JP2006166263A - View limiting apparatus and view limiting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform view regulation cancel or view regulation precisely for each of program contents according to a criterion of user himself/herself, independently of a criterion at the side of a broadcasting station or a playback apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: In the view limiting apparatus, a microcomputer 70 accepts a view regulation cancel request from a user to a program of which the viewing is regulated at a view level set based on V-CHIP regulation, performs view regulation cancel processing of a view level of the program, further accepts a view regulation request from the user to a program of which the viewing is not regulated at the view level set on the basis of the V-CHIP regulation and performs view regulation processing of the view level of that program. If there is a program viewing request, on the basis of view propriety information indicating whether viewing is permitted or not stored in a storage unit 80, it is judged whether received video/audio information can be viewed or not. If it is judged that viewing is to be permitted, display control is performed so that the user can view the video/audio information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is a viewing that can set a viewing restriction based on a user's criterion even for a program to which restriction level information set at least based on a broadcasting standard is added or a program to which the restriction level information is not added. The present invention relates to a restriction device and a viewing restriction method.

  Various viewing restrictions have been implemented to prevent children from viewing TV programs for adults and videos such as DVDs.

  For example, in the case of BS broadcasting or CS broadcasting, a contract is made for each program, and a scramble function is activated for a program outside the contract. In North America (USA, Canada), restriction information based on standards on the broadcasting station side is added according to V-CHIP regulations.

  In this V-CHIP regulation, restriction level information called RATING, which includes information such as the age at which viewing should be prohibited and wording used in the program, is broadcasted as a V-CHIP signal for each broadcast program. It is obliged to superimpose on the 21st horizontal section in the vertical blanking period of the second field of the John broadcast signal.

  In this case, if the user operates a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) in advance to set viewing restrictions for programs that should be restricted from viewing, the restriction corresponding to the viewing level that is the set content is set. Even if a child selects a program having level information, the video of the program is not displayed on the screen and cannot be viewed.

  Here, when viewing restrictions are set according to V-CHIP regulations, multiple categories such as genre and wording and multiple restriction levels for each category are displayed on the setting screen. The restriction level can be selected for each category.

  In Europe, the child restricts viewing on a channel position basis by child lock. On the other hand, in a DVD playback device or the like, the user can set viewing restrictions in accordance with the playback device side restriction level for each playback disk.

  In order to apply such a viewing restriction, in Patent Document 1, a master (parent device) is changed to a slave (child device) with respect to a plurality of viewing restriction devices (each family has a viewing restriction device). Proposes a system that places restrictions on it.

Further, in Patent Document 2, the content is judged while a program is being viewed, and by pressing a restricting key and an unrestricted key, “restrict / do not restrict” at the same restriction level as the current program. We propose a program viewing restriction device designed to do this.
JP-T-2002-538736 JP 2000-23134 A

  However, in the method of applying the viewing restriction shown in Patent Document 1, since it depends on the restriction level sent from the broadcast station side, once the viewing restriction is applied to a certain program, In addition to being restricted in view of all other programs that fall under the restriction level, a program that does not include the restriction level can be viewed.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, since the program must be viewed each time when viewing restrictions are applied, not only the program that the user originally does not want to view must be viewed once, but in the case of the program that the user wants to view, the viewing restriction is temporarily performed. It is necessary to confirm the contents after canceling. In this case, you may miss a program you want to show.

  In the BS broadcast and CS broadcast described above, viewing restrictions are applied to programs other than contracts, but viewing restrictions are not applied to contracted programs. In addition, in the case of the above-mentioned restriction of viewing by child lock, viewing restriction is applied in units of channel positions, so viewing of all programs on that channel becomes impossible, so there is a program that the channel wants to show to children. I can't even show you.

  In addition, in the above-described DVD playback device or the like, the user must set viewing restrictions in accordance with the playback device side restriction level for each disc, so each time there is a recorded program that the child wants to show to the child. , Viewing restriction settings must be removed.

  The problem to be solved is that the setting of viewing restrictions depends not on the user's own standards but on the standards on the broadcasting station side or the playback device side. It is a point that cannot be done.

The viewing restriction device of the present invention receives a signal in which restriction level information and program information are superimposed in addition to video / audio information, compares the received restriction level with the viewing level set by the user, and does not allow viewing. A viewing restriction device that restricts the viewing of the video / audio information, and accepts a request for releasing the viewing restriction from the user for the program that is restricted from viewing at the set viewing level. First processing means for canceling the viewing restriction on the viewing level of the program, and receiving a request for viewing restriction from the user for the program that is not regulated at the set viewing level, and viewing the viewing level of the program Whether to allow viewing based on the second processing means for performing the restriction processing, the viewing restriction release processing and the viewing restriction processing by the first processing means and the second processing means. If it is determined that the received video / audio information is permitted to be viewed based on the storage means for storing the viewing availability information and the stored viewing availability information, and if the viewing is permitted, Output control means for performing output control so that video / audio information is viewed by a user.
In such a configuration, the first processing means accepts a request for releasing the viewing restriction from the user for a program that is restricted by the viewing level set based on, for example, the V-CHIP restriction, and determines the viewing level of the program. Viewing restriction release processing is performed, and the second processing means accepts a request for viewing restriction from the user for a program that is not restricted by the viewing level set based on, for example, the V-CHIP restriction, and the viewing level of the program If there is a viewing request for a program, the viewing restriction based on the viewing restriction cancellation processing and the viewing restriction processing by the first processing means and the second processing means stored in the storage means. Based on the viewing permission / inhibition information indicating permission / inhibition, it is determined whether or not the video / audio information received by the output control means is viewed, and if it is determined that viewing is permitted, Audio information output control to be viewed by the user is performed.
Further, when there is a request for display of the electronic program guide, on the basis of the viewing availability information, at the same time as displaying the program guide, the viewing is set for each of the set viewing level or for each program regulated by the second processing means. It is possible to provide program guide display control means for performing display control so as to display information indicating the reason for restriction.
In such a configuration, the program table display control unit determines whether the program is subject to viewing restriction at the viewing level set in the program table based on the viewing availability information and the program subjected to viewing restriction processing by the second processing unit. Since display control is performed so that information indicating the reason for viewing restriction is identified so that it is identified and what kind of viewing restriction is applied, for each program for which viewing restriction of the program guide is applied, For example, it is possible to easily confirm the content of viewing restrictions such as viewing restrictions by characters, viewing restrictions according to content, and viewing restrictions according to the setting of the V-CHIP function.
Also, when there is a viewing request for any of the programs, viewing restriction reason display control for performing display control so that information indicating the reason for viewing restriction is displayed for the requested program based on the viewing availability information. Means may be provided.
In such a configuration, if there is a viewing request for one of the programs by the viewing restriction reason display control means, what kind of viewing restriction is applied to the requested program based on the viewing availability information? Display control is performed so as to display information indicating the reason for viewing restriction so that it can be identified whether or not viewing restriction has been applied. For example, viewing restrictions by characters, viewing restrictions according to content, V-CHIP, etc. Like viewing restrictions according to function settings, it is possible to easily confirm the contents of viewing restrictions.
In addition, the storage device stores a password for recognizing a setter of the viewing level, and the first processing unit controls the viewing restriction from the user for the program that is restricted from viewing at the set viewing level. When accepting the release request, the input of a password is accepted, the received password is compared with the stored password, and if they match, the viewing restriction is released, and the second processing means When receiving a request for viewing restriction from a user for a program that is not restricted for viewing at a set viewing level, the input of a password is accepted, and the received password is compared with the stored password. The viewing restriction process can be performed.
In such a configuration, when receiving a request to cancel viewing restrictions and a request for viewing restrictions, the same password as the password used for viewing restrictions at the viewing level set based on the V-CHIP regulations is input. Since it is necessary, it is possible to identify a setter who has restricted viewing, and to reliably restrict viewing.
The viewing permission / inhibition information may have a setting value for identifying viewing restriction control for each program based on at least one of channel, time, genre, and character program information.
In such a configuration, it is possible to set whether or not to view at least one of the channel, time, genre, and character of the program based on the user's own standard.
The viewing restriction method of the present invention receives a signal in which restriction level information and program information are superimposed in addition to video / audio information, compares the received restriction level with the viewing level set by the user, and does not allow viewing. A viewing restriction method for restricting the viewing of the video / audio information, and receiving a request to release the viewing restriction from the user for the program that is restricted from being viewed at the set viewing level. A process of releasing the viewing restriction of the viewing level of the program, and a process of viewing restriction of the viewing level of the program upon accepting a request for viewing restriction from the user for the program that is not restricted by the set viewing level And the received video / audio information based on viewing permission / inhibition information indicating whether viewing is possible based on the viewing restriction cancellation process and the viewing restriction process. It determines the viewability, if it is determined that is to allow viewing, wherein the video / audio information and a step of performing output control to be viewed by the user.
In such a configuration, for example, a request for releasing the viewing restriction for a program that is restricted by the viewing level set based on the V-CHIP restriction is received, and the viewing restriction releasing process for the viewing level of the program is received. Processing to receive viewing restrictions from the user for programs that are not regulated at the viewing level set based on the V-CHIP regulations, and to process the viewing restrictions on the viewing level of the program, and to release the viewing restrictions If the received video / audio information is determined to be viewable based on the viewing availability information indicating whether viewing is possible based on the viewing restriction processing and the viewing / listening processing, the video / audio information Is controlled so as to be viewed by the user.
Also, when there is a request for display of the electronic program guide, based on the viewing permission information, information indicating the reason for viewing restriction for each of the set viewing level or each viewing-regulated program simultaneously with the display of the program guide It is possible to have a step of performing display control so as to display.
In such a configuration, on the basis of the viewing availability information, the viewing restriction is applied to the program that is restricted in the viewing level set in the program guide and the program that is subject to the viewing restriction process. Display control is performed so that information indicating the reason for viewing restriction that can be identified is displayed, so that for each program for which viewing restrictions are applied to the program guide, for example, viewing restrictions by characters, viewing according to content It is possible to easily confirm the content of the viewing restriction like the viewing restriction according to the restriction and the setting of the V-CHIP function.
In addition, there is a step of performing display control so that, when there is a viewing request for any program, based on the viewing availability information, information indicating the reason for viewing restriction is displayed for the requested program. can do.
In such a configuration, when there is a viewing request for any program, it is identified based on the viewing availability information whether the viewing restriction is applied when the viewing request is applied to the requested program. Display control is performed so that information indicating the reason for viewing restrictions is displayed. For example, viewing restrictions by characters, viewing restrictions according to content, viewing restrictions according to V-CHIP function settings, etc. As described above, it is possible to easily check the contents of viewing restrictions.
A step of storing a password for recognizing the setter of the viewing level; and when receiving a request for releasing the viewing restriction from the user for the program that is restricted from viewing at the set viewing level, The received password is compared with the stored password, and if they match, the process of canceling the viewing restriction and the user for the program that is not restricted by the set viewing level. When the request for viewing restriction is received, an input of a password is accepted, and the received password is compared with the stored password, and if they match, the process for performing the viewing restriction process is included. be able to.
In such a configuration, when receiving a request to cancel viewing restrictions and a request for viewing restrictions, the same password as the password used for viewing restrictions at the viewing level set based on the V-CHIP regulations is input. Since it is necessary, it is possible to identify a setter who has restricted viewing, and to reliably restrict viewing.
The viewing permission / inhibition information may have a setting value for identifying viewing restriction control for each program based on at least one of channel, time, genre, and character program information.
In such a configuration, it is possible to set whether or not to view at least one of the channel, time, genre, and character of the program based on the user's own standard.

  According to the viewing restriction device and the viewing restriction method of the present invention, the first processing unit issues a request for releasing the viewing restriction from the user for a program that is restricted in the viewing level set based on the V-CHIP restriction, for example. The request for the viewing restriction of the viewing level of the program is received, and the second processing means requests the viewing restriction from the user for the program that is not restricted by the viewing level set based on the V-CHIP restriction, for example. Is received, the viewing restriction processing of the program is performed, and when there is a viewing request for the program, the viewing restriction release processing and the viewing restriction by the first processing means and the second processing means stored in the storage means are received. Based on the viewing availability information indicating whether viewing is possible based on the processing, whether the viewing of the video / audio information received by the output control means is determined and viewing is permitted. If it is refused, the output control is performed so that the video / audio information is viewed by the user. Therefore, the program can be reproduced according to the user's own criteria without depending on the criteria on the broadcasting station side or the playback device side. It is possible to release viewing restrictions and to restrict viewing for each content.

  In the present embodiment, the first processing means receives a request for releasing the viewing restriction from the user with respect to a program that is restricted by the viewing level set based on the V-CHIP restriction, and the viewing restriction of the viewing level of the program is received. And the second processing means accepts a request for viewing restriction from the user for a program that is not restricted by the viewing level set based on the V-CHIP restriction, and the viewing restriction of the viewing level of the program is received. When a program viewing request is performed, viewing indicating whether or not viewing is possible based on the viewing restriction cancellation processing and the viewing restriction processing performed by the first processing means and the second processing means stored in the storage means. Based on the availability information, it is determined whether or not the video / audio information received by the output control means can be viewed. If it is determined that the viewing is permitted, the video / audio information is viewed by the user. Output control is performed in such a way that the viewing restrictions and viewing restrictions can be finely released for each program content based on the user's own standards, without depending on the standards on the broadcasting station or playback equipment side. I made it.

  As a result, for example, even if a program has the same restriction level, it is possible to cancel or restrict viewing, such that a parent may or may not want to show a certain program to a child. It becomes.

  In addition, since the viewing restrictions and viewing restrictions are based on the EPG (Electronic Program Guide), the contents of the program can be grasped in advance without actually checking the video, so it is easy on the spot. It becomes possible to cancel viewing restrictions and to restrict viewing.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a viewing restriction apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a remote controller used when setting viewing restrictions in the viewing restriction apparatus of FIG. 3 to 6 are diagrams for explaining the setting procedure of the viewing restriction in the viewing restriction device of FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the viewing restriction release in the viewing restriction device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining viewing restrictions in the viewing restriction apparatus of FIG. 1.

  1 includes a signal input unit 10, a separation unit 20, a video / audio information decoding unit 30, a video / audio processing circuit 40, a video / audio output unit 50, a program related information decoding unit 60, a microcomputer 70, A storage unit 80, an operation unit 90, and a light receiving unit 100 are provided. Reference numeral 110 denotes a remote controller used when setting a channel selection or viewing restriction.

  The signal input unit 10 receives a broadcast signal from a tuner selected by an AV selector (not shown) or a recorded program signal from a plurality of external input devices (not shown). Here, it is assumed that video / audio information, program information, and restriction level information are superimposed on the broadcast signal. The plurality of external input devices may be DVDs, HDDs, VCRs or the like that can record arbitrary programs.

  The separation unit 20 separates each of video / audio information, program information, and restriction level information from the broadcast signal captured by the signal input unit 10. The video / audio information decoding unit 30 performs video / audio related processing on the video / audio information separated by the separation unit 20.

  The video / audio processing circuit 40 causes the video / audio output unit 50 to output video / audio based on the video / audio information processed by the video / audio information decoding unit 30. The video / audio output unit 50 includes a display unit that displays video information and a speaker that outputs audio information.

  The program related information decoding unit 60 decodes program information and restriction level information among the video / audio information, program information, and restriction level information separated by the separation unit 20. Here, the program related information decoding unit 60 decodes the program information, so that at least information indicating the channel, time, genre, and characters of the program can be obtained. Further, by decoding the restriction level information, information indicating at least unrestricted (no viewing restriction), 17-year-old restriction (viewing prohibited for 17-year-old or younger), and 20-year-old restriction (viewing prohibited for 20-year-old or younger) is obtained. It is done.

  The microcomputer 70 as the first processing means, the second processing means, the output control means, the program guide display control means, and the viewing restriction reason display control means controls the operation of each part and when there is a viewing request for an arbitrary program. Video / audio from the video / audio output unit 50 by the video / audio processing circuit 40 is determined only when it is determined whether viewing is possible or not based on viewing possibility information described later stored in the storage unit 80. Is controlled so that the program can be viewed.

  In addition, the microcomputer 70 is requested to cancel the viewing restriction from the user for any program for which viewing restriction is applied at the viewing level set based on the V-CHIP restriction, or the viewing restriction is applied at the viewing level. A request for viewing restriction from a user for any program that has not been received and processing for releasing the viewing restriction for the viewing level of the program or processing for viewing restriction for a program for which viewing restriction has been requested. It will be described later.

  In addition, the microcomputer 70 determines what viewing restrictions are set for each program that is subject to viewing restrictions in the EPG (electronic program guide) based on viewing permission data that is later-described viewing permission information stored in the storage unit 80. Display control is performed so as to display information indicating the reason for viewing restriction so that it is identified whether or not the call has been applied. Details thereof will be described later.

  The storage unit 80 serving as a storage unit stores viewing permission / inhibition information set by the user. The viewing availability information is information in which viewing availability is selectively set by the user for each program included in the program information. For example, address area number, program ID, program name, CH, broadcast date (day of week), In addition to repeated data (week / day), start time, end time, genre data, character data, and viewing level data, viewing permission / inhibition data indicating permission / inhibition of viewing (for example, ◯ or x) is stored.

  In the viewability data, for example, in the case of x data, code data (setting value) indicating that viewing restriction is applied at least in any of the channel, time, genre, and character of the program. You may make it possess. In this case, it is possible to determine from the code data whether viewing is permitted or not and the reason for viewing restriction when viewing restriction is applied.

  The operation unit 90 has a plurality of operation buttons for performing channel selection operation, volume operation, image quality operation, and the like. The light receiving unit 100 receives a selection signal from the remote controller 110.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the remote controller 110 includes a power button 111, a recording related button 112, a playback related button 113, a cursor button 114, a decision button 115, a menu button 116, a volume button 117, a channel selection button 118, a direct selection button. A channel selection button 119, a BS channel button 120, and the like are provided.

  The power button 111 turns on / off the viewing restriction device. The recording related button 112 instructs to record a moving image or a still image. A playback related button 113 instructs a playback operation of a recording medium such as a VTR. The cursor button 114 selects a menu or a specified item. The decision button 115 decides the menu or specified item selected by the cursor button 114.

  The menu button 116 displays a menu screen. The volume button 117 adjusts the volume. The channel selection button 118 selects channels in order. A direct channel selection button 119 directly selects a channel to be viewed. The BS channel button 120 selects a BS channel.

Next, an example of a viewing restriction setting method will be described.
First, as shown in FIG. 3, based on the V-CHIP regulations, for example, when setting a viewing restriction for R designation (viewing prohibited for those under 17 years old) (step S1), the menu button 116 of the remote controller 110 is operated, For example, from the menu screen as shown in FIG. 4A, the cursor button 114 of the remote controller 110 is operated to select the V-CHIP block function from the main body adjustment items.

  Here, when the enter button 115 of the remote controller 110 is operated, for example, a V-CHIP block function screen as shown in FIG. 4B is displayed. Therefore, the cursor button 114 is operated from the rating setting item on the screen. R is selected, and the decision button 115 decides. At this time, the direct channel selection button 119 is operated in the password item to input a 4-digit password.

  The password entered here is stored in a memory (not shown), and when a subsequent request for releasing viewing restrictions and a request for viewing restrictions are accepted, the user is prompted to enter a password and matches the comparison with the stored password. Only in such a case, a request for releasing the viewing restriction and a request for viewing restriction are accepted.

  By such an operation, for example, viewing restriction of R designation (viewing prohibited for 17 years old and younger) can be set. In the rating setting item, for example, it is assumed that a content that can set a 20-year-old limit (viewing prohibited for 20-year-old and below) is set. Limit viewing restrictions can be set.

  In this case, the viewing permission / inhibition data corresponding to the program in which the R designation in the storage unit 80 or the viewing restriction by the 20-year-old restriction is applied is set to x. In addition, as described above, in the case where the viewability data is code data including information indicating the reason for viewing restriction based on the V-CHIP restriction as well as the data of ×, From the code data, it is possible to determine whether or not to view and the viewing restriction reason that the viewing is restricted based on the V-CHIP restriction.

  Next, when an EPG (electronic program guide) display button (not shown) on the remote controller 110 is operated to request display of the EPG (electronic program guide) (step S2), an EPG (electronic program) is displayed on the display unit of the video / audio output unit 50. Table) is displayed.

  Here, when there is an R designation target program in the EPG (electronic program guide) (step S3), for example, as shown in FIG. 4C, the R designation target program is displayed in a light color (step S4). ). Accordingly, it is possible to recognize a control state in which viewing restriction is applied to a movie “X” that is prohibited from being viewed under the age of 17.

  FIG. 4C shows a case in which viewing restriction is applied to a movie “M” that is prohibited from being viewed by the user under the age of 20. In FIG. 4C, various processes such as program recording reservation can be executed by selecting a news program indicated by a thick frame by operating the cursor button 114, for example.

  In the above settings, for example, if R designation or 20-year-old restriction is set on the screen of the V-CHIP block function in FIG. However, the viewing restrictions on any of the programs that are subject to viewing restrictions can be removed by the following operation.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the program item to be restricted (restricted) is selected with the cursor button 114 (step S5), and the menu button 116 is operated (step S6). As a result, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), sub-menu items “restriction release processing” and “program detail display” for processing the program selected by the cursor button 114 are displayed next to the selected program. Is displayed (steps S6 to S8).

  Here, when “regulation release processing” is selected with the cursor button 114 and the enter button 115 is operated (step S9), processing such as restriction release processing, cancellation of light color display on the program guide, and deletion of the sign for the reason for viewing restriction is executed. (Step S10). The restriction release process is executed when the password used when the viewing restriction is applied based on the V-CHIP restriction is matched.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), display processing is performed so as to eliminate the light color display indicating the viewing restriction of the corresponding program column in the EPG (electronic program guide), which is exceptional for other programs of the same viewing level. It is controlled so that viewing is permitted. In this case, the view permission data in the storage unit 80 is changed from x to ◯. In this case, since the viewing restriction is released, the viewing availability data may be only data indicating viewing availability.

  On the other hand, since the viewing restriction is not released for the movie “M” whose viewing is restricted, the light color display processing of the corresponding program item is maintained. In this case, the viewing availability data of the corresponding program in the storage unit 80 remains x. Also, in this case, as described above, the viewability data is code data including information indicating the reason for viewing restriction, for example, viewing restriction based on the V-CHIP restriction, together with the data x. In this case, similarly to the above, it is possible to determine from the code data whether to view or not, and the reason for viewing restriction that has been restricted based on the V-CHIP restriction.

  For example, if only R designation is set on the screen of the V-CHIP block function in FIG. 4B, viewing restrictions are imposed on all target programs only for R designation. With such an operation, viewing restriction can be applied to any of, for example, 20-year-old target programs that are not subject to viewing restrictions.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), it is assumed that there is a new program “London OO”, which is unrestricted by viewing, in the EPG (electronic program guide). In this state, when a program that is not prohibited from viewing is selected by operating the cursor button 114 and the menu button 116 is operated, submenu items for processing the selected program are displayed as shown in FIG. A certain “viewing restriction process”, “viewing reservation process”, and “program detail display” are displayed next to the selected program (step S11).

  In addition, in the lower layer of “viewing restriction processing” among the items, “this program only”, which is an item for restricting viewing of only this program, and viewing restriction processing for all programs of the same genre as this program are selected. “Genre restriction”, which is an item for the purpose, and “Character restriction”, which is an item for selecting a viewing restriction process for all programs in which the same character as this program appears, are displayed.

  Here, when the item “only this program” is selected (step S12), a light color display process indicating the viewing restriction of the corresponding program column is performed in the EPG (electronic program guide), and even for programs with unlimited viewing levels. Control is performed so that viewing is restricted exceptionally (steps S13 and S14). In this case, the view permission data in the storage unit 80 is changed from ○ to ×.

  At that time, as described above, when the viewability data is code data that includes information indicating the reason for viewing restriction that the viewing restriction is set for “only this program”, as well as the data of × Similarly to the above, from the code data, it is possible to determine whether or not to view and the reason for viewing restriction that the viewing restriction is imposed on “only this program”.

  If the item “Character Restriction” is selected and, for example, the character “XXX” is specified (step S15), “London” is another program in which the same characters as this program appear in the EPG (Electronic Program Guide). All of “B” are subjected to light color display processing indicating viewing restrictions in the program column, and even for programs with unlimited viewing levels, the viewing is controlled to be exceptionally limited based on the personal information of the programs ( Step S16). Also in this case, the viewability data in the storage unit 80 is changed from ○ to ×.

  At that time, as described above, in the case where the viewability data is code data including information indicating the reason for viewing restriction that is restricted by “character restriction” as well as the x data as described above, Similarly, from the code data, it is possible to determine whether to view or not and the reason for viewing restriction that is restricted by “character restriction”.

  In the EPG (electronic program guide), for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a sign (mark) that can recognize the reason for viewing restriction so that it can be identified what kind of viewing restriction has been applied to which program. Can be displayed.

That is,
The mark (1) indicates that only viewing of this program is restricted.
The mark in (2) is restricted when viewing is restricted by characters.
(3) mark, when viewing is restricted according to the content,
(4) mark, when viewing is restricted according to the V-CHIP function settings,
Each of which is shown.

  In addition, as described above, these marks (marks) are “only this program”, “restricted characters”, “content”, “V-CHIP regulations”, together with the data of ×, as described above. ], The code data includes information indicating the reason for viewing restriction that has been restricted by any of the above. Displayed for each program that is subject to EPG (Electronic Program Guide) viewing restrictions.

  Next, a viewing restriction method by the viewing restriction device when the viewing restriction is applied as described above will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, when an arbitrary program is selected, the microcomputer 70 compares the information in the storage unit 80 with the received program information (step S1). The comparison here is at least the channel, time, genre, character, etc. of the program.

  As a result of the comparison, if they match (step S2), the viewing availability data of the matching program is read from the storage unit 80 (step S3), and the viewing availability data for the program is ○. In some cases, the video / audio processing circuit 40 outputs the video / audio from the video / audio output unit 50 based on the video / audio information processed by the video / audio information decoding unit 30 (step S4). , S6).

  On the other hand, as a result of the comparison in (step S4), in the case of a program whose viewing availability data is x, the video / audio processing circuit 40 is blocked from outputting video / audio for viewing NG. (Step S5).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the microcomputer 70 receives a request for releasing the viewing restriction from the user for the program that is restricted in the viewing level set based on the V-CHIP restriction, and determines the viewing level of the program. Performs viewing restriction release processing, and accepts viewing restriction requests from users for programs that are not subject to viewing restrictions set based on the V-CHIP regulations, and performs viewing restriction processing for the viewing levels of those programs. If a viewing request for the program is made, whether the received video / audio information is viewable is determined based on the viewability information indicating the viewability stored in the storage unit 80, and it is determined that the viewing is permitted. In such a case, the display control is performed by the video / audio processing circuit 40 so that the video / audio information is viewed by the user. To not be dependent, it is possible to carry out the release and viewing regulation of finely viewing regulations for each content of the program at the user's own criteria.

  In this way, it is possible to finely release viewing restrictions and view restrictions for each program content. For example, even if a program has the same restriction level, a parent can show a child to a certain program. It is possible to set viewing restrictions such as good or not to show. In this case, viewing restrictions can be applied on the basis of the user himself / herself at least for each channel, time, genre, and character of the program.

  Also, in the present embodiment, the viewing restriction is canceled for an arbitrary program among a plurality of programs for which viewing restriction is set based on the existing V-CHIP regulation, and viewing based on the existing V-CHIP regulation is performed. Since the restriction is continued as it is for the program for which the restriction is set, the viewing restriction based on the existing V-CHIP restriction can be maintained.

  In addition, since the viewing restrictions and viewing restrictions are based on the EPG (Electronic Program Guide), the contents of the program can be grasped in advance without actually checking the video, so it is easy on the spot. The viewing restriction can be canceled and the viewing restriction can be performed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the microcomputer 70 receives a request for releasing viewing restrictions or a request for viewing restrictions, the same password as the password used for viewing restrictions at the viewing level based on the V-CHIP regulations is input. Therefore, it is possible to specify a user who is restricted from viewing, and to reliably restrict viewing.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in the EPG (electronic program guide), an indicator (mark) that identifies which viewing restriction is applied to which program is displayed for each program. It is possible to easily check the content of viewing restrictions such as viewing restrictions by characters, viewing restrictions according to content, and viewing restrictions according to the setting of the V-CHIP function.

  Further, whether or not the video / audio information can be viewed by the microcomputer 70 is performed based on viewing permission / inhibition information stored in the storage unit 80 and indicating whether or not viewing is possible. Even if viewing restrictions cannot be applied, viewing restrictions can be imposed on the user's own criteria depending on the contents of the program.

  Also, depending on the content of the program, it is possible to restrict viewing based on the user's own standards. Therefore, by setting viewing restrictions in units of channel positions, such as viewing restrictions by child lock, viewing of all programs on that channel is possible. Can not solve the problem that even if there is a program that the channel wants to show to children, it cannot be shown.

  Also, depending on the content of the program, the user can limit viewing on his / her own standards, so that even when viewing video / audio information from a DVD or other disc on which the program is recorded, the user can play back each disc. The viewing restriction must be set according to the restriction level on the device side, and when there is a recorded program that the child wants to show, the trouble that the viewing restriction setting must be canceled each time can be solved.

  In the present embodiment, the microcomputer 70 displays a mark (mark) on the EPG (electronic program guide) that allows the microcomputer 70 to recognize the reason for viewing restriction for which program has been restricted. As described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the viewing restriction is applied to the program requested to be viewed by the microcomputer 70, the video / audio output is blocked on the display unit of the video / audio output unit 50. The contents indicating that the information is displayed may be displayed by OSD (On Screen Display), or may be notified by turning on an LED or the like.

  In this case, as described above, when the viewability data in the storage unit 80 is code data that includes information indicating any reason for viewing restriction together with the data x, as described above, In addition, it may be possible to discriminate between viewing and non-viewing information and information indicating the reason for viewing restriction, and display the information on the display unit, whereby, for example, viewing restriction by a character on the display unit, viewing restriction according to content, Like the viewing restriction according to the setting of the V-CHIP function, it is possible to easily confirm the content of the viewing restriction.

  The present invention can be applied not only to a television using a thin panel such as a plasma television or a liquid crystal television capable of video / audio information but also to a cathode ray tube television or the like.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Embodiment of the viewing-and-listening apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the remote control used when setting viewing restrictions in the viewing restriction apparatus of FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a viewing restriction setting procedure in the viewing restriction device of FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting procedure of the viewing restrictions in the viewing restriction apparatus of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting procedure of the viewing restrictions in the viewing restriction apparatus of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting procedure of the viewing restrictions in the viewing restriction apparatus of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the viewing restrictions cancellation | release in the viewing restriction apparatus of FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining viewing restrictions in the viewing restriction apparatus of FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Signal input part 20 Separation part 30 Video / audio information decoding part 40 Video / audio processing circuit 50 Video / audio output part 60 Program related information decoding part 70 Microcomputer 80 Storage part 90 Operation part 100 Light receiving part 110 Remote control

Claims (10)

When a signal in which restriction level information and program information are superimposed in addition to video / audio information is received, the received restriction level is compared with the viewing level set by the user, and it is determined that viewing is not permitted, A viewing restriction device for restricting viewing of the video / audio information,
First processing means for accepting a request to cancel viewing restriction on a program for which viewing restriction is set at the set viewing level, and performing processing for releasing viewing restriction on the viewing level of the program;
Second processing means for accepting a request for viewing restriction from a user for a program that is not restricted for viewing at the set viewing level, and performing viewing restriction processing for the viewing level of the program;
Storage means for storing viewing permission / inhibition information indicating whether viewing is possible based on the viewing restriction cancellation processing and the viewing restriction processing by the first processing means and the second processing means;
Based on the stored viewing availability information, it is determined whether viewing of the received video / audio information is permitted, and if it is determined that viewing is permitted, the video / audio information is viewed by the user. A viewing restriction device comprising output control means for performing output control.   When there is a request for display of the electronic program guide, the reason for viewing restriction is displayed for each of the set viewing level or the program restricted by the second processing means simultaneously with the display of the program guide based on the viewing availability information. The viewing restriction apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a program guide display control unit that performs display control so as to display information indicating the information.   Viewing restriction reason display control means for performing display control to display information indicating the reason for viewing restriction for a program for which viewing is requested based on the viewing availability information when there is a viewing request for any program The viewing restriction apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a viewing restriction device. Storing means for storing a password for recognizing a setter of the viewing level;
When the first processing means accepts a request to cancel viewing restriction from a user for a program that is restricted at the set viewing level, the first processing means accepts input of a password, and the received password and the stored password And if it matches, perform the viewing restriction release processing,
When the second processing means accepts a request for viewing restriction from a user for a program that is not regulated at the set viewing level, the second processing means accepts an input of a password, and the received password and the stored password The viewing restriction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the viewing restriction process is performed when the two match.   The viewability information includes a setting value for identifying viewing restriction control for each program based on at least one of channel, time, genre, and character program information. The viewing restriction device according to any one of 4. When a signal in which restriction level information and program information are superimposed in addition to video / audio information is received, the received restriction level is compared with the viewing level set by the user, and it is determined that viewing is not permitted, A viewing restriction method for restricting viewing of the video / audio information,
A step of receiving a request to cancel viewing restriction from a user for a program whose viewing is restricted at the set viewing level, and performing processing for releasing the viewing restriction of the viewing level of the program;
Receiving a request for viewing restriction from a user for a program that is not restricted for viewing at the set viewing level, and performing a viewing restriction process for the viewing level of the program;
Based on the viewing availability information indicating whether viewing is possible based on the viewing restriction release processing and the viewing restriction processing, it is determined whether viewing of the received video / audio information is permitted, and the viewing is permitted. In such a case, the method includes a step of performing output control so that the video / audio information is viewed by a user.   When there is a request for display of the electronic program guide, based on the viewing permission information, simultaneously with the display of the program guide, information indicating the reason for viewing restriction is displayed for each of the set viewing level or the viewing restricted program. The viewing restriction method according to claim 6, further comprising a step of performing display control so as to cause the display restriction.   A step of performing display control so as to display information indicating a reason for viewing restriction for a program for which viewing is requested based on the viewing availability information when there is a viewing request for any of the programs. The viewing restriction method according to claim 6 or 7. Storing a password for recognizing a setter of the viewing level;
When accepting a request to cancel viewing restriction from a user for a program that is restricted at the set viewing level, the input of a password is accepted, the received password is compared with the stored password, and a match is found. A process for releasing the viewing restriction,
When accepting a viewing restriction request from a user for a program that is not restricted for viewing at the set viewing level, a password input is accepted, and the received password is compared with the stored password. 9. The viewing restriction method according to claim 6, further comprising: a process of performing the viewing restriction process.   The viewing permission / inhibition information includes a setting value for identifying viewing restriction control for each program based on at least one of channel, time, genre, and character program information. 10. The viewing restriction method according to any one of 9 above.

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