JP5082565B2 - Digital broadcast receiver - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital broadcast receiving apparatus capable of receiving terrestrial / BS / CS digital broadcasts and the like, and more particularly to a technique for improving convenience during event viewing.

  In recent years, with the development of digital technology, digitization has rapidly progressed also in the field of television broadcasting. For example, terrestrial / BS / CS digital broadcasting has been put into practical use. In this digital broadcasting, data can be compressed more easily and efficiently than analog broadcasting. Therefore, multi-channel (for example, 200 or more channels in CS digital broadcasting), high quality (high-vision broadcasting), high functionality (data broadcasting ( Realization of two-way communication service)) is expected.

  In the digital broadcast receiving apparatus capable of receiving the digital broadcast described above, the user selects a desired channel from among a large number of channels. In general, for example, one-touch channel selection with the one-touch buttons (1-12) provided on the remote control device, up-down channel selection with the channel feed button, and direct input of the three-digit channel number using the numeric buttons (0-9) Channel selection is performed by direct channel selection.

As described above, the number of channels provided with digital broadcasting increases remarkably, but from the user's standpoint, it is not preferable that the search for a desired channel and the channel selection operation become complicated.
Therefore, various techniques for improving the convenience of channel selection operation in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus have been proposed (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  Specifically, in Patent Document 1, program information is acquired by a tuner unit and then stored in a record storage unit, and a history of displaying video is recorded in the record storage unit as history information. A display device is disclosed that determines a recommended program based on information and displays a video of the recommended program on a display when the power is turned on.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, when a user operates a “frequently watched channel” key disposed on a remote controller, the past viewing history information stored automatically is read and displayed, and a user's desired channel is displayed according to this display. A broadcast receiving apparatus that can select a channel is disclosed.

Further, Patent Document 3 analyzes and edits a time-axis and channel-axis matrix electronic program table, and edits and displays it in a one-dimensional program table with respect to the time axis together with a viewing reservation program. There has been disclosed a program information processing apparatus capable of easily selecting a viewing program in a short time.
JP 2006-287855 A JP 2005-109924 A JP 2000-333085 A

  By the way, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus, it is rare that the same channel is viewed for a long time after the power is turned on, and it is considered that the channel can be switched not a little before the power is turned off. For example, if an event (program) that the user wants to watch is provided on multiple channels during the same time period, the channel that is viewed frequently in the past (several minutes ago) is concerned and the channel is relatively frequent. Channel selection operation is performed.

  However, the conventional digital broadcast receiving apparatus is inconvenient because it is necessary to perform a normal channel selection operation even when it is desired to confirm an event that has been viewed in the past. For example, when re-tuning an event that you have watched in the past, you may be able to tune only by entering a 3-digit channel number, or you may forget the channel assigned to the number button even if you are one-touch tuning. The station can be difficult.

  According to the prior application technique, the convenience of the channel selection operation in the normal time can be improved, but the above-mentioned problems cannot be dealt with. That is, the prior application technique is for easily selecting a channel with a high viewing frequency based on a relatively long viewing history of daily units. For example, the prior application technology is turned off after the power is turned on. This is not a technique that facilitates re-viewing a desired event among a plurality of events viewed in a relatively short time.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a digital broadcast receiving apparatus which can confirm a past event (for example, several minutes ago) viewed in a relatively short time and can re-view the event with a simple operation.

In order to achieve the above object, the first aspect of the present invention receives an operation means for instructing channel selection of a predetermined channel, and receives a digital broadcast signal of the predetermined channel based on a channel selection operation by the operation means. A receiving means for enabling viewing of the event provided on the channel, and a favorite event registration means for selectively registering the viewed event as a favorite event, Event information storage means for storing event information relating to a favorite event registered and specified by the favorite event registration means based on SI information included in the digital broadcast signal received by the receiving means; and the registered preference Favorite event guide means for displaying favorite event guides in a form in which event information can be recognized , Wherein the favorite event guiding means, monitors the broadcast state of the favorite events based on the event information storage unit event information stored in the on the basis of the event information and the broadcast state When the broadcast of the registered favorite event ends, the event information storage means deletes the favorite event that the broadcast has ended, and the power is turned on. In addition, it is configured to update the event information of the favorite event at the time of the previous power-off, the receiving means is based on the event selection operation by the operating means in a state where the favorite event guidance is displayed, A digital broadcast signal of a channel providing the event is received.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to the first aspect, when the event information storage means is turned on, the favorite event at the time of the previous power-off is still broadcast. If the favorite event has been broadcast, the event information of the favorite event will be updated if the favorite event is being broadcast at the time of the previous power off. It is comprised by these.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the event information storage means is already based on SI information included in the digital broadcast signal received by the receiving means. The stored event information can be updated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the event information storage means stores a favorite event information storage that stores event information of the favorite event. And a viewing event information storage area for storing event information of an event currently being viewed, and the favorite event guide means stores information regarding the currently viewed event regardless of whether or not preference registration is performed. The favorite event guide is displayed in a recognizable form.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to the fourth aspect , the favorite event information storage area includes event information before extension and after extension when the favorite event is extended. The favorite event guide means displays the favorite event guide for the extended favorite event based on the event information before the extension before the event is extended. Then, after the event is extended, the favorite event guide is displayed based on the extended event information.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to the fourth or fifth aspect , the apparatus includes a favorite event deleting unit capable of selectively deleting the registered favorite event.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the digital broadcast receiver according to the sixth aspect , the favorite event information storage area is configured to be able to store event information relating to a predetermined number of favorite events, and the favorite event When registration of favorite events is specified by the registration means, if the number of favorite events already registered reaches the predetermined number, the event information of the favorite events deleted and specified by the favorite event deletion means is displayed. The event information of the favorite event that is deleted and newly registered is stored in the deletion area.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the favorite event guide means is configured such that the event being viewed is a favorite event. In a banner display for displaying event information of an event, the fact that it is a favorite event is notified.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the operation unit is a dedicated unit for displaying the favorite event guide on the favorite event guide unit. The operation button is provided.

  According to the present invention, in a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, past events viewed in a relatively short time can be confirmed by a simple operation and can be re-viewed, so that convenience in channel selection is improved. it can. In addition, since the user does not need to remember the numeric buttons or the like to which the channel of the event is assigned in order to select a channel, the channel selection operation is extremely simple.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a television receiver 10 as a digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, solid arrows indicate various information flows, and dotted arrows indicate control signal flows.

  The television receiver 10 of the present embodiment includes an antenna 11, a receiving unit (tuner) 12, a signal demodulating unit 13, a data separating unit 14, a decoding unit 15, an OSD generating unit 16, and a multiplexing unit ( An OSD unit) 17, an event information storage unit (for example, a flash memory) 18, an operation unit 19, and a control unit 20 are configured.

  Specifically, the receiving unit 12 is a tuner that can selectively receive digital broadcasting (for example, terrestrial / BS / CS digital broadcasting) via the antenna 11. The receiving unit 12 as a receiving unit receives a digital broadcast signal of a predetermined channel based on a channel selection operation by the operation unit 19 described later, and enables viewing of an event provided on the channel.

  In the present embodiment, in the terrestrial digital broadcasting, the receiving unit 12 selects one channel and views an event provided on the channel while acquiring SI information provided on another channel. Is composed of a so-called double tuner that can select two different channels. Note that the configuration of the receiving unit 12 is not particularly limited when SI information of all other channels can be acquired regardless of which channel is selected, as in BS digital broadcasting.

The signal demodulator 13 demodulates the digital broadcast signal received by the receiver 12.
The data separator 14 separates the digital broadcast signal demodulated by the signal demodulator 13 into program content information (video data and audio data) and SI information. The content information separated by the data separation unit 14 is supplied to the decoding unit 15, and the SI information is supplied to the OSD generation unit 16 and the event information storage unit 18.

  The decoding unit 15 expands and decodes the content information supplied from the data separation unit 14 to generate a video signal and an audio signal, and outputs them to the speaker 21.

  The OSD generation unit 16 generates electronic program guide (hereinafter referred to as EPG) data in which information on program content is arranged in time series for each broadcasting station based on the SI information supplied from the data separation unit 14. In addition, the OSD generation unit 16 is information related to an event registered as a preference among events viewed by the user based on the event information (favorite event information, viewing event information) stored in the event information storage unit 18. To generate favorite event guide data.

  The multiplexing unit 17 selectively outputs the display signals from the decoding unit 15 and the OSD generation unit 16 to the display unit 22 or multiplexes and outputs them.

  The event information storage unit 18 stores event information related to a favorite event registered and designated by a favorite event registration button described later based on the SI information separated by the data separation unit 14 (event information storage means). The event information storage unit 18 stores event information on an event currently being viewed, in addition to event information related to a favorite event. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the event information storage unit 18 includes a favorite event information area 181 for storing event information (favorite event information) of events registered for preference, and event information of events currently being viewed. A viewing event information storage area 182 for temporarily storing (viewing event information). The favorite event information storage area 181 can store event information of up to five favorite events. That is, five favorite events can be registered.

  As the event information, for example, information such as an event ID, a network name (terrestrial / BS / CS), a three-digit channel number, a broadcast station name, a broadcast time zone, and an event name is stored. If a broadcast station cannot be uniquely identified by a 3-digit channel number and a fourth-digit number (branch number) is added, the branch number is also stored as necessary.

  The event information storage unit 18 is configured to be able to update already stored event information based on the latest SI information included in the digital broadcast signal. By monitoring the updated event information, the control unit 20 can grasp the broadcast state of the favorite event, for example, broadcast end or broadcast extension.

  The operation unit 19 is, for example, a remote control device having a plurality of operation buttons or an operation panel provided on the main body. Based on an input signal from the operation unit 19, channel selection, volume adjustment, EPG, and the like will be described later. Predetermined processing such as movement of focus in favorite event guidance is executed.

  For example, the control unit 20 executes a control program or the like stored in a ROM (not shown) based on an input signal from the operation unit 19 to drive and control each block of the television receiver 10.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 serving as a favorite event guide means, based on the event information of the favorite event stored in the event information storage unit 18, broadcast status of the favorite event (for example, during broadcasting, broadcasting) Monitor end, broadcast extension). Further, as the operation unit 19 performs an operation for displaying the favorite event guide (operation of the favorite event display button 220), the event information of the favorite event and the viewing event and the broadcast state of each event are used. Then, the favorite event guide data is generated by the OSD generation unit 16 and displayed on the display unit 22. Note that the favorite event guide data is appropriately changed when the favorite event guide is displayed, for example, when the broadcast state of the event changes or when the change of the broadcast state is notified to the user.

  That is, in the favorite event guide, the user can know the current broadcast state of the event that the user has viewed and registered as a favorite event in the past. For example, for broadcast events, the broadcast time zone is displayed, for events that have been broadcast, deleted from the favorite event guide (not displayed), and for broadcast extended events, the extended broadcast time zone is displayed. By doing so, the user can recognize the current broadcast state of the event viewed in the past.

  In the favorite event guidance, when an event selection operation is performed by the operation unit 19, a channel that provides the event is selected. Thereby, the user can re-view a desired event by an extremely simple operation in favorite event guidance.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a remote control device as the operation unit 19.
The remote control device 19 includes a power button 201 for turning on / off the power, a numeric button 202 for selecting a channel to be received, an EPG display button 203 for displaying an EPG, a button 204 for returning to the previous screen with an EPG, A volume button 205 for adjusting the volume, a button 206 for selecting the type of broadcast signal to be received (terrestrial / BS / CS, etc.), a broadcast service (television broadcast, radio broadcast, data broadcast), and the like. A button 207 to be used, a color button 208 to be used when an instruction is issued on the screen, a button 209 to be used for data broadcasting, etc., a direction button 210 to move the focus up / down / left / right in EPG or favorite event guidance, A determination button 211 to be determined by the selected item, a channel button 212 used for channel selection, and An operation button 213 for executing a predetermined function such as a voice switching button or a subtitle on / off switching button, a favorite event display button 220 for displaying a favorite event guide, and an event being viewed as a favorite event. A favorite event registration button 221 for registering or deleting a registered favorite event;

  That is, the operation unit 19 has a dedicated operation button 220 for presenting a favorite event guide, and a favorite event registration button (favorite event registration means) 221 that can selectively register an event being viewed as a favorite event. Have The favorite event registration button 221 also serves as favorite event deletion means that can selectively delete registered favorite events.

  The user can register the event being viewed as a favorite event by operating the favorite event registration button 221, and in a state where the favorite event guide is presented, a predetermined operation (for example, favorite event registration) is performed. By pressing and holding the button, you can delete the selected favorite event. As a result, the user can register only events that have been viewed in the past and that the user wants to confirm later as events of interest, so that necessary information can be registered without registering unnecessary events. Can be obtained efficiently.

  In addition, the user can display the favorite event guide on the display unit 22 by operating the favorite event display button 220. In this favorite event guide, the favorite event display button 220 or the direction button 210 is operated to change the focus, and the decision button 211 is operated to select a desired event, thereby selecting a channel providing the event. Can bureau.

  Next, preference event storage processing and preference event guidance display processing in the television receiver 10 of the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, the event registered by the favorite event registration button 221 is “favorite event”, the event that is actually viewed by channel selection is “viewing event”, and the broadcast of the favorite event is extended. The event may be referred to as an “extended event”.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a favorite event storage process. This preference event storage process is executed by the control unit 20.

  First, in step S101, it is determined whether the power of the television receiver 10 is on. And it waits until the power supply of the television receiver 10 turns on, and when a power supply is turned on, it transfers to step S102.

  In step S102, the event information of the favorite event at the previous power-off time is updated based on the latest SI information included in the digital broadcast signal. For example, based on whether or not event information (SI information) of a favorite event can be acquired, it is determined whether the favorite event is currently being broadcast, is being extended, or has been broadcast. Here, the identity of the event is determined by the event ID included in the SI information.

  Then, the favorite event that has been broadcast is deleted, and the event information (for example, the channel number and the broadcast time zone) is updated for the favorite event that has been extended while the power is off. Here, “deletion of favorite event” means that the storage area storing the event information of the favorite event is released (can be overwritten), and the event is deleted from the favorite event guide. Therefore, it is not necessary to immediately delete the event information from the event information storage unit 18. Note that the update of event information at the time of broadcast extension and at the end of broadcast is the same as steps S113 to S116 described later.

  That is, the event information of the favorite event at the time of the previous power-off is stored in the event information storage unit 18 as it is at the time of power-on, so this favorite event is currently being broadcast or extended broadcasting If it is in the middle, it can be referred to as it is, and if the broadcast is finished, it is not referred to.

  In step S103, it is determined whether the currently viewed event (viewing event) has been registered as a favorite event. If it is determined that the viewing event has been registered as a favorite event, the process proceeds to step S109, and if not, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the event information of the viewing event is temporarily stored in the viewing event information storage area 182 of the event information storage unit 18. For example, if several hours have passed after the television receiver 10 is turned off, most events have been broadcast, and the event information of the favorite event that has been broadcast is deleted in step S102. Therefore, after the power is turned on, the favorite event is not registered, and only the viewing event is stored in the viewing event storage area 182.

  Even when a viewing event is not registered as a favorite event, the viewing event information storage area 182 temporarily stores the viewing event in order to present the viewing event in a favorite event guide described later. In this way, by displaying the favorite event guide including the viewing event, the user can easily change the favorite event registration by comparing the favorite event already registered with the current viewing event. So convenience is improved.

  In step S105, it is determined that an operation for registering a favorite event registration button 221 has been performed, that is, an operation for registering an event being viewed as a favorite event. Note that the same processing is performed even during normal event viewing and during display of a favorite event guide described later. Then, if the registration designation by the favorite event registration button 221 is made, the process proceeds to step S106, and if the registration designation is not made, the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S106, it is determined whether the number of favorite events stored in the favorite event information storage area 181 of the event information storage unit 18 has reached the upper limit (five in FIG. 3). If the registered number of favorite events has reached the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S107, and if not, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S107, it is determined whether to delete a registered favorite event. For example, a total of six events of five favorite events and viewing events are presented as the favorite event deletion screen, and it is determined whether or not the favorite event deletion operation has been performed on the favorite event deletion screen. When the registered favorite event is deleted, the process proceeds to step S108, and the favorite event deletion screen is canceled or the viewing event is selected as an event to be deleted, and the favorite event is not deleted. In this case, the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S108, the event information of the viewing event is stored in the favorite event information storage area 181 and the viewing event is registered as a favorite event. That is, when the favorite event registration button 221 is operated, if there is a vacancy in the favorite event information storage area 181, the event information of the viewing event is stored as it is, and if there is no vacancy in the favorite event information storage area 181, the existing event information is stored. As the favorite event is deleted, the event information of the viewing event is stored in the free space. A favorite event is registered in steps S105 to S108.

  In step S109, it is determined whether the preference event guidance is displayed. If the favorite event guide is displayed, the process proceeds to step S110. If the favorite event guide is not displayed, the process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S110, it is determined whether an operation for deleting any of the favorite events presented in the favorite event guide has been performed. Specifically, in the favorite event guidance, it is determined whether or not the long pressing operation of the favorite event registration button 221 is performed in a state where any of the favorite events is focused. If an operation for deleting a favorite event is performed, the process proceeds to step S111. If an operation for deleting a favorite event is not performed, the process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S111, the favorite event designated for deletion is deleted. In steps S109 to S111, the favorite event is deleted.

  In step S112, event information of a favorite event is acquired based on the latest SI information. Here, the identity of the event is determined by the event ID included in the SI information.

  In step S113, it is determined whether or not the favorite event has been extended. If there is a broadcast extension of the favorite event, the process proceeds to step S114. If there is no broadcast extension of the favorite event, the process proceeds to step S115. For example, when the broadcast station decides to extend the broadcast of an event, information about that is provided by the SI information before the extended start time (within the initial broadcast time). The presence or absence of is determined.

  In step S114, the event information of the favorite event whose broadcast is extended is updated. Specifically, the extended event information such as the extended three-digit channel number and the broadcast time zone is acquired from the SI information, and stored in the event information storage unit 18 as additional information of the corresponding event. That is, event information before and after the extension is stored for the event to be extended. At this time, in order to effectively use the storage area, the storage area may be prepared in duplicate only for the information about the three-digit channel number and the broadcast time zone that are assumed to be changed before and after the extension. Good.

  In this way, by providing double storage areas for each favorite event, event information before and after the extension can be stored when the favorite event is extended. When the initial event end time is reached, the event information before the extension is deleted and is completely updated to the event information after the extension.

  In step S115, the event information stored in the event information storage unit 18 is compared with the newly acquired event information to determine whether the favorite event has been broadcast. If the favorite event has been broadcast, the process proceeds to step S116. If the favorite event has not been broadcast, the process proceeds to step S117.

  In step S116, the favorite event for which broadcasting has ended is deleted. That is, the control unit 20 as a favorite event guide means determines whether or not a favorite event is being broadcast, and deletes the favorite event when the favorite event has been broadcast. That is, of the events registered as favorite events, only favorite events currently being broadcast are managed, and can be presented in a favorite event guide described later.

  In step S117, it is determined whether the power of the television receiver 10 has been turned off. If the power of the television receiver 10 is turned off, the process proceeds to step S101. If the power is still on, the process proceeds to step S103.

  As described above, favorite event storage processing is performed. As described above, in the present embodiment, after the television receiver 10 is turned on, the favorite event is registered or deleted in accordance with the operation of the favorite event registration button 221 by the user, and the latest SI information. Since the event information of the favorite event is updated based on the information, the user can accurately grasp the broadcast state of the event registered as the favorite event after the power is turned on.

5 and 6 are flowcharts showing an example of a favorite event guidance display process. This preference event guidance display process is executed by the control unit 20.
7 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of favorite event guidance, and FIGS. 8 to 11 are explanatory diagrams showing display examples of an auxiliary screen superimposed on the favorite event guidance shown in FIG. For example, when the broadcast state or registration state of the favorite event changes, it is superimposed on the favorite event guide.

  In FIG. 5, first, in step S201, it is determined whether the favorite event display button 220 of the operation unit 19 has been operated. When the favorite event display button 220 is not operated, the process proceeds to step S202, and when the favorite event display button 220 is operated, the process proceeds to step S203.

  In step S202, it is determined whether the favorite event guidance is already displayed. If the favorite event guide is being displayed, the process proceeds to step S206. If the favorite event guide is not being displayed, the process proceeds to step S201.

  In step S203, it is determined whether the favorite event guidance is already displayed. That is, it is determined whether the operation of the favorite event display button 220 in step S201 is an operation when the favorite event guide is displayed or an operation during normal event viewing. If the favorite event guide is being displayed, the process proceeds to step S204. If the favorite event guide is not being displayed, the process proceeds to step S205.

  In step S204, the focus is shifted in the favorite event guidance. That is, in this embodiment, when the favorite event display button 220 is operated in a state where the favorite event guidance is displayed, the focus is moved. The focus may be moved by moving the direction button 210 up and down.

  In step S205, the favorite event guide is superimposed on the main screen and displayed in OSD. Specifically, based on the event information stored in the event information storage unit 18 and the broadcast state of each favorite event, the OSD generation unit 16 generates favorite event guide data, and the display unit 22 displays the favorite event guide data in FIG. Display the favorite event guide.

  In the favorite event guide shown in FIG. 7, for example, event display frames D11 to D15 arranged in a three-dimensional annular shape are displayed in the D1 area on the right side of the screen. In each of the event display frames D11 to D15, events registered as favorite events (upper limit of 5) and events currently being viewed are registered in the favorite event, for example, in the order registered (favorite events are lowest). Assigned to. At this time, in the event display frames D11 to D15, for example, information indicating each event (for example, an event name and a title screen (which may be a moving image)) is displayed.

  FIG. 7 shows that the event display frame D13 located in the middle is focused. The user operates the favorite event display button 220 or the direction button 210 to rotate the event display frames D11 to D15 in a three-dimensional manner (the first and last displayed events are cycled), thereby focusing on the event. Transition.

  In the favorite event guidance, information related to the event assigned to the focused event display frame D13 is enlarged and displayed in the D2 area at the lower center of the screen. As the event information, for example, a network name (terrestrial / BS / CS digital), a three-digit channel, a broadcasting station, an event name, a broadcasting time zone, and program contents are displayed.

  In the favorite event guidance, the focused event is displayed as a sub-screen in the D3 area at the upper left of the screen, and the display event is changed in conjunction with the focus transition of the favorite event guidance. When the favorite event display button 220 or the direction button 210 is kept pressed and the focus is continuously changed, the display of the sub screen may not be linked to the focus change. In addition, the currently viewed event is displayed on the main screen which is the background of the favorite event guide.

  In this favorite event guide, the user operates the favorite event display button 220 or the direction button 210 to shift the focused event, and operates the decision button 211 in a state where the desired event is in focus. The channel that provides the event can be selected.

  Next, in step S206, it is determined whether any of the favorite events has reached the broadcast extension time. If any of the favorite events reaches the broadcast extension time, the process proceeds to step S207. If any of the favorite events does not reach the broadcast extension time, the process proceeds to step S208. For example, it is determined whether there is a favorite event (extended event) to be broadcast extended based on whether event information before and after the extension is stored in the event information storage means 18, and further, the broadcast included in the event information before the extension Based on the end time or the extended broadcast start time included in the extended event information, it is determined whether the extended event has reached the extended broadcast time.

  In step S207, the display of the extended event in the favorite event guide is changed based on the extended event information. For example, in the favorite event guide shown in FIG. 7, when an extended event is focused, an extended icon is displayed in the event information displayed in the D2 area to notify that the event is an extended event. Also, if the broadcast time after extension of the extended event has not been determined, “event is being extended” is displayed as the broadcast time, and if the broadcast time after extension is determined, the extended broadcast time is displayed. The event information storage unit 18 deletes the event information before the extension event and completely updates the event information after the extension.

  In step S208, it is determined whether any of the favorite events has reached the broadcast end time. If any of the favorite events has reached the broadcast end time, the process proceeds to step S209. If none of the favorite events has reached the broadcast end time, the process proceeds to step S210. For example, based on the broadcast end time included in the event information stored in the event information storage unit 18, it is determined whether the favorite event has reached the broadcast end time.

  In step S209, the display of the favorite event guidance is changed based on the updated event information. That is, since the favorite event that has been broadcast is deleted (step S116 in FIG. 4), this favorite event is not displayed in the favorite event guide.

  When the preference event guidance is displayed and the broadcast state of the preference event is changed, the control unit 20 performs display control of the preference event guidance according to the processes of steps S206 to S209 described above.

  Next, in step S210, it is determined that an operation of the favorite event registration button 221 has been performed, that is, an operation of registering an event being viewed as a favorite event. If registration is designated by the favorite event registration button 221, the process proceeds to step S 211, and if registration is not designated, the process proceeds to step S 215 (FIG. 6).

  In step S211, it is determined whether the number of favorite events stored in the favorite event information storage area 181 has reached the upper limit (five in FIG. 3). If the registered number of favorite events has not reached the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S212. If the upper limit has not been reached, the process proceeds to step S213.

  In step S212, it is notified that the viewing event has been registered as a favorite event. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a favorite event registration notification screen D4 is displayed. This favorite event registration notification screen D4 is erased when the return button B1 is operated or when a certain period of time elapses after display. Here, the viewing event is registered as a favorite event, but since the storage area of the event information is changed from the viewing event information storage area 182 to the favorite event information storage unit 182, the display of the favorite event guide is not updated.

  In step S213, a favorite event deletion screen D5 is displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the favorite event deletion screen D5 presents a total of six events including five favorite events (events 1 to 5) and viewing events. In the favorite event deletion screen D5, the user moves the focus ("Event 1" is focused in FIG. 9) by operating the direction button 210, and deletes by operating the decision button 211. Determine the event.

  In step S214, it is determined whether a favorite event deletion operation has been performed on the favorite event deletion screen D5. If the registered favorite event is deleted, the process proceeds to step S215, and the return button B2 is operated on the favorite event deletion screen D5 or the viewing event is selected as an event to be deleted. If the preference event is not deleted, the process proceeds to step S217.

  In step S215, the registered favorite event is deleted, and it is notified that a viewing event has been newly registered as a favorite event. For example, a favorite event deletion / registration notification screen D6 is displayed as shown in FIG. This favorite event deletion / registration notification screen D6 is erased when the return button B3 is operated or when a certain time elapses after display.

  In step S216, the favorite event guide is updated. In this favorite event guide, the deleted favorite event is not displayed, and the number of events displayed by the focus transition is five.

  In step S217, it is determined whether or not the favorite event display button 220 has been operated for a long time and deletion of the focused favorite event has been designated. If the favorite event is designated to be deleted by the long press operation of the favorite event display button 220, the process proceeds to step S218. If the favorite event is not designated to be deleted, the process proceeds to step S219.

  In step S218, the fact that the favorite event has been deleted is notified. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a favorite event deletion notification screen D7 is displayed. This favorite event deletion notification screen D7 is erased when the return button B4 is operated or when a certain period of time elapses after display.

  In step S219, the favorite event guide is updated. In this favorite event guide, the deleted favorite event is not displayed, and the number of events displayed by the focus transition is reduced by one.

  In the state where the favorite event guidance is displayed, when the favorite event registration / deletion designation is made, the control unit 20 performs display control of the favorite event guidance according to the processes in steps S210 to S219 described above. It becomes.

  In step S220, it is determined whether a predetermined time has passed without any operation by the operation unit 19 in a state where the favorite event guidance is displayed. If it is determined that a certain time has passed without any operation, the process proceeds to step S223, and the OSD display of the favorite event guidance is deleted. At this time, the event that was viewed before the favorite event guide was displayed is displayed on the main screen.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, if no operation is performed for a certain period of time in a state where the favorite event guidance is displayed, the display of the favorite event guidance is deemed unnecessary and the OSD display is erased. The display of the favorite event guidance may be canceled by a predetermined operation.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S220 that the predetermined time has not passed without any operation, the process proceeds to step S221.

  In step S221, it is determined whether an event is selected from the favorite event guide. Specifically, in the state where the favorite event guide is displayed, the event focused by the favorite event display button 220 or the direction button 210 is transitioned, and the decision button 211 is operated while the desired event is focused. Judge whether or not. If it is determined that the event has been selected from the favorite event guide, the process proceeds to step S222, the channel providing the selected event is selected, the selected event is displayed on the main screen, and the favorite event is displayed. The OSD display of the event guide is deleted (step S223).

  If it is determined in step S221 that no event has been selected from the favorite event guidance, the favorite event guidance is kept displayed, and the processes in and after step S201 are repeated.

  When the favorite event is selected while the favorite event guide is displayed, the control unit 20 performs display control of the favorite event guide and channel selection control according to the processing of steps S220 to S223 described above. It will be.

  Immediately after the OSD display of the favorite event guide is erased or immediately after the channel is changed by the channel tuning process, a banner display indicating event information displayed on the main screen may be performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a banner D8 is displayed at the top of the screen. At this time, if the displayed event is registered as a favorite event, for example, a predetermined icon I is displayed to notify that the event is registered as a favorite event. Is desirable. As a result, the user can easily recognize that the event currently being viewed is a favorite event, thus preventing a useless operation to register a favorite event again. it can.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the television receiver 10 can be easily viewed for events that are viewed in a relatively short period of time and registered as favorite events, and simple operations in favorite event guidance. You can watch your favorite event again. In addition, since the user does not need to remember the numeric buttons or the like to which the channel of the event is assigned in order to select a channel, the channel selection operation is extremely simple.

  As mentioned above, although the invention made by this inventor was concretely demonstrated based on embodiment, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can change in the range which does not deviate from the summary.

  For example, when the broadcast state of the favorite event is changed, the fact may be notified. In step S207 and step S209 in FIG. 5, the display of preference event guidance is changed, but a notification screen (for example, FIG. 13) may be displayed for several seconds before that. Of course, when the broadcast status of the favorite event changes while the favorite event guide is displayed, even if the broadcast status changes while the favorite event guide is not displayed, the favorite event guide is displayed. When displaying, it is desirable to notify that the broadcast state has changed.

  For example, the favorite event guide may display the remaining broadcast time of the favorite event based on the broadcast end time and the current time.

  In the embodiment, the favorite event display button 220 is provided as a dedicated button for displaying favorite event guidance, and the favorite event registration button 221 is provided as a button for registering / deleting a favorite event. However, this function may be assigned to another button of the remote control device 19. For example, “favorite event guidance display” is assigned to one of the color buttons 208 of the remote control device 19 as a function during event viewing, and “favorite event registration / deletion” is assigned as a function during preference event guidance display. To.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the event display frames D11 to D15 are arranged so as to form a three-dimensional circle as shown in FIG. 7 and the like, and registered as favorite events in the event display frames D11 to D15. Although events (upper limit of 5) are allocated and displayed, the display mode of the favorite event is not particularly limited as long as the information regarding the registered favorite event can be recognized.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the favorite event may be a thumbnail display D10. In this case, a video (a video stored in advance) can be provided as information on a favorite event. Moreover, you may make it display a favorite event by a list. Moreover, you may enable it for a user to select a desired display form from these display forms. Furthermore, the maximum number of favorite events displayed in the favorite event guide may be increased.

  Further, the sub-screen D3 may not be displayed in the favorite event guidance. In this case, an event display linked to the focus transition in the favorite event guidance may be performed on the main screen as the background of the favorite event guidance.

  In the above embodiment, when the favorite event display button 220 is pressed for a long time while the favorite event guidance is displayed, the focused event is deleted. A favorite event deletion screen may be displayed and a favorite event to be deleted may be selected and determined.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a television receiver has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to all digital broadcast receiving apparatuses capable of receiving digital broadcast signals. For example, the present invention can be applied to various AV (audio visual) devices such as a DVD / HDD recorder and a set top box.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a television receiver 10 as a digital broadcast receiver according to the present invention. 3 is an overview of a remote control device as an operation unit 19. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a data structure in the event information storage part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a favorite event memory | storage process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a favorite event guidance display process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a favorite event guidance display process. It is explanatory drawing which shows one display example of favorite event guidance. It is a display example of a favorite event registration notification screen displayed when a viewing event is registered as a favorite event. It is an example of a favorite event deletion screen displayed when deleting a favorite event. It is an example of a favorite event deletion / registration notification screen displayed when a favorite event is deleted on the favorite event deletion screen. It is an example of a favorite event deletion notification screen displayed when a deletion operation is performed in favorite event guidance. It is an example of a banner display displayed at the time of normal event viewing. It is an example of the screen displayed when the broadcast state of a favorite event changes. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of favorite event guidance.

Explanation of symbols

10 Television receiver (digital broadcast receiver)
11 Antenna 12 Receiver (Receiving means, double tuner)
13 Signal Demodulator 14 Data Separator 15 Decoder 16 OSD Generator 17 Multiplexer (OSD Unit)
18 Event information storage unit (event information storage means)
19 Operation part (operation means)
20 Control part (favorite event guide means)

Claims (9)

Operation means for instructing channel selection of a predetermined channel;
In a digital broadcast receiving apparatus comprising: receiving means for receiving a digital broadcast signal of the predetermined channel based on a channel selection operation by the operating means and enabling viewing of an event provided on the channel;
A favorite event registration means that can selectively register a watched event as a favorite event;
Event information storage means for storing event information related to a favorite event registered and specified by the favorite event registration means based on SI information included in the digital broadcast signal received by the receiving means;
Preference event guidance means for displaying preference event guidance in a form in which information relating to the registered preference event can be recognized;
The favorite event guide means monitors the broadcast state of the favorite event based on the event information stored in the event information storage means, and the favorite event guide based on the event information and the broadcast state. To display
When the registered favorite event broadcast ends, the event information storage means deletes the favorite event for which the broadcast has ended, and when the power is turned on, It is configured to update the event information of your favorite event,
The receiving means receives a digital broadcast signal of a channel providing the event based on an event selection operation by the operating means in a state where the favorite event guide is displayed. . The event information storage means updates the event information of the favorite event when the favorite event at the time of the previous power-off is currently being broadcast or extended when the power is turned on. The digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the favorite event is deleted when the favorite event at the time of the previous power-off is ended. The event information storage means is based on the SI information included in the received digital broadcast signal by the receiving means, already claim 1 or, wherein the updatable event information stored constructed 2. A digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to 2. The event information storage means includes a favorite event information storage area for storing event information of the favorite event, and a viewing event information storage area for storing event information of an event currently being viewed.
The favorite event guiding means, with or without a favorite registration, one of claims 1, characterized in that information about the event currently being viewed to display the favorite events guided recognizable form 3 of digital broadcasting receiver according to an item or. The favorite event information storage area is configured to be able to store event information before extension and event information after extension when the favorite event is extended,
The favorite event guide means displays the favorite event guide based on the event information before the extension for the extended favorite event before the event is extended, and after the event is extended, 5. The digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the favorite event guide is displayed based on the extended event information. 6. The digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising favorite event deletion means capable of selectively deleting the registered favorite event. The favorite event information storage area is configured to be able to store event information relating to a predetermined number of favorite events, and when the favorite event registration is designated by the favorite event registration means, the favorite event already registered is stored. If the number of events has reached the predetermined number, the event information of the favorite event that has been specified to be deleted by the favorite event deletion means is deleted, and the event information of the favorite event that is newly registered is stored in the deletion area. The digital broadcast receiver according to claim 6 . 2. The favorite event guide means, when an event being viewed is a favorite event, informs that the event is a favorite event in a banner display for displaying event information of the event. 8. The digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7 . It said operating means, the digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a dedicated operation button for displaying the favorite events guided by the favorite events guide means.

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