JP2006020178A - Method and device for selecting channel of digital broadcasting - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the work for setting channels, and also, to reduce time required for the work when receiving digital broadcasting. <P>SOLUTION: A channel selecting device for digital broadcasting acquires channel selection information by area of channels broadcasted in the broadcasting area of a channel from the channel selection information acquired from the channel obtained as the first search result. The channels broadcasted in the broadcasting area of the channel can be set from the channel selection information acquired from the one received channel without entirely searching each of the receivable channels. The channel selection information may be acquired by communication utilizing Webs and e-mails. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital broadcast channel selection method and apparatus.

Conventionally, when receiving a digital broadcast, it is necessary to search all receivable channels and acquire information necessary for channel selection. In addition, when broadcasting waves are detected, digital broadcasting that can automatically search for all channels in the analog broadcasting band and digital broadcasting band by repeating the process of shifting the control frequency so as to detect the next channel There is a prior example of the receiving device (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-230689 A

  However, in the above method, since search processing is performed for all frequencies, it takes a certain time to start viewing, which is inconvenient. Furthermore, in a digital broadcast receiving apparatus mounted on a portable terminal device or the like, a channel is set for each movement, so that a time lag until viewing starts becomes more apparent.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention provides a digital broadcast channel selection device that acquires channel-specific channel selection information for a channel broadcast in the broadcast region of the channel from channel selection information acquired from the channel obtained as the first search result. Propose. Without searching all the receivable channels, it is possible to set a channel to be broadcast in the broadcast area of the channel from the channel selection information acquired from the received one channel. The channel selection information is a channel selection information set including a plurality of channel selection information sets, and channels can be searched based on the channel selection information set.

  Also, channel selection information is acquired by communication using the Internet or e-mail, and the broadcast region identification information that can be acquired based on the channel selection information is associated with the channel selection information of the channel broadcast in the broadcast region. If it is determined that the information is not included, the channel selection information can be registered on condition that the channel corresponding to the channel selection information can be received. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is included, a channel search is performed based on the channel selection information held.

  As described above, the digital broadcast channel selecting device according to any one or more of the present inventions can select a channel acquired from one channel that can be received without searching all the receivable channels. Since it is possible to set a channel to be broadcast in the broadcasting area of the channel from the information, it can be expected that the channel setting operation is simplified and the time required for the operation is shortened. Further, in a portable terminal device in which the area where reception is possible is easy to change, it can be said that convenience is further enhanced by completing the channel setting operation with an easy operation as described above.

  In addition, when the broadcast area identification information that can be acquired based on the channel selection information acquired by communication is a determination result that is not included in the held channel selection information, the channel corresponding to the channel selection information is Channel selection information is registered on condition that reception is possible. Since only channel selection information that is not held in the digital broadcast channel selection device can be held, duplication registration and the like are not performed, which is efficient. In addition, a finite storage medium can be utilized without waste. On the other hand, when channel selection information is held in the digital broadcast channel selection device, channel search is performed based on the channel selection information, channel setting is completed using the search result, and broadcast viewing can be performed. Since unnecessary registration processing is not performed, it is efficient. By acquiring channel selection information via the Internet or electronic mail, a digital broadcast channel selection device can be used for general purposes.

  The best mode for carrying out each invention will be described below. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  The first embodiment will mainly describe claims 1 and 6. In the second embodiment, claims 2 and 7 will be mainly described. The third embodiment will mainly describe claim 3 and the like. The fourth embodiment will mainly describe claim 4 and the like. In the fifth embodiment, claim 5 will be mainly described.

  << Embodiment 1 >>

  <Embodiment 1: Overview> Embodiment 1 will be described. The present embodiment is a digital broadcast channel selection device that acquires channel-specific channel selection information of a channel broadcast in the broadcast region of the channel from channel selection information acquired from the channel obtained as the first search result.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of the concept of this embodiment. The digital broadcast channel selection apparatus according to the present embodiment is an apparatus for receiving and viewing digital broadcasts, and mainly assumes a small portable apparatus. First, the digital broadcast channel selection apparatus searches for receivable channels (1). The search process may be performed automatically at regular time intervals or may be performed at the request of the user. For example, the search needs to be executed for the initial setting or when a change occurs in the broadcast area that can be received by movement. Next, channel selection information is acquired from the channel obtained as the first search result (2). If a search result is obtained that the channel having the frequency indicated by f0 is receivable, a channel selection including a broadcasting station name (broadcasting station a) and a broadcasting area (Tokyo) from this channel. Information can be acquired. Next, broadcast area identification information which is information for identifying the broadcast area of the channel is acquired from the acquired channel selection information (3). “03”, which is the broadcast area identification information of Tokyo, can be acquired. Finally, based on the acquired broadcast area identification information, the channel-specific channel selection information of the channel broadcast in the broadcast area is acquired in association with the broadcast area identification information (4). The channel selection information about the broadcast station a, the broadcast station b, and the broadcast station c that can be viewed in Tokyo can be acquired as the channel selection information by region.

  <Embodiment 1: Configuration> FIG. 2 shows an example of functional blocks in the present embodiment. The “digital broadcast channel selection device” (0200) of this embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes a “channel search unit” (0201), a “channel selection information acquisition unit” (0202), and a “broadcast area identification information acquisition unit”. (0203), “Regional Channel Selection Information Holding Unit” (0204), and “Regional Channel Selection Information Acquisition Unit” (0205).

  Each unit, which is a component of the present invention, is configured by either hardware, software, or both hardware and software. For example, as an example for realizing these, when a computer is used, hardware composed of a CPU, a memory, a bus, an interface, a peripheral device, and the like and software executable on these hardware are listed. be able to. Specifically, the functions of the respective units are realized by sequentially executing the programs developed on the memory, by processing, storing, and outputting data on the memory and data input through the interface. (The same applies throughout this specification.)

  The “digital broadcast channel selection device” (0200) is a device for receiving and viewing digital broadcasts, and mainly assumes a small portable device.

  The “channel search unit” (0201) searches for receivable channels. The search process may be performed automatically at regular time intervals or may be performed at the request of the user. For example, the search needs to be executed for the initial setting or when a change occurs in the broadcast area that can be received by movement. As a search result, a receivable channel (frequency) or the like is passed to the channel selection information acquisition unit (0202). Further, when the user specifies a broadcast area or the like by inputting the broadcast area or the like, a channel or the like based on the specified broadcast area may be passed to the channel selection information acquisition unit as a search result.

  The “channel selection information acquisition unit” (0202) acquires channel selection information from the channel obtained as the first search result in the channel search unit (0201). “Channel selection information” is information necessary to enable channel selection, and may include a broadcast area, a broadcast station name, and the like. In addition, service_ID (broadcaster identification number), PCR_PID (clock synchronization signal identification number), elementary_PID (audio / video type identification number), and the like may be included.

  The “broadcast area identification information acquisition unit” (0203) acquires broadcast area identification information from the channel selection information acquired by the channel selection information acquisition unit (0202). “Broadcast area identification information” is information for identifying the broadcast area of the channel. In the figure, a scene where broadcast area A can be recognized from broadcast area identification information (ID: 03) is shown.

  The “area-specific channel selection information holding unit” (0204) holds area-specific channel selection information of channels broadcast in the broadcast area in association with the broadcast area identification information. “Regional channel selection information” refers to channel selection information composed of bundles obtained by sorting channel selection information for each broadcast region included in the channel selection information. For example, in the channel-selection information by region where the region A is a broadcast region, if the broadcast stations that can be received in the region A are three broadcast stations a, b, and c, the channel-selection information including the broadcast station a, It consists of channel selection information including broadcasting station b and channel selection information including broadcasting station c. The regional tuning information holding unit holds regional tuning information for a plurality of regions.

  The “regional channel selection information acquisition unit” (0205) selects the regional channel selection information from the regional channel selection information holding unit (0204) based on the broadcast region identification information acquired by the broadcast region identification information acquisition unit (0203). Get information. The broadcast area A can be recognized from the broadcast area identification information (ID: 03) acquired by the broadcast area identification information acquisition unit. Based on this, the area A selection by area held in the area-specific channel selection information holding unit is performed. Get station information. In the digital broadcast channel selection device, the channel setting is completed using the acquired channel selection information by region, and the broadcast can be viewed.

  <Embodiment 1: Process Flow> FIG. 3 shows an example of a process flow in the digital broadcast channel selecting apparatus according to the first embodiment. First, a receivable channel is searched (channel search step S0301). Next, channel selection information is acquired from the channel obtained as the first search result in the channel search step (S0301) (channel selection information acquisition step S0302). Next, broadcast area identification information that is information for identifying the broadcast area of the channel is acquired from the channel selection information acquired in the channel selection information acquisition step (S0302) (broadcast area identification information acquisition step S0303). Finally, based on the broadcast area identification information acquired in the broadcast area identification information acquisition step (S0303), the channel selection information by area, which is channel selection information of a channel broadcast in the broadcast area in association with the broadcast area identification information. (Channel selection information acquisition step by region S0304). The above processing can be executed by a program to be executed by a computer, and this program can be recorded on a recording medium readable by the computer. (The same applies throughout the specification.)

  <Embodiment 1: Effect> This embodiment is a digital broadcast that acquires channel-specific channel selection information of a channel broadcast in the broadcast region of the channel from channel selection information acquired from the channel obtained as the first search result. It is a channel selection device. It is possible to set the channel broadcast in the broadcasting area of the channel from the channel selection information acquired from one received channel without searching all of the receivable channels, thereby simplifying the channel setting work, In addition, it can be expected that the time required for the work will be shortened. It can be said that in a portable terminal device in which the area where reception is possible is easy, the convenience is further improved by completing the channel setting operation with an easy operation as described above.

  << Embodiment 2 >>

  <Embodiment 2: Overview> Embodiment 2 will be described. In the present embodiment, the broadcast area identification information that can be acquired based on the channel selection information acquired by communication is not included in the broadcast area identification information associated with the channel selection information of the channel that is broadcast in the broadcast area. In the case of the determination result, the digital broadcast channel selection device registers channel selection information on condition that the channel corresponding to the channel selection information can be received.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the concept of this embodiment. First, the digital broadcast channel selection apparatus of the present embodiment acquires channel selection information by communication (1). As in the first embodiment, the channel selection information acquired by communication may include information such as a broadcast area and a broadcast station name necessary for enabling channel selection. The acquisition process may be performed automatically at regular time intervals, or may be downloaded for a channel that the user desires to view according to a user request. Next, broadcast area identification information is acquired based on the acquired channel selection information (2). At this time, “03”, which is broadcast area identification information of Tokyo, which is the broadcast area, can be acquired from the channel selection information about the downloaded channel. Next, it is determined whether the acquired broadcast area identification information is included in the broadcast area identification information associated with the held channel selection information (3). It is determined whether the broadcast area identification information of the channel selection information just downloaded is included in the broadcast area identification information of the channel selection information already held in the digital broadcast channel selection apparatus. In the figure, since the channel selection information held in the digital broadcast channel selection device is only the broadcast region identified by the broadcast region identification information “02” and the broadcast region identified by “04”, the acquired broadcast region A determination result that the identification information “03” is not included is obtained. As described above, if the determination result indicates that the channel is not included, the channel selection information is registered on condition that the channel corresponding to the channel selection information can be received (4). In other words, in addition to the channel selection information including the broadcast area identified by the broadcast area identification information “02” and “04” so far, the digital broadcast channel selection apparatus broadcasts identified by the broadcast area identification information “03”. Channel selection information including the region is also retained.

  <Embodiment 2: Configuration> FIG. 5 shows an example of functional blocks in the present embodiment. The “digital broadcast channel selection device” (0500) of this embodiment shown in FIG. 5 includes a “channel selection information acquisition unit” (0501), a “broadcast area identification information acquisition unit” (0502), and “channel selection information”. It consists of “holding unit” (0503), “determination unit” (0504), and “registration unit” (0505).

  The “channel selection information communication acquisition unit” (0501) acquires channel selection information through communication. As in the first embodiment, the channel selection information acquired by communication may include information such as a broadcast area and a broadcast station name necessary for enabling channel selection. The acquisition process may be performed automatically at regular intervals, or may be performed at the request of the user. In the latter case, the user may be able to specify a specific channel, program content, or the like.

  The “broadcast area identification information acquisition unit” (0502) acquires broadcast area identification information based on the channel selection information acquired by the channel selection information communication acquisition unit (0501). From the acquired channel selection information, for example, “03”, which is the broadcast area identification information of the broadcast area A, for example, can be acquired.

  The “channel selection information holding unit” (0503) holds channel selection information of a channel broadcast in the broadcast area in association with the broadcast area identification information. Specifically, channel selection information of a channel that can be received in the broadcast area X identified by the broadcast area identification information “02” is held in association with the broadcast area identification information “02”. At this time, the broadcast area identification information “02” may be associated with channel selection information of a plurality of channels and broadcast stations. In addition, channel selection information may be associated with each of a plurality of broadcast area identification information. This is because channels in a plurality of regions may be received depending on the location of the digital broadcast channel selection device and the broadcast region.

  The “determination unit” (0504) broadcasts the broadcast region identification information acquired by the broadcast region identification information acquisition unit (0502) in association with the channel selection information held by the channel selection information holding unit (0503). Judge whether it is included in the region identification information. According to the example shown in the figure, the channel selection information already held in the digital broadcast channel selection apparatus is only the broadcast region identified by the broadcast region identification information “02” and the broadcast region identified by “04”. Therefore, a determination result that “03” that is the acquired broadcast area identification information is not included is obtained.

  The “registration unit” (0505) is provided with the condition that the channel corresponding to the channel selection information can be received if the determination result in the determination unit (0504) does not include the determination result. The channel selection information is registered in the channel selection information holding unit (0503). As described above, when it is determined that the acquired broadcast area identification information is not included in the held broadcast area identification information, the channel corresponding to the channel selection information is received. Channel selection information is registered on condition that it is possible. In other words, in addition to the channel selection information including the broadcast area identified by the broadcast area identification information “02” and “04” so far, the digital broadcast channel selection apparatus broadcasts identified by the broadcast area identification information “03”. Channel selection information including the region is also retained. In addition, the channel selection information to be registered needs to confirm whether or not the corresponding channel can be received. This is to effectively utilize the limited storage medium of the digital broadcast channel selection device.

  <Second Embodiment: Process Flow> FIG. 6 shows an example of a process flow in the digital broadcast channel selecting apparatus according to the second embodiment. First, channel selection information is acquired by communication (channel selection information communication acquisition step S0601). Next, broadcast area identification information is acquired based on the channel selection information acquired in the channel selection information communication acquisition step (S0601) (broadcast area identification information acquisition step S0602). Further, it is determined whether the broadcast area identification information acquired in the broadcast area identification information acquisition step (S0602) is included in the broadcast area identification information associated with the channel selection information of the channel broadcast in the broadcast area (determination step). S0603). Finally, if the determination result in the determination step (S0603) is that the determination result is not included, the channel selection information is registered on the condition that the channel corresponding to the channel selection information is receivable ( Registration step S0604).

  <Embodiment 2: Effect> In this embodiment, broadcast area identification information that can be acquired based on channel selection information acquired by communication is associated with channel selection information of a channel that is broadcast in the broadcast area. If it is determined that the channel is not included in the channel selection information, the channel selection information is registered on the condition that the channel corresponding to the channel selection information can be received. By registering channel selection information that is not held in the digital broadcast channel selection device, only necessary channel selection information can be stored in the digital broadcast channel selection device, which is efficient. In addition, a finite storage medium can be utilized without waste.

  << Embodiment 3 >>

  <Embodiment 3: Overview> Embodiment 3 will be described. In the present embodiment, the broadcast area identification information that can be acquired based on the channel selection information acquired by communication is included in the broadcast area identification information associated with the channel selection information of the channel that is broadcast in the broadcast area. In the case of the determination result, the digital broadcast channel selection device is characterized in that channel search is performed based on the channel selection information held.

  <Embodiment 3: Configuration> FIG. 7 shows an example of functional blocks in the present embodiment. The “digital broadcast channel selection device” (0700) of this embodiment shown in FIG. 7 includes a “channel selection information acquisition unit” (0701), a “broadcast area identification information acquisition unit” (0702), and “channel selection information”. It comprises a “holding unit” (0703), a “determination unit” (0704), a “registration unit” (0705), and a “second channel search unit” (0706).

  The “second channel search unit” (0706) is held in the channel selection information holding unit (0703) when it is determined that the determination result in the determination unit (0704) is included. Channel search is performed based on channel selection information. When a receivable channel can be searched, the channel setting is completed using the search result, and the broadcast can be viewed. The processing of other parts is the same as that of the second embodiment.

  <Third Embodiment: Process Flow> FIG. 8 shows an example of a process flow in the digital broadcast channel selecting apparatus according to the third embodiment. Tuning information communication acquisition step (S0801) for acquiring channel selection information by communication, broadcast region identification information acquisition step (S0802) for acquiring broadcast region identification information based on the acquired channel selection information, and acquired broadcast region identification The judgment step (S0803) for judging whether the information is included in the broadcast area identification information associated with the channel selection information of the channel broadcast in the broadcast area and the judgment result in the judgment step (S0803) are not included. In the case of the determination result, the registration step (S0804) for registering channel selection information on condition that the channel corresponding to the channel selection information can be received is the same as the processing flow in the second embodiment. It is. On the other hand, if the determination result is that the determination result in the determination step (S0803) is included, a channel search is performed based on the channel selection information held (channel search step S0804).

  <Embodiment 3: Effect> In this embodiment, broadcast area identification information that can be acquired based on channel selection information acquired by communication is associated with channel selection information of a channel that is broadcast in the broadcast area. If it is determined that the channel is included, the digital broadcast channel selection device is characterized in that channel search is performed based on the channel selection information held. When channel selection information is held in the digital broadcast channel selection device, channel search is performed based on the channel selection information, channel setting is completed using the search result, and broadcast viewing can be performed. Since unnecessary registration processing is not performed, it is efficient.

  << Embodiment 4 >>

  <Embodiment 4: Overview> Embodiment 4 will be described. The present embodiment is a digital broadcast channel selection device characterized in that the communication is communication using the Web.

  <Embodiment 4: Configuration> An example of functional blocks in this embodiment is the same as that already shown in FIG. 5 includes a “channel selection information acquisition unit” (0501), a “broadcast area identification information acquisition unit” (0502), and a “channel selection information holding unit” ( 0503), “determination unit” (0504), and “registration unit” (0505).

  The “channel selection information communication acquisition unit” (0501) acquires channel selection information through communication. Here, the communication is communication using the Web. By performing communication via the Web, it is possible to utilize the digital broadcast channel selection device for general purposes. The channel selection information acquired by communication may correspond to EPG or the like. The acquisition process may be performed automatically at regular intervals, or may be performed at the request of the user. In the latter case, the user may be able to specify a specific channel, program content, or the like. The processing of each other part is the same as in the second embodiment.

  <Embodiment 4: Effect> This embodiment is a digital broadcast channel selection device characterized in that communication is communication using Web. By using the Web, the digital broadcast channel selection device can be used for general purposes.

  << Embodiment 5 >>

  <Embodiment 5: Overview> Embodiment 5 will be described. The present embodiment is a digital broadcast channel selection device characterized in that the communication is communication using electronic mail.

  <Embodiment 5: Configuration> An example of functional blocks in the present embodiment is the same as that already shown in FIG. 5 includes a “channel selection information acquisition unit” (0501), a “broadcast area identification information acquisition unit” (0502), and a “channel selection information holding unit” ( 0503), “determination unit” (0504), and “registration unit” (0505).

  The “channel selection information communication acquisition unit” (0501) acquires channel selection information through communication. Here, the communication is communication using electronic mail. It is assumed that channel selection information is transmitted by electronic mail from another digital broadcast channel selection device or a server device. The user may be able to request transmission of channel selection information using e-mail or the like. At this time, the user may be able to designate a specific channel, program content, or the like. Alternatively, the channel selection information attached to the e-mail may be acquired and held in the channel selection information holding unit (0503). The processing of each other part is the same as in the second embodiment.

  <Embodiment 5: Effect> This embodiment is a digital broadcast channel selection device characterized in that the communication is communication using electronic mail. By performing communication via e-mail, the digital broadcast channel selection device can be used for general purposes. In addition, channel information can be exchanged between other digital broadcast channel selection devices, and the range of utilization can be expected to widen.

Conceptual diagram for explaining the first embodiment Functional block diagram for explaining the first embodiment The figure explaining the flow of processing of Embodiment 1. Conceptual diagram for explaining the second embodiment Functional block diagram for explaining the second embodiment The figure explaining the flow of processing of Embodiment 2. Functional block diagram for explaining the third embodiment The figure explaining the flow of processing of Embodiment 3.

Explanation of symbols

0200 Digital broadcast channel selection device 0201 channel search unit 0202 channel selection information acquisition unit 0203 broadcast area identification information acquisition unit 0204 channel selection information holding unit by region 0205 channel selection information acquisition unit by region

Claims (7)

A channel search unit that can search all receivable channels;
A channel selection information acquisition unit that acquires channel selection information from the channel obtained as the first search result in the channel search unit;
A broadcast region identification information acquisition unit that acquires broadcast region identification information that is information for identifying the broadcast region of the channel from the channel selection information acquired by the channel selection information acquisition unit;
An area-specific channel selection information holding unit that stores channel-specific channel information for channels broadcast in the broadcast area in association with the broadcast area identification information;
An area-specific channel selection information acquisition unit that acquires area-specific channel selection information from the area-specific channel selection information holding unit based on the broadcast area identification information acquired by the broadcast area identification information acquisition unit,
A digital broadcast channel selection apparatus. A channel selection information acquisition unit for acquiring channel selection information by communication;
A broadcast region identification information acquisition unit that acquires broadcast region identification information based on the channel selection information acquired by the channel selection information communication acquisition unit;
A channel selection information holding unit for holding channel selection information of a channel broadcast in the broadcast region in association with the broadcast region identification information;
A determination unit that determines whether the broadcast region identification information acquired by the broadcast region identification information acquisition unit is included in the broadcast region identification information associated with the channel selection information held by the channel selection information holding unit;
If the determination result is not included in the determination unit, the channel selection information is stored in the channel selection information holding unit on condition that the channel corresponding to the channel selection information can be received. A registration section to register;
A digital broadcast channel selection apparatus.   A second channel search unit for performing channel search based on channel selection information held in the channel selection information holding unit when the determination result in the determination unit includes a determination result; The digital broadcast channel selection apparatus according to claim 2.   The digital broadcast tuning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the communication is communication using Web.   The digital broadcast channel selecting device according to claim 2, wherein the communication is communication using electronic mail. A channel search step for searching all receivable channels;
Channel selection information acquisition step of acquiring channel selection information from the channel obtained as the first search result in the channel search step,
Broadcast area identification information acquisition step for acquiring broadcast area identification information that is information for identifying the broadcast area of the channel from the channel selection information acquired in the channel selection information acquisition step;
On the basis of the broadcast area identification information acquired in the broadcast area identification information acquisition step, an area-specific channel selection information acquisition step for acquiring channel-specific channel selection information broadcast in the broadcast area;
A digital broadcast channel selection method. A tuning information communication acquisition step of acquiring tuning information by communication;
Broadcast area identification information acquisition step for acquiring broadcast area identification information based on the channel selection information acquired in the channel selection information communication acquisition step;
A determination step of determining whether the broadcast area identification information acquired in the broadcast area identification information acquisition step is included in the broadcast area identification information associated with the channel selection information of a channel broadcast in the broadcast area;
If it is a determination result that the determination result in the determination step is not included, a registration step of registering channel selection information on condition that a channel corresponding to the channel selection information is receivable;
A digital broadcast channel selection method.

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