JP2011035723A - Video apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video apparatus wherein a user easily sets viewing restriction conditions as the user desires. <P>SOLUTION: When viewing restriction by an operation of a remote controller is performed during reproduction of video content (step S4a), and the user selects that the viewing restriction is performed also to content, in which a viewing restriction level equal to or more than that of the video content is set is selected (step S6a: YES), by rating the information set in the video content registered in a viewing restriction data base preliminarily stored in a storage part as one of the viewing restriction conditions desired by the user (step S7a). After that, the viewing restriction is performed, based on the rating information registered in the viewing restriction data base (steps S9a, S10). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a video device such as a television receiver, and more particularly to a video device having a viewing restriction function.

  In recent years, a function called a viewing restriction function has begun to spread in video equipment such as a television receiver (hereinafter referred to as “TV”) and a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc) player. The viewing restriction function is a function that restricts the viewing of content including content that is not desirable for children's education, and is also referred to as a “parental function”.

  When this viewing restriction function is used, the content may be viewed based on the viewing restriction level set for the content to be viewed and the viewing restriction level preset on the video equipment side. If the result of the verification indicates that viewing is not possible, a process of stopping video and audio output (hereinafter referred to as “mute process”) is executed. In the following, the viewing restriction level is described as “rating”.

  Examples of content subject to viewing restriction include television broadcast programs (hereinafter referred to as “TV programs”), movies that are recorded on a recording medium such as an optical disc (eg, BD), and the like, and are commercialized. is there.

  The rating information of a television program is usually incorporated in a broadcast signal of a television broadcast. For example, in the case of digital television broadcasting (hereinafter referred to as “television broadcasting”), a broadcast signal is a trans-stream signal that handles individual streams such as video, audio, and data in a common signal format and is a multiplexed signal. is there. The rating information of the television program is incorporated into the data stream (data signal) in the transstream signal and transmitted from the broadcasting station.

  Rating information of a movie or the like recorded on a recording medium such as an optical disc is recorded in advance on the recording medium together with video data and audio data of the movie.

  If there is a TV program or movie that the child's viewing is desired to be restricted, the viewer sets the rating of the TV program or movie to, for example, a television. When setting a rating on a television, for example, a rating control screen is displayed on the television screen using a remote control device (hereinafter referred to as “remote control”) for operating the television, and the rating setting screen is displayed. The desired rating is selected from the various ratings displayed on the screen, and the selected content is confirmed.

  In this way, when a TV program having a rating equivalent to the set rating is received or a movie or the like is played, the TV performs a mute process, so that the TV program or movie can be viewed. It becomes impossible.

  FIG. 10 is an example of a screen for setting a rating based on “The TV Parental Guidelines”. In the US television industry, for example, ratings for television programs are determined based on the “The TV Parental Guidelines”. “The TV Parental Guidelines” defines ratings for “viewing age” and ratings for “program content”.

  In the screen W1 in FIG. 10, R1 is a rating for “viewing age”, and R2 is a rating for “program content”. In the rating R1, the rating increases in order from the top.

  In the rating R1, “TV-MA (Mature Audience Only)” represents a program produced for adults. Therefore, a program with this rating is inappropriate for children under the age of 17.

  “TV-14 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)” indicates that the program includes content that is judged inappropriate for children under the age of 14. When viewing a program with the rating, a warning is required to be accompanied by a guardian.

  “TV-PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)” represents a program that may contain content that is considered unsuitable for younger children. Parents are required to watch programs with this rating.

  “TV-G (General Audience)” represents a program (program) suitable for all ages.

  “TV-Y7 (Directed to Older Children)” represents a program produced for children over 7 years old. Since the program with the rating may contain content that scares the child, the guardian needs to consider whether the program is suitable for the child.

  “TV-Y (All Children)” indicates that the program is produced so as to be suitable for children. The target age is 2 to 6 years, and is particularly suitable for the younger age group.

  In the rating R2, “FV (Fantasy Violence; children ’s programming only)” indicates that a fantasy violence is included in a program for children.

  “V (Violence)” represents that the program includes a violent scene. “S (Sexual Situations)” indicates that the program includes sexual depiction.

  “L (Coarse or Crude Language)” represents that the program contains vulgar language and explicit expressions. “D (Suggestive Dialogue; normally means talks about sex)” indicates that the program includes an indecent conversation.

  When setting the rating of a television program in the United States, for example, the remote controller is operated to display the screen W1 of FIG. 10 on the television screen. Then, by operating the remote controller, the cursor Cu on the screen W1 is moved to select an item for which viewing is restricted, and then the selected content is confirmed. When the selected content is confirmed, for example, a key mark Lo is displayed in the frame of the item for which viewing is restricted.

  In the screen W1, the “white” frame A1 represents selectable viewing restriction items, and the “gray” frame A2 represents non-selectable viewing restriction items. For this reason, for example, the rating R1 “TV-Y” has a rating R2, that is, a configuration in which viewing restriction for each program content cannot be performed.

  In addition to this, for television programs, a plurality of organizations have created rating standards, such as “Family TV Guide” created by PTC (Parents Television Council).

  FIG. 11 is an example of a screen for setting a rating based on “MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America)”. In the United States, for example, the rating of a movie is determined by this “MPAA”.

  In the screen W2 in FIG. 11, R3 is a rating for “viewing age”. In the rating R3, the rating increases in order from the top.

  In the rating R3, “NC-17 (NO ONE 17 AND UNDER ADMITED)” indicates that the work is completely prohibited from viewing under the age of 17.

  “R (RESTRICTED)” indicates that an admiration of 17 years or younger is a work that requires the accompanying parents.

  “PG-13 (PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED)” indicates that although there are no viewing restrictions, viewing of children under the age of 13 is a work that requires the strict attention of parents.

  “PG (PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED)” indicates that the work contains content that may be judged unsuitable for children depending on the educational policy of the parent.

  “G (GENERAL AUDIENCES)” indicates that the work is suitable for all ages.

  When setting the rating of content such as a movie recorded on a recording medium such as an optical disc (for example, BD) in the United States, for example, the remote controller is operated to display the screen W2 of FIG. 11 on the television screen. Then, by operating the remote controller, the cursor Cu on the screen W2 is moved to select the item A3 to be restricted from viewing, and the selected content is confirmed. When the selected content is confirmed, for example, a key mark Lo is displayed in the frame of the item for which viewing is restricted.

  A video device that restricts viewing based on such a rating is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 described later. In Patent Document 1, after setting a unique rating for a reproduced moving image, the setting information is stored in a storage medium such as an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), and subsequent moving image reproduction is performed. In addition, there has been proposed a moving image reproducing apparatus that compares a rating preset for a moving image to be reproduced with a rating stored in a storage medium to determine whether the moving image can be reproduced.

JP 2000-287155 A

  As described above, in a conventional video device (such as the moving image playback device of Patent Document 1) having a viewing restriction function, the user sets the rating setting screen such as the screen W1 (FIG. 10) or the screen W2 (FIG. 11). By selecting a setting item that matches the desired viewing restriction from among the items, viewing is restricted for specific content, so the viewing restriction condition as desired by the user is set due to omission of selection of the setting item, etc. Otherwise, content that should be restricted from viewing is displayed on the television screen and viewed by children.

  In this case, the user needs to interrupt the viewing of the content by operating the remote control or the like to turn off the video equipment or changing the channel, and after the content viewing is suspended, In order to prevent future viewing, it is necessary to display the rating setting screen on the TV screen again and set the viewing restriction conditions again.

  For this reason, it takes time and effort to set viewing restriction conditions for users who are unfamiliar with device operation. In addition, in order to set viewing restriction conditions as desired, it is necessary to fully understand the viewing target age in each rating. Furthermore, when a video device is replaced or when a new technology related to viewing restriction is developed, the procedure and function for setting the viewing restriction condition must be learned again from the beginning. Therefore, it is difficult to say that the conventional viewing restriction function is a user-friendly function.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a video device that can easily set viewing restriction conditions as desired by a user.

  The video device according to the present invention is a video device having a viewing restriction function for restricting playback of the content based on the viewing restriction level set for the content and the viewing restriction level set on the device side. The operation means for restricting viewing during the reproduction of the content, the first selection means for selecting whether or not to continue the content viewing restriction by the operation means, and the content viewing restriction by the first selection means A second selection means for selecting whether or not to perform viewing restriction on other content for which a viewing restriction level equal to or higher than that of the content is set, Storage means for storing the viewing restriction level set for the content, and control for controlling the viewing restriction according to the selection results of the first selection means and the second selection means Equipped with a stage. The control means also selects other contents that have been selected to continue to restrict viewing of the content by the first selection means and have a viewing restriction level equal to or higher than the content by the second selection means. When viewing restriction is selected, the viewing restriction level set for the content is stored in the storage means, and when a new content different from the content is played, the viewing set for the new content is stored. The restriction level is compared with the viewing restriction level stored in the storage means. If a viewing restriction level equal to or higher than the viewing restriction level stored in the storage means is set in the new content, the new level is set. If the viewing restriction is set for the content and a viewing restriction level lower than the same is set, the viewing restriction is not performed for the new content.

  In this way, the viewing restriction level set for the content whose viewing is restricted during playback is set (stored) on the video equipment side as one of the viewing restriction conditions desired by the user, and based on the setting contents Thus, for example, the screen W1 (FIG. 10) or the screen W2 (FIG. 11) for setting the rating (viewing restriction level) is displayed on the TV screen, and detailed conditions are not set. good. As a result, it is possible to save labor and time for setting the viewing restriction conditions. Further, even if the user does not understand the viewing target age corresponding to the rating displayed on the screen W1 or the screen W2, the optimum viewing restriction condition can be set. Furthermore, even when a video device is replaced or when a new technology related to viewing restriction is developed, if the viewing restriction function of the present invention is provided, a procedure for setting viewing restriction conditions, You don't have to learn the function from the beginning.

  The contents referred to in the present invention include various contents such as contents recorded on a recording medium such as a TV program and an optical disk (for example, a movie), contents provided through a network such as the Internet, and the like.

  In the present invention, when it is selected by the first selection means that the content viewing restriction is not to be continued, the content viewing restriction may be released to return to a state in which the content can be viewed.

  In this way, the proportion of video that the child does not want to view in the content being viewed is extremely small (temporary), or there is no child of an age that is not suitable for viewing the content in the vicinity of the television 100 (separated) In such a case, it is possible to easily resume viewing of the content, and thus it is possible to suppress loss of convenience for the user.

  In the present invention, the first selection means selects that the content viewing restriction is to be continued, and the second selection means sets the other content with a viewing restriction level equal to or higher than the content. On the other hand, when it is selected not to restrict viewing, the viewing restriction level set for the content may not be stored in the storage means.

  In this way, since the user can determine whether or not to restrict viewing on the content according to the time, the convenience of the user can be maintained.

  According to the present invention, a viewing restriction level set for content whose viewing is restricted during playback is set (stored) on the video equipment side as one of viewing restriction conditions, and viewing restriction is performed based on the setting content. By performing the above, it is possible to provide a video device that can easily set viewing restriction conditions as desired by the user.

It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the television receiver. It is the figure which showed the operation surface of a remote control. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure regarding the setting of a viewing restriction function, etc. It is an example of the image | video (screen) containing the content unpreferable for a child's education. It is an example of the screen regarding whether viewing restrictions can be continued. It is an example of the screen regarding viewing restrictions of unviewed content. It is an example of the database which registers rating information. It is an example of a database in which rating information is registered. It is an example of a database in which rating information is registered. It is an example of a rating setting screen. It is an example of a rating setting screen.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same portions or corresponding portions.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a television receiver 100 that receives digital television broadcasts. The television receiver 100 is an embodiment of video equipment according to the present invention. In the following, digital television broadcasting is referred to as “television broadcasting”, and a television receiver is referred to as “television”.

  In the television 100, reference numeral 11 denotes a control unit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 11 controls each unit of the television 100 by executing a control program and various application programs stored in the storage unit 21.

  A receiving unit 12 includes a tuner and the like. The television broadcast radio wave transmitted from the broadcasting station is received by the receiving unit 12 via the antenna N. The receiving unit 12 extracts a broadcast signal from radio waves having a frequency corresponding to the channel selected by the operation unit 14 from the received radio waves and outputs the broadcast signal to the signal processing unit 15.

  The extracted broadcast signal is composed of a transport stream signal in which a video stream, an audio stream, and a data stream are multiplexed. The video stream is a stream signal obtained by encoding a video signal and then converting it into a PES (Packetized Elementary Stream). The audio stream is a stream signal obtained by encoding an audio signal and then converting it to PES. The data stream is a stream signal obtained by sectioning a data signal. Hereinafter, the transport stream signal is referred to as “TS signal”.

  In each signal described above, the video signal includes video data of video content (such as a TV broadcast program), and the audio signal includes audio data corresponding to the video data. Includes information on a rating (viewing restriction level) set for video content, EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information, and the like (added). In the following, a TV broadcast program is referred to as a “TV program”.

  Reference numeral 13 denotes a recording / reproducing unit including an optical drive. The recording / reproducing unit 13 writes (records) data on an optical disc such as a BD / DVD / CD (Compact Disc), and reads (reproduces) data recorded on the optical disc. The read data is output to the signal processing unit 15 as a reproduction signal.

  Reference numeral 14 denotes an operation unit composed of a plurality of push buttons. The operation unit 14 is provided on an operation panel (not shown) installed on the front surface of the main body of the television 100 and the remote control device 300 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the remote control device is referred to as a “remote control”. Details of the remote controller 300 will be described later.

  The operation unit 14 performs predetermined input operations such as channel selection and setting of a viewing restriction function described later. The viewing restriction function is a function that restricts viewing of video content including content that is not desirable for children's education.

  A signal processing unit 15 includes a demultiplexer, an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) decoder, and the like. The signal processing unit 15 decodes the broadcast signal output from the receiving unit 12 and converts it into a TS signal, and then separates the TS signal into a video stream / audio stream / data stream.

  Then, the signal processing unit 15 performs processing corresponding to each stream on the video stream / audio stream / data stream, extracts a video signal from the video stream, extracts an audio signal from the audio stream, Extract the data signal from the stream.

  Among the extracted signals, the video signal is output to the video signal output unit 16, the audio signal is output to the audio signal output unit 18, and the data signal is output to the data signal output unit 20.

  In addition, the signal processing unit 15 performs a process such as decoding on the reproduction signal output from the recording / reproducing unit 13. When the data read by the recording / playback unit 13 is video content such as a movie, for example, the signal processing unit 15 extracts a video signal / audio signal / data signal from the playback signal.

  Among the extracted signals, the video signal is output to the video signal output unit 16, the audio signal is output to the audio signal output unit 18, and the data signal is output to the data signal output unit 20.

  In each signal extracted from the reproduction signal, the video signal includes video data of a video content (such as a movie), and the audio signal includes audio data corresponding to the video data. Includes rating information of video contents, disc identification information, and the like. The disc identification information is ID (Identification) information unique to the disc stored in advance for each optical disc.

  The video signal output unit 16 performs processing such as image size conversion and image quality adjustment on the video signal output from the signal processing unit 15, and outputs the video signal to the display unit 17. In addition, when an OSD signal is output from an OSD (On Screen Display) generation unit 22 (to be described later), the video signal output unit 16 combines the video signal output from the signal processing unit 15 and the OSD signal to create a new one. A video signal is generated and output to the display unit 17.

  When there is no video signal to be combined with the OSD signal in the video signal output unit 16, the video signal output unit 16 generates a new video signal using only the OSD signal.

  The display unit 17 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays video based on the video signal output from the video signal output unit 16.

  The audio signal output unit 18 performs processing such as amplification on the audio signal output from the signal processing unit 15 and outputs the audio signal to the speaker 19.

  The speaker 19 outputs sound based on the audio signal output from the audio signal output unit 18.

  The data signal output unit 20 outputs the data signal output from the signal processing unit 15 to the storage unit 21.

  The storage unit 21 includes an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), and various data included in the data signal output from the data signal output unit 20 is stored in a predetermined storage area in the storage unit 21. Is done.

  As described above, the control unit and various application programs are stored in the storage unit 21 in advance. In addition, the storage unit 21 stores rating information / EPG information included in the data signal extracted from the broadcast signal, rating information / disc identification information included in the data signal extracted from the reproduction signal, and the like. .

  The OSD generation unit 22 generates an OSD screen corresponding to various operations on the operation unit 14 under the control of the control unit 11. The OSD screen generated by the OSD generation unit 22 is converted into a signal and then output to the video signal output unit 16 as an OSD signal. For example, when the operation unit 14 performs an operation for setting the main body of the television 100, the OSD generation unit 22 generates a menu screen corresponding to the operation.

  In the above, the control unit 11 and the signal processing unit 15 constitute one embodiment of the control means in the present invention, the operation unit 14 constitutes one embodiment of the operation means in the present invention, and the storage unit 21 An embodiment of the storage means in the invention is configured.

  The television 100 is provided with various devices (for example, a power supply device) in addition to those described above, but the description and illustration thereof are omitted because they are not directly related to the present invention.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation surface of the remote controller 300 provided with the operation unit 14 (FIG. 1).

  In the remote controller 300, 31 is a power button for starting up the television 100 (FIG. 1). Reference numeral 32 denotes a numeric button used in a channel selection operation or a password input operation.

  Reference numeral 33 denotes a program guide button for displaying a TV broadcast program guide on the display unit 17 (FIG. 1) based on EPG information included in the data signal extracted from the broadcast signal. In the program guide displayed on the display unit 17, for example, rating information set for a program may be displayed in addition to the name and content of each program.

  Reference numeral 34 denotes a main body setting button for setting the main body of the television 100. When the body setting button 34 is pressed, a menu screen (not shown) is generated by the OSD generation unit 22 (FIG. 1) and displayed on the display unit 17 (FIG. 1). On this menu screen, for example, various settings such as the setting of the above-described viewing restriction function, the contrast setting of the display unit 17, and the setting of the reception area of the television broadcast are performed.

  Reference numeral 35 denotes a cursor button for moving a cursor on an OSD screen (for example, a menu screen) displayed on the display unit 17 and selecting a predetermined item on the screen.

  Reference numeral 36 denotes a decision button for confirming information input with the numeric buttons 32, items selected with the cursor buttons 35, and the like.

  Reference numeral 37 denotes a channel button for changing the channel selection by moving the channel selected on the television 100 forward or backward. For example, when the upper end of the channel button 37 is pressed, the channel advances, and when the lower end is pressed, the channel returns.

  Reference numeral 38 denotes a volume button for increasing or decreasing the volume output from the speaker 19 (FIG. 1). For example, when the upper end of the volume button 38 is pressed, the volume increases, and when the lower end is pressed, the volume decreases.

  Reference numeral 39 denotes a direct block button for using the above-described viewing restriction function in the television 100. A method for setting the viewing restriction function using the direct block button 39 will be described later.

  Reference numeral 40 denotes a reproduction button for reading (reproducing) data recorded on the optical disc in the recording / reproducing unit 13. Reference numeral 41 denotes a function button to which various functions included in the television 100 are assigned.

  In the above, the direct block button 39 provided on the operation surface of the remote controller 300 is a specific example of the operation means in the present invention.

  The remote controller 300 is provided with various buttons to which various functions are assigned in addition to those described above, but description thereof is omitted because it is not directly related to the present invention.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a setting procedure when the viewing restriction function is set in the television 100 having the above-described configuration, a process performed in each setting procedure, and the like.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 3, in step S1, a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 14 (FIG. 1) of the television 100 (FIG. 1), and viewing of the video content is started. Specifically, for example, the power button 31 (FIG. 2) of the remote controller 300 (FIG. 2) is operated by the user, and the television 100 is activated based on the operation.

  When video content distributed by television broadcasting is viewed after the television 100 is started, for example, the user operates the numeric button 32 (FIG. 2) or the channel button 37 (FIG. 2) of the remote controller 300. Thus, the channel is changed (tuned) to a channel desired by the user.

  As a result, a video such as a TV program broadcast on the selected channel is displayed on the display unit 17 (FIG. 1), and the sound of the TV program is output from the speaker 19 (FIG. 1). If the same channel as the channel desired by the user has been previously selected on the television 100, the above-described channel selection operation is not performed.

  When the video content recorded on the optical disk is viewed after the television 100 is started, for example, the user stores the BD in the recording / playback unit 13 (FIG. 1), and then plays back the remote control 300. The button 40 (FIG. 1) is operated to start playing the movie recorded on the BD.

  Thereby, the video of the movie reproduced by the recording / reproducing unit 13 is displayed on the display unit 17, and the sound of the movie is output from the speaker 19. In the following, a movie recorded on a BD is referred to as a “BD movie”.

  In step S2, when a video (screen) including content unfavorable for children's education is displayed on the display unit 17 while viewing the video content (step S2: YES), the process proceeds to step S3 and is displayed. If not (NO in step S2), the process proceeds to step S4b. In the following, a video including content that is not desirable for children's education is referred to as a “harmful video”. Further, whether or not the video displayed on the display unit 17 is harmful video is determined by a viewer (guardian or the like) of the video content.

  The harmful image is, for example, the screen V1 displayed on the display unit 17 in FIG. A battle scene is drawn on the screen V1, and the screen V1 corresponds to a so-called violence scene.

  For this reason, although it depends on the educational policy of the user (for example, parents), video content including such harmful video is generally not suitable for viewing by children (especially young children). It is content.

  In Step S3, when a harmful video is displayed on the display unit 17 (Step S2: YES) and a viewing restriction operation is required for the video content being viewed (played) (Step S3: YES), Step S4a If the viewing restriction operation is not necessary (step S3: NO), the process proceeds to step S4b. Whether or not a viewing restriction operation is required for the video content being viewed is determined by a viewer (guardian or the like) of the video content.

  When the viewing restriction operation is necessary (step S3: YES), for example, a child whose age is not suitable for viewing video content including harmful video such as the screen V1 (FIG. 4). Or when a child of that age is in the vicinity of the television 100.

  In addition, when the viewing restriction operation is not necessary (step S3: NO), for example, the user can view video content including a harmful video such as the screen V1 together with a child whose age is not suitable for viewing the video content. Or when the child of that age is not in the vicinity of the television 100.

  In step S4a, when a viewing restriction operation for the currently viewed video content is necessary (step S3: YES), the viewing restriction operation for the video content is executed. In this case, for example, the direct block button 39 (FIG. 2) of the remote controller 300 is operated by the user.

  When the viewing restriction operation in step S4a is performed, viewing of the currently viewed video content is restricted. Specifically, in the signal processing unit 15 (FIG. 1), the output of the video signal and the audio signal among the video signal / audio signal / data signal output from the signal processing unit 15 is stopped, and only the data signal is received. Is output. These output processes are executed by the control unit 11 (FIG. 1).

  That is, since the video signal corresponding to the video content being viewed is not output from the signal processing unit 15 to the video signal output unit 16 (FIG. 1), the video signal processing unit 16 also outputs to the display unit 17. The video signal cannot be output.

  Further, since the audio signal corresponding to the video content being viewed is not output from the signal processing unit 15 to the audio signal output unit 18 (FIG. 1), the audio signal processing unit 18 also outputs to the speaker 19. The audio signal cannot be output.

  For this reason, when the video content whose viewing is restricted is, for example, a television program, the television program video is not displayed on the display unit 17, and the audio of the television program is not output from the speaker 19. If the viewing-restricted video content is, for example, a BD movie, the video of the BD movie is not displayed on the display unit 17 and the sound of the BD movie is not output from the speaker 19.

  As described above, the video content that the user is viewing is restricted on the television 100. In the following, the video content restricted in viewing is referred to as “viewing restricted content”.

  While the output of the video signal and the audio signal is stopped, the data signal corresponding to the video content being viewed is output from the signal processing unit 15 to the data signal output unit 20 (FIG. 1). Therefore, the data signal is also output from the data signal processing unit 20 to the storage unit 21 (FIG. 1).

  For this reason, when the video content whose viewing is restricted is, for example, a television program, rating information, EPG information, and the like of the television program are stored in a predetermined storage area in the storage unit 21. For example, when the video content to be restricted is a BD movie, rating information of the BD movie, disc identification information of the optical disc on which the BD movie is recorded, and the like are stored in a predetermined storage area in the storage unit 21. Remembered.

  In addition, after the viewing restriction operation is performed in step S4a, in step S5a, the OSD generation unit 22 (FIG. 1) checks the OSD screen for confirming whether or not to continue viewing restriction on the viewing restricted content. Is generated. The OSD screen generated by the OSD generation unit 22 is converted into a signal and then output to the video signal output unit 16 as an OSD signal. The video signal output unit 16 generates a new video signal from the input OSD signal and outputs it to the display unit 17. Thereby, the screen V2 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 17 instead of the screen V1 (FIG. 4). The screen V <b> 2 is an example of an OSD screen generated by the OSD generation unit 22. These processes are executed by the control unit 11.

  On the screen V2, for example, a message “Do you want to continue the state where viewing is restricted?” Is displayed. In the display unit 17 of FIG. 5, the hatched portion indicating a portion other than the screen V2 indicates that no video is displayed (black back).

  Then, if the viewing restriction on the viewing-restricted content is continued based on the judgment of the user who confirmed the content displayed on the screen V2 (step S5a: YES), for example, the user presses the cursor button 35 of the remote control 300. (FIG. 2) is operated, and an item written as “Yes” is selected from the two items on the screen V2, and then the determination button 36 (FIG. 2) is operated to select the contents of the selected item. Is confirmed. As a result, viewing restrictions on the viewing-restricted content are continued.

  As a case where viewing restriction is continued, for example, in the video content being viewed, the proportion of harmful video such as the screen V1 is very large, or a child of an age that is not suitable for viewing the video content is displayed on the TV 100. There are cases where you are in the vicinity (not leaving).

  When the viewing restriction for the viewing-restricted content is not continued (step S5a: NO), for example, the user operates the cursor button 35 of the remote controller 300 to write “No” in two items on the screen V2. The selected item is selected, and then the enter button 36 is operated to confirm the content of the selected item. Thereby, the viewing restriction for the viewing-restricted content is released.

  As the case where the viewing restriction is not continued, for example, in the video content being viewed, when the proportion of harmful video such as the screen V1 is extremely small (temporary), or when the child is of an age that is not suitable for viewing the video content. There may be cases where the user is not in the vicinity of the television 100 (separated).

  The screen V2 displayed on the display unit 17 constitutes an embodiment of the first selection means in the present invention, together with the cursor button 35 and the determination button 36 provided on the operation surface of the remote controller 300.

  In step S6a, for other video content that is not currently viewed (hereinafter referred to as “unviewed content”), a rating (viewing restriction level) equal to or higher than the view-restricted content is set for the unviewed content. In such a case, a screen for confirming with the user whether or not to restrict viewing of the unviewed content is displayed on the display unit 17. When viewing restriction is performed (step S6a: YES), the process proceeds to step S7a. When viewing restriction is not performed (step S6a: NO), the process proceeds to step S8.

  Specifically, the OSD generation unit 22 generates an OSD screen for confirming whether or not to restrict viewing even for unviewed content for which a rating equal to or higher than that of the content that has been restricted for viewing is set. Is done. The OSD screen generated by the OSD generation unit 22 is converted into a signal and then output to the video signal output unit 16 as an OSD signal. The video signal output unit 16 generates a new video signal from the input OSD signal and outputs it to the display unit 17. Thereby, the screen V3 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 17 instead of the screen V2 (FIG. 5). The screen V3 is an example of an OSD screen generated by the OSD generation unit 22. These processes are executed by the control unit 11.

  On the screen V3, for example, a message “Do you want to restrict viewing even for content with a rating equal to or higher than that?” Is displayed. In the display part 17 of FIG. 6, the shaded part indicating the part other than the screen V3 indicates that no video is displayed (blackback).

  Then, based on the judgment of the user who has confirmed the content displayed on the screen V3, when viewing is restricted even for unviewed content for which a rating equal to or higher than that of the content with restricted viewing is set (step S6a: YES) For example, the user operates the cursor button 35 of the remote controller 300 to select an item written as “Yes” from the two items on the screen V3, and then operates the decision button 36. The content of the selected item is confirmed. As a result, viewing restriction is also performed on unviewed content for which a rating equal to or higher than that of the viewing-restricted content is set.

  For example, when viewing is restricted even for unviewed content that has a rating equal to or higher than that of content that has been restricted from viewing, for example, video content of any rating can be viewed by children in the absence of the user There are cases where you want to prevent this.

  For example, when the viewing restriction is not performed on the unviewed content for which the rating equal to or higher than the viewing-restricted content is set, that is, when the viewing restriction is performed only on the viewing-restricted content (step S6a: NO), for example, As a result, the cursor button 35 of the remote controller 300 is operated to select the item written “No” from the two items on the screen V3, and then the enter button 36 is operated to select the contents of the selected item. Is confirmed. Accordingly, viewing restriction is not performed on unviewed content for which a rating equal to or higher than that of the viewing-restricted content is set.

  For example, when a user does not restrict viewing with respect to unviewed content that has a rating equal to or higher than the content with restricted viewing, for example, the user restricts viewing with respect to video content depending on the time. There are cases where it is desired to determine whether or not.

  The screen V3 displayed on the display unit 17 constitutes an embodiment of the second selection means in the present invention, together with the cursor button 35 and the enter button 36 provided on the operation surface of the remote controller 300.

  In step S6a, after the above-described item “Yes” or “No” is confirmed, the screen V3 displayed on the display unit 17 is automatically deleted. For this reason, the screen of the display unit 17 is a black back. That is, the image is not displayed on the screen of the display unit 17.

  In step S7a, based on the fact that viewing restriction is also performed on unviewed content for which a rating equal to or higher than that of the viewing restricted content is set (step S6a: YES), the rating information of the viewing restricted content is obtained. Registered in the television 100.

  Specifically, the rating information of the viewing-restricted content is stored in the storage unit 21 by the operation in step S4a. For this reason, in step S7a, under the control of the control unit 11, the rating information of the viewing-restricted content is read from the storage unit 21 and registered in, for example, the viewing restriction database DB shown in FIG. The viewing restriction database DB is stored in advance in a predetermined storage area in the storage unit 21, for example.

  The viewing-restricted content is, for example, a television program in the United States, and the rating regarding the age of the television program corresponds to, for example, “TV-MA” defined by “The TV Parental Guidelines” in the United States. However, for example, when it corresponds to “V” defined by “The TV Parental Guidelines” in the United States, the rating information is registered in the viewing restriction database DB. The viewing restriction database DB in which the rating information is registered is represented by a database DB1 shown in FIG.

  In the database DB1 in FIG. 8, in the frame (gray portion) where the rating regarding age is “TV-MA” and the rating regarding program content is “V” (gray portion), viewing restrictions are imposed on the video content corresponding to the rating. A circular mark “◯” indicating that the process is performed is marked. When the rating regarding age is, for example, “TV-PG”, viewing restriction is also performed on “TV-14” and “TV-MA” that are equal to or higher than this rating.

  When the viewing-restricted content is, for example, a BD movie sold in the United States, and the rating of the BD movie corresponds to, for example, “NC-17” defined by “MPAA” in the United States, the rating information is And registered in the viewing restriction database DB. The viewing restriction database DB in which the rating information is registered is represented by the database DB2 shown in FIG.

  In the database DB2 of FIG. 9, in a frame (gray part) where the rating is “NC-17”, a circular mark “◯” indicating that viewing restriction is performed on the video content corresponding to the rating. It is written. If the rating is, for example, “PG-13”, viewing restriction is also performed on “R” and “NC-17” that are equal to or higher than this rating.

  The viewing restriction database DB described in step S7a is a specific example of the storage means in the present invention.

  In step S8, if the video content viewed by the user is changed (step S8: YES), the process proceeds to step S9a. If not changed (step S8: NO), the process proceeds to step S9b.

  When the video content to be viewed is changed (step S8: YES), for example, the user operates the numeric button 32 or the channel button 37 of the remote controller 300 to change (select) the other channel desired by the user. Or after the BD stored in the recording / playback unit 13 is taken out by the user, another BD is stored in the recording / playback unit 13, and then the playback button 40 of the remote controller 300 is pressed. This is a case where a movie or the like is started to be operated.

  The case where the video content to be viewed is not changed (step S8: NO) is, for example, the case where the video is not displayed on the screen of the display unit 17 without any user operation.

  In step S9a, if a rating equal to or higher than the rating registered in the viewing restriction database DB (FIG. 7) is set for the video content to be newly viewed (step S9a: YES), step S10 is performed. If no rating equal to or higher than that is set, that is, if a rating lower than the same is set, or if no rating is set (step S9a: NO), the procedure returns to immediately before step S2. In the following, video content that is newly started to be viewed is referred to as “new content”.

  Specifically, the rating information of the new content is extracted by the control unit 11 and compared with the rating information registered in the viewing restriction database (FIG. 7) stored in a predetermined storage area in the storage unit 21. Is done.

  For example, when the new content has a rating equal to or higher than the rating registered in the database DB1 (FIG. 8), or a rating equal to or higher than the rating registered in the database DB2 (FIG. 9). Is set to “YES” in step S9a, and if a rating less than the same is set, “NO” is set in step S9a.

  In step S10, since a rating equal to or higher than the rating registered in the viewing restriction database DB is set for the new content (step S9a: YES), viewing restriction is performed on the new content. After completion of step S10, the process returns to immediately before step S8. Here, when returning from step S10 to step S8, for example, an OSD screen (not shown) that displays “The content cannot be played because the content has a rating equal to or higher than the registered rating.” (Omitted) may be generated by the OSD generation unit 22 and displayed on the display unit 17. Thereby, the user can easily know the reason why the new content is not reproduced.

  If no harmful image is displayed on the display unit 17 in step S2 (step S2: NO), the process proceeds to step S4b. If the power of the television 100 is turned off in step S4b (step S4b: YES). ), When this flowchart is finished and the power of the television 100 is not turned off (step S4b: NO), the process proceeds to step S5b. In step S5b, since the viewing of video content is continued following step S2, the process returns from step S5b to immediately before step S2.

  In step S3, when the viewing restriction operation for the currently viewed video content is not required (step S3: NO), the process proceeds to step S4b, and in step S4b, the power of the television 100 is turned off (step S4b: YES). When this flowchart is completed and the power of the television 100 is not turned off (step S4b: NO), the process proceeds to step S5b. In step S5b, since the viewing of the video content is continued following step S3, the process returns from step S5b to immediately before step S2.

  In step S5a, when the viewing restriction on the viewing-restricted content is not continued (step S5a: NO), the process proceeds to step S6b. In step S6b, when the power of the television 100 is turned off (step S6b: YES), When this flowchart is completed and the power of the television 100 is not turned off (step S6b: NO), the process proceeds to step S7b. In step S7b, the viewing restriction on the viewing-restricted content is released, the normal viewing is resumed, and the viewing of the video content is resumed. Therefore, the process returns from step S7b to immediately before step S2.

  If the video content viewed by the user is not changed in step S8 (step S8: NO), the process proceeds to step S9b. If the power of the television 100 is turned off in step S9b (step S9b: YES), the present content is displayed. When the flowchart is finished and the power of the television 100 is not turned off (step S9b: NO), the process returns again immediately before step S8.

  In step S9a, when the rating of the new content is set to a rating less than the rating registered in the viewing restriction database DB (step S9a: NO), the viewing of the new content is started. The process returns from S9a to immediately before step S2.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, viewing restriction is performed on the video content being played back (step S4a), and viewing is also performed on content for which a rating equal to or higher than the video content is set. If the user selects to perform the restriction (step S6a: YES), the rating information set in the video content is stored in the storage unit 21 as one of viewing restriction conditions desired by the user. It is registered in the viewing restriction database DB stored in advance in the area (step S7a). After that, viewing restriction is performed based on the rating information registered in the viewing restriction database DB (steps S9a and S10). For example, the screen W1 (FIG. 10) or the screen W2 (FIG. 11) for setting the rating. Is displayed on the TV screen, and detailed condition setting may not be performed. As a result, it is possible to save labor and time for setting the viewing restriction conditions. Further, even if the user does not understand the viewing target age corresponding to the rating displayed on the screen W1 or the screen W2, the optimum viewing restriction condition can be set. Furthermore, even when a video device is replaced or when a new technology related to viewing restriction is developed, if the viewing restriction function of the present invention is provided, a procedure for setting viewing restriction conditions, You don't have to learn the function from the beginning.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, viewing restriction is performed on the video content being played back (step S4a), and thereafter, when viewing restriction on the video content is not continued (step S5a: NO), the video content is reproduced. Since the viewing restriction is canceled and the content can be viewed again (step S7b), the proportion of the video that the child does not want to view in the content being viewed is extremely small (temporary) or the content is viewed. When a child whose age is not suitable for the user is not in the vicinity of the television 100 (separated), viewing of the content can be easily resumed. Thereby, the loss of convenience for the user can be suppressed.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, viewing restriction is performed on the video content being played back (step S4a), and it is selected that viewing restriction on the video content is to be continued (step S5a: YES), then If the user selects not to restrict viewing on content that has a rating equal to or higher than that of video content (step S6a: NO), the rating information set on the video content indicates that the user Is not registered in the viewing restriction database DB stored in a predetermined storage area in the storage unit 21 as one of the viewing restriction conditions desired by the user, so that the user can view the video content from time to time. It can be determined whether or not the restriction is performed. Thereby, the convenience of the user can be maintained.

  In the present invention, various embodiments other than those described above can be adopted. For example, in the above embodiment, when the video content whose viewing is restricted is a digital television broadcast television program, rating information of the television program is stored in a predetermined storage area in the storage unit 21. It is not limited. For example, in NTSC (National Television System Committee) analog television broadcasting, video content rating information is added to a line 21 in the vertical blanking interval of the broadcast signal. In addition, a television receiver that receives analog television broadcasting is previously provided with a detector (for example, “V-Chip”) that detects the rating information. For this reason, when the video content whose viewing is restricted is an analog television broadcast television program, the rating information of the television program is detected by the detector and stored in a predetermined storage area in the storage unit 21. Good.

  In the above-described embodiment, a television receiver is used as an example of video equipment. However, the present invention is not limited to a television receiver, and is not limited to a television receiver. ), And can be applied to various video devices such as portable terminals.

  In FIG. 7, ratings defined in US television programs and BD movies sold in the United States are used in the viewing restriction database DB. Ratings defined in other countries are added. Thus, viewing restriction conditions may be set.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the user has operated the direct block button 39 of the remote controller 300 to perform the viewing restriction operation on the video content being viewed (step S4a). The viewing restriction operation may be executed based on a long pressing operation (so-called long pressing operation) being performed on the determination button 36 of the remote controller 300. That is, the function of the direct block button 39 may be assigned to a push button provided on an operation panel installed on the front surface of the television 100 or another push button provided on the remote controller 300. The button operation method may be a long press operation, a continuous press operation, or the like.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when viewing of content with different ratings is started (step S9a: NO), or the power of the television 100 is turned off without changing the viewing content (step S9b: YES). Except for the case, since the state where viewing is restricted on the television 100 continues, for example, when the viewing restriction state continues for a predetermined time, the power of the television 100 may be automatically turned off.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Control part 14 Operation part 15 Signal processing part 21 Memory | storage part 35 Cursor button 36 Decision button 39 Direct block button 100 Television receiver 300 Remote control device V1, V2, V3 Screen DB, DB1, DB2 Database W1, W2 Rating setting screen

Claims (3)

In a video device having a viewing restriction function for restricting playback of the content based on the viewing restriction level set for the content and the viewing restriction level set on the device side,
Operation means for performing viewing restriction during reproduction of the content;
First selection means for selecting whether or not to continue viewing restriction of the content by the operation means;
Based on the fact that the first selection unit selects to continue the viewing restriction of the content, the viewing restriction is also performed on other content for which a viewing restriction level equal to or higher than the content is set. Second selection means for selecting whether or not,
Storage means for storing a viewing restriction level set for the content;
Control means for controlling viewing restrictions according to the selection results of the first selection means and the second selection means,
The control means includes
Also for other content that has been selected by the first selection means to continue to restrict viewing of the content and that has a viewing restriction level equal to or higher than the content by the second selection means. If it is selected to restrict viewing, the viewing restriction level set for the content is stored in the storage means,
When new content different from the content is played, the viewing restriction level set for the new content is compared with the viewing restriction level stored in the storage means,
When a viewing restriction level equal to or higher than the viewing restriction level stored in the storage unit is set for the new content, the viewing restriction is set for the new content, and a viewing restriction level less than the same is set. If so, the video device is characterized in that viewing restriction is not performed on the new content. The video device according to claim 1,
The control means includes
When the first selection means selects not to continue the content viewing restriction, the video device is configured to release the content viewing restriction and return to a state in which the content can be viewed. The video device according to claim 1,
The control means includes
For other content that has been selected by the first selection means to continue to restrict viewing of the content and that has a viewing restriction level equal to or higher than that of the content by the second selection means. The video equipment, wherein when it is selected not to perform viewing restriction, the viewing restriction level set for the content is not stored in the storage means.

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