notification information is output (Line 80 in FIG. 12).

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. The processing of this embodiment will be described using this figure. As shown in this figure, the AV apparatus of the present embodiment has a “CPU” (1301), a “main memory” (1302), and a “storage device” (1303) that perform various arithmetic processes and controls as in the first embodiment. “I / O” (1304) and the like.

  Here, it is assumed that notification information including a channel ID is received via “I / O” (1304). When the reception of the notification information is detected, the AV apparatus calls the “notification information acquisition program” (1306) and the “channel ID acquisition program” (1307) developed in the work area of the “main memory” (1302). The called “notification information acquisition program” (1306) and “channel ID acquisition program” (1307) operate as follows. First, the “notification information acquisition program” (1306) acquires the channel ID from the notification information received by the “I / O” (1304) and passes it to the “channel ID comparison program” (1308). Next, the “channel ID acquisition program” (1307) acquires the channel ID for which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected, and passes it to the “channel ID comparison program” (1308).

  When receiving a channel ID from the “notification information acquisition program” (1306) and the “channel ID acquisition program” (1307), the “channel ID comparison program” (1308) compares the channel IDs of the two. Then, the comparison result is delivered to the “notification information acquisition program” (1309).

  When the “notification information acquisition program” (1309) receives the comparison result from the “channel ID acquisition program” (1307), the notification information acquisition program for the viewer according to the comparison result is acquired. Then, the acquired notification information for the viewer is delivered to the “output control program” (1311).

  When the viewer output information is delivered, the “output control program” (1311) first obtains a comparison result of the “channel ID comparison program” (1308) (here, obtains information that the comparison results are equal). When the comparison result is acquired, the process ends when the acquired comparison result is equal. If the obtained comparison result is different, the delivered viewer notification information is output to the “screen” (1305).

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow from reception of notification information to output of viewer notification information in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. The steps shown below may be processing steps that are recorded on a medium and constitute a program for controlling the computer.

  First, it is assumed that the AV apparatus receives notification information (S1401). When the notification information is received, the channel ID is acquired from the notification information (S1402). Further, the channel ID for which the channel of the AV device is selected is acquired (the channel being viewed is acquired) (S1403). Here, steps (S1402) and (S1403) are described as a parallel process, but may be a sequence process. When the channel ID is acquired, the channel IDs are compared (S1404). When the channel IDs are compared, viewer notification information is acquired according to the comparison result (S1405). When the viewer notification information is acquired, the channel ID comparison is referred to. (S1406) If the comparison result is different, the viewer notification information is output (S1407). If the comparison results are the same, the viewer notification information is not output and the process ends.

  Here, the notice information for the viewer may hold information in the AV apparatus as in the first embodiment, or the notice information for each time by including the notice information in the notice information received from the outside. It is good also as acquiring from.

  <Brief description of effect>

  With the AV apparatus of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the viewer notification information from being displayed when the channel being viewed and the channel ID included in the notification information are the same.

    Example 3

    <Overview>

  The AV apparatus according to the present embodiment acquires the mode information in which the AV apparatus is selected by receiving the notification information. Then, the AV apparatus is characterized in that viewer notification information corresponding to the acquired mode type is acquired and the acquired viewer notification information is output on a screen on which content is output.

    <Functional configuration>

  The functional blocks of the AV system described below can be realized as hardware, software, or both hardware and software. Specifically, if a computer is used, a CPU, a main memory, a bus or a secondary storage device (a hard disk or a non-volatile memory), a driver program for controlling those hardware, and other application programs are included. can give.

  In addition, these hardware and software process the program developed on the main memory with the CPU, process and store data stored on the memory and hard disk, data input via the interface, etc. This is used for output processing or for controlling each hardware component. The present invention can be realized not only as an apparatus but also as a method. A part of the invention can be configured as software. Furthermore, a software product used for causing a computer to execute such software and a recording medium on which the product is fixed are naturally included in the technical scope of the present invention. (Same throughout this specification)

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration in the “AV apparatus” of the present embodiment. The “AV device” of this embodiment includes a “notification information acquisition unit” (1501), a “content output unit” (1505), a “mode information acquisition unit” (1509), and a “notification information identification unit for viewers”. ”(1510) and“ output control unit ”(1504).

  The “notification information acquisition unit” (1501) has a function of acquiring notification information including at least a channel ID. Specifically, notification information including at least a channel ID is received from the outside, and a channel ID included in the received notification information is acquired. Here, when receiving the notification information, the notification information may be received by wire or may be received wirelessly. The notification information is information indicating the channel mode rather than the channel ID indicating a specific channel in order to prompt the viewer notification information to be switched to the channel mode or when there is urgent news or the like. Also good. Note that this configuration requirement has the same function as the “notification information acquisition unit” described in the first embodiment.

  The “content output unit” (1505) has a function of outputting content. Specifically, the selected channel is output or the content received by external input or the like is output. In addition, while outputting content in response to a request, it is possible to output a message by simultaneously popping up a message or the like, or dividing a content screen being output. Note that this configuration requirement has the same function as the “content output unit” described in the first embodiment.

  The “mode information acquisition unit” (1509) has a function of acquiring mode information of the selected content output unit. Specifically, the “content output unit” (1505) acquires the mode information of the AV apparatus selected to output the content being output.

  FIG. 16 is an example of a program for acquiring mode information of the content output unit that is actually selected. The program described in FIG. 16 is described to operate as follows. First, the notification information acquisition unit detects that the notification information has been received (Line 30 in FIG. 16). When it is detected that the notification information has been received, mode information is acquired (Line 50 in FIG. 16). When the mode information is acquired, the mode information is handed over to the viewer notification information acquisition unit (Line 60 in FIG. 16).

  The “viewer notification information acquisition unit” (1510) has a function of acquiring viewer notification information to be notified to the viewer according to the notification information and the mode information. Specifically, the mode information acquired by the “mode information acquisition unit” (1509) and the notification information received by the “notification information acquisition unit” are received, and the viewer notification information according to the received mode information To get. And the notification information for viewers acquired to the "output control part" (1504) explained in full detail later is handed over.

  FIG. 17A shows an example of a program that actually receives mode information and delivers viewer notification information corresponding to the mode information to the output control unit. FIG. 17B shows an example of data in which information to be notified is associated with mode information. This data may be stored in advance in the AV device as described above, or may be acquired each time by being included in the notification information. In this example, it is assumed that it is held in the AV device in advance.

  The outline of the operation of an example of the program shown in FIG. First, it is detected that mode information has been received (FIG. 17A, Line 40). When the mode information is received, the viewer notification information corresponding to the mode information is acquired (for example, when the mode information = “external input mode”, the “external input mode” is determined from the data shown in FIG. 17B). The content is being watched, but the channel “RCV_CHANEL_ID” is now gaining attention ”) (FIG. 17 (a) Line 60). Then, the obtained notification information for the viewer is transferred to an “output control unit” which will be described in detail below (FIG. 17 (a) Line 70).

  The “output control unit” (1504) has a function of outputting the viewer notification information from the content output unit simultaneously with the content being output. Specifically, the notification information for viewers, which is the information to be notified acquired in the “viewer notification information acquisition unit” (1510), and the content being output in the “content output unit” (1505) Output simultaneously. Note that this configuration requirement has the same function as the “output control unit” described in the first embodiment.

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. The operation of each hardware component in the AV apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to this figure.

  As shown in this figure, the AV apparatus of this embodiment includes a “CPU” (1801) for performing various arithmetic processes and controls, and a “main memory” (1802). The AV device also stores a “storage device” (1803) for storing notification information, a “screen” (1805) for outputting content, and an “I / O” (1804) for receiving notification information. And so on. These are connected to each other through a data communication path such as a “system bus” to transmit / receive information and process information.

  Here, it is assumed that notification information including a channel ID is received via “I / O” (1804). When the reception of the notification information is detected, the AV apparatus calls a “notification information acquisition program” (1806) and a “mode information acquisition program” (1812) developed in the work area of the “main memory” (1802). The called “notification information acquisition program” (1806) and “mode information acquisition program” (1812) operate as follows. First, the “notification information acquisition program” (1806) acquires the channel ID from the notification information received by the “I / O” (1804). Next, the “mode information acquisition program” (1812) acquires the mode information of the AV apparatus selected to output the content being output to the “screen” (1805). Then, the acquired mode information is delivered to the “notification information acquisition program” (1813).

  Upon receiving the mode information from the “mode information acquisition program” (1812), the “notification information acquisition program” (1813) acquires the viewer notification information according to the mode information. Then, the acquired viewer notification information is transferred to the “output control program” (1810), and the viewer notification information is output from the “screen” (1805).

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow from reception of notification information to output of viewer notification information according to acquired mode information in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. The steps shown below may be processing steps that are recorded on a medium and constitute a program for controlling the computer.

  First, it is assumed that the AV apparatus receives notification information (S1901). When the notification information is received, the channel ID is acquired from the notification information (S1902). Furthermore, the mode information of the AV device selected to output the content being output at the same time is acquired (S1903). Here, steps (S1902) and (S1903) are described as a parallel process, but may be a sequence process. When the mode information is acquired, the viewer notification information is acquired according to the mode information (S1904). When the viewer notification information is acquired, the viewer notification information is output (S1905).

  Here, the viewer notification information, which will be described in detail in a later embodiment, may be stored in advance in the AV device, or by including information to be notified in the notification information received from outside, It is good also as acquiring from notification information each time.

  <Brief description of effect>

  The AV apparatus according to the present embodiment acquires mode information of the AV apparatus selected to output the content being output, and acquires and outputs viewer notification information corresponding to the acquired mode information. It becomes possible.

    Example 4

    <Overview>

  In the present embodiment, based on the configuration of the third embodiment, when the newly acquired mode information is the channel mode, the channel ID included in the notification information is compared with the channel ID selected by the AV device, and the comparison is performed. This is an AV device characterized in that viewer notification information corresponding to the result is acquired and the acquired viewer notification information is output to a screen on which content is output to the AV device.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the present embodiment is based on the third embodiment, and the AV apparatus includes a “channel selection unit” (2006), a “channel ID acquisition unit” (2007), and a “comparison unit” (2002). In addition, the “viewer notification information acquisition unit” (2011) has a new “channel mode viewer notification information acquisition unit” (2012).

  Here, detailed description of the configuration described in the third embodiment is omitted, and only characteristic portions in the present embodiment will be described.

  The “channel selection unit” (2006) has a function for selecting a channel to be viewed. Specifically, the channel information selected for viewing by the user using the AV apparatus of the present embodiment is received, and the content of the channel selected by the user is output to the “content output unit” (2005) described in detail later. .

  The “channel ID acquisition unit” (2007) has a function of acquiring the channel ID of the selected channel. Specifically, the channel ID of the channel selected by the “channel selection unit” (2006) by the user or the like and output to the “content output unit” (2005) is acquired. Note that this configuration requirement has the same function as the “channel ID acquisition unit” described in the first embodiment.

  The “comparison unit” (2002) has a function of comparing the channel ID included in the notification information acquired by the notification information acquisition unit with the channel ID acquired by the channel ID acquisition unit (2007). Specifically, the channel IDs delivered from the “notification information acquisition unit” (2001) and the “channel ID acquisition unit” (2007) are compared. Then, the comparison result is delivered to a “channel mode viewer notification information acquisition unit” (2012), which will be described in detail later.

“Channel mode viewer notification information acquisition means” (2012) notifies the viewer according to the comparison result in the comparison unit when the mode information of the mode information acquisition unit (2009) is the channel mode. It has a function to acquire the notice information for the viewer to be. Specifically, first, the comparison result is received from the “comparison unit” (2002), and the mode information is received from the “mode information acquisition unit” (2009). Next, it is determined whether the acquired mode information is a television mode. When the mode information is not the television mode, the viewer notification information is acquired from the mode information. When the acquired mode information is the television mode, the viewer notification information is acquired from the comparison result. Then, when the viewer notification information is acquired, it is delivered to the “output control unit”.

  FIG. 21A shows an example of a program that actually receives the mode information and the comparison result, and delivers the information for notifying the viewer based on the mode information or the comparison result to the output control unit. It is. FIG. 21B shows an example of data in which information to be notified is associated with the comparison result. This data may be stored in advance in the AV device, or may be acquired each time by being included in the notification information. In this example, it is assumed that it is held in the AV device in advance.

  The outline of the operation of an example of the program shown in FIG. First, it detects that the mode information and the comparison result have been received (Line 40 in FIG. 21). When the comparison result and the mode information are received, it is determined whether or not the mode information is the television mode (Line 70 in FIG. 21). When the mode information is the TV mode, the viewer notification information is acquired based on the acquired comparison result (for example, “mode information” = “TV mode”, comparison result = 1 (channel ID is If it is different, “the attention level of the channel“ RCV_CHANEL_ID ”is increasing” is acquired from the data shown in FIG. 21B) (Line 90 in FIG. 21). When the mode information is other than the television mode, the viewer notification information is acquired based on the acquired mode information. (For example, when “mode information” = “external input”, the data shown in FIG. 21B shows that “the external content is being watched, but the channel“ RCV_CHANEL_ID ”is currently attracting attention. Is acquired) (FIG. 21, Line 130). When the viewer notification information is acquired, the viewer notification information is delivered to the output control unit (Line 160 in FIG. 21).

    <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. The processing of this embodiment will be described using this figure. As shown in this figure, the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment is similar to the third embodiment in that “CPU” (2201), “main memory” (2202), and “storage device” (2203) perform various arithmetic processes and controls. “I / O” (2204) and the like.

  Here, it is assumed that notification information including a channel ID is received via “I / O” (2204). When receiving the notification information, the AV apparatus detects the “notification information acquisition program” (2206), the “mode information acquisition program” (2212), and the “channel ID” that are expanded in the work area of the “main memory” (2202). Call "Acquisition Program" (2207).

  First, the “notification information acquisition program” (2206) acquires the channel ID from the notification information received by the “I / O” (2204). And it hands over to a "channel ID comparison program" (2208). Next, the “channel ID acquisition program” (2207) acquires the channel ID for which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected, and delivers it to the “channel ID comparison program” (2208). Finally, the “mode information acquisition program” (2212) acquires the mode information of the AV device selected to output the content being output to the “screen” (2205). And it hands over to a "notification information acquisition program" (2214).

  The “channel ID comparison program” (2208) receives the channel IDs from the “notification information acquisition program” (2212) and the “channel ID acquisition program” (2207), and compares the channel IDs of the two. Then, the comparison result is delivered to the “notification information acquisition program” (2214).

  Upon receiving the comparison result and the mode information, the “notification information acquisition program” (2214) first determines whether the mode information is the television mode. When the determination result is determined to be the television mode, the viewer notification information is acquired based on the comparison result. If it is determined that the comparison result is not the television mode, the viewer notification information is acquired based on the mode information. Then, the acquired notification information for the viewer is transferred to the “output control program” (2210), and the notification information for the viewer is output from the “screen” (2205).

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow from reception of notification information to output of viewer notification information in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. The steps shown below may be processing steps that are recorded on a medium and constitute a program for controlling the computer.

  First, it is assumed that the AV apparatus receives notification information (S2301). When the notification information is received, the channel ID is acquired from the notification information (S2302). Further, if the channel of the AV device is selected, the channel ID for which the AV device is selected is acquired. If no channel is selected, acquisition is not performed (S2303). Furthermore, the mode information of the AV apparatus selected to output the content being output is acquired (S2304). Here, steps (S2302), (S2303), and (S2304) have been described as flowcharts as parallel processing, but may be sequence processing.

  When the channel ID is acquired, the channel ID included in the acquired notification information is compared with the channel ID of the selected channel. Here, if the channel ID cannot be acquired on either side, the comparison is not performed and this step is skipped. (S2305).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the mode information is a television mode (S2306). If the mode information is the television mode, the viewer notification information is acquired based on the comparison result (S2307). If the mode information is not the television mode, the viewer notification information is acquired based on the mode information ( S2308). When the viewer notification information is acquired, the viewer notification information is output (S2309).

  Here, the notification information for the viewer may be stored in advance in the AV device, or acquired from the notification information each time by including the information to be notified in the notification information received from the outside. Also good.

  <Brief description of effect>

  The AV device of this embodiment acquires the channel ID included in the notification information, the channel ID of the selected channel, and the mode information of the AV device. If the mode information is the TV mode, the viewer according to the comparison result If the notification information is acquired and the mode information is not the television mode, the viewer notification information corresponding to the mode information can be output.

    Example 5

    <Overview>

  The present embodiment is based on the configuration of the first, second, and fourth embodiments, and outputs in accordance with the comparison result between the channel ID included in the notification information received by the AV device and the channel ID for which the channel of the AV device is selected. The AV apparatus is characterized in that the notice information for the viewer to be obtained is acquired / generated from information previously held in the AV apparatus and output. Here, the present embodiment based on the configuration of the first embodiment will be described below.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and the AV apparatus has a new “TV-side generated information holding unit” (2414), and “viewer notification information acquisition unit” (2403). ) Is newly provided with "viewer notice information generating means" (2413).

  Here, detailed description of the configuration described in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only characteristic portions in the present embodiment will be described.

  The “TV-side generated information holding unit” (2414) has a function of holding TV-side generated information for generating viewer notification information according to the comparison result. Specifically, as will be described in detail later, “viewer notification information generating means” (2413) holds TV-side generated information that is information necessary for generating generated viewer notification information. It is a condition to leave.

  FIG. 25 shows an example of a data structure for actually storing the TV-side generated information. The data structure of this example is a structure in which a phrase for generating viewer notification information is associated with an arbitrary identifier (in this example, numbers are used, but it is not limited thereto) (for example, , “Identification number” = “1”, “generation information” = “attention is rising”, “identification number” = “2”, “generation information” = “currently”, etc. Have been).

  The “viewer notice information generating means” (2413) has a function of acquiring TV side generated information from the TV side generated information holding section and generating viewer notice information according to the result of the comparing section. Specifically, first, the TV-side generation information is acquired from the “TV-side generation information holding unit” (2414) to generate viewer notification information. Then, the generated notification information for the viewer is delivered to the “output control unit” (2404).

  FIG. 26 shows an example of a program for generating viewer notification information based on the information obtained from the TV-side generated information holding unit based on the actually received comparison result and delivering it to the output control unit. is there.

  The outline of the operation of an example of the program shown in FIG. First, it is detected that the comparison result has been received (FIG. 26 (a) Line 40). When the comparison result is received, the TV-side generation information is acquired from the TV-side generation holding unit in order to generate the viewer notification information according to the comparison result. Then, viewer notification information is generated based on the acquired TV-side generation information (FIG. 26 (a) Line 60). For example, when the comparison result = 0 (when the comparison results are equal), first, the “identification number” of “comparison result” = “0” is acquired in the “arrangement order” from FIG. Then, the TV-side generation information holding unit is referred to based on the arranged identification numbers, the TV-side generation information is acquired, and the viewer notification information is generated. Here, assuming that the content of FIG. 25 is held by the TV-side generated information holding unit, the notice information for the viewer that “attention level of the currently viewed channel“ RCV_CHANEL_ID ”is rising” is increased. It is generated. Then, the generated notification information for the viewer is delivered to the “output control unit” (FIG. 26 (a) Line 70).

  <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. The processing of this embodiment will be described using this figure. As shown in this figure, the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a “CPU” (2701), a “main memory” (2702), and a “storage device” (2703) that perform various arithmetic processes and controls as in the first embodiment. “I / O” (2704) and the like.

  Here, it is assumed that notification information including a channel ID is received via “I / O” (2704). When the reception of the notification information is detected, the AV apparatus calls the “notification information acquisition program” (2706) and the “channel ID acquisition program” (2707) developed in the work area of the “main memory” (2702). The called “notification information acquisition program” (2706) and “channel ID acquisition program” (2707) operate as follows. First, the “notification information acquisition program” (2706) acquires the channel ID from the notification information received by the “I / O” (2704), and delivers it to the “channel ID comparison program” (2708). Next, the “channel ID acquisition program” (2707) acquires the channel ID in which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected, and delivers it to the “channel ID comparison program” (2708).

  When the “channel ID comparison program” (2708) receives the channel IDs from the “notification information acquisition program” (2706) and the “channel ID acquisition program” (2707), the channel IDs are compared. Then, the comparison result is delivered to the “notification information acquisition program” (2715).

  When the “notification information acquisition program” (2715) receives the comparison result from the “channel ID acquisition program” (2707), the “notification information acquisition program” (2715) acquires “television-side generated information” held in the “recording device” (2703) and compares the result. The viewer notification information corresponding to is generated. Then, the acquired notification information for the viewer is transferred to the “output control program” (2710), and the notification information for the viewer is output from the “screen” (2705).

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow from reception of notification information to generation and output of viewer notification information in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. The steps shown below may be processing steps that are recorded on a medium and constitute a program for controlling the computer.

  First, it is assumed that the AV apparatus receives notification information (S2801). When the notification information is received, the channel ID is acquired from the notification information (S2802). Further, the channel ID for which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected is acquired (the channel being viewed is acquired) (S2803). Here, steps (S2802) and (S2803) are described as a parallel process, but may be a sequence process. When the channel ID is acquired, the channel IDs are compared (S2804). When the channel IDs are compared, the TV-side generated information is referred to according to the comparison result (S2806), and the viewer notification information is generated (S2805). When the viewer notification information is generated, the viewer notification information is output (S2807).

  <Brief description of effect>

  According to the AV apparatus of the present embodiment, when the channel ID included in the notification information is the same as the channel being viewed on the AV apparatus, the AV apparatus has different viewer notification information stored in the AV apparatus when different. Can be generated and output.

    Example 6

    <Overview>

  The present embodiment is based on the configurations of the first, second, and fourth embodiments. A plurality of pieces of viewer notification information are output from the outside according to the comparison result between the channel ID received by the AV apparatus and the channel ID being viewed. The AV apparatus is characterized in that it selects and outputs the acquired information. Here, the present embodiment based on the configuration of the first embodiment will be described below.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, this embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and the AV apparatus newly has a “viewer notification information external acquisition unit” (2915) and a “viewer notification information acquisition unit”. (2903) is characterized by newly having “viewer notification information selection means” (2914).

  Here, detailed description of the configuration described in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only characteristic portions in the present embodiment will be described.

  The “viewer notification information external acquisition unit” (2915) acquires a plurality of types of viewer notification information corresponding to each comparison result so that either the comparison result or the mode information may be used. Have Specifically, viewer notification information included in arbitrary information received from the outside is acquired in correspondence with each comparison result.

  FIG. 30A shows an example of a program for acquiring viewer notification information corresponding to each comparison result from information actually received from the outside. FIG. 30B shows an example of a data structure transmitted from the outside, assuming that viewer notification information is acquired by this program example. This data structure example has a structure in which viewer notification information is added to notification information including a channel ID received from the outside. In this example, the viewer information is included in the notification information. However, the notification information may not be included in the notification information but may be received as other information.

  The outline of the operation of an example of the program shown in FIG. First, it is detected that information including notice information for viewers has been received (FIG. 30 (a) Line 30). When the information is received, the notification information for viewers associated with all the results is acquired (for example, from the data shown in FIG. 30B, “the channel being viewed” associated with “result” = 0. The degree of attention is increasing. "Or" Currently, the attention level of the channel "RCV_CHANEL_ID" is increasing. "Associated with" Result "= 1 is acquired) (FIG. 30A) Line 50).

  The “viewer notice information selection means” (2914) is a mode in which the comparison result in the comparison section or the mode information acquisition section is obtained from the plurality of viewer notification information acquired in the viewer notification information external acquisition section. It has a function of selecting viewer notification information according to the information. Specifically, the viewer notification information corresponding to the comparison result in the comparison unit is selected from the information acquired in the “viewer notification information external acquisition unit” (2915).

  FIG. 31 (a) shows the viewing according to the comparison result in the comparison unit from the notification information for the viewer associated with the results acquired in advance by the “viewer notification information external acquisition unit” (2915). It shows an example of a program for selecting notification information for a person. FIG. 31B shows an example of the results obtained by the “viewer notification information external acquisition unit” (2915) and the viewer notification information associated therewith.

  The outline of the operation of an example of the program shown in FIG. First, it detects that the comparison result has been received and that a plurality of pieces of viewer notification information have been acquired (FIG. 31 (a) Line 40). When detected, the viewer notification information corresponding to the comparison result is acquired from the plurality of viewer notification information acquired from the data received from the outside (FIG. 31A, Line 70). Then, the obtained notification information for the viewer is delivered to the “output control unit” (FIG. 31A, Line 90).

  <Hardware configuration>

  FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. Processing characteristic of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in this figure, the AV apparatus of the present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that “CPU” (3201), “main memory” (3202), “storage device” (3203), which perform various arithmetic processes and controls. “I / O” (3204) and the like.

  Here, it is assumed that the notification information including the channel ID and the viewer notification information associated with the result is received via “I / O” (3204). When the reception of the notification information is detected, the AV apparatus detects “notification information acquisition program” (3206), “channel ID acquisition program” (3207), and “notification” that are expanded in the work area of “main memory” (3202). "Information external acquisition program" (3217) is called.

  The called “notification information acquisition program” (3206), “channel ID acquisition program” (3207), and “notification information external acquisition program” (3217) operate as follows. First, the “notification information acquisition program” (3206) acquires the channel ID from the notification information received by the “I / O” (3204), and transfers it to the “channel ID comparison program” (3208). Next, the “channel ID acquisition program” (3207) acquires the channel ID in which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected, and transfers it to the “channel ID comparison program” (3208). Then, the “notification information external acquisition program” (3217) acquires viewer notification information associated with a plurality of results included in the notification information.

  When receiving a channel ID from the “notification information acquisition program” (3206) and the “channel ID acquisition program” (3207), the “channel ID comparison program” (3208) compares the channel IDs of the two. Then, the comparison result is delivered to the “notification information acquisition program” (3216).

  When the “notification information acquisition program” (3216) receives the comparison result from the “channel ID comparison program” (3208), the notification for the viewer associated with the result acquired by the “notification information external acquisition program” (3217). From the information, the viewer notification information corresponding to the received comparison result is selected. Then, the acquired notification information for the viewer is transferred to the “output control program” (3210), and the notification information for the viewer is output from the “screen” (3205).

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow from reception of notification information in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment to acquisition of viewer notification information from the outside and output of the viewer notification information according to the comparison result. is there. The steps shown below may be processing steps that are recorded on a medium and constitute a program for controlling the computer.

  First, it is assumed that the AV apparatus receives notification information (S3301). When the notification information is received, the channel ID is acquired from the notification information (S3302). Also, the channel ID for which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected is acquired (the channel being viewed is acquired) (S3303). When the channel ID is acquired, the channel IDs are compared (S3305). Here, the viewer notification information is acquired from the outside until the channel IDs are compared (S3304). Here, steps (S3302), (S3303), and (S3304) are described as a parallel process, but may be a sequence process. When the channel IDs are compared, the viewer notification information corresponding to the comparison result is selected from the viewer notification information acquired from the outside (S3306). When the viewer notification information is selected, the selected viewer notification information is output (S3307).

  Here, the notification information for viewers in the present embodiment is included in the notification information, but it is not limited to this in practice.

  <Brief description of effect>

  With the AV apparatus of this embodiment, it is possible to acquire and output viewer notification information corresponding to the comparison result from the viewer notification information acquired from the outside.

    Example 7

    <Overview>

  In the present embodiment, based on the configuration of the first embodiment, when the channel ID received by the AV apparatus is equal to the channel ID being viewed, NULL data is acquired as the notice information for the viewer, and the NULL data is converted into the viewer. The AV system is characterized in that it is output as notice information.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and the “notification information acquisition unit for viewers” (3403) of the AV apparatus has a new “NULL data acquisition unit” (3416). It is characterized by being.

  Here, a detailed description of the configuration described in the first embodiment is omitted, and only characteristic portions in the present embodiment will be described.

  The “NULL data acquisition unit” (3416) has a function of acquiring NULL data as notice information for the viewer corresponding to the comparison result that the comparison result in the comparison unit is the same. Specifically, in the “viewer notification information acquisition unit” (3403) of this embodiment, viewer notification information corresponding to the comparison result of the comparison unit is acquired. Here, if the comparison results are the same, NULL data is acquired and the viewer notification information is replaced with NULL data.

  FIG. 35A shows a program that actually receives the comparison result, acquires the viewer notification information according to the comparison result, and replaces the viewer notification information with NULL data when the comparison results are the same. An example is shown. FIG. 35 (b) shows an example of data in which information to be notified is associated with the comparison result. This data may be stored in advance in the AV device, or may be acquired each time by being included in the notification information. In this example, it is assumed that it is held in the AV device in advance.

  The outline of the operation of an example of the program shown in FIG. First, it is detected that the comparison result has been received (FIG. 35 (a) Line 40). When the comparison result is received, the viewer notification information corresponding to the comparison result is acquired (for example, when the comparison result = 0 (when the channel ID is the same), from the data shown in FIG. 35 (b), “The attention level of the channel being watched is increasing” is acquired) (FIG. 35 (a) Line 70). Next, the comparison result is referred to, and if the comparison result is the same, the viewer notification information is replaced with NULL (FIG. 35A, Line 90). Then, the viewer notification information is delivered to the “output control unit” (FIG. 35 (a) Line 100).

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. The processing of this embodiment will be described using this figure. As shown in this figure, the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a “CPU” (3601), a “main memory” (3602), and a “storage device” (3603) that perform various arithmetic processes and controls as in the first embodiment. “I / O” (3604) and the like.

  Here, it is assumed that notification information including a channel ID is received via “I / O” (3604). When the reception of the notification information is detected, the AV apparatus calls the “notification information acquisition program” (3606) and the “channel ID acquisition program” (3607) developed in the work area of the “main memory” (3602). The called “notification information acquisition program” (3606) and “channel ID acquisition program” (3607) operate as follows. First, the “notification information acquisition program” (3606) acquires the channel ID from the notification information received by the “I / O” (3604) and transfers it to the “channel ID comparison program” (3608). Next, the “channel ID acquisition program” (3607) acquires the channel ID in which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected, and passes it to the “channel ID comparison program” (3608).

  When the “channel ID comparison program” (3608) receives the channel IDs from the “notification information acquisition program” (3606) and the “channel ID acquisition program” (3608), the channel IDs are compared. Then, the comparison result is delivered to the “notification information acquisition program” (3616).

  When the “notification information acquisition program” (3616) receives the comparison result from the “channel ID comparison program” (3608), the notification information acquisition program for the viewer corresponding to the comparison result is acquired. Further, when the comparison results in the “channel ID comparison program” (3608) are the same, the data of the viewer notification information is replaced with NULL. Then, the viewer notification information is delivered to the “output control program” (3610), and the viewer notification information is output from the “screen” (3605).

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow from reception of notification information to output of viewer notification information in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. The steps shown below may be processing steps that are recorded on a medium and constitute a program for controlling the computer.

  First, it is assumed that the AV apparatus receives notification information (S3701). When the notification information is received, the channel ID is acquired from the notification information (S3702). Further, the channel ID for which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected is acquired (the channel being viewed is acquired) (S3703). Here, steps (S 3702) and (S 3703) are described as a parallel process, but may be a sequence process. When the channel ID is acquired, the channel IDs are compared (S3704). When the channel IDs are compared, viewer notification information is acquired according to the comparison result (S3705). When the viewer notification information is acquired, if the comparison results are the same, the viewer notification information is set to NULL (S3707). Then, the viewer notification information is output (S3708).

  Here, the viewer notification information, which will be described in detail in a later embodiment, may be stored in advance in the AV device, or by including information to be notified in the notification information received from outside, It is good also as acquiring from notification information each time.

  <Brief description of effect>

  With the AV apparatus of this embodiment, it is possible to output NULL data by giving NULL to the notice information for the viewer when the channel being viewed is equal to the channel ID included in the notification information.

    Example 8

    <Overview>

  The present embodiment is based on the configuration of any one of the first to seventh embodiments, identifies the source device of the content being output by the content output unit, and provides the viewer notification information corresponding to the identified source device. An AV apparatus characterized in that it is acquired and output. Here, the present embodiment based on the configuration of the first embodiment will be described below.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, in the present embodiment, the “content output unit” (3805) of the AV apparatus further includes “source device identification means” (3818) based on the first embodiment. The “information acquisition unit” (3803) further includes “source device-specific acquisition means” (3817).

  Here, a detailed description of the configuration described in the first embodiment is omitted, and only characteristic portions in the present embodiment will be described.

  The “source device identification means” (3818) has a function of identifying the source device of the content being output by the content output unit. Specifically, the source device that is outputting to the content output unit is determined by an input method such as external input.

  FIG. 39 shows an example of a program for identifying the source device of the content actually being output to the content output unit. The program shown in FIG. 39 is described to operate as follows. First, the notification information acquisition unit detects that the notification information has been received (Line 30 in FIG. 39). When detected, the content output unit performs the operation of acquiring the source device identification information being output (Line 50 in FIG. 39).

  The “source device-specific acquisition means” (3817) has a function of acquiring viewer notification information according to the source device identification information. Specifically, the viewer notification information associated with the source device identification information is acquired based on the source device identification information acquired by the “source device identification means” (3818). Here, the acquired notification information for the viewer may be stored in advance in the AV device, or acquired from the notification information each time by including the information to be notified in the notification information received from the outside. It is good to do.

  FIG. 40A shows that when the actually received data is the comparison result, the viewer notification information corresponding to the comparison result is acquired, and when the received data is the source identification information, the source identification is obtained. An example of the program which acquires the notification information for viewers according to information and delivers it to an output control part is shown. FIG. 40B shows an example of data in which information to be notified is associated with the comparison result and the source identification information. This data may be stored in advance in the AV device as described above, or may be acquired each time by being included in the notification information. In this example, it is assumed that it is held in the AV device in advance.

  The outline of the operation of an example of the program shown in FIG. First, it is detected that the comparison result or the source identification information has been received (FIG. 40 (a) Line 40). Here, when the received content is “comparison result”, the notification information for the viewer corresponding to the comparison result is acquired (for example, “comparison result” = 1 (different channel IDs). Is acquired from the data shown in FIG. 40 (b), “Currently, the attention level of the channel“ RCV_CHANEL_ID ”is increasing”) (FIG. 40 (a) Lines 70 to 100). If the received content is “source identification information”, the viewer notification information corresponding to the source identification information is acquired (for example, when “source identification information” = DVD, FIG. From the data shown in (b), “DVD is being watched, but the attention of channel“ RCV_CHANEL_ID ”has increased” is acquired) (FIG. 40 (a) Lines 70, 110 to 150). Then, the obtained notification information for the viewer is delivered to the “output control unit” (FIG. 40A, Line 160).

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. The processing of this embodiment will be described using this figure. As shown in this figure, the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a “CPU” (4101), a “main memory” (4102), and a “storage device” (4103) that perform various arithmetic processes and controls as in the first embodiment. “I / O” (4104) and the like.

  Here, it is assumed that notification information including a channel ID is received via “I / O” (4104). When the reception of the notification information is detected, the AV apparatus detects the “notification information acquisition program” (4106), the “channel ID acquisition program” (4107) and the “source” which are expanded in the work area of the “main memory” (4102). The “device identification program” (4118) is called.

  First, the “notification information acquisition program” (4106) acquires the channel ID from the notification information received by the “I / O” (4104) and passes it to the “channel ID comparison program” (4108).

  Next, the “channel ID acquisition program” (4107) acquires the channel ID in which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected, and delivers it to the “channel ID comparison program” (4108). Here, the “channel ID acquisition program” (4107) does not acquire the channel ID when the channel of the AV apparatus is not selected, such as when the AV apparatus is viewing the content of the external input.

  Next, the “source device identification program” (4118) acquires the source device identification information of the content being output on the “screen” (4105). When the source device identification information is acquired, the acquired source device identification information is transferred to the “notification information acquisition program” (4117).

  When the “channel ID comparison program” (4108) receives the channel IDs from the “notification information acquisition program” (4106) and the “channel ID acquisition program” (4107), the channel IDs are compared. Then, the comparison result is delivered to the “notification information acquisition program” (4117). Here, if the channel ID is not received from the “channel ID acquisition program” (4107), the process is terminated without comparing the channel ID.

  When the “notification information acquisition program” (4117) receives the comparison result from the “channel ID comparison program” (4108), it acquires the viewer notification information according to the comparison result. If the comparison result is not received from the “channel ID comparison program” (4108), the viewer notification information corresponding to the source device identification information acquired in the “source device identification program” (4118) is acquired. Then, the viewer notification information is delivered to the “output control program” (4110), and the viewer notification information is output from the “screen” (4105).

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow from reception of notification information to output of viewer notification information according to a comparison result or source device identification information in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. The steps shown below may be processing steps that are recorded on a medium and constitute a program for controlling the computer.

  First, it is assumed that the AV apparatus receives notification information (S4201). When the notification information is received, the following three processes are performed. First, the channel ID included in the notification information is acquired (S4202). Next, the channel ID for which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected is acquired (the channel being viewed is acquired) (S4203). Then, the source device identification information is acquired (S4204). Here, steps (S4202), (S4203), and (S4204) are described as a parallel process, but may be a sequence process.

  When both the channel ID and the selected channel ID included in the notification information are acquired, the channel IDs are compared (S4205). If the channel ID is not acquired in the step of acquiring the selected channel ID (S4203), this step is skipped.

  When the channel IDs are compared, the viewer notification information is acquired according to the comparison result. If the channel ID comparison is not performed (skip), the viewer notification information corresponding to the acquired source device identification information is acquired (S4206). Then, the obtained viewer notification information is output (S4207).

  Here, the notification information for the viewer may be stored in advance in the AV device, or acquired from the notification information each time by including the information to be notified in the notification information received from the outside. Also good.

  <Brief description of effect>

  With the AV apparatus of the present embodiment, it is possible to acquire and output viewer notification information corresponding to the acquired source identification information when the content being viewed is other than a channel.

    Example 9

    <Overview>

  The present embodiment is based on the configuration of any one of the first, second, and fourth to seventh embodiments. When the channel ID comparison result differs in the AV apparatus, the recording apparatus connected to the AV apparatus The AV system is characterized in that it outputs a recording command for the notified channel. Here, the present embodiment based on the configuration of the first embodiment will be described below.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration in the AV system according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the AV system of the present embodiment is composed of an AV apparatus and a recording device (4320). Further, the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment is characterized in that a new “recording command output unit” (4319) is newly provided on the basis of the AV apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  Here, a detailed description of the configuration described in the first embodiment is omitted, and only characteristic portions in the present embodiment will be described.

  The “recording device” (4320) has a function of recording a designated channel in response to a recording command when receiving a recording command from at least a “recording command output unit” (4319) described in detail later in the present embodiment. "Recording device". Specifically, it is a device that can record a channel on an arbitrary medium such as an HDD recorder or a VTR.

  The “recording command output unit” (4319) is a channel identified by the channel ID acquired by the notification information acquisition unit with respect to the recording device when the comparison result indicates that the comparison results in the comparison unit are different. Has a function of outputting a recording command for recording. Specifically, when the comparison result between the channel ID included in the notification information and the selected channel ID is different in the comparison unit, the channel ID included in the notification information is recorded in the recording device connected to the AV apparatus. For example, a command to record the identified channel is transmitted.

  FIG. 44 shows an example of a program that outputs a recording command to the recording device when the comparison result indicates that the comparison result in the comparison unit is actually different. The program shown in FIG. 44 is written to operate as follows.

  First, it is detected that the comparison result has been transmitted to the viewer notification information acquisition unit (notification information acquisition program) (FIG. 44, Line 40). When detected, the comparison result is acquired (FIG. 44, Line 60). If the comparison result is acquired, it is determined whether the acquired comparison result is different (Line 70 in FIG. 44). If the comparison results are different, the recording operation of the channel identified by the channel ID included in the notification information is output to the recording device (FIG. 44 Lines 80 and 90).

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in the AV system according to the present embodiment. The processing of this embodiment will be described using this figure. As shown in this figure, the AV system of the present embodiment is composed of the AV apparatus of the first embodiment and a recording device. The AV apparatus that constitutes the AV system of the present embodiment is the same as the AV apparatus of the first embodiment, in which a “CPU” (4501), a “main memory” (4502), and a “storage device” (4503) perform various arithmetic processes and controls. ) And “I / O” (4504). The recording device constituting the AV apparatus of this embodiment is a recording apparatus capable of recording a channel by receiving a recording command from the AV apparatus.

  Here, it is assumed that notification information including a channel ID is received via “I / O” (4504). When the reception of the notification information is detected, the AV apparatus calls the “notification information acquisition program” (4506) and the “channel ID acquisition program” (4507) developed in the work area of the “main memory” (0702). The called “notification information acquisition program” (4506) and “channel ID acquisition program” (4507) operate as follows. First, the “notification information acquisition program” (4506) acquires the channel ID from the notification information received by the “I / O” (4504), and delivers it to the “channel ID comparison program” (4508). Next, the “channel ID acquisition program” (4507) acquires the channel ID for which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected, and delivers it to the “channel ID comparison program” (4508).

  When the “channel ID comparison program” (4508) receives the channel IDs from the “notification information acquisition program” (4506) and the “channel ID acquisition program” (4507), the channel ID comparison program compares the channel IDs. Then, the comparison result is delivered to the “notification information acquisition program” (4509).

  Here, when the “recording command output program” (4520) detects that the comparison result has been delivered to the “notification information acquisition program” (4509), the “recording command output program” (4520) first displays the comparison result. get. Next, the comparison result is determined, and if the comparison result is different, a recording command is output to “recording device” (4519). Then, the “recording device” (4519) having received the recording command starts recording.

  When the “notification information acquisition program” (4509) receives the comparison result from the “channel ID comparison program” (4508), it acquires the viewer notification information according to the comparison result. Then, the acquired notification information for the viewer is delivered to the “output control program” (4510), and the notification information for the viewer is output from the “screen” (4505).

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow from reception of notification information to output of viewer notification information in the AV apparatus according to the present embodiment. The steps shown below may be processing steps that are recorded on a medium and constitute a program for controlling the computer.

  First, it is assumed that the AV apparatus receives notification information (S4601). When the notification information is received, the channel ID is acquired from the notification information (S4602). Further, the channel ID for which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected is acquired (the channel being viewed is acquired) (S4603). Here, steps (S4602) and (S4603) are described as a parallel process, but may be a sequence process. When the channel ID is acquired, the channel IDs are compared (S4604). If the comparison result is different (S4605), a recording command is output (S4606) and recording is started (S4607). When the channel IDs are compared, viewer notification information is acquired according to the comparison result (S4608). When the viewer notification information is acquired, the viewer notification information is output (S4609).

  Here, the notification information for the viewer may be stored in advance in the AV device, or acquired from the notification information each time by including the information to be notified in the notification information received from the outside. Also good.

  <Brief description of effect>

  When the channel ID included in the notification information is the same as the channel ID in which the channel of the AV device is selected by the AV device of the present embodiment, different notice information for the viewer is output in different cases, and It is possible to output a recording command to the recording device.

    Example 10

    <Overview>

  In the present embodiment, when the content output unit of the AV apparatus in the eighth embodiment identifies the source device of the content being output, if the source device is a source device other than the television, a recording command is output to the recording device. The AV system is composed of an AV device and a recording device.

    <Functional configuration>

  FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration in the AV system according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the AV system of this embodiment is composed of an AV apparatus and a recording device (4720). Furthermore, the AV apparatus of the present embodiment is characterized in that it has a new “recording command output unit for each source device” (4721) based on the AV apparatus described in the eighth embodiment.

  Here, a detailed description of the configuration described in the eighth embodiment is omitted, and only characteristic portions in the present embodiment will be described.

  “Recording device” (4720) has a function of recording a specified channel in response to a recording command when receiving a recording command from “recording command output unit by source device” (4721), which will be described in detail later. "Recording device" (4720). Specifically, it is a device that can record on an arbitrary medium such as an HDD recorder or a VTR.

  The “recording command output unit by source device” (4721) is a channel ID acquired by the notification information acquisition unit for the recording device when the source device identified by the source device identification unit is a source device other than a television. It has a function of outputting a recording command for recording the channel identified by. Specifically, when the source device identification information acquired by the source device identification means is source device information other than the TV, the recording device connected to the AV device is associated with the channel ID included in the notification information. The recording command of the specified channel is output.

  FIG. 48 shows an example of a program that acquires the source device of the actually identified content and outputs a recording command if it is not a television. The program shown in FIG. 48 is described to operate as follows. First, the source device identification means detects that the source device identification information has been acquired (Line 30 in FIG. 48). When detected, the source device identification information acquired by the source device identification means is acquired (Line 60 in FIG. 48). When the source device identification information is acquired, it is determined whether the source device identification information is a television (Line 70 in FIG. 48). When the source device identification information is not TV, the recording command for the channel included in the notification information is output to the recording device (Line 90 in FIG. 48).

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in the AV system according to the present embodiment. Processing characteristic of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in this figure, the AV system of the present embodiment is composed of the AV apparatus of the eighth embodiment and a recording device. As with the AV apparatus of the eighth embodiment, the AV apparatus that constitutes the AV system of the present embodiment performs “arithmetic processing” and “CPU” (4901), “main memory” (4902), and “storage device” (4903). ) And “I / O” (4904). The recording device constituting the AV apparatus of this embodiment is a recording apparatus capable of recording a channel by receiving a recording command from the AV apparatus.

  Here, it is assumed that notification information including a channel ID is received via “I / O” (4904). When the reception of the notification information is detected, the AV apparatus detects “notification information acquisition program” (4906), “channel ID acquisition program” (4907), and “source” expanded in the work area of “main memory” (4902). “Device identification program” (4918) is called. The called “notification information acquisition program” (4906), “channel ID acquisition program” (4907), and “source device identification program” (4918) operate as follows.

  First, the “notification information acquisition program” (4906) acquires the channel ID from the notification information received by the “I / O” (4904), and delivers it to the “channel ID comparison program” (4908).

  Next, the “channel ID acquisition program” (4907) acquires the channel ID for which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected, and delivers it to the “channel ID comparison program” (4908). Here, when the channel of the AV apparatus is not selected, such as when the AV apparatus is viewing the content of external input, the channel ID is not acquired. That is, in this case, the channel ID is not acquired, and the “channel ID acquisition program” (4907) performs an operation such as ending the processing.

  Next, the “source device identification program” (4918) acquires the source device identification information of the content being output on the “screen” (4905). When the source device identification information is acquired, the acquired source device identification information is transferred to the “notification information acquisition program” (4917).

  Here, the “recording command program for each source device” (4921) detects that the source device identification information has been delivered from the “source device identification program” (4918) to the “notification information acquisition program” (4917). Get the passed source device identification information. If the source device identification information is not a television, a recording command is output to “recording device” (4919). The “recording device” (4919) that has received the recording command performs recording according to the recording command.

  When the “channel ID comparison program” (4908) receives the channel ID from the “notification information acquisition program” (4906) and the “channel ID acquisition program” (4907), the channel IDs are compared. Then, the comparison result is delivered to the “notification information acquisition program” (4917). Here, when the channel ID is not received from the “channel ID acquisition program” (4907), the processing is terminated without comparing the channel ID.

  When the “notification information acquisition program” (4917) receives the comparison result from the “channel ID comparison program” (4908), it acquires the viewer notification information according to the comparison result. Further, when the source device identification information is received from the “source device identification program” (4918) without receiving the comparison result from the “channel ID comparison program” (4908), it is for the viewer corresponding to the source device identification information. Get notification information. Then, the viewer notification information is delivered to the “output control program” (4910), and the viewer notification information is output from the “screen” (4905).

    <Process flow>

  FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow from reception of notification information to output of viewer notification information according to a comparison result or source device identification information in the AV apparatus of the present embodiment. The steps shown below may be processing steps that are recorded on a medium and constitute a program for controlling the computer.

  First, it is assumed that the AV apparatus receives notification information (S5001). When the notification information is received, the following three processes are performed. First, the channel ID included in the notification information is acquired (S5002). Next, the channel ID for which the channel of the AV apparatus is selected is acquired (the channel being viewed is acquired) (S5003). Then, the source device identification information is acquired (S5004). Here, steps (S5002), (S5003), and (S5004) are described as a parallel process, but may be a sequence process.

  If the acquired source device identification information is not a television (S5006), a recording command is output to the recording device (S5007). The recording device that has received the recording command starts recording in accordance with the recording command (S5008).

  When both the channel ID and the selected channel ID included in the notification information are acquired, the channel IDs are compared (S5005). If the channel ID is not acquired in the step of acquiring the selected channel ID (S5003), this step is skipped.

  When the channel IDs are compared, the viewer notification information is acquired according to the comparison result. If the channel ID comparison is not performed (skip), the viewer notification information corresponding to the acquired source device identification information is acquired (S5009). Then, the acquired notification information for the viewer is output (S5010).

  Here, the notification information for the viewer may be stored in advance in the AV device, or acquired from the notification information each time by including the information to be notified in the notification information received from the outside. Also good.

  <Brief description of effect>

  With the AV system of this embodiment, when the content being viewed is other than a channel, it is possible to obtain and output viewer notification information corresponding to the obtained source identification information and to record the recording device. It becomes.

The figure showing an example of the conceptual diagram of the structure in the AV apparatus of Example 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the AV apparatus according to the first embodiment. The figure showing an example of the data structure of the notification information in the AV apparatus of Example 1 The figure showing an example of the notification information acquisition program in the AV apparatus of Example 1 The figure showing an example of the channel ID acquisition program in the AV apparatus of Example 1 The figure showing an example of the channel ID comparison program in the AV apparatus of Example 1. The figure showing an example of the notification information acquisition program in the AV apparatus of Example 1 The figure showing an example of the output control program in the AV apparatus of Example 1 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in an AV apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow from reception of notification information to output of viewer notification information in the AV apparatus according to the first embodiment. The figure showing an example of a functional structure in the AV apparatus of Example 2 The figure showing an example of the output control program in the AV apparatus of Example 2 The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in AV equipment of Example 2. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow from reception of notification information to output of viewer notification information in the AV apparatus according to the second embodiment. The figure showing an example of the functional structure in the AV apparatus of Example 3 The figure showing an example of the mode information program in the AV apparatus of Example 3 The figure showing an example of the notification information acquisition program in the AV apparatus of Example 3 The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in AV equipment of Example 3 The flowchart showing an example of the flow from reception of the notification information in the AV system of Embodiment 3 to the output of the viewer notification information according to the acquired mode information The figure showing an example of the functional structure in the AV apparatus of Example 4 The figure showing an example of the notification information acquisition program in the AV apparatus of Example 4 The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in AV equipment of Example 4 The flowchart showing an example of the flow from reception of notification information to output of viewer notification information in the AV apparatus of the fourth embodiment. The figure showing an example of the functional structure in the AV apparatus of Example 5 The figure showing an example of the data structure of the television side production | generation information holding part in the AV apparatus of Example 5. The figure showing an example of the notification information acquisition program in the AV apparatus of Example 5 The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in AV equipment of Example 5 Flowchart illustrating an example of a flow from reception of notification information to generation and output of viewer notification information in the AV apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. The figure showing an example of the functional structure in the AV apparatus of Example 6 The figure showing an example of the notification information containing the notification information external acquisition program in the AV apparatus of Example 6 and the notification information for viewers The figure showing an example of the notification information acquisition program in the AV apparatus of Example 6 The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in AV equipment of Example 6 The flowchart showing an example of the flow from receiving notification information in the AV apparatus of the sixth embodiment to acquiring the viewer notification information from the outside and outputting the viewer notification information according to the comparison result. The figure showing an example of the functional structure in the AV apparatus of Example 7 The figure showing an example of the notification information acquisition program in the AV apparatus of Example 7 The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in AV equipment of Example 7 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow from reception of notification information to output of viewer notification information in the AV apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. The figure showing an example of a functional structure in the AV apparatus of Example 8. The figure showing an example of the source device identification program in the AV apparatus of Example 8 The figure showing an example of the notification information acquisition program in the AV apparatus of Example 8 The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in AV equipment of Example 8. The flowchart showing an example of the flow from the reception of the notification information in the AV apparatus of the eighth embodiment to the output of the viewer notification information according to the comparison result or the source device identification information The figure showing an example of a functional structure in the AV system of Example 9 The figure showing an example of the video recording command output program in the AV system of Example 9 The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in AV system of Example 9. The flowchart showing an example of the flow from receiving the notification information in the AV system of Embodiment 9 to outputting the recording instruction of the recording device as needed to output the notification information for the viewer The figure showing an example of a functional structure in the AV system of Example 10 The figure showing an example of the recording command output program classified by source apparatus in the AV system of Example 10 The figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions in AV system of Example 10. The flowchart showing an example of the flow from reception of the notification information in the AV system of Embodiment 10 to the output of the notification information for the viewer according to the comparison result or the source device identification information

Explanation of symbols

0201 Notification information acquisition unit 0202 Comparison unit 0203 Viewer notification information acquisition unit 0204 Output control unit 0205 Content output unit 0206 Channel selection unit 0207 Channel ID acquisition unit 1108 Non-display control means 2009 Mode information acquisition unit 2012 Channel mode viewer notification Information acquisition means 2413 Viewer notification information generation means 2414 Television-side generation information holding section 2914 Viewer notification information selection means 2915 Viewer notification information external acquisition section 3416 NULL data acquisition means 3817 Source device specific acquisition means 3818 Source device identification Means 4319 Recording command output unit 4320 Recording device 4721 Recording command output unit by source device

Claims (20)

A notification information acquisition unit for acquiring notification information including at least a channel ID;
A channel selector for selecting a channel to watch,
A content output unit for outputting content;
A channel ID acquisition unit for acquiring the channel ID of the selected channel;
A comparison unit that compares the channel ID included in the notification information acquired by the notification information acquisition unit with the channel ID acquired by the channel ID acquisition unit;
A viewer notification information acquisition unit for acquiring viewer notification information to be notified to the viewer according to the comparison result in the comparison unit;
An output control unit that causes the content output unit to output the viewer notification information simultaneously with the content being output;
AV apparatus having   The output control unit has non-display control means for performing control so that the notification information for viewers is not output from the content output unit simultaneously with the content when the comparison result in the comparison unit is the same as the comparison result. Item 2. The AV device according to Item 1. A notification information acquisition unit for acquiring notification information;
A mode information acquisition unit for acquiring mode information of the selected content output unit;
A content output unit for outputting content;
A viewer notification information acquisition unit for acquiring viewer notification information to be notified to the viewer according to the notification information and the mode information;
An output control unit that causes the content output unit to output the viewer notification information simultaneously with the content being output;
AV apparatus having A channel selector for selecting a channel to watch,
A channel ID acquisition unit for acquiring the channel ID of the selected channel;
A comparison unit that compares the channel ID included in the notification information acquired by the notification information acquisition unit with the channel ID acquired by the channel ID acquisition unit;
The viewer notification information acquisition unit acquires the viewer notification information to be notified to the viewer according to the comparison result in the comparison unit when the mode information of the mode information acquisition unit is the channel mode. Mode viewer notification information acquisition means;
The AV apparatus according to claim 3, comprising: A TV-side generation information holding unit that holds TV-side generation information for generating viewer notification information according to the comparison result or mode information;
The viewer notification information acquisition unit acquires the television-side generation information from the TV-side generation information holding unit according to the comparison result in the comparison unit or the mode information acquired in the mode information acquisition unit, and displays the viewer notification information. 5. The AV apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising viewer notice information generating means for generating. There is a viewer notification information external acquisition unit for acquiring a plurality of types of external notification information corresponding to each comparison result so that the viewer notification information may be any comparison result or mode information,
The viewer notification information acquisition unit is configured to perform viewing according to the comparison result of the comparison unit or the mode information acquired by the mode information acquisition unit from the plurality of viewer notification information acquired by the viewer notification information external acquisition unit. 5. The AV apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising viewer notification information selection means for selecting viewer notification information.   The viewer notification information acquisition unit includes a NULL data acquisition unit that acquires NULL data as viewer notification information corresponding to a comparison result that the comparison result in the comparison unit is the same. The AV device described. The content output unit further includes source device identification means for identifying the source device of the content being output,
The AV apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the viewer notification information acquisition unit further includes a source device-specific acquisition unit that acquires the viewer notification information according to the source device identification information. An AV system comprising a recording device connected to an AV device and the AV device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The AV device records a channel identified by the channel ID acquired by the notification information acquisition unit for the recording device when the comparison result indicates that the comparison result in the comparison unit is different. An AV system comprising the AV apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a recording command output unit that outputs An AV system comprising: a recording device connected to the AV device; and the AV device according to claim 8,
When the source device identified by the source device identification unit is a source device other than a television, the AV device records the channel identified by the channel ID acquired by the notification information acquisition unit with respect to the recording device. An AV system comprising the AV apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a recording command output unit for each source device that outputs a recording command to be recorded A notification information acquisition step of acquiring notification information including at least a channel ID;
A channel selection step for selecting a channel to watch,
A content output step for outputting content;
A channel ID acquisition step of acquiring a channel ID of the selected channel;
A comparison step of comparing the channel ID included in the notification information acquired by the notification information acquisition unit with the channel ID acquired by the channel ID acquisition unit;
Viewer notification information acquisition step for acquiring viewer notification information to be notified to the viewer according to the comparison result in the comparison unit;
An output control step for outputting the viewer notification information from the content output unit simultaneously with the content being output;
A method of operating an AV device comprising:   The output control step includes a non-display control step for performing control so that the notification information for the viewer is not output from the content output unit simultaneously with the content when the comparison result in the comparison unit is the same as the comparison result. Item 12. The operation method of the AV device according to Item 11. A notification information acquisition unit for acquiring notification information;
A mode information acquisition step of acquiring mode information of the selected content output unit;
A content output step for outputting content;
Viewer notification information acquisition step for acquiring viewer notification information to be notified to the viewer according to the notification information and mode information;
An output control step for outputting the viewer notification information from the content output unit simultaneously with the content being output;
A method of operating an AV device having A channel selection step for selecting a channel to watch,
A channel ID acquisition step of acquiring a channel ID of the selected channel;
A comparison step of comparing the channel ID included in the notification information acquired in the notification information acquisition step with the channel ID acquired in the channel ID acquisition step;
When the mode information acquired in the mode information acquisition step is the channel mode, the viewer notification information acquisition step acquires the viewer notification information to be notified to the viewer according to the comparison result in the comparison step. The method for operating an AV apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: a channel mode viewer notification information acquisition step. A TV-side generation information holding step for holding TV-side generation information for generating viewer notification information according to the comparison result;
The viewer notification information acquisition unit has a viewer notification information generation step of acquiring TV side generation information from the TV side generation information holding unit and generating viewer notification information according to the comparison result in the comparison unit. The operation method of the AV apparatus according to claim 11. There is a viewer notification information external acquisition step for acquiring a plurality of types of viewer notification information from the outside in correspondence with each comparison result so that the comparison result may be any.
The viewer notification information acquisition step selects the viewer notification information according to the comparison result in the comparison step from the plurality of viewer notification information acquired in the viewer notification information external acquisition step. The method of operating an AV apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising an information selection step.   The viewer notification information acquisition step includes a NULL data acquisition step of acquiring NULL data as viewer notification information corresponding to a comparison result that the comparison results in the comparison step are the same. An operation method of the described AV apparatus. The content output step further includes a source device identification step for identifying a source device of the content being output,
The AV apparatus operating method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the viewer notification information acquisition step further includes a source device specific acquisition step of acquiring viewer notification information according to the source device identification information. An AV system operating method comprising a recording device connected to an AV device and an AV device,
The operation method of the AV apparatus records the channel identified by the channel ID acquired in the notification information acquisition step for the recording device when the comparison result indicates that the comparison result in the comparison step is different. 18. An AV system operation method as an operation method of an AV apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a recording command output step of outputting a recording command to be performed. An AV system operating method comprising a recording device connected to an AV device and an AV device,
When the source device identified in the source device identification step is a source device other than a television, the AV device is identified by the channel ID acquired in the notification information acquisition step for the recording device. 19. The method of operating an AV system as an operation method of an AV apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a recording command output step for each source device that outputs a recording command for recording a channel.

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