JP4150169B2 - Function addition deletion type receiver - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a function addition / deletion type receiver that customizes and installs functions necessary for receiving and reproducing broadcast programs, a function mounting method thereof, and a function providing method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
New broadcasting services such as data broadcasting and electronic program guide (hereinafter referred to as “EPG: Electriconic Program Guide”) have begun to be started, which are not found in conventional analog broadcasting. In the future, it is expected that the expansion of new broadcasting services will continue, such as electronic voting, electronic questionnaires, digest viewing of stored content, and requests for rebroadcasting.
[0003]
By the way, in order to receive such a new broadcasting service, a receiver for each broadcasting service, in fact, software such as an application program and a control program corresponding to each broadcasting program (hereinafter referred to as “functional module”). It is necessary to mount on. In order to view one broadcast program, a plurality of functional modules such as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) and a control program may be required.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional receiver, since some functional modules are pre-installed and sold, it may not be possible to view a broadcast program corresponding to a broadcast service newly started after the receiver is released. In such a case, it is necessary to add a new function module to the receiver, but it is not easy to add a new function module. If a large number of function modules are installed, the viewer may be forced to perform a complicated operation in some cases, and the viewer may be confused. Some of the installed function modules are not used by viewers, but cannot be deleted. As described above, the conventional receiver has a problem that it is not possible to freely mount a functional module according to the viewing mode of the viewer.
[0005]
Functional modules are provided by broadcasters and receiver manufacturers. When this functional module is provided using a broadcast wave or a communication line, the form of provision differs depending on the vendor. In the conventional receiver, there is also a problem that it is not possible to easily mount the functional module according to the provision form. In addition, there is a problem in that no consideration is given to a method for providing a functional module that allows the functional module to be easily mounted on the receiver side.
[0006]
The present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and function modules can be customized and installed according to the viewing mode of the viewer, and additional functions and deletions that can cope with differences in the function module providing mode are also provided. It is intended to realize a type receiver.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is provided to achieve the above object, and the invention according to claim 1 uses a storage device for storing a functional module for receiving and reproducing a broadcast program, and a bidirectional communication line. Obtaining a URL of a Web server as location information of the functional module included in the electronic program guide, connecting to the Web server and receiving the functional module when recording the broadcast program; A function registration unit that executes storage and deletion of the functional module with respect to the storage device, and executes and manages rewriting of the functional module stored in the storage device when the functional module is upgraded, and the storage device Function addition means comprising: function execution means for executing the stored function module in synchronization with reproduction of the broadcast program It is a receiver.
[0008]
The function addition / deletion type receiver of the present invention is a function module that is arbitrarily customized and installed with a function module necessary for receiving and reproducing broadcast programs. This function addition / deletion type receiver executes and manages saving and deletion of function modules with respect to the storage device by function registration means. When the function module to be added is designated, the function registration unit stores the function module in a predetermined area of the storage device. When a functional module to be deleted is designated, the functional module is deleted from a predetermined area of the storage device. The function registration means provides a one-touch sense registration screen to the viewer. Using this registration screen, the viewer can easily add necessary function modules or delete unnecessary function modules.
[0010]
The function addition / deletion type receiver of the present invention rewrites a stored function module with a new version of the function module when the function module is upgraded. The function registration unit manages the attribute information of the function module stored in the storage device. The attribute information includes information such as a functional module identifier, version number, creation date / time, and update date / time. Compare the attribute information between the function module to be added and the function module already stored. If, as a result of the comparison, the version of the functional module in which the function module to be added is saved, the function module to be added is overwritten and saved on the original function module.
[0012]
In the function addition / deletion type receiver of the present invention, the function module is executed in synchronization with the reception of the broadcast program. The function execution means monitors the program identifier included in the broadcast program. Then, using the program identifier as a key, the function module corresponding to the broadcast program is called from the storage device and executed.
[0014]
The function addition / deletion type receiver of the present invention receives and stores a function module sent using a broadcast wave. For broadcast waves from satellites and terrestrial relay stations, functional modules are sent using vertical blanking periods and subcarriers for analog broadcasting, and functional modules are sent using data channels for digital broadcasting. This function addition / deletion type receiver is provided with a line interface capable of supporting both analog broadcasting and digital broadcasting. This line interface constantly monitors identifiers of functional modules included in broadcast data. The function module is received using the identifier of the function module as a key. The received function module is stored in the storage device by the function registration means.
[0015]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the function addition / deletion type receiver according to the first aspect, the function registration unit includes the management table in which service types of the broadcast programs executable by the function modules are registered. The function execution means calls and executes the function module corresponding to the service type of the broadcast program from the storage device using the management table.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, the configuration of the function addition / deletion type receiver 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the function addition / deletion type receiver 10. In FIG. 1, the function addition / deletion type receiver 10 includes a function reception unit 11, a function registration unit 12, a storage device 13, a broadcast program reception unit 14, a function execution unit 15, and a monitor 16.
[0024]
The function receiving means 11 is means for receiving the function module 21 sent using the broadcast wave 1 or the bidirectional communication line 2. The function receiving means 11 may be connected to a broadcast wave 1 transmitted from a satellite, a terrestrial relay station, or CATV, or may be connected to a bidirectional communication line 2 such as the Internet. Here, the function module 21 may be sent together with the broadcast program or may be sent separately from the broadcast program.
[0025]
When connecting to the broadcast wave 1, if the broadcast wave 1 is an analog broadcast, data transmitted using a vertical blanking period or a subcarrier is received. When the broadcast wave 1 is digital broadcasting, data transmitted using the data channel is received. In any case, the function module 21 is received by recognizing the identifier of the data. When the functional module 21 is sent separately from the broadcast program, information such as the scheduled transmission date and time and the transmission channel of the functional module 21 can be obtained by using an electronic program guide (EPG). If the necessary function module 21 is reserved by looking at this information, the function module 21 is automatically received at the scheduled date and time.
[0026]
When connecting to the bi-directional communication line 2 such as the Internet, the Web server storing the function module 21 is accessed to receive a Web server download service. In this case, if EPG is used, location information such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) address of the Web server can be obtained. When the viewer sees this and connects to the Web server and makes a download request for the necessary functional module 21, the functional module 21 is received.
[0027]
The function registration unit 12 is a unit that controls storage and management of the function module 21 received by the function reception unit 11 in the storage device 13. The function registration unit 12 always manages the storage status and attribute information of the function module 21 in the storage device 13. The attribute information is information such as the identifier, version number, creation date / time, and update date / time of the functional module 21. The function registration unit 12 compares the attribute information between the function module 21 received by the function reception unit 11 and the function module 21 already stored in the storage device 13. If the received functional module 21 is not stored in the storage device 13, the functional module 21 is additionally stored in the storage device 13. If the received function module 21 is an upgraded version of the function module 21 that is already stored, the received function module 21 is overwritten and rewritten on the original function module 21. Further, the function registration unit 12 deletes unnecessary function modules 21 from the storage device 13 among the function modules 21 stored in the storage device 13.
[0028]
A predetermined management table (not shown) may be used for managing storage, rewriting, and deletion of the functional module 21. In the management table, attribute information such as identifiers, version numbers, creation date / time, and update date / time of function modules 21 and service types of broadcast programs 22 that can be executed by each function module 21 are registered. For the service type of the broadcast program 22, an identifier assigned to each broadcast program 22 can be used. By providing such a management table and updating it every time a functional module 21 is added, rewritten, or deleted, the storage and management of the functional module 21 in the storage device 13 can be appropriately controlled.
[0029]
Further, the function registration unit 12 has a function of providing a registration screen on the monitor 16 for supporting the operation of mounting the function module 21 to the viewer. For example, the storage status of the functional module 21 is displayed on the registration screen. When the latest state of the management table is displayed as a list, the selection operation for adding or deleting the function module 21 becomes easy. Further, if an add button or a delete button for performing this selection operation is displayed on the registration screen, the viewer can perform the selection operation with a one-touch feeling.
[0030]
The storage device 13 is a unit that stores the functional module 21 received by the function receiving unit 11. The storage device 13 is composed of a recording medium such as a hard disk. The storage device 13 may store not only the functional module 21 but also the broadcast program 22 and related content together. As described above, when the storage device 13 is used as a shared device, a cluster configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of recording media having different writing / reading speeds and storage capacities are used depending on the type and use of data to be stored.
[0031]
The broadcast program receiving means 14 is means for receiving a broadcast program 22 broadcast from the broadcast station using the broadcast wave 1 or the bidirectional communication line 2. As with the function receiving unit 11, the broadcast program receiving unit 14 can be connected to the broadcast wave 1 and the bidirectional communication line 2. The broadcast program receiving unit 14 includes a tuner unit, a demodulation unit, and a signal processing unit. The tuner unit receives broadcast data obtained by modulating the broadcast program 22. The demodulator demodulates the received broadcast data. The signal processing unit performs error correction on the demodulated broadcast data, selection of a program to be viewed, code decoding, descrambling, and the like. In the configuration example of FIG. 1, the broadcast program 22 received by the broadcast program receiving unit 14 is stored in the storage device 13.
[0032]
The function execution unit 15 is a unit that executes the function module 21 stored in the storage device 13. The function execution unit 15 constantly monitors the program identifier included in the data of the broadcast program 22 that is selectively received. Recognizing the program identifier, the function module 21 corresponding to the service type of the broadcast program 22 is called from the storage device 13 and executed. At this time, the function module 21 can be indexed using the program identifier as a key using the management table described above. That is, the functional module 21 necessary for viewing the broadcast program 22 is automatically executed in synchronization with the reception of the broadcast program 22.
[0033]
In addition to the broadcast program 22, the monitor 16 displays an EPG screen, a registration screen, and a Web screen. As the monitor 16, a cathode ray tube, a plasma display, a CRT, a liquid crystal display, or the like can be used.
[0034]
Next, a first operation example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This operation example is a so-called push-type function mounting example. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for mounting the function module 21 sent from the broadcaster on the function addition / deletion type receiver 10.
[0035]
In FIG. 6, the broadcaster sends an EPG using the vertical blanking period or data channel of the broadcast wave 1 (S101). The viewer operates the remote controller attached to the function addition / deletion type receiver 10 to display the EPG on the monitor 16. This EPG includes program information related to a broadcast scheduled program ahead. An example of the EPG screen is shown in FIG. In FIG. 2A, the icon 31 indicates that the broadcast program 22 is a program corresponding to a new broadcast service. When the icon 31 is selected, a program summary 32 of the broadcast program 22, a program service type 33, and recording reservation buttons 34a and 34b are displayed on the monitor screen shown in FIG. The viewer presses the recording reservation button 34a to make a recording reservation for the broadcast program 22 (S102 in FIG. 6).
[0036]
At this time, in the service type 33 of the program, the URL of the Web server is displayed as the location information of the functional module 21 necessary for viewing the broadcast program 22. When the viewer operates the remote controller to select this URL, the function receiving unit 11 automatically connects to this Web server (S103 in FIG. 6).
[0037]
When the Web server is accessed, corners that introduce service types of various broadcast programs 22 and the function modules 21 used for them are posted. FIG. 3 shows a screen example of the Web server. The web screen of FIG. 3 is provided with a service type menu 41, a function explanation column 42, and a download button 43 for the broadcast program 22. When a service type such as “digest viewing” displayed in the service type menu 41 is selected, a description of the functional module 21 necessary for executing the “digest viewing” service is displayed in the function description column 42. When the function content of the function module 21 is confirmed and the download button 43 is pressed, the function module 21 is sent from the Web server (S104 in FIG. 6). In the function addition / deletion type receiver 10, this is downloaded by the function receiving means 11 (S105).
[0038]
The downloaded function module 21 is stored in the storage device 13 by the function registration unit 12. At this time, the attribute information of the downloaded functional module 21 is compared with the attribute information of the functional module 21 described in the management table. As a result of the comparison, if the downloaded functional module 21 is the same module as the functional module 21 already stored in the storage device 13, the storage may be omitted. If the downloaded functional module 21 is an upgraded version of the functional module 21 already stored in the storage device 13, the original functional module 21 is overwritten and only the latest functional module 21 is stored in the storage device 13. Save (S105).
[0039]
When the scheduled broadcast date and time of the broadcast program 22 is reached, the broadcast program 22 is broadcast (S106). In the function addition / deletion type receiver 10, since the broadcast program 22 is reserved for recording in S102, the broadcast program receiving means 14 automatically receives the broadcast program 22 and records it in the storage device 13 (S107). When the viewer reproduces the broadcast program 22, the function execution unit 15 identifies the service type of the broadcast program 22 and automatically activates the functional module 21 stored in the storage device 13. In this way, the viewer can enjoy “digest viewing” (S108).
[0040]
Here, a case where the functional module 21 is sent together with the broadcast program 22 will be described. In FIG. 6, when a broadcast program 22 is broadcast, the functional modules 21 necessary for the broadcast program 22 are sent together (S109). At this time, the function receiving unit 11 receives the function module 21. The received function module 21 is stored in the storage device 13 by the function registration unit 12 (S110). At this time, the function execution unit 15 identifies the service type “digest viewing” of the broadcast program 22 and automatically activates the function module 21 stored in the storage device 13. In this way, the viewer can enjoy “digest viewing” (S111).
[0041]
Next, a second operation example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This operation example is a so-called pull-type function mounting example. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for mounting the function module 21 sent from the receiver manufacturer in the function addition / deletion type receiver 10.
[0042]
In FIG. 7, the viewer operates the remote controller to display a registration screen on the monitor 16 (S201). On the registration screen, the function modules 21 already stored and the service types of various broadcast programs 22 corresponding thereto are displayed. FIG. 4 shows an example of the registration screen. 4A is a registration screen before the addition of the functional module 21, and FIG. 4B is a screen after the addition of the functional module 21. In the registration screen of FIG. 4A, a service type menu 51, a function explanation column 52, an add button 53, and a delete button 54 of the broadcast program 22 are provided. In the service type menu 51, the service type of the broadcast program 22 corresponding to the functional module 21 already stored in the storage device 13 is displayed. When “digest viewing” displayed in the service type menu 51 is selected, a description of the functional module 21 necessary for executing the “digest viewing” service is displayed in the function description column 52.
[0043]
When a new function module 21 is added, an add button 53 is pressed. When the add button 53 is pressed, it is automatically connected to the Web server of the receiver manufacturer that is the manufacturer of this function addition / deletion type receiver 10 (S202 in FIG. 7). When the receiver manufacturer's Web server is accessed, a screen similar to the Web screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed, and information relating to the functional module 21 is provided (S203). In the screen of FIG. 3, “Rebroadcast request” is selected, and the outline and explanation of the functional module 21 necessary for execution are browsed (S204). When the functional module 21 corresponding to the “rebroadcast request” is acquired, when the download button 43 is pressed, the functional module 21 corresponding to the “rebroadcast request” is transmitted from the Web server (S205). In the function addition / deletion type receiver 10, this is downloaded by the function receiving means 11.
[0044]
The downloaded function module 21 is stored in the storage device 13 by the function registration unit 12. At this time, the attribute information of the downloaded functional module 21 is compared with the attribute information of the functional module 21 described in the management table. As a result of the comparison, if the downloaded functional module 21 is the same module as the functional module 21 already stored in the storage device 13, the storage may be omitted. If the downloaded functional module 21 is an upgraded version of the functional module 21 already stored in the storage device 13, the original functional module 21 is overwritten and only the latest functional module 21 is stored in the storage device 13. (S206). When the functional module 21 is added to the storage device 13, the addition of the functional module 21 is reflected on the registration screen as shown in FIG.
[0045]
Further, when the function module 21 stored in the storage device 13 is deleted, the delete button 54 on the registration screen shown in FIG. In FIG. 4A, when the functional module 21 corresponding to the service type of the broadcast program 22 is designated and the delete button 54 is pressed (S207 in FIG. 8), the designated functional module 21 is deleted from the storage device 13 ( S208). When the functional module 21 is deleted from the storage device 13, the functional module 21 is also deleted from the registration screen.
[0046]
Here, when the function module 21 corresponding to the broadcast program 22 is stored in the function addition / deletion type receiver 10, when referring to the EPG screen, an icon indicating the service type of the broadcast program 22 is activated. FIG. 5 shows an active display example of icons on the EPG screen. In FIG. 5, the icon 61 indicates that the broadcast program 22 is a program corresponding to the “digest viewing” service. The icon 62 indicates that the broadcast program 22 is a “rebroadcast request”. These icon displays are inverted from the inactive display to the active display when the function modules 21 corresponding to “digest viewing” and “rebroadcast request” are respectively added to the storage device 13. Conversely, when these functional modules 21 are deleted from the storage device 13, the icon display is inverted from the active display to the inactive display. In this way, the active display of the icon on the EPG screen changes in conjunction with the addition and / or deletion of the functional module 21, so that the viewer can visually grasp which broadcast program 22 can be viewed. Easy to do.
[0047]
As described above, the embodiment of the function addition / deletion type receiver and the function registration method of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be widely modified and implemented. . For example, in this embodiment, the case where the functional module is sent separately from the broadcast program has been described. However, even when the functional module is sent together with the broadcast program, reception, registration, and storage of the functional module. The execution is performed in the same way.
[0048]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention has the following effects.
In the function addition / deletion type receiver of claim 1, since the function registration unit executes and manages the storage and deletion of the function modules with respect to the storage device, the function modules are arbitrarily customized according to the viewing mode of the viewer. be able to. Further, it is possible to prevent complication of operability while realizing multiple functions. Furthermore, since the function execution means automatically calls and executes the function module corresponding to the broadcast program from the storage device, the broadcast program can be enjoyed appropriately.
[0049]
In the function addition / deletion type receiver according to claim 1 , since the function registration means avoids redundant storage of the same function module and stores the function module in the storage device, the storage device having a limited storage capacity can be used efficiently without waste. can do.
[0050]
In the function addition / deletion type receiver of claim 1 , since the function execution unit automatically executes the function module in synchronism with the reception of the broadcast program, the viewer does not have to be aware of whether the function module is installed or not. You can enjoy broadcast programs.
[0051]
Since the function addition / deletion type receiver of claim 1 includes a line interface capable of supporting both analog broadcasting and digital broadcasting waves, the function module can correspond to a provision form in which the function modules are sent using broadcasting waves. it can. In this case, the expected effect of promoting the use of the broadcast program intended by the broadcast station is born. In addition, if a functional module that provides a common user interface function using a broadcast wave is sent, the function can be easily introduced during a broadcast program.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a function addition / deletion type receiver;
FIG. 2 is an example of an EPG screen.
FIG. 3 is a screen example of a Web server.
FIG. 4 is an example of a registration screen, where (1) is a screen before addition of a functional module and (2) is a screen after addition of a functional module.
FIG. 5 is an active display of icons on an EPG screen.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a push type function mounting procedure;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for loading a pull-type function.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Broadcast wave 2 Bidirectional communication line 10 Function addition deletion type receiver 11 Function reception means 12 Function registration means 13 Storage device 14 Broadcast program reception means 15 Function execution means 16 Monitor 21 Function module 22 Broadcast program

Claims (2)

A storage device for storing functional modules for receiving and reproducing broadcast programs;
Using a bidirectional communication line, obtain a URL of a Web server as location information of the functional module included in the electronic program guide, and connect to the Web server to receive the functional module at the time of recording reservation of the broadcast program Function receiving means;
A function registration unit that executes storage and deletion of the functional module with respect to the storage device, and executes and manages rewriting of the functional module stored in the storage device when the functional module is upgraded.
Function execution means for executing the function module stored in the storage device in synchronization with reproduction of the broadcast program;
A function addition / deletion type receiver characterized by comprising: The function registration means provides the management table in which service types of the broadcast programs that can be executed by the function module are registered,
2. The function addition / deletion type reception according to claim 1, wherein the function execution unit calls and executes the function module corresponding to the service type of the broadcast program from the storage device using the management table. Machine.

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