JP2006304156A - Station selection method and apparatus, and display apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a station selection apparatus for preventing occurrence of a mute state at channel switching. <P>SOLUTION: The channel selection apparatus selects a station on the basis of a station selection method including: a first display step of displaying a second video image corresponding to a second channel on a display means together with a first video image in response to a first station selection being a station selection of selecting the second channel that is carried out when the first video image corresponding to a first channel is displayed among a plurality of channels included in a received signal; a selection step of selecting either of the first video image and the second video image; and a second display step of displaying either of the first video image or the second video image on the display means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a channel selection method, a channel selection device, and a display device, and more particularly to a channel selection method, a channel selection device, and a display device that prevent the occurrence of a mute state at the time of channel switching.

  A conventional channel selection apparatus includes a plurality of tuners, a plurality of demodulation units that receive respective outputs of the tuners and output a transport stream, a plurality of transport decoders that perform stream decoding, and the plurality of transport decoders A plurality of sequence header detection means for extracting sequence header information, a stream selection means for selecting at least one stream among outputs of the plurality of transport decoders, and an output of the stream selection means. AV decoder for receiving and decoding video and audio, control of the plurality of tuners, the plurality of demodulation means, the plurality of descramblers, the plurality of transport decoders, the plurality of sequence header detection means, and the AV decoder The control means which performs is provided. Then, when the viewer performs the operation of changing the reception channel, reception is performed using the tuner, the demodulation unit, the transport decoder, and the AV decoder that are not used for reception of the channel before the change, After the video / audio decoding of the changed channel is started, the video / audio selecting means is switched to the AV decoder which decodes the changed channel stream, so that the video and audio are switched when the receiving channel is switched. Output without breaks. (For example, patent document 1).

JP 2004-328366 A

  However, in the conventional channel selection device, after the viewer sequentially performs an operation of sequentially changing the channel (hereinafter also referred to as channel up), the viewer tries to view the channel that was being viewed before the channel up. In this case, before the video and audio of the channel are output, (1) the time for the tuner to tune to the changed channel, (2) the time until the demodulation means and the descrambler operate stably, (3) the transport Time until the decoder acquires the target PAT (Program Association Table) and PMT (Program Map Table) and starts the PID (Program IDentification) decoder. (4) The AV decoder detects the sequence header and decodes the video and audio. It is necessary to minimize the total time of the above (1) to (4). Therefore, in the conventional channel selection device, at the time of channel switching, a muted state in which no video is displayed for at least the total time of the above (1) to (4) occurs.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a channel selection device that prevents the occurrence of a mute state at the time of channel switching.

  A channel selection apparatus according to the present invention is a channel selection performed when displaying a first video corresponding to a first channel among a plurality of channels included in a received signal, A first display step of displaying on the display means a second video corresponding to the second channel together with the first video in response to a first channel selection that selects a channel; A selection step of selecting any one of the first image and the second image, and a first step of displaying the selected one of the first image and the second image on the display means. Channel selection is performed based on a channel selection method including two steps.

  With the channel selection device according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a mute state when switching channels.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device 1000 to which the channel selection device 100 according to Embodiment 1 is applied. In FIG. 1, an arrow indicated by a broken line indicates a flow of a control signal, and an arrow indicated by a solid line indicates a flow of data included in a received signal received by a receiving unit (antenna or the like) not shown. Further, in the following description, the first demodulator / decoder unit is collectively referred to as the first tuner module 2, the first demultiplexer 3, the first video decoder 4, and the first audio decoder 5 in FIG. The second tuner module 10, the second demultiplexer 11, the second video decoder 12, and the second audio decoder 13 are collectively referred to as a second demodulation / decoding unit.

  When the display device 1000 in FIG. 1 is powered on, the received signal is input to the channel selection device 100 via the input terminal 1 in FIG. The received signal is input to the first tuner module 2 in the first demodulation / decoding unit and the second tuner module 10 in the second demodulation / decoding unit.

  The first tuner module 2 extracts information on each channel (hereinafter also referred to as channel information) included in the received signal and outputs the information to the control means 19. That is, when 10 channels are included in the received signal, the first tuner module 2 outputs 10 channel information to the control means 19. The channel information is information necessary for specifying a channel in the tuner modules 2 and 10, and is information indicating the frequency of each channel, for example. The first tuner module 2 and the second tuner module 10 are configured to include demodulation means or error correction means.

  The control means 19 outputs the channel information output from the first tuner module 2 to the storage means 17. Specifically, for example, the channel information is tabulated in association with each channel, and a signal corresponding to the table is output to the storage unit 17. And the memory | storage means 17 memorize | stores the said table. In the following description, the channel information stored in the storage unit 17 is also referred to as channel selection information. Further, the channel selection information is updated as needed at a predetermined timing set in advance according to the design of the channel selection device. For example, the tuning information is updated every time the tuner modules 2 and 10 extract EPG (Electronic Program Guide).

  The first tuner module 2 has a TS (Transport Stream) corresponding to a channel set for the first tuner module (hereinafter also referred to as a first setting channel) when the display device 1000 is powered on. ) Is extracted from the received signal. Then, the extracted TS is subjected to processing such as demodulation and error correction, and is output to the first demultiplexer 3.

  The first demultiplexer 3 converts the TS output from the first tuner module 2 into compressed video data (hereinafter, compressed video output from the first demultiplexer) corresponding to the program of the first setting channel. Data is referred to as first compressed video data), compressed audio data (hereinafter, compressed audio data output from the first demultiplexer is referred to as first compressed audio data), and program additional information (hereinafter referred to as first data). The program additional information output from the multiplexer is separated into first program additional information). Then, the first compressed video data is output to the first video decoder 4, the first compressed audio data is output to the first audio decoder 5, and the first program additional information is output to the control means 19.

  The control means 19 outputs the input first program additional information to the OSD generation means 6. The program additional information includes program title, broadcast station name, or detailed program information (performer, summary description of program contents, broadcast start time, broadcast end time, broadcast time, broadcast date, broadcast date, bilingual broadcasting). Information). The program additional information may be stored in storage means (not shown) provided in the control means 19 or may be stored in the storage means 17.

  The first video decoder 4 decodes the first compressed video data output from the first demultiplexer 3 (hereinafter referred to as video data obtained by the first video decoder 4 as first video data). Are also output to storage means (for example, a memory or the like, not shown) provided in the first video decoder 4. The first video data is stored in the storage means. The storage means stores video data of a predetermined number of frames necessary for displaying video on the display device 1000. Then, the first video data stored in the storage means is input from the storage means to the video composition means 7 in accordance with a signal output from the control means 19 to the first video decoder 4.

  The predetermined number can be arbitrarily set. For example, the predetermined number can be set as the minimum number of frames required to display a program without interrupting video on the display device 1000. . Further, the signal of the control means 19 described above is output to the first video decoder at the following timing. That is, in general, in digital broadcasting, when video data or the like is transmitted at a broadcasting station, the video data is interleaved. For example, interleaving is performed for less than 2 seconds at the maximum for BS / CS digital broadcasting and for less than 3 seconds for terrestrial digital broadcasting. Therefore, even when one frame of video data constituting the video of a program is obtained at a certain time, the video data corresponding to the frame to be displayed after the first frame is BS / CS digital. In the case of broadcasting, the maximum is less than 2 seconds, and in the case of terrestrial digital broadcasting, the maximum is less than 3 seconds.

Specifically, in consideration of the predetermined time described above, until the video data can be output from the first video decoder 4,
(A) Time required to receive all interleaved video data (maximum of less than 2 seconds for BS / CS digital broadcasting, maximum of less than 3 seconds for terrestrial digital broadcasting)
(B) Time required to complete deinterleaving for received video data (c) Time required for decoding all deinterleaved video data (a) to (c) I need.

  Therefore, the control unit 19 receives the first video when the total time of (a) to (c) has elapsed since the first compressed video data was input to the first video decoder 4. A signal is output to the decoder 4.

  The first audio decoder 5 decodes the first compressed audio data output from the first demultiplexer 3 (hereinafter referred to as audio data obtained in the first audio decoder) (Also referred to as audio data) is output to the audio selection means 14.

  On the other hand, the received signal input to the second demodulator / decoder is subjected to the same processing as the first demodulator / decoder in the second demodulator / decoder. The operation of each component in the second demodulation / decoding unit will be described below. When the channel selection information is generated in the first demodulation / decoding unit, the second demodulation / decoding unit does not generate the channel selection information, and the first demodulation / decoding unit The channel selection information generated in is used. On the other hand, when the channel selection information is not generated in the first demodulation / decoding unit, the channel selection information is generated in the second demodulation / decoding unit.

  The second tuner module 10 receives a TS corresponding to a channel (hereinafter also referred to as a second setting channel) set for the second tuner module when the display device 1000 is powered on. Extract from Then, the extracted TS is subjected to processing such as demodulation and error correction, and is output to the second demultiplexer 11.

  The second demultiplexer 11 converts the TS output from the second tuner module 10 into compressed video data corresponding to the program of the second setting channel (hereinafter, compressed video output from the second demultiplexer). Data is also referred to as second compressed video data), compressed audio data (hereinafter, compressed video data output from the second demultiplexer is also referred to as second compressed audio data), and program additional information (hereinafter referred to as second data). The program additional information output from the demultiplexer is also referred to as second program additional information). Then, the second compressed video data is output to the second video decoder 12, the second compressed audio data is output to the second audio decoder 13, and the second program additional information is output to the control means 19.

  The control unit 19 outputs the input second program additional information to the OSD generation unit 6. The second program additional information may be stored in storage means (not shown) provided in the control means 19 or may be stored in the storage means 17.

  The second video decoder 12 decodes the second compressed video data output from the second demultiplexer 11 (hereinafter referred to as video data obtained by the second video decoder). (Also referred to as video data) is output to storage means (for example, a memory or the like, not shown) provided in the second video decoder 12. Then, the second video data is stored in the storage means. The storage means stores video data of a predetermined number of frames necessary for displaying video on the display device 1000. Then, the second video data stored in the storage unit is input from the storage unit to the video composition unit 7 in accordance with a signal output from the control unit 19. The timing at which a signal is output from the control means 19 to the second video decoder is the same as in the case of the first video decoder 4.

  The second audio decoder 13 decodes the second compressed audio data output from the second demultiplexer 11 (hereinafter referred to as audio data obtained by the second audio decoder 13 as second data). Are also output to the voice selection means 14.

  The OSD generation means 6 generates information necessary for generating an OSD (On Screen Display) (hereinafter also referred to as OSD information) according to the display mode of the video on the display device 1000 as the first program additional information or the second program additional information. Extracted from the program additional information. Then, the extracted OSD information is incorporated into a predetermined OSD format to generate an OSD. Therefore, for example, when displaying the title of a program in the OSD, the OSD generation means 6 uses information corresponding to the title of the program to be displayed on the display device 1000 from the first program additional information or the second program additional information. Is extracted and incorporated into the OSD format to generate an OSD. Then, the OSD generation unit 6 outputs a signal corresponding to the generated OSD (hereinafter also referred to as an OSD signal) to the video composition unit 7.

  The video synthesizing unit 7 is configured to output a signal corresponding to the first video data output from the first video decoder 4 and the second video decoder 12 output from the second video decoder 12 according to the mode of the video displayed on the display unit 9. The signal corresponding to the video data 2 or the OSD signal output from the OSD generation means 6 is synthesized. Then, a signal obtained as a result of the synthesis is output to the video adjustment unit 8.

  The video adjusting unit 8 performs adjustment such as resolution conversion on the signal output from the video synthesizing unit 7 and outputs the adjusted signal to the display unit 9. And the display means 9 displays the image | video corresponding to the input signal. The display means 9 can be composed of a CRT, liquid crystal display, plasma display, FED display, or the like.

  The voice selecting unit 14 selects one of the first original voice data and the second original voice data according to the control of the control unit 19 and outputs the selected voice data to the voice adjusting unit 15.

  The sound adjustment means 15 adjusts the balance and sound quality for the input first sound data or second sound data, and then amplifies the adjusted sound data and outputs the amplified sound data to the sound output means 16. To do. The audio output unit 16 reproduces and outputs the audio data input from the audio adjustment unit 15. Note that the sound output means can be configured by a sound output device such as a speaker.

  Normally, after the display device 1000 is turned on and until the channel selection operation by the viewer is performed, the respective components in the display device 1000 operate as described above, so that the viewer can select the first setting channel or The video and audio corresponding to the second setting channel can be viewed.

  Note that after the power is turned on, whether the first setting channel or the second setting channel is displayed on the display device 1000 is arbitrarily set according to the specification of the display device 1000 or the like. For example, immediately after the display device 1000 is turned on, only the program corresponding to the first setting channel may be displayed on the display unit 9 or only the program corresponding to the second setting channel is displayed on the display unit 9. You may make it do. Alternatively, PIP (Picture In Picture) display may be performed with the video of the program corresponding to the first setting channel as the main video and the video of the program corresponding to the second setting channel as the sub-video.

  Further, the setting of the first setting channel or the second setting channel is also arbitrarily set according to the specifications of the display device 1000 or the like. For example, the channel that was viewed by the viewer when the power of the display device 1000 was turned off is the first setting channel, and the channel that was viewed by the viewer immediately before that channel is the second setting channel. can do. Further, the control means 19 analyzes the channel selection history of the viewer, sets the channel most frequently selected by the viewer as the first setting channel, and sets the channel most frequently selected next to the channel as the second channel. It is good also as a setting channel. The setting channel is stored in the storage unit 17, and the control unit 19 displays the program with reference to the setting channel stored in the storage unit after the power is turned on.

  Hereinafter, the operation of each component in the display device 1000 when the viewer switches channels (hereinafter also referred to as channel selection) will be described. In the following description, the first setting channel in the first tuner module 2 is the channel that was viewed by the viewer when the power of the display device 1000 was shut off, and the second tuner module 10 Is the channel that the viewer was watching immediately before the first setting channel, and the program of the first setting channel is displayed on the display means 9 immediately after the display device 1000 is turned on. A case will be described in which the viewer selects a channel when displayed.

  In the case described above, when a viewer views a program on a channel other than the first setting channel, the viewer selects a channel using the operation means 18. In the following description, when the viewer is watching a program of a certain channel and switching from the channel to another channel, the first channel selection is the first channel selection. Also called a station. The operation means 18 is, for example, an operation unit such as a remote controller or a button provided in the display device 1000. Further, a device such as a mobile phone that is not an accessory of the display device 1000 but can give instructions to the display device 1000 may be used as the operation means 18.

  When the viewer selects a desired channel (hereinafter also referred to as a first channel selection channel) using the operation means 18, a signal indicating that the first channel selection channel has been selected (hereinafter referred to as a channel selection channel). (Referred to as a first channel selection signal) is output from the operation means 18 to the control means 19. The control unit 19 compares the first channel selection channel corresponding to the input first channel selection signal with the channel selection information stored in the storage unit 17 to determine the first channel selection channel. Is selected from the storage means 17. Then, the read channel selection information is output to the tuner module of the demodulation / decoding unit that is not used for decoding the program being viewed by the viewer. Therefore, in the above-described case, since the viewer is watching the program of the first setting channel (that is, the first demodulation / decoding unit is used), the channel selection information is stored in the second tuner. Output to module 10.

  The second tuner module 10 specifies the first channel selection channel based on the channel selection information output from the control means 19, and extracts the TS corresponding to the first channel selection channel from the received signal. Then, the extracted TS is subjected to processing such as demodulation and error correction, and is output to the second demultiplexer 11.

  The second demultiplexer 11 separates the TS output from the second tuner module 10 into compressed video data, compressed audio data, and program additional information corresponding to the program of the first channel selection channel. The compressed video data is output to the second video decoder 12, the compressed audio data is output to the second audio decoder 13, and the program additional information is output to the control means 19.

  The control means 19 outputs the input program additional information corresponding to the input program of the first channel selection channel to the OSD generation means 6. The program additional information is stored in storage means (not shown) provided in the control means 19 or the storage means 17. The OSD generation unit 6 extracts information necessary for generating the OSD corresponding to the first channel selection channel from the program additional information, and generates the OSD by incorporating the extracted information into a predetermined OSD format. Then, the OSD signal is output to the video composition means 7.

  The second audio decoder 13 decodes the compressed audio data output from the second demultiplexer 11 and corresponding to the program of the first channel selection channel, and the second audio data corresponding to the compressed audio data. Is output to the voice selection means 14. The second video decoder 12 decodes the compressed video data output from the second demultiplexer 11, and the second video decoder 12 includes second video data corresponding to the compressed video data. (Not shown). The second video data is stored in the storage means. As described above, video data of a predetermined number of frames is stored in the storage unit.

  When the video data of a predetermined number of frames is stored in the storage unit in the second video decoder 12, the control unit 19 outputs the second video data from the storage unit in the second video decoder 12. Then, the first video data, the second video data (second video data after channel selection), and the OSD signal are input to the video synthesizing unit 7.

  The video synthesizing unit 7 generates a signal (hereinafter also referred to as a channel selection video superimposed signal) by synthesizing the first video data, the second video data, and the OSD signal in accordance with a signal input from the control unit 19. To the video adjusting means 8. The video adjusting unit 8 performs a predetermined adjustment on the input channel selection video superimposed signal and outputs it to the display unit 9. Then, the display unit 9 displays the video corresponding to the first video data and the video corresponding to the second video data according to the synthesis ratio (details will be described later) set in the video synthesis unit 7. In addition, the OSD corresponding to the OSD signal is displayed superimposed on the video. Therefore, the viewer can watch the video corresponding to the first video data and the video corresponding to the second video data displayed on the display means 9 and the program corresponding to the first video data or the second video data. One of the programs corresponding to the video data can be selected as a program for viewing.

  The control unit 19 selects the second original audio data from the first audio data or the second audio data to the audio selection unit 14 in response to the output of the channel selection video superimposed signal. (Hereinafter, a signal input from the control means 19 to the voice selection means 14 for voice selection is also referred to as a voice selection signal).

  Next, in the state where the video corresponding to the first video data and the video corresponding to the second video data are displayed on the display means 9 by the above-described operation, the viewer selects the channel again and selects another channel. When a channel (hereinafter also referred to as a second channel selection channel) is selected, a second channel selection signal is output from the operation unit 18 to the control unit 19. The control unit 19 compares the second channel selection channel with the channel selection information stored in the storage unit 17 and reads out the channel selection information corresponding to the second channel selection channel from the storage unit 17. Then, the read channel selection information is output to the second tuner module 10. Then, the second demodulator / decoder performs the same operation as described above, outputs the video data corresponding to the channel selection information to the video synthesizer 7, and outputs the audio data to the audio selector 14. .

  Then, in the state where the video corresponding to the first video data and the video corresponding to the second video data are displayed by the channel selection again by the viewer, only the video corresponding to the second video data is displayed. The sound is switched as the video changes. Thereafter, when the viewer selects a channel in a state where a video corresponding to the first video data and a video corresponding to the second video data are displayed, the control means 19 selects the channel corresponding to the channel selected. Station information is input to the second demodulator / decoder, and after the compressed video data and compressed audio data of the program corresponding to the channel selection information are decoded in the second demodulator / decoder, Video data or audio data is output to the audio selection means 14 or the like.

  That is, in the display means 9, the video of the second video data is switched according to the channel selection while the display of the video of the first video data is held. Therefore, the viewer can select a channel while the display of the video of the first video data is held. Then, after the viewer repeatedly selects a channel and finds a desired channel, the operation means 18 performs an operation for determining the desired channel, and an image corresponding to the desired channel is displayed on the display means 9. Is displayed.

  Hereinafter, the display of the video at the time of channel selection in the display device 1000 will be specifically described. In the following description, the channel selection operation performed first when a viewer is watching a certain program is also referred to as a first channel selection, and the first channel selection corresponds to the first video data. The channel selection operation performed after the video and the video corresponding to the second video data are displayed is also referred to as a second channel selection. That is, the video corresponding to the first video data and the video corresponding to the second video data are displayed on the display means 9 by the first channel selection, and the first video data is displayed by the second channel selection. The video corresponding to the second video data is switched while the display is held. The viewer then selects (searches) a desired channel by the first channel selection or the second channel selection, and then determines a channel to view. Also, the channel selected by the first channel selection is the first channel selection channel, and the channel selected by the second channel selection is the second channel selection channel.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a video display at the time of the first channel selection in the display device 1000 according to the first embodiment. Until the first channel selection is performed by the viewer after the display device 1000 is turned on, as shown in FIG. 2A, the program of the first setting channel set at the time of power-on is displayed. An image obtained by combining the image 31 (hereinafter also referred to as the current image 31) and the first OSD image 32 corresponding to the first setting channel is displayed on the display unit 9.

  When the viewer performs the first channel selection using the operation unit 18, the display unit 9 displays an OSD image (image 36, hereinafter referred to as a channel selection OSD image 36) indicating that channel selection is possible. ) Is displayed. In addition to the selected OSD image 36, the OSD images 33 and 37 corresponding to the video data decoded in the second demodulation / decoding unit, the OSD image 34 for displaying the second video data, and the viewer views An OSD image 35 (details will be described later) used when selecting and determining a program to be displayed is superimposed on the current video 31 (FIG. 2B).

  More specifically, in the case of FIG. 2B, the display means 9 includes the current video 31, the first OSD image 32 indicating the channel number corresponding to the current video 31, and the channel of the first channel selection channel. A second OSD image 33 indicating a number, a third OSD image 34 indicating an area (hereinafter also referred to as a channel selection program display area) in which video of the video data of the first channel selection channel is displayed, and the viewer A fourth OSD image 35 (hereinafter also referred to as a cursor 35 or program selection means 35) used when selecting and determining a program to be viewed, and a fifth OSD image 36 displaying a description of the channel selection operation are displayed. Is done. Further, a sixth OSD image for displaying the program additional information of the second channel selection channel is displayed in the channel selection program display area.

  The OSD images 33 to 37 are generated by the OSD generation unit 6 in accordance with a signal output from the control unit 19. That is, when the channel selection is performed by the viewer, the control means 19 outputs a signal to the OSD generation means 6 to extract predetermined information from the second program additional information and incorporate it into the predetermined OSD format. . Note that [↑], [↓], [←], [→], and [Enter] in the fifth OSD image 36 indicate buttons (not shown) provided on the operation means 18, and will be described below. [↑] is also referred to as the up key, [↓] as the down key, [←] as the left key, [→] as the right key, and [OK] as the enter key. [↑], [↓], [←], [→] are also collectively referred to as direction keys.

  In FIG. 2, the ratio of the area where the video of the first channel selection channel is displayed in the area where the current video 31 is displayed (that is, the entire display area (screen) of the display means 9) is about 25% ( The third OSD image 34 is shown so as to correspond to the case where the composition ratio in the image composition means 7 is set so as to be about a quarter of the screen), but the ratio is between 0 and 100%. It can be set arbitrarily. In the following description, the ratio of the video of the first video data or the video of the second video data to the entire display area of the display unit 9 is also referred to as a screen occupation ratio. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 2B, the screen occupation ratio of the current video 31 is 100%, and the screen occupation ratio of the video of the second channel selection channel is 25%.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, after the program additional information of the first channel selection channel is displayed in the channel selection program display region, the video 38 (1) of the first channel selection channel is displayed in the channel selection program display region. Hereinafter, it is also referred to as a first channel selection video 38) (FIG. 2 (c)). In FIG. 2C, the case where the program additional information of the first channel selection channel is not displayed when the first channel selection video 38 is displayed is shown. May be displayed together with the selected channel image 38.

  In the state of FIG. 2C, when the viewer operates the enter key of the operation means 18 and decides to view the program of the first channel selection channel, the program of the first channel selection screen is displayed. It is displayed on the display means 9 with an occupation rate of 100%.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining display of a video at the time of the second channel selection in the display device 1000 according to the first embodiment. When the viewer performs the second channel selection by operating the operation means 18, the display in which the current video 31 and the channel selection program display area are overlaid is maintained as described in FIG. In this state (FIG. 3A), the video displayed in the channel selection program display area is switched from the first channel selection video to the OSD images 39 and 40 corresponding to the second channel selection (FIG. 3). (B)). In FIG. 3B, the OSD image 39 is an OSD image that displays the channel number of the second channel selection channel, and the OSD image 40 is an OSD image that displays program additional information of the second channel selection channel.

  Then, after the OSD images 39 and 40 are displayed, the video 41 corresponding to the second channel selection (hereinafter also referred to as the second channel selection video 41) is displayed in the channel selection program display area (FIG. 3). (C)). In addition, as the second channel selection video 41 is displayed in the channel selection program display area, the control means 19 outputs a voice selection signal for selecting the audio data corresponding to the second channel selection video. Output to means 16. Therefore, the sound output from the sound output means 16 is switched to the sound corresponding to the second channel selection video. Thereafter, when the viewer changes the channel selection channel by operating the operation means 18, the video displayed in the channel selection program display area is switched according to the change. Also, the sound is switched as the video is switched. Therefore, the viewer can select the program to be viewed next to the current video 31 while maintaining the display of the current video 31 by switching the video displayed in the channel selection program display area.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation example when the viewer determines a program to view after selecting a channel. In FIG. 4, a case will be described in which the viewer determines a program to be viewed after performing the first channel selection described in FIG.

  When the viewer performs the first channel selection, the current video 31 and the channel selection program display area are superimposed and displayed. When the viewer does not perform any operation after the display, the cursor 35 is located in the channel selection program display area (FIG. 4A). In this state (that is, in a state where the cursor 35 is positioned in the channel selection program display area), when the viewer operates the determination key, the first channel selection video 38 is displayed on the display means 9 with a screen occupation rate of 100%. In addition, an OSD image corresponding to the first channel selection video 38 is also displayed on the display means 9 (FIG. 2D).

  On the other hand, when the viewer operates the right key in the state of FIG. 4A, the cursor 35 moves and the current video 31 can be selected (FIG. 4B). In FIG. 4B, the case where the cursor 35 is formed so as to surround the current video 31 is shown as a state in which the current video 31 can be selected. Then, when the viewer operates the enter key in the state of FIG. 4B, the current video 31 is displayed with a screen percentage of 100%, and the state returns to the state of FIG.

  As described above, the viewer operates the left key or the right key to select the program to be viewed by moving the cursor 35, and operates the enter key to determine the program to be viewed. Note that the sound output from the sound output means 16 may be switched in accordance with the movement of the cursor 35 described above.

  That is, when the cursor 35 is displayed in a state where the current video 31 can be selected, the audio of the current video 31 is output from the audio output means 16 and the video displayed in the channel selection program display area is displayed. If it is displayed in a selectable state, the audio of the video may be output from the audio output means 16.

  In this case, as the cursor 35 moves, the control means 19 outputs an audio selection signal for selecting audio data of a video that can be selected by the cursor 35 to the audio selection means 14. Thereby, the viewer can hear the sound of an arbitrary program among the two programs displayed on the display means 9.

  Further, during the channel selection, the audio of the current video 31 may be continuously output from the audio output unit 16, or the audio of the program displayed in the channel selection program display area may be continuously output from the audio output unit 16. May be.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another cursor display when a viewer selects a program to be viewed after selecting a channel. In FIG. 4, the case where the cursor 35 is formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the channel selection program display area or the area where the current video 31 is displayed has been described. However, as shown in FIG. The cursor 35 may be formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the OSD image 32 indicating the channel number or the outer periphery of the OSD image 33 indicating the channel number of the program displayed in the channel selection program display area. Further, the color of the OSD image of the selected channel may be changed.

  4 and 5, the case where the cursor 35 is used as a means for selecting a program has been described. However, as the means, an icon corresponding to the current video 31 and a program displayed in the channel selection program display area are used. An icon corresponding to may be used. In this case, the icon is displayed on the display means 9, and the viewer selects the icon of the program to be viewed by the operation means 18.

  4 and 5, the case where the program to be viewed is determined by operating the determination key has been described. For example, the cursor 35 is displayed when a predetermined time elapses without the viewer operating the operation means 18. The program displayed in the area where “” is located may be determined as the program viewed by the viewer. Therefore, for example, when the program displayed in the channel selection program display area is selectable (the cursor 35 is formed so as to surround the OSD image 34), the video of the program occupies the screen when the predetermined time elapses. Displayed at a rate of 100%. In this case, it is not necessary to operate the “decision” key when determining the program to be viewed by the viewer, so that the number of times of operating the operating means 18 can be reduced.

  After the viewer selects the first channel or the second channel as described above, the channel that is not finally selected by the viewer (that is, for example, in FIG. When 31 is selected, the demodulation / decoding unit used for decoding the channel of the program displayed in the channel selection program display area may continue to demodulate and decode the data corresponding to the channel. . Thereby, when the viewer selects a channel that has not been viewed again, the video corresponding to the channel can be displayed immediately. Therefore, the viewer can immediately watch the program of the channel without waiting for the total time of (a) to (c).

  In addition, after the viewer selects a program to be viewed by performing a channel selection operation, when the viewer selects a channel again, it is used for decoding the data of the program being viewed by the viewer after the determination. What is necessary is just to perform the above-mentioned operation | movement using the demodulation / decoding part which has not been performed. Therefore, for example, when the viewer selects and selects the first channel after the first channel selection described in FIG. 2 and performs channel selection again, the second demodulation described above is performed. The operation of the decoding unit may be performed by the first demodulation / decoding unit.

  As described above, according to the channel selection device 100 in the first embodiment, the demodulation / decoding unit including the tuner modules 2 and 10, the demultiplexers 3 and 11, the video decoders 4 and 12, and the audio decoders 5 and 13 is provided. Since there are a plurality of channels, when a viewer selects a channel, data of a channel corresponding to the selected channel can be decoded using a demodulation / decoding unit that is not used for viewing.

  Therefore, the control unit 19 displays the video corresponding to the channel selection in the channel selection program display area at the timing described above, thereby preventing the mute state from being generated at the time of channel selection. Therefore, the viewer can select a channel without feeling uncomfortable due to the mute state. Further, after the viewer performs a channel selection operation, when the current video 31 and the video displayed in the channel selection program display area are displayed in an overlapping manner, the compressed video data corresponding to the current video 31, and Both compressed video data corresponding to the video displayed in the channel selection program display area have already been decoded. Therefore, even when the viewer performs the operation of determining the program to be viewed and switches the video, the video can be switched immediately without causing a mute state.

  Further, in the conventional channel selection device, when a certain program is selected again immediately after selecting another program while viewing a certain program, the compressed video data of the certain program is newly decoded. Therefore, it takes time to add up (a) to (c) before displaying the program again. However, in the display device 1000 according to the first embodiment, as described above, even after the first channel selection or the second channel selection by the viewer, the current video 31 is always displayed, that is, Since the program corresponding to the current video 31 is always viewable, when the viewer selects the program indicated by the current video 31 again, the program does not wait for the total time of (a) to (c). Viewing is possible.

  Further, in the display device of the first embodiment, during the channel selection operation, both the video before channel selection and the video after channel selection are displayed. Therefore, the viewer can determine the program to view by comparing the images before and after channel selection.

  In the display device 1000 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B or FIG. 3B, after the viewer performs a channel selection operation, an image corresponding to the channel selection is displayed. Until such time, the program additional information of the program corresponding to the video is displayed, but the display can be made not to be performed.

  However, as described above, decoding of video data in digital broadcasting requires a predetermined time, and the video corresponding to the channel selection is not displayed until the predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, the viewer cannot obtain any program information corresponding to the channel selection during the predetermined time. Therefore, after the viewer performs a channel selection operation like the display unit 1000, the video corresponding to the channel selection is displayed in that the viewer can obtain information on the program after the channel selection earlier. Until then, it is desirable to display the program additional information of the program corresponding to the video. Note that the time required to create the OSD image is between extraction of necessary information and incorporation into a predetermined format, and thus is much shorter than the time required to decode the digital broadcast signal.

  In the above description, the case where the OSD image indicating the channel number of the displayed video is displayed has been described (for example, the OSD images 32 and 33 in FIG. 3). For example, the broadcasting station corresponding to each channel Information included in the program additional information such as a logo and a program name may be displayed as an OSD image. Further, at the time of channel selection, an OSD image that displays a message indicating that channel selection is being performed, such as “channel selection in progress” may be displayed.

  In the above description, the screen occupancy rate of the channel selection program display area is set to a predetermined fixed value, and the video corresponding to the channel selection is displayed with the screen occupancy rate of the fixed value. The screen occupation ratio may be gradually increased from 0% to a predetermined screen occupation ratio. In addition, the viewer may be able to change the screen occupancy rate. Further, the video displayed in the channel selection program display area may be displayed so as to move from a frame outside the display means 9 to a predetermined position (that is, frame-in).

  In the above description, the case where the video decoders 4 and 12 are provided with storage means has been described. However, the storage means and the video decoders 4 and 12 may be configured separately. In addition, the storage unit may be provided outside the channel selection device 100.

  In the above description, the case where the first video decoder 4 and the first audio decoder 5 or the second video decoder 12 and the second audio decoder 13 are configured separately has been described. The video decoder 4 and the first audio decoder 5, or the second video decoder 12 and the second audio decoder 13 may be configured integrally.

  Also, for example, when the compressed audio data is not included in the TS included in the received signal (when there is no audio corresponding to the video as in an audioless program), the audio decoders 5 and 13 are not operated. (In other words, the compressed audio data may not be decoded).

  2 to 5, when the current video 31, the OSD image 36, and the channel selection program display area are displayed in an overlapping manner, the OSD image 36 or the channel selection program display area overlaps in the current video 31. Although the case where the viewer cannot see the portion has been shown, the current video 31 may be displayed through the first channel selection video 38.

  In this case, for example, in the display means 19, the calculation shown in the following formula (1) is performed for each color component using the predetermined transmittance a, and the result of the calculation is output to the video adjustment means 8. The video adjusting means 8 adjusts the signal output from the video synthesizing means 7 based on the result of the calculation. The transparency a may be a fixed value set in advance or may be a variable value that can be set by the viewer.

V = a * Vx + (1-a) * Vy (1)
In Expression (1), “×” is a multiplication symbol, “Vx” is each color component of video data of the video displayed in the selected program display area, “Vy” is each color component of video data of the current video 31, “ “V” is each color component obtained by synthesizing the two video data according to the formula. The color components are red (R), green (G), blue (B) in the case of the RGB color space, and in the case of a color space represented by the luminance component and the color difference component of the RGB color space. The luminance component Y and the color difference components Cb and Cr.

  For example, when the transparency a is set to 0.5, each color component in the two video data is synthesized at a ratio of half. If the transparency a is set to 0, it means that only the current video 31 is displayed. Conversely, if the transparency a is set to 1, the current video 31 is displayed as a channel selection program. This means that the image displayed in the area is not transmitted.

  The video composition using the transparency a may be used for the synthesis of the OSD image and the video data. For example, until the video is displayed in the channel selection program display area, the current video 31 is displayed. The OSD image 34 may not be substantially displayed by setting the transparency a to 0 or a value close to 0 so as not to prevent viewing.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining display of a video or the like at the time of channel selection in the display device according to the second embodiment. Note that the configuration of the display device in the second embodiment is the same as that of the display device 1000 in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Moreover, in the following description, the same code | symbol is attached about the structure similar to the structure demonstrated in Embodiment 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the display device, when the first channel selection is performed while the viewer is watching a certain program (FIG. 6A), OSD images 33 to 36 and 42 are displayed and defined by the OSD image 34. In the selected program display area, program additional information corresponding to the selected program is displayed (FIG. 6B). In addition, the current video 31 is displayed in the current video display area defined by the OSD image 42. Then, after the program additional information is displayed in the channel selection program display area, the video of the program corresponding to the selected channel (first channel selection video) is displayed in the channel selection program display area (FIG. 6). (C)). That is, in the second embodiment, the screen occupation rate of the current video 31 is set to be less than 100% so that the first channel selection video 38 and the current video 31 are displayed without overlapping.

  As in the case described in the first embodiment (for example, FIG. 4), in the state where the current video 31 and the first channel selection video are displayed (FIG. 6C), the viewer is left When a program to be viewed is selected by operating the key or the right key to move the cursor 35 and then the program to be viewed is determined by operating the enter key, the program is displayed as a screen occupation rate of 100% (see FIG. 6 (d)).

  As described above, according to the display device in the second embodiment, during the channel selection operation, the current video 31 and the first channel selection video 38 (selected program display area) can be displayed without overlapping. . Therefore, the viewer can select and determine a program to be viewed while viewing the entire current video 31 and the entire first selected video 38 at the time of channel selection.

  In the above description, the case of the first channel selection has been described. However, the case of the second channel selection is the same as that described above. That is, when the viewer selects the second channel, the current video 31 and the selected program display area are displayed in the selected program display area according to the selected channel while the display state is maintained without overlapping. Switched images. Then, the viewer selects and decides a program to view with the cursor 35.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining display of a video or the like at the time of first channel selection in the display device according to the third embodiment. Note that the configuration of the display device in the third embodiment is the same as that of the display device 1000 in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted. Moreover, in the following description, the same code | symbol is attached about the structure similar to the structure demonstrated in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When the first channel selection is performed while the viewer is watching a program on the display device (FIG. 7A), OSD images 33 to 37 and 42 to 46 are displayed on the display means 9. Is displayed. That is, when the first channel selection is performed in the display device of the third embodiment, the OSD images 33 to 37 described in the first or second embodiment are displayed and the first channel selection channel (A3ch). OSD image 43 indicating the previous channel (A2ch, hereinafter the channel corresponding to the video displayed in the selected program display area is also referred to as the previous channel), the subsequent channel (A4ch, hereinafter, the selected program display area) The OSD image 45 indicating the channel after the channel corresponding to the video displayed on the screen is also referred to as the rear channel), the OSD image 44 indicating the program additional information of the program of the previous channel, and the program additional information of the program of the rear channel An OSD image 46 is displayed.

  Then, after the program additional information of the channel selected in the first channel selection (first channel selection channel) is displayed in the channel selection program display area, the first channel selection video 38 is displayed in the channel selection program. Displayed in the display area. In this state, when the viewer operates the determination key to determine the program to be viewed as the first channel selection channel (A3ch), the program of the first channel selection channel is displayed on the display means 9 with a screen occupation rate of 100%. Is displayed (FIG. 7D).

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining display of a video at the time of second channel selection in the display device according to the third embodiment. In the display device, after the first channel selection video 38 or the like is displayed as shown in FIG. 8A by the first channel selection, the viewer operates the upper key or the lower key of the operation means 18. When the second channel selection is performed, program additional information corresponding to the program of the channel before or after the first channel selection is displayed in the selected program display area in accordance with the second channel selection (FIG. 8 (b)).

  In addition, in the OSD image displayed above the selected program display area, the program additional information of the channel corresponding to the video displayed in the selected program display area is displayed immediately before the second channel selection. Further, the OSD image displayed below the selected program display area displays the program additional information of the new rear channel (A5ch). In FIG. 8B, when the first channel selection is displayed as shown in FIG. 8A, when the viewer operates the up key, the A4ch program is displayed in the selected program display area. The case where the corresponding program additional information is displayed is shown.

  After the program additional information is displayed in the selected program display area in accordance with the second channel selection, the video of the program corresponding to the program additional information is displayed in the selected program display area (FIG. 8 ( c)). Then, in the state displayed as shown in FIG. 8C, the viewer operates the direction key of the operation means 18 to move the cursor 35 as described in the first or second embodiment, and determines the key. When the program to be viewed is selected and determined by operating, the video of the program is displayed on the display means 9 with a screen occupation ratio of 100%.

  As described above, according to the display device of the third embodiment, when the viewer performs a channel selection operation, in addition to the channel selected, the program addition corresponding to the channel program before and after the channel is added. Information can be displayed. Therefore, the viewer can obtain information on more channels with a single channel selection operation. That is, the viewer can search and select a program to be viewed earlier.

  In the above description, the case where the program additional information related to the two channels before and after the selected channel is superimposed as an OSD image has been described, but only the channels before and after the selected channel are included as the program additional information to be superimposed. Instead, program additional information regarding three or more channels may be superimposed as an OSD image.

  However, when displaying the program additional information related to more channels on the display means, it is necessary to reduce the area for displaying the program additional information of one channel. The content needs to be reduced. Therefore, for example, if only the channel number and the program title are displayed as the program additional information to be displayed for one channel, it is possible to display information on a considerably large number of channels.

  Further, in the above description, the case where the program additional information regarding the selected channel and the channel before and after the channel is displayed on the display means has been described. For example, the frequency of channel selection by the viewer is analyzed, Program additional information may be displayed based on the result of the analysis. Therefore, for example, an OSD image that displays program additional information of a channel that is most frequently selected by the viewer is displayed above the selected program display area, and an OSD image that displays program additional information of the channel having the next highest frequency is displayed. May be displayed below the selected program display area.

  In the above description, the case where the program additional information regarding the selected channel and the channel before and after the channel is displayed on the display means has been described. For example, the genre (sport (baseball , Soccer, etc.), drama etc.) may be analyzed, and program additional information may be displayed based on the result of the analysis. Therefore, for example, an OSD image that displays program additional information of a channel that broadcasts the genre that is most frequently selected by the viewer is displayed above the selected program display area, and the genre having the next highest frequency is broadcast. An OSD image that displays program additional information of a certain channel may be displayed below the selected program display area.

  In the above description, the case where the OSD image of the program additional information is displayed above and below the selected program display area has been described. However, the OSD image is displayed either above or below the selected program display area. You may make it display.

  In the above description, the case where the OSD image of the program additional information is displayed above and below the selected program display area has been described. However, the OSD image is displayed at an arbitrary position on the display unit of the display means. can do. However, since the OSD image is displayed above or below the channel selection program display area, it is possible to select the program to be viewed with the viewer's line-of-sight movement only in the vertical direction, so the burden on the viewer is reduced. In addition, the viewer can select a program to be viewed more easily and quickly.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of display device 2000 including channel selection device 200 according to the fourth embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those described in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the display device 2000 shown in FIG. 9, when channel selection (first channel selection or second channel selection) is performed by the viewer, a channel selection signal (hereinafter referred to as a first channel selection signal) is sent from the operation unit 18 to the control unit 19. Channel selection signal) is output. When the first channel selection signal is input, the control unit 19 outputs a signal indicating that the channel selection has been performed in the display device 2000 (hereinafter also referred to as a second channel selection signal) to the sound adding unit 20. To do.

  Here, the storage means 17 stores data corresponding to a predetermined sound output from the sound output means 16 (hereinafter also referred to as additional sound data) when a channel is selected in the display device 2000. The voice adding means 20 extracts the additional voice data from the storage means 17 via the control means 19 in response to the second channel selection signal, and adds the additional voice data to the voice data output from the voice selection means 14. Is output to the sound adjustment means 15.

  The additional voice data is, for example, a sound effect such as “Pippi” or a voice message such as “Currently being selected”. That is, the additional audio data is data used to notify the viewer that the channel selection is being performed.

  The voice superimposition data input to the voice adjustment unit 15 is adjusted for balance, sound quality, and the like. Further, the audio adjusting unit 15 amplifies a signal corresponding to the audio superimposed data after adjusting the balance and outputs the amplified signal to the audio output unit 16. The audio output means 16 reproduces and outputs the audio of the audio superimposed data. Then, the viewer confirms that the channel selection performed by the viewer is performed on the display device 2000 by listening to the audio corresponding to the audio superimposition data.

  As described above, according to the channel selection device 200 in the fourth embodiment, the viewer inputs the channel selection performed using the operation unit 18 to the display device 2000 by listening to the audio of the audio superimposed data. It is possible to easily and reliably confirm whether or not it has been done. That is, the viewer can confirm that the channel selection is performed without viewing the OSD image as described in FIG. Further, by confirming the display of the OSD image and the synthesized voice data, it can be confirmed more reliably that the channel selection is performed.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the display apparatus to which the channel selection apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention is applied. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining display of a video at the time of first channel selection in the display device of Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining display of a video at the time of second channel selection in the display device of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of operation at the time of determining the program to view, after a viewer selects a channel. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the other cursor display at the time of determining the program to view, after a viewer selects a channel. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display of the image | video etc. at the time of channel selection in the display apparatus of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display of the image | video etc. at the time of the 1st channel selection in the display apparatus of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display of the image | video at the time of the 2nd channel selection in the display apparatus of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a display apparatus provided with the channel selection apparatus in Embodiment 4 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Input terminal 2 1st tuner module 3 1st demultiplexer 4 1st video decoder 5 1st audio decoder 6 OSD production | generation means 7 Image | video synthetic | combination means 8 Image | video adjustment means 9 Display means 10 second tuner module, 11 second demultiplexer, 12 second video decoder, 13 second audio decoder, 14 sound selection means, 15 sound adjustment means, 16 sound output means, 17 storage means, 18 operation Means, 19 Control means, 20 Audio adding means, 100, 200 Channel selection device, 1000, 2000 Display device.

Claims (13)

The channel selection is performed when displaying the first video corresponding to the first channel among the plurality of channels included in the received signal, and is the channel selection for selecting the second channel. A first display step of displaying on the display means a second video corresponding to the second channel together with the first video in response to a channel selection of one;
A selection step of selecting either the first video or the second video;
A channel selection method including a second display step of displaying the selected video of either the first video or the second video on the display means. In the first display step, the channel selection is performed when the second video corresponding to the second channel is displayed on the display unit together with the first video, and the third channel is selected. A third display step of displaying a third video corresponding to a third channel instead of the second video in response to the second channel selection,
A channel selection method for selecting the first video or the third video in the selection step. The OSD image for displaying information of a program corresponding to the second video is displayed on the display means before displaying the second video in the first display step. 2. The channel selection method according to 2. 3. The OSD image for displaying information on a program corresponding to the third video is displayed on the display means before displaying the third video in the third display step. 3. The channel selection method according to 3. 5. The selection according to claim 1, wherein an area in which the first image is displayed and an area in which the second image is displayed in the display unit are separate areas. 6. Station method. The channel corresponding to the first video or the channel corresponding to the second video is an area where the second video is displayed or an area separate from the area where the first video is displayed. 6. The channel selection method according to claim 5, wherein information on programs of different channels is displayed. The channel selection method according to claim 6, wherein the program information of the different channel is displayed above or below an area where the second video is displayed. The channel selection method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the different channel is a channel before or after a channel corresponding to the second video. The channel selection method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the different channel is a channel that is most frequently selected by a viewer among a plurality of channels included in the received signal. 8. The selection according to claim 6, wherein the different channel is a channel broadcasting a genre that is most frequently selected by a viewer among a plurality of channels included in the received signal. Station method. The selection according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a step of outputting a sound notifying that the selection has been performed when the first channel selection or the second channel selection is performed. Station method. A channel selection device configured to be able to select a channel based on the channel selection method according to claim 1. A display device comprising the channel selection device according to claim 12.

Images