JP2004040698A - Broadcast receiving apparatus and chat system about program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To find out someone to talk to when it is desired to talk with someone about a television program while viewing the program. <P>SOLUTION: When the instruction of a chat participation request is received from a user, a digital broadcast receiving apparatus 30 transmits information specifying the program under receiving and information indicating a will of chat participation through a modem to a management system 51. When the management system 51 is notified of two or more chart participation wills with respect to the same program, a construction of a chat room is requested to a distribution server 52 connected to the Internet. A URL required for accessing the chat room is transmitted from the distribution server 52 to each receiving apparatus 30 and the URL is displayed on a screen of the receiving apparatus 30. Every user starts reading software in his personal computer 40 having an Internet connection environment and inputs the URL to take part in the chat room. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
[Industrial applications]
The present invention relates to a broadcast receiving apparatus and a chat system for programs.
[0002]
If you're watching TV and want to talk to someone about the program, and no one is around you, you can talk to someone you know or access a chat room available on the Internet. Would.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, an acquaintance who is called may not always be watching the same program, and even if he is watching the program, he may not want to discuss it further. Also, even if the user accesses the chat room, it is unlikely that the room member is watching the program, and it is difficult to find a person to talk to the program in a timely manner.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a broadcast receiving apparatus and a chat system for a program that enable the user to find a person to talk to when the user wants to talk to someone about the program while watching TV. I do.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, a broadcast receiving apparatus of the present invention, in a broadcast receiving apparatus that receives a broadcast wave and outputs a signal that forms a program, includes information for identifying the program being received and an intention to participate in a chat. Means for transmitting the information shown to a previously registered partner, and means for receiving connection information required for chat participation from the partner and displaying the connection information on a screen. (Hereinafter referred to as a first configuration in this section).
[0006]
Also, the broadcast receiving apparatus of the present invention is a broadcast receiving apparatus for receiving a broadcast wave and outputting a signal forming a program, wherein the browsing means performs screen display of a file received by communication and transmission of information input by a user. Means for transmitting information identifying a program being received and information indicating a willingness to participate in a chat to a previously registered destination, and receiving connection information required for chat participation from the destination and And control means for executing browsing by the browsing means (hereinafter referred to as a second configuration in this section).
[0007]
And the chat system for a program of the present invention comprises the broadcast receiving device of the first configuration or the second configuration and the other party, and the other party has two or more willingness to participate in the same program. A chat room is formed when the notification is received, and connection information necessary for chat participation is transmitted to each broadcast receiving device.
[0008]
In the above configuration, in the case of the broadcast receiving device of the first configuration, the connection information is displayed on the screen, so that the browsing software is activated on a personal computer or the like on hand and the connection information is input to the chat room. You can participate. In this chat room, people who are watching the same program and who want to have a conversation will participate, so they can give their opinions on the program without hesitation. Further, in the case of the broadcast receiving device of the second configuration, even if the user does not have a personal computer, the user can participate in the chat room by using the browsing function of the broadcast receiving device of the second configuration. For the screen (chat room screen) by the browsing function, a small display area may be set in a lower corner of the screen or the like in order to secure the display of the received program.
[0009]
Also, the broadcast receiving apparatus of the present invention is a broadcast receiving apparatus for receiving a broadcast wave and outputting a signal forming a program, wherein the means for communicating with another pre-registered broadcast receiving apparatus is provided. Means for displaying the callable information on the screen when it is possible to confirm that the program being received by the own device is also being viewed on the other broadcast receiving apparatus. In the section referred to as the third configuration).
[0010]
Also, the broadcast receiving apparatus of the present invention is a broadcast receiving apparatus for receiving a broadcast wave and outputting a signal forming a program, wherein the means for communicating with another pre-registered broadcast receiving apparatus is provided. Means for displaying the callable information on the screen when the program received by the own device is also viewed on the other broadcast receiving device and the desired call information can be confirmed (hereinafter, referred to as a program). , In this section referred to as the fourth configuration).
[0011]
In these third and fourth configurations, the broadcast receiving apparatuses confirm the call request and notify the user. When the callable information is displayed on the screen, the user can make a new call to the user of the broadcast receiver of the other party and discuss the program.
[0012]
In the third and fourth configurations, a voice call means may be provided so that a voice call can be made with the other party automatically after the call desired information is confirmed or based on a call start instruction from the user. Further, when there are a plurality of destinations, the communication desired information may be sequentially confirmed for each destination and a list of callable information for each destination may be displayed on the screen. Further, when it is determined that the other party is busy, a call may be made again after a predetermined time.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a chat system for a program of this embodiment. Here, the digital broadcast receiving device 30 is connected to a telephone line via a modem, and can be connected to the management system 51 of the center 50 by automatic calling to transmit billing information and the like. Further, upon receiving a chat participation request instruction from the user, the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 30 transmits information specifying the program being received and information indicating the intention to participate in the chat via a modem in the same manner as the transmission of the charging information and the like. To the management system 51. Then, when the management system 51 receives notification of two or more intentions to participate in the chat for the same program, the management system 51 requests the distribution server 52 connected to the Internet to construct a chat room. When constructing the chat room, the distribution server 52 returns a URL and a password required for the access to the management system 51. The management system 51 transmits the URL and the password to each digital broadcast receiving device 30. The received URL and password are displayed on the monitor 16 connected to each digital broadcast receiving device 30, as shown in FIG. Each user activates the browsing software on the personal computer 40 having an Internet connection environment, and receives the HTML file serving as the first page for participating in the chat room by inputting the URL. If the password is entered in the password entry field of this file and transmitted, the user can participate in the chat room. In this chat room, people who are watching the same program and who want to have a conversation will participate, so they can give their opinions on the program without hesitation.
[0015]
Next, the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 30 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0016]
The antenna 1 is arranged outdoors in a predetermined direction, and receives a digital broadcast signal transmitted from a satellite. The antenna 1 generally includes a frequency converter, and supplies a received / frequency-converted signal to a tuner 2.
[0017]
The tuner 2 extracts a signal of a specific frequency from high-frequency digital modulation signals including video and audio data. That is, a process of selecting one from a plurality of digital broadcast transponders is performed. Further, the tuner 2 includes a demodulation circuit, a deinterleave circuit, an error correction circuit, and the like, and thereby demodulates the selected digital modulation signal and outputs a transport stream.
[0018]
The descrambler 3 performs a process of canceling the scramble performed in the pay broadcast using the key information embedded in the IC card 21A. The descrambler 3 has a demultiplex processing unit (DEMUX), and converts the transport stream into a video stream of MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group2), an audio stream, and a PSI / SI (Program Specific Information). / Service Information). The demultiplex processing unit supplies the video stream and the audio stream to the AV decoder 4 and supplies PSI / SI to the CPU 13. Note that a plurality of channels are multiplexed in the transport stream, and a process for selecting an arbitrary channel from among these is performed by selecting a packet ID in the transport stream from the PSI / SI. This is possible by extracting data such as whether the data is multiplexed. Further, the selection of the transport stream (the selection of the transponder) can also be performed based on the PSI / SI information.
[0019]
The AV decoder 4 includes a video decoder that decodes a video stream and an audio decoder that decodes an audio stream. The video decoder obtains a quantization coefficient and a motion vector by decoding the input variable-length code, and performs inverse DCT transform, motion compensation control based on the motion vector, and the like. The audio decoder decodes the input coded signal to generate audio data.
The video data generated by the decoding is output to the video processing circuit 5, and the audio data is output to the audio processing circuit 6.
[0020]
The video processing circuit 5 receives the video data from the AV decoder 4, performs D / A conversion, and converts the data into, for example, a composite video signal. The audio signal processing circuit 6 receives the audio data output from the AV decoder 4, performs D / A conversion, and generates, for example, a right (R) sound analog signal and a left (L) sound analog signal, For example, an analog signal of audio and sub audio is generated.
[0021]
The video output circuit 7 and the audio output circuit 8 include an output resistor, an amplifier, and the like. The AV output terminal 9 is provided with an output section (a set of left and right audio output terminals and the like and a video output terminal and the like). The output section has a monitor 16 including a picture tube 16a and a speaker 16b by a video / audio code 17. Is connected.
[0022]
The OSD (on-screen display) circuit 12 generates video data based on character information and color information instructed to be output from the CPU 13 and outputs the video data to the adder 20.
The adder 20 performs a process of incorporating the video data into the received video data output from the AV decoder 4.
[0023]
The remote control transmitter 10 is a transmitter for sending a command to the broadcast receiving device 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the remote control transmitter 10 is provided with a large number of keys, and in this embodiment, one key is a "program sharing" key.
The “program sharing” key is an instruction key for a chat participation request. When each key of the remote control transmitter 10 is operated, a signal light (remote control signal) indicating a command corresponding to the key is transmitted from a light emitting unit (not shown). The remote control light receiver 11 receives the signal light, converts the signal light into an electric signal, and supplies the electric signal to the CPU 13. Note that, as shown in FIG. 5, "program sharing participation" is set as one of the items on the menu screen without the "program sharing" key, and selection of this item is an instruction for a chat participation request. You may make it.
[0024]
The memory (e.g., EEPROM) 14 stores program information (program name, program details, program start time, program end time, etc.), user setting information (destination information, etc.), and the like.
[0025]
The modem 22, the communication interface (IF) 23, and the line interface (IF) 24 transmit billing information to the management system 51 of the center 50, data transmission in a two-way data service, and transmission of various information when a chat participation request is made. It operates under the control of the CPU 13 in the dial-up connection when performing.
[0026]
The IC card 21A stores, in its built-in memory, key information for enabling pay broadcast viewing, purchase history information of a PPV program to be charged for each program, and the like. The CA module 21 performs various information write processing and read processing between the CPU 13 and the IC card 21A.
[0027]
The CPU 13 performs channel selection processing, menu display control, and the like in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus, and also performs the following control according to the present invention. When the CPU 13 detects that the “program sharing” key of the remote control transmitter 10 has been pressed, the CPU 13 operates the modem 22 and the like in the same manner as the transmission of the billing information to the management system 51, and communicates with the management system 51. And transmits information (program name, event ID, etc.) for specifying the program currently being viewed and information indicating a willingness to participate in the chat.
[0028]
As described above, the management system 51 requests the distribution server 52 to establish a chat room when receiving two or more notices of willingness to participate in a chat for the same program. When constructing the chat room, the distribution server 52 returns a URL and a password required for the access to the management system 51. The management system 51 returns the URL and the password to each digital broadcast receiving device 30.
[0029]
The CPU 13 provides the OSD circuit 12 with the URL received from the management system 51 and character information forming a password. The OSD circuit 12 generates character image data forming a URL and a password, and superimposes the character image data on the received image, and performs screen display as shown in FIG.
[0030]
In the above example, the user participates in the chat using the personal computer 40 on hand. However, the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 30 has a browser function (file browsing function) for data broadcasting. You can join the chat. Regarding the character input, the key of the remote control transmitter 10 may be made to function as a character key, or a dedicated or general keyboard may be configured to be connected to the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 30, and the character input may be performed using this keyboard. May be performed. In addition, it has a scaler function that divides the screen of the received video and the video by the browser function and can set the size arbitrarily. Using this scaler function, the video (chat display) by the browser function is displayed in the lower corner of the screen. It is also possible to display small and secure a display area for the received video.
[0031]
Further, in the above example, the chat request is made with the center 50 as the destination, but, for example, a call request may be made with another digital broadcast receiving device of the acquaintance's house directly as the destination. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the name and telephone number of the other party to be called are input on the "program sharing registration" screen, and this input information is registered in the memory 14 in advance. . For this registration operation, for example, an item of “program sharing registration” is set on the menu screen shown in FIG. 5, and the screen of FIG. 6 is displayed when this item is selected. In the character input at the time of this registration, the key of the remote control transmitter 10 may be made to function as a character key. Then, when the "program sharing" key of the remote control transmitter 10 is operated, it is assumed that a telephone call is successively made to the registered destinations to perform a sharing confirmation (confirmation of communication possibility). As for the telephone number, for example, a service that can have three telephone numbers such as telephone, facsimile, and other devices on one line is used, and one of the telephone numbers is used for the digital broadcast receiving device 30. It is desirable to set as. It is assumed that the modem 22 performs not only outgoing calls but also incoming operations.
[0032]
The digital broadcast receiving apparatus 30 of the other party performs an incoming call operation when a call is received, and performs communication with the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 30 on the calling side. The digital broadcast receiving apparatus 30 of the other party transmits the information for specifying the received program or the information for specifying the program in the broadcast reception state, and when the sharing setting is set, transmits the information. The operation of the "program sharing" key may also serve as the setting of the sharing request. When the digital broadcast receiving device 30 on the calling side can confirm that the program being received by itself is also being viewed on the digital broadcast receiving device 30 of the other party, or when it can further confirm a desire to share, As shown in FIG. 7, the callable information is displayed on the screen by indicating the destination name. Looking at this screen display, the user makes a new call to the user of the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 30 of the other party and discusses the program.
[0033]
When a plurality of destinations are registered, a list of callable information for each destination may be displayed on the screen. Further, when a call to one destination is busy, it is preferable to automatically perform a process of calling the next destination. In addition, there is a case where a call is received from the other party, and in this case, since both telephone lines are blocked, program sharing may not be established forever. Therefore, when making a call continuously, it is preferable to make an interval or to change the interval at random.
[0034]
Further, in the above-described example, the user makes a new call to the user of the other party's digital broadcast receiving apparatus. However, the digital broadcast receiving apparatus is provided with a telephone function, and a call is made through the digital broadcast receiving apparatus. It may be. FIG. 8 shows a digital broadcast receiving apparatus 30 'that realizes such a function. In this figure, the memory 14 and the CA module 21 are not shown. The user's voice input from the built-in microphone 25 is converted into a digital signal by an A / D conversion circuit (ADC) 25, and the data is compressed by a compression multiplexing circuit 27. The data-compressed signal is transmitted to the telephone line by the modem 22 and the line interface 24 via the communication interface 23. At the same time, a signal from the other party's digital broadcast receiving apparatus is input to a decoding circuit 28 via a telephone line, a line interface 24, a modem 22, and a communication interface 23, and is expanded. The expanded digital audio signal is input to the audio processing circuit 6, processed as sub-audio by the audio processing circuit 6, and output from the audio output circuit 8. The start of the call may be automatically performed after the sharing is confirmed, or a message such as "Press the decision key of the remote control to start the call" is displayed on the screen, and the decision of the remote control transmitter 10 is made. The process may be started when a key is pressed. Regarding the call function provided in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus, analog call means similar to a general telephone may be used.
[0035]
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a digital broadcast receiving apparatus has been described, but the present invention is also applicable to an analog broadcast receiving apparatus. In the analog broadcast receiving apparatus, the program specifying information may be channel position information (although the program may not match if the area is different). Also, in FIG. 1, the Internet and the public line are shown separately, but for convenience of explanation, they are not physically separate from each other, and the telephone is limited to using the public line. Instead, an IP phone using the Internet or a dedicated network may be used.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the user wants to talk to someone about the program while watching television, he or she can find the person to talk to and talk without hesitation by telephone or chat.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a chat system for a program according to an embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an external view showing a remote control transmitter of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying a screen when it is determined that a program can be shared;
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a menu screen.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying a program sharing registration screen.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying a screen when it is determined that a program can be shared;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a digital broadcast receiving apparatus according to the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 1 antenna 2 tuner 3 descrambler 4 AV decoder 10 remote control transmitter 13 CPU
14 Memory 21 CA module 21A IC card 22 Modem

Claims (8)

In a broadcast receiving apparatus for receiving a broadcast wave and outputting a signal forming a program, a means for transmitting information specifying a received program and information indicating a willingness to participate in a chat to a previously registered destination, Means for receiving connection information required for chat participation from the other party and displaying the connection information on a screen. In a broadcast receiving apparatus for receiving a broadcast wave and outputting a signal forming a program, a browsing means for displaying a screen of a file received by communication and transmitting information input by a user, and information for specifying the program being received And means for transmitting information indicating a willingness to participate in chat to a pre-registered destination, control means for receiving connection information required for chat participation from the destination and performing browsing by the browsing means, and A broadcast receiving device comprising: 3. The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the other party, wherein the other party forms a chat room and receives a chat when receiving two or more notices of willingness to participate in the same program. A chat system for a program, wherein connection information necessary for participation is transmitted to each broadcast receiving device. In a broadcast receiving apparatus that receives a broadcast wave and outputs a signal forming a program, a means for communicating with another broadcast receiving apparatus that is a pre-registered destination, and a program received by its own apparatus Means for displaying the callable information on the screen when it is confirmed that the other broadcast receiving apparatus is also viewing the broadcast receiving apparatus. In a broadcast receiving apparatus that receives a broadcast wave and outputs a signal forming a program, a means for communicating with another broadcast receiving apparatus that is a pre-registered destination, and a program received by its own apparatus Means for displaying the callable information on the screen when the other broadcast receiving apparatus has also been viewed and the desired call information has been confirmed. 6. The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a voice call unit, wherein after confirming the call request information, a voice call can be made with the other party automatically or based on a user's call start instruction. A broadcast receiving apparatus characterized by being performed. In the broadcast receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, when there are a plurality of destinations, call request information is sequentially checked for each destination and a list of callable information for each destination is displayed. A broadcast receiving device configured to display on a screen. 8. The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when it is determined that the other party is busy, a call is made again after a predetermined time. Broadcast receiving device.

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