JP2002077757A - Av network system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an AV network system which can select and provide a tuner optimum for a user. SOLUTION: The AV network system 100 has a display device 110 which displays the operating state by the user; a plurality of tuners A 120, B 130 which receive broadcast waves from a broadcasting station, and in which information about the operation of itself is held as functional test information; and a test-information control means A 140 which is equipped with an uploading means 144 used to upload the functional test information in the plurality of tuners A 120, B 130; connected to each other by respective communication means D 112, A 122, B 132, C 145 and a communication line 150. The means A 140 is provided with a text-data collation means 142 by which the uploaded functional test information is collated and which sorts the tuner requested by the user and a text-data generation means 141 by which a result collated by the means 142 is put in order so as to be generated as image information. The generated image information is displayed on the display device 110.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an AV network system in which a plurality of devices are interconnected by a communication line, and more particularly to an AV network system which allows a user to select an optimal tuner. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, television broadcasting has rapidly shifted from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting. In this digital broadcasting, the number of channels is increased as compared with the analog broadcasting, and at the same time, information (program information) necessary for selecting a program at a receiver is transmitted together with the program as service information. The user can display this program information on the display screen of the receiver, and use it for confirmation of broadcast programs, viewing reservation, recording reservation, and the like. In addition, digitalization of AV equipment has advanced, and D-VCRs, CS tuners, DVCs (Digital Video
o Cassette), DVD (Digital Video Disk), MD
(Mini Disc) and various other digital AV devices have appeared.

An AV connected to a conventional digital transmission path
Regarding the function control method of the device, see, for example,
No. 550. Hereinafter, a function control method of a conventional AV device will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a device for realizing a device control method in a network. In FIG. 36, 1 is a control device including a personal computer or the like, 2 is a display device of the control device 1, 3 is a pointing device such as a mouse, 4 is a storage device including a hard disk drive or the like, 5 is AV equipment A, 6 Is an AV device B, 7 is an AV device C, 8 is a digital transmission line connecting these AV devices to the control device 1, and 9 is a telephone line / CA.
Public transmission network such as TV, 10 is satellite broadcasting / terrestrial broadcasting / P
This is wireless transmission such as HS, and each of the devices A to C has an operation function unit unique to each device.

In this example, the device A5 has an operation function of receiving a broadcast, an additional information receiving function of receiving additional information associated with the broadcast, and a function of displaying information, and a device B6 has a function of recording information and a function of recording information. The device C7 has a function of reproducing information, and the device C7 is a device having only a function of reproducing information.

In the above configuration, the display device 2 includes the AV device 5 connected to the control device 1 via the digital transmission line 8.
7 are displayed in a tree structure using icons. The operation function units, functions, possession information, operation states, and the like of the AV devices 5 to 7 connected to the digital transmission line 8 are displayed on the display device 2.
Double-clicking the device of this icon with the pointing device 3 allows the device to start / stop / restart / end operation, and copy data between devices (recording / reproducing, dubbing). Thus, device control in the network of AV devices, such as function reservation, can be performed intuitively.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 5-161082 discloses a television receiver which displays on a display device the reception status of a plurality of tuners other than the tuner being viewed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-259926 discloses a system in which a plurality of recording / reproducing devices are inquired about the reservation status to each recording / reproducing device, and the optimum recording / reproducing device is provided to the user. Further, JP-A-2000
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. -41211 discloses a system related to recovery when an error occurs in a recording control device.

[0008]

However, such a conventional apparatus does not present recovery information, such as an alternative, when an apparatus to be used or reserved is already being used by another user. There has been a problem that the user has to give up using the device or search for an alternative device by himself.

[0009] Further, although there is information on whether or not the program currently being viewed is a rebroadcast, information on whether or not the currently viewed program is scheduled to be rebroadcasted at a later time than the present time is obtained. Therefore, there is a problem that there are many restrictions when searching for an alternative device or changing the reservation time. The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and has as its object to provide an AV network system capable of selecting and providing an optimal tuner for a user.

[0010]

An AV network system according to the present invention includes a display device for displaying a user's operation status, and a storage device for storing information on its own function and operation. An AV network system comprising: a plurality of tuners for receiving waves; and a management device having an upload unit for uploading information on the operation of the plurality of tuners, wherein the devices are interconnected by a communication line. The management device checks the uploaded information on the operations of the plurality of tuners, and selects a tuner usable by the user. Data generating means for generating the list information, and displaying the generated list information on the display device. It is set to.

[0011] Further, since the information on the operation is text information, it is not replaced with ID information.
Accuracy can be improved. Further, since the information on the operation is ID information, the amount of information in a plurality of tuners can be reduced, so that the storage capacity can be reduced and the data amount of a communication line can be reduced.

[0012] Further, the information on the operation includes program reservation information, so that when a plurality of users reserve a program to be broadcast from a broadcasting station with a tuner, a user who has previously reserved with the tuner can be used. In this situation, even if another user wants to make a reservation, it is possible to select a tuner according to another user's wish from the tuner connected to the communication line and provide it to another user Become.

[0013] The plurality of tuners may be provided for each program by an electronic program guide sent from a broadcasting station.
Program information classification means for classifying additional broadcast modes such as program name, date and time, performers, multiplex and teletext, program information storage means for storing the classified additional broadcast modes for each program name, and program information storage Each time a new program name is stored by the means, a program information comparison means for sequentially comparing the information of the additional broadcast format stored before this program for each program, and a program for judging the result of comparison by the program information comparison means Information determining means, and comprising a new electronic program guide generating means for generating a new electronic program guide to which information of rebroadcast existence is added based on the determination result of the program information determining means,
Since it is possible for the user to recognize the presence or absence of rebroadcasting, it is possible to construct an AV network system that facilitates viewing and listening between users or between devices or changing or adjusting program reservation.

Further, the new electronic program guide generated by the new electronic program guide generating means is text information, so that the accuracy can be improved without being replaced with ID information. In addition, the new electronic program guide generated by the new electronic program guide generating means is ID information, so that text information is converted to ID information. Therefore, the amount of information in a plurality of tuners can be reduced. Can be reduced, and the data amount of the communication line can be reduced.

[0015] Further, the plurality of tuners are provided for each program by an electronic program guide sent from a broadcasting station.
Program information classification means for classifying additional broadcast modes such as program name, date and time, performers, multiplex and teletext, program information storage means for storing the classified additional broadcast modes for each program name, and program information storage Each time a new program name is stored by the means, a program information comparison means for sequentially comparing the information of the additional broadcast format stored before this program for each program, and a program for judging the result of comparison by the program information comparison means Information determining means, link information generating means for adding link information linking a program and a rebroadcast program of the program to one of the programs based on the determination result of the program information determining means, and a new electronic device including the link information. By providing a new electronic program guide generating means for generating a program guide, a user can click on a previously broadcasted program with a pointing device or the like so that the rebroadcast program is broadcasted at any time. Runoka the operation of the user can be improved in order to be seen to immediately.

In addition, the plurality of tuners are provided for each program by an electronic program guide sent from a broadcasting station.
Program information classification means for classifying additional broadcast modes such as program name, date and time, performers, multiplex and teletext, program information storage means for storing the classified additional broadcast modes for each program name, and program information storage Each time a new program name is stored by the means, a program information comparison means for sequentially comparing the information of the additional broadcast format stored before this program for each program, and a program for judging the result of comparison by the program information comparison means Information determining means, link information generating means for adding link information linking a program and a rebroadcast program of the program to both programs based on the determination result of the program information determining means, and a new electronic information including the link information. Providing a new electronic program guide generating means for generating a program guide allows the user to click on both a previously broadcasted program and a subsequently broadcasted program with a pointing device or the like. By, whether the re-broadcast program is what time broadcast, the operation of the user is further improved in order to be seen immediately.

In addition, the plurality of tuners are provided for each program by an electronic program guide sent from a broadcasting station.
Program information classification means for classifying additional broadcast modes such as program name, date and time, performers, multiplex and teletext, program information storage means for storing the classified additional broadcast modes for each program name, and program information storage Each time a new program name is stored by the means, a program information comparison means for sequentially comparing the information of the additional broadcast format stored before this program for each program, and a program for judging the result of comparison by the program information comparison means When there are two or more rebroadcast programs based on the result of the judgment by the information judging means and the program information judging means, link information connecting the two or more programs and the rebroadcast program of the program is set to one each. A link information generating means for adding the link information to the first program and a new electronic program table to which the link information and the information of the date and time of the rebroadcast program are added are provided for the last program and the last program. To that and a new electronic program guide producing means, without thereby also increasing the amount of information relative to the rebroadcast of the program more than once, it is possible to efficiently give the link information.

In addition, the plurality of tuners are provided for each program by an electronic program guide sent from a broadcasting station.
Program information classification means for classifying additional broadcast modes such as program name, date and time, performers, multiplex and teletext, program information storage means for storing the classified additional broadcast modes for each program name, and program information storage Each time a new program name is stored by the means, a program information comparison means for sequentially comparing the information of the additional broadcast format stored before this program for each program, and a program for judging the result of comparison by the program information comparison means When there are two or more rebroadcast programs based on the result of the judgment by the information judging means and the program information judging means, link information connecting the two or more programs and the rebroadcast program of the program is set to one each. Link information generating means for adding the link information to both the last program and the first program, and a new electronic program to which the link information and the date and time information of the rebroadcast program are added. And a new electronic program guide generating means for generating a link information, so that the link information can be efficiently provided in both directions without increasing the amount of information even for programs rebroadcast more than once. Will be possible.

Further, since the information generated by the link information generating means is text information, accuracy can be improved without being replaced with ID information. Further, since the information generated by the link information generating means is ID information, the function information held by a plurality of tuners is changed from text information to ID information, so that the amount of information can be reduced. It can be reduced.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an AV network system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an AV network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A according to the present embodiment
The V network system can be applied to, for example, a television receiver having a digital broadcast receiving function capable of receiving digital broadcast radio waves.

In FIG. 1, an AV network system 100 includes a display device 110 having a communication function, a tuner A 120 for receiving and selecting a broadcast, performing channel selection, demodulation and error correction to decode video and audio data, and receiving and selecting a broadcast. Station, a tuner B130 that performs demodulation and error correction to decode video / audio data, a text information management unit A140 (management device) for managing information on devices connected to a communication line, and a device for connecting each device. The communication line 150 is provided.

The display device 110 is a display device having a communication function connected to the communication line 150, and includes an operation unit 111 for a user to perform an input operation and a communication unit D112 for communicating with the communication line 150. Is done. The tuner A120 includes a function text information holding unit A121 (storage unit) for holding function text information (information on operation) of the tuner A120, a communication unit A122 that communicates with the communication line 150, and a state of the communication line 150. And a communication line detecting means A123 for detecting the change of the communication line.

The tuner B130 has function text information holding means B131 (storage means) for holding function text information (information on operation) of the tuner B130, communication means B132 for communicating with the communication line 150,
And a communication line detecting means B133 for detecting a change in the status of the communication line 150.

The text information management means A 140 includes a text data generating means 141 for generating text information of a device connected to the communication line 150, and a communication line 15.
0, a text data collating unit 142 for collating the text information of the device connected to the device 0, a functional text information holding unit C143 for retaining the functional text information of the text information managing unit A140, and the communication line 150. It comprises an upload unit 144 for uploading text information of the device being connected, a communication unit C145 for communicating with the communication line 150, and a communication line detection unit C146 for detecting a change in the status of the communication line 150.

FIGS. 2 to 4 are tables showing the contents of the function text information. FIG. 2 shows an example of the function text information, FIG. 3 shows an example of the function text information, and FIG. An example in which information is summarized is shown below. FIG.
Is a function text information holding unit A1 of the tuner A120.
This is an example of the function text information stored in the storage unit 21 and includes information on the type, tuner number, tuner type, broadcast type, and presence / absence of viewing.

The type is tuner or other VTR.
And information indicating whether the device is another device such as a DVD, an MD, or the like. In this example, it is a “tuner”. The tuner number is
This is information in which a unique number is assigned to the tuner. In this example, the tuner number is “1”. The type of the tuner is information indicating the type of the tuner such as a single unit, a built-in TV, and a built-in VTR, and is “single” in this example. The broadcast type is information indicating the type of broadcast such as BS, CS, and terrestrial wave, and is “BS” in this example. The information on the presence / absence of viewing is information on the presence / absence of viewing and the channel number. In this example, the information is “Yes (CH1)”. Such information is held as function text information by the function text information holding unit A121 of the tuner A120.

Similarly, FIG. 3 shows an example of the function text information held by the function text information holding means B131 of the tuner B130. The type, the tuner number, the type of the tuner, the broadcast type, and the information on the presence / absence of viewing are shown. keeping.
The type is tuner or other VTR, DVD, M
This is information indicating whether the device is another device such as D, and in this example, is “tuner”. The tuner number is information in which a unique number is assigned to the tuner. In this example, the tuner number is “2”. Tuner types are simple, T
This is information indicating the type of tuner such as a built-in V, a built-in VTR, and in this example, “built-in TV”. Broadcast type is B
This is information indicating the type of broadcast, such as S, CS, and terrestrial wave, and is “CS” in this example. The presence / absence of viewing is information on the presence / absence of viewing and the channel number. In this example, “Yes (CH
2) ". Such information is held as function text information by the function text information holding means B131 of the tuner B130. Thus, each tuner A12
0 and B130 are stored as function text information.

FIG. 4 shows the text data generating means 141 in the text information managing means A140, and the tuner A12.
2 is an example in which the function text information of each of the tuner B130 and the function text information of the tuner B130 are stored in the function text information holding unit A121 of the tuner A120, as shown in FIGS. Based on the function text information held by the information holding unit B131, the text data matching unit 142 of the text information management unit A140 checks the user's request, and the text data generation unit 141 checks only the tuner according to the user's request. The information is sorted, generated as image information, and held collectively as new function text information.

The function text information shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 includes a type, a tuner number, a tuner type, a broadcast type,
Although the information on the presence / absence of viewing has been described as the function text information, any number of the information may be used, or other information may be added. Hereinafter, the viewing operation of the AV network system 100 configured as described above will be described.

In the present embodiment, the communication line 150 is connected to the IE
EE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engi
neers) I will explain using an example according to the 1394 standard,
Other communication lines may be used. Here, the user operates the operation unit 111 of the display device 110 to operate the communication unit D11.
2, a broadcast is received, selected, demodulated, error-corrected, and a case where a request to view a tuner for decoding video / audio data is issued.

The operation of the operation unit 111 of the display device 110 is received, transmitted through the communication unit D112, and the user request is received by the communication unit C145 of the text information management unit A140. This request is transmitted to the upload unit 144, and the upload unit 144 issues a transmission request for function text information to all devices connected to the communication line 150.

In response to the transmission request, the tuner A 120 and the tuner B 130 receive the text from the function text information holding means A 121 of the tuner A 120 and the function text information holding means B 131 of the tuner B 130 via the communication means A 122 and the communication means B 132, respectively. The function text information is transmitted to the communication means C145 of the information management means A140.

The function text information is received by the communication means C 145 of the text information management means A 140, and transmitted via the upload means 144 to the text data collation means 142.
Then, the function text information of the tuner A 120 and the function text information of the tuner B 130 are collated, and the device desired by the user is selected. Then, the function text information of only the device according to the user's request is generated as image information by the text data generation means 141, and the display device 11 is transmitted through the communication means C145.
0 to the communication means D112.

The display device 110 displays the transmitted image information, and the user confirms the content on the display screen of the display device 110. Thereafter, the user selects either the desired tuner A120 or tuner B130,
It becomes possible to watch.

As described above, the AV of the first embodiment
The network system 100 includes a display device 110 that displays a user's operation status, a plurality of tuners A120 and B130 that receive broadcast waves from a broadcast station and hold its own function information as function text information, and a plurality of tuners. The text information management means A140 provided with the upload means 144 for uploading the function text information of A120 and B130 are provided by the communication means D112 and A12, respectively.
2, B132, C145 and the communication line 150, and the text information management means A140 collates the uploaded function text information and selects the tuner desired by the user.
2 and a text data generating unit 141 that collectively generates the collation results by the text data collating unit 142 as image information, and is configured to display the generated image information on the display device 110. By making an inquiry to a device connected to the network every time a request is made, the communication amount can be minimized when there is no use request from the user. The data amount related to the device information can be minimized.

Further, predetermined data is obtained when the device is connected to the communication line 150, and only necessary data is obtained when there is a use request from a user. Responsiveness is improved. In the present embodiment, an operation has been described in which a transmission request is issued to all devices connected to the communication line 150 when there is a user's use request, but each device is connected to the communication line 150. At this time, a configuration in which the information is transmitted to the text information management unit A140 in advance may be used.

Second Embodiment FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of an AV network system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the description of the present embodiment, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted. In FIG. 5, an AV network system 200 includes a display device 11 having a communication function.
0, a tuner C220 that receives broadcast, performs channel selection, demodulation, and error correction to decode video and audio data, receives broadcast,
Tuner D230 that performs channel selection, demodulation and error correction to decode video / audio data, ID information management means A240 (management device) for managing information on devices connected to the communication line, and connects each device Communication line 150 for
It is comprised including.

The tuner C220 includes a function ID information holding unit A221 (storage unit) for holding function ID information (information on operation) of the tuner C220, a communication unit A222 for communicating with the communication line 150, and a communication line. The communication line detecting means A 223 for detecting a change in the situation at 150 is provided.

The tuner D230 includes a function ID information holding means B231 (storage means) for holding function ID information (information on operation) of the tuner D230, a communication means B232 for communicating with the communication line 150, and a communication line. It comprises a communication line detecting means B233 for detecting a change in the situation at 150.

The ID information management means A240 is connected to the communication line 1
ID data generating means 241 for generating ID information of the equipment connected to the communication line 50, ID data matching means 242 for checking the ID information of the equipment connected to the communication line 150, and ID information management means A240. Function ID information holding means C243 for holding function ID information,
Uploading means 244 for uploading ID information of a device connected to the communication line 150, communication means C245 for communicating with the communication line 150, and communication line 1
Communication line detecting means C for detecting a change in the situation of 50
246.

FIGS. 6 to 8 are tables showing the contents of the function ID information. FIG. 6 shows an example of the function ID information, FIG. 7 shows an example of the function ID information, and FIG. An example in which information is summarized is shown below. FIG. 6 shows a tuner C2.
This is an example of the function ID information held by the 20 function ID information holding unit A221, and holds ID information such as type, tuner number, tuner type, broadcast type, and presence / absence of viewing.

The type is tuner or other VTR.
And ID information indicating whether the device is another device such as a DVD, an MD, or the like. In this example, the device is a “tuner”. The tuner number is ID information in which a unique number is assigned to the tuner. In this example, the tuner number is “1”. The type of the tuner is ID information indicating the type of the tuner such as a single unit, a built-in TV, and a built-in VTR.
The built-in type is set to “1”, and the built-in VCR is set to “2”. In this example, the type of the tuner is “0” (single).

The broadcast type is information indicating the type of broadcast, such as BS, CS, and terrestrial waves. BS broadcast is “0”, CS broadcast is “1”, terrestrial broadcast is “2”, and CATV broadcast is “3”. "
And In this example, the broadcast type is “0” (BS broadcast). The presence / absence of viewing is ID information of the presence / absence of viewing and the channel number. In the fourth most significant digit, “0” indicates presence, “1” indicates no, and the lower 3 bits indicate the channel when viewing. Assign numbers as they are. In this example, "0001"
It is. Such information is stored in the function I of the tuner C220.
The D information holding unit A221 holds the function ID information.

Similarly, FIG. 7 shows an example of the function ID information held by the function ID information holding means B 231 of the tuner D 230. The type, tuner number, tuner type,
It holds ID information indicating the broadcast type and whether or not the broadcast has been viewed. The type is ID information indicating whether the device is a tuner or another device such as a VTR, a DVD, or an MD. In this example, the type is “tuner”. The tuner number is ID information in which a unique number is assigned to the tuner. In this example, the tuner number is “2”. The type of the tuner is ID information indicating the type of the tuner such as a single unit, a built-in TV, a built-in VTR, and the like.
“2” is set for the VCR built-in type. In this example, the type of the tuner is “1” (TV built-in type).

The broadcast type is information indicating the type of broadcast such as BS, CS, and terrestrial broadcasting. BS broadcasting is "0", CS broadcasting is "1", terrestrial broadcasting is "2", and CATV broadcasting is "3". "
And In this example, the broadcast type is “1” (CS broadcast). The ID information of the presence / absence of viewing is the ID information of the presence / absence of viewing and the channel number. In the fourth most significant digit, “0” indicates presence, “1” indicates no, and viewing is performed in the lower 3 bits. The channel number at the time is assigned as it is. In this example, it is “0002”. Such information is sent to tuner D
The function ID information storage unit 230 stores the function ID information as function ID information. Thus, each tuner C22
0 and D230 as function ID information.

FIG. 8 shows an example in which the ID data generation means 241 in the ID information management means A240 summarizes the function ID information of each of the tuners C220 and D230. As shown in FIGS. The function ID information held by the function ID information holding unit A221 of the tuner C220 and the function ID information holding unit B231 of the tuner D230
From the function ID information held by the
The ID data matching means 242 of 240 checks the user's request, and the ID data generating means 241 selects only the tuner according to the user's request and generates it as image information.
The information is collectively stored as new function ID information.

In the function ID information of FIGS. 6 to 8, the type, tuner number, tuner type, broadcast type, and presence / absence information have been described as the function ID information. However, a configuration in which other information is added may be used. Hereinafter, the A configured as described above
The viewing operation of the V network system 200 will be described.

In this embodiment, the communication line 150 is connected to the IE
The description will be given using an example conforming to the EE1394 standard, but other communication lines may be used. Here, a case will be described as an example where the user issues a request to view the tuner now through the communication unit D112 using the operation unit 111 of the display device 110.

The operation of the operation means 111 of the display device 110 is received, transmitted through the communication means D112, and the user's request is received by the communication means C245 of the ID information management means A240. This request is transmitted to the upload unit 244, and the upload unit 244 issues a transmission request for the function ID information to all the devices connected to the communication line 150.

In response to the transmission request, the tuner C220 and the tuner D230 receive the function I of the tuner C220.
Function ID of D information holding unit A221 and tuner D230
From the information holding means B231, the communication means A222
And ID information management means A240 via communication means B232
The function ID information is transmitted to the communication means C245.

The function ID information is stored in the ID information management means A
The data is received by the communication means C 245 of the tuner 240, passes through the upload means 244, and is transmitted by the tuner C
The function ID information of the tuner D230 and the function ID information of the tuner D230 are collated to select a device desired by the user. Then, the function ID information of only the device according to the user's desire is generated as image information by the ID data generating means 241 and the communication means C
Via 245, it is transmitted to the communication means D112 of the display device 110.

The display device 110 displays the transmitted image information, and the user confirms the content on the display screen of the display device 110. Thereafter, the user selects either the desired tuner C220 or tuner D230,
It becomes possible to watch.

As described above, the AV of the second embodiment is
The network system 200 includes a display device 110 that displays a user's operation status, a plurality of tuners C220 and D230 that receive broadcast waves from a broadcast station and hold its own function information as function ID information, and a plurality of tuners. C2
20, ID information management means A240 including an upload means 244 for uploading function ID information of D230
Are communication means D112, A222, and B23, respectively.
2, C245 and communication line 150, ID information management means A 240 collates the uploaded function ID information and selects a tuner desired by the user, ID data collation means 242, and ID data collation means And ID data generating means 241 for generating the collated results as image information in a group 242, and displaying the generated image information on the display device 110. By querying the connected device,
When there is no use request from the user, the communication amount can be minimized, and the ID information management unit A240 can minimize the data amount relating to the device information on the network that is normally stored.

Also, the predetermined data is acquired at the stage when the device is connected to the communication line 150, and only the necessary data is acquired when there is a use request from the user. Responsiveness is improved. In particular, in the present embodiment, device information is converted from text information to I
Since the information is replaced with the D information, the data amount can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment.

In the above case, the operation of requesting transmission to all devices connected to the communication line 150 when a user's use request has been described, but each device is connected to the communication line 150. When it is performed, a configuration in which the information is transmitted to the ID information management unit A240 in advance may be used.

Third Embodiment FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of an AV network system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the description of the present embodiment, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted.

In FIG. 9, an AV network system 300 includes a display device 110 having a communication function, a tuner E320 for receiving and selecting a broadcast, performing channel selection, demodulation and error correction to decode video and audio data, and receiving and selecting a broadcast. Station, a tuner F330 that performs demodulation and error correction to decode video and audio data, a text information management unit B340 (management device) for managing information on devices connected to the communication line, and a connection between the devices. The communication line 150 is provided.

The tuner E320 has function text reservation information holding means A321 (storage means) for holding function text reservation information (information on operation) of the tuner E320, and communication means A32 for communicating with the communication line 150.
2, and a communication line detecting means A323 for detecting a change in the status of the communication line 150.

The tuner F330 includes function text reservation information holding means B331 (storage means) for holding function text reservation information (information on operation) of the tuner F330, and communication means B33 for communicating with the communication line 150.
2, and a communication line detecting means B333 for detecting a change in the status of the communication line 150.

The text information management means B 340 is a text data generating means 341 for generating text reservation information of a device connected to the communication line 150, and checks the text reservation information of the device connected to the communication line 150. Text data collating means 342 and function text reservation information holding means C34 for holding function text reservation information of text reservation information management means B340.
3. Upload means 34 for uploading text reservation information of a device connected to communication line 150
4. Composed of communication means C345 for communicating with the communication line 150 and communication line detection means C346 for detecting a change in the status of the communication line 150.

FIGS. 10 to 12 are tables showing the contents of the function text reservation information in a table. FIG. 10 shows an example of function text reservation information, FIG. 11 shows an example of function text reservation information, and FIG. Shows an example in which the function text reservation information is summarized. FIG. 10 is an example of the function text reservation information held by the function text reservation information holding unit A321 of the tuner E320. The type, tuner number, tuner type, broadcast type, information on whether or not viewing (viewing information), It holds the reserved time and the reserved program name. A reserved time and a reserved program name are further added to the function text information of FIG.

The type is tuner or other VTR
And information indicating whether the device is another device such as a DVD, an MD, or the like. In this example, it is a “tuner”. The tuner number is
This is information in which a unique number is assigned to the tuner. In this example, the tuner number is “1”. The type of the tuner is information indicating the type of the tuner such as a single unit, a built-in TV, and a built-in VTR, and is “single” in this example. The broadcast type is information indicating the type of broadcast such as BS, CS, and terrestrial wave, and is “BS” in this example. The viewing information is information on presence / absence of viewing and a channel number, and in this example, is “present (CH1)”.

The reservation time is information on the date and time when the tuner was reserved. In this example, the reservation time is “March 1, 2000, 1
8:00 to 19:00 on March 1, 2000 ". The reserved program name is information on the reserved program name and the channel number, and is “CH1 program A” in this example.
Such information is held as function text reservation information by the function text reservation information holding unit A321 of the tuner E320.

Similarly, FIG. 11 shows an example of the function text reservation information held by the function text reservation information holding means B 331 of the tuner F 330. The type, tuner number, tuner type, broadcast type, viewing information, reservation time,
Holds the reserved program name. The configuration is such that the reserved time and the reserved program name are further added to the function text information of FIG.

The type is tuner or other VTR.
And information indicating whether the device is another device such as a DVD, an MD, or the like. In this example, it is a “tuner”. The tuner number is
This is information in which a unique number is assigned to the tuner, and in this example, the tuner number is “2”. The type of the tuner is information indicating the type of the tuner such as a single unit, a built-in TV, a built-in VTR, and the like. The broadcast type is information indicating the type of broadcast such as BS, CS, and terrestrial wave, and is “CS” in this example. The presence / absence of viewing is information on the presence / absence of viewing and the channel number, and is “present (CH2)” in this example.

The reservation time is information on the date and time when the tuner was reserved. In this example, the reservation time is “March 1, 2000, 2
2:00 to 23:00 on March 1, 2000 ". The reserved program name is information on the reserved program name and the channel number, and is “CH2 program B” in this example.
Such information is held as function text reservation information by the function text reservation information holding unit B331 of the tuner F330. Thus, each tuner E320, F3
30 holds the function text reservation information.

FIG. 12 shows a text information management means B340.
In the text data generation means 342 in the tuner E3,
This is an example in which the function text reservation information of each of the tuner F320 and the tuner F330 is collected. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the function text reservation information and the tuner F330 held by the function text reservation information holding unit A321 of the tuner E320. From the function text reservation information stored in the function text reservation information storage unit B331, the text data matching unit 342 of the text reservation information management unit B340.
And collates the user's request with the text data generating means 34.
In step 2, only tuners according to the user's request are selected, generated as image information, and held together as new function text reservation information.

In the function text reservation information of FIGS. 10 to 12, the type, tuner number, tuner type, broadcast type, and presence / absence information are described as the function text reservation information. It doesn't matter
A configuration in which other information is added may be used. Hereinafter, the reservation operation of the AV network system 300 configured as described above will be described.

In this embodiment, the communication line 150 is connected to the IE
The description will be given using an example conforming to the EE1394 standard, but other communication lines may be used. Here, a case will be described as an example where the user issues a request to reserve a tuner through the communication unit D112 by the operation unit 111 of the display device 110.

The operation of the operation unit 111 of the display device 110 is received, transmitted through the communication unit D112, and the user request is received by the communication unit C345 of the text information management unit B340. This request is transmitted to the upload unit 344, and the upload unit 344 issues a transmission request for the function text reservation information to all the devices connected to the communication line 150.

In response to the transmission request, the tuner E320 and the tuner F330 transmit the function text reservation information holding means A321 of the tuner E320 and the function text reservation information holding means B331 of the tuner F330 via the communication means A322 and the communication means B332, respectively. The function text reservation information is transmitted to the communication means C345 of the text information management means B340.

The function text reservation information is received by the communication means C 345 of the text information management means B 340, and is transmitted to the text data collation means 3 via the upload means 344.
In step 42, the function text reservation information of the tuner E320 and the tuner F330 is collated, and the device desired by the user is selected. Then, the function text reservation information of only the device according to the user's desire is generated as image information by the text data generation unit 342, and the communication data is transmitted through the communication unit C345.
The data is transmitted to the communication unit D112 of the display device 110.

The display device 110 displays the transmitted image information, and the user confirms the content on the display screen of the display device 110. Thereafter, the user selects either the desired tuner E320 or tuner F330,
It becomes possible to watch.

As described above, the AV of the third embodiment is
The network system 300 includes a display device 110 that displays a user's operation status, a plurality of tuners E320 and F330 that receive broadcast waves from a broadcast station and hold its own function information as function text reservation information, The function of the tuners E320 and F330 and the text information management means B340 provided with the upload means 344 for uploading the text reservation information are respectively provided by the communication means D11.
2, A322, B332, C345 and communication line 150
And a text information management means B34
0 is a text data collating unit 342 for collating the uploaded function text reservation information and selecting an optimal tuner at the time when the user desires the reservation; And text data generation means 341 for generating the image information, and the generated image information is displayed on the display device 110. Therefore, every time there is a use request from the user, an inquiry about reservation is sent to a device connected to the network. By doing so, it is possible to minimize the amount of communication when there is no use request from the user, and to minimize the amount of data relating to device information on the network that is normally stored by the text reservation information management means B340.

Further, the predetermined data is acquired at the stage when the device is connected to the communication line 150, and only the necessary data is acquired when the user makes a reservation request. Responsiveness is improved. In the above case, the operation of requesting transmission to all the devices connected to the communication line 150 when the user makes a reservation request has been described, but when each device is connected to the communication line 150, Alternatively, a configuration in which the text information is transmitted to the text information management unit B340 in advance may be used.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an AV network system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the description of the present embodiment, the same components as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted.

In FIG. 13, an AV network system 400 includes a display device 110 having a communication function, a tuner G420 for receiving and selecting a broadcast, performing channel selection, demodulation and error correction to decode video and audio data, and receiving and selecting a broadcast. Station, a tuner H430 that performs demodulation and error correction to decode video and audio data, ID information management means B440 (management device) for managing information on devices connected to the communication line,
And a communication line 150 for connecting each device.

The tuner G420 has function ID reservation information holding means A421 (storage means) for holding function ID reservation information (information on operation) of the tuner G420, communication means A422 for communicating with the communication line 150,
And a communication line detecting means A423 for detecting a change in the status of the communication line 150.

The tuner H430 includes function ID reservation information holding means B431 (storage means) for holding function ID reservation information (information on operation) of the tuner H430, communication means B432 for communicating with the communication line 150,
And a communication line detecting means B433 for detecting a change in the status of the communication line 150.

The ID reservation information management means B 440 includes ID data generation means 441 for generating ID reservation information of a device connected to the communication line 150, and checks ID reservation information of a device connected to the communication line 150. I to do
D data collating means 442, ID reservation information managing means B44
Communication is performed with a function ID reservation information holding unit C443 for holding function ID reservation information of 0, an upload unit 444 for uploading ID reservation information of a device connected to the communication line 150, and a communication line 150. It comprises a communication means C445 and a communication line detecting means C446 for detecting a change in the status of the communication line 150.

FIGS. 14 to 16 are tables showing the contents of the function ID reservation information in a table. FIG. 14 shows an example of the function ID reservation information, and FIG. 15 shows an example of the function ID reservation information.
FIG. 16 shows an example in which the function ID reservation information is summarized. FIG. 14 is an example of the function ID reservation information held by the function ID reservation information holding unit A421 of the tuner G420. The type, the tuner number, the tuner type, the broadcast type, the information on the presence or absence of viewing (viewing information), It holds the reserved time and the reserved program name. The configuration is such that the reservation time and the ID of the reserved program name are further added to the function ID information of FIG.

The type is tuner or other VTR.
ID reservation information indicating whether the device is another device such as a DVD, an MD, and the like, and in this example, is a “tuner”. The tuner number is an ID that assigns a unique number to the tuner.
This is reservation information, and in this example, is the tuner number “1”. The type of the tuner is ID reservation information indicating the type of the tuner such as a single unit, a built-in TV, a built-in VTR, and the like. The single unit is “0”, the TV built-in type is “1”, and the VCR built-in type is “2”. In this example, the type of the tuner is “0” (single).

The broadcast type is information indicating the type of broadcast such as BS, CS, and terrestrial waves. BS broadcast is “0”, CS broadcast is “1”, terrestrial broadcast is “2”, and CATV broadcast is “3”. "
And In this example, the broadcast type is “0” (BS broadcast). The viewing information is the ID reservation information of the presence / absence of viewing and the channel number. In the fourth most significant digit, “0” indicates presence, “1” indicates no, and the lower 3 bits indicate the channel when viewing. Assign numbers as they are. In this example, "0001"
It is.

The reservation time is information on the date and time when the tuner was reserved. From the top, year (4 digits), month (2 digits), day (2 digits), hour (2 digits), minute (2 digits) , Month (two digits). In this example, the reservation time “20000301188002”
00003011900 ”(18:00 on March 1, 2000 to 19:00 on March 1, 2000).

The reserved program name is the information of the reserved program name and the channel number. The channel number (three digits) and the program ID (three digits) are arranged in order from the top, and “001” indicates the program A and “002”. "Is a program B. In this example, "0010
01 "(CH1 program A). Such information is held as function ID reservation information by the function ID reservation information holding unit A421 of the tuner G420.

Similarly, FIG. 15 shows the function I held by the function ID reservation information holding means B431 of the tuner H430.
This is an example of D reservation information, and holds ID reservation information of type, tuner number, tuner type, broadcast type, and presence / absence of viewing. The configuration is such that the reserved time and the reserved program name ID are further added to the function ID information of FIG.

The type is tuner or other VTR.
ID reservation information indicating whether the device is another device such as a DVD, an MD, and the like, and in this example, is a “tuner”. The tuner number is an ID that assigns a unique number to the tuner.
This is reservation information, and in this example, is the tuner number “2”. The type of the tuner is ID reservation information indicating the type of the tuner such as a single unit, a built-in TV, a built-in VTR, and the like. The single unit is “0”, the TV built-in type is “1”, and the VCR built-in type is “2”. In this example, the type of the tuner is “1” (TV built-in type).

The broadcast type is information indicating the type of broadcast such as BS, CS, and terrestrial broadcasting. BS broadcasting is “0”, CS broadcasting is “1”, terrestrial broadcasting is “2”, and CATV broadcasting is “3”. "
And In this example, the broadcast type is “1” (CS broadcast). The viewing information is the ID reservation information of the presence / absence of viewing and the channel number. In the fourth most significant digit, “0” indicates presence, “1” indicates no, and the lower 3 bits indicate the channel when viewing. Assign numbers as they are. In this example, "0002"
It is.

The reservation time is information on the date and time when the tuner was reserved, and sequentially from the top, year (4 digits), month (2 digits), day (2 digits), hour (2 digits), minute (2 digits) , Month (two digits). In this example, the reservation time “2000030122002”
00003012300 "(22:00 on March 1, 2000 to 23:00 on March 1, 2000).

The reserved program name is information on the reserved program name and the channel number. The channel number (three digits) and the program ID (three digits) are arranged in order from the top, and “001” indicates the program A and “002”. "Is a program B. In this example, "0020
02 "(CH2 program B). Such information is held as function ID reservation information by the function ID reservation information holding means B431 of the tuner H430. In this way, the tuners G420 and H430 hold the function ID reservation information.

FIG. 16 shows ID reservation information management means B440.
In the tuner G420
FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 show an example in which the function ID reservation information held by the function ID reservation information holding unit A421 of the tuner G420 and the function ID reservation information of the tuner H430 are combined. Function I
Based on the function ID reservation information stored in the D reservation information storage unit B431, the ID data verification unit 442 of the ID reservation information management unit B440 verifies the user's request, and the ID data generation unit 441 complies with the user's request. Only the selected tuners are selected, generated as image information, and collectively held as new function ID reservation information.

In the function ID reservation information shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the type, tuner number, tuner type, broadcast type, and presence / absence information are described as the function ID reservation information. Or other information may be added. Hereinafter, the reservation operation of the AV network system 400 configured as described above will be described.

In this embodiment, the communication line 150 is connected to the IE
The description will be given using an example conforming to the EE1394 standard, but other communication lines may be used. Here, a case will be described as an example where the user issues a request to reserve a tuner through the communication unit D112 by the operation unit 111 of the display device 110.

The operation of the operation unit 111 of the display device 110 is received and transmitted through the communication unit D112, and the user request is received by the communication unit C445 of the ID reservation information management unit B440. This request is transmitted to the upload unit 444, and the upload unit 444 issues a request for transmitting function ID reservation information to all devices connected to the communication line 150.

In response to the transmission request, the tuner G420 and the tuner H430 receive the function I of the tuner G420.
The function ID reservation information is transmitted from the D reservation information holding unit A421 and the function ID reservation information holding unit B431 of the tuner H430 to the communication unit C445 of the ID reservation information management unit B440 via the communication unit A422 and the communication unit B432, respectively.

This function ID reservation information is received by the communication means C 445 of the ID reservation information management means B 440, passed through the upload means 444, and collated by the ID data collation means 442 with the function ID reservation information of the tuner G 420 and the tuner H 430. Selection of the device desired by the user and collation of the reservation status are performed. Then, the function ID reservation information of only the device according to the user's request is generated as image information by the ID data generation unit 441, and transmitted to the communication unit D112 of the display device 110 via the communication unit C445.

[0097] The display device 110 displays the transmitted image information, and the user confirms the content on the display screen of the display device 110. Thereafter, the user selects either the desired tuner G420 or tuner H430,
It becomes possible to make a reservation.

As described above, the AV of the fourth embodiment
The network system 400 includes a display device 110 that displays a user's operation status, a plurality of tuners G420 and H430 that receive broadcast waves from a broadcast station and retain their function information as function ID reservation information, and a plurality of tuners G420 and H430. ID information management means B440 provided with an upload means 444 for uploading the function ID reservation information of the tuners G420 and H430, respectively, and communication means D112, A422,
B432, C445 and the communication line 150 are connected to each other, and the ID information management means B440 checks the uploaded function ID reservation information and selects an optimum tuner at a time when the user desires the reservation. 442, and an ID data generation unit 441 that collectively generates the collation results by the ID data collation unit 442 as image information. The configuration is such that the generated image information is displayed on the display device 110. By making an inquiry to a device connected to the network each time a request is made, the communication volume can be minimized when there is no use request from the user. The amount of data related to the device information can be minimized.

Further, the predetermined data is acquired at the stage when the device is connected to the communication line 150, and only the necessary data is acquired when a use request is issued from the user. Responsiveness is improved. In particular, in the present embodiment, device information is converted from text information to I
Since the information is replaced with the D information, the data amount can be reduced compared to the third embodiment.

In the above case, the operation of requesting transmission to all the devices connected to the communication line 150 when a user's use request has been described, but each device is connected to the communication line 150. When it is done, a configuration in which the information is transmitted to the ID reservation information management means B440 in advance may be used. Next, in the AV network system, a newly generated electronic program guide (EPG) is created.
de) and its generating means will be described.

Fifth Embodiment FIG. 17 shows an electronic program guide (EP) transmitted from a broadcasting station.
G) is a diagram showing an example, and FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a new electronic program guide (EPG) constructed on the tuner side from an electronic program guide (EPG) sent from a broadcasting station. The electronic program guide (EPG) shown in FIG. 17 is obtained by acquiring information (for example, program name, channel, broadcast date, broadcast start time and broadcast end time) from a broadcast signal.

A new electronic program guide (EPG) shown in FIG.
Is for detecting the presence / absence of rebroadcast on the tuner side from the electronic program guide (EPG) in FIG. 17, and as a new electronic program guide (EPG), indicating to the user whether rebroadcast or not, as text information. is there. Electronic program guide (EPG) in FIG.
Means for generating an electronic program guide (EPG) shown in FIG. 18 from FIG.

FIG. 19 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a new electronic program guide generation unit of the V network system. In FIG. 19, 50
Reference numeral 0 denotes an input terminal for inputting an electronic program guide (EPG) sent from a broadcasting station. Reference numeral 501 denotes each of 11 programs from program A to program E as shown in FIG.
Program information classifying means for classifying program names, dates and times, performers, additional broadcast forms such as multiplex and text broadcasts, etc. 502 designates program names, date and time, performers, additional broadcasts such as multiplex and text broadcasts which are the separated information, respectively. Each time a new program name is stored, the program information storage means 503 stores the form for each program name. Information on the additional broadcast forms such as the program name, date and time, performers, multiplex and text broadcast stored before this is stored. 504 is a program information comparing means for judging the comparison result, and 505 is a new electronic program having text information with rebroadcast added for a program in which all information matches. The new text electronic program guide generating means A 506 for generating a program guide (EPG) is a new electronic program guide (EP).
G).

Input terminal 500, program information classification means 5
01, program information storage means 502, program information comparison means 50
3 and the program information determining means 504 as a whole constitute a rebroadcast presence / absence detecting means, and the new text electronic program guide generating means A 505 and the output terminal 506 constitute a new electronic program guide generating means as a whole. Here, the detection accuracy increases as the number of items of the additional broadcast form such as the program name, date and time, performers, multiplex and text broadcast increases, but the amount of calculation and storage capacity increase with this. It can be selected appropriately.

In the example of FIG. 18, it is indicated as 2000/3/1, which indicates that it is an electronic program guide (EPG) dated March 1, 2000. On March 1, 2000, program A was broadcast on CH1 from 18:00 to 19:00, and on March 1, 2000, program A was broadcast on CH2 from 20:00 to 21:00, Also, 2000
Program B on CH1 on March 1, 19: 00-21: 00
Broadcast on March 1, 2000, followed by Program B
If it is determined in CB3 that there is a broadcast at 22:00 to 24:00,
18: 00-1 on CH1 of program A on March 1, 2000
At 9:00, a text display of (with rebroadcast) was added, and similarly, 19:00 of CH1 of program B on March 1, 2000.
A text display of (with rebroadcast) is added to −21: 00. For other programs, a text display of (no rebroadcast) is added.

As described above, the AV of the fifth embodiment is described.
The network system includes a program information classifying unit 501 that classifies, for each program, a program name, date and time, performers, and additional broadcast modes such as multiplex and text broadcast, based on an electronic program guide sent from a broadcast station; A program information storage means 502 for storing the classified additional broadcast form for each program name, and each time a new program name is stored in the program information storage means 502, information of the additional broadcast form stored earlier is stored for each program. A program information comparing means 503 for sequentially comparing one by one, a program information determining means 504 for determining the result of comparison by the program information comparing means 503, and text information with rebroadcast based on the determination result of the program information determining means 504 New electronic program guide generating means 50 for generating a new electronic program guide to which is added
5 allows the user to recognize the presence / absence of rebroadcast as text information, so that it is easy to change or adjust viewing between devices or program reservation.

Sixth Embodiment FIG. 20 shows an electronic program guide (EP) transmitted from a broadcast station.
G) New electronic program guide (E
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of (PG). The new electronic program guide (EPG) shown in FIG. 20 detects the presence or absence of rebroadcast on the tuner side from the electronic program guide (EPG) sent from the broadcasting station shown in FIG. As
This is for indicating to the user whether rebroadcasting is performed or not, as ID information. In FIG. 20, “0” when no rebroadcast is performed
Is assigned to “1” when rebroadcasting is performed.
Other assignments are acceptable. Means for generating the electronic program guide (EPG) in FIG. 20 from the electronic program guide (EPG) in FIG. 17 will be described.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a new electronic program guide generation unit of the V network system. The same components as those in FIG. 19 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted. FIG.
In 1, reference numeral 507 denotes a new ID electronic program guide generation means A for generating a new electronic program guide (EPG) to which ID information with rebroadcast is added.

The input terminal 500 and the program information classification means 5
01, program information storage means 502, program information comparison means 50
3 and the program information determining means 504 constitute a rebroadcast presence / absence detecting means as a whole, and the new ID electronic program guide generating means A
507 and the output terminal 506 constitute a new electronic program guide generating means as a whole. Here, the program name, date and time, performers,
The more items in the additional broadcast form such as multiplex and text broadcasting, the higher the detection accuracy, but the amount of computation and storage capacity increase with this, so that the user or the tuner can select it as appropriate.

In the example of FIG. 20, it is indicated as 2000/3/1, which indicates that it is an electronic program guide (EPG) dated March 1, 2000. On March 1, 2000, program A was broadcast on CH1 from 18:00 to 19:00, and on March 1, 2000, program A was broadcast on CH2 from 20:00 to 21:00, Also, 2000
Program B on CH1 on March 1, 19: 00-21: 00
And broadcast on March 1, 2000.
If it is determined that there is a broadcast at 22: 00-24: 00 on CH3, 20
On March 1, 2000, program A was on CH1 at 18: 00-19:
The ID information display of (1) is added to 00, and similarly, 200
Program B on CH1 on March 1, 2000, 19: 00-21: 0
The ID information display of (1) is added to 0. For other programs, (0) indicating no rebroadcast is added as ID information. In this embodiment, no rebroadcasting is set to 0 and rebroadcasting is set to 1, but other allocations may be used.

As described above, the AV of the sixth embodiment
The network system includes a program information classifying unit 501 that classifies, for each program, a program name, date and time, performers, and additional broadcast modes such as multiplex and text broadcast, based on an electronic program guide sent from a broadcast station; A program information storage means 502 for storing the classified additional broadcast form for each program name, and each time a new program name is stored in the program information storage means 502, information of the additional broadcast form stored earlier is stored for each program. Program information comparing means 503 for comparing one by one in sequence, program information determining means 504 for determining the result of comparison by program information comparing means 503, and ID information with rebroadcast based on the determination result of program information determining means 504 Is provided with the new ID electronic program guide generating means 507 for generating a new electronic program guide to which the character string is added, in addition to the effect similar to that of the fifth embodiment can be obtained. With the ID information, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity of the tuner.

Seventh Embodiment FIG. 22 shows an electronic program guide (EP) transmitted from a broadcasting station.
G) New electronic program guide (E
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of (PG). The new electronic program guide (EPG) shown in FIG. 22 detects the presence or absence of rebroadcast on the tuner side from the electronic program guide (EPG) sent from the broadcasting station shown in FIG. As
This is for indicating to the user whether rebroadcasting is performed or not, as text information. FIG. 22 shows an example in which “0” is assigned when rebroadcasting is not performed and “1” is assigned when rebroadcasting is performed. However, other assignments may be used.

From the electronic program guide (EPG) of FIG. 17 to FIG.
A means for generating an electronic program guide (EPG) will be described. FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a means for generating a new electronic program guide in the AV network system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 23, reference numeral 600 denotes an input terminal for inputting an electronic program guide (EPG) generated first by a broadcasting station;
01 is 11 from program A to program E as shown in FIG.
For each program from among the programs, program information classification means for classifying the program name, date and time, performers, additional broadcast forms such as multiplex and teletext, and 602 a program name, date and time, A program information storage unit 603 for storing additional broadcast forms such as performers, multiplex and teletext for each program name. Each time a new program name is stored, the program information storage means 603 stores the program name, date and time, performer, Program information comparison means for sequentially comparing information of additional broadcast forms such as multiplex and text broadcasting one by one for each program; 604, a program information determination means for determining the result of comparison; 605, a program for which all information matches; New text electronic program guide generation means B (new electronic program guide generation means) for generating a new electronic program guide (EPG) to which text information with rebroadcast is added, and 606 outputs a new electronic program guide (EPG) Is that output terminal.

Input terminal 600, program information classification means 6
01, program information storage means 602, program information comparison means 60
3 and the program information determining means 604 as a whole constitute rebroadcast presence / absence detecting means, and the new text electronic program guide generating means B 605 and output terminal 606 as a whole constitute a new electronic program guide generating means. Here, the detection accuracy increases as the number of items of the additional broadcast format such as the program name, date and time, performers, multiplex and text broadcast increases, but the calculation amount and the storage capacity increase with this. It will be good.

In the example of FIG. 22, this is indicated as 2000/3/1, which represents March 1, 2000.
On March 1, 2000, program A was on CH1 at 18: 00-1
At 9:00, program A was broadcast on March 1, 2000 on CH2 at 20: 00-21: 00, and on March 1, 2000, program B was on CH1 at 1
There is a broadcast at 9: 00-21: 00, and 200
Program B on CH1 on March 1, 2000, 22: 00-24: 0
If it is determined that there is a broadcast in the program A on March 1, 2000, the program A
The display of the text information (with rebroadcast) is added to 18: 00-19: 00 at H1. Similarly, on March 1, 2000, the program B is changed to 19: 00-21: 00 at CH1 (rebroadcast). Display of text information of (Yes) is added. Other programs are added with text information (without rebroadcast).

By providing such an electronic program guide generating means, there is no need to perform calculations on the tuner side, and since the information is added by the broadcasting station, the accuracy is improved, and the presence or absence of rebroadcast is determined by the user. Since the information can be recognized as text information, it is easy to change or adjust viewing between devices or program reservation.

Eighth Embodiment FIG. 24 shows an electronic program guide (EP) sent from a broadcast station.
G) New electronic program guide (E
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of (PG). The new electronic program guide (EPG) shown in FIG. 24 detects the presence or absence of rebroadcast on the tuner side from the electronic program guide (EPG) sent from the broadcasting station shown in FIG. As
This is for indicating to the user whether rebroadcasting is performed or not, as ID information. In FIG. 24, when there is no rebroadcast, "0"
Is assigned to “1” when rebroadcasting is performed.
Other assignments are acceptable. Means for generating the electronic program guide (EPG) in FIG. 24 from the electronic program guide (EPG) in FIG. 17 will be described.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a new electronic program guide generation unit of the V network system. The same components as those in FIG. 23 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted. FIG.
In 5, reference numeral 607 denotes a new ID electronic program guide generation means B for generating a new electronic program guide (EPG) to which rebroadcast-present ID information is added.

Input terminal 600, program information classification means 6
01, program information storage means 602, program information comparison means 60
3 and the program information determination means 604 constitute a rebroadcast presence / absence detection means as a whole, and the new ID electronic program guide generation means B
The output terminal 607 and the output terminal 606 constitute a new electronic program guide generating means as a whole. Here, the program name, date and time, performers,
The more items in the additional broadcast form such as multiplex and text broadcasting, the higher the detection accuracy, but the amount of computation and storage capacity increase with this, so that the user or the tuner can select it as appropriate.

In the example of FIG. 24, 2000/3/1 is indicated, which means that the date is March 1, 2000. Program A is 18:00 on March 1, 2000 on CH1
At 19:00, there was a broadcast, and on March 1, 2000, program A was broadcast on CH2 at 20: 00-21: 00, and on March 1, 2000, program B was broadcast at CH1, 19 : 00-21: 00 There is a broadcast, and 20
On March 1, 2000, Program B is CH3 at 22: 00-24:
If it is determined that there is a broadcast at 00, an ID with rebroadcast exists
To show the information, on March 1, 2000, program A
1 at 18:00 to 19:00, the display of the ID information of (1) is added, and similarly, on March 1, 2000, the program B
In step 1, the display of the ID information of (1) is added to 19: 00-21: 00.

Other programs indicate no rebroadcast (0)
Is added as ID information. In this embodiment, no rebroadcasting is set to 0 and rebroadcasting is set to 1, but other allocations may be used. By providing such an electronic program guide generating means, the same effect as in the seventh embodiment can be obtained. In addition, by using ID information, the storage capacity of the tuner can be reduced.

Ninth Embodiment FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a new electronic program guide (EPG) sent from a broadcasting station. In the new electronic program guide (EPG) shown in FIG. 26, the presence or absence of rebroadcasting is detected in the electronic program guide (EPG) sent from the broadcasting station, and the rebroadcast is detected as a new electronic program guide (EPG). , And non-rebroadcast is added in one direction as text information, including link information, to indicate to the user. Means for generating the electronic program guide (EPG) shown in FIG. 26 will be described.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a new electronic program guide generation unit of the V network system. The same components as those in FIG. 23 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted. FIG.
7, reference numeral 701 denotes a link text information generating means A for adding the presence / absence of rebroadcast together with link information, and 702 generates a new electronic program guide (EPG) in which the broadcast station adds text information on the presence / absence of rebroadcast and link information as text. This is a new text electronic program guide generating means C.

Input terminal 600, program information classification means 6
01, program information storage means 602, program information comparison means 60
3. The program information determining means 604 and the link text information generating means A 701 constitute rebroadcast presence / absence detecting means as a whole, and the new text electronic program guide generating means C 702 and the output terminal 601 serve as a whole. Constitute.

In the example of FIG. 26, the number is 2000/3/1, which represents March 1, 2000.
On March 1, 2000, program A was on CH1 at 18: 00-1
At 9:00, program A was broadcast on March 1, 2000 on CH2 at 20: 00-21: 00, and on March 1, 2000, program B was on CH1 at 1
There is a broadcast from 9:00 to 21:00, and 200
Program B on CH1 on March 1, 2000, 22: 00-24: 0
0, there is a broadcast on March 1, 2000 to indicate ID information indicating that there is a rebroadcast.
And the display of text information (with rebroadcast) is added from 18:00 to 19:00. Similarly, on March 1, 2000, program B is changed to CH1 at 19:00 to 21:00 (with rebroadcast). ) Is added. Other programs are added with text information (without rebroadcast). In this embodiment, no rebroadcasting is set to 0 and rebroadcasting is set to 1, but other allocations may be used.

In addition, FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the re-broadcast of CH1 of program A from 18:00 to 19:00 on March 1, 2000 is 2 as link information.
The link information indicating that it is 0: 00-21: 00
26 is added as text information to 18: 00-19: 00 of CH1 of FIG. As shown in
19: 00-2 on March 1, 2000 on CH1 of Program B
At 1:00, link information indicating that the rebroadcast is on CH3 at 22: 00-24: 00 is added to CH1 of program B at 19: 00-
21:00 is added as text information.

As described above, the AV of the ninth embodiment
The network system includes a program information classifying unit 601 for classifying, for each program, a program name, date and time, performers, and additional broadcast modes such as multiplex and text broadcast, based on an electronic program guide sent from a broadcast station; A program information storage means 602 for storing the classified additional broadcast form for each program name, and each time a new program name is stored in the program information storage means 602, information of the additional broadcast form stored earlier is stored for each program. A program information comparing means 603 for comparing one by one in sequence, a program information determining means 604 for determining the result of comparison by the program information comparing means 603, and a link information indicating whether or not rebroadcast is performed based on the determination result of the program information determining means 604. Link text information generating means A701 for adding text information in one direction, including text information, and a new text for generating a new electronic program guide to which text information is added. With the provision of the electronic program guide generating means C702, it is possible to improve the operability since the user can immediately know when the rebroadcast program will be broadcast by clicking on the previously broadcasted program with a pointing device or the like. it can. In addition, there is no need to perform calculations on the tuner side, and since the information is text information added by a broadcasting station, accuracy is improved, and it is possible to allow a user to recognize whether rebroadcasting is performed. It is easy to change or adjust viewing or program reservation between devices.

In the present embodiment, the presence or absence of rebroadcasting is detected by the broadcasting station, and the broadcasting station detects a new electronic program guide (EPG).
As shown in FIG. 27, the presence of rebroadcast and the absence of rebroadcast are added to the user in one direction as text information including link information, but the configuration shown in FIG. 27 may be added to the tuner side of the user. .

Tenth Embodiment FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a new electronic program guide (EPG) sent from a broadcasting station. In the new electronic program guide (EPG) shown in FIG. 28, the presence or absence of rebroadcast is detected by the broadcast station in the electronic program guide (EPG) sent from the broadcast station, and the new electronic program guide (EPG) is used. , No rebroadcast as ID information and link information as text information in one direction to indicate to the user. Means for generating the electronic program guide (EPG) shown in FIG. 28 will be described.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a new electronic program guide generating means of the AV network system according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 27 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted. In FIG. 29, reference numeral 703 denotes a link text information generating means B for adding the presence or absence of rebroadcasting as ID information. This is a new ID electronic program guide generating means for generating (EPG).

Input terminal 600, program information classification means 6
01, program information storage means 602, program information comparison means 60
3. The program information determining means 604 and the link text information generating means B 703 constitute a rebroadcast presence / absence detecting means as a whole, and the new ID electronic program guide generating means C 704 and the output terminal 606 serve as a new electronic program guide generating means as a whole. Constitute.

In the example of FIG. 28, 2000/3/1 is shown, but this represents March 1, 2000.
On March 1, 2000, program A was on CH1 at 18: 00-1
At 9:00, program A was broadcast on March 1, 2000 on CH2 at 20: 00-21: 00, and on March 1, 2000, program B was on CH1 at 1
There is a broadcast from 9:00 to 21:00, and 200
Program B on CH1 on March 1, 2000, 22: 00-24: 0
0, there is a broadcast on March 1, 2000 to indicate ID information indicating that there is a rebroadcast.
18:00 to 19:00, the display of the ID information of (1) is added, and similarly, on March 1, 2000, the program B
Then, the display of the ID information of (1) is added to 19: 00-21: 00. For other programs, (0) indicating no rebroadcast is added as ID information. In this embodiment, no rebroadcasting is set to 0 and rebroadcasting is set to 1, but other allocations may be used.

Further, FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the re-broadcast of CH1 of program A from 18:00 to 19:00 on March 1, 2000 is 2 as link information.
The link information indicating that it is 0: 00-21: 00
28 is added as text information to 18: 00-19: 00 of CH1 of FIG. As shown in
19: 00-2 on March 1, 2000 on CH1 of Program B
At 1:00, link information indicating that the rebroadcast is on CH3 at 22: 00-24: 00 is added to CH1 of program B at 19: 00-
21:00 is added as text information.

As described above, A of the tenth embodiment is
The V network system uses the electronic program guide sent from the broadcasting station to provide a program name, date and time,
Program information classification means 601 for classifying additional broadcast forms such as performers, multiplex and teletext, program information storage means 602 for storing the classified additional broadcast forms for each program name, and new program names in program information storage means 602 Every time is stored, the program information comparing means 603 for comparing the information of the additional broadcast format stored before this one by one for each program, and the program information for determining the result of comparison by the program information comparing means 603 A determination means 604, a link text information generation means B 703 for adding re-broadcast presence or absence as ID information based on the determination result of the program information determination means 604 and adding link information as text information in one direction, and text information is added. By providing a new ID electronic program guide generation means C704 for generating a new electronic program guide, a user can point a user to a previously broadcasted program on the user side. Whether the re-broadcast program by clicking the like Gudebaisu is what time broadcast it is possible to improve the operability for can be seen immediately. Also, there is no need to calculate on the tuner side, and since the ID information is added by the broadcasting station, the amount of information is reduced, and the user can be made aware of whether or not rebroadcasting is performed. It is easy to change or adjust the viewing or program reservation.

In the present embodiment, the presence or absence of rebroadcasting is detected by the broadcasting station, and the broadcasting station detects a new electronic program guide (EPG).
IDs for rebroadcast and non-rebroadcast, including link information
Although the information is added to the user in one direction and shown to the user, the configuration shown in FIG. 29 may be added to the tuner side of the user.

Eleventh Embodiment FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a new electronic program guide (EPG) sent from a broadcasting station. The new electronic program guide (EPG) shown in FIG. 30 detects the presence or absence of rebroadcast in the electronic program guide (EPG) sent from the broadcast station, and sets the new electronic program guide (EPG) as a new electronic program guide (EPG). , No rebroadcast as ID information, and link information as text information in both directions to indicate to the user. Means for generating the electronic program guide (EPG) shown in FIG. 30 will be described.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a new electronic program guide generating means of the AV network system according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 29 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted. In FIG. 31, reference numeral 705 denotes a link text information generating means C for adding the presence / absence of rebroadcast as ID information, and 706, a broadcast station adds the presence / absence of rebroadcast by ID information and the link information is a new electronic program guide added by text (EPG) is a new ID electronic program guide generating means D.

Input terminal 600, program information classification means 6
01, program information storage means 602, program information comparison means 60
3. The program information determining means 604 and the link text information generating means C705 constitute a rebroadcast presence / absence detecting means as a whole, and the new ID electronic program guide generating means D706 and the output terminal 606 serve as a whole a new electronic program guide generating means. Constitute.

In the example of FIG. 30, it is indicated as 2000/3/1, which represents March 1, 2000.
On March 1, 2000, program A was on CH1 at 18: 00-1
At 9:00, there was a broadcast, and on March 1, 2000, program A was broadcast on CH1 at 20: 00-21: 00, and on March 1, 2000, program B was on CH1.
There is a broadcast from 9:00 to 21:00, and 200
Program B on CH1 on March 1, 2000, 22: 00-24: 0
0, it is determined that there is a broadcast on March 1, 2000. On March 1, 2000, the program A adds the display of the ID information (1) to CH1 from 18:00 to 19:00, and on March 1, 2000, Program A
Added the display of the ID information of (1) to 20: 00-21: 00 on CH2, and similarly, on March 1, 2000, the program B
Added the display of the ID information of (1) to 19: 00-21: 00 on CH1, and on March 1, 2000, the program B was changed to CH3.
Then, the display of the ID information of (1) is added to 22: 00-24: 00. For other programs, (0) indicating no rebroadcast is added as ID information. In this embodiment, no rebroadcasting is set to 0 and rebroadcasting is set to 1, but other allocations may be used.

Further, FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, as the link information, the program A is on CH1 on March 1, 2000 at 18:00 to 19:00 and on March 1, 2000, the program A is on CH2 at 20:00 to 21:00. Link information indicating that re-broadcasting is performed in both directions is added, and a dashed arrow b. As shown in FIG. 1, on March 1, 2000, program B is set to CH1 at 19: 00-21: 00 and 20:20.
On March 1, 2000, Program B is CH3 at 22: 00-24:
00, link information indicating that there is a rebroadcast in both directions.

As described above, A of the eleventh embodiment is
The V network system uses the electronic program guide sent from the broadcasting station to provide a program name, date and time,
Program information classification means 601 for classifying additional broadcast forms such as performers, multiplex and teletext, program information storage means 602 for storing the classified additional broadcast forms for each program name, and new program names in program information storage means 602 Every time is stored, the program information comparing means 603 for comparing the information of the additional broadcast format stored before this one by one for each program, and the program information for determining the result of comparison by the program information comparing means 603 Judgment means 604, link text information generation means C705 for bidirectionally adding link information as text information, and link text information generation means C705, based on the judgment result of program information judgment means 604, and text information added. By providing a new ID electronic program guide generation means D706 for generating a new electronic program guide, the user can point a user to a previously broadcasted program on the user side. Whether the re-broadcast program by clicking the like Gudebaisu is what time broadcast it is possible to improve the operability because you can see in both directions. Furthermore, there is no need to calculate on the tuner side, and the ID added by the broadcast station
Since the information is information, the amount of information is reduced, and the user can be made aware of the presence / absence of rebroadcasting. Therefore, it is easy to change or adjust the viewing between devices or program reservation.

In the present embodiment, the presence or absence of rebroadcasting is detected by the broadcasting station, and the broadcasting station detects a new electronic program guide (EPG).
IDs for rebroadcast and non-rebroadcast, including link information
Although the information is added to the user in one direction and shown to the user, the configuration shown in FIG. 31 may be added to the user's tuner side.

Twelfth Embodiment FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a new electronic program guide (EPG) sent from a broadcasting station. The new electronic program guide (EPG) shown in FIG. 32 includes link information of two or more programs when there are two or more rebroadcast programs in the electronic program guide (EPG) sent from a broadcasting station. Instead of giving it to every program, give it to the previous program,
The last program is added to the first program as text information linked in one direction, and further, a rebroadcast program is added as date information of date and time. The electronic program guide (EP in FIG. 32)
Means for generating G) will be described.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a new electronic program guide generating means of the AV network system according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 31 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted. In FIG. 33, reference numeral 705 denotes a link text information generating means C for adding the presence or absence of rebroadcasting as ID information. (EPG) is a new ID electronic program guide generating means D. Reference numeral 707 denotes link text information generating means D for adding the presence or absence of rebroadcast as ID information. Reference numeral 708 denotes that the link information does not include link information of two or more programs in all the programs, but to each of the previous programs. The last program is a new ID electronic program guide generating means E for generating a new electronic program guide (EPG) added with text information linked in one direction to the first program.

The input terminal 600, program information classification means 6
01, program information storage means 602, program information comparison means 60
3. The program information determining means 604 and the link ID information generating means D707 constitute a rebroadcast presence / absence detecting means as a whole, and include a new ID electronic program guide generating means E708 and an output terminal 6.
06 constitutes a new electronic program guide generating means as a whole.

In the example of FIG. 32, 2000/3/1 is shown, but this represents March 1, 2000.
Program A on CH1 on March 1, 2000 at 16: 00-1
There is a broadcast at 7:00, followed by program A on March 1, 2000 on CH1 from 18:00 to 19:00, and subsequently, on March 1, 2000, program A on CH3 at 22:22. If it is determined that there is a broadcast at 00-23: 00, program A is set to CH1 on March 1, 2000 at 16:00.
At 17:00, (1) and on March 1, 2000, program A was on CH2 and at 18: 00-19: 00 (1), and on March 1, 2000, program A was on CH3 at 22: 00-23. 1:00, the display of ID information is added to (1). For other programs,
(0) indicating no rebroadcast is added as ID information.
In this embodiment, no rebroadcasting is set to 0 and rebroadcasting is set to 1, but other allocations may be used.

Further, FIG. As shown in (1), as the link information, at 16: 00-17: 00 of CH1 of program A on March 1, 2000, on March 1, 2000, program A is CH2 at 18: 00-19: 00. 32, and the dashed arrow b. As shown in
On March 1, 2000, program A was on CH1 at 18: 00-1
At 9:00, on March 1, 2000, program A adds text information of 23: 00-23: 00 on CH3. Then, FIG. 32 broken line arrow c. As shown in 2000
On March 1, 2000, program A is CH3 at 22: 00-23: 00, and on March 1, 2000, program A is CH1 at 16:00.
Add text information at -17: 00. In this way, the link information of the next program is added as text information.

As described above, A of the twelfth embodiment is
The V network system uses the electronic program guide sent from the broadcasting station to provide a program name, date and time,
Program information classification means 601 for classifying additional broadcast forms such as performers, multiplex and teletext, program information storage means 602 for storing the classified additional broadcast forms for each program name, and new program names in program information storage means 602 Every time is stored, the program information comparing means 603 for comparing the information of the additional broadcast format stored before this one by one for each program, and the program information for determining the result of comparison by the program information comparing means 603 When there are two or more rebroadcast programs based on the determination results of the determination means 604 and the program information determination means 604, link information of the two or more programs is not given to all programs, but one link information is provided. Link text to be added to the previous program, the last program to be added to the first program as text information linked in one direction, and a rebroadcast program to be added as date information of date and time. New ID to produce boric generating means D707, a new electronic program guide obtained by adding the ID information of the re-broadcast Yes
With the provision of the electronic program guide generation means E708, it is possible to efficiently cope with two or more programs, and the usability can be improved. Further, by holding the ID information, the storage capacity can be reduced as compared with the case where the text information is held. In addition, when the user clicks on a previously broadcasted program with a pointing device or the like, the user can immediately know when the rebroadcasted program will be broadcasted, thereby improving operability. Also, there is no need to perform calculations on the tuner side, and since the information is added by the broadcast station, the accuracy can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the rebroadcast program is added as ID information of the date and time, and a new electronic program table to which ID information with rebroadcast is added is generated. As in the embodiment, the ID information may be added as text information, and a new electronic program guide to which the text information is added may be generated. Since the text information is added by the broadcasting station, the accuracy can be improved.

Further, the presence or absence of rebroadcasting is detected by the broadcasting station, and a new electronic program guide (EPG) is provided by the broadcasting station to determine whether rebroadcasting is available.
Although no rebroadcast is added in one direction as ID information including link information, and is shown to the user, the configuration shown in FIG.
It may be added to the tuner side of the user.

Thirteenth Embodiment FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a new electronic program guide (EPG) sent from a broadcasting station. The new electronic program guide (EPG) shown in FIG. 34 includes link information of two or more programs when there are two or more rebroadcast programs in the electronic program guide (EPG) sent from a broadcasting station. Instead of giving it to every program, give it to the previous program,
The last program is added to the first program as text information linked bidirectionally, and further, a rebroadcast program is added as date information of the date and time. The electronic program guide (EP in FIG. 34)
Means for generating G) will be described.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a means for generating a new electronic program guide in the AV network system according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 31 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted. In FIG. 35, reference numeral 709 denotes a link text information generating means E for adding the presence or absence of rebroadcast as ID information. Reference numeral 710 denotes that the link information does not include the link information of two or more programs in all the programs. The last program is a new ID electronic program guide generating means F for generating a new electronic program guide (EPG) added to the first program with text information linked bidirectionally to the first program.

Input terminal 600, program information classification means 6
01, program information storage means 602, program information comparison means 60
3. The program information judging means 604 and the link text information generating means E709 constitute a rebroadcast presence / absence detecting means as a whole, and the new ID electronic program guide generating means F710 and the output terminal 606 constitute a new electronic program guide generating means as a whole. Constitute.

In the example of FIG. 34, the number is 2000/3/1, which represents March 1, 2000.
Program A on CH1 on March 1, 2000 at 16: 00-1
There is a broadcast at 7:00, followed by program A on March 1, 2000 on CH1 from 18:00 to 19:00, and subsequently, on March 1, 2000, program A on CH3 at 22:22. If it is determined that there is a broadcast at 00-23: 00, program A is set to CH1 on March 1, 2000 at 16:00.
At 17:00, (1) and on March 1, 2000, program A was on CH2 and at 18: 00-19: 00 (1), and on March 1, 2000, program A was on CH3 at 22: 00-23. 1:00, the display of ID information is added to (1). For other programs,
(0) indicating no rebroadcast is added as ID information.
In this embodiment, no rebroadcasting is set to 0 and rebroadcasting is set to 1, but other allocations may be used.

Further, the arrow a. As shown in
As link information, CH of program A on March 1, 2000
1 from 16:00 to 17:00, on March 1, 2000, program A was changed to CH2 from 18:00 to 19:00 and
March 1st, Program A on CH3 22: 00-23: 00
Is added, and arrow b. As shown in FIG. 1, on March 1, 2000, program A
At 19:00, program A was changed to CH on March 1, 2000.
In step 3, 22: 00-23: 00 and the text information of 16: 00-17: 00 of CH1 of program A on March 1, 2000 are added. Then, arrow c in FIG. As shown in
On March 1, 2000, Program A was on CH3 at 22: 00-2
At 3:00, on March 1, 2000, program A was on CH1 at 16: 00-17: 00, and on March 1, 2000, program A
Adds the text information of 18:00 to 19:00 on CH2 in both directions. In this way, link information of the preceding and following programs is added to each as text information.

As described above, A of the thirteenth embodiment is
The V network system uses the electronic program guide sent from the broadcasting station to provide a program name, date and time,
Program information classification means 601 for classifying additional broadcast forms such as performers, multiplex and teletext, program information storage means 602 for storing the classified additional broadcast forms for each program name, and new program names in program information storage means 602 Every time is stored, the program information comparing means 603 for comparing the information of the additional broadcast format stored before this one by one for each program, and the program information for determining the result of comparison by the program information comparing means 603 When there are two or more rebroadcast programs based on the determination results of the determination means 604 and the program information determination means 604, link information of the two or more programs is not given to all programs, but one link information is provided. Link text to be added to the previous program, the last program to be added to the first program as text information that is bidirectionally linked, and a rebroadcast program to be added as ID information of date and time. New ID to produce boric generating unit E709, the new electronic program guide obtained by adding the ID information of the re-broadcast Yes
With the provision of the electronic program guide generating means F710, it is possible to efficiently cope with two or more programs in two directions, and to improve the usability. Further, by holding the ID information, the storage capacity can be reduced as compared with the case where the text information is held. In addition, when the user clicks on a previously broadcasted program with a pointing device or the like, the user can immediately know when the rebroadcasted program will be broadcasted, thereby improving operability. Also, there is no need to perform calculations on the tuner side, and since the information is added by the broadcast station, the accuracy can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the presence or absence of rebroadcasting is detected by the broadcasting station, and the broadcasting station detects a new electronic program guide (EPG).
IDs for rebroadcast and non-rebroadcast, including link information
Although the information is bidirectionally added and shown to the user, the configuration shown in FIG. 35 may be added to the user's tuner side.

The AV network system according to each of the above embodiments is an example in which a display device, a plurality of tuners, and a management device are connected by a communication line, but a plurality of devices are connected to each other by a communication line. Any network may be used as long as the network system is used.

For example, as a technology for realizing a home AV network, HAVi (Home Audio / Video Interoperability) Arc standardized in January 2000 has been completed.
There is a standard specification called hitecture. This specification is HAV
Overview part of i V1.0 Specification version (1 General 1.1 S
As described in cope), home appliances and computers are connected to provide an interface for a user to operate one device using one device. According to the HAVi specification, IEEE 1394 is an example.
And IEC (International Electrotechical Commissio
n) It is assumed that a network is constructed using home appliances conforming to 61883. Further, as described in the outline of the specification, all users can freely use devices connected to the network realized by HAVi. In this way, by constructing an AV network by connecting AV devices at home, a user can freely combine and use devices in remote rooms.

Although the name of a tuner is used as a device constituting the AV network system, this is for convenience of explanation, and any AV device that can receive a program or the like may be used. For example, the present invention can be applied to a television receiver having a digital broadcast receiving function capable of receiving radio waves of digital broadcast. The program to be recorded may be anything, and may be an audio program such as a current television broadcast program or a radio broadcast program.

The type of recording apparatus and recording method are not limited, and the present invention can be applied to all apparatuses. For example, as a recording device, in addition to a VTR (Video Tape Recorder),
What is recorded on DD and DVD may be used. In particular, if an HDD that has high data transfer speed and random access performance and allows high-speed access is used as a recording medium, it is possible to instantly search for a desired program from programs recorded for a long time and use it immediately. Become. Further, a recording device other than the HDD such as a magneto-optical disk may be used, and the same effect can be obtained.

Further, the operation of the AV equipment may be performed by a remote controller, or a function information list according to the user's request may be displayed on the display unit. Further, each means constituting the AV network system,
For example, the types, numbers, connection methods, and the like of the communication means and the matching means are not limited to the above-described embodiment.

The AV network system described above can be realized by a program for causing the AV network system to function. This program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium. In the present invention, as the recording medium, the main memory itself may be a program medium, or a program reading device may be provided as an external storage device, and the program medium may be read by inserting a recording medium into the program reading device. You may. In any case, the stored program may be configured to be accessed and executed by the CPU, or the program may be read in any case, and the read program may be stored in a program storage area (not shown). Downloaded to
A method in which the program is executed may be used. It is assumed that this download program is stored in the main unit in advance.

Here, the program medium is a recording medium configured to be separable from the main body, and is a tape system such as a magnetic tape or a cassette tape, a floppy (registered trademark).
Magnetic disk and CD-R such as disk and hard disk
Disk system of optical disk such as OM / MO / MD / DVD, card system such as IC card / optical card, or mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash RO
It may be a medium that fixedly carries a program including a semiconductor memory such as an M.

Further, although not shown, in the case where a means capable of connecting to an external communication network is provided, the program is fluidly downloaded from the communication network via the communication connection means. It may be a medium that carries the program. When the program is downloaded from the communication network, the download program may be stored in the main device in advance or may be installed from another recording medium. The content stored in the recording medium is not limited to a program, but may be data.

[0167]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, an AV capable of selecting and providing an optimal tuner for a user.
A network system can be built. According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of users watch a program broadcasted from a broadcasting station by a tuner, some users may first view the program on the tuner, and in this situation, another user may view the program on the tuner. Even if desired, a tuner according to another user's wish can be selected from the tuners connected to the communication line and provided to another user.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the information on the operation held in the plurality of tuners is text information,
Accuracy can be improved without being replaced with D information. According to the third aspect of the present invention, the information on the operation held in the plurality of tuners is replaced with the ID information from the text information, so that the information amount of the information on the operation held in the plurality of tuners can be reduced and the data amount of the communication line is reduced. can do.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of users make a reservation for a program to be broadcasted from a broadcasting station with a tuner, there is a user who has previously made a reservation with the tuner. Even if the user wishes to make a reservation, a tuner according to another user's wish can be selected from the tuners connected to the communication line and provided to another user.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since it is possible to allow the user to recognize the presence or absence of rebroadcasting, an AV network system is constructed which facilitates viewing and changing between users or between devices or changing or adjusting program reservation. be able to. According to the invention of claim 6, since the new electronic program guide to be generated is text information, the accuracy can be improved without being replaced with ID information.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the I
Since the D information is used, the amount of information in a plurality of tuners can be reduced, so that the storage capacity can be reduced and the data amount of the communication line can be reduced. According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the user clicks on a previously broadcasted program with a pointing device or the like, the user can immediately know when the rebroadcasted program will be broadcasted, thereby improving the operability of the user.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when a user clicks on both a previously broadcasted program and a subsequently broadcasted program with a pointing device or the like, the rebroadcast program is broadcasted. Can be recognized immediately, so that the operability of the user can be further improved.

According to the tenth aspect, link information can be efficiently provided without increasing the information amount even for a program rebroadcasted twice or more. According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the link information can be efficiently provided in both directions without increasing the information amount even for a program rebroadcasted twice or more.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the information generated by the link information generating means is text information, so that the accuracy can be improved without being replaced with ID information. According to the invention of claim 13, since the information generated by the link information generating means is converted from text information to ID information, the information amount can be reduced and the storage capacity can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an AV network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of function text information of the AV network system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of function text information of the AV network system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which function text information of the AV network system according to the present embodiment is summarized.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of an AV network system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of function ID information of the AV network system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of function ID information of the AV network system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which function ID information of the AV network system according to the present embodiment is summarized.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of an AV network system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of function text reservation information of the AV network system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of function text reservation information of the AV network system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example in which function text reservation information of the AV network system according to the present embodiment is summarized.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an AV network system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of function ID reservation information of the AV network system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of function ID reservation information of the AV network system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example in which function ID reservation information of the AV network system according to the present embodiment is summarized.

FIG. 17 is an electronic program guide (EP) sent from a broadcasting station.
It is a figure showing an example of G).

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a new electronic program guide (EPG) constructed on the tuner side of the AV network system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a means for generating a new electronic program guide in the AV network system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a new electronic program guide (EPG) constructed on the tuner side of the AV network system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a means for generating a new electronic program guide in the AV network system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a new electronic program guide (EPG) constructed on the tuner side of the AV network system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a means for generating a new electronic program guide in the AV network system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a new electronic program guide (EPG) constructed on the tuner side of the AV network system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a means for generating a new electronic program guide in the AV network system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a new electronic program guide (EPG) sent from a broadcasting station of the AV network system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a means for generating a new electronic program guide in the AV network system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a new electronic program guide (EPG) sent from a broadcasting station of the AV network system according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a new electronic program guide generating means of the AV network system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a new electronic program guide (EPG) sent from a broadcasting station of the AV network system according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a means for generating a new electronic program guide in the AV network system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a new electronic program guide (EPG) sent from a broadcasting station of the AV network system according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a means for generating a new electronic program guide in the AV network system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of a new electronic program guide (EPG) sent from a broadcasting station of the AV network system according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a means for generating a new electronic program guide in the AV network system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a device that implements a device control method in a conventional network.

[Explanation of symbols]

100, 200, 300, 400 AV network system 110 Display device 111 Operating means 112, 122, 132, 145, 222, 232, 2
45,322323,345,422,432,445
Communication means 120, 130, 220, 230, 320, 330, 4
20,430 Tuner 121,131 Function text information holding means (storage means) 123,133,146,223,233,246,3
23,333,346,423,433,446 Communication line detection means 140,340 Text information management means (management device) 141,341 Text data generation means 142,342 Text data collation means 143 Function text information holding means 144,244, 344,444 Uploading means 150 Communication line 221,211,243 Function ID information holding means (storage means) 240,440 ID information management means (management device) 241,441 ID data generation means 242,442 ID data collation means 321,331 , 343 function text reservation information holding means (storage means) 421, 431, 443 function ID reservation information holding means (storage means) 500, 600 input terminals 501, 601 program information classification means 502, 602 program information storage means 503, 603 Group information comparing means 504, 605 New text electronic program guide generating means 506, 606 Output terminal 507, 607 New ID electronic program guide generating means 604 Program information determining means 701, 703, 705, 707, 709 Link text information generating means 702 New Text electronic program guide generating means 704, 706, 708, 710 New ID electronic program guide generating means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 7/03 H04L 11/00 310D 7/035 H04N 7/08 A H04Q 9/00 301 321 F term (reference) 5C025 AA25 BA01 BA14 BA25 BA27 CA02 CA09 CB09 DA05 DA08 5C063 AB03 AB10 AC01 CA29 CA36 DA01 DA07 DA13 EB33 5K033 BA08 DA01 DA13 DB12 EA07 5K048 BA02 BA04 DC04 FB08 FB10 HA06 HA21

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A display device for displaying a user's operation status; a plurality of tuners having a storage unit for storing information on its own function and operation; receiving a broadcast wave from a broadcast station; A management device having an upload unit for uploading information on the operation of the tuner, wherein the management device is configured to be connected to each other by a communication line; Data collating means for collating information on the operation of the tuner and selecting a tuner usable by the user; and a data producing means for producing a list of information collated by the data collating means as list information. An AV network system, wherein the list information is displayed on the display device. 2. The AV network system according to claim 1, wherein the information on the operation is text information. 3. The AV network system according to claim 1, wherein the information on the operation is ID information. 4. The AV network system according to claim 1, wherein the information on the operation includes program reservation information. 5. The plurality of tuners sorts an additional broadcast form such as a program name, date and time, performers, multiplex and text broadcast for each program, based on an electronic program guide sent from a broadcast station. Program information classification means; program information storage means for storing the classified additional broadcast form for each program name; each time a new program name is stored in the program information storage means, the additional information stored earlier is stored. Program information comparing means for sequentially comparing information in a broadcast form for each program; program information determining means for determining a result of comparison by the program information comparing means; and rebroadcasting based on the determination result of the program information determining means. 2. The AV network system according to claim 1, further comprising: a new electronic program guide generating means for generating a new electronic program guide to which information is added. 6. The AV network system according to claim 5, wherein the new electronic program guide generated by said new electronic program guide generation means is text information. 7. The AV network system according to claim 5, wherein the new electronic program guide generated by said new electronic program guide generation means is ID information. 8. The plurality of tuners separates an additional broadcast form such as a program name, date and time, performers, multiplex, and text broadcast for each program, based on an electronic program guide sent from a broadcast station. Program information classification means; program information storage means for storing the classified additional broadcast form for each program name; each time a new program name is stored in the program information storage means, the additional information stored earlier is stored. Program information comparing means for sequentially comparing information in a broadcast form for each program; program information determining means for determining a result of comparison by the program information comparing means; and a program based on the determination result of the program information determining means. It is characterized by comprising link information generating means for adding link information linking a rebroadcast program of a program to one program, and new electronic program guide generating means for generating a new electronic program guide including the link information. Claim 1
The AV network system according to the above. 9. The plurality of tuners separates an additional program form such as a program name, date and time, performers, multiplex and text broadcast for each program by using an electronic program guide sent from a broadcast station. Program information classification means; program information storage means for storing the classified additional broadcast form for each program name; each time a new program name is stored in the program information storage means, the additional information stored earlier is stored. Program information comparing means for sequentially comparing information in a broadcast form for each program; program information determining means for determining a result of comparison by the program information comparing means; and a program based on the determination result of the program information determining means. It is characterized by comprising link information generating means for adding link information linking a rebroadcast program of a program to both programs, and new electronic program guide generating means for generating a new electronic program guide including the link information. Claim 1
The AV network system according to the above. 10. The plurality of tuners separates an additional program form such as a program name, date and time, performers, multiplex and text broadcast for each program by using an electronic program guide sent from a broadcast station. Program information classification means; program information storage means for storing the classified additional broadcast form for each program name; each time a new program name is stored in the program information storage means, the additional information stored earlier is stored. Program information comparing means for sequentially comparing information in a broadcast form for each program; program information determining means for determining a result of comparison by the program information comparing means; and two or more program information determining means based on the determination result of the program information determining means. When there is a rebroadcast program, link information connecting the two or more programs and the rebroadcast program of the program is provided in each of the previous programs, and the last program is provided with the link information in the first program. Add The AV network according to claim 1, further comprising: link information generating means for generating a new electronic program guide to which the link information and the information on the date and time of the rebroadcast program are added. system. 11. The plurality of tuners sorts an additional program form such as a program name, date and time, performers, multiplex and text broadcast for each program, based on an electronic program guide sent from a broadcast station. Program information classification means; program information storage means for storing the classified additional broadcast form for each program name; each time a new program name is stored in the program information storage means, the additional information stored earlier is stored. Program information comparing means for sequentially comparing information in a broadcast form for each program; program information determining means for determining a result of comparison by the program information comparing means; and two or more program information determining means based on the determination result of the program information determining means. When there is a rebroadcast program, link information connecting the two or more programs and the rebroadcast program of the program is provided in each of the previous programs, and both the last program and the first program have the link information. Link information 2. The AV according to claim 1, further comprising: link information generating means for adding; and new electronic program guide generating means for generating a new electronic program guide to which the link information and the information on the date and time of the rebroadcast program are added. Network system. 12. The AV network system according to claim 8, wherein the information generated by said link information generating means is text information. 13. The information generated by the link information generating means is ID information.
The AV network system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.