JP2010187041A - Digital broadcast system and broadcast receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital broadcast system capable of more surely executing the efficient acquisition of program information in a broadcast receiver. <P>SOLUTION: In the digital broadcast system, a broadcast transmitter 10 generates program information including transmission stop information indicating a transmission stop period for stopping the transmission of the program information in a program information generation part 13, and transmits digital broadcast data, for which a program content and the program information are multiplexed, by a transmission part 16. Also, the broadcast receiver acquires the transmission stop information from the digital broadcast data received by a tuner, determines the date and time for the acquisition of the program information on the basis of the acquired transmission stop information and a predetermined determination condition, receives the digital broadcast data at the determined date and time for the acquisition, and acquires the program information. The determination condition includes the condition of determining a time zone, which does not overlapping with the transmission stop period of the program information in any broadcast channel, as the date and time for the acquisition of the program information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital broadcast system and a broadcast receiving apparatus.

  Broadcast signals of digital television broadcasts include programs called SI (Service Information: Program Sequence Information) defined in the ARIB (Association of Radio Industries and Business) standard, together with video and audio data. Information is multiplexed. The program information includes various information such as a program name, broadcast date and time, and program overview, and is provided to the user as an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) in the broadcast receiving apparatus. Using the EPG, the user can efficiently select a viewing program from among multiple channels, search for a program, make a viewing reservation, make a recording reservation, and the like.

Such program information is periodically added to the broadcast signal transmitted by each broadcasting station and transmitted. However, depending on the transmission period of program information and the timing of acquiring program information, it takes time to acquire program information, and the user There is a possibility that the EPG cannot be presented immediately when the EPG requests to display the EPG.
In particular, in digital terrestrial television broadcasting, each station uses an SI system in which each broadcast station multiplexes only its own program information (SI) into a broadcast signal. Therefore, when a broadcast receiving apparatus acquires program information. The tuner 23 must select each broadcast channel in order, and the program information (SI) of each station must be individually acquired for each broadcast channel. Further, the EPG is displayed after the EPG display request is received. It will take time.

  Therefore, a broadcast receiving apparatus that acquires program information in advance and stores it in a storage means is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a broadcast receiving apparatus, when the user makes an EPG display request, the EPG can be promptly presented based on the program information stored in the storage means in advance.

However, since the program information is extracted from the broadcast signal of the broadcast channel selected by the tuner, the tuner does not operate while the main power of the apparatus is turned off, and the program information cannot be obtained. is there.
In addition, as described above, in digital terrestrial television broadcasting, each broadcasting station adopts an SI system in which each station multiplexes only its own program information (SI) into a broadcast signal. At the time of acquisition, the tuner must select all broadcast channels and acquire program information (SI) of each station individually. Therefore, while the viewer is watching the program, the tuner cannot select a broadcast channel of another station and cannot acquire all program information.

Further, in recent years, there are cases where the broadcasting station completely stops the broadcast wave during the program suspension for the purpose of energy saving. While the broadcast wave itself is completely stopped, it is impossible to acquire program information. Therefore, it is necessary to acquire the program information while avoiding the time zone in which the complete stop is performed.
If automatic acquisition of program information is performed at a timing when the acquisition of program information is not possible, power is wasted.

  Therefore, in order to prevent wasteful consumption of power and to acquire program information reliably and efficiently, as a specification of the broadcast receiving device, the viewer is in standby standby not watching the program, and It is preferable that the program information acquisition process is performed at a timing when the broadcast wave is not completely stopped.

  However, the viewing time of the viewer varies depending on the viewer, and the time zone during which the broadcast wave is completely stopped varies depending on the broadcasting station and the day. Therefore, at present, the specification of the broadcast receiving apparatus ensures that the program information is automatically acquired on the assumption that the viewer is not watching the program and the broadcast wave is not completely stopped. In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult to implement efficiently.

  Therefore, for example, a time period when the user does not set viewing / recording reservation, a time period other than the broadcast stop period during which broadcast radio wave transmission is stopped, or a user calculated based on past viewing history Program information using the time selected by the user or automatically selected from the time zone immediately before the user is assumed to start viewing the program as the channel search start time. A broadcast receiving apparatus to be acquired has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2001-245227 A JP 2004-112632 A

However, in the broadcast receiving device of Patent Document 2, since the broadcast stop period is calculated from the time when the broadcast is stopped to the time when the broadcast is restarted based on the acquired program information, there is temporarily no program information to be acquired. In such a case, there is a problem that the accurate broadcast stop period cannot be grasped.
In addition, when a broadcast program is paused but there is a channel in which the broadcast signal is not stopped and the program information can be acquired, the broadcast receiving device side can obtain a program that can acquire the program information. The stop period cannot be distinguished from a period in which program information cannot be acquired due to complete stoppage of the broadcast signal, and there is a possibility that the time zone in which program information can be acquired cannot be accurately grasped.
As a result, in the broadcast receiving apparatus, program information is acquired within a complete stop period where program information cannot be acquired, or the period during which program information can be acquired is actually The program information may not be efficiently acquired, such as being excluded from the candidates.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a digital broadcasting system capable of more reliably and efficiently acquiring program information in a broadcast receiving apparatus.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a digital broadcasting system comprising a broadcast transmitting device and a broadcast receiving device that receives digital broadcast data transmitted by the broadcast transmitting device.
The broadcast transmitting device is:
First generation means for generating program information including transmission stop information indicating a transmission stop period for stopping transmission of program information;
Second generation means for generating digital broadcast data in which program content and the program information generated by the first generation means are multiplexed;
Transmitting means for transmitting the digital broadcast data generated by the second generating means;
With
The broadcast receiving device is:
Receiving means for receiving the digital broadcast data transmitted from the broadcast transmitting device;
First acquisition means for acquiring the transmission stop information from the digital broadcast data received by the reception means;
A determination unit that determines an acquisition date and time of the program information based on the transmission stop information acquired by the first acquisition unit and a predetermined determination condition;
Second acquisition means for receiving the digital broadcast data by the reception means at the acquisition date and time determined by the determination means and acquiring the program information from the received digital broadcast data;
With
The determination condition includes a condition for determining, as an acquisition date and time of the program information, a time zone that does not overlap with the transmission stop period of the program information in any broadcast channel.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the digital broadcasting system according to the first aspect, the transmission stop information includes a start date and time for starting transmission stop of program information and a duration of program information transmission stop or program information. And an end date and time for ending the transmission stop.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the digital broadcasting system according to the first or second aspect, when the determination condition is that transmission of the program information is scheduled to be stopped in at least one broadcast channel, the broadcast is performed. A condition for determining immediately after the latest time when transmission stop of the program information in the channel is ended is included as an acquisition date and time of the program information.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the digital broadcast system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the determination condition includes a case where there is no broadcast channel scheduled to stop transmission of the program information. A condition for determining a predetermined time as the acquisition date of the program information is included.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the digital broadcasting system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the determining means includes the program information for the next day on the day before the acquisition date of the program information. The acquisition date is determined.

Invention of Claim 6 is provided with the memory | storage means to memorize | store the said program information acquired by the said 2nd acquisition means in the digital broadcasting system as described in any one of Claims 1-5,
The storage means is updated each time new program information is acquired by the second acquisition means.

The invention according to claim 7 is a digital broadcasting system comprising a broadcast transmitting device and a broadcast receiving device that receives digital broadcast data transmitted by the broadcast transmitting device.
The broadcast transmitting device is:
First generation means for generating program information including transmission stop information indicating a transmission stop period for stopping transmission of program information;
Second generation means for generating digital broadcast data in which program content and the program information generated by the first generation means are multiplexed;
Transmitting means for transmitting the digital broadcast data generated by the second generating means;
With
The transmission stop information includes a start date and time for starting the transmission stop of program information and a continuation period of the program information transmission stop or an end date and time for ending the transmission stop of program information,
The broadcast receiving device is:
Receiving means for receiving the digital broadcast data transmitted from the broadcast transmitting device;
First acquisition means for acquiring the transmission stop information from the digital broadcast data received by the reception means;
Determining means for determining an acquisition date and time of the program information based on the transmission stop information acquired by the first acquiring means and a predetermined determination condition;
Second acquisition means for receiving the digital broadcast data by the reception means at the acquisition date and time determined by the determination means and acquiring the program information from the received digital broadcast data;
Storage means for storing the program information acquired by the second acquisition means;
With
The determination condition includes
When a time zone that does not overlap with the transmission stop period of the program information in any broadcast channel is determined as the acquisition date and time of the program information, and when transmission stop of the program information is scheduled in at least one broadcast channel, A condition for determining immediately after the latest time when transmission stop of the program information in the broadcast channel ends as an acquisition date and time of the program information;
A condition for determining a predetermined time as the acquisition date of the program information when there is no broadcast channel scheduled to stop transmission of the program information;
Contains
The determination means determines the acquisition date and time of the program information for the next day on the day before the acquisition date and time of the program information,
The digital broadcasting system, wherein the storage means is updated each time new program information is acquired by the second acquisition means.

The invention according to claim 8 is a broadcast receiving apparatus for receiving digital broadcast data transmitted by a broadcast transmitting apparatus.
Receiving means for receiving the digital broadcast data transmitted from the broadcast transmitting device;
First acquisition means for acquiring transmission stop information indicating a transmission stop period for stopping transmission of program information from the program information of the digital broadcast data received by the receiving means;
A determination unit that determines an acquisition date and time of the program information based on the transmission stop information acquired by the first acquisition unit and a predetermined determination condition;
Second acquisition means for receiving the digital broadcast data by the reception means at the acquisition date and time determined by the determination means and acquiring the program information from the received digital broadcast data;
With
The determination condition is a condition for determining, as an acquisition date and time of the program information, a time zone that does not overlap with the transmission stop period of the program information in any broadcast channel.

According to the present invention, in the broadcast transmission apparatus, program information including transmission stop information indicating a transmission stop period for stopping transmission of program information is generated by the first generation unit, and program content is generated by the second generation unit. Digital broadcast data in which the program information generated by the first generation means is multiplexed is generated, and the digital broadcast data generated by the second generation means is transmitted by the transmission means. Also, in the broadcast receiving apparatus, the digital broadcast data transmitted from the broadcast transmitting apparatus is received by the receiving means, and the transmission stop information is acquired from the digital broadcast data received by the receiving means by the first acquiring means, and the determining means Thus, the acquisition date / time of the program information is determined based on the transmission stop information acquired by the first acquisition means and the predetermined determination condition, and the acquisition date / time determined by the determination means by the second acquisition means The digital broadcast data is received by the receiving means, the program information is acquired from the received digital broadcast data, and the determination condition is that the program information is acquired in a time zone that does not overlap with the transmission stop period of the program information in any broadcast channel A condition to be determined as the date and time is included.
That is, in the broadcast receiving device, by acquiring the transmission stop information from the digital broadcast data, it is possible to accurately grasp the transmission stop period during which the transmission of program information is stopped. The program information acquisition date is set in a non-overlapping time zone, and the program information acquisition process is performed. Therefore, in the broadcast receiving apparatus, it is possible to prevent the program information from being acquired within the broadcast signal transmission stop period during which the program information cannot be acquired, and the program information cannot be reliably acquired. A digital broadcasting system capable of more reliably and efficiently acquiring program information in a broadcast receiving apparatus, because only a limited time period can be excluded from candidates for timing for acquiring program information. Can be provided.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the digital broadcasting system of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the broadcast transmission apparatus with which the digital broadcasting system of this embodiment is equipped. It is a figure which shows typically the data structure of transmission stop information. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the broadcast receiver with which the digital broadcast system of this embodiment is provided. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the program information acquisition process performed in a broadcast receiver. It is an example of the electronic program guide created based on the program information of each broadcast channel.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

(Digital broadcasting system)
As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the digital broadcast system 100 of the present embodiment includes a broadcast transmission device 10 on the broadcaster side that transmits digital broadcast data of terrestrial digital broadcast, and a digital broadcast transmitted from the broadcast transmission device 10. And a broadcast receiving device 20 for receiving data. The digital broadcasting system of the present invention can be applied not only to terrestrial digital broadcasting but also to satellite digital broadcasting.

The digital broadcast data transmitted from the broadcast transmitting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is called program content composed of video data and audio data, PSI (Program Specific Information), SI (Service Information: program arrangement information). Program information and the like are multiplexed. In terrestrial digital broadcasting, each station SI system that multiplexes only the program information of its own station is adopted.
On the other hand, the broadcast receiving apparatus 20 of the present embodiment acquires program information (SI) multiplexed with digital broadcast data transmitted from each broadcast station from digital broadcast data of all broadcast channels, and acquires all broadcast channels acquired. EPG (Electronic Program Guide) is created based on the program information of the minutes and provided to the user.

(Configuration of broadcast transmitter)
First, the broadcast transmitting apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the broadcast transmitting apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the broadcast transmission apparatus 10 includes a video encoder 11, an audio encoder 12, a program information generation unit 13, a multiplexing unit 14, a transmission path encoding unit 15, a transmission unit 16 as a transmission unit, and control. The unit 17 is provided.

The video encoder 11 encodes a video signal as program content according to the MPEG2 Video system. The audio encoder 12 encodes an audio signal as program content according to the MPEG2 Audio AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) method.
Thereby, the video / audio signal as the program content is converted into an encoded data string called ES (Elementary Stream).

The program information generation unit 13 serves as a first generation means such as SDT (Service Description Table), EIT (Event Information Table), BIT (Broadcaster Information Table), TOT (Time Offset Table), etc. based on the input information. Various tables under the ARIB standard are created, and program information (SI) is edited (generated).
At this time, when the transmission of digital broadcast data is scheduled to stop, the program information generation unit 13 generates transmission stop information indicating a transmission stop period during which transmission of a broadcast signal is stopped (completely stopped). Insert inside. Such transmission stop information will be described in detail later.

The multiplexing unit 14 converts the ES into a variable-length packet called a PES (Packetized Elementary Stream) packet as second generation means. Also, the program information (SI) that is the source of PSI or EPG that is referred to when selecting a packet on the receiving side is converted into a section format.
Further, the multiplexing unit 14 converts the program content converted into the PES packet, the PSI / SI converted into the section format, etc. into a fixed length (188 byte) packet called a TS packet with a TS (Transport Stream) header. At the same time, it is multiplexed into a group of TSs as digital broadcast data.

  The transmission line encoding unit 15 performs TS remultiplexing, error correction code addition, interleaving, energy spreading, etc. on the TS as the digital broadcast data generated in the multiplexing unit 14 as the second generation means, and the IFET (Inverse Fast Fourier Transform) is performed, and digital modulation is performed by an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) method.

  The transmission unit 16 performs D / A conversion on the digital broadcast data modulated by the transmission path encoding unit 15 as a transmission unit, converts the digital broadcast data into a frequency in the UHF band, amplifies it, and transmits it from the transmission antenna.

  The control unit 17 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 171, a random access memory (RAM) 172, a read only memory (ROM) 173, and the like, and controls each unit of the broadcast receiving device 20.

  The CPU 171 reads out a processing program stored in the ROM 173 in accordance with input signals input from each unit, develops and executes the processing program in the RAM 172, and outputs an output signal to each unit, thereby controlling the entire broadcast transmitting apparatus 10. I do.

  The RAM 172 includes a program storage area for developing various programs executed by the CPU 171, a data storage area for storing input data, processing results generated when these processing programs are executed, and the like, and is used as a work area for the CPU 171. It is done.

  The ROM 173 stores processing programs, data, and the like in advance. For example, a first generation program 173a as a first generation unit, a second generation program 173b as a second generation unit, a transmission program 173c as a transmission unit, and the like. Stored.

The first generation program 173a is a program for causing the CPU 171 to realize a function of generating program information including transmission stop information indicating a transmission stop period in which transmission of program information is stopped.
In the execution of the first generation program 173a, the CPU 171 uses the program information generation unit 13 to create various tables such as SDT, EIT, BIT, TOT, and generate program information. The EIT describes EIT present / following that describes information about the program that is currently being broadcast and the next broadcast on the broadcast channel of the broadcast station, and information about the program for eight days including the program that is currently being broadcast. EIT scheduled.
Further, when the transmission stop of the digital broadcast data is scheduled, the CPU 171 inserts the transmission stop information described below into this program information.
In the present embodiment, the first generation program 173a, the CPU 171, and the program information generation unit 13 constitute a first generation unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the data structure of the transmission stop information.
As shown in FIG. 3, the transmission stop information includes a 16-bit transmission stop identification code, a 40-bit transmission stop start date and time (start date and time), a 24-bit duration, and an 8-bit transmission stop supplemental information length. , 8 × N-bit program pause supplement information, and is described in the program information (SI).
A predetermined value indicating the start of the transmission stop information is arranged in the transmission stop identification code arranged at the head of the transmission stop information.
Also, at the transmission stop start date and time, the start date and time for starting the broadcast signal transmission stop (that is, the program information transmission stop) is the date according to MJD (modified Julian date) and the hour and minute in BCD (binary decimal notation) notation. Described in units.
Further, in the duration time, the duration time during which the broadcast signal transmission is stopped is described in BCD (binary decimal number) notation.
In addition, a value indicating the length (byte unit) of the subsequent program pause supplement information is inserted into the transmission stop supplement information length.
In addition, supplementary information regarding the transmission stop of the broadcast signal is inserted into the transmission stop supplemental information. The broadcast receiving apparatus 20 side is configured to provide the user with the data inserted in the transmission stop supplement information. For example, when “completely stopped” is described as the transmission stop supplement information, On the EPG screen, “completely stopped” is displayed.

Note that the data structure and format of the transmission stop information are not particularly limited, and may be included in the program information (SI) in some form. For example, the data structure described above may have a different structure. Further, the transmission stop information may be described in a new table related to the transmission stop information or a descriptor (descriptor) format.
When the above-mentioned transmission stop information is incorporated into program information (SI) in the form of a new non-existing table or descriptor, the contents (for example, PID, table ID, tag value, data structure, etc.) are in accordance with the ARIB standard. Registered and published.

The second generation program 173b is a program for causing the CPU 171 to realize a function of generating digital broadcast data in which program content and program information generated by executing the first generation program 173a are multiplexed.
In the execution of the second generation program 173b, as described above, the CPU 171 encodes video data and audio data as program contents in the video encoder 11 and the audio encoder 12, and converts them into PES packets. Also, PSI and program information (SI) are encoded and sectioned. Then, the generated PES packet and the section are multiplexed to generate a TS (Transport Steam) as digital broadcast data.
In the present embodiment, the second generation program 173b, the CPU 171, the multiplexing unit 14, and the transmission path encoding unit 15 constitute a second generation unit.

The transmission program 173c is a program for causing the CPU 171 to realize a function of transmitting digital broadcast data generated by executing the second generation program 173b.
In the execution of the transmission program 173c, as described above, the CPU 171 transmits the TS as digital broadcast data in which the program content and the program information are multiplexed from the transmission unit 16 through the transmission antenna. The program information is attached to the digital broadcast data and is repeatedly transmitted periodically.
In the present embodiment, the transmission program 173c, the CPU 171, and the transmission unit 16 constitute a transmission unit.

(Broadcast receiving device)
Next, the broadcast receiving apparatus 20 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the broadcast receiving apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the broadcast receiving apparatus 20 includes a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as “remote controller”) 20a through which a user inputs various instructions, and an apparatus body 20b that is remotely operated by the remote controller 20a. The digital terrestrial television broadcast signal is received.

The remote controller 20a includes a plurality of buttons for the user to input various instructions to the apparatus main body 20b. For example, the remote control 20a includes a power button, a program guide display button, a numeric button that functions as a one-touch button, an input switching button, a voice switching button, a return button, a cursor button including up / down / left / right buttons, a determination button, a channel up / down Buttons, volume up / down buttons (both not shown) and the like are provided.
Identification information is assigned to each of these buttons in advance and stored in a predetermined storage area. When the button is operated by the user, the identification information of the operated button is read, a remote control signal corresponding to the read identification information is generated, and the generated remote control signal is transmitted to a transmission unit (not shown) 16 is transmitted.

  The apparatus main body 20b includes a remote control signal light receiving unit 21, an antenna 22, a tuner 23, a demodulation unit 24, a decoder unit 25, a video processing unit 30, an audio processing unit 31, an OSD circuit 32, a display unit 33, an audio output unit 34, and a control unit. 35 etc.

  The remote control signal light receiving unit 21 includes a photodiode, a SUBCPU, an amplification unit, a demodulation unit, a decoder (all not shown), and the like. When the SUBCPU receives the remote control signal transmitted from the remote control 20a at the photodiode provided on the front panel, the amplified remote control signal is amplified by the amplification unit, demodulated by the demodulation unit, waveform shaping, error correction, etc. by the decoder. After performing the various processes, the data is output to the control unit 35. The control unit 35 acquires identification information from the input remote control signal, and determines the operated button based on the acquired identification information.

  The antenna 22 is arranged outdoors in a predetermined direction, and receives a high-frequency digital broadcast signal transmitted from the broadcast transmission device 10.

  As a receiving means, the tuner 23 extracts a signal in a specific frequency band from a digital broadcast signal of a high frequency signal input by the antenna 22 or the like in accordance with a channel selection instruction from the control unit 35, and converts it to a low frequency signal. After that, AD conversion or the like is performed and output to the demodulator 24.

  For example, the demodulator 24 performs processing such as digital demodulation and error correction on the signal of the channel selected by the tuner 23 based on the control from the controller 35, and transport stream (TS: Transport Stream). ) And output to the decoder unit 25.

  The decoder unit 25 includes a demultiplexer 26, a video decoder 27, an audio decoder 28, a data decoder 29, and the like.

  The separation unit 26 separates the TS input from the demodulation unit 24 into a plurality of streams such as a video stream, an audio stream, and PSI (Program Specific Information: Program Specific Information) / SI (Service Information: Program Sequence Information). Then, necessary TS packets are acquired based on the PSI, and a video stream under the MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group 2) standard is output to the video decoder 27 and an audio stream is output to the audio decoder 28. Further, the separation unit 26 outputs data such as program information (SI) to the data decoder 29.

The video decoder 27 performs various processes such as variable length decoding, inverse quantization, inverse DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform), motion correction and the like on the video stream input from the separation unit 26, thereby converting the video stream into a DTS (Decoding Time). The video data is generated and output to the video processing unit 30.
The audio decoder 28 decodes the audio stream input from the separation unit 26, generates audio data, and outputs the audio data to the audio processing unit 31.

The data decoder 29 decodes the program information (SI) input from the separation unit 26, acquires necessary information, and supplies it to the control unit 35.
Specifically, the data decoder 29 extracts the transmission stop information for the next day when the input program information (SI) includes transmission stop information related to the broadcast signal transmission stop as the first acquisition means. Then, it is supplied to the control unit 35. The transmission stop information acquired by the data decoder 29 is information that is referred to when determining the acquisition date and time of program information (SI) for the next day in the control unit 35, as will be described later.
Further, the data decoder 29 acquires necessary information from the input program information (SI) as a second acquisition unit, and supplies it to the control unit 35. Program information (SI) acquired by the data decoder 29 is stored in a program information storage unit 356 described later.
The transmission stop information may be acquired from the program information (SI) stored in the program information storage unit 356 instead of being acquired by the data decoder 29.

The video processing unit 30 performs various video processes on the video data input from the video decoder 27 to generate a video signal. The generated video signal is temporarily stored in a frame memory (not shown), and then output to the display unit 33 at a reproduction timing according to PTS (Presentation Time Stamp).
The audio processing unit 31 performs various audio processing on the audio data input from the audio decoder 28 to generate an audio signal, and outputs the audio signal to the audio output unit 34 at a reproduction timing according to the PTS.

  The OSD circuit 32 generates OSD display data in accordance with control from the control unit 35, superimposes the generated OSD display data on the video signal output from the video processing unit 30, and displays the OSD display data on the display unit 33. Display.

The display unit 33 includes, for example, a display (not shown) such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and the video input from the video processing unit 30. Video based on the signal is displayed on the display.
The audio output unit 34 includes, for example, a speaker (not shown) and the like, amplifies the audio based on the audio signal input from the audio processing unit 31, and outputs the amplified audio from the speaker.

  The control unit 35 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 351, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 352, a channel memory 353, a timing unit 354, an acquisition date storage unit 355, a program information storage unit 356, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 357. Etc., and each part of the broadcast receiving apparatus 20 is controlled.

  The CPU 351 reads out a processing program stored in the ROM 357 in accordance with input signals input from each unit of the apparatus main body 20b, develops and executes the processing program in the RAM 352, and outputs an output signal to each unit of the apparatus main body 20b. Control of the entire broadcast receiving apparatus 20 is performed.

  The RAM 352 includes a program storage area for developing various programs executed by the CPU 351, a data storage area for storing input data and processing results generated when these processing programs are executed, and is used as a work area for the CPU 351. It is done.

  The channel memory 353 is configured by a non-volatile memory, and stores information regarding broadcast channels that can be received by the broadcast receiving apparatus 20 detected by channel scanning in the tuner 23.

  The time measuring unit 354 performs a time measuring process to generate a reference time for the entire broadcast receiving apparatus 20.

  The acquisition date storage unit 355 is configured by a non-volatile memory, and stores the acquisition date of program information (SI) for the next day determined at a frequency of once a day.

  The program information storage unit 356 includes a nonvolatile memory, and stores program information (SI) acquired by the data decoder 29 as a storage unit.

  The ROM 357 stores processing programs, data, and the like in advance, for example, a reception program 357a as a reception unit, a first acquisition program 357b as a first acquisition unit, a determination program 357c as a determination unit, and a second acquisition unit. A second acquisition program 357d, a storage program 357e as storage means, and the like are stored.

The reception program 357a is a program for causing the CPU 351 to realize a function of receiving digital broadcast data transmitted from the broadcast transmission device 10.
In the present embodiment, the reception program is configured by the reception program 357a, the CPU 351, and the tuner 27.

The first acquisition program 357b is a program for causing the CPU 351 to realize a function of acquiring transmission stop information from digital broadcast data received by executing the reception program 357a.
In the present embodiment, the first acquisition program 357b, the CPU 351, and the data decoder 29 constitute a first acquisition unit.

The determination program 357c is a program for causing the CPU 351 to realize a function of determining the acquisition date and time of program information based on transmission stop information acquired by execution of the first acquisition program 357b and a predetermined determination condition. It is.
The determination condition is a condition for determining, as a program information acquisition date and time, a time zone that does not overlap with the program information transmission stop period in any broadcast channel, and at least one broadcast channel is scheduled to stop transmission of program information. In this case, immediately after the latest time when the transmission stop of the program information in the broadcast channel ends is determined as the acquisition date of the program information, while there is no broadcast channel scheduled to stop the transmission of the program information. A condition for determining a predetermined time as the acquisition date of the program information.
The acquisition date / time of the program information is determined for the acquisition date / time for the next day based on the broadcast stop information included in the program information acquired the day before the acquisition date / time. That is, the acquisition date and time for the next day is determined once a day based on the program information acquired on that day.
In this embodiment, the determination unit is configured by the determination program 357c and the CPU 351.

The second acquisition program 357d causes the CPU 351 to realize a function of receiving digital broadcast data by the tuner 23 at the acquisition date determined by execution of the determination program 357c and acquiring program information from the received digital broadcast data. It is a program for.
In the present embodiment, the second acquisition unit is configured by the second acquisition program 357d, the CPU 351, and the data decoder 29.

The storage program 357e stores the program information acquired by the execution of the second acquisition program 357d in the CPU 351 in the program information storage unit 356 and updates the program information storage unit 356 every time new program information is acquired. It is a program for realizing the function.
In the present embodiment, the storage unit includes the storage program 357e, the CPU 351, and the program information storage unit 356.

  Here, the program information acquisition process performed in the broadcast receiving apparatus 20 by the CPU 351 executing the first acquisition program 357b, the determination program 357c, the second acquisition program 357d, and the storage program 357e described above is a flowchart of FIG. Will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 351 determines whether or not the program information of each broadcast channel acquired in the process of step S8 described later includes transmission stop information for the next day indicating a transmission stop period for stopping the transmission of the broadcast signal. (Step S1). When the CPU 351 determines that the program information of the next day is included in the program information of at least one broadcast channel (step S1; Yes), the process proceeds to step S2, while the program information of any broadcast channel includes the next day. If it is determined that the transmission stop information for the minute is not included (step S1; No), the transmission signal transmission stop (complete stop) is not performed on any broadcast channel on the next day, and the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S2, the CPU 351 acquires transmission stop information for the next day included in the acquired program information. As described above, the transmission stop information may be extracted from the program information acquired by the data decoder 29, and the program information acquired by the data decoder 29 is temporarily stored in the program information storage unit 356. Later, the program information stored in the program information storage unit 356 may be acquired from the program information.

  Next, in step S <b> 3, the CPU 351 determines an acquisition date and time of program information for the next day based on the acquired transmission stop information and predetermined determination conditions. At this time, the CPU 351 specifies the latest time when the transmission stop of the broadcast signal ends in the broadcast channel scheduled to stop the transmission of the broadcast signal the next day. The date and time immediately after the specified time is set as the acquisition date and time of program information for the next day.

  For example, transmission stop information having “AM0: 40 to AM4: 30” as a transmission stop period is acquired from the broadcast channel program information of the broadcast station “KHN2”, and from the broadcast channel program information of the broadcast station “C2 broadcast station”. Transmission stop information having “AM1: 00 to AM3: 00” as a transmission stop period is acquired, and “AM1: 00 to AM5: 00” is set as a transmission stop period from the broadcast channel program information of the broadcast station “x2 broadcast station”. It is assumed that the transmission stop information to be acquired is acquired.

  Then, the CPU 351 specifies the latest time (that is, “AM5: 00” of the x2 broadcast station) in the transmission stop periods of the broadcast signals in the three broadcast channels. Then, the time immediately after the latest time “AM5: 00” (for example, “AM5: 01”) within the specified transmission stop period is determined as the acquisition date of program information for the next day.

In the present invention, “immediately after the latest time when the transmission stop of the broadcast signal ends” is not limited to the time one minute after the latest time when the transmission stop ends, and the most Any time within a predetermined time from a later time may be used. For example, 10 seconds / 30 seconds / 5 minutes / 10 minutes / 30 minutes / 60 minutes after the latest stop of transmission of the broadcast signal is determined as the acquisition date of the program information. May be.
Also, in reality, there may be a case where the transmission of the broadcast signal is resumed before the scheduled time when the transmission stop of the broadcast signal is finished. The acquisition date of program information may be set.

On the other hand, in step S4, the CPU 351 obtains program information for the next day, for example, “AM 1:00” as a predetermined time, assuming that transmission of broadcast signals is not stopped on any broadcast channel on the next day. Determined as date and time.
In addition, in the execution of the program information acquisition process in step S7, which will be described later, the program information of all broadcast channels is obtained for some reason such as when the main power of the broadcast receiving device 20 is turned off or the user is watching the program. Even when it cannot be acquired completely, a predetermined time is determined as the acquisition date of program information for the next day.

  In step S5, the CPU 351 causes the acquisition date storage unit 355 to store the acquisition date and time of the program information for the next day determined in step S3 or step S4.

  Next, in step S <b> 6, the CPU 351 determines whether or not the acquisition date / time (for example, “AM5: 01”) of the program information stored in the acquisition date / time storage unit 355 has arrived based on the reference time generated by the time measuring unit 354. Determine whether. If the CPU 351 determines in step S6 that the program information acquisition date has not yet arrived (step S6; No), the CPU 351 repeatedly executes the process of step S6, while determining that the program information acquisition date has arrived. (Step S6; Yes), the process proceeds to Step S7.

  Next, in step S7, the CPU 351 reads information on each broadcast channel stored as a receivable broadcast channel from the channel memory 353, selects all the broadcast channels in order with the tuner 23, and digitally selects each broadcast channel. Receive broadcast data. The data decoder 29 acquires program information from the received digital broadcast data of each broadcast channel.

  In subsequent step S8, CPU 351 updates program information storage unit 356 based on the program information acquired by the program information acquisition process in step S7, and then returns to step S1 to repeat the above processing.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an electronic program guide created based on the program information of each broadcast channel.
As shown in FIG. 6, in the electronic program guide created based on the program information, a cursor C for selecting a broadcast program is displayed, and the program name, performer, and program of the program selected by the cursor C are displayed. Information such as contents is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the transmission stop period is selected by the cursor C, the data inserted as the transmission stop supplement information (“completely stopped”) in the transmission stop information at the bottom of the screen. Based on this, “completely stopped” is displayed, and it is possible to clearly recognize that the selected period is a transmission stop period of the broadcast signal.
As a result, the user can set the “KHN2” broadcast channel between “AM0: 40 to AM4: 30”, and the “C2 broadcast station” broadcast channel between “AM1: 00 to AM3: 00” and “x2 broadcast station”. In the broadcast channel “”, it can be easily understood that the broadcast signal is completely stopped between “AM1: 00 to AM5: 00”.

According to the digital broadcast system 100 of the present embodiment described above, the broadcast transmission device 10 and the broadcast reception device 20 that receives the digital broadcast data transmitted by the broadcast transmission device 10 are provided. , The program information including the transmission stop information indicating the transmission stop period for stopping the transmission of the broadcast signal is generated by the execution of the first generation program 173a, and the program content and the first generation are generated by the execution of the second generation program 173b. The digital broadcast data multiplexed with the program information generated by the means is generated, and the transmission means transmits the digital broadcast data generated by the execution of the second generation program 173b by the execution of the transmission program 173c. The transmission stop information includes the start date and time for starting the transmission stop of the broadcast signal and the transmission of the broadcast signal. And end date and time to end the transmission stop duration or broadcast signal of the stop include. In the broadcast receiving device 20, the digital broadcast data transmitted from the broadcast transmitting device 10 is received by the tuner 23 by the execution of the reception program 357a, and the digital broadcast received by the tuner 23 by the execution of the first acquisition program 357b. The transmission stop information is acquired from the data, and the execution date of the program information is determined based on the transmission stop information acquired by executing the first acquisition program 357b and the predetermined determination condition by executing the determination program 357c. By the execution of the second acquisition program 357d, the digital broadcast data is received by the tuner 23 at the acquisition date and time determined by the execution of the determination program 357c, and the program information is acquired from the received digital broadcast data, By executing the storage program 357e, Program information acquired by the execution of the 2 acquisition program 357d are stored by the program information storage unit 356. In addition, as a determination condition, a time zone that does not overlap with a program information transmission stop period in any broadcast channel is determined as a program information acquisition date and time, and at least one broadcast channel is scheduled to stop transmission of a broadcast signal. In the case where there is no broadcast channel that is scheduled to stop transmission of program information and a condition for determining the acquisition date and time of program information immediately after the latest time when transmission stop of program information in the broadcast channel ends. And a condition for determining a predetermined time as the acquisition date of the program information. Further, by executing the determination program 357c, the acquisition date of the program information for the next day is determined on the day before the acquisition date of the program information. It is updated each time the program information is acquired.
That is, in the broadcast receiving device 20, by acquiring the transmission stop information from the digital broadcast data, it becomes possible to accurately grasp the transmission stop period during which the broadcast signal transmission is stopped (that is, the program information transmission is stopped). The program information acquisition date and time is set in a time zone that does not overlap with the transmission stop period of any broadcast channel, and the program information acquisition process is performed. Therefore, the broadcast receiving device 20 can prevent the program information from being acquired within the transmission stop period (complete wave stop period) of the broadcast signal where the program information cannot be acquired, and reliably. Only the time zone in which the program information cannot be acquired can be excluded from the candidates for the timing for acquiring the program information, and the broadcast receiving apparatus 20 can acquire the program information more reliably and efficiently. It is possible to provide a digital broadcasting system 100 that can be used.

  Further, the transmission stop information includes a start date and time for starting transmission stop of the broadcast signal (that is, transmission stop of program information), a continuation period of transmission stop of the broadcast signal or an end date and time to end transmission stop of the program information, Therefore, the broadcast receiving apparatus 20 can grasp the program information transmission stop period more easily and more accurately.

  The determination condition includes the latest time when the transmission stop of the broadcast signal in the broadcast channel ends when the stop of the transmission of the broadcast signal (that is, the stop of the transmission of the program information) is scheduled in at least one broadcast channel. Is included in the time period from midnight to dawn when there is a relatively low possibility that the user will watch the program and the transmission of the broadcast signal is often stopped. Among them, the program information is acquired at a timing that does not overlap with the transmission stop period of any broadcast channel. Therefore, program information can be acquired in a time zone where the possibility of acquiring program information is higher, and the efficiency of program information acquisition is further increased.

  The determination condition includes a condition for determining a predetermined time as an acquisition date and time of program information when there is no broadcast channel scheduled to stop transmission of broadcast signals (that is, stop transmission of program information). Therefore, the program information can be efficiently acquired by setting the time when the possibility that the user is watching the program is low as the predetermined program information acquisition time.

  In addition, since the determination condition is to determine the acquisition date and time of program information for the next day on the day before the acquisition date and time of the program information, the broadcast receiving device 20 stops transmission more accurately based on newer transmission stop information. The period can be ascertained, and more efficient program information acquisition processing can be performed.

  Furthermore, a program information storage unit 356 that stores program information acquired by executing the second acquisition program 357d is provided, and the program information storage unit 356 is updated each time new program information is acquired. Therefore, the broadcast receiving device 20 can always present a newer electronic program guide to the user based on the program information stored in the program information storage unit 356.

  The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various improvements and design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where digital broadcast data is transmitted in the UHF band is described as an example. However, the frequency band of the digital broadcast data is not limited to this, for example, a VHF (Very High Frequency) band, a cable TV band, and the like. The present invention may be applied to digital broadcast data transmitted in other frequency bands.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where there are a plurality of determination conditions for determining the acquisition date and time of program information has been described. However, the number of determination conditions may be larger or smaller than that in the above-described embodiment. Further, the content of the determination condition is not limited to the determination condition of the above-described embodiment, as long as it is a condition for determining at least a time zone that does not overlap the transmission stop period of the broadcast signal (program information) as the acquisition date and time of the program information. Conditions may be used as determination conditions.

  In the above embodiment, the program information is acquired once a day, the transmission stop information for the next day is acquired from the acquired program information, and the next day is acquired based on the acquired transmission stop information and the determination condition. The case where the acquisition date and time of the minute program information is determined has been described. However, for example, even when program information is acquired once a day, transmission stop information for a plurality of days may be acquired from the program information, and acquisition dates and times for a plurality of days may be determined at a time. . Alternatively, the program information may be acquired once every multiple days, and the acquisition date and time of the next program information to be executed after the next day may be determined based on the transmission stop information in the acquired program information. good.

In the above-described embodiment, the transmission stop information is information including a duration during which the transmission stop of the broadcast signal is continued. However, the transmission stop information includes an end date and time when the transmission stop of the broadcast signal (program information) ends. It's also good.
Further, in the above embodiment, only when the broadcast signal transmission is scheduled to be stopped, the transmission stop information is inserted into the program information, and when the program information does not include the transmission stop information, the broadcast signal transmission is stopped. However, if the broadcast signal transmission is not scheduled to stop, information indicating that the broadcast signal transmission is not stopped may be inserted into the program information. .

  In addition, display means for displaying the determined program information acquisition date and time (for example, “AM5: 01”) on the electronic program guide created and presented based on the program information is provided, and the program information is displayed at that time. You may comprise so that a user may alert | report beforehand that it is due to perform automatic acquisition. Further, it may be configured to notify the user that the program information acquisition date / time is being executed or a predetermined time before the acquisition date / time, and that the program information acquisition date / time is being executed or a predetermined time before the acquisition date / time is determined. good. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the program information cannot be acquired because the user is viewing the program.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the program information is acquired from the digital broadcast data of all broadcast channels is described for digital terrestrial broadcasting adopting each station SI system. However, satellite broadcasting employing the all station SI system is described. For example, the present invention may be applied to other services such as a configuration in which program information is acquired from digital broadcast data of any one of the broadcast channels.

  Further, setting means may be provided in which the user manually sets the timing determined as the program information acquisition date and time when the transmission of program information is not stopped in any broadcast channel. Furthermore, a setting means for automatically setting a time zone in which the user is unlikely to view based on the user's viewing history as the timing determined as the acquisition date and time of the program information when transmission of program information is not stopped May be provided.

  In the above embodiment, the broadcast transmission apparatus transmits the transmission stop information indicating the transmission stop period for stopping the transmission of the broadcast signal. However, it is not always necessary to use the transmission stop information regarding the stop of the transmission of the broadcast signal. Any information that indicates at least the transmission stop period of the program information may be used.

100 Digital Broadcasting System 10 Broadcast Transmitting Device 13 Program Information Generation Unit (First Generation Unit)
14 Multiplexer (second generation means)
15 Transmission path encoding unit (second generation means)
16 Transmitter (transmission means)
171 CPU (first generation means, second generation means, transmission means)
173a First generation program (first generation means)
173b Second generation program (second generation means)
173c Transmission program (transmission means)
20 Broadcast receiving device 23 Tuner (receiving means)
29 Data decoder (first acquisition means, second acquisition means)
351 CPU (reception means, first acquisition means, determination means, second acquisition means, storage means)
356 Program information storage unit (storage means)
357a Reception program (reception means)
357b First acquisition program (first acquisition means)
357c Determination program (determination means)
357d Second acquisition program (second acquisition means)
357e Storage program (storage means)

Claims (8)

In a digital broadcast system comprising a broadcast transmission device and a broadcast reception device that receives digital broadcast data transmitted by the broadcast transmission device,
The broadcast transmitting device is:
First generation means for generating program information including transmission stop information indicating a transmission stop period for stopping transmission of program information;
Second generation means for generating digital broadcast data in which program content and the program information generated by the first generation means are multiplexed;
Transmitting means for transmitting the digital broadcast data generated by the second generating means;
With
The broadcast receiving device is:
Receiving means for receiving the digital broadcast data transmitted from the broadcast transmitting device;
First acquisition means for acquiring the transmission stop information from the digital broadcast data received by the reception means;
A determination unit that determines an acquisition date and time of the program information based on the transmission stop information acquired by the first acquisition unit and a predetermined determination condition;
Second acquisition means for receiving the digital broadcast data by the reception means at the acquisition date and time determined by the determination means and acquiring the program information from the received digital broadcast data;
With
The digital broadcast system according to claim 1, wherein the determination condition includes a condition for determining, as an acquisition date and time of the program information, a time zone that does not overlap with the transmission stop period of the program information in any broadcast channel.   The transmission stop information includes a start date and time for starting transmission stop of program information and a continuation period of transmission stop of program information or an end date and time for ending transmission stop of program information. The digital broadcasting system according to 1.   In the determination condition, when at least one broadcast channel is scheduled to stop transmission of the program information, immediately after the latest time when transmission stop of the program information on the broadcast channel ends, The digital broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein a condition for determining the acquisition date / time is included.   The determination condition includes a condition for determining a predetermined time as an acquisition date and time of the program information when there is no broadcast channel scheduled to stop transmission of the program information. The digital broadcasting system as described in any one of 1-3.   5. The digital broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines the acquisition date and time of the program information for the next day on the day before the acquisition date and time of the program information. . Storage means for storing the program information acquired by the second acquisition means;
6. The digital broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is updated each time new program information is acquired by the second acquisition unit. In a digital broadcast system comprising a broadcast transmission device and a broadcast reception device that receives digital broadcast data transmitted by the broadcast transmission device,
The broadcast transmitting device is:
First generation means for generating program information including transmission stop information indicating a transmission stop period for stopping transmission of program information;
Second generation means for generating digital broadcast data in which program content and the program information generated by the first generation means are multiplexed;
Transmitting means for transmitting the digital broadcast data generated by the second generating means;
With
The transmission stop information includes a start date and time for starting the transmission stop of program information and a continuation period of the program information transmission stop or an end date and time for ending the transmission stop of program information,
The broadcast receiving device is:
Receiving means for receiving the digital broadcast data transmitted from the broadcast transmitting device;
First acquisition means for acquiring the transmission stop information from the digital broadcast data received by the reception means;
Determining means for determining an acquisition date and time of the program information based on the transmission stop information acquired by the first acquiring means and a predetermined determination condition;
Second acquisition means for receiving the digital broadcast data by the reception means at the acquisition date and time determined by the determination means and acquiring the program information from the received digital broadcast data;
Storage means for storing the program information acquired by the second acquisition means;
With
The determination condition includes
When a time zone that does not overlap with the transmission stop period of the program information in any broadcast channel is determined as the acquisition date and time of the program information, and when transmission stop of the program information is scheduled in at least one broadcast channel, A condition for determining immediately after the latest time when transmission stop of the program information in the broadcast channel ends as an acquisition date and time of the program information;
A condition for determining a predetermined time as the acquisition date of the program information when there is no broadcast channel scheduled to stop transmission of the program information;
Contains
The determination means determines the acquisition date and time of the program information for the next day on the day before the acquisition date and time of the program information,
The digital broadcasting system, wherein the storage means is updated each time new program information is acquired by the second acquisition means. In a broadcast receiver that receives digital broadcast data transmitted by a broadcast transmitter,
Receiving means for receiving the digital broadcast data transmitted from the broadcast transmitting device;
First acquisition means for acquiring transmission stop information indicating a transmission stop period for stopping transmission of program information from the program information of the digital broadcast data received by the receiving means;
A determination unit that determines an acquisition date and time of the program information based on the transmission stop information acquired by the first acquisition unit and a predetermined determination condition;
Second acquisition means for receiving the digital broadcast data by the reception means at the acquisition date and time determined by the determination means and acquiring the program information from the received digital broadcast data;
With
The broadcast receiving apparatus, wherein the determination condition is a condition for determining, as an acquisition date and time of the program information, a time zone that does not overlap with the transmission stop period of the program information in any broadcast channel.

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