WO2008029552A1

WO2008029552A1 - Broadcasting system, receiver apparatus and broadcasting apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2008029552A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/062910
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yutaka Yamada; Hiroshi Takeno
Original assignee: Panasonic Corporation
Priority date: 2006-09-07
Filing date: 2007-06-27
Publication date: 2008-03-13
Also published as: JP2008067082A

Abstract

To provide a broadcasting system and receiver apparatuses used therein. The broadcasting system allows one of users remote from each other to remote control another user's receiver apparatus instead of the other user. For this purpose, a broadcasting system is used which comprises a cable television broadcasting apparatus (1) that transmits a broadcast signal; and a plurality of receiver apparatus (10-(n×10)) each of which receives the broadcast signal and reproduces therefrom video and audio signals for application to a TV. Each of the plurality of receiver apparatus (10-(n×10)), when externally given an instruction to remote control another receiver apparatus, transmits, to the broadcasting apparatus (1), a remote control signal that requests a permission of remote controlling the other receiver apparatus. The broadcasting apparatus (1), when receiving the remote control signal, identifies therefrom the other receiver apparatus and then transmits the remote control signal to the other receiver apparatus as identified. The other receiver apparatus receives the remote control signal and, if accepting the remote control, then is remote controlled by the receiver apparatus having transmitted the remote control signal.

Description

Specification

Broadcasting system, receiving device, and broadcasting device

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a broadcasting system used for television broadcasting such as cable television, and a receiving apparatus and broadcasting apparatus used therefor.

Background art

[0002] In recent years, the needs of viewers who watch television broadcasts are various. For this reason, cable television (hereinafter referred to as “CATV: Common Antenna Television”), which provides a large number of channels to meet a wide variety of needs, is attracting attention, and the number of subscribers is increasing year by year. .

[0003] CATV is performed as follows (see, for example, Patent Document 1). First, the CATV station receives terrestrial broadcasting, CS broadcasting, BS broadcasting, and the like. Next, the CATV station retransmits the received signal to the contract user's home in the service area. A receiving device called a set-top bot (hereinafter referred to as “STB”) is installed at the user's home, and the signal from CATV is received by the STB.

[0004] Next, the STB restores the received broadcast signal into a video signal and an audio signal, and outputs them to a television receiver (TV) connected to the ST B. Also, programs are selected from a number of channels (terrestrial / CS / BS) provided by CATV by the user's operation of the STB remote controller. As a result, the user can enjoy the selected program via the television receiver.

[0005] Furthermore, in recent years, CATV has provided an interactive service that enables transmission and reception between a user and a CATV station. According to the interactive service, users can use services such as PPV (Pay Per View), which charges only for the programs they watch, and VOD (Video On Demand), which distributes video in response to user requests. Can receive. Moreover, according to the interactive service, CATV stations can perform audience rating surveys and aggregate questionnaires from viewers.

Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2003Z045059 Pamphlet Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] However, the number of buttons on the STB remote controller has increased due to such interactive services and the increase in the number of channels, and the operation has become very complicated. This makes it difficult for users who are unfamiliar with device operation (for example, elderly people) to use the remote controller, making it difficult to view the desired program. This also prevents users who are unfamiliar with the operation of the device from joining CATV.

[0007] Also, cable television stations are capable of providing user support by enabling users to make inquiries by telephone or e-mail. Such user support is not sufficient for users who are unfamiliar with device operation. Nao. Users who are unfamiliar with device operation, especially elderly people, want users who are used to operating the device to operate the remote controller on their behalf.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem, and between users who are away from each other, a broadcasting system in which one can remotely control the other receiving device instead of the other, and a receiving device used therefor And providing a broadcasting device.

Means for solving the problem

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a broadcast system according to the present invention includes a broadcast device that transmits a broadcast signal, and the broadcast signal received, restored to a video signal and an audio signal, and a television receiver. Each of the plurality of receiving devices, when remote operation for another receiving device other than the receiving device is requested from the outside, A remote operation signal for requesting permission for remote operation is transmitted to the broadcasting device, and when the broadcasting device receives the remote operation signal, the broadcasting device identifies the other receiving device and identifies the identified other device. The remote control signal is transmitted to the receiver, and the other receiver receives the remote control signal and, when accepting the remote control, the receiver that has transmitted the remote control signal. It is characterized by being operated remotely.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, a receiving device according to the present invention is a receiving device that receives a broadcast signal transmitted by a broadcast device, and receives the broadcast signal, which is received as a video signal. A video reception unit that restores the signal and the audio signal and outputs to the television receiver, and a remote operation processing unit, wherein the remote operation processing unit receives the broadcast signal of the broadcast device When a remote operation is requested from the outside, a remote operation signal requesting permission for remote operation is sent to the other receiving device to the broadcasting device, and the other receiving device receives the receiving device. When the remote control signal is transmitted to the broadcasting device to remotely control the remote control signal, and when the broadcasting device transmits the remote control signal to the receiving device, the other receiving device is registered in advance in the receiving device. If the remote operation processing unit accepts the remote operation by the other receiving device, the video receiving unit accepts the remote operation by the other receiving device. According to an instruction of the receiving device, characterized in that it operates.

[0011] Further, in order to achieve the above object, a broadcasting device according to the present invention is a broadcasting device that transmits a broadcast signal to a plurality of receiving devices, and any of the plurality of receiving devices is the receiving device. In order to remotely operate another receiving device other than the remote operation signal, the remote operation signal is transmitted from the remote operation signal to the broadcasting device. The receiver is identified, and it is determined whether or not the combination of the receiver that has transmitted the remote operation signal and the other receiver is registered in advance in the broadcasting device, and only when the receiver is registered. The remote control signal is transmitted to the receiving device.

The invention's effect

[0012] As described above, according to the present invention, a master-slave relationship is established between one receiving device and another receiving device. Therefore, one user can operate the receiving device of the other user in place of the other user between users who are away from each other. For this reason, for example, even a person unfamiliar with the operation of the device can surely view the desired program by switching the channel or making a viewing reservation by a person familiar with the operation of the device.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a broadcasting system, a receiving device, and a broadcasting device in an embodiment of the present invention. [FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a command generated internally when the receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment performs remote operation, and FIG. 2 (a) is an internal command generated by the control unit. FIG. 2 (b) shows the parent-child communication command generated by the remote operation processing unit.

[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a command generated inside when the receiving apparatus in the present embodiment is remotely operated.

[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the base unit in the present embodiment.

[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the broadcasting device in the present embodiment.

[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the slave unit in the present embodiment.

[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed by the master unit and the slave unit until the end of the remote control starting power, and FIG. 7 (a) to FIG. Show the correct screen.

[FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the parent device when a channel is changed.

[FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the slave unit when a channel is changed.

[FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the master unit and the slave unit until the starting power and end of the channel change. FIG. 10 (a) to FIG. Show the main screen! /

[FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the parent device at the time of viewing reservation.

[FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the slave unit at the time of viewing reservation.

[FIG. 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the master unit and the slave unit until the starting power of the viewing reservation and the end thereof, and FIGS. Shows the screen.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A broadcasting system according to the present invention includes a broadcasting device that transmits a broadcasting signal, and a plurality of receiving devices that receive the broadcasting signal, restore it to a video signal and an audio signal, and output it to a television receiver. And each of the plurality of receiving devices When a remote operation for another receiving device other than the receiving device is requested by an external force, a remote operation signal for requesting permission for remote operation is transmitted to the other receiving device toward the broadcasting device, and When the broadcast device receives the remote operation signal, the broadcast device identifies the other reception device, transmits the remote operation signal to the identified other reception device, and the other reception device transmits the remote operation signal. When the remote control is received and the remote control is accepted, the remote control is performed by the receiving device that has transmitted the remote control signal.

[0015] In the broadcasting system of the present invention, as the remote operation signal, an identifier of a receiving device that transmits the remote operation signal, an identifier of the other receiving device, and a remote operation command that specifies the type of remote operation; Can be used.

[0016] In the broadcasting system of the present invention, the broadcasting device determines whether or not the combination of the receiving device that has transmitted the remote control signal and the other receiving device is a combination registered in advance in the broadcasting device. It is preferable that the remote control signal is transmitted to the other receiving device only when it is determined and registered. According to this aspect, the security of the remotely operated receiving device can be further improved.

[0017] The broadcasting system according to the present invention may be configured such that when the remote operation signal is transmitted, the other reception device accepts the remote operation when the other reception device is registered in advance. good. According to this aspect, the remote operation is performed only by another user who is approved by the user of the receiving device that is remotely operated.

[0018] Further, in the broadcasting system according to the present invention, when the other receiving device receives the remote operation signal and accepts the remote operation, the status information specifying its own state is received as the status information. The receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal is transmitted to the receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal via a broadcasting device, and the receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal receives the status information. The receiving device outputs to the television receiver and outputs the same signal as the video signal and the audio signal to the television receiver connected to the receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal. Is preferred. According to this aspect, the operability can be improved in the receiving apparatus that performs remote operation.

[0019] Further, in the broadcasting system according to the present invention, the remote control signal is transmitted and received. Remote operations that require permission from the device include channel switching and program viewing reservations. Further, the status information includes at least one of a channel selected by the other receiving device, a channel viewable by the other receiving device, and a channel reserved for viewing by the other receiving device. It is good to specify one.

[0020] In addition, the receiving device according to the present invention is a receiving device that receives a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcasting device, receives the broadcast signal, restores the signal to a video signal and an audio signal, and the television receiver. When the remote operation of another receiving device for receiving the broadcast signal of the broadcasting device is requested by an external force, the remote operation processing unit A remote operation signal for requesting permission of remote operation to the other receiving device is transmitted to the broadcasting device, and the remote operation is performed on the broadcasting device so that the other receiving device remotely operates the receiving device. When the broadcast device transmits the remote operation signal to the receiving device, the other receiving device is registered on the receiving device in advance, if the other receiving device is registered in advance. When the remote operation processing unit accepts remote operation by the other receiving device, the video receiving unit operates in response to an instruction from the other receiving device. To do.

[0021] Furthermore, the broadcasting device in the present invention is a broadcasting device that transmits a broadcast signal to a plurality of receiving devices, and any one of the plurality of receiving devices remotely operates another receiving device other than the receiving device. Therefore, when transmitting a remote operation signal for requesting permission for remote operation to the other receiving device, the other receiving device is identified from the remote operation signal. Then, it is determined whether or not the combination of the receiving device that has transmitted the remote control signal and the other receiving device is registered in advance in the broadcasting device, and only when the combination is registered in the other receiving device. The remote control signal is transmitted to the mobile phone.

[0022] (Embodiment)

Hereinafter, a broadcasting system, a receiving device, and a broadcasting device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, in the embodiment of the present invention The configuration of the broadcasting system, receiving device, and broadcasting device will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a broadcasting system, a receiving device, and a broadcasting device in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of commands generated internally when the receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment performs remote operation. FIG. 2 (a) shows internal commands generated by the control unit. 2 (b) shows the parent-child communication command generated by the remote control processing unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a command generated inside when the receiving apparatus in the present embodiment is remotely operated.

As shown in FIG. 1, the broadcasting system includes a broadcasting device 1 that transmits a broadcast signal, and a plurality of receiving devices 10 to (nX 10). In the present embodiment, broadcasting device 1 is a CATV broadcasting device. In addition, the receiving device 10 to the receiving device (n X 10) are STBs (Set Top Box) for CATV and are arranged in the premises of the users (l) to (n) contracted with the CATV station ( n: any integer). In the present embodiment, the number of receiving devices that receive broadcast signals from one broadcasting device 1 is not particularly limited.

The broadcast device 1 includes a data transmission / reception unit 2 and a broadcast signal transmission unit 3. The broadcast signal sending unit 3 is also provided in the conventional broadcasting device, receives terrestrial broadcasting, CS broadcasting, BS broadcasting, etc., and sends the received broadcasting signal to the receiving devices 10 to (! I X 10). . The receiving devices 10 to (η Χ ΙΟ) are provided with a video receiving unit as in the conventional STB. The video receiving unit receives the broadcast signal transmitted from the broadcast signal transmitting unit 3 of the broadcasting device 1, restores it to a video signal and an audio signal, and receives the television image of each user (1) to (! 1). Output to the machine (hereinafter referred to as “TV”).

In the example of FIG. 1, the video reception unit and the TV are illustrated only with respect to the reception devices 10 and 20. Reference numeral 17 denotes a video receiving unit of the receiving device 10, and 18 denotes TV connected to the receiving device 10. 27 is a video receiver of the receiving device 20, and 28 is a TV connected to the receiving device 20.

As described above, the broadcasting system of the present invention includes the broadcasting device 1 and the receiving devices 10 to (n X 10), and can distribute various contents to users as in the conventional CATV system. However, in the present invention, unlike the conventional case, a master-slave relationship can be established between the receiving devices. User power of other receivers The remote receivers of other users can be operated remotely.

[0028] That is, each of the receiving devices 10 to (n X 10), when a remote operation for another receiving device other than itself is requested from the outside, asks the other receiving device permission for remote operation. A remote control signal is transmitted to the broadcasting device 1. The remote operation signal includes information for specifying another receiving device as a remote operation target, and when receiving the remote operation signal, the broadcasting device 1 specifies another receiving device from the remote operation signal. Furthermore, the broadcasting device 1 transmits a remote operation signal to another identified receiving device. When the remote operation signal is received by the receiving device to be remotely operated and the remote operation is accepted, the receiving device to be remotely operated is remotely operated by the receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal. It will be.

[0029] The configuration of the receiving device 10 and the receiving device 20 will be specifically described with reference to the example. As shown in FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, in addition to the video receiving unit 17, the receiving device 10 includes a control unit 12, a remote operation processing unit 13, a data modulation unit 14, a data demodulation unit 15, And memory 16. Similarly, the receiving device 20 includes a control unit 22, a remote operation processing unit 23, a data modulation unit 24, a data demodulation unit 25, and a memory 26 in addition to the video reception unit 27. Reference numerals 11 and 21 denote input devices (remote controllers) for the user to operate the receiving device, respectively.

[0030] Each unit of the receiving device 10 and each unit of the receiving device 20 have the same function, and both are the same device. Accordingly, the receiving device 20 can be remotely operated by the receiving device 10, and the receiving device 20 can be remotely operated by the receiving device 20.

[0031] However, in the broadcasting system according to the present embodiment, in order to ensure security, the remote receiving device (master device) and the remotely operated receiving device (slave device) are registered in advance. It needs to be recorded. For registration, the STB identifier of the master unit (master) and the STB identifier of the slave unit (slave) are stored in advance in the memory of the master unit, the memory of the slave unit, and the memory (not shown) of the broadcasting device. Can be done.

In the present embodiment, receiving device 10 is registered as a parent device, and receiving device 20 is registered as a child device. All or one of the receiving devices other than the receiving devices 10 and 20 is used. The unit is also the same device as the receiving devices 10 and 20. Therefore, any of the receiving devices other than the receiving devices 10 and 20 may be registered as a parent device or a child device.

Here, the function of each unit of the receiving device when the receiving device is registered as a parent device will be described based on receiving device 10. In the receiving device 10, when the user (1) requests a remote operation for another receiving device (receiving device 20) other than the receiving device 10 via the input device 11, the control unit 12 in FIG. The internal command shown is generated and input to the remote operation processing unit 13.

When an internal command is input from the control unit 12, the remote operation processing unit 13 generates a parent-child communication command shown in FIG. Specifically, the remote operation processing unit 13 accesses the memory 16 and stores the STB identifier of the receiving device 10 (master unit) serving as the transmission source and the STB identifier of the receiving device 20 serving as the transmission destination. And add them to the internal command.

[0035] In the internal commands in Fig. 2 (a) and the parent-child communication command in Fig. 2 (b), the "remote operation command" specifies the type of remote operation. Examples of the type of remote operation include display of EPG (Electric Program Guide), channel change, viewing reservation, and remote control start or end instruction.

[0036] Further, the remote operation processing unit 13 inputs the generated parent-child communication command (see Fig. 2 (b)) to the data modulation unit 14, and causes the data modulation unit 14 to generate a remote operation signal. Is sent to broadcasting device 1. Specifically, when a parent-child communication command is input, the data modulation unit 14 generates an RF signal that specifies information included in the parent-child communication command, and transmits this to the broadcast device 1. This RF signal becomes a remote operation signal for requesting permission of remote operation to the receiver 20 (slave unit).

[0037] When the user (1) force input device 11 instructs simple channel change rather than by remote operation, the control unit 12 generates an internal command for specifying the selected channel. When the user (1) makes a viewing reservation, the control unit 12 generates an internal command for specifying the selected channel when the reservation date comes. When the control unit 12 inputs the internal command to the video receiving unit 17, the video receiving unit 17 extracts the broadcast signal of the channel specified by the internal command, and restores the extracted broadcast signal to the video signal and the audio signal. This is output to TV18. In addition, the remote operation signal transmitted from the receiving device 10 serving as the parent device is received by the data transmitting / receiving unit 2 of the broadcasting device 1. When the data transmission / reception unit 2 receives the remote operation signal, the data transmission / reception unit 2 extracts the STB identifier of the transmission destination and the transmission source from the remote operation signal, and specifies the parent device and the child device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to ensure security by the broadcasting device 1, the data transmission / reception unit 2 receives the extracted STB identifier in the receiving device in which the broadcasting device 1 has been registered in advance (not shown). It is determined whether 10 and the receiving device 20 or not. The data transmission / reception unit 2 transmits a remote operation signal to the slave unit (reception device 20) only when the reception device 10 and the reception device 20 are registered as a result of the determination.

Next, the function of each unit of the receiving device when the receiving device is registered as a slave will be described based on the receiving device 20. In the receiving device 20 (child device), the data demodulating unit 25 demodulates the remote operation signal transmitted from the broadcasting device 1 to generate demodulated data. The demodulated data is the original parent-child communication command. The obtained demodulated data (parent-child communication command) is input to the remote operation processing unit 23.

[0040] In this embodiment, in order to ensure security by the slave unit, the remote operation processing unit 23 extracts the STB identifier of the transmission destination and the transmission source from the obtained parent-child communication command. Further, the remote operation processing unit 23 accesses the memory 26 and determines whether or not the receiving device 10 and the receiving device 20 are registered in the extracted STB identifier prediction memory 26. The remote operation processing unit 23 accepts the remote operation only when the reception device 10 and the reception device 20 are registered as a result of the determination.

[0041] Then, after the remote operation processing unit 23 decides to accept the remote operation, when an instruction is given from the receiving device 10 serving as the master unit, the control unit 22 performs the projection according to the instruction from the receiving device 10. Operate the image receiver 27. Specifically, when the user (1) of the receiving device 10 makes a channel change or viewing reservation in the receiving device 10, the control unit 22 also sends a video signal and an audio signal to the video receiving unit 27 accordingly. Restore and output to TV28.

In the present embodiment, the remote operation processing unit 23 receives status information specifying the state of the receiving device 20 via the broadcasting device 1 after determining to accept the remote operation. It can also be sent to device 10. In this case, the remote operation processing unit 23 is shown in FIG. Generate a parent-child communication command. As shown in FIG. 3, the parent-child communication command generated by the remote operation processing unit 23 includes information on the channel (program) that is currently viewed by the receiving device 20, information on the channel (program) that can be viewed, It includes information on channels (programs) that are reserved for viewing as status information.

Note that these pieces of information are stored in the memory 26. In addition, the information types in EX1 to EX3 in Fig. 3 specify which information is the data described above. The network ID (NWID) of the channel in EX1 in Fig. 3 specifies the type of broadcasting such as BS broadcasting or terrestrial digital broadcasting. Similarly, the service ID (SID) of a channel specifies a specific channel of each broadcast such as BS Hi-Vision. Further, the reservation index number in EX3 in FIG. 3 is an identification number assigned to each viewing reservation. If there are multiple viewing reservations, there will be multiple data sets shown in EX3 in Figure 3.

[0044] Further, the remote operation processing unit 23 inputs a parent-child communication command including status information to the data modulation unit 24, causes the data modulation unit 24 to generate an RF signal (status information signal), and transmits this to the broadcasting device. Send to 1 Then, when receiving the status information signal, the broadcasting apparatus 1 also extracts the STB identifiers of the transmission destination and the transmission source and determines whether or not the extracted STB identifiers are registered in advance in order to ensure security. If registered, the broadcasting device 1 transmits a status information signal to the receiving device 10.

[0045] Furthermore, in the receiving device 10, the status information signal is demodulated by the data demodulator 15 and returned to the original parent-child communication information command. The parent-child communication command including the status information is input to the remote operation processing unit 13 of the receiving device 10. Then, the remote operation processing unit 13 generates an internal command (see FIG. 2 (a)) and inputs it to the control unit 12.

[0046] For example, when the status information includes information on a channel that is currently viewed by the receiving device 20, the control unit 12 specifies this channel. Then, the control unit 12 causes the video receiving unit 17 to generate a video signal and an audio signal of the specified channel and to output them to the TV 18. As a result, the video displayed by the TV 28 connected to the receiving device 20 is displayed on the TV 18 connected to the receiving device 10, so that the remote operation by the user (1) is facilitated. Further, in the present embodiment, the remote operation processing unit 23 can also refuse to accept the remote operation, for example, according to an instruction from the user (2) of the receiving device 20 or the like. In this case, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates a parent-child communication command indicating that remote operation is not permitted, instead of the parent-child communication command including status information. Then, the parent-child communication command indicating that remote operation is not permitted is modulated by the data modulation unit 24, and a remote operation permission signal is generated. In addition, a remote operation non-permission signal is also transmitted to the receiving device 10 via the broadcasting device 1. When receiving the remote operation non-permission signal, the receiving device 10 notifies the user (1) of the fact.

Here, the flow of processing performed in the broadcasting system in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following explanation, FIGS. 1 to 3 are referred to as appropriate. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed in the base unit in the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed in the broadcasting device in the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed in the slave unit in the present embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed by the master unit and the slave unit until the end of the remote control starting power.Figs. 7 (a) to 7 (d) show a series of main screens. Show me.

[0049] First, the flow of processing in the receiving device 10 serving as a parent device will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, first, when a signal is input from the input device 11, the control unit 12 of the receiving device 10 determines whether the signal is an instruction for remote operation (step S101). Specifically, the control unit 12 also extracts a code from the signal power transmitted by the input device 11, and determines whether or not the code is a code for instructing a remote operation. When the remote operation instruction is not input, the control unit 12 enters a standby state for the remote operation.

[0050] On the other hand, when a remote operation instruction is given (see the left figure in Fig. 7 (a)), the control unit 12 uses an internal command (Fig. 2 (a) to notify the slave unit of the start of the remote operation. )) Is generated and input to the remote control processing unit 13. Then, the remote operation processing unit 13 specifies a transmission source and a transmission destination, generates a parent-child communication command (see FIG. 2B), and inputs this to the data modulation unit 14 (step S102). Subsequently, the data modulation unit 14 modulates the parent-child communication command into an RF signal to generate a remote operation signal, and transmits it to the broadcasting device 1 (step S103). Furthermore, the broadcasting device 1 transmits the received signal to the receiving device 20 serving as a slave unit. The processing in the broadcasting device 1 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0051] After transmitting the remote operation signal to the broadcasting device 1 in step S103, the remote operation processing unit 13 determines whether a signal from another receiving device is received via the broadcasting device 1 (step S103). S104). If not received, the remote control processing unit 13 enters a standby state. In this embodiment, the control unit 12 informs the video reception unit 17 that communication with the slave unit is not established when no signal is received from the broadcasting device 1 for a certain period of time in the standby state. It can also be set as the aspect displayed.

On the other hand, when receiving a signal from another receiving device, the remote control processing unit 13 causes the data demodulating unit 15 to demodulate the received signal (step S105). Based on the demodulated data (parent-child communication command), the remote control processing unit 13 determines whether the transmission source is appropriate, that is, the transmission source is the receiving device 20 (slave unit) registered in the memory 16. It is determined whether or not there is (step S106).

If the result of determination in step S 106 is that the transmission source is not the receiving device 20, the remote operation processing unit 13 discards the demodulated data (step S 107) and enters a standby state. On the other hand, when the transmission source is the receiving device 20, the remote operation processing unit 13 determines whether the received signal is a status information signal or a remote operation non-permission signal (step S108). Specifically, since the demodulated data obtained in step S105 is a parent-child communication command generated by the receiving device 20, the remote operation processing unit 13 extracts the remote operation command and based on the command. Make a decision.

[0054] As a result of the determination, if the received signal is neither the status information signal nor the remote operation non-permission signal! /, It is in a standby state. On the other hand, if the received signal is either a status information signal or a remote operation non-permission signal, the remote operation processing unit 13 further determines whether or not the received signal is a status information signal (step S 109). .

[0055] At this time, if the received signal is a status information signal! (If it is a remote operation non-permission signal), the remote operation processing unit 13 generates an internal command indicating that the remote operation cannot be performed. Input to the control unit 12. Furthermore, the control unit 12 displays on the TV 18 that the remote operation is not permitted (step S110), and then ends the process.

On the other hand, in the case of the received signal strength S status information signal, the remote operation processing unit 13 An internal command including one task information is generated. When this internal command is input to the control unit 12, the control unit 12 executes the remote operation transmission mode (S111). Specifically, the control unit 12 causes the video receiving unit 17 to display that the remote operation has been started (see the left diagram in FIG. 7 (b)). Further, the control unit 12 extracts the NWID and SID (see FIG. 3), and identifies the channel being viewed by these power receiving devices 20. Then, the control unit 12 instructs the video reception unit 17 to select the specified channel.

Next, the control unit 12 accepts a remote operation by the user (1) via the input device 11, and executes the accepted remote operation (step S112). Examples of remote control include channel change and viewing reservation. Step S112 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8 and 11.

[0058] Thereafter, the control unit 12 determines whether the end of the remote operation is instructed via the input device 11 (step S113). When the end is not instructed from the user (1) via the input device 11, the control unit 12 executes Step S112 again. When the end is instructed, the control unit 12 ends the process ( (See Figure 7 (c) left figure and Figure 7 (d) left figure).

[0059] Although not shown in Fig. 4, when the user (1) is instructed to terminate the input via the input device 11, the control unit 12 generates an internal command indicating that, This is input to the remote operation processing unit 13. Further, the remote operation processing unit 13 generates a parent-child communication command, the data modulation unit 14 modulates the RF signal, and transmits the RF signal to the broadcasting device 1. In addition, a signal for instructing termination is transmitted to the slave unit via the broadcasting device 1.

[0060] Next, a processing flow in the broadcasting device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, first, when receiving a signal transmitted from the receiving device, the data transmitting / receiving unit 2 of the broadcasting device 1 demodulates the received signal to generate an original parent-child communication command (step SD o Then, the data transmitting / receiving unit 2 extracts the transmission destination STB identifier and the transmission source STB identifier from the parent-child communication command obtained in step S 1 in order to identify the transmission destination reception device and the transmission source reception device ( Step S2).

Next, the data transmitting / receiving unit 2 determines whether or not the destination receiving device and the source receiving device are appropriate (step S3). Specifically, the data transmission / reception unit 2 is a broadcasting device 1. Is accessed to determine whether or not the combination of the transmission destination STB identifier and the transmission source STB identifier extracted in step S2 has been registered in advance.

[0062] As a result of the determination, if the combination of the transmission destination STB identifier and the transmission source STB identifier extracted in step S2 is not registered in advance, the data transmission / reception unit 2 determines that the combination is not appropriate and is obtained in step S1. Discard the parent-child communication command (step S4). Thereafter, the data transmitter / receiver 2 enters a standby state.

On the other hand, if the combination is registered in advance, the data transmitting / receiving unit 2 transmits a signal to the receiving device as the transmission destination as appropriate (step S5), and ends the process. For example, if the signal received at step S1 is the signal transmitted at step S103 shown in FIG. 4, the transmission source STB identifier indicates the reception device 10 and the transmission destination STB identifier indicates the reception device 20. For the sake of illustration, the data transmitting / receiving unit 2 determines that it is appropriate. The signal is transmitted by remodulating the parent-child communication command obtained in step S 1 and transmitting the RF signal obtained by the modulation.

[0064] As described above, when the broadcasting device 1 executes steps S1 to S5, the signal transmitted from one receiving device is transmitted to the other receiving device via the broadcasting device 1. Further, as described above, according to broadcasting apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, since transmission / reception of signals is not permitted between receiving apparatuses not registered in advance, security is ensured.

[0065] Next, the flow of processing in the receiving device 20 serving as a slave will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, when a signal transmitted from another receiving device is transmitted to the receiving device 20 via the broadcasting device 1, the data demodulating unit 25 receives and demodulates the signal (step S). 201). Next, the remote control processing unit 23 determines whether the transmission source is appropriate based on the demodulated data, that is, whether the transmission source is the receiving device 10 (master unit) registered in the memory 26. (Step S202).

If the result of determination in step S202 is that the transmission source is not the receiving device 10, the remote operation processing unit 23 discards the demodulated data (step S203) and enters a standby state. On the other hand, when the transmission source is the receiving device 10, the remote control processing unit 23 further processes the demodulated data (parent and child). Based on the communication command), it is determined whether or not the received signal is a remote control signal (step S204).

If the result of determination in step S204 is that it is not a remote operation signal, the remote operation processing unit 23 enters a standby state in the same manner as after execution of step S203. On the other hand, in the case of a remote operation signal, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates an internal command from the demodulated data and inputs this to the control unit 22. Then, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the remote operation can be accepted, for example, whether or not the user (2) instructs to reject the remote operation (Step S205). .

[0068] If the result of determination in step S205 is that acceptance of remote operation is rejected !, the control unit 22 generates an internal command indicating that, and inputs this to the remote operation processing unit 23. . Then, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates a parent-child communication command indicating that the remote operation is not permitted (step S206). When step S206 is executed, the data modulation unit 24 modulates the parent-child communication command generated in step S206 to generate a remote operation non-permission signal, and transmits this to the broadcasting device 1 (step S207). ). Thereafter, the processing in the receiving device 20 ends.

[0069] On the other hand, if the acceptance of the remote operation is rejected !, in this case, the control unit 22 executes the remote operation reception mode (step S208). Specifically, the control unit 22 does not accept input from the input device 21, and the use of the input device 21 is substantially prohibited (FIG. 7 (a) right diagram and FIG. 7 (b) right diagram). (See figure). Next, the control unit 22 accesses the memory 26 to acquire status information (step S209), further generates an internal command including the status information, and inputs this to the remote operation processing unit 23. Then, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates a parent-child communication command including status information based on the internal command (step S210).

[0070] After that, the data modulation unit 24 modulates the parent-child communication command generated in step S210 to generate a status information signal, and transmits this to the receiving device 10 (parent device) via the broadcasting device 1. (Step S211). When step S211 is executed, the receiving apparatus 10 executes step S112 (remote operation) shown in FIG. Thereafter, the control unit 22 operates in accordance with instructions from the control unit 12 of the receiving device 10 (see the right diagram in FIG. 7 (c) and the right diagram in FIG. 7 (d)). The remote control state is entered (step S212). Step S212 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9 and 12.

Next, control unit 22 determines whether or not the end of remote operation is instructed by receiving device 10 (step S213). The control unit 22 executes Step S212 again when the end is not instructed, and ends the process when the end is instructed.

[0072] Although not shown in FIG. 6, when the user (1) instructs the end of the remote operation, as described above, the signal instructing the end is transmitted from the receiving device 10 to the broadcasting device. After being transmitted to 1, it is transmitted from broadcasting device 1 to receiving device 20. In the receiving device 20, the signal for instructing the termination is demodulated by the data demodulating unit 25, an internal command is generated by the remote operation processing unit 23, and input to the control unit 22. The control unit 22 determines whether the end of the remote operation is instructed based on the internal command.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user (1) who is away from the user (2) can replace the user (2) with the user (2) via his / her receiving device 10. The receiving device 20 of 2) can be remotely operated. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (c), even if the user (2) is not familiar with the operation of the device, the user (1) can view the desired program with the assistance of the user (1). can do.

Next, an example of changing the channel selected by the slave unit by the master unit, which is one specific example of remote control, will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the channel change instruction by the user is performed by an operation on the EPG after displaying the EPG. For this reason, EPG display processing is first performed before the channel change.

[0075] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed in the parent device when the channel is changed. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed in the slave unit when the channel is changed. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed by the main unit and the sub unit until the end of the channel change starting power, and Figs. 10 (a) to 10 (d) show a series of main screens. Show me!

[0076] First, the processing in step S112 (see Fig. 4) performed in the parent device for channel change will be described with reference to Fig. 8. As shown in FIG. 8, after step S 111 shown in FIG. 4 is completed, the user (1) inputs an EPG display operation using the input device 11 (FIG. 8). 10 (a) (see left figure), the control unit 12 accepts the input (step S121).

Next, when receiving the input, the control unit 12 generates an internal command for instructing the slave unit to display the EPG, and inputs this to the remote operation processing unit 13. Then, the remote operation processing unit 13 generates a parent-child communication command (see FIG. 2B) to instruct the slave unit to display the EPG, and inputs this to the data modulation unit 14 (step S122). Subsequently, the data modulation unit 14 modulates this parent-child communication command into an RF signal, generates a remote operation signal, and transmits it to the broadcasting device 1 (step S123). Further, the broadcasting device 1 transmits the received signal to the receiving device 20.

Note that, in this case as well, the broadcasting device 1 executes the same processing as the processing shown in FIG. Steps S122 and S123 are the same steps as S102 and S103 shown in FIG. 4, respectively.

[0079] Next, after transmitting the remote operation signal to the broadcasting device 1 in step S123, the remote operation processing unit 13 receives signals from other receiving devices in the same manner as in step S104 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not there is a force (step S124). If not received, the remote operation processing unit 13 enters a standby state.

[0080] On the other hand, if it has been received, similarly to steps S105 and S106 shown in Fig. 4, demodulation by data demodulator 15 (step S125), whether the transmission source by remote control processor 13 is appropriate Is determined (step S126). If it is determined in step S126 that the transmission source is inappropriate, the demodulated data is discarded (step S127).

[0081] Next, when it is determined in step S126 that the transmission source is appropriate, the remote operation processing unit 13 uses a signal (EPG display completion signal) for notifying completion of EPG display. Whether or not (step S128). Specifically, similarly to step S108 shown in FIG. 4, the remote operation processing unit 13 extracts the remote operation command code from the demodulated data (parent-child communication command) force obtained in step S125, and based on it. To make a decision.

If the received signal is not an EPG display completion signal as a result of the determination, a standby state is entered. On the other hand, when the received signal is an EPG display completion signal, the remote operation processing unit 13 generates an internal command indicating that the EPG display is completed in the slave unit, and inputs this to the control unit 12. In this case, the control unit 12 also displays the EPG at the parent device (step S129). Specifically, the control unit 12 extracts information for specifying the EPG from the memory 16 and inputs this information to the image receiving unit 17. The video receiver 17 generates a video signal based on the input information, inputs it to the TV 18 and displays the EPG on the TV 18 (see the left figure in FIG. 10 (b)). Note that the information specifying the EPG is transmitted from the broadcast signal transmission unit 3 of the broadcast device 1 together with the broadcast signal, received, and then stored in the memory 16 of the reception device 10.

Next, when a channel selection operation is input by the user (1) force input device 11, the control unit 12 receives the input (step S130). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), the channel is selected by the user selecting one of a plurality of programs displayed on the EPG with the cursor on the screen. As shown in Fig. 10 (c), the program description of the selected program is displayed on the screen.

Thereafter, control unit 12 generates an internal command to instruct the slave unit to select the channel input in step S 130, and inputs this to remote operation processing unit 13. Further, similarly to step S122, the remote operation processing unit 13 generates a parent-child communication command from the input internal command and inputs it to the data modulation unit 14 (step S131). At this time, the control unit 12 causes the video reception unit 17 to switch the channel so that the selected program is displayed, and causes the TV 18 to display the selected program.

[0086] Subsequently, the data modulation unit 14 modulates this parent-child communication command into an RF signal in the same manner as in step S123, generates a remote operation signal, and transmits this to the broadcasting device 1 (step S13 2). . Furthermore, also in this case, the broadcasting device 1 transmits the received signal to the receiving device 20.

[0087] Next, after execution of step S132, the receiving apparatus 10 determines whether or not a signal has been received.

(Step S 133), data demodulation (Step S 134), determination as to whether the transmission source is appropriate (Step S 135), and discarding of data when it is not appropriate (Step S 136). Step S 133 Force to S 135 Processing Same as Step S 124 Force to S 127

[0088] Next, when it is determined in step S135 that the transmission source is appropriate, the remote operation processing unit 13 uses a received signal as a signal that the receiving device 20 notifies the completion of channel selection (channel selection completion signal). ) Is determined (step S137). Step S 13 In step 7, as in step S128, the remote operation processing unit 13 extracts the code of the remote operation command from the demodulated data and makes a determination based on the extracted code.

As a result of the determination, if the received signal is not a channel selection completion signal !, the process is executed again from step S 1 33. On the other hand, when the received signal is a channel selection completion signal, the control unit 12 ends the channel change process (see the left diagram of FIG. 10 (d)).

Next, the processing of step S212 (see FIG. 6) performed by the slave unit for channel change will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, when a signal transmitted from another receiving device is transmitted to the receiving device 20 via the broadcasting device 1, the data demodulating unit 25 demodulates the signal (step S221). Next, the remote operation processing unit 23 determines whether the transmission source is appropriate based on the demodulated data (step S222).

If the result of determination in step S222 is that the transmission source is not the receiving device 10, the remote operation processing unit 23 discards the demodulated data (step S223) and enters a standby state. Note that steps S221 to S223 are the same as steps S201 to S203 shown in FIG.

[0092] On the other hand, when the transmission source is the receiving device 10, the remote operation processing unit 23 is a remote operation signal instructing display of the EPG based on the demodulated data (parent-child communication command). Whether or not (step S224). Note that such a determination is made in step S224 because in this embodiment, the EPG must first be displayed before the channel is changed.

As a result of the determination, if the received signal is not a remote operation signal instructing display of EPG, the remote operation processing unit 23 enters a standby state. On the other hand, when the received signal is a remote operation signal for instructing display of EPG, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates an internal command for instructing display of EPG, and inputs this to the control unit 22. Then, the control unit 22 displays EPG on the video reception unit 27 (step S225).

Specifically, as in step S129 shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 22 extracts information for specifying the EPG from the memory 26, and inputs this information to the video reception unit 27. The video receiver 27 generates a video signal based on the input information and displays the EPG on the TV 28 (see the right figure in Fig. 10 (b)). Next, when confirming the display of the EPG, the control unit 22 generates an internal command indicating the completion of the display of the EPG, and inputs this to the remote operation processing unit 23. Then, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates a parent-child communication command indicating completion of EPG display based on this internal command (step S226). Thereafter, the data modulation unit 24 modulates the parent-child communication command generated in step S226, generates an EPG display completion signal, and transmits it to the broadcasting device 1 (step S227).

[0096] In this case as well, the broadcasting device 1 performs the same processing as the processing shown in Fig. 5 described above, and transmits the received signal to the receiving device 10. As a result, the receiving apparatus 10 executes step S129 shown in FIG.

[0097] Next, after transmitting the EPG display completion signal in step S227, the remote operation processing unit 23 determines whether or not it has received a signal from another receiving device (step S228). If not received, the remote operation processing unit 23 enters a standby state.

On the other hand, if it is received, similarly to steps S221 and S222, demodulation by the data demodulator 25 (step S229) and determination of whether the transmission source by the remote control processor 13 is appropriate (step S230) Is done. Further, when it is determined in step S230 that the transmission source is inappropriate, the demodulated data is discarded as in step S223 (step S231).

[0099] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S230 that the transmission source is appropriate, the remote operation processing unit 23 performs remote control in which the received signal instructs channel selection based on the demodulated data (parent-child communication command). It is determined whether it is an operation signal (step S232).

[0100] If the result of the determination in step S232 is that the received signal is a remote operation signal instructing channel selection, the remote operation processing unit 23 specifies the channel indicated by the parent-child communication command, and further, An internal command including this is generated and input to the control unit 22. When this internal command is input, the control unit 22 causes the video reception unit 27 to switch channels and display the program of the selected channel on the TV 28 (step S2 34).

Next, when confirming channel switching, the control unit 22 generates an internal command indicating completion of channel selection, and inputs this to the remote operation processing unit 23. And remote control The operation processing unit 23 generates a parent-child communication command indicating the completion of channel selection based on the internal command (step S235).

[0102] After that, the data modulation unit 24 modulates the parent-child communication command generated in step S235, generates a channel selection completion signal, and transmits this to the broadcast apparatus 1 (step S236). After execution of step S236, the control unit 22 ends the channel change process (see the right figure in FIG. 10 (d)). Also in this case, the broadcasting device 1 executes the same processing as the processing shown in FIG. 5 and transmits the received signal to the receiving device 10.

[0103] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S232 is that the remote operation signal indicates channel selection! / !, the remote operation processing unit 23 further determines that the received signal indicates a viewing reservation. It is determined whether or not (step S233).

Furthermore, if the result of determination in step S233 is that the received signal is a remote operation signal for instructing viewing reservation, processing shown in FIG. 12 described later is executed. On the other hand, when the received signal is not a remote operation signal for instructing viewing reservation, the remote operation processing unit 23 enters a standby state, and step S228 is executed again.

[0105] Next, an example in which the parent device reserves viewing of the child device, which is another specific example of remote control, will be described with reference to Figs. As with channel changes, viewing reservations are also made by operations on the EPG after displaying the EPG (Electric Program Guide). For this reason, EPG display processing is first performed before viewing reservation.

[0106] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the parent device at the time of viewing reservation. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed in the slave unit at the time of viewing reservation. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed by the master unit and the slave unit until the end of the viewing reservation start power, and Figs. 13 (a) to 13 (d) show a series of main screens. Show me!

First, the processing in step S112 (see FIG. 4) performed in the parent device for viewing reservation will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, first, the EPG display process is performed in the receiving apparatus 10 (step S141). In step S141, EPG is displayed on both the receiving device 10 and the receiving device 20 (see FIGS. 13A and 13B). Note that step S141 includes all the processes from step S121 to S129 shown in FIG. [0108] Next, when the user (1) inputs a selection operation of a program to be reserved for viewing using the input device 11, the control unit 12 receives the input (step S142). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), when selecting a program to be reserved for viewing, as in the case of changing the channel, the user displays a screen indicating whether or not there are multiple programs displayed on the EPG. This is done by selecting with the cursor above. Also in this case, the program description of the selected program is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 13 (c).

[0109] However, the EPG shown in Fig. 10 (b) displayed only the programs that can be viewed at the current time !, but the EPG shown in Fig. 13 (b) Programs that can be viewed in the meantime are also displayed.

[0110] Next, the control unit 12 overlaps the time from the start to the end of the program that has already been reserved for viewing time from the start to the end of the program input in step S142. Judgment is made (step S143). Specifically, the control unit 12 determines the start time and end time of the program reserved for viewing in the receiving device 20 from the status information signal (see FIGS. 3 and 4) already transmitted by the receiving device 20. This is extracted, and this is compared with the start time and end time of the program input in step S142.

[0111] If there is an overlap as a result of the determination, the control unit 12 sends an instruction to the video receiving unit 17 to display a warning that the reservation is duplicated on the TV 18, and further executes Step S142 again. To do. On the other hand, if there is no overlap as a result of the determination, the control unit 12 generates an internal command for instructing the slave unit to reserve viewing of the program selected in step S142, and sends this to the remote operation processing unit 13. input. The internal command includes information for specifying the channel (NWID and SID), start time and end time of the program reserved for viewing.

[0112] Then, the remote operation processing unit 13 generates a parent-child communication command based on the input internal command, and inputs this to the data modulation unit 14 (step S145). Subsequently, the data modulation unit 14 modulates the parent-child communication command into an RF signal to generate a remote operation signal, and transmits it to the broadcast device 1 (step S146). Further, the broadcasting device 1 transmits the received signal to the receiving device 20.

[0113] Note that, in this case as well, the broadcasting device 1 executes the same processing as the processing shown in FIG. Steps S145 and S146 are the same as S102 and S103 shown in FIG. 4, respectively. This is the step.

[0114] Next, after transmitting the remote operation signal to the broadcasting device 1 in step S146, the remote operation processing unit 13 receives signals from other receiving devices in the same manner as in step S104 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not there is a force (step S147). If not received, the remote operation processing unit 13 enters a standby state.

[0115] On the other hand, if it is received, as in steps S105 and S106 shown in Fig. 4, whether the data demodulator 15 demodulates (step S148) and whether the remote control processor 13 is the appropriate transmission source. Is determined (step S149). If it is determined in step S149 that the transmission source is inappropriate, the demodulated data is discarded (step S 150).

[0116] Next, when it is determined in step S149 that the transmission source is appropriate, the remote operation processing unit 13 uses a signal (notification request completion signal for notifying the completion of the viewing reservation in the receiving device 20) as the received signal. ) Is determined (step S151). Specifically, similarly to step S108 shown in FIG. 4, the remote operation processing unit 13 extracts the code of the remote operation command obtained from the recovery data (parent-child communication command) force obtained in step S148, and based on it. To make a decision.

[0117] If the result of determination is that the received signal is not a viewing reservation completion signal, a standby state is entered. On the other hand, when the received signal is a viewing reservation completion signal, the remote operation processing unit 13 generates an internal command indicating that the viewing reservation is completed in the slave unit, and inputs this to the control unit 12. In this case, the control unit 12 ends the viewing reservation process (see the left figure in FIG. 13 (d)).

[0118] Next, the processing in step S212 (see Fig. 6) performed by the slave unit for viewing reservation will be described with reference to Fig. 12. As shown in step S146 of FIG. 11, when receiving apparatus 10 (master unit) instructs viewing reservation, it receives a remote operation signal instructing viewing reservation via broadcasting apparatus 1 as receiving apparatus 20 ( (Slave unit). In this case, in step S233 of FIG. 9, the remote operation processing unit 23 of the receiving device 20 determines that the receiving device 10 has instructed viewing reservation.

[0119] When the remote operation processing unit 23 makes such a determination, viewing reservation processing is performed in the receiving device 20 as shown in Fig. 12 (step S241). Specifically, the remote operation processing unit 23 determines the demodulated data (parent-child communication command) obtained in step S229 shown in FIG. ), An internal command specifying the program reserved for viewing is generated and input to the control unit 22. Further, the control unit 22 stores the input internal command in the memory 26.

[0120] After that, the control unit 22 generates an internal command for notifying the parent device of the completion of the viewing reservation, and inputs this to the remote operation processing unit 23. Then, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates a parent-child communication command indicating completion of the viewing reservation based on the internal command (step S242).

[0121] After that, the data modulation unit 24 modulates the parent-child communication command generated in step S242, generates a viewing reservation completion signal, and transmits this to the broadcast device 1 (step S243). After execution of step S243, the control unit 22 sends an instruction to the video reception unit 27 to display on the TV 28 that the viewing reservation has been made, and then ends the viewing reservation process (see the right figure in FIG. 13 (d)). o Also in this case, the broadcasting device 1 transmits the received signal to the receiving device 10 by executing the same processing as the processing shown in FIG.

[0122] Then, when the start time reserved for viewing is reached, the control unit 22 accesses the memory 26 to extract the channels reserved for viewing, and instructs the video receiving unit 27 of the extracted channels to be reserved for viewing. The program of the selected channel is displayed on TV28. Thereafter, when the end time comes, the control unit 22 sends an instruction to the video receiving unit 27 to stop the display of the program.

[0123] As described above, in the present embodiment, both the parent device and the child device display the same screen.

Channel changes and viewing reservations are made on the EPG. For this reason, the user of the child device can confirm the remote operation and can leave the operation to the user of the parent device with confidence.

[0124] Further, in the present embodiment, an example used for broadcasting system power CATV is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied without exception to any broadcasting system in which two-way communication is performed between a broadcasting station and a user's receiving device.

Industrial applicability

[0125] According to the broadcasting system, the receiving device, and the broadcasting device of the present invention, one user can receive assistance from the other among users in remote locations. Therefore, according to the present invention, even a user unfamiliar with the operation of the device can view or reserve a desired program. It can be carried out. The broadcasting system, receiving apparatus, and broadcasting apparatus according to the present invention have industrial applicability.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A broadcast system including a broadcast device that transmits a broadcast signal, and a plurality of reception devices that receive the broadcast signal, restore the video signal and the audio signal, and output the video signal and the audio signal to a television receiver. And

Each of the plurality of receiving devices, when a remote operation for another receiving device other than the receiving device is requested from the outside, transmits a remote operation signal for requesting permission for remote operation to the other receiving device. Send it to the device,

When the broadcast device receives the remote operation signal, the broadcast device identifies the other reception device, transmits the remote operation signal to the identified other reception device,

The broadcasting system, wherein the another receiving device receives the remote operation signal and accepts the remote operation, and is remotely operated by the receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal.

[2] The remote operation signal includes an identifier of a receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal, an identifier of the other receiving device, and a remote operation command that specifies a type of remote operation.

The broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein

[3] The broadcasting device determines whether the combination of the receiving device that has transmitted the remote control signal and the other receiving device is a combination registered in advance in the broadcasting device. 2. The broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein only the remote control signal is transmitted to the other receiving device.

[4] The broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein the another receiving device accepts the remote operation when the remote operation signal is transmitted from a receiving device registered in advance to! /.

[5] When the other receiving device receives the remote operation signal and accepts the remote operation, status information specifying its state is transmitted to the remote operation via the broadcasting device. Send it to the receiver that sent the signal,

When the receiving device that has transmitted the remote control signal receives the status information, based on the status information, the other receiving device outputs the same as the video signal and audio signal output to the television receiver. Receiving device for transmitting the remote control signal The broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein the broadcasting system outputs to a television receiver connected to the.

6. The broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein the remote operation that is requested for permission by the receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal is at least one of channel switching and program viewing reservation.

[7] The status information includes a channel selected by the other receiving device! /, A channel that can be viewed by the other receiving device, and a channel that is reserved for viewing by the other receiving device. 6. The broadcasting system according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the following is specified.

[8] A receiving device for receiving a broadcast signal transmitted by a broadcasting device,

A video receiving unit for receiving the broadcast signal, restoring the video signal and the audio signal, and outputting the video signal and the audio signal to a television receiver; and a remote operation processing unit,

The remote operation processing unit is

When the remote operation of another receiving device for receiving the broadcast signal of the broadcasting device is requested by an external force, a remote operation signal for requesting permission for remote operation from the other receiving device is directed to the broadcasting device. Send

When the another receiving device transmits the remote operation signal to the broadcasting device to remotely operate the receiving device, and the broadcasting device transmits the remote operation signal to the receiving device, Accepting remote operation by the other receiving device on condition that the receiving device is registered in advance in the receiving device,

The video receiving unit operates in accordance with an instruction from the other receiving device when the remote operation processing unit accepts a remote operation by the other receiving device.

[9] A broadcasting device that transmits broadcast signals to a plurality of receiving devices,

In order for any one of the plurality of receiving devices to remotely operate another receiving device other than the receiving device, the remote receiving device requests remote receiving permission from the other receiving device. When sending an operation signal,

The other receiving device is identified from the remote operation signal, and a combination of the receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal and the other receiving device is registered in advance in the broadcasting device. A broadcasting apparatus characterized in that the remote control signal is transmitted to the other receiving apparatus only when it is determined whether or not it is registered.

1/13

WO 2008/029552 PCT / JP2007 / 062910 圆 1]