JPH08111823A - Television signal receiver and its method and remote commander - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To switch a program quickly by moving a cursor on a selection menu and receiving immediately a program corresponding to a moved position before operating an enter key. CONSTITUTION: An RF signal being an output of an LNB 3a of a parabolic antenna 3 is received by a front end 20 being a reception means, a demultiplexer 24, an MPEG video decoder 25, and an MPEG audio decoder 26. Then a select button of a remote commander moves a cursor and a guide button is used to select a prescribed program among plural programs. When the cursor is moved before the program is selected, a CPU 29 controls the reception means to receive the program designated by the cursor. Thus, the selection of program is finished more quickly than the case with the start of reception of the program designated by the cursor after the selection operation by the selection button.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a television signal receiving apparatus, a method and a remote commander suitable for use in receiving a television broadcast based on electronic program guide information transmitted via a satellite. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in the United States, MPEG (Movie)
ng Picture Experts Group)
Cable television (CATV: Cable Television) by applying high-efficiency coding technology such as
And digital direct satellite broadcasting (DSS: Digital)
Satellite System (Hughes C)
, etc.), etc., multi-channel broadcasting is in progress. With the increase in the number of channels, for example, the number of channels becomes 150 to 200, and the operation of selecting a desired program from these becomes complicated, and it is desired to simplify the operability.

As the number of channels increases in this way,
Electronic program guide (EPG: El) for selecting the program you want to watch
It has been proposed to transmit electrical program guide information together with a television broadcast signal, display this on a monitor, and use the displayed EPG to select a desired program.

In this case, a button icon corresponding to each program is displayed on the monitor, the cursor key is operated to move the cursor on the desired button icon, and then the cursor is displayed over the desired button icon. In this state, after the select key is operated to confirm the user's decision, the reception of the desired program is started for the first time.

[0005]

However, if the reception frequency is switched and the image decoding process is started by, for example, an MPEG decoder after the user operates the select key, the time required for the tuning and the decoding process elapses. , The desired received image is displayed. Also, when the number of receivable channels increases, the channels are frequently switched before the user decides the program (channel) to be received, so it is necessary for tuning and decoding processing each time the channels are switched. Takes a long time,
This will make the user feel uncomfortable.

Further, in addition to the above-mentioned problem of responsiveness,
If the operation for switching channels is complicated, it becomes difficult to switch channels quickly.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and the reception operation is started in advance in response to the movement of the cursor without waiting for the user's decision to make a simple operation and quickly. In addition, it is possible to select a desired program.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a television signal receiving device which receives a television signal of a program of a predetermined channel and outputs the received signal. Receiving means (for example, front end 20, demultiplexer 24, MPEG video decoder 25, MPEG audio decoder 26 in FIG. 4) for receiving, and selection for selecting a predetermined one from a plurality of programs by moving a cursor Selection screen output means (for example, guide button switch 143 in FIG. 5) operated when outputting a screen signal, and moving means (for example, FIG. 5) operated when moving the cursor.
Select button switch 131) operated in the direction of
When selecting a program designated by the cursor, the selecting means is operated (for example, the select button switch 131 for select operation in FIG. 5) and when the cursor is moved corresponding to the operation of the moving means, the selecting means is operated. Before being executed, a control means (for example, CPU 29 in FIG. 4) for controlling the receiving means to receive the program designated by the cursor is provided.

A television signal receiving apparatus according to claim 2 is
Receiving means for receiving a television signal of a program of a predetermined channel (for example, front end 20, demultiplexer 24, MPEG video decoder 25, MPEG in FIG. 4).
An audio decoder 26), a display means for displaying an image of a program received by the receiving means (for example, the monitor device 4 in FIG. 1), and a cursor for selecting a predetermined program from a plurality of programs Selection screen output means that is operated when the signal of the selection screen is output and displayed on the display means (for example, the guide button switch 143 in FIG. 5).
And a moving means operated when moving the cursor (for example, the select button switch 13 operated in the direction of FIG. 5).
1), selection means operated when selecting a program designated by the cursor (for example, select button switch 131 for select operation in FIG. 5), and when the cursor is moved corresponding to the operation of the moving means, Before the selecting means is operated, the controlling means controls the receiving means to receive the program designated by the cursor (for example, CPU 2 in FIG. 4).
9) and are provided.

When the cursor is moved in response to the operation of the moving means, the program designated by the cursor received by the receiving means in response to the control of the control means is operated before the selecting means is operated. An audio signal output means for outputting an audio signal can be further provided.

When the selection screen output means is operated, the selection screen can be superimposed as a window on the image received by the reception means.

One of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis of the selection screen is a channel axis and the other is a time axis, and button icons for selecting a program can be arranged in a matrix at positions defined by both axes. .

The cursor can be displayed by making a predetermined one of the button icons have a brightness or a color different from that of the other.

Storage means (for example, EPG area 3 in FIG. 4) for storing information regarding the display position of the button icon displayed on the selection screen broadcast as a part of the television signal.
5A) can be further provided.

Judging means (for example, FIG. 22) for judging whether or not a fee is charged when the program designated by the cursor is received.
The program step S67) can be further provided.

If a fee is charged for receiving the program designated by the cursor, a prohibiting means (for example, step S68 in the program of FIG. 22) for prohibiting the reception of the program can be further provided.

The receiving means includes a demodulating means (for example, the front end 20 in FIG. 4) for demodulating a broadcast wave in which digital images of a plurality of channels and audio information are multiplexed on a carrier wave to which individual frequencies are assigned, The extracting means (for example, the demultiplexer 24 in FIG. 4) for extracting the signal of the channel commanded by the control means from the signal demodulated by the means is provided, and the control means performs the extraction when the channel is switched within the same carrier. When instructing the means to extract a predetermined channel and switching channels between different carrier waves, it is possible to instruct the demodulating means to switch the frequency of the carrier wave and instruct the extracting means to extract the predetermined channel. it can.

The television signal receiving method of the present invention is a television signal receiving method in which a receiving section receives a television signal of a program of a predetermined channel and outputs the received signal. Display a selection screen for selection, move the cursor to a predetermined position on the selection screen to specify a predetermined program, select the program specified by the cursor, and select when canceling the selection screen display When the operation is performed and the cursor is moved, the reception process of the program designated by the cursor is started before the selection operation is performed.

The remote commander of the present invention displays a selection screen for selecting a predetermined one of a plurality of programs, and a moving operation moves a cursor on the selection screen to a predetermined position to designate a predetermined program. However, the remote commander of the television signal receiving apparatus for selecting a program designated by the cursor by the selecting operation is provided with operation means capable of executing the cursor moving operation and the selecting operation with one finger. To do.

[0020]

In the television signal receiving device according to the first and second aspects and the television signal receiving method according to the eleventh aspect, when the cursor moves on the selection screen for selecting a program, The reception of the program designated by the moved cursor is immediately started. Therefore, the selection of the program can be completed more quickly than when the reception of the program designated by the cursor is started after the selection button switch 131 is selected.

Further, in the remote commander according to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the select button switch 131 can be moved in eight directions and selected in the vertical direction with one finger. . Therefore, by operating the select button switch 131, it is possible to easily and quickly select a predetermined program from many broadcast programs.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows an AV (Audio) to which the present invention is applied.
3 shows an example of the configuration of a Video) system. In the case of this embodiment, the AV system is an IRD (Integrated Re) that demodulates a signal received by the parabolic antenna 3 via a satellite (broadcast satellite or communication satellite) not shown.
It is composed of a receiver / decoder 2 and a monitor device 4. The monitor device 4 and the IRD 2 are AV
The line 11 and the control line 12 are connected to each other.

For the IRD 2, the remote commander 5
It is possible to input an instruction by an infrared (IR: Infrared) signal. That is,
When a predetermined button switch 50 of the remote commander 5 is operated, an infrared signal corresponding thereto is emitted from the IR transmitter 51, and the IR receiver 39 (FIG. 4) of the IRD 2
Is made to enter.

FIG. 2 shows an electrical connection state of the AV system 1 of FIG. The parabolic antenna 3 is an LNB
(Low Noise Block downconv
erter) 3a, converts the signal from the satellite into a signal of a predetermined frequency and supplies it to the IRD 2. IRD2
Outputs its output to, for example, a composite video signal line,
The signal is supplied to the monitor device 4 via an AV line 11 composed of three lines, an audio L signal line and an audio R signal line.

Further, the IRD 2 has an AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 2A, and the monitor device 4 has an AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 4A. These are wired S
IRCS (Wired Sony Infrared)
They are connected to each other by a control line 12 composed of a Remote Control System.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the front structure of the IRD 2. On the left side of IRD2 is the power button switch 111
Is provided. This power button switch 111 is
Operated when turning the power on or off. The LED 112 lights up when the power is turned on. LEDs 113 and 114 are provided on the right side of the LED 112, and the LED 113 lights up when the DSS mode in which a signal from a satellite is received and output is selected, and, for example, an RF signal input from a cable box to an RF input terminal, It is turned off when the television (TV) mode in which the output from the RF output terminal is performed via the RF modulator 41 (FIG. 4) is selected. The LED 114 is adapted to turn on when a predetermined message is transmitted to the IRD 2 via the satellite. When the user outputs and displays this message on the monitor device 4 and confirms it, the LED 114 is turned off.

When the TV / DSS button switch 115 is turned on, the DSS mode is set, and when it is turned off, the TV mode is set. Also, the menu button switch 121
Is operated when the menu is displayed on the monitor device 4.

An up button switch 117, a down button switch 118, a left button switch 119 and a right button switch 120 are arranged on the upper, lower, left and right sides of the select button switch 116, respectively. The up button switch 117, the down button switch 118, the left button switch 119, and the right button switch 120 are operated when moving the cursor in the vertical and horizontal directions. Also, select button switch 1
16 is operated when confirming the selection (when selecting).

FIG. 4 shows an example of the internal structure of the IRD 2 for receiving the above-mentioned DSS. The RF signal output from the LNB 3a of the parabolic antenna 3 is supplied to the tuner 21 of the front end 20 and demodulated. The output of the tuner 21 is supplied to the QPSK demodulation circuit 22 and QPSK demodulated. The output of the QPSK demodulation circuit 22 is supplied to the error correction circuit 23, which detects and corrects the error, and corrects it if necessary.

I consisting of CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.
CAM (Conditi) composed of C card
The key required for deciphering the cipher is stored in the onal access module 33 together with the deciphering program. Since the signal transmitted via the satellite is encrypted, a key and a decryption process are required to decrypt this code. Therefore, this key is read from the CAM 33 via the card reader interface 32,
It is supplied to the demultiplexer 24. The demultiplexer 24 uses this key to decrypt the encrypted signal.

The CAM 33 also stores billing information as well as a key and a decryption program required for decryption.

The demultiplexer 24 receives the signal output from the error correction circuit 23 of the front end 20 and outputs it to a data buffer memory (SRAM: Stat).
icRandom Access Memory) 35
Make it remember once. Then, this is read out as appropriate, the decoded video signal is supplied to the MPEG video decoder 25, and the decoded audio signal is supplied to the MPEG audio decoder 26.

The MPEG video decoder 25 appropriately stores the input digital video signal in the DRAM 25a, and executes the decoding process of the video signal compressed by the MPEG system. The decoded video signal is
It is supplied to the NTSC encoder 27 and converted into an NTSC luminance signal (Y), a chroma signal (C), and a composite signal (V). The luminance signal and the chroma signal are output as S video signals via the buffer amplifiers 28Y and 28C, respectively. Also, the composite signal is
It is output via the buffer amplifier 28V.

As the MPEG video decoder 25, the SGS-Thomson Microselect is used.
tronics MPEG2 decoding LSI (STi35
00) can be used. The outline is, for example, “Nikkei Electronics” 1994.
(No. 603) pp. 101-110, Mart.
Introduced by Mr. in Bolton.

In addition, MPEG2-Transports
As for stream, ASCII Corporation August 1994
"Latest MPEG Textbooks," issued March 1, pages 231 to 2
An explanation is given on page 53.

The MPEG audio decoder 26 appropriately stores the digital audio signal supplied from the demultiplexer 24 in the DRAM 26a and executes the decoding process of the audio signal compressed by the MPEG system. The decoded audio signal is D / A converted in the D / A converter 30, the left channel audio signal is output through the buffer amplifier 31L, and the right channel audio signal is output in the buffer amplifier 31R.
Is output via.

The RF modulator 41 converts the composite signal output by the NTSC encoder 27 and the audio signal output by the D / A converter 30 into an RF signal and outputs the RF signal. Further, the RF modulator 41 allows an NTSC-type RF signal input from an AV device such as a cable box to pass through when the TV mode is set,
It is directly output to the VCR and other AV equipment.

In the case of this embodiment, these video signal and audio signal are supplied to the monitor device 4 via the AV line 11.

CPU (Central Process)
or Unit) 29 executes various processes according to programs stored in the ROM 37. For example, the tuner 21, the QPSK demodulation circuit 22, the error correction circuit 2
Control 3 and so on. Also, the AV device control signal transmitting / receiving unit 2
A is controlled, and another A is controlled through the control line 12.
It outputs a predetermined control signal to the V device (in this embodiment, the monitor device 4) and receives a control signal from another AV device.

A predetermined command can be directly input to the CPU 29 by operating the operation button switch (FIG. 3) on the front panel 40. Further, when the remote commander 5 is operated, an infrared signal is emitted from the IR transmitter 51, the infrared signal is received by the IR receiver 39, and the light reception result is supplied to the CPU 29. Therefore,
The CPU can also be operated by operating the remote commander 5.
A predetermined command can be input to 29.

The demultiplexer 24 takes in EPG data and the like in addition to the MPEG video data and audio data supplied from the front end 20 and supplies them to the EPG area 35A of the data buffer memory 35 for storage. The EPG information is information on programs of each broadcast channel from the current time to several tens of hours later (for example,
Program channel, broadcast time, title, category, etc.)
Is included. Since this EPG information is transmitted frequently, the latest EPG can always be held in the EPG area 35A. Also, the CPU is the EPG area 3
A sort table is created from the EPG data stored in 5A and stored in the SRAM 36. The details will be described later.

EEPROM (Electrically)
Erasable Programmable Rea
In the d Only Memory) 38, the data (for example, the reception history of the tuner 21 for four weeks, the channel number (last channel) received immediately before the power-off) which is desired to be retained after the power-off is appropriately stored in the d Only Memory 38. To be done.
Then, for example, when the power is turned on, the same channel as the last channel is received again. ROM 37 when the last channel is not stored
The channel stored as the default is received. Further, when the sleep mode is set, the CPU 29 determines that the front end 2 is active even when the power is off.
0, demultiplexer 24, data buffer memory 35
For example, the minimum circuit is put into an operating state, the current time is measured from the time information included in the received signal, and control such as causing each circuit to perform a predetermined operation (so-called timer recording) at a predetermined time is also executed. For example, timer automatic recording is executed in conjunction with an external VCR.

Further, the CPU 29 causes the predetermined OSD (O
When it is desired to generate n-Screen Display data, the MPEG video decoder 25 is controlled. MP
The EG video decoder 25 generates predetermined OSD data corresponding to this control, writes the OSD data in the OSD area 25aA (FIG. 13) of the DRAM 25a, and further reads it.
Output. As a result, predetermined characters, figures, etc. (eg menu (Fig. 17), general program guide (Fig. 1
9)) and the like can be appropriately output to the monitor device 4 and displayed.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the button switch 50 of the remote commander 5. The select button switch 131 is operated in four directions in the up, down, left, and right directions, and in four diagonal directions in the middle (total of eight directions) (direction operation).
Not only can it be performed, but also the pressing operation (selection operation) can be performed in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the remote commander 5. The menu button switch 134 is operated when the menu screen is displayed on the monitor device 4. Exit button switch 135
Is operated when returning to the original normal screen.

Channel up / down button switch 1
33 is operated to increase or decrease the number of the broadcast channel to be received. The volume button switch 132 is operated when moving the volume up or down.

The number button (numeric keypad) switch 138 displaying the numbers 0 to 9 is operated when the displayed number is input. Enter button switch 13
When the operation of the numeral button switch 138 is completed, numeral 7 indicates the end of numeral input, and is operated subsequently.
When the channel is switched, a new channel number, a call sign (name), a logo, and a banner consisting of a mail icon are displayed for 3 seconds. There are two types of burners, one having a simple structure including the one described above and one having a more detailed structure including the name of the program (program), the broadcast start time, the current time, etc. in addition to these. Yes, display button 136
Is operated when switching the displayed burner type.

TV / video selector button switch 139
Is operated when switching the input of the monitor device 4 to the input (VCR or the like) from a tuner or a video input terminal built in the television receiver. TV set/
The DSS switch button switch 140 is operated when selecting the television mode or the DSS mode. When you operate the number button switch 138 to switch channels,
The channel before switching is stored, and the jump button switch 141 is operated when returning to the original channel before switching.

The language button 142 is operated to select a predetermined language when broadcasting is performed in two or more languages. The guide button switch 143 is operated to directly display the general guide (FIG. 19) on the monitor device 4 without using the menu.

Cable button switch 145, television switch 146 and DSS button switch 147 are for function switching, that is, remote commander 5
It is a button switch for switching the device category of the code of the infrared signal emitted from the device. The cable button switch 145 is operated when a signal transmitted via the cable is received by a cable box (not shown) and is displayed on the monitor device 4, whereby the cable category switch of the device category assigned to the cable box is selected. The code is emitted as an infrared signal. Similarly, the television button switch 146 is operated when displaying a signal received by the tuner built in the monitor device 4. DS
The S button switch 147 is operated when the signal received via the satellite is received by the IRD 2 and is displayed on the monitor device 4. The LEDs 148, 149 and 150 are turned on when the cable button switch 145, the television button switch 146 or the DSS button switch 147 is turned on. This indicates to which category the device the code was transmitted when the various buttons were pressed.

When the cable power button switch 151, the television power button switch 152, and the DSS power button switch 153 are respectively operated, the power of the cable box, the monitor device 4, or the IRD 2 is turned on or off.

The muting button switch 154 is
It is operated when setting or canceling the muting state of the monitor device 4. The sleep button switch 155 is
It is operated to set or cancel the sleep mode in which the power is automatically turned off when a predetermined time comes or when a predetermined time elapses.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the structure of a small stick switch used as the select button switch 131. This small stick switch has a structure in which a lever 162 projects from a main body 161. Then, press the select button switch 131 in the horizontal plane.
When the directional operation is performed in each direction, the lever 162 is rotated according to the operating direction, and when the select button switch 131 is selected (vertically operated), the lever 162 is pushed down in the vertical direction.

As the small stick switch, for example, model RKJXL manufactured by Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
1004 can be used. The main body 161 of this small stick switch has a thickness of about 6.4 mm.

FIG. 7 shows eight operation directions of the lever 162 in the horizontal plane. As shown in the figure, the lever 162 can be operated in the directions of eight horizontal planes indicated by A to H.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the internal structure of the remote commander 5. As shown in the figure, the contacts A to H inside the main body 161 of the small stick switch correspond to the eight directions A to H shown in FIG. 7, respectively, and the lever 162 is moved in the directions A to D. When operated, any one of the terminals A to D is electrically connected to the terminal C1. Also, in any of the directions E to H, the lever 16
2 is rotated, any one of these terminals E to H
Then, the terminal C2 is electrically connected. In addition, between H and A, and between D and E, the terminal C
Both 1 and C2 are made conductive. Further, when the lever 162 is operated in the vertical direction, the terminals 1 and 2 are brought into conduction.

The conduction state of these terminals of the main body 161 is
It is adapted to be monitored by the CPU 72 which constitutes the microcomputer 71. Thereby, the CPU 72 can detect the direction operation and the select operation of the select button switch 131.

The CPU 72 also constantly scans the button switch matrix 82 to detect the operation of another button switch 50 of the remote commander 5 shown in FIG.

The CPU 72 executes various processes in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 73, and causes the RAM 74 to store necessary data as needed.

When outputting the infrared signal, the CPU 72 drives the LED 76 through the LED driver 75 to output the infrared signal.

Next, the Direct Broadcast
For more information on the Satellite System, see Nikkei B.
Company P "Nikkei Electronics""Technology that Supports US Information Super Highway" Issued October 24, 1994 No. 1
80 to 189, L. W. Butterwor
th, J. P. Godwin, D.M. Introduced by Mr. Radbel.

FIG. 9 shows the Direct Broadcasts.
t represents a transmission data generation procedure performed by an encoder of the Satellite System. EP
On the G day, guide data, channel data, and program (Prog)
ram) There is data. The guide data is data regarding the entire program guide, the channel data is data regarding the channel, and the program data is data regarding the program (program). The details will be described later with reference to FIG.

Of these data, channel data and program data are divided for each channel, and data of a predetermined number of channels are collected as a segment. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the channel data and program data of channel 1 and channel 2 are
The data is segment 1 data, the channel data and program data of channel 3 and channel 4 are segment data, and the channel data and program data of channel 5 and channel 6 are segment 3 data, respectively. There is.

Then, these channel data and program data are divided into packets of a predetermined size,
A header is added to each packet, and data is transmitted in packet units.

In the encoder on the transmitting side, as shown in FIG. 10, not only such channel data and program data but also guide data, video data and audio data are packetized and mounted on the satellite.
It is transmitted to the 2.2GH _Z ~12.7GH _Z BSS high output transponder for the band. In this case, packets of a plurality of channels (up to 9) are multiplexed and transmitted with a signal of a predetermined frequency assigned to each transponder. That is, each transponder transmits signals of a plurality of channels on one carrier. Therefore, for example, if there are 23 transponders, the maximum is 2
Data of 07 (= 9 × 23) channels can be transmitted.

In the IRD2, the front end 20
At, a carrier wave of one frequency corresponding to one predetermined transponder is received and demodulated. With this, up to 9
Packet data for each channel is obtained. And
The demultiplexer 24 temporarily stores each packet obtained from this demodulated output in the data buffer memory 35 and reads it. Regarding the packet of EPG data (guide data, channel data, and program data), the data portion excluding the header is stored in the EPG area 35A. The video packet is supplied to the MPEG video decoder 25 and decoded. The audio packet is supplied to the MPEG audio decoder 26 and decoded.

The details of the processing in the encoder of FIG. 10 are described on pages 180 to 189 of the above-mentioned "Technology for Supporting the American Information Super Highway" of Nikkei Electronics, but the transfer rate is the same for each transponder. Schedule so that The transmission rate per carrier assigned to each transponder is 40 Mbits / sec.

In the case of an image with a lot of motion such as a sports program, the MPEG video data occupies many packets. Therefore, when the number of such programs increases, the number of programs that can be transmitted by one transponder decreases.

On the other hand, MPEG video data of an image with little motion such as an announcement scene of a news program can be transmitted with a small number of packets.
Therefore, when there are many such programs, the number of programs that can be transmitted by one transponder becomes large.

FIG. 11 shows a state of use inside the DRAM 25a. Now, for example, on the screen of the monitor device 4,
If the pixel is composed of 720 × 480 pixels, the luminance is represented by 8 bits for each pixel, and the color difference is represented by 8 bits at a rate of 1 for 2 pixels, the number of bits required for constructing one screen is 4147200 (= 720 × 480 ×
1.5 × 8) bits. If one word is made up of 64 bits, this value is 64800 words, which is 0xFD20 words when expressed in hexadecimal.

This value is too large as a value that can be set in the register in the MPEG video decoder 25 that manages the DRAM 25a. Therefore, if this value is shifted to the LSB side by 5 bits, the 0xFD20 becomes 0x7.
It becomes EQ. Since the value set in this register must be a multiple of 4, if the value of 0x7EQ is set to a value larger than that value and closest to a multiple of 4, then 0x7E
It becomes C.

Therefore, in this embodiment, buffer memories 0 to 2 are provided for storing image data of I picture, P picture and B picture, respectively, and the capacity of each is 64,896 words. . As the storage area for OSD data, 1
An area of 8176 words is secured and 4 bits are set as a bit buffer memory area for temporarily storing the input data.
An area of 9280 words is reserved.

FIG. 12 shows the E of the data buffer memory 35.
The storage state of the EPG data (program guide data) stored in the PG area 35A is schematically shown. C
The PU 29, as described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10,
The EPG data encoded in the encoder on the transmission side and transmitted in packet units is converted into EPG area 3
5A is stored as shown in FIG.

As shown in the figure, program guide data (Data of Program Guide)
(EPG data) is sequentially stored in the order of guide data, channel data, and program data.

In this guide data, a Date representing the current date, a Time representing the current time, a Number of Segment representing the total number of segments, a number of each segment, and a corresponding transponder number are stored as a list. Transponder
list, which is a list of the number of each segment and the number at the beginning of the channel of the segment Cha
nnel List is included.

Next to such guide data, channel data is arranged in the order of segment 1, segment 2, segment 3 ... Each segment has
Data of a predetermined number of channels is arranged. In this embodiment, segment 1 has channel 1 and channel 2 data, and segment 2 has channel 3 and channel 4 data.

The data of each channel includes Channel Number indicating the channel number, Channel Name indicating the call sign (name) of the broadcasting station,
Logo to identify the broadcaster Logo (logo)
ID, Data IDs for identifying MPEG video data and MPEG audio data, Number of Programs indicating the number of programs (programs) of the channel (for example, channel 1), and a location (address where the first program data of a predetermined channel is stored). ) (For example, in the case of channel 2, a First value indicating the offset value from the beginning of the program segment (in FIG. 12, the beginning of Program 1-1) up to the address where the first program data Program2-1 is stored) Program's Off
set is included.

The program data includes a Program Title indicating the program name and S indicating the broadcast start time.
start Time, Ti representing the broadcast time of the program
meLength, program genre (category)
, A Subcategory that represents a finer classification of the genre (category), a Rating that represents the age limit of the program, and a Program Descr that stores detailed content of the program.
option (for example, pay per view
The condition for decrypting the r View encrypted program data is also included here).

Such program data is also arranged for each segment. In this embodiment, the program data of segment 1 is Program
Eight channels 1 from 1-1 to Program1-8
Data, and Program2-1 to Program
2-7 data of 7 channels 2.

FIG. 13 schematically shows the processing of data until the screen of the general guide is displayed on the monitor device 4.

The CPU 29 presets the transfer destination of the data input from the front end 20 in the register 24a incorporated in the demultiplexer 24. The data supplied from the front end 20 is temporarily stored in the data buffer memory 35, read by the demultiplexer 24, and transferred to the transfer destination set in the register 24a.

As described above, the header is added to each packet, and the demultiplexer 24 refers to this header to supply MPEG video data to the MPEG video decoder 25 and MPEG audio data to MPEG.
Transfer to the audio decoder 26. When the Data IDs included in the header are guide data, channel data, or program data, these EPG data are stored in a predetermined address of the EPG area 35A set in the register 24a. In this way, the EPG area 35A has an EPG
The data is stored as shown in FIG.

The header becomes unnecessary when this transfer is completed, and is discarded.

In this way, for example, 120 Kbyte
Of EP in the EPG area 35A having a capacity of
When the G data is stored, the demultiplexer 24 sends CP
It outputs a full-up status signal to U29. When the CPU 29 receives this control signal, the E
The acquisition of the PG data is stopped, and thereafter, at the time of displaying the EPG, decoding processing such as decompression, sorting, and decoding processing of the compressed EPG data is executed.

In this way, for example, EPG data for 200 channels from the current time to 4.5 hours after is E
The EPG data (guide data, channel data, and program data), which is taken into the PG area 35A, can be received from any transponder. That is, the same EPG data is transmitted to any transponder.

Next, the CPU 29 creates a sort table 230 for searching for data of a predetermined channel from the EPG data stored in the EPG area 35A,
It is stored in the SRAM 36 (the process of creating this sort table will be described later with reference to FIG. 14). This sort table 230 has all channels (for example, 20
It corresponds to all EPG tables 240 for searching each program up to 4.5 hours after the current time of channel 0). The CPU 29 determines, from the entire EPG table 240, a predetermined range of time (for example, seven channels in the example of FIG. 19 described later) in a predetermined range display area 250 (for example, in the example of FIG. 19 described later, Read the program (program) data for 1.5 hours from the current time) from the EPG area 35A, and
It is written in the OSD area 25aA of the AM 25a as bitmap data. Then, the MPEG video decoder 25 reads the bitmap data of the OSD area 25aA and outputs it to the monitor device 4, so that the monitor device 4 receives a guide E such as a general guide (FIG. 19).
The PG can be displayed.

When a character or the like is displayed as OSD data, since the character data stored in the EPG area 35A is compressed, a process of restoring the character data is performed using the dictionary. For this reason, the compression code conversion dictionary is stored in the ROM 37. The compression code conversion dictionary includes a syllable dictionary and a word dictionary. One syllable dictionary and three word dictionaries are prepared.

A word is represented by 2-byte data, and the first 1 byte is a numeral representing the dictionary type of these three types of words, and is 0, 1 or 2. Of the 2-byte data, the remaining 1 byte arranges words prepared in advance in the order of 0 to 255, and one word is represented by the number. When transmitting a predetermined word, the encoder on the transmitting side transmits the word by transmitting the 2-byte code. The same dictionary as this conversion dictionary prepared on the encoder side is prepared in the ROM 37, and the 2-byte code is restored to the original word using this conversion dictionary.

When characters other than the prepared words are transmitted, one word is transmitted by combining a predetermined one of 252 kinds of prepared syllables. This syllable is represented by a 1-byte code.

The ROM 37 also stores a correspondence table (address conversion table) between character codes and storage positions of bitmap data of fonts. By referring to this conversion table, the bitmap data corresponding to the predetermined character code can be read and written in the OSD area 25aA. Of course, this bit map data itself is also stored in the ROM 37 at a predetermined address.

Further, the ROM 37 stores Logo data for displaying Logo,
A conversion table of an ogo ID and an address for calling the Logo data (bitmap data) corresponding to the ogo ID is stored. When the Logo ID is known, the L stored in the address corresponding to the ID
By reading the ogo data and writing it in the OSD area 25aA, it is possible to display the Logo or the like of each broadcasting station on the monitor device 4.

The sort table stored in the SRAM 36 is prepared in the order of the channel numbers. When the sort table is used to extract a specific channel or program or change the order,
Rewrite this sort table. However,
As will be described later, this sort table is a table in which position information (pointers) of channel data and program data is stored, and pointers of program data and channel data are a set. Therefore, when the program data and the channel data are rewritten, they are rewritten in units of sets.

FIG. 14 shows an example of processing for creating a sort table to be written in the SRAM 36. For example 200
Considering an EPG for 4.5 hours on each channel, assuming that the minimum time for each program is 0.5 hour (30 minutes), and if it is possible to transmit a maximum of 9 programs on one channel, then 200 channels Then up to 1800
(= 200 × 9) programs will be transmitted. Therefore, in the processing example of FIG. 14, the number N of sets in the sort table is set to 1800.

First, in step S1, the variable N is set to 0.
Is initialized, and the variable L is initialized to 1. This variable N represents the number of sets (addresses) in the sort table, and takes a value of 0 to 1799, for example. The variable L represents a channel number and takes a value from 1 to 200.

Next, in step S2, the P of the address N (N = 0 in this case) of the sort table of the SRAM 36 is set.
Channel number L (in this case, channel number 1) as "inter of channel Data"
The address PC _L (PC ₁ in this case) of the EPG area 35A corresponding to is set. In this case,
Pointer of Channel at address 0
EPG area 35 of Channel 1 as Data
Address PC _{1 in A} is set.

Next, in Step S3, the Channel Data of the channel number L is changed to the First Pr
ogram's Offset and Number of
Get Program. This First Pro
In step S5, gram's Offset is
Used to search Program LM.

Next, in step S4, the variable M is initialized to 1. This variable M represents the number of programs of the same channel (Number of Programs), and 1
Takes any value from 1 to 9. Furthermore, in step S5, the address N of the sort table (in this case, N =
0) Pointer of Program Dat
a is Program LM (in this case Pro
The address of the EPG area 35A corresponding to gram 1-1) is set. As a result, in the present case, Pointer of Program Data at address 0
As an EPG area 35A for Program 1-1
Address PP _1-1 are set at.

Next, in step S6, the variable M is the number of programs in the channel Number of Program.
It is determined whether or not s or more. If the value of M is still smaller than the number of programs on the same channel, step S
7, the variables N and M are incremented by 1 to set N = 1 and M = 2. Further, in step S8, the Pointer of Channel Data of the address N (address 1 in this case) of the sort table is set.
As a result, the address PC ₁ of the EPG area 35A corresponding to the channel number L (channel number 1 in this case) is set.

Then, the process returns to step S5, and the subsequent processes are similarly executed.

By repeating the processing of steps S5 to S8, as shown in FIG. 15, for example, as shown in FIG.
PC ₁ is stored as fChannelData. Also, addresses 0 to 7 of the sort table
As the Pointer of Program Data, address PP _1-1 to PP _1-8 of EPG area 35A of the Program 1-1 to 1-8 are respectively stored.

When the above process is completed, the variable M is set to Number of Program in step S6.
It is determined that it is equal to s, and at this time, the process proceeds to step S9.
In step S9, it is determined whether the variable N is 1799 or more, or whether the corresponding Channel Data is no longer present. If these conditions are not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S10 and the variables N and L are incremented by 1. In this case, N = 8 and L = 2.

Thereafter, the process returns to step S2, and the same processing is repeatedly executed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, at the addresses 8 to 14 of the sort table, the Point
PC as terof Channel Data
₂ is Pointer of Program Dat
PP _{2-1 to} PP _2-7 are respectively written as a. The same applies hereinafter.

Next, referring to the flow chart of FIG.
An example of processing for displaying the general guide on the monitor device 4 will be described. First, in step S21, it is determined whether or not a predetermined button switch of the remote commander 5 has been operated, and the operation waits until it is operated.

That is, the CPU 72 of the remote commander 5
Detects that a predetermined button switch has been operated via the button switch matrix 82 or the main body 161 of the select button switch 131, drives the LED 76 via the LED driver 75 to correspond to the operated button switch. Output an infrared signal.

The CPU 29 of the IRD 2 has an IR receiver 39
This infrared signal is received via the input signal, and it is determined from the input signal which button switch of the remote commander 5 has been operated.

When it is determined in step S21 that the predetermined button switch is operated, the process proceeds to step S22, and it is determined whether or not the menu button switch 134 is operated. When it is determined that the menu button switch 134 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S23, and the CPU 29 executes the menu display process.

That is, the CPU 29 controls the EPG area 35.
Corresponding to the EPG data (program guide data) stored in A, the OSD area 25 of the DRAM 25a
Bit map data of the main menu as shown in FIG. 17, for example, is written in aA. Then, this bit map data is read from the DRAM 25aA and MP
The data is input from the EG video decoder 25 to the NTSC encoder 27 and converted into NTSC format data. This N
Data of the TSC system is sent as an S video signal or a composite signal via the AV line 11 to the monitor device 4
Are supplied and displayed. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, the main menu shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the CRT 4A of the monitor device 4 as a window, superimposed on the image of the channel currently received and displayed. This is because the OSD area 25 in the DRAM 25a is read every time the MPEG video decoder 25 reads data in a predetermined window display area during the decoding process of the video decoder compressed by the MPEG system.
It is realized by reading the bit map data from aA and outputting it.

On the main menu screen of FIG. 18,
The window is divided into nine areas, and a button icon (soft button) for selecting a predetermined mode in each area
Is displayed. The user operates the select button switch 131 in any of eight directions on the horizontal plane to move the cursor (in the case of this embodiment, a predetermined button icon has a brightness (brightness) different from that of other button icons. Or a color or blink (blinking), and this is used as a cursor. It can be moved.

For example, when the select button switch 131 is operated leftward from the button icon of the general guide, the cursor moves to the button icon of OTHER GUIDES. If you operate it diagonally downward to the left, G
SP from above the button of the GENERAL GUIDE
Move to the button icon of ORTS GUIDE.

For example, when the select button switch 131 can be operated only in the four directions of up, down, left and right, to move the cursor from the GENERAL GUIDE button icon to the SPORTS GUIDE button icon, move the cursor to the left once. After that, it is necessary to move it further to the lower side, or to move it once to the lower side and then move it further to the left side. That is, in this case, two operations are required. On the other hand, if the select button switch 131 is configured to be operated not only vertically and horizontally but also diagonally as in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the cursor can be moved to the GENERAL GUIDE button by one operation. Icon to S
It can be moved to the button icon of PORTS GUIDE.

The user moves the cursor over a predetermined button icon to select a predetermined mode, and further performs a select operation (vertical operation) of vertically pressing the select button switch 131 to confirm the selection. To do.

In step S24, it is determined whether the button icon of the general guide has been selected and confirmed. If the button icon of the general guide is selected and confirmed (selected), the process proceeds to step S25, and the general guide display process is executed. Details of this general guide display processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

If it is determined in step S24 that the button icon for the general guide is not selected, the process proceeds to step S27, it is determined whether or not another button icon is selected, and if not selected, the step is determined. Returning to S23, the menu display is continued.

If it is determined in step S27 that the button icon other than the general guide has been selected and confirmed, the process proceeds to step S28, and the process corresponding to the selected and confirmed button icon is executed.

On the other hand, in step S22, the input from the remote commander 5 is the menu button switch 134.
If it is determined that you have not operated,
In step S26, it is determined whether the guide button switch 143 has been operated. When it is determined that the guide button switch 143 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S25, and the general guide display process is executed.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S26 that the button switch other than the general guide button switch 143 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S28, and the process corresponding to the operated button switch is executed. .

As described above, the general guide can be displayed via the menu or can be directly displayed by operating the guide button switch 143.

As a result of the execution of the general guide display processing in step S25 of FIG. 16, a bitmap of the general guide as shown in FIG. 19 is written in the OSD area 25aA of the DRAM 25a. Then, this is read by the MPEG video decoder 25, superimposed on the image of the broadcast channel currently selected by the demultiplexer 24, and displayed as a window as shown in FIG.

In the general guide of this embodiment, the vertical axis is the channel axis, and the call sign (broadcast station name) of each broadcasting station and the channel number are displayed. The horizontal axis is the time axis, and the broadcast time is displayed. Program names (program names) in a matrix at predetermined positions defined by two axes
Is displayed. In this embodiment, program names of one and a half hours from the current time of seven channels are displayed for each channel. When the select button switch 131 of the remote commander 5 is operated in the direction, the cursor 212 displayed in different brightness (brightness) or color is displayed.
Moves to the button icon corresponding to the direction operation.

A more detailed description will be given. In the general guide shown in FIG. 20, an area in which program names are displayed in a matrix (grid) is called a program name display area 220, and this program name display area 2
20 corresponds to the display area 250 shown in FIG. Then, within the range of the program name display area 220, depending on the directional operation to the upper side (the side facing the operator), the lower side (the front side to the operator), the right side or the left side of the select button switch 131. Thus, the cursor 212 moves upward, downward, rightward or leftward.

If the directional operation of the select button switch 131 is further performed while the cursor 212 is moved to the upper, lower, left and right ends of the program name display area 220, the display contents of the program name display area 220 will be displayed. Scrolls. For example, the program name display area 22
When the select button switch 131 is operated downward when the cursor 212 is located at the bottom row of 0,
The display content of the program name display area 220 is scrolled upward by one line. Here, since the cursor 212 remains stopped at the bottom line, as a result, the cursor 212 has moved downward by one line in the all EPG table 240 showing the entire EPG shown in FIG. . All EPG tables 24 for upper, left and right
Scroll the same way until the end of 0 is reached.

Further, the select button switch 131
In addition to the vertical four directions, a total of eight directions including diagonal upper left, diagonal upper right, diagonal lower left, and diagonal lower right are possible, and the cursor 212 can be moved by the select button switch. 8 in response to 8-direction operation of 131
It is designed to move in the direction.

When the select button switch 131 is operated in eight directions for moving the cursor 212,
Subsequently, a series of operations of vertical operation (select operation) of the select button switch 131 for confirming the selection of the program in which the cursor 212 is located are all performed only with the thumb and without changing the remote commander 5. It can be operated, and the operability is improved.

Here, if it is attempted to realize a similar cursor movement operation using a remote commander provided with four-direction cursor keys and a select button, a plurality of operations are involved until a program is selected. For example, in FIG.
As shown in, the cursor 21 displayed in the leftmost column of the fourth line of the program name display area 220 (rectangular area indicating the program name of TBS 233 from 9:30 to 10:00)
2 in the bottom row, the rightmost column (SCFI 240 10: 30-
In order to move to the 11:00 program area (rectangular area), the down cursor key must be pressed 3 times, the right cursor key must be pressed twice, and then the select button must be pressed. Requires a pressing operation,
It is necessary to change the remote commander each time the button to be pressed next is changed.

Therefore, it is conceivable to provide 8-direction cursor keys instead of the 4-direction cursor keys described above. However, in this case, it becomes necessary to secure a large occupied area on the operation surface of the remote commander, which becomes a factor that hinders the downsizing of the remote commander itself, and because more push buttons are arranged, deterioration of operability is avoided. I can't.

In this embodiment, the thumb operates the select button switch 131 in any of eight directions to function as a cursor key for moving the cursor 212 in eight directions. By pressing the vertical operation,
Since it functions as a select button for confirming the selection of the program, the series of operations from the movement of the cursor 212 to the selection of the program are all performed by the thumb or the like.
It can be operated using only the finger and without changing the remote commander 5.

The above-mentioned general guide also displays the name of the EPG (General Guide), the logo of the currently selected station (broadcasting station), the contents of the program, the current date and time, and the like.

FIG. 21 shows details of the general guide display processing in step S25 of FIG. First, in step S41, the fixed display contents such as ruled lines of the general guide and the variable display contents such as start time and call sign are displayed in the OSD area 25aA of the DRAM 25a.
Is written to. Next, in step S42, 0 is initialized to the variable N corresponding to the address of the sort table. Then, in step S43, 1 is initially set to the variable L representing the number of lines of the seven call signs (channels) of the general guide and the corresponding program name shown in FIG.

Next, in step S44, the SRAM 36
Based on the Pointer of Channel Data of address N (N = 0 in this case) of the sorting table of, the character string of the compressed Channel Name is read and the compression code conversion dictionary and the character code / bit stored in the ROM 37 are read. Restore the original string by referring to the map conversion table. Further, the bit map data of the character string (Channel Name) is obtained and written in the item of Channel Name of the L-th line (the first line in this case) of the OSD area 25aA.
For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 19, Ch of “TOON”
The "annel Name" is written. Similarly, Ch
The number of the number is also written. That is, the number "227" corresponding to "TOON" is written.

Next, in step S45, a Pointer of Program at address 0 of the sort table is entered.
Start Time and Tim based on Data
The eLength is read, and the program (program) selection button icon (the data thereof is also stored in the ROM 37 in advance) is written in the coordinate position corresponding to the eLength.
In addition, the Program Title is read, the character string of the Program Title is restored by referring to the compression code conversion dictionary and the character code / bitmap conversion table, and further the bitmap data is obtained and written on the button icon. In this way, for example, "TO
ON ”from 9:30 pm to 11:00 pm 1 hour 3
The name of the program broadcast during 0 minutes is written.

Then, the process proceeds to step S46, and step S4
Coordinate position of the button icon written in 5 and Chan
The EL data is stored in the SRAM 36 in preparation for the user's future program selection.

As described above, step S47 is performed until it is determined in step S47 that the call sign and the program name for one line are written in the OSD area 25aA.
At 50, the variable N is incremented by 1, and the loop processing of steps S44, 45, 46, 47, 50 is repeatedly executed. When the completion of writing for one row is determined in step S47, the variable L is incremented by 1 in step S48 (in this case, L = 2). Then, in step S49, it is determined whether or not L is equal to 8 (whether or not writing of seven channels is completed). Since L = 2 in this case, in step S51, after setting the address N corresponding to the first program in the next line (next channel), the process returns to step S44 and the subsequent processes are repeatedly executed.

As described above, the seven call signs and the program names are written by repeatedly executing the processing of steps S44 to S51. Then, when this writing is completed, it is determined that L = 8 in step S49, and the process ends.

In the process of FIG. 21, the display contents are omitted for simplification of description.
All the characters, logos, etc. shown in are written in the OSD area 25aA.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 22,
A process of selecting a desired program (program) in a state where the general guide as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed will be described. The user operates the select button switch 131 in the direction to move the cursor 212 onto the button icon on which the predetermined program name is displayed. Then, when confirming the selection of the program, the select button switch 131 is vertically operated (select operation).

First, in step S61, the process waits until there is any input from the remote commander 5, and if there is an input, the process proceeds to step S62, and it is determined whether or not the input is a select operation input. If it is not input, the process proceeds to step S64, and it is determined whether or not a direction operation has been performed. If it is determined that the direction operation has not been performed, it means that a button switch other than the select button switch 131 has been operated, and in this case, no particular processing is performed and the process returns to step S61 and the next remote commander is executed. Wait for input from 5.

When it is determined in step S64 that the select button switch 131 has been operated in the direction, the process proceeds to step S65, and the process of moving the cursor 212 in the direction corresponding to the operated direction is executed. That is, the writing position of the bitmap data of the cursor in the OSD area 25aA is changed to the button icon corresponding to the operation of the select button switch 131.

Next, in step S66, the transponder number of the program on the button icon where the cursor is positioned is obtained. This transponder number can be obtained based on the transponder list by specifying the segment number from the channel list of the guide data. Furthermore, DataI of channel data
The data ID of the program is read from Ds.

Then, the process proceeds to step S67, and step S6
The program selected in 6 is the pay-per-view (Pay p
er View), it is determined whether or not to display the program. It is possible to display a predetermined message on the CRT 4A and input YES or NO each time to make this determination, but this makes the operation complicated. Therefore, for example, when the IRD 2 is purchased, even if the program is a pay-per-view program, whether or not the program is to be displayed is input in advance, stored in the EEPROM 38, and the determination here is performed from this storage. It is preferable to do so.

If the program is not the pay-per-view program, and if it is determined that the program is displayed even if the program is the pay-per-view program, step S69.
Then, the transponder number read in step S66 is set in the tuning control routine of the front end 20. As a result, the tuner 21 of the front end 20 receives the carrier wave of the transponder number set by the CPU 29.

However, when the data of the channel corresponding to the button icon to which the cursor is moved is transmitted on the same carrier as the data of the channel corresponding to the button icon before the cursor is moved (transponder number is If they are the same), this processing is skipped (through) because carrier wave (frequency) switching is unnecessary.

Next, in step S70, it is confirmed from the status in the register (not shown) of the front end 20 that the tuning control routine is locked.
That is, it is confirmed that the carrier wave of the transponder number set in step S69 is received.

Next, in step S71, the ID of the packet to be fetched (the ID read in step S66) is set in the register 24aA of the demultiplexer 24. As a result, the demultiplexer 24 extracts the packet of the program selected in step S66 from the packets included in the carrier wave of the transponder number set in step S69 output by the front end 20,
The packet data is temporarily stored in the buffer area of the data buffer memory 35.

Next, in step S72, a conditional access check is performed. That is, since the pay-per-view program is encrypted, it is decrypted. Since this process is not necessary for a program that is not pay-per-view (a program that is not encrypted), this process is skipped (through).

Next, in step S73, the register 24a of the demultiplexer 24 is set to a predetermined value and MPE is set.
Video data is supplied to the G video decoder 25 and MP
Audio data is supplied to the EG audio decoder 26.

Next, in step S74, the start of decoding is set in the registers (not shown) of the MPEG video decoder 25 and the MPEG audio decoder 26. As a result, the image data and the audio data of the program selected in step S66 are decoded and output from the MPEG video decoder 25 and the MPEG audio decoder 26. Then, this is supplied to the monitor device 4, displayed, and output as voice.

Thereafter, the process returns to step S61 to wait for the next input from the remote commander 5. When the cursor is further moved, the same processing is repeatedly executed. If a new cursor movement is input during execution of the processing of steps S66 to S74, the processing up to that point is stopped and the processing corresponding to the new cursor movement is immediately started. To be done.

When it is determined in step S67 that the pay-per-view program does not need to be displayed, the process proceeds to step S68, and the MPEG video decoder 25 is instructed to output a blue back image.

As a result, when the process of step S74 is performed, the image of the program designated by the cursor 212 is displayed as the background image of the general guide shown in FIG. 20, and the audio signal accompanying it is displayed. Is output. On the other hand, when the program designated by the cursor 212 is a pay-per-view program, when the display is registered as unnecessary, the background image is blue. At this time, no sound is output.

When the program designated by the cursor is a pay-per-view program as described above, the program is not received as needed. Therefore, the pay-per-view program happens to be selected while the desired program is being selected. It is prevented that the program is received and the user is charged only by passing over the icon above.

As described above, the select button switch 13
By simply manipulating 1 to move the cursor 212 to a predetermined position, the reception command of the program specified by the cursor 212 is immediately output to the front end 20,
Reception processing is started. As a result, in order to finally confirm the selection of the predetermined program, the select button switch 1
Since the receiving process of the program is started before the select operation of 31 is performed, the select button switch 13
At the time when the selection operation of 1 is performed, even if the reception operation of the program is already completed, or even if the reception operation is not completed, the program is monitored in a shorter time than when the reception process is started from that time. 4 can be displayed.

Therefore, if it is determined in step S62 that the select operation, that is, the vertical operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S63, and the OSD display cancellation is set in the register of the MPEG video decoder 25. As a result, the display of the window of the general guide is canceled and only the image of the program selected in step S66 is displayed.

When the cursor 212 is moved,
Although the reception operation of the program designated by the cursor 212 is immediately started on the front end 20, it is possible not to display the resulting image as the background image of the general guide. Even in this case, since the receiving operation of the new program has already started, it is possible to quickly display the image of the newly selected program when the selection operation is performed and the display of the general guide is canceled. , The same as when displaying the image of the specified program in the background.

However, displaying the image of the designated program allows the user to recognize more strongly that the cursor 212 has been moved (designating a new program). This is preferable as the interface.

FIG. 23 shows another configuration example of the remote commander 5. In this embodiment, in place of the select button switch 131 which can be operated in eight directions in FIG.
To 204 and a button switch 200 for performing a selection operation are provided. Also in this example,
The cable button switch 145, the television button switch 146, and the DSS button switch 147 are internally illuminated, and the LEDs 148 to 150 in FIG. 5 are omitted.
LEDs (not shown) arranged on the back side of the button switches 145 to 147 are adapted to light up in response to the operation.

The other button switches are basically the same as those shown in FIG. 5, although their positions are different.

In the above embodiment, the cursor is displayed with a predetermined brightness, color or blink corresponding to the button icon, but it may be displayed with an arrow or the like independently of the button icon. Is also possible.
The point is that it can function as a pointer for designating a predetermined position.

In the above embodiments, the program is selected in the general guide mode, but the present invention can be applied to the case of selecting the program in other modes.

Further, the case where the present invention is applied to the IRD 2 has been described as an example, but the IRD can be substantially incorporated in the monitor device 4 (television receiver).

[0159]

As described above, according to the television signal receiving device of the first and second aspects and the television signal receiving method of the eleventh aspect, when the cursor on the selection screen is moved, Since the program corresponding to the moving position is immediately received before the confirmation operation is performed, it is possible to quickly switch the program.

According to the remote commander of the twelfth aspect, since the movement operation and the selection operation can be input with one finger, a desired operation can be quickly and easily selected from many programs. A program can be selected and confirmed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an AV system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection state of the AV system of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a configuration example of the front surface of the IRD 2 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of an IRD 2 in FIG.

5 is a plan view showing a configuration example of an upper surface of a remote commander 5 of FIG.

6 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a small stick switch which constitutes the select button switch 131 of FIG.

7 is a diagram showing an operating direction of a lever 162 in FIG. 6 in a horizontal plane.

8 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the remote commander 5 in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating segmentation of channel data and program data.

[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process in the encoder on the transmission side and a process of the IRD 2 that receives the output thereof.

11 is a diagram illustrating division of storage areas of the DRAM 25a of FIG.

12 is an EP stored in the EPG area 35A of FIG.
It is a figure explaining G data.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the creation of a sort table.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing sort table creation processing.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating pointers stored in a sort table.

16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the embodiment of FIG.

17 is a diagram showing a display example of the menu displayed in step S23 of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a state in which the menu shown in FIG. 17 is displayed as a window in a superimposed manner on an image of a reception channel.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display example of a general guide displayed in step S25 of FIG.

20 is a diagram showing a state in which the general guide shown in FIG. 19 is displayed as a window in a superimposed manner on an image of a reception channel.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing details of the general guide display processing in step S25 of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating program selection processing in the general guide display state.

FIG. 23 is a plan view showing another configuration example of the remote commander.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 AV system 2 IRD 3 Parabolic antenna 4 Monitor device 4A CRT 5 Remote commander 21 Tuner 23 Error correction circuit 24 Demultiplexer 25 MPEG video decoder 25a DRAM 26 MPEG audio decoder 26a DRAM 29 CPU 35 Data buffer memory 35A EPG area 36 SRAM 37 ROM 38 EEPROM 39 IR receiver 131 Select button switch 143 Guide button switch 161 Main body 162 Lever

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A television signal receiving apparatus for receiving a television signal of a program of a predetermined channel and outputting the received signal, wherein a receiving means for receiving the television signal and a plurality of moving means are provided by moving a cursor. Selection screen output means operated when outputting a signal of a selection screen for selecting a predetermined one from among the programs; moving means operated when moving the cursor; Selecting means to be operated when selecting a program, and when the cursor is moved in response to the operation of the moving means, the receiving means is controlled and designated by the cursor before the selecting means is operated. And a control means for receiving the stored program, the television signal receiving apparatus. 2. Receiving means for receiving a television signal of a program on a predetermined channel, display means for displaying an image of the program received by the receiving means, and moving a cursor to display a plurality of the programs. Output the signal of the selection screen to select the predetermined one from the
Selection screen output means operated when displaying on the display means, moving means operated when moving the cursor, selection means operated when selecting the program specified by the cursor, and the movement Control means for controlling the receiving means and receiving the program designated by the cursor when the cursor is moved in response to the operation of the means and before the selecting means is operated. A television signal receiving device characterized by. 3. When the cursor is moved in response to an operation of the moving means, and before the selecting means is operated, the cursor is received by the receiving means in response to the control of the control means, The television signal receiving apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an audio signal output means for outputting an audio signal of the program designated by a cursor. 4. The television according to claim 1, wherein when the selection screen output means is operated, the selection screen is superimposed on the image received by the reception means as a window. Signal receiving device. 5. A button for selecting the program at a position defined by both the horizontal axis and the vertical axis of the selection screen, the axis of the broadcast channel of the program, and the other axis of the time. The television signal receiving device according to claim 4, wherein the icons are arranged in a matrix. 6. The television signal receiving apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the cursor is displayed by setting a predetermined one of the button icons to have a brightness or a color different from the others. 7. The storage device according to claim 5, further comprising storage means for storing information regarding a display position of the button icon displayed on the selection screen broadcast as a part of the television signal. Television signal receiver. 8. The television signal reception according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether or not to charge for receiving the program designated by the cursor. apparatus. 9. The television signal receiving apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a prohibition unit that prohibits reception of the program when a fee is charged for receiving the program designated by the cursor. 10. The demodulating means demodulates a broadcast wave in which a digital image of a plurality of channels and audio information are multiplexed on a carrier wave to which an individual frequency is assigned, and the receiving means demodulates by the demodulating means. Extraction means for extracting a signal of the channel instructed by the control means from a signal, the control means, when switching the channels within the same carrier wave, the predetermined channel for the extraction means. To switch the channel between different carrier waves, the demodulation means is instructed to switch the frequency of the carrier wave, and the extraction means is instructed to extract a predetermined channel. The television signal receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 11. A television signal receiving method of receiving a television signal of a program of a predetermined channel by a receiving section and outputting the received signal, wherein a selection screen for selecting a predetermined one of the plurality of programs is provided. On the selection screen, the cursor is moved to a predetermined position to specify a predetermined program, the program specified by the cursor is selected, and a selection operation is performed when the display of the selection screen is stopped. A television signal receiving method, wherein when the cursor is moved, reception processing of the program designated by the cursor is started before the selection operation is performed. 12. A selection screen for selecting a predetermined one of a plurality of programs is displayed, and by a moving operation, a cursor on the selection screen is moved to a predetermined position to designate a predetermined program, and a selection operation is performed. According to the remote commander of the television signal receiving apparatus for selecting the program designated by the cursor, the remote commander is provided with operation means capable of executing the cursor moving operation and the selecting operation with one finger. Remote commander. 13. The remote commander of the television signal receiving apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operating unit capable of executing the cursor moving operation and the selecting operation with one finger. A remote commander featuring.