KR20020072135A - Output control method and apparatus for broadcasting program of a television set - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A method and a system for controlling program output of a television receiver are provided to selectively cut off a sound signal and a video signal output to a speaker and a display device when a broadcasting program for mature audience is received. CONSTITUTION: A user sets requests for cutting off sounds and images output on a TV and sounds and images output to an external device according to the age of a viewer and program contents(S2), and grade information of the program currently being received is detected(S4). The detected grade information is compared with the set requests to judge if all of conditions are satisfied or not. When the conditions are satisfied, sounds and images are output to the TV and external device(S6). When the conditions are not satisfied, corresponding sounds and images are cut off such that the sounds and images are not output to the TV and external device(S13). The cut-off situation is displayed on a screen.

Description

Program output control method and apparatus for television receivers {OUTPUT CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BROADCASTING PROGRAM OF A TELEVISION SET}

The present invention relates to a technology for controlling a program output from a television receiver equipped with a V chip (V_CHIP) to an external device, and in particular, when a child blocks a program of a rating designated by a guardian from being viewed by an external device. The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling a program output of a television receiver which can selectively block signals and video signals according to a user's request.

The V chip of a television receiver is a technology developed to solve various problems caused by exposure of adult broadcasting programs to adolescents or children. According to this technology, a guardian can designate a program of a class which is to be prohibited from watching the youth or children, and when the program is transmitted from a broadcasting station, the broadcast is inserted into a vertical blanking section of the video signal. If it is determined that the program is prohibited from viewing by checking the rating information of the program, the video signal output to the Citi side and the audio signal output to the speaker side are blocked.

1 is a block diagram of a program output control apparatus for a television receiver according to the prior art. As shown in FIG. 1, a baseband is selected by selecting a broadcast signal of a channel desired by a user from a high frequency broadcast signal received through an antenna 101. A tuner 102 that separates and detects video and audio signals; A voice processing device (103) for converting the voice signal output from the tuner (102) into a suitable form according to a user's request; An image processing device (104) for converting an image signal output from the tuner (102) into a suitable form according to a user's request; A switch 105A for controlling the audio output of the voice processing apparatus 103 under the control of a microprocessor 111 to be described later; A switch 105B for controlling an image output of the image processing apparatus 104 under the control of the microprocessor 111; A voice output device (106) for processing a voice signal output from the switch (105A) into a form suitable for reproducing and outputting through a speaker (108A); An image output device (107) for processing the image signal output from the switch (105B) into a form suitable for displaying through the image display device (108B); An external device (108C) such as a monitor for outputting audio and video signals output through the switches (105A) and (105B) separately from the television receiver; A transmitter receiving device 109 which receives a local key signal of a user for designating a program grade to prohibit viewing of the youth or children, and transmits it to the microprocessor 111; A decoder (110) for decoding and transmitting the grade information of the corresponding broadcast program inserted in the vertical blanking section of the video signal output from the tuner (102) to the microprocessor (111); When the corresponding rating information is detected from the decoder 110 after recognizing the program rating designated by the user through the transmitter receiving apparatus 109, the switches 105A and 105B are opened to open the corresponding program. It is composed of a microprocessor 111 that prevents the output of audio and video signals, and will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5 attached to the operation thereof.

When a guardian of adolescents or children uses the transmitter receiver 109 to request a program menu for registering a password and specifying a prohibition of viewing, the microprocessor 111 requests a password again and then stores the input password. If the password matches, the menu shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the screen.

Here, "TV-MA" means that the content is for adults only, "TV-14" means that the content requires special care of the guardian, "TV-PG" means that the content to be watched with the guardian "TV-G" means content that can be viewed without any age restriction, "TV-Y7" means content that can be viewed over 7 years old, and "TV-Y" means content that all children can watch. .

At this time, the guardian sets a block (B: Block) by age and content by using the local key. In this case, the viewer can watch TV grade programs below TV-7, and prohibit watching those grade programs. An example is shown.

The tuner 102 selects a broadcast signal of a channel desired by a user from among high frequency broadcast signals received through the antenna 101, detects and outputs a baseband video and audio signal, and outputs the audio and video signal. The audio processing unit 103 and the image processing unit 104 are respectively converted into appropriate forms according to a user's request, and transmitted to the respective switches 105A and 105B.

At this time, the decoder 110 decodes the rating information of the corresponding broadcast program inserted in the vertical blanking section of the video signal output from the tuner 102, and the microprocessor 111 based on the rating information. Check if the program being received is a program whose level is set to be prohibited by the guardian.

If it is determined that the program is not set to view prohibition, the microprocessor 111 outputs a switching control signal so that the switches 105A and 105B are shorted (on).

Accordingly, the audio and video signals are processed in a predetermined form by the audio output device 106 and the video output device 107 through the switches 105A and 105B, respectively, and then the speaker 108A and the video display device. Approved at 108B, the user can watch the program.

In this case, when an external device 108C such as a monitor including a speaker is connected, the audio and video signals output from the switches 105A and 105B are transmitted to the external device 108C. You will be able to appreciate it.

However, if it is determined that the currently received program is a program of a grade set to prohibit viewing, the microprocessor 111 outputs a switching control signal so that the switches 105A and 105B are opened. do.

Accordingly, the output of the audio and video signals is blocked by the switches 105A and 105B, so that the user cannot watch the corresponding program and displays the blocking state on the screen.

When a user (eg, a guardian) inputs a password to release the parental control state, the microprocessor 111 compares the input passwords with previously stored passwords and matches the switches with each other. Short-circuit) to allow viewing of the program.

However, if the user does not request to release the parental control or the input password does not match, the microprocessor 111 outputs a switching control signal so that the switches 105A and 105B remain open. do. Accordingly, the user cannot view the program through the speaker 108A and the image display device 108B, and the user cannot view the program through the external device 108C.

However, in such a program output control technique of a conventional television receiver, when a program having a prohibition rating is received, the audio signal and the video signal outputted to the speaker and the image display device of the television receiver are blocked so that viewing is impossible. In addition, since the audio signal and the video signal output to the external device are also blocked, reservation recording is impossible, and the guardian cannot use the external output of the television receiver to watch other display devices. In addition, a transient phenomenon may occur during switching due to a unidirectional switching operation on audio and video signals.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to selectively block the audio signal and the video signal output to the speaker of the television receiver and the video display device when a program of the non-viewing grade is received, and the audio signal and the video output to the external device. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a program output of a television receiver which selectively blocks a signal according to a user's request.

1 is a block diagram of a program output control apparatus of a television receiver according to the prior art;

2 is an age classification table for prohibition of broadcasting programs.

3 is a content-specific classification table for prohibition of watching a broadcast program.

Figure 4 is a parental control setting table according to the prior art.

5 is a signal flow diagram of a conventional program output control process for viewing inhibition.

6 is a block diagram of a program output control apparatus for a television receiver according to the present invention;

7 is an exemplary table for prohibiting viewing and output control to an external device according to the present invention.

8 is a signal flowchart of a program output control method of a television receiver according to the present invention;

*** Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings ***

601 antenna 602 tuner

603: audio processing device 604: image processing device

605A-605D: Switch 606: Voice output device

607: video output device 608A: external audio output device

608B: Speaker 608C: Video Display Device

608D: External video output device 609: Transmitter receiver

610: decoder 611: microprocessor

612: programmable switching controller

According to the present invention, a program output control method of a television receiver receives a request for blocking audio and video output on a TV and audio and video output to an external device by registering a password of a guardian and by viewer's age and program content. A first step of storing and detecting rating information of a currently received program; A second process of shorting the respective switches so that the audio and video output on the TV and the audio and video output to an external device are respectively transmitted when the detected rating information and the setting contents of the guardian are found to be satisfied. and; A third step of opening the corresponding switch so that the corresponding output is cut off among the audio and video output on the TV and the audio and video output to the external device if it is determined that the comparison result is not satisfied; and; In a state in which the output of the audio and video output on the TV and the output of the audio and video output to the external device are blocked, if a request for unblocking is made, a fourth process of checking the password and then releasing the blocking state is performed.

6 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a program output control apparatus of a television receiver according to the present invention. As shown therein, a broadcast signal of a channel desired by a user among high-frequency broadcast signals received through an antenna 601 is shown. A tuner 602 for selecting and separating the baseband video and audio signals; A voice processing device 603 for converting a voice signal output from the tuner 602 into a suitable form according to a user's request; An image processing device (604) for converting an image signal output from the tuner (602) into a suitable form according to a user's request; Switches 605A and 605B for controlling the audio output of the voice processing device 603 under the control of a programmable switching controller 612 to be described later; Switches 605C and 605D controlled by the programmable switching controller 612 to control an image output of the image processing device 604; A voice output device 606 for processing a voice signal output from the switch 605B into a form suitable for reproducing and outputting through a speaker 608B; An image output device 607 for processing the image signal output from the switch 605C into a form suitable for displaying through the image display device 608C; An external audio output device (608A) for separately reproducing and outputting the audio signal output from the switch (605A) from the speaker (608B); An external video output device (608D) for converting the video signal output from the switch (605D) to be displayed on another external device separately from the video display device (608C); The microprocessor 611 may recognize the local key signal of the user to selectively block the audio and video output in the TV and the audio and video output to the external device according to the age and content of the program. A transmitter receiver 609 for converting the signal into a predetermined signal; A decoder (610) for decoding and transmitting the rating information of the corresponding broadcast program inserted in the vertical blanking section of the video signal output from the tuner (602) to the microprocessor (611); In addition to the overall control of the system, and after storing the contents set by the user through the transmitter receiving device 609 and compares the stored information and the rating information of the program detected by the decoder 610 and the control signal accordingly A microprocessor (611) for outputting; A program for outputting a switching control signal AD to each of the switches 605A-605D under the control of the microprocessor 611 to selectively block audio and video output to the output device and the external device in the TV. With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 attached to the operation of the enable switching control device 612, the operation of the present invention configured as described above is as follows.

When a guardian of a teenager or a child requests a program menu for registering a password and designating a prohibition of viewing using the transmitter receiver 609, the menu shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the screen by the microprocessor 611. (S1)

Here, "TV-MA" means that the content is for adults only, "TV-14" means that the content requires special care of the guardian, "TV-PG" means that the content to be watched with the guardian "TV-G" means content that can be viewed without any age restriction, "TV-Y7" means content that can be viewed over 7 years old, and "TV-Y" means content that all children can watch. . In addition, " S " means a blocking state on the TV, " EV " means whether or not to block the external video output device 608D, and " EA " It means whether the road is blocked.

At this time, the guardian sets the prohibition of viewing by age and content (B: Block) using the local key, and blocks the audio and video signals outputted to the external audio output device 608A and the external video output device 608D. The set contents are stored in the memory of the microprocessor 6111. (S2, S3)

The tuner 602 selects a broadcast signal of a channel desired by a user from among high frequency broadcast signals received through the antenna 601, detects and outputs a baseband video and audio signal, and outputs the audio and video signal. Are converted into appropriate forms in the audio processing apparatus 603 and the image processing apparatus 604 according to a user's request, and transmitted to each switch 605A-605D.

At this time, the decoder 610 decodes the rating information of the corresponding broadcast program inserted in the vertical blanking section of the video signal output from the tuner 602 and delivers the detected rating information to the microprocessor 611. S4)

The microprocessor 611 checks whether the program currently being received is set to prohibit viewing by the guardian based on the rating information, and outputs a control signal accordingly (S5).

For example, when the program level currently being received is a "TV-G" level, the microprocessor 611 outputs a corresponding control signal to the programmable switching controller 612, whereby the programable The switching controller 612 outputs the switching control signals B and C so that the switches 605B and 605C are all shorted.

Accordingly, the audio signal output from the audio processing device 603 is transmitted to the speaker 608 through the switch 605B and the audio output device 606, and the video signal output from the image processing device 604 is transmitted. Since the image is transferred to the image display apparatus 608C through the switch 605C and the image output apparatus 607, the user can watch the corresponding program (S6).

In addition, the microprocessor 611 checks whether the audio and video signals of the program currently being received are set to be output to an external device, and outputs a control signal accordingly, as in the above example. If the level of the "TV-G" is a control signal output to the programmable switching control device 612, whereby the programmable switching control device 612 is the switch 605A, 605D The switching control signals A and D are output so that they are all shorted. (S7)

Accordingly, the audio signal output from the audio processing device 603 is transmitted to the external audio output device 608A through the switch 605A, and the video signal output from the image processing device 604 is switched 605D. Since it is transmitted to the external video output device 608D side, it is possible to supply audio and video signals to an external device such as V-Cal or another TV receiver.

However, if the check result is set to prohibit viewing on the TV or set to prohibit output to an external device, the set content is displayed on the screen so that the user can recognize the fact. )

In such a state, check whether the user (e.g., the guardian) requests the prohibition of viewing or the prohibition of output to an external device. Short circuits 605B and 605C allow users to watch the corresponding program or short the switches 605A and 605D so that audio and video signals to an external device are output (S10-S12).

However, if the user does not request the release of the prohibition of viewing or the prohibition of output to an external device, or if it is determined that the password input in the requested state does not match the registered password, the switch 605B is performed as described above. Open the 605C to disable viewing of the program, or open the switches 605A and 605D to block the audio and video signals to the external device (S13, S14).

In the above description, the present invention has been described as an example of allowing or prohibiting viewing on the TV according to age, and allowing or blocking the output of audio and video signals to an external device, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Likewise, it can be selectively blocked according to the contents set by the guardian.

That is, when the parental control is set for each program content (D, L, S, V, or FV), or when the output of audio or video signals to an external device is set, the switches 605A to 605D at that time. You can optionally control this to fulfill your requirements.

By doing so, the guardian can watch the video or audio part of the program or the harmful part of the program on the TV, but the child or child can listen to the external device. By not allowing the user to watch the video or audio portion of the entire program or the harmful part of the program, the user can enjoy the program through the TV.

As described in detail above, the present invention enables the user to selectively block the audio signal and the video signal output to the speaker of the television receiver and the video display device when a program of the prohibition level is received, and the audio signal output to the external device. And it is possible to selectively block the video signal according to the user's request, it is possible to prevent the protector from being disadvantaged by the blocking function, it is effective to block harmful programs more effectively. In addition, by blocking the output of the audio or video signal to the external device through a separate path there is an effect that can prevent the occurrence of transients.

Claims (5)

The first process of setting and storing the audio and video output on the TV, the audio and video output to the external device from the guardian according to the viewer's age and the content of the program, and detects the rating information of the currently received program; ; And comparing the detected rating information with the setting contents of the guardian, and if both of them are satisfied, the second switch shorting the corresponding switches so that audio and video output on TV and audio and video output to external devices are delivered. Process; A third step of opening the corresponding switch so that the corresponding output is cut off among the audio and video output on the TV and the audio and video output to the external device if it is determined that the comparison result is not satisfied; Program output control method for a television receiver, characterized in that consisting of. The method of claim 1, further comprising: a fourth process of checking a password and then releasing the blocking state when an unblocking request is made while any output among the audio and video output on the TV and the audio and video output to the external device is blocked. The program output control method of the television receiver further comprises. The method of claim 1, wherein in the second process, when comparing the detected rating information with the setting contents of the guardian, the control unit continuously outputs a switching control signal according to a predetermined period in succession. . Audio and video processing means for selecting audio and video signals of a channel requested by a user from among high-frequency TV video signals and converting them into a predetermined form; A respective switch for selectively outputting the audio signal and the video signal output from the audio and video processing means to an audio output device, a video output device, an audio output device for an external device, and an image output device in the TV; From the guardian, the viewer requests the cut-off request of audio and video output on TV, the audio and video output to external devices according to the viewer's age and program content, and stores the stored information and rating information of the program detected through the decoder. Control means for comparing and outputting a control signal accordingly; And switching control means for outputting a switching control signal for selectively controlling the respective switches according to the set contents under the control of the control means. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the control unit is configured to continuously compare the setting contents and the rating information of the program detected through the decoder at a predetermined cycle and output a control signal according to the predetermined contents.