JP2004134888A - Video information displaying apparatus and video information displaying method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a new displaying method by which a user selects a desired program from among many channels. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus is provided with a program information acquiring means 3 for acquiring contents and program information about the contents from a receiving section 2 for receiving a broadcast signal from the outside, and an interface (I/F) section 4 to an outside network, so that the contents and the program information acquired from the outside or an information recording medium 5 are stored in a storing medium 6. A receiving apparatus 1 controls a time series program switching section 7 for extracting the contents and the program information stored in the medium 6 and a channel selecting section 8 for selecting the broadcast signal broadcasted from each broadcasting station and acquired by the section 2, according to an operation input signal from an input operation section 9, so that a part of contents of each of all the programs broadcasted on all the time bands by respective broadcasting stations can be viewed in time series while being forwarded in the same way that programs are viewed one by one while being forwarded by successively switching broadcasting stations. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a video information display device and a video information display method, and more particularly to a video information display device and a video information display method for switching and displaying content being broadcast on a broadcast station with reference to program-related information.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a broadcasting system in which a television signal is converted into a digital signal by a satellite such as a broadcasting satellite or a communication satellite and transmitted, and each home receives and views a digitized broadcast signal has become widespread. In such a broadcasting system, since the signal band can be used effectively, it is possible to secure a very large number of channels of about 150, for example, as compared with conventional terrestrial broadcasting.
[0003]
In this broadcasting system, in order to easily select a desired program from many programs, the genre of the program, the broadcast start time, the broadcast end time, 2. Description of the Related Art A technique of transmitting additional information indicating information of a program, such as the content of the program, as electronic program guide (EPG) data is used. By using the EPG data, it is possible to realize various functions such as selection of a program according to the type of the content of the program and the genre indicating the type, presentation of the content of the program according to the broadcasting time zone, and presentation of the content of each program. By receiving the EPG data, the user can select a desired program according to the genre and the contents by referring to the program guide screen composed of the EPG data (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-224507 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a broadcasting system, the use of EPG data makes it relatively easy to select a desired program from among a large number of channels and to create a program guide screen. And creating a program guide screen including information about this program, it is not possible to display all of the program guide screens for a large number of channels depending on the screen size of the device. If an attempt is made to be able to display information for a certain number of channels within the screen restrictions, the amount of information on individual programs obtained from EPG data must be reduced.
[0006]
In addition, the user browses program information obtained from the digitized program guide screen or EPG data, and considers what programs are available depending on the time zone or broadcast station (channel), what programs are interesting, and the like. This is basically the same as referring to a program list of newspapers or program information magazines prepared as paper, as in the past.
[0007]
Therefore, the present invention provides a video information display apparatus which realizes a new browsing selection method when a user selects a desired program from many channels (programs or broadcasting stations) in a broadcasting system corresponding to a large number of channels. And a video information display method based on this method.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a video information display device according to the present invention obtains at least a part of a content in a video information display device that receives and displays content of a program broadcast from a plurality of broadcast stations. Program acquisition means, operation input means for performing operation input for selecting content, and channel selection means for selecting a broadcast station broadcasting content in the current time zone according to an input signal from the operation input means; A time-series program selecting means for selecting at least a part of past and future contents in a broadcast station in a program obtaining means in time series according to an input signal from an operation input means; At least a part of the selected content or at least a part of the past or future content selected by the time-series program selection means. It is characterized by comprising a shown means.
[0009]
Here, it is preferable that the program obtaining unit includes a storage unit that stores at least a part of the content, and the time-series program selection unit preferably selects a past or future content from the content stored in the storage unit. . The future content is a part of the content of the same program broadcasted before and stored in the storage means. Further, the program obtaining means is provided with external input means for externally inputting information including program-related information of all programs broadcasted by a plurality of broadcasting stations.
[0010]
In the storage means, at least a part of the content obtained by the program obtaining means is stored in association with the program-related information, and the time-series program selecting means refers to the program-related information and instructs the operation input means from among the contents. The content corresponding to the past and future content thus selected is selected.
[0011]
Further, the content sample is periodically distributed from a broadcasting station or another distributor, and the content sample is obtained by the external input means and stored in the storage means. At this time, the time-series program selection means selects a part of the past or future content from the content sample.
[0012]
The time-series program selecting means selects the content for each program or at predetermined time intervals when selecting the content from the content obtained by the program obtaining means.
[0013]
Further, as the operation input means, it is preferable to use a key arrangement that allows simultaneous operation input for selection of a broadcasting station in the same time zone and selection in the time direction of the broadcasting station. Is provided with a time-series switching button for switching in time series. According to the input signal from the time series switching button, the time series program selection means selects at least a part of the past and future contents in the broadcast station in time series from the contents obtained by the program obtaining means, and the display means And display the selected content.
[0014]
Further, in this video information display device, past and future contents and / or program information of the contents designated by the operation input means are displayed on the entire area of the display means.
[0015]
In order to achieve the above object, a video information display method according to the present invention is a video information display method for receiving and displaying content of a program broadcasted from a plurality of broadcast stations, wherein at least a part of the content is displayed. A program obtaining step to be obtained, an operation input step in which an operation input for selecting content is performed, and a tuning step of selecting a broadcasting station broadcasting content in the current time zone according to an input signal in the operation input step A time-series program selection step of chronologically selecting at least a part of past and future contents in the broadcast station from the program acquisition step in accordance with an input signal in the operation input step; A display step of displaying at least a part of the selected content or at least a part of the past or future content selected in the time-series program selection step. It is characterized by having.
[0016]
Here, the program obtaining step includes a storage step of storing at least a part of the content in the storage unit. In the time-series program selection step, a past or future content is selected from the content stored in the storage unit. Is done. The future content is a part of the content of the same program broadcasted before and stored in the storage means.
[0017]
The program obtaining step includes an external inputting step of inputting information including program-related information of all programs broadcasted by a plurality of broadcasting stations from the outside.
[0018]
In the storing step, at least a part of the content obtained in the program obtaining step is stored in association with the program-related information, and in the time-series program selecting step, the content is referred to in the operation input step by referring to the program-related information. The content corresponding to the past and future content is selected.
[0019]
In the external input step, a content sample is periodically distributed from a broadcasting station or another distributor, and the content sample is obtained and stored in the storage means in the external input step. At this time, in the time-series program selection step, a part of past or future content is selected from the content sample.
[0020]
In the time-series program selection step, when selecting content from the content obtained in the program obtaining step, the content is selected for each program or at predetermined time intervals.
[0021]
Further, in the operation input step, the input signal is input by a key arrangement capable of simultaneously inputting the selection of the broadcasting station in the same time zone and the selection of the broadcasting station in the time direction. Are input from a time-series switching button that switches in a time-series manner. In the time-series program selection step, at least a part of the past and future contents in the broadcasting station is selected in time series from the contents obtained in the program obtaining step by the input signal from the time-series switching button, and the selected contents are selected. The content is displayed in the display step.
[0022]
Further, in this video information display method, past and future contents and / or program information of the contents specified in the operation input step are displayed on the entire area of the display means.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a reception system for a broadcasting system which receives a digitized television signal transmitted via a satellite such as a broadcasting satellite or a communication satellite, and enables each household to receive and view the broadcast signal. Applicable as a device.
[0024]
In such a broadcasting system, a very large number of channels can be secured because the signal band can be used effectively. According to the present invention, in such a broadcasting system, the information of each program can be viewed not only in text information but also in the contents of the program (hereinafter, referred to as contents), and the broadcasting stations are sequentially switched as in the prior art. In the same manner as when sending and viewing one after another, a part of the content of all programs broadcasted in all time zones at each broadcasting station can be sent and viewed in chronological order. Here, in this specific example, the act of operating a remote controller or the like to switch channels one after another to “send and watch” a program is distinguished from “viewing” in which a broadcast program is watched for a certain period of time. Zapping ".
[0025]
Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 shows the concept of a receiving apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied. The receiving device 1 includes a program information obtaining unit 3 that obtains content and program information related to the content from a receiving unit 2 that receives a broadcast signal from the outside. The source of the program information or the content is not limited to the broadcast signal, and may be provided from an external network such as the Internet or as the information recording medium 5. Therefore, the program information obtaining unit 3 includes an interface (I / F) unit 4 for connecting to an external network. The content and program information obtained from the outside are stored in the storage medium 6 in the program information obtaining unit 3. When the content and the program information are obtained from the external network I / F 4 and the information recording medium 5, they may be directly sent to the later-described time-series program switching unit 7 without going through the storage medium 6.
[0026]
The receiving device 1 includes a time-series program switching unit 7 that extracts content and program information stored in the storage medium 6 according to an operation input signal from the operation input unit 9. In addition, there is provided a tuning unit 8 for selecting a broadcast signal broadcasted from each broadcasting station and obtained by the receiving unit 2. The program information and the content selected by the time-series program switching unit 7 and the tuning unit 8 are displayed on the display unit 10. By adopting such a basic configuration, the receiving apparatus 1 can transmit all programs broadcast in all time zones in each broadcast station in the same manner as in the conventional case where the broadcast stations are sequentially switched and the programs are sequentially transmitted and viewed. Part of the program contents can be sent and viewed in chronological order.
[0027]
Subsequently, a specific configuration example of the receiving device 1 is shown in FIG. The receiving device 1 receives, for example, a broadcast wave (digitized television signal) transmitted from each broadcasting station via an antenna, and receives a content including video, audio, and other information indicated by the digital television signal. Can be suitably used for a broadcasting system that provides the user with the information. The receiving device 1 is connected to a monitor device 30 for providing an image and a speaker device 40 for providing sound. Note that these external devices may be integrated with the receiving device 1 in advance and provided as one product. In addition, it can be connected to external devices via a home network or the like that connects general electronic devices in the home. As the external device, for example, a video disk recorder 50 having a recording medium for storing video, audio, and the like can be given.
[0028]
The receiving device 1 includes a tuner 11 that receives a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcast station, and a program that separates and extracts a video signal and an audio signal of a content from the received broadcast signal, and program information and the like included in the broadcast signal. And an information extracting unit 13. Also, a video signal reproducing unit 21 for reproducing a video signal from the program information extracting unit 13, an audio signal reproducing unit 22 for reproducing an audio signal, and a graphics display signal generating unit for generating program information to be displayed in addition to the video. 19 and a video synthesizing unit 20 for synthesizing the graphics display signal and the video signal. Further, a home network input / output control unit 18 for controlling connection with the home network may be provided. These components are generally controlled by an internal control unit 12. In addition, the receiving device 1 includes a memory 14 in which a program relating to each process executed by the internal control unit 12 is stored, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 15 having a recording medium.
[0029]
Although shown as an external device in FIG. 2, as described above, the receiving device 1 may include a driver unit that can reproduce the information recording medium so that the program information provided on the information recording medium can be read. Good.
[0030]
Subsequently, each configuration of the receiving device 1 will be specifically described.
[0031]
The receiving device 1 includes two tuners (11a and 11b) to which a broadcast signal is input. This allows the content currently being broadcasted to be viewed while simultaneously receiving the content being broadcast by another broadcast station. Each tuner receives a broadcast signal including a video signal and an audio signal transmitted from a broadcast station in a predetermined format. Although not shown, each tuner includes a signal processing circuit that performs A / D conversion processing, decoding processing, and the like on an input broadcast signal.
[0032]
There are satellite broadcasting, cable broadcasting, terrestrial broadcasting and the like as a form of carrying the input broadcast signal. Further, in the broadcast system shown in this specific example, the program information related to this program such as the genre of the program, the broadcast start time, the broadcast end time, the contents of the main program, and the like is displayed together with the video signal of the program indicated by the broadcast signal. Electronic program guide (Electrical Program Guide, hereinafter referred to as EPG) data is described and added in CSV (Comma Separated Value) format. The tuner 11 performs tuning for receiving a broadcast signal in accordance with a control signal from the internal control unit 12 that controls the entirety of the receiving device 1, decodes the received broadcast signal, and executes an internal control unit 12 and a program The information is output to the information extraction unit 13.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 3, the internal control unit 12 executes a control program (CPU) 121 that executes a control program stored in the memory 14 and an I / O that manages data input / output between the CPU 121 and other units. And a control unit 122.
[0034]
In the memory 14, a program area 141 and a data area 142 are provided as different areas. The control program read by the internal control unit 12 is stored in the program area 141. The control program includes a program for performing a predetermined process according to an operation input signal from the operation input unit 16, a program for changing a display channel according to the operation input signal from the operation input unit 16, and a program for changing the display channel at this time. A program for performing a tuning process when receiving a broadcast signal, a program for reading and displaying program information and content recorded in the HDD 15 described later, and displaying content in time series with reference to program information based on an operation input signal There are programs to do.
[0035]
In the data area 142, a video signal and an audio signal from the tuner 11 are stored by the internal control unit 12. The data area 142 functions as, for example, a working memory of the internal control unit 12. The program area 141 is not limited to the above-described program, and may store a control program for adding a new function to the receiving device 1. In this case, a new program can be added or changed by receiving another control program via the communication control unit 17 described below in response to an operation input command from the operation input unit 16.
[0036]
The HDD 15 includes a random access and rewritable disk-shaped recording medium as a recording medium. Examples of such a recording medium include a disk-shaped recording medium such as a magnetic disk and a magneto-optical disk. Content is recorded in the HDD 15 periodically by the internal control unit 12 or based on an instruction from an operation input signal.
[0037]
The internal control unit 12 uses a part of the content stored in the HDD 15 as zapping content for channel zapping of past and future content. For example, the internal control unit 12 stores at least a part of all contents broadcasted by a plurality of broadcast stations in the HDD 15 using a tuner different from the tuner that is currently selecting the currently displayed channel. . When a signal for selecting past and future content is input from the operation input unit 16, a part of the content corresponding to the selection signal is extracted from a part of the content of each program stored in the HDD 15.
[0038]
The internal control unit 12 may generate zapping content from a part of the stored content with reference to the above-described EPG data, and may store the zapping content in the HDD 15 in advance. At the time of zapping, this zapping content is used to introduce past and future content. In addition, a content sample representing the content such as a trailer of the content and a digest of the content is transmitted from the external network via the communication control unit 17. This can be used for zapping.
[0039]
Here, the display unit (selection unit) of past and future contents extracted by the internal control unit 12 based on a signal from the operation input unit 16 can be arbitrarily set. For example, the content may be set in units of a program, and a part of the program may be set as zapping content, or may be set at predetermined time intervals.
[0040]
The receiving device 1 downloads each content sample in advance as a data file (periodically) or, when content of a certain time frame of a certain channel is selected, information about the content as streaming data via the Internet. Get in real time. Further, the contents of the same program broadcasted before and stored in the HDD 15 can be used as past and future zapping contents.
[0041]
The CPU 121 of the internal control unit 12 reads the control program 141 from the memory 14, generates a control signal for each process according to the control program 141, and performs overall control of each unit configuring the receiving device 1. Further, the internal control unit 12 records the video signal, the audio signal, and the like from the tuner 11 on the recording medium in the memory 14 or the HDD 15. Further, it also performs a process of transmitting a broadcast signal received by the tuner 11 to an external device (video disk recorder 50) connected via a home network or the like. The I / O control unit 122 is connected to the program information extraction unit 13, the operation input unit 16, the communication control unit 17, and the home network input / output control unit 18, and receives signals from these units under the control of the CPU 121. In addition, the I / O control unit 122 outputs signals such as control signals, video signals, and audio signals sent from the CPU 121 to each unit according to instructions from the CPU 121. Accordingly, the I / O control unit 122 reduces the processing load on the CPU 121 and makes the work of the CPU 121 more efficient.
[0042]
The program information extracting unit 13 divides a video signal, an audio signal, and EPG data from a broadcast signal sent from the tuner 11 according to a control signal from the internal control unit 12, and extracts EPG data. The program information extraction unit 13 outputs the EPG data extracted from the broadcast signal to the internal control unit 12, outputs the video signal to the video signal reproduction unit 21, and outputs the audio signal to the audio signal reproduction unit 22. The video signal reproducing unit 21 reproduces the video indicated by the video signal sent from the program information extracting unit 13 and outputs the reproduced video to the video synthesizing unit 20 described later. In addition, the audio signal reproduction unit 22 reproduces the sound indicated by the audio signal sent from the program information extraction unit 13 and outputs the sound to the speaker device 40.
[0043]
The graphics display signal creation unit 19 converts the data relating to the content sent from the internal control unit 12 into a display format for displaying on the monitor device 30. The converted data is sent to the video compositing unit 20. The video synthesizing section 20 synthesizes the program display signal from the graphics display signal generating section 19 and the video signal from the video signal reproducing section 21 and outputs the synthesized signal to the monitor device 30 as a video output signal.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 4, the operation input unit 16 includes a remote controller (hereinafter, referred to as a remote controller) 71 operated by a user, and a command receiving unit that receives an operation signal from the remote controller 71 and generates an operation input command. 72. The remote control 71 is provided with a plurality of operation buttons that are pressed by a user to generate an operation signal.
[0045]
An example of the main operation buttons of the remote controller 71 will be described with reference to FIG. Numbers 0 to 9 are arranged on the number buttons 81, and a channel (broadcasting station) corresponding to a number obtained by an individual button or a combination of the buttons can be selected.
[0046]
Further, a cross key 82 is provided on the remote controller 71. In this specific example, an operation input of channel change in the past and future directions (change of displayed content) is assigned to the cross key 82. For example, the up / down direction key is a key for changing the broadcasting station as usual, and the left / right direction key is a key for changing the time axis of the program in the broadcasting station. That is, the up key 82a is a key for increasing the channel number, and the down key 82b is a key for decreasing the channel number. The right key 82c is a key for switching and displaying the content in the future direction, and the left key 82d is a key for switching and displaying the content in the past direction. In addition, any key arrangement may be used as long as the selection of the broadcasting station in the same time zone and the selection of the broadcasting station in the time direction can be simultaneously input. With these keys, content or channel selection in the time direction can be performed by one touch (one push) as in the conventional channel selection.
[0047]
Other operation buttons include a monitor power button 83, a power button 84, a mute button 85, a dual sound button 86, a screen display button 87, a volume control button 88, and the like. Specifically, the monitor device power button 83 is a button for turning on / off the power of the monitor device 30, and the power button 84 is a button for turning on / off the power of the receiving device 1. The mute button 85 is a button for operating mute on / off of the sound output from the speaker device 40. The dual sound button 86 is used for switching between bilingual broadcasting, and a main sound and a sub sound in a multiplex sound program. This button is used to perform switching and the like. The screen display button 87 is a button for displaying information such as a channel number (broadcasting station) broadcasting the content displayed on the screen of the monitor device 30. The volume adjustment button 88 is a button for adjusting the volume output from the speaker device 40.
[0048]
The communication control unit 17 is connected to an external network using a communication line such as the Internet, for example, and functions as an interface circuit for connecting the receiving device 1 to the network. The communication control unit 17 transmits and receives data via a communication line according to a control signal from the internal control unit 12. The data here includes, for example, a data file or a streaming data of a trailer of a drama (content) scheduled to be broadcast in the future time zone, and EPG data sent together with a video signal, such as information for introducing the content content. This includes program information and the like separately transmitted from a broadcasting station or a distributor. These are usually in a data format that can be transmitted and received on the Internet. In addition to the above data, all data that can be transmitted and received on the Internet are included in the data that can be transmitted and received.
[0049]
The home network input / output control unit 18 controls data input / output between an external device such as the video disk recorder 50 and a home network including other home electronic devices according to a control signal from the internal control unit 12. In addition, a normal video and audio external input / output terminal for connection to an external audio device may be provided.
[0050]
With the above-described configuration, the receiving device 1 sequentially selects the content being broadcast by each broadcasting station in the current time zone in accordance with the operation input signal from the operation button, and simultaneously selects the past and future contents of the broadcasting station. Some of the program contents can also be selected one after another. That is, by operating the operation input unit 16, the user can perform zapping not only for the content broadcast in the current time zone, but also for all past and future content beyond the time frame.
[0051]
Next, a specific input operation of the receiving device 1 and a channel selection process will be described. First, the concept of channel zapping realized using the receiving device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0052]
The user can select channels (broadcast stations) C1 to Cn using the remote controller 71. Assume that the current time zone is in the 18:00 range. The user can switch the channel (broadcasting station) by directly inputting the channel number to be displayed with the number buttons 81 of the remote controller 71 or by pressing the up / down keys 82a and 82b of the cross key 82. On the screen of the monitor device 30, contents 1021, 1022, 1023,..., 102n arranged in the direction of arrow A in FIG. Also displayed on the entire screen.
[0053]
When the user presses the left direction key 82d of the remote controller 71 in a state where a certain channel is selected, the content of a program broadcasted in the past on this channel is displayed on the entire screen in accordance with the button operation. When the right direction key 82c of the remote controller 71 is pressed, the content to be broadcast in the future on this channel is displayed in accordance with the operation of the button (arrow B in FIG. 6). If the content currently displayed is the content 1022, this operation displays the content 1032 in the next time zone.
[0054]
Further, the currently displayed content 1022 is switched to the 17:00 content 1012 of the same channel C2, and further, the horizontal zapping of the 17 o'clock zone shown as the arrow C direction in FIG. 6, that is, the switching of the content 1011 to 101n. Can be done.
[0055]
Similarly, in the future direction, after switching from the content 1022 to, for example, the content 1032 of the 19 o'clock, the content 1031 to 103n of the 19 o'clock zone shown as the arrow D direction can be zapped. Similarly, when zapping past and future contents, the time and channel desired to be selected can be directly input from the numeric keys.
[0056]
Therefore, although not shown here, it is also possible to display 4 channels at 12:00 tomorrow, and furthermore, while displaying 4 channels at 12:00 tomorrow, the operation of the above-described cross key 82 is performed. Thus, it is possible to switch to a program of 6 channels at 12:00 tomorrow.
[0057]
Next, FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the display channel selection process in the receiving device 1. When any one of the cross keys 82 on the operation input unit 16 is pressed by the user, a channel selection process is started. First, in step S1, the internal control unit 12 determines whether or not the current time zone channel is selected. If the channel is selected in the current time zone, the process proceeds to step S2, where the internal control unit 12 controls the tuner 11 to perform tuning for receiving a broadcast signal, and then proceeds to step S6.
[0058]
On the other hand, when the channel is not selected in the current time zone, the internal control unit 12 determines in step S3 whether the input signal is for displaying past content or an input signal for displaying future content. If the signal is a signal for selecting a past content, the process proceeds to step S4, the selected past content is read from the HDD 15, and the process proceeds to step S6. If the signal is a signal for selecting a future content, the process proceeds to step S5, where the selected future content is read from the HDD 15, and the process proceeds to step S6.
[0059]
In step S6, the internal control unit 12 decodes the received broadcast signal or the content data read from the HDD 15 and outputs it to the program information extraction unit 13 and the like, and displays the same on the screen of the monitor device 30.
[0060]
When the operation button for changing the channel is continuously pressed by the user, this series of processing is repeatedly executed each time the button is pressed.
[0061]
Here, as the processing in step S4 or step S5, in addition to reading the content to be displayed from the HDD 15, a method of receiving and displaying streaming data transmitted in real time from the communication control unit 17 via an external network such as the Internet is used. Are also mentioned. Further, for example, a content sample representing a trailer or a digest of the content is distributed from an external distributor or a broadcasting station at a predetermined interval via a network such as the Internet, and the content sample is stored in the HDD 15. In step S4 and step S5, the content sample can be read and displayed.
[0062]
In this case, FIG. 8 shows an example of a process of storing a content sample transmitted from the outside. In step S11, the internal control unit 12 receives a content sample from an external distributor or a broadcasting station via a network such as the Internet. In the following step S12, zapping content for each channel is generated from the content sample received in step S11 with reference to the EPG data received in advance together with the video signal. In step S13, the content for zapping is stored in the HDD 15.
[0063]
Here, as an example, the step of generating the zapping content while referring to the EPG data in step S12 has been described, but the zapping content may be directly delivered from a network such as the Internet. In steps S4 and S5, the content for zapping is read and displayed.
[0064]
In addition, the content read from the HDD 15 in step S4 or step S5 may be the content of the same program broadcasted before and stored in the HDD 15. In this case, the internal control unit 12 records a part of the content being broadcast on each channel for a predetermined period every predetermined time. This partial recording is executed for all channels. As shown in FIG. 9, in step S21, the internal control unit 12 selects a channel for receiving the content by the tuner 11. In step S22, a broadcast signal from the selected channel is received, and a part of the content received in step S23 is stored in the HDD 15. In step S24, it is determined whether a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of recording. If not, steps S22 and S23 are repeated. After recording the content portion for a predetermined period, for example, about 5 minutes or 10 minutes, it is determined in step S25 whether or not recording has been performed for all channels. If not completed, the process returns to step S21, and the internal control unit 12 , Select the next channel. When the user is viewing a specific channel, one of the two tuners is used to receive the back channel of the channel being viewed. Also, as in the example of FIG. 8, when recording in the HDD 15, the content for zapping can be generated with reference to the EPG data sent together with the video signal.
[0065]
The processing shown in FIG. 9 is executed periodically, for example, every week. If zapping contents of all contents for one week of all channels (all broadcasting stations) are stored in the HDD 15, the next processing is executed. The process from the process of (1) to the process of creating and updating the content for zapping again.
[0066]
Next, an example of a screen display at the time of channel zapping on the monitor device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an example of the screen 200 when the channel zapping described with reference to FIG. 6, particularly, the content in the past and future time zones is displayed. As illustrated in FIG. 10, a display window 201 for displaying the content of the currently selected channel, and a program information section 203 for displaying a channel number 202, a description of the content, a cast, a cast, a broadcast time zone, and the like are provided. is there. These pieces of program information, zapable content break units, and the like can be created with reference to EPG data.
[0067]
As described above, according to the receiving apparatus 1 shown as this specific example, the content being broadcasted in the current time zone is sequentially switched, and the programs are transmitted and viewed one after another. You can see part of it. Further, zapping can be performed while making it possible to view a part of all the contents broadcasted in all the time zones on each channel, not only the text information but also the contents of the program.
[0068]
Further, in the broadcasting system to which the receiving device 1 is applied, not only the program guide information as text but also the contents of past and future programs can be displayed as if they are being broadcast. Can increase the amount of information that can be expressed in This allows the user to directly view the contents of the content, thereby improving convenience when selecting a desired program.
[0069]
In addition, for the user, it is possible to directly determine a part of the content instead of simply thinking about what program is available by time zone or channel while browsing the computerized program guide screen, program information, etc., Convenience is improved. In addition, the entertainment property when selecting a channel is also improved.
[0070]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to only the specific examples described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0071]
For example, as described in FIG. 6, the receiving apparatus 1 can not only selectively display the content in each channel for each time zone, but also can zapping for each program (content). This is because the program break differs depending on the broadcast station, and the broadcast time differs depending on the program. In creating zapping content, existing EPG data can be used.
[0072]
The specific example described in detail above is a realization example of a screen display method limited to a case where all contents of all broadcasting stations are switched one after another one by one and "looking forward", and when a certain content is viewed for a certain time. This is to be distinguished from the screen display example.
[0073]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, the video information display device according to the present invention is configured to provide at least one of the contents of the current time zone selected from the contents obtained by the program obtaining means in response to the input signal from the operation input means. Section, by displaying at least a part of the past or future content, as in the case of sequentially switching the content being broadcast in the current time zone and sending and watching the programs one after another, as with the past and future content. In addition, all the contents of each channel can be sent and viewed in a state where the information of each program can be viewed not only the text information but also the contents of the program.
[0074]
This also increases the amount of information that can be expressed within limited screen constraints. For the user, since the contents of the content are directly viewed, the convenience when selecting a desired program is improved.
[0075]
Further, in order to achieve the object of the present invention, according to the video information display method of the present invention, according to the operation input signal, at least a part of the content of the current time zone selected from the obtained content, By displaying at least a part of the past or future contents, the past and future contents can also be individually displayed in the same way as the contents being broadcasted in the current time zone are sequentially switched and the program is sent one after another. All the contents of each channel can be sent and viewed in such a manner that the program information of not only the character information but also the program contents can be viewed.
[0076]
This also increases the amount of information that can be expressed within limited screen constraints. For the user, since the contents of the content are directly viewed, the convenience when selecting a desired program is improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a receiving device that is an example of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating in detail a receiving device shown as a specific example of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating functions and configurations of a memory and an internal control unit of the receiving device.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation input unit of the reception device.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of operation buttons of a remote controller of the operation input unit.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the concept of channel zapping that can be realized by using the receiving device.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an input operation and a channel selection process of the reception device.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of preparing a content sample in the HDD of the receiving device.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of preparing a content sample in the HDD of the receiving device.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a screen display example at the time of channel zapping.
[Explanation of symbols]
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 receiving apparatus, 2 receiving section, 3 program information obtaining section, 4 external network I / F, 5 program information providing medium, 6 storage medium, 7 time-series program information switching section, 8 channel selection section, 9 operation input section, 10 display Unit, 11a, 11b tuner, 12 internal control unit, 13 program information extraction unit, 14 memory, 15 HDD, 16 operation input unit, 17 communication control unit, 18 home net input / output control unit, 19 graphics display signal creation unit, 20 Video synthesizing unit, 21 video signal reproducing unit, 22 audio signal reproducing unit, 30 monitor device, 40 speaker device, 50 video disk recorder

Claims (22)

In a video information display device for receiving and displaying content of a program broadcast from a plurality of broadcast stations,
A program obtaining means for obtaining at least a part of the content,
Operation input means for performing an operation input for selecting the content,
Channel selection means for selecting a broadcast station broadcasting content in the current time zone according to an input signal from the operation input means;
A time-series program selecting means for selecting at least part of past and future contents in the broadcast station in a time-series manner from the contents obtained by the program obtaining means in accordance with an input signal from the operation input means,
Display means for displaying at least a part of the content selected by the channel selection means or at least a part of the past or future content selected by the time-series program selection means. apparatus. The program obtaining means includes storage means for storing at least a part of the content,
2. The video information display device according to claim 1, wherein the time-series program selection means selects past or future content from the content stored in the storage means. 3. The video information display device according to claim 2, wherein the future content is a part of the content of the same program that has been broadcast before and stored in the storage unit. 3. The video information display device according to claim 2, wherein said program obtaining means includes external input means for externally inputting information including program-related information of all programs broadcasted by said plurality of broadcasting stations. In the storage means, at least a part of the content obtained by the program obtaining means is stored in association with the program-related information,
5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the time-series program selection means selects contents corresponding to past and future contents designated by the operation input means from the contents with reference to the program-related information. Video information display device. The external input unit inputs a content sample periodically distributed from the broadcast station or another distributor and stores the content sample in the storage unit.
5. The video information display device according to claim 4, wherein said time-series program selecting means selects a part of past or future contents from said content samples. 2. The video information display device according to claim 1, wherein said time-series program selecting means selects a content for each program from the contents obtained by said program obtaining means. 2. The video information display device according to claim 1, wherein said time-series program selection means selects contents at predetermined time intervals from the contents obtained by said program obtaining means. 2. The video information display device according to claim 1, wherein the operation input means includes a key arrangement that allows simultaneous operation input for selection of a broadcasting station in the same time zone and selection in the time direction of the broadcasting station. The operation input means includes a time-series switching button for switching the content obtained by the program obtaining means in a time-series manner,
The time-series program selecting means selects, in a time-series manner, at least a part of past and future contents in the broadcast station from the contents obtained by the program obtaining means in accordance with an input signal from the time-series switching button. ,
10. The video information display device according to claim 9, wherein said display means displays the selected content. 2. The video information display device according to claim 1, wherein past and future contents designated by said operation input means and / or program information of said contents are displayed in the whole area of said display means. In a video information display method for receiving and displaying program contents broadcast from a plurality of broadcast stations,
A program obtaining step of obtaining at least a part of the content,
An operation input step in which an operation input for selecting the content is performed;
A channel selection step of selecting a broadcast station broadcasting content in the current time zone according to the input signal in the operation input step;
A time-series program selecting step of selecting at least a part of past and future contents in the broadcast station in a time-series manner from those obtained in the program obtaining step according to the input signal in the operation input step;
A display step of displaying at least a part of the content selected in the tuning step or at least a part of the past or future content selected in the time-series program selecting step. Method. The program obtaining step includes a storage step of storing at least a part of the content in storage means,
13. The video information display method according to claim 12, wherein in the time-series program selection step, past or future contents are selected from the contents stored in the storage means. 14. The video information display method according to claim 13, wherein the future content is a part of the content of the same program previously broadcasted and stored in the storage unit. 14. The video information display method according to claim 13, wherein the program obtaining step includes an external input step of inputting information including program related information of all programs broadcasted by the plurality of broadcasting stations from outside. In the storing step, at least a part of the content obtained in the program obtaining step is stored in association with the program-related information,
16. The time-series program selection step, wherein contents corresponding to past and future contents specified in the operation input step are selected from the contents with reference to the program-related information. Video information display method. In the external input step, a content sample periodically delivered from the broadcast station or another distributor is input and stored in the storage unit,
16. The video information display method according to claim 15, wherein in the time-series program selection step, a part of past or future content is selected from the content samples. 13. The video information display method according to claim 12, wherein in the time-series program selection step, content is selected for each program from the content obtained in the program obtaining step. 13. The video information display method according to claim 12, wherein in the time-series program selecting step, contents are selected at predetermined time intervals from the contents obtained in the program obtaining step. 13. The video information display according to claim 12, wherein, in the operation input step, both the selection of the broadcasting station in the same time zone and the selection in the time direction of the broadcasting station are input from a key arrangement that can be input simultaneously. Method. The operation input step includes a time series switching step using a time series switching button for switching the content obtained in the program obtaining step in a time series manner,
In the time-series program selecting step, at least a part of past and future contents in the broadcast station is selected in time series from the contents obtained in the program obtaining step according to an input signal from the time-series switching button. ,
21. The video information display method according to claim 20, wherein the display step displays the selected content. 13. The video information display method according to claim 12, wherein in the display step, past and future contents specified in the operation input step and / or program information of the contents are displayed on an entire area of the display means.

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