JP3661773B2 - Program guide display system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic program guide display system that automatically adjusts the display contents of an electronic program guide for television broadcasting according to the user's environment, and in particular, obtains a screen size that can be displayed in the user's environment, and provides a list property. The present invention relates to an electronic program guide display system that generates an electronic program guide that matches the screen size while maintaining the screen.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Currently, in addition to television broadcasting using terrestrial waves, CS broadcasting using a communication satellite (CS) and BS broadcasting using a broadcasting satellite (BS) are provided.
[0003]
In particular, with the advent of so-called satellite broadcasting using the above-mentioned communication satellites and broadcasting satellites, the number of channels has increased at a stretch, so that it has entered the so-called multi-channel era. At the same time, instead of conventional analog broadcasting, digital broadcasting has become the mainstream in the background of the development of digital broadcasting technology, and higher image quality than conventional television broadcasting using terrestrial waves High-quality broadcasting has been realized.
[0004]
On the other hand, the TV program guide that presents the contents of TV programs by channel and time zone is provided via the Internet and terrestrial TV broadcasting from the traditional method of being conveyed by paper media such as newspapers and magazines. It is evolving to a new method. Further, in the above-described CS broadcast and BS broadcast, a television program guide is provided by digital data via a satellite.
[0005]
The multi-channel era brought about by satellite broadcasting is inevitably accompanied by the enlargement of the television program guide, and now, various variations of programs can be viewed on the program guide on a very large number of channels. However, in order to view a program with such a large number of channels, the program table is printed over a large number of papers on the conventional paper medium, and the user can select the channel on which the program to be viewed is displayed. It is difficult to know when it will be broadcast.
[0006]
When the program guide is provided by digital data, it is possible to efficiently search and browse program contents and performers using a computer or the like.
[0007]
For example, in the CS broadcasting, a program guide is provided as digital data, which is also called an electronic program guide or an electronic program guide (EPG). The electronic program guide provides the start time and contents of a program broadcast on each channel as data having a predetermined format. At homes that receive CS broadcasts, these data are received by a set of CS antenna and digital CS broadcast tuner, and edited by the CS broadcast tuner, personal computer, TV, etc. to create an electronic program guide Finally, the image is displayed on a predetermined output device such as a monitor of a personal computer or a television monitor. The electronic program guide displayed in this way is used not only for the user to check the start time and contents of the program but also for reserved recording.
[0008]
The program guide is not only transmitted via satellite as in the CS broadcast, but also via terrestrial waves and the Internet. These program guides can also be called electronic program guides because they are received as digital data. As can be seen from the fact that these data can be acquired from terrestrial broadcasts, editable program guide data composed of digital data can be received by a predetermined method even in analog broadcasts.
[0009]
For example, some terrestrial waves use a part of a band corresponding to a predetermined channel for transmission of data constituting an electronic program guide for a certain period of time. The data is received by a computer such as a personal computer via, for example, an MPEG capture board with a TV tuner, etc., assembled with a predetermined application, and displayed as an electronic program guide on a monitor or the like.
[0010]
Similarly, the data constituting the electronic program guide is also provided via the Internet. A personal computer or the like that can be connected to the Internet can display the electronic program guide on a monitor by receiving the data using a protocol such as HTTP.
[0011]
In a conventional electronic program guide display system related to CS broadcasting, a computer provides an electronic program guide including information on channels and information representing program contents at each time in each channel, and displays them on a variable-size window. There are things. The size of the window can be changed by the user's specification, but the order and size of each piece of information displayed is fixed.
[0012]
The system includes a program guide data storage device, a computer, and a program guide output device, and includes an output image size acquisition unit and an image data generation unit in the computer. Further, the system generates image data including predetermined information based on the program guide data stored in the program guide data storage device with an output image size, and outputs the image data to the program guide output device.
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional system, the constituent elements of the program table (each item for indicating channel and program information) and the size of each element are fixed regardless of the displayable image size. When the size is small, the right part and the lower part of the program guide are not displayed. Therefore, the component located in the right part or the lower part of the program guide is hidden regardless of whether it is important information. In the right part, program information of a predetermined time zone of each channel is often displayed. If this part is not displayed, the time of the displayed program is reduced. On the other hand, if the lower part is not displayed, the number of displayed channels is reduced.
[0014]
On the other hand, components such as a channel number, a channel mark, and a channel name indicating channel information are often located on the left side of the program guide, and even if the output image size is small, they are rarely hidden.
[0015]
Since these channel information is essentially the same information, when the output image size is small, the program information on the right side or the lower part is not displayed, so that the information on the program guide is lost as a whole.
[0016]
In order to prevent the information of the program guide as described above from being lost, there is a method of displaying information hidden by scrolling the display screen up and down or left and right using a scroll bar. In this method, it is difficult to grasp what program is on which channel and at what time by looking at the program guide at a glance, that is, maintaining the list of the program guide.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a program guide that automatically selects information included in a program guide so as to omit output of components having redundant information according to the output image size. Provide a display system.
[0018]
Furthermore, the present invention provides a program guide display system that automatically reduces the size of each component by omitting low priority information according to the output image size.
[0021]
Of the present invention First According to the embodiment, Storage means for storing an electronic program guide; display means for displaying the electronic program guide; means for detecting an image size when the electronic program guide is displayed on the display means; Editing means for editing the contents of the electronic program guide so that the display size of the electronic program guide is less than or equal to the image size when the display size is larger than the image size; The electronic program guide has, for each broadcast channel, channel information for identifying the channel and program information for representing the broadcast contents in each time zone, and the editing means is configured to reduce the loss of the channel information and the program information. Edit the contents of the electronic program guide to minimize In the electronic program guide, a program guide relating to one broadcast channel constitutes one row of the electronic program guide, and the electronic program guide displays a plurality of channels in a plurality of corresponding rows, Editing the electronic program guide by the editing means reduces the horizontal size while maintaining the number of displayed rows. A program guide display system configured as described above is provided.
[0022]
As a result, the electronic program guide adjusted to the actual display size is displayed on a monitor or the like while maintaining a certain degree of listing without significantly reducing the information of the program guide.
[0023]
Of the present invention Second According to an embodiment, in the first embodiment, the electronic program guide has a plurality of display items for each broadcast channel, and the editing means selects at least one of the display items and selects the selected item A program guide display system configured to adjust the display size by hiding displayed display items is provided.
[0024]
As a result, redundant information can be selectively hidden, and as a result, a list of program guides can be displayed without greatly reducing the information of the program guides.
[0025]
Of the present invention Third According to the embodiment, when displaying the electronic program guide, detecting the image size when the electronic program guide is displayed, and when the display size of the electronic program guide is larger than the image size, Editing the contents of the electronic program guide so that the display size of the electronic program guide is less than or equal to the image size. And the electronic program guide includes, for each broadcast channel, channel information for identifying the channel and program information for representing broadcast contents in each time zone, and the editing step includes the channel information and the program information. The content of the electronic program guide is edited so as to minimize loss of the program, and in the electronic program guide, the program guide relating to one broadcast channel constitutes one row of the electronic program guide, and the electronic program guide has a plurality of broadcast channels. Are displayed in a plurality of corresponding lines, and the editing of the electronic program guide by the editing step reduces the horizontal size while maintaining the number of displayed lines. A program guide editing method configured as described above is provided.
[0026]
As a result, the electronic program guide adjusted to fit the actual display size is displayed on the monitor. The electronic program guide adjusted to the actual display size is displayed on the monitor etc. while maintaining a certain level of list without significantly reducing the program guide information. The
[0027]
Of the present invention 4th According to the embodiment, the computer detects storage means for storing the electronic program guide, display means for displaying the electronic program guide, and an image size when the electronic program guide is displayed on the display means. In order to function as detection means and an editing means for editing the contents of the electronic program guide so that the display size of the electronic program guide is less than or equal to the image size when the display size of the electronic program guide is larger than the image size. Programs The electronic program guide has, for each broadcast channel, channel information for identifying the channel and program information for representing the broadcast contents in each time zone, and the editing means includes the channel information and the program. The contents of the electronic program guide are edited so as to minimize the loss of information, and in the electronic program guide, the program guide relating to one broadcast channel constitutes one row of the electronic program guide, and the electronic program guide has a plurality of broadcasts. Channels are displayed in a plurality of corresponding lines, and the editing of the electronic program guide by the editing means reduces the horizontal size while maintaining the number of displayed lines. Program Is provided.
[0028]
By loading this program into a memory or the like in the computer, the CPU in the computer processes each instruction of the program, whereby an electronic program guide adjusted to fit the actual display size is displayed on the monitor or the like. Is displayed.
[0029]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First, a program guide display system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. A program guide display system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a program guide data storage device 110 in which electronic program guide data is stored, a computer 120, and a program guide output device 130. The computer 120 further includes an output image size acquisition unit 121 that acquires the size of the output image, an image configuration determination unit 122 that determines the content of the output image based on a predetermined rule, and the content of the determined output image. An image data generation unit 123 that generates data is included.
[0030]
Such a program guide display system 100 is generally used in a home where a television broadcast is viewed. In this case, the program guide data storage device 110 and the computer 120 can be incorporated in a television broadcast receiving tuner, and a home television can be used as the program display device 130. In addition, the computer 120 is realized by a personal computer, the program guide data storage device 110 uses a hard disk in the personal computer, and the program guide display device 130 is a CRT monitor connected to the personal computer or a home television. Can also be used.
[0031]
The program guide data storage device 110 temporarily stores (electronic) program guide data provided as digital data. As described above, the program guide data can be acquired from the Internet via the network interface of the computer 120, for example, or can be received via the CS broadcast tuner. Further, as described above, reception is also possible by terrestrial television broadcasting.
[0032]
The output image size acquisition unit 121 acquires the image size of the program guide to be output. This is determined with reference to the designation of the display size in the application for displaying the program guide and the resolution of the program guide display device 130.
[0033]
Based on the acquired output image size, the image configuration determination unit 122 determines a configuration for outputting the program guide with an amount of information sufficient for the size. First, the components to be omitted, that is, not displayed are determined based on a predetermined priority, and secondly, the information in each component is simplified based on the predetermined priority and rules. To do. Such omission and simplification are repeated until the program guide is equal to or smaller than the output image size.
[0034]
The image data generation unit 123 sets each bit to display each component having the determined content with the determined content, and generates image data for an output image.
[0035]
The program guide output device 130 outputs the image data and provides the user with a program guide. In this way, the program table tells the user what information each channel is broadcasting at what time, but in addition to this, information for reserving the program and automatically based on that information Other mechanisms for making reservations can be provided.
[0036]
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a general configuration of program guide data before omission and simplification and each component will be described.
[0037]
The data is data obtained by the Internet or CS broadcasting as described above, but can be received in various forms. For example, all the program information related to one channel is stored in one record, or one program information and the channel on which the program is broadcasted are stored in one record. Therefore, it should be noted that the program guide data shown in FIG. 2 is in a state after these individual records are received and ideally assembled.
[0038]
For convenience of explanation, the program guide data is shown as being assembled as an electronic program guide as shown in FIG. 2, but is stored as it is in the program guide data storage device 110 as a set of received records. I can keep it.
[0039]
The electronic program guide in FIG. 2 includes a channel number display column P1, a channel mark display column P2, a channel name display column P3, and a plurality of program information display columns P4. Each program information display column P4 corresponds to one television program, but is shown here as a one-hour program for convenience. Each program information display column P4 corresponding to this one television program is hereinafter referred to as a “cell”.
[0040]
Normally, a television program is short and takes about 1 minute, and a long one is several hours long. Therefore, the one cell also exists from one minute to several hours.
[0041]
In order for the user to select a program, the number displayed in the channel number display field P1 displayed in the program guide is instructed by the attached remote control device, or the desired channel is selected on the program guide. There are various methods such as clicking with an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. For example, in the case of CS broadcast, these selection results are transmitted to the CS broadcast tuner, where the selected broadcast data is controlled to be transmitted to the television side.
[0042]
In this way, when the user selects a program, the channel number display column P1 and the program information display column P4 are the minimum necessary information. In addition to the display column P1, a channel mark display column P2 and a channel name display column P3 corresponding to the channel number display column P1 on a one-to-one basis are added.
[0043]
In other words, the channel number display column P1, the channel mark display column P2, and the channel name display column P3 indicate overlapping contents, and the user can finally select a channel as long as there is at least the display column P1. .
[0044]
Next, the operation of the program guide display system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0045]
When the display of the program guide is instructed by the user or automatically, the processing is started in the program guide display system.
[0046]
First, program guide data is read from the program guide data storage device 110 into the computer 120 (step S101). As described above, the program guide data is obtained in advance from television broadcast data in the form of the Internet or analog broadcast or digital broadcast, and is stored in the program guide data storage device 110.
[0047]
Next, as the output image size, for example, the size of the area for the program guide display application to display the program on the monitor screen is acquired by the output image size acquisition unit 121 (step S102). This is obtained, for example, by reading the file when the size of the area to be secured as the display area by the program guide display application is held on the hard disk. In addition, when the size of the area is specified when the application is started and is held in the memory, the output image size acquisition unit 121 is predetermined to notify the application of the area size. Issue a function call.
[0048]
The area size is preferably expressed by the number of pixels (drawing dots), and is expressed as 800 × 600 (800 pixels in the horizontal direction and 600 pixels in the vertical direction), for example. Of course, this area size does not exceed the maximum number of pixels determined by an image output control unit (not shown) such as a program guide output device 130 and a video output board used for display.
[0049]
Further, the area size is not the size at which the display application itself is displayed, but the size of the area reserved for displaying the program guide by the application. Therefore, this size does not include the menu part of the application or the window frame part.
[0050]
For example, when the program guide uses a monitor connected to a personal computer, the area size may differ depending on the monitor size, monitor resolution, application, usage method, and the like. Further, when a program guide is output to a television, it can be influenced by the size and characteristics of the television (for example, whether it is a high-definition television).
[0051]
Next, the configuration included in the program table to be output based on the size of each component of the predetermined program table and the size of the output image acquired by the output image size acquisition unit 121 by the image configuration determination unit 122 The element is determined (step 103). This process will be described in more detail later with reference to FIG.
[0052]
Thereafter, the image data generation unit 123 generates an output image so as to display the constituent elements of the program guide determined by the image configuration determination unit 122 (step S104).
[0053]
Finally, the generated output image is output to the program guide output device 130 (step S105). More specifically, this processing is realized by the display application receiving the generated output image and outputting it to the display area. However, such a display method is merely an example, and the generated output image can be output to the program guide output device 130 by various other known methods.
[0054]
Further, the functions of the output image size acquisition unit 121, the image configuration determination unit 122, and the image data generation unit 123 as described above can be executed in the display application.
[0055]
Next, the processing of the image configuration determination unit 122 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0056]
FIG. 4 is a detailed flowchart of the process of step S103 shown in FIG. 5 to 7 are display examples of the electronic program guide.
[0057]
In step S201, DH that is the width of the output size of the program guide is extracted from the output image size acquired in step S102 of FIG.
[0058]
Next, based on the size of each predetermined component, it is first determined whether all the components fit within the output image size. Here, the horizontal width of the channel number display column P1 is D1, the horizontal width of the channel mark display column P2 is D2, the horizontal width of the channel name display column P3 is D3, and the horizontal width on the display per hour in the program information display column P4. Is set to D4.
[0059]
The program information preferentially handles display for K hours. In this case, the image configuration determination unit 122 first determines whether or not all the components can be inherently displayed by the following equation (step S202).
[0060]
DH ≧ D1 + D2 + D3 + D4 × K. . . (Formula 1).
[0061]
If the total width of each component does not exceed DH (step S202 (NO)), the process proceeds to step S206, where all the components, that is, channel number display column P1, channel mark display column P2, channel It decides to output the name display column P3 and the program information display column P4 for K hours. A display example of the program table output based on this determination is shown in FIG. Here, K = 4. The display of the program information for K hours is preferably started from the time when the user instructs the display of the program guide. Furthermore, since Expression 1 is satisfied, the program information column P4 can be displayed in an arbitrary number equal to or greater than K = 4 (however, within the time range held as program guide data).
[0062]
In step S202, when the total width of each component exceeds DH (step S202 (YES)), the process proceeds to step S203.
[0063]
In step S203, the channel name display column P3 is excluded from the constituent elements, and it is determined using the following formula whether display is possible.
[0064]
DH ≧ D1 + D2 + D4 × K. . . (Formula 2).
[0065]
If the total width of each component does not exceed DH (step S203 (NO)), the process proceeds to step S205, where the channel number display column P1, the channel mark display column P2, and K hours of program information. The display column P4 is determined to be output.
[0066]
A display example of the program guide output based on this determination is shown in FIG. Compared with the display example of FIG. 5, it can be seen that the channel name display column P3 is not displayed. Here, when D3> D4, there is a possibility that more P4 than K hours are displayed.
[0067]
If step S203 is true, that is, if the channel name display column P3 is deleted from the component and still exceeds DH, the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204, it is necessary to further reduce the number of components, so that the channel mark display column P2 is deleted, that is, the channel number display column P1 and the program information display column P4 for K hours are output. A display example of the program table output based on this determination is shown in FIG. Here, as in the case of FIG. 6, when D3> D4, more P4 than K hours may be displayed.
[0068]
In this example, deletion is performed in the order of the channel name display field P3 and the channel mark display field P2, but such priorities can be set in advance (in a predetermined file or the like). It can then be freely changed by the user.
[0069]
In this example, the case where the DH is exceeded even if two components are deleted is not considered, but even in this case, the program table can be obtained by performing the following processing in an arbitrary priority order. The display width can be effectively reduced without significantly reducing the information and while maintaining the list of the program guide.
[0070]
(1) Simplify information in a cell. For example, the program information typically includes the title of the program, the content of the program (including the title of the episode), and the performer, and by deleting at least one of them, The display width can be reduced. Furthermore, it is possible to set a priority order indicating which of these is deleted first.
[0071]
(2) The font used for displaying the information in the cell is reduced, and the cell is reduced as a whole. However, regarding this process, it is preferable to set a lower limit that prevents further reduction in consideration of the properties of the display and the user.
[0072]
(3) The program information repetition number K (number of hours) is reduced. By reducing the number of repetitions K, the entire program guide can be stored in DH. Since displaying K hours impairs the listing of the program guide, reducing K is an item to be selected as the last measure.
[0073]
Further, in this example, the process of adjusting the “horizontal length” of the program table to be within DH on condition that K hours are displayed as program information is shown. Consider the same process for length. Get be able to. However, in this case, there is no room for omitting the constituent elements and changing the number of repetitions K. Similarly to the setting of the condition K for the horizontal length, the minimum number of channels to be displayed can be set for the vertical length.
[0074]
Next, FIG. 8 shows an example of the configuration of a computer used in the program guide display system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0075]
8 includes a CPU 210, a memory 220, an external storage device 230, an input device 240, an output device 250, a recording medium drive device 260, a network interface 270, and a bus that interconnects these components 210 to 270. 280.
[0076]
The CPU 210 is used to control the processing of the output image size acquisition unit 121, the image configuration determination unit 122, and the image data generation unit 123. In addition, data for the program guide data storage device 110 and the program guide output device 130 is used. Control the input and output of.
[0077]
The memory 220 temporarily stores a program for controlling each unit and data used by the program, for example, image data at an editing stage, and program guide data read from the program guide data storage device 110 is necessary. In response, it is temporarily stored.
[0078]
The external storage device 230 is a storage device such as a hard disk that stores data necessary for the system of the present invention. The program guide data storage device 110 corresponds to such an external storage device 230.
[0079]
The input device 240 is an input device used by the user to select a cell displayed on the program guide or to select a channel, and includes a mouse, a keyboard, and the like.
[0080]
The output device 250 corresponds to the program guide output device 130, and a program guide whose contents are adjusted is output to the device 250 by the image data generation unit 123. Typical examples include a CRT display and a television monitor. When the computer main body is a personal computer and the output device 250 is a television monitor, conversion processing to an NTSC signal, which is a signal input specification for the television, is usually required.
[0081]
The recording medium driving device 260 reads the contents of a recording medium 290 such as a CD-ROM or floppy disk, and copies it to the memory 220 or the external storage device 230 as necessary. A program for executing each function of the program guide display system of the present invention is also stored in the recording medium 290 and loaded into the memory 220 as necessary. The computer 200 is controlled by a program loaded in the memory 220, and the CPU 210 executes various processes according to the instructions of the program to realize the program guide display system of the present invention.
[0082]
The network interface 270 is a device for connecting the computer 200 to a network 300 such as a LAN. Other suitable interfaces are used when connected to a CS broadcast tuner. Program guide data is received via these interfaces.
[0083]
Here, an example is shown in which the program guide display system 100 of the present invention is executed with the configuration of the computer 200 as shown in FIG. 8, but in this system, some of these components are used for home television and satellite broadcasting. It can be configured by being incorporated into the reception tuner, alone or in combination with the computer 200.
[0084]
【The invention's effect】
The program guide display system of the present invention detects the image size to be output from the electronic program guide and automatically selects the displayable components, so that important information can be preferentially displayed according to the image size. .
[0085]
Furthermore, according to the program guide display system of the present invention, it is possible to make a difference in the degree of detail of information while maintaining the listability according to the image size.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic program guide display system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of components of an electronic program guide.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the electronic program guide display system in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating in detail processing of an image configuration determination unit.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a program guide displayed by the electronic program guide display system in the embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a diagram showing a display example of a program guide in which one of the components is deleted from the program guide of FIG.
7 is a diagram showing a display example of a program guide in which one of the constituent elements is further deleted from the program guide of FIG. 5. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a computer used in the electronic program guide display system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Program guide display system
110 Program guide data storage device
120 computers
121 Output image size acquisition unit
122 Image configuration determining unit
123 Image data generator
130 Program guide output device
200 computers
210 CPU
220 memory
230 External storage device
240 input device
250 output device
260 Recording medium driving device
270 network interface
280 bus
290 recording media
300 network

Claims (11)

Storage means for storing an electronic program guide;
Display means for displaying the electronic program guide;
Means for detecting an image size when the electronic program guide is displayed on the display means;
Display size of the electronic program guide, is larger than the image size to the display size of the electronic program guide below the image size, and a editing means for editing the contents of the electronic program guide,
The electronic program guide has, for each broadcast channel, channel information for identifying the channel and program information for representing the broadcast contents in each time zone,
The editing means edits the contents of the electronic program guide so as to minimize the loss of the channel information and program information,
In the electronic program guide, a program guide relating to one broadcast channel constitutes one row of the electronic program guide, and the electronic program guide displays a plurality of channels in a plurality of corresponding rows,
The program guide display system, wherein the editing of the electronic program guide by the editing means reduces the horizontal size while maintaining the number of rows to be displayed. In claim 1,
The electronic program guide has a plurality of display items for each broadcast channel,
The program editing system according to claim 1, wherein the editing unit selects at least one of the display items and adjusts the display size by hiding the selected display item. In claim 2 ,
The said edit means selects the said display item based on the priority set beforehand to each display item, The program schedule display system characterized by the above-mentioned. In claim 1,
The electronic program guide has a plurality of display items for each broadcast channel,
The editing means selects at least one of the display items, reduces the size of the display item by hiding at least a part of the display content of the selected display item, and thereby A program guide display system characterized by adjusting a display size. In claim 4 ,
The said edit means selects the said display item based on the priority set beforehand to each display item, The program schedule display system characterized by the above-mentioned. In claim 4 ,
The program editing system according to claim 1, wherein the editing unit determines a portion to be hidden based on a priority order preset for each portion of the display item. Displaying an electronic program guide;
Detecting an image size when the electronic program guide is displayed;
Display size of the electronic program guide, is larger than the image size to the display size of the electronic program guide below the image size, and a step of editing the contents of the electronic program guide,
The electronic program guide has, for each broadcast channel, channel information for identifying the channel and program information for representing the broadcast contents in each time zone,
The editing step edits the contents of the electronic program guide so as to minimize the loss of the channel information and program information,
In the electronic program guide, a program guide relating to one broadcast channel constitutes one row of the electronic program guide, and the electronic program guide displays a plurality of broadcast channels in a plurality of corresponding rows,
The program guide editing method, wherein the editing of the electronic program guide in the editing step is to reduce the horizontal size while maintaining the number of displayed rows . In claim 7 ,
The electronic program guide has a plurality of display items for each broadcast channel,
The program table editing method, wherein the editing step adjusts the display size by selecting at least one of the display items and hiding the selected display item. In claim 8 ,
The program table editing method, wherein the editing step selects the display item based on a priority set in advance for each display item. In claim 7 ,
The electronic program guide has a plurality of display items for each broadcast channel,
The editing step selects at least one of the display items, reduces the size of the display item by hiding at least a part of the display content of the selected display item, and thereby A program guide editing method comprising adjusting a display size. Computer
Storage means for storing an electronic program guide;
Display means for displaying the electronic program guide;
Detecting means for detecting an image size when the electronic program guide is displayed on the display means;
When the display size of the electronic program guide is larger than the image size, the program is made to function as an editing unit that edits the contents of the electronic program guide so that the display size of the electronic program guide is less than or equal to the image size. And
The electronic program guide has, for each broadcast channel, channel information for identifying the channel and program information for representing the broadcast contents in each time zone,
The editing means edits the contents of the electronic program guide so as to minimize the loss of the channel information and program information,
In the electronic program guide, a program guide relating to one broadcast channel constitutes one row of the electronic program guide, and the electronic program guide displays a plurality of broadcast channels in a plurality of corresponding rows,
The program according to claim 1, wherein the editing of the electronic program guide by the editing means reduces the horizontal size while maintaining the number of displayed lines .

Images