KR20070025590A - Apparatus and method for channel searching generating sub channel map - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for searching a channel by using the generation of a sub-channel map are provided to enable a channel map generator to generate the sub-channel map by each MUX and provide service information by each MUX to a user so that the user can search only services within a specific MUX without separately using an edit function and different menus in the channel map having plural MUXs. An apparatus for searching a channel by using the generation of a sub-channel map comprises the followings: a receiver(310); a channel information data detector(320) which reads data related to services by channels from a broadcasting stream received from the receiver(310) and detects channel information; a channel map generator(330) which aligns the channel information data into a channel map about a whole service belonging to each MUX(MUltipleX) signal or aligns the channel information data by dividing into separate sub-channel maps by each MUX signal; a storage(340); a unit(360,380,390) which provides service information by MUX signals to a user; and a controller(350) which controls user input command processing and whole components.

Description

Apparatus and Method for channel searching generating sub channel map}

1 is a flowchart illustrating a program search method using a channel map configuration according to the prior art.

2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a channel map configuration according to the related art.

3 is a diagram illustrating a channel searching apparatus using sub channel map generation according to the present invention.

4 is a view for explaining a channel searching method using sub-channel map generation according to the present invention.

5 illustrates an embodiment of a channel map constructed in accordance with the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

310: receiver 320: channel information data detector

330: Channel map generator 331: Full channel map generation module

332: Sub channel map generation module 340: Storage unit

350: control unit

The present invention relates to a channel search apparatus and method using a sub-channel map that enables a digital broadcast receiver to efficiently search for channel information desired by a user.

In terrestrial digital (DVB-T) broadcasting, at least three to twenty services (or programs) such as standard definition (SD) service, data service, and single audio service are usually multiplexed signals of one physical channel. Sent to MUX (Multiplex).

When the digital broadcasting receiver receives two or more MUXs, the service information existing in each MUX is extracted to generate a channel map including all the service information, and the user may select a desired service by using the channel map. .

In one MUX, a plurality of pieces of channel information are divided into LCN numbers, and the LCN numbers are generally not contiguous. A program search method using a channel map configuration according to the prior art using the LCN number will be described.

1 is a flowchart illustrating a program search method using a channel map configuration according to the prior art, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a channel map configuration according to the prior art.

Referring to FIG. 1, when the digital broadcast receiver starts operation (S110), the controller of the digital broadcast receiver controls various components in a plurality of channels among data included in a received transport stream of multiple MUXs. Data containing the service information provided is extracted (S120).

The service information present in each MUX is extracted, and the extracted service information is sequentially arranged according to a Logical Channel Nomber (LCN), which can be referred to as a program number, to form a channel map and store in the storage means ( S130).

Referring to FIG. 2, the service information included in MUX 1 is LCN1, LCN10, LCN11, LCN12, LCN14, LCN15, LCN100, and the service information included in MUX2 is LCN2, LCN21, LCN22, LCN23, LCN25, LCN26 and LCN200. In this case, the entire channel map configured is arranged according to the LCN order of all the service information.

Therefore, the stored channel map is stored in the order of LCN1, LCN2, LCN10, LCN11, LCN12, LCN14, LCN15, LCN21, LCN22, LCN23, LCN25, LCN26, LCN100, LCN200.

When the user inputs a channel information display command to search for a program serviced for channel setting or channel change while the channel map is stored (S140), the channel map stored in the storage means is sequentially read and the LCN number sequence is read. The service information arranged as shown is displayed on the display unit (S150).

When the user selects a desired channel from the channels displayed on the display unit by using a button on the control board of the digital broadcast receiver or the up / down keys of the remote controller (S160), the digital broadcast receiver processes the signal provided by the corresponding channel for broadcasting. The program is output (S170).

If the power-off signal is not input to the digital broadcast receiver, step S120 or S140 is performed according to whether the channel map data update period has elapsed, and if the power-off signal is input, the service of the digital broadcast receiver is terminated.

In general, services in the same MUX are generally similar in nature, and users of digital broadcasting receivers concentrate on using similar services according to their preferences.

However, according to the program search method using the channel map configuration according to the prior art as described above, the channel map is configured and displayed on the display screen while all the broadcast services included in the plurality of MUXs received by the digital broadcast receiver are mixed. There is a problem that it is difficult for a user to check only a channel within a specific MUX.

In addition, in order to search for a service that exists only in a specific MUX, the user has to take the inconvenience of individually checking the services of the preferred MUX by using an editing function or another menu.

In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a channel search apparatus using sub-channel map generation that enables navigation of only services in a specific MUX without using an editing function or other menus in a channel map having multiple MUXs. And to provide a method.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a channel search apparatus using sub channel map generation includes: a receiver for receiving and processing a broadcast stream for each channel in a digital broadcast receiver; and a channel for each channel from the broadcast stream received through the receiver. A channel information data detector which reads data related to a service and detects channel information, and arranges the channel information data into a channel map of all services belonging to each MUX according to a user input command, or separate sub-channels for each MUX Means for providing service information for each MUX to a user using a channel map generator for distinguishing and sorting into maps, a storage unit for storing the channel maps generated by the channel map generator, and a channel map stored in the storage unit. And a control unit for processing a user input command and controlling the components. Characterized by configured.

The channel map generation unit includes a whole channel map generation module for sorting and outputting a channel map for all services belonging to each MUX, and a sub channel map generation module for distinguishing and sorting into separate sub channel maps for each MUX. It features.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a channel search method using subchannel map generation, including extracting service information included in each MUX, and classifying the extracted service information by MUX. Constructing and storing the channel map by sorting according to LCN, constructing and displaying a sub-channel map from the channel map according to a user input command, and performing channel searching according to the displayed sub-channel map. Characterized in that it comprises a step.

In the step of configuring the extracted service information by MUX and sorting according to a logical channel number (LCN) to construct a channel map and storing the extracted service information, the address of a memory in which the service information arranged on the entire channel map is stored is classified and MUX. The service information for each MUX may be distinguished by classifying service information for each service or by including additional data indicating a corresponding MUX in service information arranged on the entire channel map.

The step of constructing and displaying a subchannel map from the channel map according to the user input command may include determining whether a subchannel display command is input when a user channel display command is input, and for each MUX when the determination result is a subchannel display command. Comprising a step of configuring a sub-channel map, and displaying the configured sub-channel map on the display unit.

The user channel display command may be input using a hot key set in the remote controller.

If the determination result is not a sub-channel display command, displaying the service information of the entire channel map is performed.

The method may further include deleting the configured subchannel map data when a predetermined time elapses after displaying the subchannel map on the display unit.

According to the channel search apparatus and method using the sub-channel map generation according to the present invention configured as described above, by generating a sub-channel map for each MUX in the channel map generation unit by providing the service information for each MUX, several MUX In a channel map with, users can only search for services within a particular MUX without using any editing or other menus.

Hereinafter, a channel searching apparatus and method using sub channel map generation according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, the present invention is applied to a digital broadcast receiver such as a set top box such as a digital satellite receiver, a wired / wireless digital cable broadcast receiver, and a Web TV receiver. The digital broadcast receiver is connected to a display device such as a television via wired / wireless to output video and audio signals through the television.

The apparatus and method for channel searching using sub-channel map generation according to the present invention are used for quickly searching for a service preferred by a user for channel switching of the digital broadcast receiver and receiving a service.

3 is a diagram illustrating a channel searching apparatus using sub channel map generation according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a channel searching method using sub channel map generation according to the present invention, and FIG. FIG. Is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a channel map configured according to FIG.

Referring to FIG. 3, a channel searching apparatus using sub channel map generation in a digital broadcasting receiver according to the present invention includes a receiver 310, a channel information data detector 320, a channel map generator 330, The storage unit 340, the control unit 350, and a means for providing service information for each MUX to the user unit include an OSD processor 360, an image output unit 380, and a display unit 390.

The receiver 310 receives and processes a broadcast stream for each channel from a digital broadcast receiver. In detail, the receiver 310 receives a harmonic (RF) broadcast stream received through an antenna and converts an intermediate frequency (IF) signal of a tuned channel into a baseband signal. In addition, the receiver 310 decodes the converted baseband signal to reproduce the data bit string, and selects one of them under the control of the controller 350 when a plurality of programs are received through the currently tuned harmonic channel. The audio data and the video data signal processor 370 of the selected program are processed and output as appropriate signals. The video data output from the receiver 310 is input to the image output unit 380, processed, and then output to the display unit 390 through a predetermined process.

The channel information data detector 320 detects channel information by reading data related to a service for each channel from the broadcast stream received through the receiver 310.

The additional data included in the digital broadcast stream includes program guide information (EPG) or various program information (service information) included in PSIP data including a table of program related information defined in the MPEG standard. The channel information data detector 320 detects channel information necessary for generating a channel map according to the present invention from among the program information.

The channel information detected includes a physical channel number, a logical channel number, a video / audio / PCR PID (Packet ID) corresponding to the logical channel, a broadcaster to which the channel is assigned, a title of a broadcast program provided by the channel, and a language in which the program is provided. , The genre of the program, the audience rating of the program, etc., and may include other information, if necessary.

The channel map generation unit 330 is an entire channel map generation module 331 for sorting and outputting channel maps for all services belonging to each MUX, and sub-channels for distinguishing and sorting them into separate sub-channel maps for each MUX. The map generation module 331 is configured.

The entire channel map generation module 331 receives the data detected by the channel information data detector 320 and sequentially processes the corresponding program information according to a Logical Channel Number (LCN) assigned with various channel information for each program. The entire channel map is configured to be stored in the storage unit 340.

The sub channel map generation module 332 generates a sub channel map by classifying service information included for each MUX using all channel map information stored in the storage unit 340 according to a user's sub channel map display command.

The program information to be included in the channel map includes a program genre, a language in which the program is provided, a viewing grade of the program, and a preference of the program.

The storage unit 340 may include a nonvolatile memory such as a flash ROM for storing a control program of the controller 350, a RAM for temporarily storing data according to program execution of the controller 350, and Same volatile memory. The storage unit 340 stores the channel map arranged in accordance with the LCN in the channel map generator 330 along with the detected channel information in a predetermined region.

The input unit 351 receives a key signal transmitted from a keypad or a remote controller and outputs it to the controller 350.

The keypad or the remote controller may be set a shortcut key for transmitting a display command of a sub-channel map to be generated according to the present invention, or a special key may be added.

The control unit 350 performs an operation according to a user control command input from the remote controller or the keypad through the input unit 351 according to the control program stored in the storage unit 240. That is, the controller 350 controls the overall operation of the channel map generator 330 according to the control program.

As a means of providing service information for each MUX to the user, the OSD processing unit 360 processes the text image to display the service information when the user has a channel map display command and outputs the text image to the image output unit 380.

The image output unit 380 synthesizes an image service signal output from the signal processor 370 and a signal from the OSD processor 360 or processes each image to fit the display unit 390 and outputs the image to the display unit 390. do.

A channel search method using sub channel map generation according to the present invention in a channel search apparatus using sub channel map generation configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

First, when the digital broadcast receiver starts operation (S410), the control unit 350 of the digital broadcast receiver controls the channel information data detector 320 to control a plurality of data included in the transport stream of the plurality of MUXs received. Data containing service information provided by the channel is extracted (S420).

The entire channel map generation module 331 of the channel map generator 330 extracts the service information present in each of the MUXs so that the extracted service information can be classified into MUXs and sequentially arranged in accordance with the LCN. Configure and store in the storage unit 340 (S430). In addition to the information items required when sequentially configuring the channel maps arranged according to the LCN, information on the MUX in which the program information is included is added.

FIG. 5 is a diagram briefly showing only the information on the LCN and the MUX on the entire channel map stored according to the step S430 and stored in the storage unit 340. That is, the service information of each LCN, which is arranged in accordance with the LCN as a whole, additionally includes information on the MUX in which the respective program information is included.

Referring to FIG. 5, the service information included in MUX 1 is LCN1, LCN10, LCN11, LCN12, LCN14, LCN15, LCN100, and the service information included in MUX2 is LCN2, LCN21, LCN22, LCN23, LCN25, LCN26, and LCN200. In this case, the entire channel map configured in this case is arranged according to the LCN order of all the service information, and is located in MUX 1 in the LCN1, LCN10, LCN11, LCN12, LCN14, LCN15, and LCN100 service information storage areas corresponding to the MUX 1. Additional information 0 indicating information about the information is included, and the service information storage area LCN2, LCN21, LCN22, LCN23, LCN25, LCN26, and LCN200 corresponding to MUX2 includes and stores additional information 1 indicating information about MUX 2. . Such additional information is used when the sub channel map generation module 332 generates the sub channel map.

The extracted service information may be classified according to MUXs, and the channel maps may be configured by storing them according to a logical channel number (LCN) to store additional data indicating a corresponding MUX in service information arranged on the entire channel map as described above. In addition to classifying and storing service information for each MUX, the service information for each MUX may be classified by classifying addresses of a memory in which service information of all channel maps stored in the storage unit 340 is stored. There is no limit to the choice.

In the state where the channel map is stored, a sub-channel map is generated from the channel map according to a user input command using the channel according to a user input command inputted by the user to search for a program serviced for channel setting or channel change. Configure and display (S440).

First, in order to watch a desired program, a user inputs a channel information display command using a button on a control board of a remote controller or a digital broadcast receiver (S441).

The user can input the channel information display command by using a menu function or by using a shortcut key or a button separately set on the remote controller or the control board.

It is possible to use a plurality of function keys and numeric keys and channel up / down keys for changing the broadcasting channel provided in the remote controller for selecting various functions supported by the digital broadcast receiver. For example, pressing the * (or hot key such as M) button and the 10 key may allow a service information display command using the sub channel map according to the present invention to be executed.

Alternatively, a sub channel map corresponding to the selected MUX is generated according to a toggle type in which one of the specific functions is selected according to the number of times the input key is pressed. Then, if a channel up / down key is pressed, a channel according to the corresponding sub channel map is provided. It can also be configured in such a way that it can be switched, and can be implemented in many other ways.

As the channel information display command is input, the controller 350 determines whether the channel information display command is a subchannel information display command (S442).

As a result of the determination (S442), if it is not the sub-channel information display command, the entire channel map stored in the storage unit 340 is sequentially read and the service information arranged in LCN number order is displayed on the display unit (S447).

If the determination result (S442), the sub-channel information display command, the control unit 350 controls the sub-channel map generation module 332 of the channel map generator 330 to generate a sub-channel map. The sub channel map generation module 332 extracts only service information belonging to a specific MUX by using the entire channel map stored in the storage unit 340 and generates a sub channel map composed of only the corresponding service (S443). In this case, the subchannel map can be generated simply by using additional information added to the entire channel map. The sub channel map generated in the above process may be output to the controller 350 or may be stored in the storage means 340.

The controller 350 applies a control signal to the OSD processor 360 to display the service information in the order of the generated sub-channel map, and the OSD processor 360 displays the service information in the corresponding order. Process and output to the image output unit 380.

The image output unit 380 outputs an OSD image signal to the display unit 390 (S444).

Subsequently, a channel search is performed according to the displayed subchannel map according to a user input command. The user selects a desired channel from the channels displayed on the display unit by using a button on the control board of the digital broadcasting receiver or an up / down key on the remote controller. In operation S450, the digital broadcast receiver processes a signal provided by a corresponding channel and outputs a broadcast program in operation S460.

It is determined whether the power-off signal is input to the digital broadcast receiver (S470). When the power-off signal is input, the operation of the digital broadcast receiver is terminated. If the power-off signal is not input, it is determined whether the channel map data update period is completed. (S480).

As a result of the determination (S480), if the update period has elapsed, the step S420 is performed. If the update period has not elapsed, the step S440 is performed.

On the other hand, if the user command signal is not input so that a predetermined time elapses after the user stops the channel search (S445), the controller 350 controls the channel map generator 330 or the storage unit 340 to control the sub-channel map. The display state may be reset (S446) to change the display state to the entire channel map display state.

The channel search apparatus and method using the subchannel map generation according to the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and many modifications are possible by those skilled in the art within the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, changes and modifications are included in the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention, such facts will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

According to an apparatus and method for channel searching using subchannel map generation according to the present invention, a channel map generator generates a subchannel map for each MUX and provides service information for each MUX to a user in a channel map having a plurality of MUXs. Has the advantage that you can search only the services in a specific MUX without using separate editing functions or other menus.

In the case of using the sub channel map generated for each MUX in the channel map generator, the user can be intensively guided to the channels belonging to the same program characteristics according to the program characteristics he / she wants to search. User convenience is increased.

Claims (9)

A receiver which receives and processes a broadcast stream for each channel in a digital broadcast receiver; A channel information data detector for detecting channel information by reading data related to a service for each channel from the broadcast stream received through the receiver; A channel map generator for sorting the channel information data according to a user input command into a channel map of all services belonging to each MUX or distinguishing and sorting the channel information data into a separate sub channel map for each MUX; A storage unit for storing the channel map generated by the channel map generator; Means for providing service information for each MUX to a user using the channel map stored in the storage unit; And And a control unit for controlling the user input command and controlling the components. The method of claim 1, wherein the channel map generation unit, An entire channel map generation module for sorting and outputting channel channels for all services belonging to each MUX; A sub channel map generation module for distinguishing and sorting each sub channel into separate sub channel maps; Channel search apparatus using sub-channel map generation, characterized in that configured to include. Extracting service information included in each MUX; Constructing and storing a channel map by sorting the extracted service information by MUX and sorting according to a logical channel number (LCN); Constructing and displaying a subchannel map from the channel map according to a user input command; And And performing a channel search according to the displayed subchannel map. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the extracted service information is classified into MUXs, and the channel information is arranged and stored according to a logical channel number (LCN). A channel search method using sub-channel map generation, characterized in that service information for each MUX is classified by classifying addresses of a memory in which service information arranged on an entire channel map is stored. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the extracted service information is classified into MUXs, and the channel information is arranged and stored according to a logical channel number (LCN). A method of channel searching using sub-channel map generation, characterized in that service information for each MUX is distinguished by including additional data indicating a corresponding MUX in service information arranged on all channel maps. The method of claim 3, wherein the configuring and displaying the sub-channel map from the channel map according to the user input command comprises: Determining whether a sub channel display command is input when a user channel display command is input; Constructing a subchannel map for each MUX when the determination result is a subchannel display command; And And displaying the configured subchannel map on a display unit. The method of claim 6, wherein the user channel display command, Channel search method using the sub-channel map generation, characterized in that the input using the hot key set on the remote control. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein if the determination result is not a sub-channel display command, displaying service information of the entire channel map is performed. The method of claim 6, wherein after displaying the sub channel map on a display unit, And deleting the configured subchannel map data after a predetermined time has elapsed.

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