JP2000023064A - Television receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a television receiver having an RF output function to automatically set an RF output system and an output channel in a relatively simple method without imposing a burden on a user. SOLUTION: A tuner part 3 sequentially scans in a prescribed frequency band and receives all receivable broadcast waves under the control of a tuner control microcomputer 2. An automatic broadcast system discriminating part 4 discriminates the most systems among all received broadcast waves and the system of an RF carrier output of a video/audio signal that is outputted by an RF-modulator part 5 is made to coincide with the system that is discriminated by the part 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a television receiver, and more particularly to a television receiver having an RF output function for video equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When outputting a video and audio signal from a TV receiver to an external device such as a VTR as an RF (Radio Frequency) carrier output, when a system or a channel to be used is predetermined as in Japan, Although the problem is relatively small, if the channel allocation differs between European countries and other regions and regions, conventionally, before using the equipment, first set the RF output system, set the output channel, TUNER PRESE on the receiving side
It was necessary to perform the T operation, and these settings had to be performed by separate operations. At least, unless the system setting of the RF output and the setting of the output channel are performed at least, images and sounds of the RF output cannot be seen and heard at all, so that the burden on the user is small and inconvenient.

[0003] Further, in the conventional equipment, since the equipment cannot recognize a different broadcasting system for each area, in a model in which the introduction area is unclear at the time of shipment of the TV receiver, a user who uses the apparatus without setting is insufficient. These settings had to be done manually. Alternatively, it was necessary to investigate the installation area of the equipment in advance and set the area at the time of factory shipment.

[0004] When a device user sets the RF output method, the broadcasting situation in the area (broadcasting method is CCIR R
Either one of EPORT's A to N formulas) is understood, and then the device is set. Also, correct settings are made while viewing the actual received screen, or refer to the method of the RF connection destination. There is only a method of leaving it to the user, such as doing
The equipment supply side did not go out of the provision of the information to the last, and usually imposed a burden on the user.

[0005] In addition, the RF output is usually set to a vacant channel having no broadcast wave. However, this setting also imposes a burden on the user to confirm a receiving channel and search for a vacant channel. Compulsory, and depending on the device, the No. In some cases, it is difficult to set the absolute channel in the area if it is unclear. In particular, when devices are connected by an RF carrier between a television and a video, for example, it is necessary to perform a two-step process of setting an empty channel on one device and setting the other TUNER accordingly. Was.
Furthermore, since the definition of the vacant channel is a channel having no TV broadcast, there is a risk that a channel in which disturbance such as high-frequency noise exists is selected, and the image quality and sound quality are reduced.

[0006]

As described above, in a conventional television receiver having an RF output function, after setting an RF output system, selecting an empty channel having no broadcast wave, and setting an output channel on one side. On the other hand, a work of setting the TUNER on the other side in accordance with the work is necessary, which places a heavy burden on the user.

The present invention solves this problem and realizes a television receiver with an RF output function that can automatically set an RF output method and an output channel by a relatively simple method and does not impose a burden on a user. As an issue.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an external device that uses an RF (Radio Frequenc
a) a television receiver provided with an RF output unit for outputting a video and audio signal using y) as a carrier wave; a search and reception unit for sequentially scanning within a predetermined frequency band and receiving all receivable broadcast waves; Broadcasting method discriminating means for examining the method of all received broadcast waves and discriminating the most frequently used method, and a method in which the broadcasting method discriminating means discriminates the method of RF carrier output of the video / audio signal output by the RF output means. RF output method automatic setting means for matching.

In a television receiver having an RF output means for outputting a video and audio signal using RF as a carrier wave to an external device, a predetermined frequency band is sequentially scanned to receive all receivable broadcast waves. Receiving means; broadcast method determining means for checking the method of all broadcast waves received by the search receiving means to determine the most frequently used method;
RF output method automatic setting means for matching the method of RF carrier output of the video / audio signal output from the F output means with the method determined by the broadcast method determination means, and all broadcast waves and regional broadcasts received by the search and reception means A vacant channel detection storage unit for comparing and comparing all channels to detect and store all vacant channels within the predetermined frequency band; and a channel of an RF carrier used by the RF output unit being within an output available band of the RF output unit. RF output channel automatic setting means for determining from among free channels stored in the free channel detection storage means.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention allows a single operation to simply, automatically, and automatically perform an initialization operation of a television broadcast receiver with an RF output function as described below. The purpose is to do so. In addition, the present invention
According to the specifications required for the TV broadcast receiver model, of the functions described below, those with only the setting function of [I],
With [I] + [II] setting function, [I] + [II]
+ [III] setting function and three specifications are conceivable.

[I] Automatic setting of RF output system: Using a device for automatically determining a broadcasting system, a predetermined frequency band is automatically set according to an execution instruction of the present invention, and all broadcast waves in that frequency band are received and searched. From the result of the discrimination, the most common broadcast system is adopted as the RF output system.

[II] Automatic search for available channels of RF output:
"Pre-specified frequency band" used in [I]
Then, using the UHF band guaranteed by the RF modulator for RF output, the band is searched. Then, the received broadcast and noise are compared with a regional channel stored in the microcomputer in advance, and an empty channel having no received wave is adopted as an RF output channel. [III] Automatic broadcast system discrimination reception: The present invention includes an automatic broadcast system discrimination device to realize the function of [I].
Expand the search frequency band up to the frequency band guaranteed by NER UNIT, store the frequency channel of the broadcast wave and store the original function (automatic tuning reception) of the broadcasting system automatic discrimination device, as part of the automatic initialization device of the receiver Take in as. The operation unit for the automatic initial setting operation of the present invention is one tact switch. In an environment where there is a possibility that automatic setting may be missed, use in conjunction with the conventional manual individual setting.

Hereinafter, a television receiver according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a main part of one embodiment of a television receiver of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, 1 is an execution switch, 2 is a TUNER control microcomputer, 3 is a TUNER section, 4 is a broadcast system automatic discrimination section, 5 is an RF-MODULATOR section, and 6 is a display section. The function of each unit will be described below.

1 Execution Switch This function is started by pressing this “execution switch”. For example, a tact-type switch is used, and the start of execution is read into the TUNER control microcomputer 2 by a change in voltage due to the switch being pressed.

2. TUNER Control Microcomputer The TUNER control microcomputer 2 performs all the control processes in the present invention. The function of the TUNER control microcomputer 2 can be divided into a plurality of devices (microcomputers and the like) and executed according to the control contents. Its internal functions include a key input processing unit / arithmetic unit / memory unit / TUNER control unit /
It is composed of a display control unit. The key input processing unit reads a command from the execution switch 1 and causes the calculation unit to perform processing according to the execution program of the present invention. The TUNER control unit issues a search command and a preset command to the TUNER UNIT, and the obtained information (reception channel information and reception channel broadcast system) is stored in the memory unit. Then, the TUNER control microcomputer 2 determines the broadcasting system of the area from the obtained information. In addition, channel allocation information of the target area is stored in advance in the memory unit as data, and an available channel is selected by comparing the information with the previous reception result. The information (reception channel information and broadcast system) stored in the memory unit can be used as it is as channel data when selecting a channel.

3 TUNER section The TUNER section 3 indicates a unit for receiving a TV broadcast including an IF block. TUNER part 3 used here
Performs a tuning operation by a synthesizer method using a PLL. The TUNER unit 3 receives a command from the TUNER control microcomputer 2 and performs a channel selection search operation. Note that the search operation specification / reception specification is based on the device system, but an example is shown below.
When receiving a broadcast, the composite video signal is TUNER
The signal is output from the unit 3 and converted into a detect signal with / without a video signal by an external circuit. This detect signal is TUN
The signal is returned to the ER control microcomputer 2, where the presence or absence of a signal (broadcast) is determined. By memorizing (memory) instructions (tuning channel / frequency) corresponding to "signal present"
This means that the tuning operation (reception) has been performed.

4 Automatic Broadcasting System Discriminating Unit The automatic broadcasting system judging unit 4 is for automatically judging a broadcasting system (CCIR conference decision) different for each region of the world from a received (pulled in) frequency. The principle is to use the difference (fs-fp) between the video carrier frequency (fs) and the audio carrier (fp) frequency defined in the conference. Broadcasting systems that occupy the majority can be selected by this system.

FIG. 2 shows the B / G of the broadcast system automatic discrimination unit 4.
(Used in Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, etc.), D /
K (used in former Eastern European countries such as the Soviet Union), I
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a circuit for selecting a PAL television system such as (used in the United Kingdom). TUN
The IF signal extracted from the ER unit 3 is passed through a buffer amplifier 41 to three kinds of bandpass filters (BPF) 4.
2-1 to 42-3. This BPF 42-1
42-3 is adapted to the frequency of fs-fp of each system, and the integrator τ at the subsequent stage of the BPFs 42-1 to 42-3.
43-1 to 43-3 convert the IF signal output passed through the BPFs 42-1 to 42-3 into a DC level. That is, depending on whether or not the output of the BPFs 42-1 to 42-3 has a predetermined “level”, the corresponding BPFs 42-1 to 4-4 are determined.
The method of the IF signal (that is, broadcast) is derived from 2-3. This judgment is made by the TUNER control microcomputer 2
Done in

In FIG. 2, first, a 5.5 MHz BPF4
The output level of 2-1 is compared with a DC "threshold" 44 by a comparator 45-1.
G is determined, and if it is the following, it is determined to be another method. In the case of another system, the output of 6.5 MHz BPF 42-2 and 6.
The output of the 0 MHz BPF 42-3 is compared with each other by the comparator 45-2, and one of the D / K system and the I system is always determined from the level of the output level. The input of the IF signal to the broadcast system automatic discrimination unit 4 is always performed. Then, in accordance with the previous channel selection search operation, the determination result (method) at the time of channel reception is stored in the TUNER control microcomputer 2 together with the reception information. In addition, TUNE
The composite video signal output from the R unit 3 is
If the / NTSC has a function of performing color discrimination, the result of the discrimination is first read into the TUNER control microcomputer 2 at the time of broadcast reception, and the B / G, D /
It is also possible to add a rough determination of M (NTSC system) (correctly, not necessarily NTSC = M) before determining K and I so as to support four systems.

5 RF-MODULATOR Unit The RF-MODULATOR unit 5 receives a TV broadcast (RF signal) from an antenna or the outside of the device, or modulates a video / audio signal from the inside of the device and outputs it as an RF signal. Things. Note that, in order to realize “automatic setting to an empty channel” of the RF output of the present invention, this RF-MODU
The LATOR unit 5 can set an output channel (frequency) by a PLL synthesizer system, and this control is performed by the TUNER control microcomputer 2. Similarly, the setting of the “RF output method” is performed by a command from the TUNER control microcomputer 2. In addition, about the form,
It is assumed that it is determined by the system setting specification of the components of the RF-MODULATOR unit 5.

6 Display Unit The display unit 6 uses an LED, a fluorescent display tube, or the like (display device on the device) to express a state during the operation of the present invention as necessary, and to set contents (RF output). It is installed for the purpose of confirming the method / channel number). This control is performed by the TUNER control microcomputer 2.

Next, the operation of the above system will be described with reference to the operation flowchart of FIG. At step 100, the program is started. Execution switch 1 in step 101
Is pressed, it is determined in step 102 whether the execution condition is satisfied. Here, if the “execution conditions” described below are satisfied, the execution is started. If the execution switch 1 is pressed again during execution of this function, or if an interrupt such as “POWER OFF” is performed, this execution operation is immediately stopped (priority to the push function). However, the priority of this interrupt can be changed according to the device specifications.

The execution conditions in step 102 are as follows. 1) If the device is POWER ON or STAND BY (PO
Waiting time with WER OFF) mode. 2) Functions other than the present invention using the TUNER reception information are not operating. (In the case of a VTR, for example, TU
This corresponds to, for example, recording of a NER image signal. 3) The function in the device that causes inconvenience when the information of the RF output changes is not operating. (In the case of a VTR, for example, during reproduction corresponds to this.)

If the above conditions are not satisfied, the process proceeds to step 103, where the device issues a warning by a buzzer, a message display (display device on the device), or the like, and returns to immediately before step 101. If this condition is satisfied, then in step 104, the setting of the tuning start frequency of the TUNER control microcomputer 2 is started, and the preset tuning start / end channels (frequency) are read from the internal memory. , A start channel frequency is set as the search frequency f, and a tuning search command from the start channel is output to the TUNER unit 3.

In step 105, the TUNER unit 3 starts a search. In step 106, it is determined whether or not the search frequency f has exceeded the specified end channel frequency. It is determined whether or not a TV broadcast signal is received. If a TV broadcast signal has been received, the process proceeds to step 108. The control of the search operation follows the specifications of the device. When the tuning search reaches the specified end channel, the search operation is ended.

The channel selection start / end channel (frequency) designated in advance is determined from the following device specifications. The above proposed device specifications, [I], [I] + [II], [I]
In accordance with + [II] + [III], the minimum frequency band upper and lower limits satisfying the specifications are derived in combination from the definition of the individual specifications shown below. [I] "RF output method automatic setting" specification: TUNER part 3
In the frequency band guaranteed by the above, both the VHF band partial band (that is, E5ch to E12ch equivalent) and the UHF band internal band (that is, E21ch to E32ch equivalent), or both of them. This content (channel / frequency)
Varies depending on the device specifications. [II] "Automatic search for available RF output channels" Specification: T
Within the frequency band guaranteed by UNER part 3 and RF-M
Upper and lower limits of the frequency band guaranteed by the ODULATOR unit 5. [III] "Broadcasting system automatic discrimination reception" specification: Upper and lower limits of the frequency band guaranteed by the TUNER unit 3.

For example, in the specification of [I] + [II], TUN
Within the frequency band guaranteed by the ER unit 3 and RF-MOD
When the upper and lower limits of the frequency band guaranteed by the ULATOR unit 5 are “E21ch to E69ch”, the channel for starting / ending the channel selection is “E21ch to E69ch”.
Furthermore, in order to improve the accuracy of "RF output method automatic setting",
Adding “E5ch to E12ch” and increasing the number of samples may be considered depending on the device specifications and the market environment. result,
As a search operation, “E5ch to E12ch” is first performed, and then “E21ch to E69ch” is skipped. The order may be reversed, of course.

During the search operation, it is determined in step 107 whether a TV broadcast signal is received at a search frequency (search channel) f. When the TV broadcast signal is received, in step 108, the broadcast system is determined by the determination block shown in FIG. 2, and the TUNER control microcomputer 2 stores the system for the channel (frequency) in the memory unit. At this time, the TUNER control microcomputer 2 reads the discrimination information from the automatic broadcast system discrimination unit 4 and stores the discrimination information in accordance with the preceding channel (frequency) information. When the receiving and storing operation is completed, in step 110, the TUNER control microcomputer 2 issues a search command to the next frequency to the TUNER unit 3.
To search for the next frequency. If the TV broadcast signal is not received in step 107, step 110 is also executed.
To proceed to the search for the next frequency. Steps 105 to 110 are repeated, and when the tuning search reaches the final channel (final frequency) and ends, step 111
To end the search.

Next, the operation enters the "RF output system judgment" of step 112. The TUNER control microcomputer 2 reads “channel (frequency)” and “broadcasting system determination result” information stored at the time of reception from the memory unit. Then, statistics of the system determination result of the received broadcast are obtained. From this statistic, the most received scheme is adopted as the RF output scheme. The determined system is instructed from the TUNER control microcomputer 2 to the RF-MODULATOR unit 5,
The method of RF output is set. If no reception channel exists at this time, an initial value (determined by the device specification) is used.

Next, at step 113 or step 1
In parallel with the tallying of the "RF output system determination" of No. 12, the TUNER control microcomputer 2 selects the RF-MODULATO from the read "channel (frequency)" information.
The frequency band guaranteed by the R unit 5 is compared with the channel plan data 200 stored in advance, and a channel on which broadcast is not received is picked up. The signal presence / absence detection level (threshold) of the TUNER unit 3 at the time of reception
Can be set lower to avoid channels (frequency) where only noise exists. The channel (frequency) that is closest to the initial setting value according to the device definition among the picked-up empty channel data is adopted as the automatic setting value. (If manual setting / additional correction is performed manually, steps are taken based on the detected empty channel data.)

The method determined in step 112 and the set value data of the empty channel picked up in step 113 are transmitted from the TUNER control microcomputer 2 to the RF-MODUL.
A command is issued to the ATOR unit 5, and the channel of the RF output is set. If there is no reception channel or no vacant channel, the initial value (determined by the device specification) is used. If manual setting is used together, the setting step is performed by the RF-MODULATOR unit. 5 are all guaranteed channels.

Next, at step 114, the receiving channel system is set. In the case of the device specifications [I] + [II] + [III], the search operation in step 105
This is performed for all the frequency bands guaranteed by the NER unit 3. In addition, for the “RF output system determination” in step 112, all the received broadcasts are subjected to the determination of the broadcast system and the storage of the channel (frequency). As a result, the received broadcast information can be used as received content of the device TUMER as it is. As described above, when the output method setting and the output channel setting are performed in step 114, the present function ends (step 120).

As described above, according to the present invention, the RF output can be set by one button operation, and the equipment can be used. It is possible to respond. Therefore, even if the user does not have the specialized knowledge, the user can set the RF without relying on the output image and sound by using this device alone, and if the peripheral devices are mechanically adjusted to the same setting based on this device, All settings are possible. Further, it is possible to set the RF output channel by removing the noisy channel, and it is not necessary to make detailed settings at the time of factory shipment or the like, and it is not necessary to classify models according to the settings. In addition, even if the area of use changes, this function immediately responds.

[0034]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a television receiver provided with RF output means for outputting a video / audio signal using RF as a carrier wave to an external device has a predetermined frequency band. Search receiving means for sequentially scanning the inside and receiving all receivable broadcast waves, broadcast method determining means for examining the methods of all broadcast waves received by the search and receiving means and determining the most frequently used method, and RF output means And an RF output system automatic setting unit that matches the system of the RF carrier output of the video / audio signal output by the broadcasting system determination unit with the system determined by the broadcast system determination unit. This gives R
It is possible to realize a television receiver in which the setting of the F transport output method is automatically performed without burden on the user.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in a television receiver having RF output means for outputting a video / audio signal using RF as a carrier wave to an external device, a predetermined frequency band can be sequentially scanned and received. Search and reception means for receiving all the broadcast waves, broadcast method determination means for examining the schemes of all the broadcast waves received by the search and reception means and determining the most frequently used scheme, and video and audio signals output from the RF output means. RF output method automatic setting means for matching the method of RF carrier output with the method determined by the broadcast method determination means, and comparing all broadcast waves received by the search and reception means with the regional broadcast channels and comparing all of the broadcast waves within a predetermined frequency band An empty channel detection and storage means for detecting and storing an empty channel of the RF carrier, and a channel of an RF carrier used by the RF output means within an output available band of the RF output means. Wherein characterized in that it comprises an RF output channel automatic setting means for idle channel detection storage means is set from among the idle channel store that. This makes it possible to realize a television receiver in which the setting of the RF carrier output method and the setting of the RF output channel are automatically performed without burden on the user.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the predetermined frequency band scanned by the search / reception means matches the receivable frequency band of the television receiver, and the search / reception means and the vacant channel detection storage means are connected to the television receiver. It is characterized by being used for automatic channel selection means. As a result, the search and reception means and the vacant channel detection and storage means can also be used for the automatic tuner selection means of the TUNER, so that no extra circuit is required and the size and cost can be reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the search / retrieval means cannot receive a broadcast wave in a predetermined frequency band, the RF output method automatic setting means sets an RF carrier output method in advance. It is characterized in that it is set to the method of the initial set value.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the vacant channel detection storage means detects and stores a plurality of vacant channels, the RF output channel automatic setting means sets a preset channel among the plurality of vacant channels. The channel closest to the initial set value of the RF is used by the RF output means.
If the channel is set as a carrier channel and the empty channel detection storage means cannot detect and store an empty channel, R
The F output channel automatic setting means sets the channel initial set value to R
The channel is set as the channel of the RF carrier used by the F output means. Thereby, even when a broadcast is not received or a vacant channel cannot be detected, it is possible to automatically set an initial value, a plurality of vacant channels can be detected, and in other cases, one of them can be set. it can.

As described above, according to the present invention, a received broadcast wave is automatically searched, an RF output method is automatically set based on the method, and a vacant channel checked at the time of automatically searching a received broadcast wave is set as an RF output channel. Since these operations are executed by one operation of the switch, the initial setting operation of the television receiver can be executed without burden on the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a main part of an embodiment of a television receiver of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a PA of a broadcast system automatic discrimination unit according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a circuit for selecting an L-system television system.

FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Execution switch, 2 ... TUNER control microcomputer, 3 ...
TUNER section, 4 ... Broadcast system automatic discrimination section, 5 ... RF-M
ODULATOR section, 6 display section, 41 buffer amplifier, 42-1 to 42-3 bandpass filter (BP
F), 43-1 to 43-3 ... integrator, 44 ... "threshold", 45-1, 45-2 ... comparator.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) // H04N 17/00 H04N 17/00 F

Claims (5)

[Claims] An RF (Radio Frequenc) is connected to an external device.
a) a television receiver provided with RF output means for outputting a video / audio signal using y) as a carrier wave; a search receiving means for sequentially scanning a predetermined frequency band and receiving all receivable broadcast waves; Broadcasting system determining means for checking the systems of all received broadcast waves and determining the most common system, and a system in which the broadcasting system determining unit determines the type of RF carrier output of the video / audio signal output by the RF output unit. A television receiver comprising: an RF output method automatic setting unit for matching. 2. A television receiver comprising RF output means for outputting a video and audio signal using RF as a carrier wave to an external device, wherein a predetermined frequency band is sequentially scanned and all receivable broadcast waves are received. Receiving means, a broadcast method discriminating means for examining the method of all broadcast waves received by the search and receiving means and discriminating a method having the largest number, and a method of RF carrier output of a video / audio signal outputted by the RF output means. RF output method automatic setting means for matching the method determined by the broadcast method determination means, and comparing all broadcast waves received by the search and reception means with a regional broadcast channel to determine all available channels within the predetermined frequency band. An empty channel detection storage unit for detecting and storing, and a channel of an RF carrier used by the RF output unit before the channel is within an output available band of the RF output unit. Television receiver characterized by comprising an RF output channel automatic setting means for setting from the idle channel is idle channel detection storage means storing. 3. The TV receiver according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined frequency band scanned by the search and reception unit matches a receivable frequency band of the television receiver, and the search and reception unit and the vacant channel detection and storage unit automatically select a television receiver. The television receiver according to claim 2, which is used for: 4. When the search / reception means cannot receive a broadcast wave in the predetermined frequency band, the RF output method automatic setting means sets the RF carrier output method to an initial set value set in advance. The television receiver according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the television receiver is set to the following method. 5. When the empty channel detection and storage means detects and stores a plurality of empty channels, the RF output channel automatic setting means sets an initial value of a preset channel among the plurality of empty channels to the most. A close channel is set as the channel of the RF carrier used by the RF output unit, and if the empty channel detection storage unit cannot detect and store an empty channel, the RF output channel automatic setting unit sets the channel initial setting value to the 3. The television receiver according to claim 2, wherein the channel is set as a channel of an RF carrier used by the RF output unit.