JP2000358200A - Electronic program information display device and program recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic program information display device and a program recording medium to enable even an aged user to easily understand the contents of the EPG information. SOLUTION: A receiving means 70 is prepared to receive the program broadcasts together with the 1st electronic program information display means 9, 12 and 13 which display the EPG information received by the receiving means 70 in a standard electronic program information display form and the 2nd electronic program information display means 9, 12 and 13 which display the EPG information in a special electronic-program information display form where at least a symbol is enlarged in the EPG information, at least a symbol is newly added or the whole or a part of a text of the standard electronic program information display form is deformed or deleted in comparison with the standard electronic program information display form.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic program information display device for displaying program information in television broadcasting and a program recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, viewers are informed of broadcast schedules of television programs by newspapers and magazines. by the way,
As an alternative to newspapers and magazines, EPG (Elect
A "trial program guide" (electronic program guide) has been proposed, and in the future, a broadcast schedule of a television program will be notified to a viewer using the EPG. The EPG is transmitted from a television broadcasting station or the like, and is data of a scheduled broadcast of a television program as described in current newspapers, magazines, and the like. The scheduled broadcast date, time zone, channel, Program name,
Performers, detailed information on programs, and the like are described for each program.

A conventional example of displaying EPG information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of conventional EPG information. Thus, the EPG information is displayed on the display of the television receiver or the personal computer. EPG information is displayed for each channel in the horizontal direction. That is, NHK
EPG information is displayed in the order of general, NHK education, Mainichi TV, ABC TV, Kansai TV, and Yomiuri TV.
The time zone in which the EPG information is displayed is from 21:00 to 22:00. When EPG information is displayed on the television receiver, the display screen can be scrolled by using the remote controller, and when EPG information is displayed on the display of the personal computer, the display screen can be scrolled by using the mouse. That is, the EPG information can be displayed by freely changing the time zone, such as the time zone from 12:00 to 14:00, as well as the time zone from 21:00 to 22:00. Also, by scrolling the screen in the horizontal direction, it is possible to display the EPG information of the channel not currently displayed on the screen.

[0004] At present, multi-channel broadcasting is performed in satellite broadcasting and cable television, and the amount of program information to be displayed is increasing steadily.

[0005] A viewer reads, for example, a commentary on "New Station", which is a program from 22:00 of the ABC broadcast, and judges whether to view or not. Thus, the viewer reads the characters displayed in the program column and determines whether or not he / she wants to view.

A conventional electronic program information display device for displaying a program table as described above will be described with reference to FIG. In this conventional technique, CS (Communication Sa) is used.
(Telete) An electronic program information display apparatus for receiving a broadcast and viewing a program will be described as an example.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional electronic program information display device.

The electronic program information display device includes a CS tuner 1, a QPSK demodulator 2, a descramble 3, a demultiplexer 4, a transport decoder 5, an MPEG2 decoder 6, a tuner block controller 7, a system controller 8, an EPG data manager. 9, program information decoder 10, input unit 11, EPG screen generation unit 12, screen synthesis unit 13, N
It comprises a TSC encoder 14 and a monitor 15.

The CS tuner 1, the QPSK demodulator 2, the descrambler 3, the demultiplexer 3, the transport decoder 5, and the MPEG2 decoder 6 will be collectively referred to as receiving means 70 hereinafter.

The CS tuner 1 is a tuner that receives a broadcast wave which is downlinked after a program supplied from a program provider is uplinked from an uplink station to a communication satellite. Overseas broadcasting is DirectTV,
PrimStar, BskyB, Canal Plus
Etc., and in Japan, JSAT (J
apan Satellite Inc. ) Has started a business. QPSK (QuadraturePS
K, 4 phase shift keying) demodulation 2 is twice the amount of information (2 bits) with a carrier wave of the same frequency as PSK (1 bit)
This is a means for demodulating a modulation method that can send the data.
The descramble 3 is a means for decrypting data that has been encrypted for a contract form such as pay-per-view (PPV) or for copyrighted content. The demultiplexer 4 is means for separating multiplexed programs and additional information relating to the programs. The transport decoder 5 is means for separating the AV data time-division multiplexed into the MPEG2 transport stream into elementary packets. MPE
The G2 decoder 6 is means for expanding compressed AV data.

The tuner block control unit 7 includes a receiving unit 7
This is a means for controlling 0. The system control unit 8 is a unit that controls the electronic program information display device. The EPG data management unit 9 stores the EP decoded by the program information decoder 10.
This is a means for managing G information. Program information decoder 10
Is means for separating EPG information relating to a program. The input unit 11 is a means by which a viewer inputs an operation command for displaying EPG information on a monitor and a command for selecting a channel. The EPG screen generation unit 12 is a unit that generates a screen that displays EPG information. The screen synthesis unit 13
AV data and EPG expanded by the MPEG2 decoder 6
By combining the EPG information generated by the screen generation unit 12,
It is a means for generating data for displaying only a program or only an EPG display screen. The NTSC encoder 14 is means for converting digital AV data into an NTSC analog video / audio signal. Monitor 15 is NTSC
This is a means for displaying the video signal of the system on the screen.

Next, the operation of such a conventional electronic program information display device will be described.

A broadcast wave downlinked from a communication satellite is received by a CS tuner 1 and then demodulated by a QPSK demodulator 2. In addition, programs such as PPV and data encrypted due to copyright claim are descrambled.
Is decrypted with. Since this data is multiplexed, the demultiplexer 4 separates the multiplexed programs and additional information relating to the programs, and
Is transferred to the transport decoder 5. The transport decoder 5 separates the AV data that is time-division multiplexed into the MPEG2 transport stream, converts the data into elementary packets, and passes the elementary packets to the MPEG2 decoder 6. Further, the MPEG2 decoder decompresses the compressed data and passes it to the screen synthesizing unit 13.

[0014] The program information decoder 10 separates the EPG information added to the program and passes it to the EPG data management section 9. The EPG data management unit 9 stores the EPG information and transfers a part or all of the stored EPG information to the EPG screen generation unit 12 as necessary. EPG screen generator 12
Generates a screen for displaying the EPG information, and passes it to the screen synthesizing unit 13.

The screen synthesizing unit 13 is an MPEG2 decoder 6
The AV data decompressed in step S1 and the EPG information generated by the EPG screen generation unit 12 are combined,
The two types of data described above are combined to display only the PG display screen, and are passed to the NTSC encoder 14. NTS
The C encoder 14 converts digital AV data into NT data.
It converts it to SC analog video / audio signal,
Output to Finally, the monitor 15 displays the NTSC video signal on the screen.

The above processing is performed when a command for operating the electronic program information display device is input at the input unit 11. The input unit 11 inputs a command input from an operation panel or a remote controller of the electronic program information display device main body to the electronic program information display device. This operation command is sent to the system control unit 8 via the EPG data management unit 9. The system control unit 8 controls the tuner block control unit 7 and the EPG data management unit 9. The tuner block control unit 7 includes a receiving unit 7
0 is controlled as described above.

In this way, the display example of the program information shown in FIG. 5 can be displayed on the monitor 15, and the viewer can select a channel or make a recording reservation based on the EPG information.

[0018]

However, as described above, in the conventional EPG display example, there is a problem that the time zone for displaying the EPG information is fixed at 2 hours around a predetermined time. That is, the EPG information for one hour each in the future and the past is displayed on the screen around the predetermined time, but the EPG information in other time zones is not displayed on the screen unless scrolled, and the entire EPG can be looked down on. Can not. Therefore, in order to overlook the widest possible range of EPG information at a time, the time width for displaying EPG information is set to two.
It is conceivable that the time is not three hours but three hours. It is also conceivable to set it to 5 hours. However, when the time width for displaying the EPG information is increased, the space for displaying the EPG information is reduced. Also, when there are many channels, when trying to display many channels, there is a problem that the program column itself becomes small, and the characters written in the program column become small and difficult to see.

When the time period and the number of channels for displaying the EPG information on the screen at one time are increased, the space for displaying the information of each program becomes small, and the characters for displaying the EPG information must be small. In such a case, it is difficult for the elderly to read small letters, and EPG is difficult to read.
There is a problem of becoming an information display screen.

Further, even when the time period and the number of channels displayed on the screen are not increased, if the information amount of the EPG of each program to be displayed is increased, the characters to be displayed become small, and the characters become difficult for the elderly to read. There is a problem that EPG information is very difficult to read.

According to the present invention, in the conventional electronic program information display device, since the characters displayed in the EPG information are small for the elderly, the contents of the EPG information are easily understood even for the elderly considering the difficulty of reading. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic program information display device and a program recording medium that can be used.

[0022]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 1) is a receiving means for receiving a broadcast of a program, and an electronic device received by the receiving means. First of displaying program information in standard electronic program information display format
An electronic program information display unit, wherein at least a symbol portion in the electronic program information is enlarged or a new symbol is added at least as compared with the standard electronic program information display format; A second electronic program information display means for displaying the electronic program information in a special electronic program information display format in which all or part of the text portion is modified or deleted. Device.

The second invention (corresponding to claim 2)
Is the electronic program information display device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the symbols are multiplexed in a program broadcast.

The third invention (corresponding to claim 3)
The electronic program information display device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the symbol is created by the electronic program information display device itself.

Further, the fourth invention (corresponding to claim 4)
Has storage means for storing the symbol broadcasted at a predetermined time received by the receiving means and a symbol ID associated with the symbol, wherein the receiving means multiplexes the program broadcast. Receiving a program ID for uniquely specifying a program to be transmitted after being transmitted and a symbol ID corresponding to the program, the second electronic program information display means displays the program ID
The electronic program information display device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein a symbol specified by a symbol ID associated with the electronic program information is displayed.

The fifth invention (corresponding to claim 5)
Reading means for receiving the symbol and the symbol ID through the medium, wherein the symbol and the symbol ID for uniquely identifying the symbol are provided on a medium different from the broadcast, and reading means for uniquely identifying the program with the electronic program information. And a correlating means for extracting a program ID specified by the program ID and correlating the symbol ID with the symbol ID, wherein the second electronic program information display means displays a symbol specified by the symbol ID correlated with the program ID. An electronic program information display device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Further, a sixth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 6)
Is the electronic program information display device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the symbol and the program ID are provided via the Internet.

Further, a seventh aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 7)
Is the electronic program information display device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the symbol and the program ID are provided on a portable recording medium.

An eighth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 8)
The electronic program information display according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the symbol and the program ID are multiplexed on a program guide channel or a program guide program of a broadcast station being received by the receiving means. Device.

The ninth invention (corresponding to claim 9)
The receiving means receives the program, and the second electronic program information display means displays one of the contents of the received program.
An electronic program information display device according to a third aspect of the present invention, wherein a screen or a plurality of screens is fetched and used as the symbol.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 10), the second electronic program information display means is a continuous type program in which the program is sequentially broadcasted in a predetermined period in units of a predetermined number of times. The electronic program information display device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, wherein in some cases, the same symbol is used in the continuous program.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 11), when the broadcast time of the program is longer than a predetermined time, the second electronic program information display means may include a text in addition to the symbol. An electronic program information display device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, which also displays data.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 12), the second electronic program information display means displays a representative screen in the program when the broadcast time of the program is longer than a predetermined time. An electronic program information display device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects of the present invention, characterized by additionally displaying.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 13), when the broadcast time of the program is shorter than a predetermined time, the second electronic program information display means displays the symbol and the text portion. The electronic program information according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects of the present invention, wherein, when no cursor is displayed and the cursor is positioned on the program column, the program column is enlarged to display at least the symbols. A display device.

According to a fourteenth invention (corresponding to claim 14), a part or all of the functions of each means of the electronic program information display device according to any one of the first to thirteenth inventions is realized by a computer. A program recording medium storing a program to be executed.

[0036]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) In the first embodiment, an electronic program information display device for receiving a CS broadcast and viewing a program will be described as an example.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic program information display device according to the first embodiment.

The electronic program information display device includes a CS tuner 1, a QPSK demodulator 2, a descrambler 3, a demultiplexer 4, a transport decoder 5, an MPEG2 decoder 6, a tuner block controller 7, a system controller 8,
EPG data management unit 9, program information decoder 10, input unit 11, EPG screen generation unit 12, screen synthesis unit 13, NTS
C encoder 14, monitor 15, EPG data database 16, database memory 17, symbol information detection 18, memory access control 19, symbol data storage memory 20, buffer memory 21, external device control unit 22
It is composed of

The IEEE-1394 bus 25 has a D-
The VHS 23 and the HDD 24 are connected.

Here, similarly to the prior art, the CS tuner 1, the QPSK demodulation 2, the descrambling 3, the demultiplexer 4, the transport decoder 5, and the MPEG2 decoder 6 are collectively called a receiving means 70.

The system control section 8 is a means for controlling the entire electronic program information display device based on an operation command input from the input section 11. The external device control unit 22 is a unit that controls external devices connected to the IEEE 1394 bus 25 under the control of the system control unit 8. The tuner block control unit 7 is a unit that controls the receiving unit 70 under the control of the system control unit 8.

Each component of the receiving means 70 is the same as that described in the prior art, and the description is omitted here.

The EPG data management unit 9 manages the EPG data under the control of the system control unit 8 and uniquely identifies an ID and a symbol (the definition of the symbol will be described later) that uniquely identifies the program. And a unit for managing an operation command input through the input unit 11 to the system control unit 8.

The EPG data database conversion 16 corresponds to the EP
This is a means for making the G information into a database, making a database by combining a program ID for uniquely identifying a program and a symbol ID for uniquely identifying a symbol, and storing the database together with the symbols in the database memory 17. The database memory 17 is a means for storing the data stored in the EPG data database 16.

The symbol data information detecting means 18 is a means for detecting the symbol sent from the demultiplexer 4 and an ID for uniquely specifying the symbol, and sending the ID to the memory access control means 19. Memory access control means 19
Is a means for accessing a symbol recorded in the buffer memory 21, selecting a specific symbol, and assigning an ID for uniquely specifying the selected symbol. The symbol data storage memory 20 is a means for recording the symbols recorded in the buffer memory 21 and the IDs of the symbols in pairs. The buffer memory 21 is a means for temporarily recording the AV data expanded by the MPEG2 decoder 6.

The program information decoder 10 is a means for extracting the EPG information sent from the demultiplexer 4 and sending it to the EPG data database 16.

The D-VHS 23 and the HDD 24 are based on IEEE
It is a means connected to the 1394 bus 25 for performing recording and reproduction and recording and reproduction reservation according to the control of the electronic program information display device of the present embodiment. IEEE 1394 bus 25 is DV
A means for exchanging AV data and commands with the HS 23, the HDD 24, and the electronic program information display device of the present embodiment.

The EPG screen generator 12 is a means for generating screen data for displaying EPG information. Screen composition unit 1
A unit 3 combines AV data decoded by the MPEG2 decoder with EPG screen data generated by the EPG screen generating unit 12, or generates data for displaying only a program or only an EPG display screen. The NTSC encoder 14 is means for converting digital AV data into an NTSC analog video / audio signal. The monitor 15 is means for displaying an NTSC video signal on a screen.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 2 shows an example of an EPG screen display according to the present embodiment. The description of this screen will be described later.

A broadcast wave downlinked from a communication satellite is received by CS tuner 1 and then demodulated by QPSK demodulation 2. In addition, programs such as PPV and data encrypted due to copyright claim are descrambled.
Is decrypted with. Since this data is multiplexed, the demultiplexer 4 separates the multiplexed programs and additional information relating to the programs, and
, Symbol data information detection 18 and the transport decoder 5. The transport decoder 5
The AV data time-division multiplexed into the G2 transport stream is separated into elementary packets,
It passes to the PEG2 decoder 6. Further, the MPEG2 decoder expands the compressed data, and
Pass to 1.

The above operation is performed when the viewer selects a channel at the input unit 11, and is performed based on the control of the tuner block control unit 7 by a command from the system control unit 8.

The input unit 11 can designate a channel that the viewer wants to view, and can instruct the system control unit 8 to view the currently broadcasted program.
It is also possible to instruct the system control unit 8 to display the G information on the monitor 15. There are also two modes for displaying EPG information, one of which is text-based display as described in the background art. The other is a display that can be easily understood by elderly people. Note that, among the modes for displaying EPG information according to the present embodiment, the display based on text as described in the related art is an example of the standard electronic program information display format described in claim 1, and is easily used by elderly people. The display that can be understood is an example of the special electronic program information display format according to the first aspect.

A case will be described below in which the input unit 11 instructs the viewer to display the EPG information on the monitor 15 and displays the EPG information so that the elderly can easily understand it.

In this case, a symbol is detected by the symbol data information detection 18 from the data sent from the demultiplexer 4. Then, it is sent to the memory access control 19 and stored in the symbol data storage memory 20 together with the symbol ID.

At the same time, the demultiplexer 4 sends data to the program information decoder 10, and the program information decoder 10
PG information is detected and converted into an EPG data database 16
The database is created. At this time, the EPG data database conversion 16 forms a database by combining the ID of the symbol in the symbol data storage memory and the program ID for uniquely specifying the program name of the EPG information. Thus, in the present embodiment, the program ID and the symbol are sent at the same time.

The EPG data management section 9 manages EPG data, and also manages a set of an ID for uniquely specifying a program and an ID of a symbol for uniquely specifying a symbol. As described above, the EPG data management unit 9 manages EPG information, a program to which an ID is assigned, and a symbol corresponding to the program ID as a set.

As described above, FIG. 2 shows an EP for the elderly.
4 shows an example of a G information display screen. The EPG screen generation unit 12
EPG screen data is generated from EPG information and symbols managed by the EPG data management unit 9. The EPG screen generation unit 12 generates data for adding and displaying a symbol corresponding to the program ID to the program column. In some cases, instead of displaying a program name, EPG screen data for displaying a symbol corresponding to the program in a program display column is generated. In some cases, the symbol portion may be set to be enlarged and displayed to fill the program display column, and when the program column is small, text or the like explaining detailed information such as the performers of the program is displayed. Don't do it. Alternatively, a text summarizing the detailed information is displayed. Then, an EPG screen is displayed on the monitor 15 via the NTSC encoder 14.

Reference numeral 80 in FIG. 2 denotes a symbol indicating that the announcer is reading a document. From this symbol, it can be easily understood that the program of NHK General from 19:00 to 19:30 is a news program. Reference numeral 85 denotes a Little Red Riding Hood symbol. From this symbol, it can be seen that the program represented by 85 is a reddish cartoon.

As is apparent from FIG. 2, when the program is broadcast for a long time, that is, when the area of the program display column is large,
Not only symbols corresponding to the program but also text information for introducing the program are displayed. Alternatively, when the area of the program display section is large, the EPG screen and the representative screen of the program are combined by the screen combining section 13 and the representative screen can be displayed in the program section. At 81, a symbol of a world trip is displayed. Reference numeral 81 denotes a one-hour program, in which one symbol is displayed and a blank space is displayed. 8
3 shows a crest of Aoi and a symbol of Mito Komon.
It can be seen from the Aoi crest that 83 programs are Mito Komon. In addition, 83 Mito Komon is a program that is broadcast every day from 20:00 to 21:00, and the area of the program display column is large,
Under the Aoi crest, a representative screen is extracted from the program sent from the broadcasting station and displayed. That is, a face photograph of Mito Komon is displayed. Take out the representative screen of the program,
The case of displaying in the program column will be described in the third embodiment.
Reference numeral 86 denotes a two-hour program in which a baseball batter symbol is displayed. Above and below, a Tigers mark and a Giants mark are displayed, respectively. From this, it can be seen that 86 is a professional baseball broadcast of Tigers vs. Giants. In addition, numeral 87 indicates a symbol of a soccer ball and logos of Gamba and Reysol. From this, 87 is a relay of the J-League match,
It turns out that Gamba and Reysol will fight. Gamba and Raysol are examples in which text is converted to symbols and displayed.

However, the program display column is not always large enough. Some programs have a short broadcast time, such as weather forecasts and news programs. In such a case, the area of the program display column becomes small. In this case, neither a symbol indicating a program nor text is displayed. However, the cursor is moved by the input unit 11 and the instruction is transmitted from the EPG data management unit 9 to the EP.
Via the G screen generation unit 12, the screen synthesis unit 13, NTSC
When displayed on the monitor 15 from the encoder 14,
When the cursor is moved and positioned in a small program display column, the program column is enlarged to display a symbol corresponding to the program. If the program column can be enlarged sufficiently, program detailed information explaining the performers and the like is displayed.
However, the movement of the cursor is performed by a remote controller constituting the input unit 11 or an operation panel provided in the electronic program information display device of the present embodiment. 84 in FIG. This is an example in which the program column is enlarged and displayed when the cursor is positioned on a program having a small area in the program display column. As can be seen from the symbol at 84, the program is a weather forecast.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a remote controller.

In FIG. 3, the cursor is 51 for the future program, 48 for the past program, 49
By pressing each button of the Ch switch 50, it moves upward, downward, leftward, and rightward, respectively. Note that the remote controller in FIG. 3 can perform various mode switching. For example, the EPG information display screen can be scrolled. Further, by moving the cursor on the EPG screen and selecting a program column, recording, reproduction, recording reservation, viewing reservation, and the like of the program can be performed. In performing these processes, a recording / reproducing device such as an HDD or a VCR can be selected. The remote control will be described again in the third embodiment.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even the elderly can easily understand the program information, and can easily select and view the program even in the broadcast corresponding to multiple channels.

The symbol representing the program may be any symbol that can identify the program by association. For example, in the case of a baseball broadcast, the symbol may be such that a player is playing a bat. A simple g for that symbol
An if animation can be applied to display a symbol of a top feed in which a player is actually dropping a bat.

Further, the source of the program ID and the symbol corresponding to the ID is not limited to the one transmitted from the broadcasting station. For example, a CD-ROM attached to an Internet distribution service or a television program information magazine is used. A portable recording medium such as a disk or a floppy disk can also be used. In this case, reading means for reading a program ID and a symbol corresponding to the ID from a recording medium or a distribution service on the Internet, and associating means for associating the program ID extracted from the EPG information with the symbol ID are added to the present embodiment. Prepare. Then, the program ID read by the reading means and the symbol corresponding to the ID are:
The program ID and the symbol ID associated by the associating means, and the symbol corresponding to the symbol ID are stored in the symbol data storage memory 20. Subsequent steps are the same as in the present embodiment.

Further, the program ID and the symbol corresponding to the ID may be configured so that the content of the program received by the CS tuner 1 is obtained from a broadcasting channel. The ID and the symbol corresponding to the ID are CS
The tuner 1 can be obtained from the promotion channel received by the tuner 1.

Further, although the present embodiment has been described by taking the CS broadcast as an example, a cable television or the like may be used, in other words, a broadcast standard having EPG information may be used.

Further, in the case of analog broadcasting in Europe and the like, VPS (Video Program System) is used.
em) and PDC (Programm Delivery)
Some programs use a program label as defined in a standard such as Control. Since the program label needs to have a unique value for each program, usually, the code of the broadcasting station that broadcasts the program and the month when the program starts broadcasting,
Generated from day, hour, minute and more. Such a program label can be used as a program ID for uniquely specifying a program.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

This embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a case will be described in which symbols are sent in advance prior to EPG information, and EPG information is displayed by associating the symbols with programs.

The configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. First, the CS tuner 1 receives a symbol representing a program and an ID of the symbol every predetermined period, for example, every week. The received symbol and the ID of the symbol are stored in the symbol data storage memory 20 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

Next, the CS tuner 1 receives the set information of the program ID and the symbol ID for uniquely specifying the program, and the set information is also converted into the EPG data database 16 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The data is stored in the database memory 17 as a database. The EPG screen generation unit 12
An EPG screen is generated from the set information of the program ID and the symbol ID based on the database managed by the G data management unit 9 and displayed on the monitor 15 as in the first embodiment.

According to the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, even the elderly can easily understand the program information, and can easily select and view a program even in a multi-channel broadcast. Further, since the symbols can be reused in some programs, the symbol data storage memory 20
The number of symbols to be stored can be reduced, and the symbol data storage memory 20 can be used effectively.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a symbol representing a program is created not from a broadcast station but from an image of a program sent from the broadcast station. Further, a case where an external device is operated using the EPG display screen will be described.

The configuration of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. The following description focuses on the differences from the first embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows an electronic program information display device according to the present embodiment.

As described above, the buffer memory 21
The AV data of the program expanded by the MPEG2 decoder is temporarily recorded, and the recorded AV data is accessed by the memory access control means 19 and stored as a symbol in the symbol data storage memory 20. At this time, the symbol is uniquely specified. The ID is also stored in the symbol data storage means 20.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, the electronic program information display device of the present embodiment itself creates a symbol representing a program using a program on a channel received by the CS tuner 1 or EPG information. First, AV data obtained from the MPEG2 decoder is temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 21. Then, the information obtained from the demultiplexer 4 is passed to the symbol data information detection 18. The symbol data information detection 18 receives an instruction as to which screen of which program is to be used as a symbol. This is sent from a broadcasting station. In accordance with this instruction, a screen is specified from the buffer memory and stored in the symbol data storage memory 20. At the same time, the memory access control 19 stores an ID for uniquely specifying the selected screen as a symbol in the symbol data storage memory 20. Thus, the symbol for displaying the EPG information and the ID for uniquely specifying the symbol are stored in the symbol data storage memory 20.

The program information decoder 10 separates the EPG information from the demultiplexer 4 and sends it to the EPG data database 16. At the same time, the symbol data storage memory 20 sends the symbol and the ID of the symbol to the EPG data database 16.

The EPG data database generator 16 creates a database based on the information and stores the database in the database memory 17.

The input unit 11 selects a channel to view a program, instructs to display an EPG screen described in the related art, or instructs to display an EPG screen for the elderly.

In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which input unit 11 instructs to display an EPG screen for the elderly.

In the input unit 11, the viewer can enter an E
When instructed to display the PG screen, the EPG data management unit 9 refers to the database from the database memory 17 and sends necessary data in the EPG data database conversion 16 to the EPG data management unit. Here, the necessary data includes a time zone, a channel, a program ID, a symbol ID, and the like displayed on the EPG screen. The EPG data management unit 9 creates an EPG screen using such data. The creation method is based on the I of the symbol corresponding to the program ID.
The same operation as that described in the first embodiment is performed using D.

The EPG data management section 9 configures the EPG screen so as to use the same symbol each time for a continuous program such as a drama broadcast every week. Then, the EPG screen generator 12 lays out the actual EPG display screen based on the information sent from the EPG data manager 9. This layout example is also the same as that described in the first embodiment.

[0091] In 82 of FIG. 2, the word "Today's cuisine" is written on the spaghetti symbol. This symbol is an example extracted from a program sent from a broadcasting station. In addition, as described above, the face photo of 83 Mito Komon was also extracted from the program sent from the broadcasting station. Reference numeral 81 denotes an example in which a world travel title screen is displayed in a program display section.

The screen synthesizing unit 13 is set so as to synthesize the currently broadcasted screen or to display only the EPG screen. Then, it is passed to the NTSC encoder 14 and is actually displayed on the monitor 15.

The input means 11 can make a recording or a recording reservation, or a reproduction or a reproduction reservation by moving the EPG display screen with a cursor and selecting a program.
When a cursor is used to select a symbol representing a program in the program display field, the information is passed to the external device control unit 22 and the D-VHS2
3 or the HDD 24 is reserved for recording. The operation of the input means 11 is performed by the remote controller or the electronic program information display device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows an example of such a remote controller, and the operation of the remote controller will be briefly described. Device 41 is
Means for selecting between D-VHS 23 and HDD 24,
When this button is pressed, a submenu of the EPG display screen appears, and the D-VHS 23 or the HDD 24 can be selected. Ch switch 49, go to past program 48, Ch
The switch 50 and the future program 51 can be used for moving a cursor displayed on the EPG screen. When the mode is switched to the mode in which the EPG screen is scrolled by the mode switching 56, the Ch switching 49, the past program 48, the Ch switching 50, and the future program 51 become:
Can be used to scroll the EPG screen display. By moving the cursor so as to be positioned at the program column for which recording reservation is desired, and pressing recording 45, recording reservation can be performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even the elderly can easily understand the program information, and can easily select and view the program even in the broadcast corresponding to the multi-channel.

In the present embodiment, IEEE1394 is used.
Although the D-VHS and the HDD are described as being connected to the bus, the present invention is not limited to this.
In short, a personal computer (PC) capable of recording and reproducing M and AV data only needs to be connected to one or a plurality of devices capable of recording and reproducing.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In this embodiment, the symbols used in the first to third embodiments are defined.

Normal characters or texts are interpreted by a reader by reading the characters or texts, and understand the meaning of the characters or texts.

On the other hand, the symbol is a symbol for conveying the content by association of a person who sees the symbol.

In other words, characters or texts require interpretation by the reader, but symbols can convey their meaning by association.

The above is summarized as shown in FIG.

Examples of the symbol include a reduced image, a logo, a decorative character, a bitmap, an image, an illustration, etc. of a screen on which the program can be specified in the scene of the program.

The above is summarized as shown in FIG.

As a reduced image of a screen on which a program can be specified, for example, in the case of a manga, if a hero character appearing in the manga is used as an image, it is possible to know what the program is. In the case of sumo wrestling, it is possible to know that a sumo wrestling program is a sumo wrestling program by making an image of a wrestler wrestling.
Alternatively, it may be an illustration of a wrestler wrestling, or an illustration of a hero appearing in a manga.

Furthermore, if the symbols thus defined are displayed in a large size within the range of the program column, the elderly can easily understand them by using the association.

The symbols not only represent the program name,
It can also be used to represent the genre of a program.

However, since these symbols are for the elderly, these symbols are difficult to see if they are small, so they need to be large to some extent.

In short, the symbols described in this embodiment may be any symbols as long as the contents can be conveyed by association of a viewer.

Note that the CS tuner and the QP
The SK demodulation, descrambling, demultiplexer, transport decoder, and MPEG2 decoder are examples of the receiving means of the present invention.
The EPG screen generation unit and the screen synthesis unit are examples of the first electronic program information display unit of the present invention, and the EPG data management unit, the EPG screen generation unit, and the screen synthesis unit of the present embodiment are also the second electronic program information display unit of the present invention.
The symbol data storage memory of the present embodiment also serves as electronic program information display means, and is an example of the storage means of the present invention. The EPG information of the present embodiment is an example of the electronic program information of the present invention.

Further, in the present embodiment, the CS broadcast has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is only necessary that the broadcast can use the EPG, such as a cable television broadcast or a terrestrial broadcast.

Further, as described in the present embodiment, the EPG information and the symbols are not limited to those obtained from a program content transmission channel from a broadcasting station, a promotion channel, and those obtained from the Internet. CD-R
EPG information and symbols may be input to the electronic program information display device of the present invention from a recording medium such as an OM.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, symbols transmitted from a broadcasting station are used.
In the third embodiment, the symbols are created by the electronic program information display device of the present embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and some symbols may be sent from a broadcasting station at the same time, and some of the symbols may be created by the electronic program information display device of the present embodiment.

Further, each means constituting the electronic program information display device of the present invention may realize its function by using dedicated hardware, or may be realized by software by a computer program.

Further, a program recording medium characterized by recording a program for causing a computer to execute all or a part of the functions of each means in the electronic program information display device of the present invention also belongs to the present invention.

[0116]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention can provide an electronic program information display device and a program recording medium that enable the elderly to easily understand the contents of the EPG information.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information display device according to first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of an EPG screen displayed on the electronic program information display device according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a remote controller for operating the electronic program information display device according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 (a) is a diagram for explaining the meaning of symbols used in the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention. (B) Examples of symbols used in the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention. Illustration to explain

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of a conventional EPG display screen.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional information display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 CS tuner 2 QPSK demodulation 3 Descramble 4 Demultiplexer 5 Transport decoder 6 MPEG2 decoder 7 Tuner block diagram 8 System control unit 9 EPG data management unit 11 Input unit 12 EPG screen generation unit 13 Screen synthesis unit 14 NTSC encoder 15 Monitor 16 Creation of EPG data database 17 Database memory 18 Symbol data information detection 19 Memory access control means 20 Symbol data storage memory 21 Buffer memory 22 External device control unit 23 D-VHS 24 HDD 25 IEEE 1394 bus

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshifumi Yanagawa 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Terms (reference) 5C025 BA25 BA27 BA28 CA09 CA11 CB09 DA01 DA05 5C082 AA02 BA02 BA12 BA27 CA51 CB01 DA87 MM09 MM10 5E501 AB06 AC12 AC23 BA03 BA11 CA02 CB03 CC02 EA03 EA11 EA13 EB17 FA04 FA12 FA23 FA24 FA26 FB04

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A receiving means for receiving a broadcast of a program, a first electronic program information displaying means for displaying electronic program information received by the receiving means in a standard electronic program information display format, and the standard electronic program information display Compared to the format, at least the symbol portion in the electronic program information is enlarged or at least a new symbol is added, and all or a part of the text portion of the standard electronic program information display format is modified or deleted. And a second electronic program information display means for displaying the electronic program information in a special electronic program information display format. 2. The electronic program information display device according to claim 1, wherein the symbols are multiplexed on a program broadcast. 3. The electronic program information display device according to claim 1, wherein the symbol is created by the electronic program information display device itself. 4. A storage means for storing the symbol broadcasted at a predetermined time and a symbol ID associated with the symbol received by the reception means, wherein the reception means multiplexes the program broadcast. Receiving a program ID for uniquely specifying a program to be transmitted in the form of a symbol and a symbol ID corresponding to the program, wherein the second electronic program information display means specifies the symbol ID associated with the program ID. 2. The electronic program information display device according to claim 1, wherein symbols are displayed. 5. The symbol and the symbol ID for uniquely identifying the symbol are provided on a medium different from a broadcast, and the symbol and the symbol I are transmitted through the medium.
A reading unit for receiving and storing the electronic program information D; and a correlating unit for extracting a program ID for uniquely specifying the program from the electronic program information and associating the extracted program ID with the symbol ID. 2. The electronic program information display device according to claim 1, wherein a symbol specified by a symbol ID associated with the ID is displayed. 6. The electronic program information display device according to claim 5, wherein the symbol and the program ID are provided via the Internet. 7. The electronic program information display device according to claim 5, wherein the symbol and the program ID are provided on a portable recording medium. 8. The electronic program information display according to claim 5, wherein the symbol and the program ID are multiplexed on a program guide channel or a program guide program of a broadcast station being received by the receiving means. apparatus. 9. The reception means receives the program, and the second electronic program information display means fetches one screen or a plurality of screens from the contents of the received program and uses them as the symbols. The electronic program information display device according to claim 3, wherein 10. The second electronic program information display means uses the same symbol in the continuous program when the program is a continuous program that is sequentially broadcast within a predetermined period in units of a predetermined number of times. The electronic program information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: 11. The second electronic program information display means, when the broadcast time of the program is longer than a predetermined time, displays text data in addition to the symbols. An electronic program information display device according to any one of the above. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second electronic program information display means additionally displays a representative screen in the program when the broadcast time of the program is longer than a predetermined time. An electronic program information display device according to any one of the above. 13. The second electronic program information display means, when the broadcast time of the program is shorter than a predetermined time, does not display the symbol and the text portion, and when a cursor is positioned on the program column. 13. The electronic program information display device according to claim 1, wherein the program column is enlarged to display at least the symbols. 14. A program storing a program for causing a computer to execute a part or all of the functions of each means of the electronic program information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 13. recoding media.