KR20080008516A - Method for searching broadcasting channel of broadcasting receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for searching a broadcasting channel in a broadcasting signal receiver are provided to detect an RF(Radio Frequency) level of each broadcasting signal firstly and selectively perform RF tuning, modulation, decoding and effective broadcasting signal check processes only with respect to broadcasting channels where the detected RF level is bigger than a preset reference level, thereby reducing effective broadcasting channel search time. A tuner block(104) tunes an RF(Radio Frequency) of a preset specific broadcasting channel if a request for searching effective broadcasting channel is received. An effective frequency determining block(106) detects a level of the tuned RF, compares the detected RF level with a preset reference effective level, and firstly determines whether the specific broadcasting channel is a candidate effective broadcasting channel or not based on the comparison result. If so, a decoder(110) decodes a broadcasting signal of an IF(Intermediate Frequency) extracted from the tuned RF. An effective channel determining block(112) checks whether the decoded broadcasting signal includes an effective broadcasting signal or not. If so, a control block(102) registers the specific broadcasting channel as the effective broadcasting channel.

Description

Apparatus and method for searching for broadcast channel in broadcast signal receiver {METHOD FOR SEARCHING BROADCASTING CHANNEL OF BROADCASTING RECEIVER}

1 is a block diagram of a broadcast signal receiver to which a broadcast channel discovery apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied;

2 is a flowchart illustrating a process of searching for a broadcast channel in a broadcast signal receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of searching for a broadcast channel in a broadcast signal receiver according to another embodiment of the present invention.

<Description of the code | symbol about the principal part of drawing>

102: control block 104: tuner block

106: effective frequency determination block 108: modulator

110: decoder 112: effective channel determination block

114: memory block

The present invention relates to a broadcast signal receiver, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for searching for a broadcast channel in a broadcast signal receiver suitable for automatically searching for broadcast channels having different channel frequencies at high speed.

As is well known, a broadcast signal receiver finds and stores information on a valid broadcast channel having a valid broadcast signal in advance through a plurality of broadcast channels, for example, a broadcast channel search function, and the user broadcasts using a channel up / down key. When switching channels, it has a built-in function to tune adjacent effective broadcast channels.

In the broadcast channel search function as described above, an RF signal of a specific broadcast channel is tuned through a tuner, an IF (intermediate frequency) signal is extracted from the tuned RF signal, and a video signal and an audio separated from the extracted IF signal. After decoding the signal, the effective broadcast channel was searched by determining whether an effective video signal or an effective audio signal exists.

That is, in the conventional method, when searching for an effective broadcast channel, whether a corresponding broadcast channel is an effective channel having an effective broadcast signal through a series of processes such as RF tuning → modulation (IF) → decoding → valid broadcast signal check is performed. Search.

However, in the conventional method as described above, the time required for searching for the effective broadcast channel is unnecessary because RF broadcasting → modulation (IF) → decoding → valid broadcast signal check for each broadcast channel must be performed. There is a problem that the user is walking, and this problem leads to service dissatisfaction of users by unnecessarily consuming channel search time in the broadcast signal receiver.

Accordingly, the present invention is to solve the above problems of the prior art, by introducing a pre-validation check technique in the RF stage, a broadcast signal receiver that can reduce the time required to search the effective broadcast channel in the broadcast signal receiver An object of the present invention is to provide a broadcast channel searching apparatus and a method thereof.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for searching for a broadcast channel in a broadcast signal receiver capable of selectively tuning a plurality of broadcast channels, when a request for searching for an effective broadcast channel is set in advance. Means for tuning the RF of the control unit; and detecting the level of the tuned RF, comparing the detected RF level with a preset reference valid level, and determining whether the specific broadcast channel is a candidate valid broadcast channel based on the comparison result. Means for firstly determining, when the specific broadcast channel is a candidate valid broadcast channel, decoding the broadcast signal of the IF extracted from the tuned RF, and checking whether the decoded broadcast signal contains a valid broadcast signal. Means and means for registering the specific broadcast channel as an effective broadcast channel when the valid broadcast signal is included; It provides a broadcast channel search device in a group.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of searching for a broadcast channel in a broadcast signal receiver capable of selectively tuning a plurality of broadcast channels. Sequentially tuning the RF of each broadcast channel, sequentially detecting the levels of sequentially tuned RFs, and comparing each detected sequential RF level with a preset reference effective level, based on the comparison result Temporarily storing only RF of broadcast channels having a detected RF level higher than the predetermined reference valid level as a candidate valid channel, sequentially tuning the candidate valid channels to decode a broadcast signal, and decoding each candidate Checking whether a valid broadcast signal is included in each of the effective channels; and based on the check result. It provides a broadcast channel search method in a broadcasting signal receiver including the step of registering the only valid candidate channel including valid broadcast signal is valid broadcast channels.

According to another aspect of another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for searching for a broadcast channel in a broadcast signal receiver capable of selectively tuning a plurality of broadcast channels. A first process of tuning an RF of a broadcast channel, a second process of detecting a level of the tuned RF, and comparing the detected RF level with a preset reference valid level; and as a result of the comparison, the detected RF A third step of decoding the IF broadcast signal extracted from the detected RF when the level is at least higher than the preset reference valid level; and registering the corresponding broadcast channel as an effective broadcast channel when a valid broadcast signal exists in the decoded broadcast signal. And a fourth process, checking whether a preset next broadcast channel exists, and when the next broadcast channel exists, the first process to When the fifth step of performing the fourth step and repeat, then the preset broadcast channels are not present provides a broadcast channel search method in a broadcasting signal receiver including a sixth process of terminating the channel search process.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The core technology of the present invention is different from the above-described conventional method of performing RF tuning, modulation (IF), decoding, and valid broadcast signal check for each broadcast channel when searching for an effective broadcast channel. The RF level of the broadcast channel is first detected, and then selectively tuned to the broadcast channels where the detected RF level is higher than or equal to a preset reference level, such as RF tuning, modulation (IF), decoding, and valid broadcast signal checking. By reducing the time required for searching for an effective broadcast channel, it is possible to easily achieve the object of the present invention through such technical means.

1 is a block diagram of a broadcast signal receiver to which a broadcast channel discovery apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is applied, and includes a control block 102, a tuner block 104, an effective frequency determination block 106, and a modulator 108. , The decoder 110, the effective channel determination block 112, the memory block 114, and the like.

First of all, since the present invention is a technical subject of searching for an effective broadcast channel and storing (automatically registering) an effective broadcast channel for a user's channel interface (channel interface using a channel up / down key), a broadcast signal receiver will be described below. In the functions of the respective constituent members, only the function of searching for an effective broadcast channel and automatically storing (ie, a broadcast channel search mode) will be described.

Referring to FIG. 1, the control block 102 includes, for example, a microprocessor for performing overall operation control of a broadcast signal receiver, and controls the broadcast channel tuning in the tuner block 104. According to the present invention, when a determination result signal indicating that an RF level of a specific broadcast channel is greater than a preset reference valid level is provided from the effective frequency determination block 106 described later, the corresponding specific broadcast channel is temporarily stored in the internal memory as a candidate valid broadcast channel. And store the corresponding specific broadcast channel as a valid broadcast channel in the memory block 114 when a result of determining that a valid broadcast signal exists in a specific broadcast channel is provided from the effective channel determination block 112 described later. To provide such functions.

Next, the tuner block 104 selectively tunes any broadcast channel in response to the tuning control signal provided from the control block 102, wherein the broadcast signal (RF signal) of the tuned broadcast channel is The next stage is passed to the modulator 108. In addition, the tuner block 104 provides the effective frequency determination block 106 with each RF signal tuned in each broadcast channel when executing the channel auto search mode according to the present invention. For example, assuming that the broadcast channel is from channel 1 to channel 50, the RF signal of each broadcast channel sequentially tuned from channel 1 to channel 50 is delivered to the effective frequency determination block 106.

In addition, the effective frequency determination block 106 detects the level of the RF signal when the RF signal of a specific broadcast channel is provided from the tuner block 104, and detects the detected RF level and a preset reference valid level (for example, 40 kHz). And the like, and when the determination result signal based on the comparison result, for example, the detected RF level is greater than the preset reference valid level, generates a determination result signal of the "high (H)" level, and the detected RF level is When it is smaller than the preset reference valid level, a determination result signal having a low level is generated and provided to the control block 102.

In response, the control block 102 pauses the broadcast channel as a candidate valid channel in the internal memory when a signal of high level is provided from the effective frequency determination block 106 as a determination result signal corresponding to the broadcast channel. Save it.

That is, in the control block 102, the RF level among all the broadcast channels is preset based on the determination result signal (high or low level result signal) for each broadcast channel provided from the effective frequency determination block 106. Only the broadcast channels larger than the level are selected and temporarily stored as candidate valid channels, and when the primary screening process for the candidate valid channels is completed, the tuner is generated by generating a tuning control signal for the selected candidate valid channels. At the same time as the block 104, the effective channel determination control signal is generated and transmitted to the effective channel determination block 112.

As a result, the RF signal tuned in the candidate effective channel is provided to the modulator 108. In response, the modulator 108 extracts an IF signal from the RF signal and performs a process such as frequency amplification and then broadcasts the corresponding broadcast signal (encoding). The broadcast signal) is transmitted to the decoder 110, and the decoder 110 decodes the broadcast signal and then delivers it to the effective channel determination block 112.

Subsequently, the effective channel determination block 112 checks whether a valid broadcast signal exists in the decoded broadcast signal using a conventional broadcast signal detection technique or the like, which is well known in the art, and based on the result of the check A judgment result signal, for example, a "high (H)" judgment result signal is generated when there is a valid broadcast signal in the broadcast signal, and a "low (L)" level when there is no valid broadcast signal in the broadcast signal. The result of the determination of the signal is generated and provided to the control block 102.

In response, the control block 102 selects the candidate valid channel as a valid broadcast channel when a signal of a "high" level is provided from the effective channel determination block 112 as a determination result signal corresponding to the corresponding broadcast channel. 114) (register).

That is, the control block 102 is valid among all candidate valid channels selected primarily based on the determination result signal (high or low level result signal) for each candidate valid channel provided from the effective channel determination block 112. Only candidate valid channels including a broadcast signal are secondaryly selected and stored in the memory block 114 as a valid broadcast channel.

In other words, in the present invention, the candidate valid channels are first selected based on the RF level for all broadcast channels, and then tuning (including modulation, decoding, and valid broadcast signal checking processes) on the selected candidate valid channels is performed again. By performing secondary selection to register only candidate valid channels having an effective broadcast signal as an effective broadcast channel, i.e., without applying modulation, decoding, and valid broadcast signal checking processes to all broadcast channels, Only the broadcast channels that are above the effective level are first sorted, tuned, modulated, decoded, and checked for the effective broadcast signal, thereby greatly reducing the search time required for the broadcast channel search.

Meanwhile, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, candidate valid channels are first selected based on the RF level for all broadcast channels, and then, candidate tuning having valid broadcast signals is performed by performing tuning on the selected candidate valid channels again. Although only the channels have been described as secondary screening and registering as an effective broadcast channel, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the RF level is detected for one broadcast channel, and the detected RF level is equal to or greater than a preset reference effective level. In this case, the modulation, decoding, and valid broadcast signal checking processes may be directly applied to the RF signal of the corresponding broadcast channel to check whether the corresponding broadcast channel is an effective broadcast channel. That is, the present invention can be set to check whether or not the effective broadcast channel sequentially for all broadcast channels in such a manner that the primary and secondary validity of one broadcast channel are sequentially performed simultaneously.

In addition, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described as a separate effective frequency determination block to detect the RF level, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, the frequency (RF) while performing the frequency AGC (automatic gain control) Of course, it can be designed to detect the level.

Next, a series of processes for automatically searching for an effective broadcast channel using the broadcast channel search apparatus of the present invention having the above-described configuration will be described.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a process of searching for a broadcast channel in a broadcast signal receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, while the broadcast signal receiver is in the viewing mode, the user may execute the broadcast channel search mode through the interface (step 202). When the user requests execution of the broadcast channel search mode (step 204), The control block 102 executes the broadcast channel search mode, that is, the control block 102 generates a tuning control signal for channel search and transmits it to the tuner block 104.

In response, the tuner block 104 transmits the RF signal obtained after tuning the preceding broadcast channel in response to the tuning control signal to the effective frequency determination block 106 (step 206), and the effective frequency determination block 106. Detects an RF level of a corresponding broadcast channel. In this case, the RF signals obtained through the tuning in the tuner block 104 are provided only to the effective frequency determination block 106 and are not provided to the modulator 108.

Then, the detected RF level is compared with the preset reference valid level n (for example, 40 Hz, etc.) (step 208), wherein the RF level detected as a result of the comparison here is at least greater than the preset reference valid level n. When determined to be large, the effective frequency determination block 106 generates a corresponding determination result signal (for example, a high level determination result signal) and transmits it to the control block 102. As a result, the control block 102 The broadcast channel is temporarily stored in the internal memory as a candidate valid broadcast channel (step 210).

As a result of the comparison in step 208, when it is determined that the detected RF level is smaller than the preset reference valid level n, the effective frequency determination block 106 determines the corresponding determination result signal (e.g., low level). A determination result signal) is generated and transmitted to the control block 102, and as a result, the control block 102 passes the broadcast channel without temporarily storing it as a candidate valid broadcast channel (step 212).

Next, in step 214, it is checked whether there is a next broadcast channel for valid channel search, and when the check here determines that there is a next broadcast channel, the process proceeds to step 206 described above. By repeating the following process, it is checked whether to temporarily store the candidate valid channel for the next broadcast channel.

That is, in the present embodiment, by repeatedly executing the processes of steps 206 to 214, a primary channel search for all broadcast channels, that is, candidate effective channel search is performed.

Next, as a result of the check in step 214, it is determined that there is no next broadcast channel, that is, the primary channel search for all broadcast channels is completed so that the candidate effective channel at which the RF level is at least greater than the preset reference valid level. If it is determined that the search for these fields is completed, the control block 102 generates a tuning control signal for the candidate valid channels and transmits the tuning control signal to the tuner block 104. As a result, the tuner block 104 transmits the candidate valid channels to the candidate valid channels. Tuning is performed (step 216). At this time, RF signals of each candidate valid channel obtained through tuning in the tuner block 104 are not transmitted to the effective frequency determination block 106 but only to the modulator 108.

Subsequently, the RF signal of the corresponding candidate valid channel tuned through the tuner block 104 is modulated and decoded into an IF signal (step 218), and the decoded broadcast signal is passed to the effective channel determination block 112.

In response, the effective channel determination block 112 checks whether a valid broadcast signal (video signal or audio signal) is present in the decoded broadcast signal (step 220), and the check result is valid for the corresponding broadcast signal. When it is determined that there is a broadcast signal, the effective channel determination block 112 generates a corresponding determination result signal (for example, a high level determination result signal) and transmits the result to the control block 102. In step 102, the candidate valid channel is determined to be a valid broadcast channel and stored (registered) in the memory block 114 (step 222).

When it is determined that the valid broadcast signal does not exist in the corresponding broadcast signal as a result of the check in step 220, the valid channel determination block 112 sends a corresponding determination result signal (eg, a low level determination result signal). And generate it and pass it to the control block 102, whereby the control block 102 passes the candidate valid channel without storing it as an effective broadcast channel (step 224).

Then, in step 226, it is checked whether there is a next candidate valid channel for searching for an effective broadcast channel, and when the check here determines that there is a next candidate valid channel, the process proceeds to step 216 described above. By repeating the subsequent process, it is checked whether the next candidate valid channel is stored as a valid broadcast channel.

That is, in the present embodiment, by repeatedly executing the processes of steps 216 to 226, the secondary channel search for all candidate valid channels, that is, the effective broadcast channel search, is performed.

Next, if the check in step 226 above determines that there is no next candidate valid channel, i.e., the secondary channel search for all candidate valid channels is completed, the control block 102 determines that the channel search mode is completed. End (step 228).

Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, candidate valid channels are first selected based on the RF level for all broadcast channels, and then tuning (including modulation, decoding, etc.) of the selected candidate valid channels is performed again. Therefore, only candidate valid channels having a valid broadcast signal are secondaryly selected and stored (registered) as a valid broadcast channel, that is, without applying a modulation, decoding, and valid broadcast signal check process to each broadcast channel, the RF level may be Only the broadcast channels that are higher than or equal to the set reference valid level are first sorted, tuned, modulated, decoded, and checked for valid broadcast signals, thereby greatly reducing channel search time required for searching for broadcast channels.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of searching for a broadcast channel in a broadcast signal receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, according to the present embodiment, the candidate valid channels are firstly selected using only an RF level check, and then, secondly, valid broadcast channels including valid broadcast signals among candidate valid channels are extracted and stored. Unlike one embodiment, a process for detecting an RF level for one broadcast channel and checking the RF signal of the corresponding broadcast channel only when the detected RF level is equal to or greater than a preset reference valid level is performed. Is selectively applied to check whether a corresponding broadcast channel is an effective broadcast channel.

That is, in the present embodiment, the effective broadcast channel is sequentially applied to all broadcast channels in such a manner that the first (RF level check) and the second (check whether a valid broadcast signal is included) validity are sequentially performed on one broadcast channel. Check whether or not to store the effective broadcast channel information.

First, while the broadcast signal receiver is performing the viewing mode, the user may execute the broadcast channel search mode through the interface (step 302). If the user requests execution of the broadcast channel search mode (step 304), the control block 102 In step 1), the broadcast channel search mode is executed, that is, the control block 102 generates a tuning control signal for channel search and transmits it to the tuner block 104.

In response, the tuner block 104 transmits the RF signal obtained after tuning the first broadcast channel preceding in response to the tuning control signal to the effective frequency determination block 106 (step 306), and the effective frequency determination block ( In step 106, the RF level of the corresponding broadcast channel is detected. At this time, RF signals obtained through tuning in the tuner block 104 are simultaneously provided to the modulator 108.

Subsequently, the detected RF level is compared with the preset reference valid level n (for example, 40 Hz, etc.) (step 308), wherein the RF level detected as a result of the comparison here is at least greater than the preset reference valid level n. When determined to be large, the effective frequency determination block 106 generates a corresponding determination result signal (for example, a high level determination result signal) and transmits it to the control block 102. As a result, the control block 102 A control signal for checking the validity of the broadcast channel is generated and transmitted to the valid channel determination block 112 (step 310).

Accordingly, the effective channel determination block 112 checks whether a valid broadcast signal (video signal or audio signal) is present in the decoded broadcast signal of the corresponding broadcast channel provided from the decoder 110 (step 312). When it is determined that the valid broadcast signal is present in the corresponding broadcast signal, the valid channel determination block 112 generates a corresponding determination result signal (eg, a high level determination result signal) and controls the block 102. As a result, the control block 102 determines that the broadcast channel is an effective broadcast channel and stores (registers) the memory block 114 (step 314), and the process proceeds to step 318.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the detected RF level is smaller than the preset reference valid level n as a result of the comparison in the step 308, the effective frequency determination block 106 corresponds to a corresponding determination result signal (eg, low). Level determination result signal) is generated and transmitted to the control block 102. As a result, the control block 102 does not generate a control signal for checking the validity of the broadcast channel (i.e., the path of the broadcast channel) ( In step 316, it is checked whether there is a next broadcast channel to tune (step 318).

As a result of the check in the step 318, when it is determined that there is a next broadcast channel to be tuned, the process proceeds to the above-described step 306, and by repeating the subsequent process, the validity of the next broadcast channel ( That is, whether a valid broadcast channel) is checked.

That is, in the present embodiment, by repeatedly executing the processes of steps 306 to 318, whether or not an effective broadcast channel is performed in a manner of sequentially performing the RF level check and the check whether the effective broadcast signal is included in all broadcast channels is performed. Check to save (register) only the valid broadcast channel information.

Finally, when the check in step 318 determines that there is no next broadcast channel to tune, control block 102 ends the channel search mode (step 320).

Therefore, although the present embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in the procedure of checking the RF level and the existence of the valid broadcast signal, the corresponding broadcast channel is provided when the RF level is smaller than the preset reference valid level. Since it passes directly without performing modulation, decoding, and so on, it is possible to obtain substantially the same result (effect) as in the above-described embodiment.

In the foregoing description, the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It will be readily appreciated that branch substitutions, modifications and variations are possible.

As described above, according to the present invention, unlike the foregoing conventional method of performing RF tuning, modulation (IF), decoding, and valid broadcast signal check for each broadcast channel when searching for an effective broadcast channel, The RF level of each broadcasting channel is first detected, and then only the broadcasting channels where the detected RF level is higher than or equal to a preset reference level are selectively processed through RF tuning, modulation (IF), decoding, and valid broadcast signal checking. By doing so, it is possible to effectively reduce the time required for searching for an effective broadcast channel in the broadcast channel search mode.

Claims (6)

An apparatus for searching for a broadcast channel in a broadcast signal receiver capable of selectively tuning a plurality of broadcast channels, Means for tuning the RF of a preset specific broadcast channel when there is a discovery request for an effective broadcast channel; Means for detecting the level of the tuned RF, comparing the detected RF level with a preset reference valid level, and primarily determining whether the specific broadcast channel is a candidate valid broadcast channel based on the comparison result; Means for decoding a broadcast signal of IF extracted from the tuned RF when the specific broadcast channel is a candidate valid broadcast channel and checking whether the decoded broadcast signal includes a valid broadcast signal; Means for registering the specific broadcast channel as an effective broadcast channel when the valid broadcast signal is included; Broadcast channel search apparatus in a broadcast signal receiver comprising a. The method of claim 1, The level detection of each RF, the broadcast channel search apparatus in the broadcast signal receiver, characterized in that performed using the frequency AGC. A method of searching for a broadcast channel in a broadcast signal receiver capable of selectively tuning a plurality of broadcast channels, When there is a search request for an effective broadcast channel, sequentially tuning RF of each preset broadcast channel; Detecting the levels of each sequentially tuned RF, and comparing each detected RF level with a preset reference valid level, respectively; Temporarily storing only RFs of broadcast channels whose RF level detected based on the comparison result is at least higher than the preset reference valid level as candidate valid channels; Decoding the broadcast signal by sequentially tuning the candidate valid channels; Checking whether each of the candidate valid channels to be decoded includes a valid broadcast signal; Registering only candidate valid channels including a valid broadcast signal as a valid broadcast channel based on the check result; Broadcast channel search method in a broadcast signal receiver comprising a. The method of claim 3, wherein The level detection of each RF is performed by using a frequency AGC. A method of searching for a broadcast channel in a broadcast signal receiver capable of selectively tuning a plurality of broadcast channels, When there is a discovery request for an effective broadcast channel, a first process of tuning RF of a preset broadcast channel; Detecting a level of the tuned RF and comparing the detected RF level with a preset reference valid level; A third step of decoding the IF broadcast signal extracted from the detected RF when the detected RF level is at least higher than the preset reference valid level; Registering a corresponding broadcast channel as an effective broadcast channel when the effective broadcast signal exists in the decoded broadcast signal; A fifth process of checking whether a preset next broadcast channel exists and repeatedly performing the first to fourth processes when the next broadcast channel exists; A sixth process of terminating a channel searching process when the preset next broadcast channel does not exist Broadcast channel search method in a broadcast signal receiver comprising a. The method of claim 5, The level detection of the tuned RF, the broadcast channel search method in a broadcast signal receiver, characterized in that performed using the frequency AGC.

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