JPH11177387A - Digital television broadcast receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to select a desired channel even when an operator does not precisely remember the desired channel number by having a channel number including inputted numbers detected from a channel number table. SOLUTION: When an operator inputs, for example, a two-digit number, and operates a decision key, a CPU 22 detects a channel number including the inputted two-digit number out of all the channel numbers stored in a channel number table 24a. The detected channel number is on-screen displayed on a monitor and a broadcast channel the channel number indicates is selected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital television broadcast receiver and, more particularly, to a digital television broadcast receiver for selecting a channel in accordance with a channel number having a predetermined number of digits inputted by an operator and displayed on a monitor. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In digital television broadcasting such as CS broadcasting, several hundred channels are broadcast, and three-digit channel numbers "100" to "999" are assigned to each channel. For this reason, in the conventional digital television broadcast receiver, the operator operates the remote control transmitter to input a three-digit number when selecting a desired channel.

[0003]

However, in the conventional digital television broadcasting receiver, if a three-digit number is not input within a predetermined time, that is, if the input number is less than three, the input is not performed. The numbers given have been revoked. Therefore, if the operator does not accurately remember the channel number of the desired channel, channel selection has been impossible.

[0004] Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a digital television broadcast receiver capable of selecting a channel even when the input number is less than a predetermined number of digits.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a digital television broadcasting receiver for selecting a channel in accordance with a predetermined number of channel numbers inputted by an operator and displayed on a monitor on a screen. Determining means for determining the number, generating means for generating a channel number including the input number when the number of digits is less than a predetermined number of digits, output means for outputting the channel number generated by the generating means to a monitor, and generating A digital television broadcast receiver, comprising: a channel selecting unit that selects a channel according to a channel number generated by the unit.

[0006]

When the operator inputs, for example, a two-digit number and operates the enter key, the CPU detects a channel number including the input two-digit number from the digital broadcast channel numbers stored in the memory. . The detected channel number is displayed on-screen on the monitor, and the broadcast channel corresponding to the channel number is selected.

[0007]

According to the present invention, a channel number having a predetermined number of digits including an input number is generated.
Tuning can be performed even when the input number is less than the predetermined number of digits. The above and other objects of the present invention,
Features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0008]

Referring to FIG. 1, a digital television broadcast receiver 10 according to this embodiment includes an antenna 12. A digital broadcast signal transmitted from a communication satellite (CS) is provided to a CS tuner 14 via the antenna 12. The CS tuner 14 selects broadcast data for 4 to 8 channels output from a desired transponder.
That is, in CS broadcasting, 4 to 8
Minutes of broadcast data is output, the CS tuner 14
Selects a transponder containing the desired channel.
The selected broadcast data is demodulated by the QPSK demodulation circuit 16 to form a transport stream including a plurality of transport packets for 4 to 8 channels.

[0009] The packet separation circuit 18 detects a packet containing a video component of a desired channel, and supplies the packet to the MPEG decoder 20. The MPEG decoder 20 decodes the input packet and supplies the decoded video data to the image synthesizing circuit 34. The image synthesizing circuit also receives on-screen bitmap data output from the on-screen display IC 32. The image synthesizing circuit 34 is specifically a digital switch, and selects one of video data and bitmap data according to a control signal from the CPU 22. The output data from the image synthesizing circuit 34 is converted by the NTSC encoder 36 into a composite video signal in the NTSC format, and this composite video signal is output to the television receiver.

The bit map data for on-screen display includes a channel number of a broadcast channel. That is, the remote controller 30 is provided with twelve numeric keys 30a as shown in FIG. 2, and when an operator inputs a three-digit number with the numeric keys 30a while receiving any broadcast channel, the CPU 22 Determines that this key operation is channel selection. Then, the bit map data of the input 3-digit channel number is
Expand to M28. The channel number bitmap data expanded in the VRAM 28 in this manner is read by the IC 32 in response to the vertical synchronization signal. Thus, a three-digit channel number is displayed on the upper right of the monitor screen as shown in FIG. Note that the CPU 22 also controls the CS tuner 14 and the packet separation circuit 18 according to the channel selection operation to perform tuning.

[0011] PSI is included in a part of the transport packet.
(Program Specific Information), and PSI includes NIT (Network Information Table). The CPU 22 refers to this NIT,
The channel number data of all the broadcast channels that can be received by the CS tuner 14 is detected from the transport packet and stored in the DRAM 24. Therefore, DRAM 2
4, a channel number table 24a in which index numbers and channel numbers (elements) are associated with each other is formed as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the total number of broadcast channels is assumed to be 10 for convenience of explanation.

As is well known, each broadcast channel is assigned a channel number from "100" to "999", and each channel number has three digits. C
If the channel number input by the operator is less than three digits, that is, if the input number is only one or two digits, the PU 22 stores the channel number table 2
Using 4a, a channel number including the input numeral is detected. Then, the detected channel number is displayed on-screen and tuning is performed.

Therefore, even when the operator does not remember the channel number of the desired broadcast channel correctly, the desired broadcast channel can be selected. The CPU 22 specifically processes the flowcharts shown in FIGS. When the power is turned on, the process starts, and first, at step S1 in FIG.
The NIT is obtained from the SI, and the channel number table 24a is created in step S3. Subsequently, in step S5, it is determined whether any event has occurred,
If “NO”, the process returns to step S5 after waiting for a predetermined time in step S7.

When a key operation of the remote control transmitter 30 is performed or a timer 24b described later times out, the CPU 22 determines "YES" in a step S5, and determines in step S9 whether the event is a numeric input. Judge whether. If “YES”, the process proceeds to step S
At 11, it is determined whether a password input screen is formed on the monitor. The password input screen is displayed on the monitor, for example, when an operation of purchasing a pay program is performed. In such a case, the number input mode is set to "1" in step S15.
Set to. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S11, it is determined in a step S13 whether or not an automatic input mode for automatically inputting a numeral to a digit lacking the numeral is set. If "NO", the process proceeds to step S15. As described above, the numeric input mode 1 is used when the current screen is a password input screen or the automatic input mode is not set, that is, when the numbers should not be automatically input to the missing digits. Is set to C
After that, the PU 22 performs normal numerical processing in step S17, and returns to step S5. Note that the processing of step S17 includes an on-screen display of the input number.

If "YES" in the step S13, C
The PU 22 resets the timer 24b to, for example, 5 seconds. In the step S21, it is determined whether or not the input number is the first digit. If "YES", the process proceeds to a step S23.
To set the number input mode to "2", display the number input this time on-screen in step S27, and return to step S5. That is, if the automatic input mode is set, the number input mode "2" is set when the first digit is input. On the other hand, “NO” in the step S21
If so, in step S25, it is determined whether the input number is the last digit (third digit). And "NO"
If so, the process proceeds to step S27. If "YES", the last digit is displayed on-screen in step S29, and the broadcast corresponding to the three-digit number (channel number) displayed on-screen in step S31. Tune the channel. Then, in step S33, the input mode is set to "0", and the process returns to step S5. If the second digit is input before 5 seconds have elapsed since the previous reset of the timer, the process returns to step S
Proceeding to 19, the timer 24b is reset again.

If "NO" in the step S9, that is, if the generated event is not a numeric input, it is determined whether or not the current numeric input mode is "0" in a step S35 shown in FIG. If “YES” here, step S is performed.
At step 37, the process corresponding to the event is executed, and the process returns to step S5. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S35, it is determined whether or not the current numeral input mode is “1” in a step S39. If “YES”, step S4
In step S1, it is determined whether the event is a time-out notification of the timer 24b.
At 43, the numerical processing is stopped and the process returns to step S5.
If "O", other processing is performed in step S45, and the process returns to step S5. In step S43, the bitmap data in the VRAM 28 is erased in order to invalidate the input number, and the image synthesizing circuit 34 always operates. MPEG
Connected to the decoder 20 side.

If "NO" in the step S39, it is determined that the current numeral input mode is "2", that is, it is determined that the automatic input mode is set, and in the step S47 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the event is an operation of the enter key 39. If "NO", a step S55 is performed.
To determine whether the event is a timeout notification. The operator operates the remote control transmitter 30 to turn on / off the automatic input mode, and to start the automatic input process of numbers when the automatic input mode is turned on by operating the determination key 30b or by timeout. Can be set by Therefore, if the enter key 30b is operated while the automatic start process is started in response to the operation of the enter key 30b, the CPU 22 determines "YES" in steps S47 and S49, and proceeds to step S47. Proceed to S51. On the other hand, if there is a time-out number when the time-out start mode for starting the automatic input process due to the time-out is set, the CPU 22 determines “YES” in steps S55 and S57, and proceeds to step S51.

In step S51, the CPU 22 processes a subroutine shown in FIG. As a result, when the three-digit channel number is displayed on the screen, step S5
In step 3, the broadcast channel indicated by the channel number is tuned, and the process returns to step S5. On the other hand, when the event is neither the operation of the determination key 30b nor the timeout notification, or if it is determined in step S49 that the determination start mode is not set, other processing is executed in step S59, and the process returns to step S5. If it is determined in step S57 that the mode is not the timeout start mode, the same processing as step S43 is performed in step S61, and the process returns to step S5.

In the subroutine of the automatic input process shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 22 first determines a detection element in step S3701. That is, if the input number is one digit, two “0” s are added below the input number, and if the input number is two digits, one “0” is added below the input number. For example, if the input number is only “2”, the detection element is “20”.
It is determined to be "0", and if the input numeral is "23", the detection element is determined to be "230" and left out.

Next, in step S3703, the CPU 22 initializes the H index and the L index. As can be seen from FIG. 4, since the maximum value of the index number is "9" and the minimum value of the index number is "0", the H index is set to "9" and the L index is set to "0". Is done. In step S3705, it is determined whether or not H index ≧ L index. If “YES”, it is determined in step S3707 that formula 1
The M index is calculated according to

[0021]

## EQU1 ## M index = (H index + L index) / 2 However, the fraction after the decimal point is truncated. Thereafter, in step S3709, the CPU 22 extracts an element corresponding to the M index from the channel number table 24a. Determine if it is equal to the detection element. If “YES” here, the channel number is determined in step S3719 and the process returns. If “NO”, it is determined in step S3713 whether the extraction element ≧ the detection element. And “YES”
If so, in step S3715, "M index-
1 is set as the H index, and the process returns to step S3705. If “NO”, “M index + 1” is set as the L index in step S3717, and step S37 is performed.
Return to 05. If “NO” in the step S3705, the process proceeds to the step S3719 to determine the current extracted element as the channel number to be output.

If the detection element is determined to be "200",
In the first step S3707, the M index is 4 (≒
(9 + 0) / 2), and the extracted element is “240”. Since “240” is larger than “200”, the H index is updated to “3 (= 4-1)”, and in the next step S3707, the M index is set to “1 (≒ (3+
0) / 2). Therefore, “199” is the next extraction element. Since "199" is smaller than "200",
The L index is updated to “2 (= 1 + 1)”, and “2 (≒ (3 + 2) / 2)” is obtained in the next step S3707. This makes "200" an extraction element,
The extracted element matches the detected element. Therefore, "20
0 "is determined as the output channel number.

If the detection element is "230", "240" is first extracted from the channel number table 24a. Since “240” is larger than “230”, the H index is updated to “3”, and the next M index becomes “1”. The element corresponding to the index “1” is “199”, and since “199” is smaller than “200”, the L index is updated to “2”. Therefore, the next M index is “2” and the element “20”
0 is extracted, since “200” is smaller than “230”, the L index is updated to “3”, and the next M index becomes “3.” The element “239” corresponding to the index “3” Is extracted, and “239” becomes “230”
Since it is larger, the H index is updated to “2”. As a result, H index “2” ≧ L index “3” is not satisfied, so that the currently extracted element “239” is determined as the channel number to be output.

Thus, the channel number table 2
From 4a, a channel number including the input number is detected, and a broadcast channel corresponding to the channel number is selected, so that channel selection is possible without the operator remembering the channel number accurately. Referring to FIG.
Digital Television Broadcast Receiver 10 of Another Embodiment
Is a nonvolatile R having a history table 27a shown in FIG.
AM 27 is connected to the CPU 22, and FIG.
5 is the same as that of FIG. 1 except that the steps shown in FIG. 5 are added to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, the channel number (element) selected in the past and the number of times the channel number has been selected are written in the history table 27a. Each of the steps shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is a step for performing a process related to the history table 27a. When step S3 shown in FIG. 5 is completed, the CPU 22 proceeds to step S47 shown in FIG. 11, and executes any one of the channel number data written in the history table 27a and all the channel number data written in the channel number table 24a of the DRAM 24. Compare. Then, Step S49
Judge whether or not the two channel numbers coincide with each other.
If "O", the channel number data is deleted from the history table 27a in step S53, and the process proceeds to step S5.On the other hand, if "YES", it is determined in step S51 whether all comparison operations are completed, and " If “NO”, the process returns to the step S47, but if “YES”, the process proceeds to the step S5.In this way, each time the power is turned on, the history table 27a and the channel number table 24a are compared, Numbers, ie, non-existent channel numbers, are sorted out.

When the tuning is completed in step S31, the CPU 22 proceeds to step S55 shown in FIG.
Then, it is determined whether or not the same channel number as the input three-digit number exists in the history table 27a. And "Y
If "ES", the number of the channel number is incremented in step S57 and the process proceeds to step S33.
If "O", a channel number item is newly added to the history table 27a in step S59, and the number of selections is "1".
Is written, and the process proceeds to step S33.

In this way, the contents of the history table 27a are updated each time the operator performs a tuning operation. However, such updating of the number of times and creation of new items are
It is executed only when the operator inputs a three-digit number, that is, an accurate channel number. Such a history table 2
7 is provided in the non-volatile RAM 27, an automatic input process is executed using this history table 27a in step S51 shown in FIG. That is, if the input number is less than three digits, the channel number including the input number and having the largest number of times is detected from the history table 27a, and the detected channel number is output. For example, when the operator inputs only one digit number “2”, “200” and “240” included in the history table 27a are input.
Among them, “240” which is the most frequently output is output. Therefore, a three-digit channel number is generated only by the operator inputting a one- or two-digit number, and a broadcast channel preferred by the operator can be selected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing a remote control transmitter;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing a monitor screen;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing a channel number table;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the embodiment in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another portion of the operation of the embodiment in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another portion of the operation of the embodiment in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing yet another portion of the operation of the embodiment in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing a history table;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the embodiment in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another portion of the operation of the embodiment in FIG. 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Digital television broadcast receiver 22 CPU 24 DRAM 27 Non-volatile RAM 28 VRAM 24a Channel number table 27a History table

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A digital television broadcast receiver for performing channel selection in accordance with a channel number having a predetermined number of digits input by an operator and displayed on a monitor on a screen, a determining means for determining the number of digits of the input number, Generating means for generating the channel number including the input number when the number of digits is less than the predetermined number of digits; output means for outputting the channel number generated by the generating means to the monitor; and the generating means A digital television broadcast receiver, comprising: a channel selecting unit that performs the channel selection in accordance with the channel number generated by the channel number generating unit. 2. The digital television according to claim 1, wherein said generation means includes a memory in which a plurality of said channel numbers are stored, and a detection means for detecting said channel numbers including said inputted numbers from said memory. John Broadcast Receiver. 3. The digital television broadcast receiver according to claim 2, wherein said memory holds all receivable channel numbers. 4. The digital television broadcast receiver according to claim 2, wherein said memory holds the previously selected channel number. 5. A comparing means for comparing each of the previously selected channel numbers with all currently receivable channel numbers, and a deleting means for deleting the channel numbers from the memory according to the comparison result by the comparing means. The digital television broadcast receiver according to claim 4, further comprising: 6. The digital television broadcast receiver according to claim 4, wherein the memory further holds the number of times the channel number is selected. 7. The digital television broadcast receiver according to claim 6, further comprising updating means for updating the number of times of selection only when the channel number having the predetermined number of digits is input by the operator. 8. The digital television broadcast receiver according to claim 1, further comprising first activation means for activating said determination means and said generation means in response to an instruction from an operator. 9. The digital television according to claim 1, further comprising a second activating means for activating said discriminating means and said generating means when a predetermined time has elapsed from a previous number input. Broadcast receiver.