JP2004032710A - Receiving apparatus and broadcast signal recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a receiving apparatus and a broadcast signal recording method for selecting a large-capacity memory means suited for the program software to be recorded from each kind of large-capacity memory means, in a television apparatus having a memory. <P>SOLUTION: A multimedia recording apparatus records signals through a reception antenna 11 and a CATV receiver 12, is controlled by a CPU 15 and records the signals in a large-capacity memory 17 via a switch/IO 14 and an encoder 16. The recorded details in the large-capacity memory 17 are displayed on a display section 3 via a decoder 21 and a switch/IO 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a television apparatus provided with a large-capacity memory, and particularly to a receiving apparatus having a function of automatically selecting an optimum memory means in accordance with a category ID signal of a received content to be recorded. And a broadcast signal recording method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the remarkable development of telecommunication technology, wireless and wired new media have appeared one after another. High-definition high-definition television (HDTV), clear vision (EDTV), still image broadcasting, text broadcasting, data broadcasting, 24-hour satellite broadcasting (BS / CS), and cable television (CATV) in the era of interactive services are also becoming popular. Expected.
[0003]
In addition, there is a wide variety of program software broadcast by these new media. In addition to conventional program software focusing on entertainment viewing such as movies, sports, news, and quiz programs, new interactive features are utilized. For example, experiments for providing game software, karaoke software, local community information, library materials, home shopping information, home medical service information, program software reservation, various event reservation services, and the like have been started.
[0004]
In addition, the trend of digitalization of broadcast media is also accelerating, and it is planned that the current analog broadcasting will be shifted to a digital broadcasting system in the future, and then to integrated digital broadcasting (ISDB: Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting) integrating each network. Migration is also planned.
[0005]
On the other hand, the development of recording media has been remarkable, and the capacity of semiconductor memories, the capacity of recording devices using disk-shaped recording media, and high-speed processing have been further progressing, and rewritable magneto-optical disks (MO: Magneto Disk) Optical) and a phase-change optical disk (PC: Phase Change) system for recording / reproducing data by newly changing the light intensity have also been developed. The phase change optical disk is expected to be overwritable because it can be overwritten, and its related so-called mini disk (hereinafter simply referred to as “MD”) and digital video disk (hereinafter simply referred to as “DVD”) At present, a device capable of recording an MPEG-2 level moving image described later on a compact disk of 12 cm (hereinafter simply referred to as “CD”) for about 2 hours is being developed.
[0006]
Furthermore, the development of compression coding technology for images and audio signals has been remarkable. With the development of this compression coding technology, the amount of data actually required can be compressed and reduced, and it is not limited to broadcasting, but is used for media such as communication and recording media. Technology for transmitting a large amount of images, audio signals, and data information in a short period of time, and for recording / reproducing the data is also being developed. This compression coding technique for image and audio signals is commercialized by a world standard method of image / audio compression called MPEG2 (Moving Picture Image Coding Experts Group Phase 2), which is an extension of MPEG1, which is already in practical use. Has reached the stage of.
[0007]
This MPEG2 has a high image quality specification for normal television broadcasting to high definition broadcasting, and is expected to compress images and audio signals to about 3 to 9 Mbit / sec. Also, assuming that the above-mentioned new media service will be used in each household in the future, standardization has been performed mainly on a general-purpose encoding method that allows mutual use of broadcast / communication / recording media. ing.
[0008]
By using a compression encoding technique such as the MPEG2, a digital signal is recorded on a magnetic tape medium for about one hour for the MD and about two hours for a recordable / reproducible CD and a DVD which is expected to be developed in the future. A digital video tape recorder (hereinafter simply referred to as "DVTR") for recording is recorded for about 21 hours, and a re-recordable large-capacity semiconductor memory (hereinafter simply referred to as "RAM") for about 10 minutes. / Reproduction becomes possible.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, there are various types of program software provided from the new broadcasting services as described above, ranging from several hours such as movie software to just a few minutes. In addition, these program softwares include a mixture of moving images and still images, and are digital broadcast signals having a so-called video frequency, and are merely graphic image signals. Thus, in order to efficiently record these program software on a recording medium, it is necessary to consider the properties of the recording medium and the maximum recordable capacity even when the program software has the same time length.
[0010]
When the program software is recorded on various recording media, an optimal recording medium according to the content of the program software is selected in order to efficiently play, search, save, and edit the recorded program software. It is desired to do. For example, when recording movie software for a long time, it is preferable to select a recording medium of a DVTR having a long recording capacity, and for game software, it is preferable to select RAM. Further, in the case of the program software such as the home shopping information, library materials, and karaoke, it is most suitable to select a CD or MD which is easily read and accessed.
[0011]
Furthermore, these recording media are not always provided in the receiving device owned by the viewer (user), and if there is a recording medium that is optionally loaded, program software to be recorded and user It is necessary to define and use the priority order according to the recording medium held by the company. However, it is difficult for the user to select the recording medium owned by the user according to the program software to be recorded, and there is a possibility that the functions of those recording media cannot be fully utilized, and sometimes the recording itself is not performed. It can fail.
[0012]
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and to select a recording medium suitable for the type and time length of desired program software. It is another object of the present invention to provide a receiving apparatus and a broadcast signal recording method that enable the recording medium to be used without excess or shortage by understanding the function of the recording medium and that perform recording without failure.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve this problem, according to the present invention, in a television device having a large-capacity memory, receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal transmitted with at least a category code for identifying broadcast content added thereto; And a plurality of recording means capable of random access for reproducing a signal of a program belonging to a predetermined category among the broadcast signals in a compressed state. Then, the user selects one of the plurality of recording means and sets recording.
[0014]
In addition, the apparatus receives a broadcast signal transmitted with at least a category code for identifying broadcast content added thereto, and records a signal of a program belonging to a predetermined category in a received broadcast signal in a compressed state. Recording is performed on a plurality of recording means that can be reproduced by random access, and the user selects one of the plurality of recording means and sets recording.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a receiving apparatus and a broadcast signal recording method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of a multimedia recording device to which a receiving device according to the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a remote control unit of the multimedia recording device, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main part of a multimedia recording device, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining ID signal allocation, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a first embodiment of the media recording apparatus, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a second embodiment of the multimedia recording apparatus.
[0016]
First, an embodiment of a multimedia recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 1 is an example of a multimedia recording device, and reference numeral 2 is a remote controller for mainly operating the multimedia recording device 1. Reference numeral 3 denotes a display unit capable of displaying a desired image on a multi-screen or a small screen capable of zooming in and out. The display unit 3 displays the operating status of the multimedia recording apparatus 1 and the memory means built in or optionally loaded. The current selection status is displayed (3A), and the remaining amount of the memory means is displayed (3B).
[0017]
The multimedia recording apparatus 1 has a drive device such as a MD 17A, a CD 17B, a DVD 17C, a DVTR 17D, and a RAM 17E, which is a large-capacity memory 17, built in a television device or can be loaded as an option. The large-capacity memory 17 is capable of recording / reproducing broadcast services to be recorded and desired program software. The memory means of the large-capacity memory 17 includes an automatic selection mode and a manual selection mode. It is possible to select the desired memory means. These selections are designated by operating the operation unit 5 or the remote control unit 2 and displayed on the display unit 3. Reference numeral 5A denotes a light receiving section for receiving a signal from the remote controller 2.
[0018]
This figure shows a state where all of the various memory means are valid, and shows a state where the CD of the memory means is automatically selected. The same content displayed on the display unit 3 of the multimedia recording device 1 can be displayed on the display unit of the remote control unit 2 together with various control information.
[0019]
FIG. 2 shows an outline of the remote controller 2, an infrared transmitter 6 for transmitting infrared and radio waves on which various control signals necessary for operating the multimedia recording apparatus 1 of the present invention are superimposed, and an LCD for displaying control information. A panel unit 7, a jog dial 8 for controlling fast-forwarding and rewinding and other operations, a memory remaining amount display switch 9 for performing an operation of displaying the remaining amount of the memory means on the display unit 3 of the multimedia recording apparatus 1, a built-in or The memory means loaded as an option is constituted by a memory device selection switch 10 for selecting an automatic selection mode or a manual selection mode.
[0020]
Next, the configuration and operation of the multimedia recording apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 shows an example of a broadcasting station center on the broadcast transmitting side. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 1 denotes a multimedia recording apparatus of the present invention, and reference numeral 2 denotes a remote controller. First, the broadcasting station center shown in FIG. 3 includes a broadcasting camera 101 for transmitting a program and information from a relay station, a video server 102 serving as a data bank, and a video server 103 serving as a data bank of a movie distribution company. From the transmission device 104.
[0021]
The broadcast signal in the transmission device 104 is a normal program A such as sports, news, quizzes, and commercials, regional information B, book materials C that can be freely viewed by the user, and services such as home medical care. Medical registration D, home shopping E, game F, TV guide G that provides program software information for television broadcasting, karaoke H, message advertisement J as a means of transmitting information between users and local community information, movie software K, etc. All of these broadcast signals are added with an ID code such as time information and category contents by an ID code generator 105 and edited by a video editing device 106, and then are transmitted by a terrestrial or broadcast satellite 107, a coaxial cable, or the like. The data is transmitted to each user via the optical cable 108.
[0022]
In the multimedia recording apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 4, a broadcast signal is received by a tuner 13 via a receiving antenna 11 for receiving a broadcast signal and a CATV receiver 12. A digital broadcast signal or a broadcast signal that is a current analog broadcast signal is input to the switch / IO 14 unit.
The switch / IO 14 selects a broadcast signal under the control of a central processing unit 15 (hereinafter simply referred to as “CPU”) to obtain designated data.
[0023]
When the broadcast signal is an analog broadcast signal, the broadcast signal is transmitted to the encoder 16 to encode the data into, for example, the MPEG2 system, MPEG2 video, and MPEG2 audio. The encoder 16 performs an encoding process for encoding the input analog broadcast signal into a recording format that matches the large-capacity memory 17. However, since the digital broadcast signal does not need to be encoded, it is processed by the encoder 16 as a digital broadcast signal without being processed, sent to the large-capacity memory 17, and recorded.
[0024]
The large capacity memory 17 includes an MD 17A, a CD 17B, a DVD 17C, a DVTR 17D, a RAM 17E and the like. The buffer memory 18 performs a so-called cache memory operation such as temporary standby of a broadcast signal. Although not shown, the CPU 15 has a built-in ROM, and a predetermined control program is stored in the ROM, whereby the control operation of the multimedia recording apparatus 1 is smoothly promoted.
[0025]
The format configuration (not shown) of the broadcast signal transmitted from the broadcast station center shown in FIG. 3 is such that a header section in which necessary information for recording broadcast contents (program software) is recorded in advance and a broadcast signal section are minimum. The broadcast program is composed of a packet including a limited number of packets, and this packet is always transmitted at the beginning of the broadcast program. A category code or the like for searching for broadcast contents is added to the header portion and transmitted. The program decodes the program 19 and decodes the category code added to the broadcast contents to read and send the decoded code to the CPU 15. The CPU 15 classifies a predetermined category area based on the category code, and sends it to the switch / IO 14 via the switch control 20. An optimal large-capacity memory 17 is selected by the switch / IO 14 unit.
[0026]
The contents recorded in the large-capacity memory 17 are subjected to decoding processing such as decompression by the decoder 21 and restored as a composite video signal or RGB component signal. It is displayed on the display unit 3 such as a liquid crystal display device. In addition, the multimedia recording device 1 is provided with a telephone line 24, and it is possible to automatically settle a pay broadcast or the like from a user's bank account. The CPU 15 includes a light receiving unit for receiving a signal from the remote controller 2, decodes the signal according to the control format transmitted from the remote controller 2, and performs processing within the CPU 15.
[0027]
The ID signal allocation according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows an example of a program ID added to the header of a digital broadcast signal and transmitted. The configuration of the ID signal allocation is roughly classified into a program ID 50, a recording control 51, and a broadcast program 52. The program ID 50 includes necessary information for retrieving broadcast contents. The recording control ID 51 is inserted at the start position and the end position of the broadcast program 52. An instruction signal of (normal recording or long-time recording), a control signal of recording end, and a control signal of a rewind instruction after recording are inserted.
[0028]
As for the category content L in the program ID 50, for example, in the broadcast program 52 received with an ID code such as “0011”, the last “11” indicates the live broadcast category. The program content M is information about what kind of broadcast program is currently being received and in what form of broadcast. The structure is header information, program title, and if the program is a movie, the name of the distribution software company of the movie, The name of the person is shown and the correspondence with the ID code is shown. If the program is paid, the fact is displayed, and the reception fee is settled after being associated with the user ID. As for the current time N, the device has an automatic time setting function, and the accurate time in the area is built in, which is useful for timer reservation and the like.
[0029]
The channel allocation information O indicates the status of allocation of the broadcast program to each channel, the broadcast start date and time information P indicates the broadcast start date and time as the broadcast start information, and broadcast schedule information for about one week from the current time is broadcast. Useful for reservations etc. The broadcast end date / time information Q indicates the broadcast end date / time as broadcast end information. In the case of R, a digital broadcast signal is broadcast by compressing a video or audio signal according to, for example, the MPEG2 standard. However, since the compression ratio changes for each program, the R is broadcast with its format information added.
[0030]
Further, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0031]
Embodiment 1 In this embodiment, an ID code indicating the content and time information of each video signal transmitted together with each program software from a broadcasting station center is detected on the receiver side, and the characteristics of the memory means of the receiver are further detected. In this example, an optimum memory means is automatically selected in accordance with the detection result, the configuration and the remaining memory recordable amount, and this will be described with reference to FIG.
[0032]
After starting the control operation (step SP1), the CPU 15 checks the large-capacity memory of the multimedia recording apparatus 1 in step SP2. In step SP3, the recordable remaining capacity of the large-capacity memory owned by itself is checked and stored. In step SP4, the information of the broadcast start, broadcast end, and broadcast time length of various ID codes of the received broadcast program is read and stored. Subsequently, in step SP5, the code of the program selected by the user is checked and stored. At this time, if the user makes a program reservation, the program is preferentially accepted. In step SP6, the ideal use memory means is selected.
[0033]
At step SP7, it is determined whether or not the remaining storage capacity of the selected memory means is sufficient. If the remaining storage capacity is sufficient, the process proceeds to step SP8. If not, the process proceeds to step SP6. Return to In step SP8, the state of coincidence of the broadcast times is confirmed, and if they match, the recording operation is terminated (step SP9). If they do not match, the procedure returns to step SP8 to act to match the broadcast times.
[0034]
Embodiment 2 This embodiment is an example in which a memory unit having a higher priority is automatically selected based on a selection instruction code signal of an optimum memory unit transmitted together with each program software from a broadcasting station center. This will be described with reference to FIG.
[0035]
Similarly, after starting the control operation (step SP1), the CPU 15 checks the large-capacity memory of the multimedia recording device 1 in step SP2. In step SP3, the recordable remaining capacity of the large-capacity memory owned by itself is checked and stored. In step SP4, the information of the broadcast start, the broadcast end, the broadcast time length, and the memory designation code instructed by the broadcast station center of the received broadcast program are read and stored. Subsequently, in step SP5, the code of the program selected by the user is checked and stored. In step SP6, the ideal use memory means is selected by specifying the broadcast station center.
[0036]
At step SP7, it is determined whether or not the remaining storage capacity of the selected memory is sufficient. If the remaining storage capacity is sufficient, the process proceeds to step SP8. If not, the process proceeds to step SP6. Return. In step SP8, the state of coincidence of the broadcast times is confirmed, and if they match, the recording operation is terminated (step SP9). If they do not match, the procedure returns to step SP8 to act to match the broadcast times.
[0037]
In the above-described embodiment, the automatic recording mode in which the multimedia recording apparatus automatically selects and records the recording medium has been mainly described. However, it is needless to say that a desired program software is selected as in a normal television apparatus with a built-in recording apparatus. A manual operation for recording on a desired recording medium is also possible. In this case, the desired program software is instructed to the tuner 13 by a program software selection switch (not shown) by the remote controller 2 shown in FIG. Similarly, a desired recording medium is instructed from the remote controller 2 to the CPU 15 to start a recording operation.
[0038]
In addition, the recording media incorporated in the multimedia recording device are not limited to the examples described in the examples, but are intended for all recording media that are expected to be developed in the future, and the multimedia recording device is also limited to the embodiment described above. It goes without saying that it can be developed into various forms.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the receiving apparatus and the broadcast signal recording method of the present invention, as future multimedia-compatible television apparatuses, various large-capacity memories such as MD, CD, DVD, DVTR, and RAM are used. Is likely to be adopted. These large-capacity memories have been improved in function, capacity, and quality as they evolve, and are likely to be incorporated not only into the television device from the beginning but also into the television device as an option. Even with the arrival of such a multimedia device, a user can record a received broadcast program in an optimal state without failure without special awareness of the functions and properties of its own large-capacity memory.
[0040]
For example, the longest recording time of a large-capacity memory owned by the user, ease of access after recording, image quality of recorded / reproduced images, and the like are always determined by the CPU of the television device owned by the user, and programs to be received are also determined. Since the type of software is determined by the category ID signal and the optimum memory means is selected, recording does not fail. Further, processing after recording in the large-capacity memory is easy, and the large-capacity memory is organized neatly for each broadcast content, category, or time, so that lending or exchange between users becomes very convenient. Further, it is also possible to record information such as overseas news and overseas market conditions on the MD or CD while the user is asleep, and to listen to the preview the next morning using the simple playback device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of a multimedia recording device to which a receiving device according to the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a remote control unit of the multimedia recording device.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a broadcast station center related to the multimedia recording device.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main part of the multimedia recording device.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining ID signal allocation for explaining the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a first embodiment of the multimedia recording apparatus;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a second embodiment of the multimedia recording apparatus;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multimedia recording device, 2 Remote control part, 3 Display part 5, Operation part, 6 Infrared light emission part, 7 LCD panel, 8 Jog dial, 9 Memory remaining amount display switch, 10 Memory device selection switch, 11 Receiving antenna, 12 CATV reception , 13 tuner, 14, 22 switch / IO, 15 CPU, 16 encoder, 17 large capacity memory, 18 buffer memory, 19 program ID detection, 20, 23 switch control, 21 decoder, 24 telephone line, 50 program ID, 51 Recording control ID, 52 broadcast program, 101 broadcast camera, 102 video server, 103 video server, 104 transmitting device, 105 ID code generator, 106 video editing device, 107 broadcast satellite, 108 optical cable, A regular program, B Band information, C Library and Archives, D medical registration, E home shopping, F game, G TV guide

Claims (2)

Reception means for receiving a broadcast signal transmitted with at least a category code for identifying broadcast content added thereto,
Among the received broadcast signals, comprises a plurality of recording means capable of random access to reproduce the signal of a program belonging to a predetermined category in a compressed state and playable,
A receiving apparatus wherein a user can select one of the plurality of recording means and set recording. Receive a broadcast signal transmitted with at least a category code for identifying broadcast content added,
Of the received broadcast signals, a signal of a program belonging to a predetermined category is recorded in a compressed state and recorded in a plurality of recording means that can be reproduced by random access,
A broadcast signal recording method, wherein a user selects one of the plurality of recording means and sets recording.

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