JP2007043400A - Apparatus and method for displaying electronic program list, broadcasting receiving apparatus and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic program list display apparatus for displaying an electronic program list easy to see. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic program list display apparatus 1 for displaying program information indicating broadcasting program information is provided with: a detection means 113 for detecting the number of target programs to be displayed in a first unit time band and whether the target programs are continuously broadcasted in a second unit time band or not; a selection means 113 for selecting a display program in which corresponding program information is to be displayed in a first display cell from the target programs, according to the detection result; a first display means 113 for displaying one program information indicating the information of one selected display program in the first display cell when only one display program is selected; and a second display means 113 for displaying identification information for identifying two or more selected display programs in the first display cell when the number of selected display programs is two or more. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention includes an electronic program guide display device and method used to acquire program information superimposed on broadcast waves and display an electronic program guide on a television screen, and such a telegram program guide display device. The present invention relates to a technical field of a broadcast receiving device and a computer program that causes a computer to function as such an electronic program guide display device.

  In the digital broadcasting standard, the data structure of electronic program information, specifications related to transmission / reception thereof, and basic functions of EPG (Electronic Program Guide) are defined as SI information. For example, in Japan, the above-mentioned basic functions are defined by standards such as ARIB B10 and ARIB TR-B14 defined by ARIB (Association of Radio Industries and Businesses). Digital broadcast receivers used in Japan are required to have this basic function. Based on this electronic program information, the digital broadcast receiver displays program information such as channel name, channel number, broadcast date and time on the television screen. For example, the program information is displayed as a program table in a two-dimensional matrix with channels arranged in the column direction and times arranged in the row direction. In the display cell uniquely specified by the column and row, the name of the broadcast program broadcast on the channel indicated by the column is displayed at the time indicated by the row. That is, the program guide displayed on the television screen is displayed in the same format as the latte column of the newspaper. The user can move a cursor or focus for selecting a desired display cell up, down, left and right by remote control operation, and as a result, can select a display cell on which the cursor is set or focused. If the broadcast program indicated by the program information displayed in the selected display cell is being broadcast at the current time, the broadcast program can be selected and output to a television screen or the like. On the other hand, when the broadcast program indicated by the program information displayed in the selected display cell has not been broadcast yet, the broadcast program can be reserved.

  In this way, when displaying the name of a broadcast program in a latte column format on a TV screen, the number of characters that can be displayed on one screen, the character size, and the length of time that can be displayed on one screen due to restrictions on the size and resolution of the TV screen. The number of channels is limited. For this reason, many techniques have been put into practical use regarding these display methods. For example, in Patent Document 1, a program table displayed on a television screen is divided by unit time, and for each display cell corresponding to each unit time, from the program information in the order of long broadcast time in the unit time, A broadcast program that specifically displays the name and a broadcast program that does not display the name are divided, and for a broadcast program that does not display the name, a blank display cell having a width that can be identified as being focused is assigned. An EPG that pops up a name when a blank display cell is focused is disclosed.

JP-A-9-270969

  However, in this case, it is necessary to define in advance the number of broadcast programs whose names are displayed within a unit time range. Also, if there are multiple broadcast programs that do not display names, the name must be changed after the focus is actually moved to the blank display cell assigned to the broadcast program that does not display names and a pop-up is displayed. There is a technical problem that the number of broadcast programs that are not displayed cannot be easily identified. In addition, the broadcast program that specifically displays the name and the broadcast program that does not display the name are separated from the longest broadcast time in the unit time, so the time context of the broadcast program can be easily identified. There is a technical problem that cannot be done.

  Examples of problems to be solved by the present invention include the above. The present invention relates to an electronic program guide display device and method capable of displaying a more easily viewable electronic program guide, a broadcast receiving device including such a telegram program guide display device, and a computer functioning as such an electronic program guide display device. An object is to provide a computer program to be executed.

  In order to solve the above problem, an electronic program guide display device according to claim 1 is an electronic program guide display device for displaying a plurality of program information respectively indicating information of a corresponding broadcast program among a plurality of broadcast programs. (I) the number of target programs broadcast in a first unit time zone among the plurality of broadcast programs, and (ii) a second unit time zone located immediately before the first unit time zone In the first unit, detection means for detecting whether or not the target program is continuously broadcast and corresponding program information of the plurality of program information according to a detection result by the detection means A selection means for selecting a display program to be displayed in a first display cell corresponding to a time zone and having a predetermined size from the target program; Of the selected one display program among the program information of When the number of the selected display programs is two or more, the two or more selected display programs are identified when the number of the selected display programs is two or more. And second display means for displaying identification information to be displayed on the first display cell.

  In order to solve the above problem, an electronic program guide display device according to claim 15 is an electronic program guide display method for displaying a plurality of program information respectively indicating information of corresponding broadcast programs among a plurality of broadcast programs. (I) the number of target programs broadcasted in a first unit time zone among the plurality of broadcast programs, and (ii) a second unit time zone located immediately before the first unit time zone In the first unit, a detection step for detecting whether or not the target program is broadcast continuously, and corresponding program information of the plurality of program information according to a detection result in the detection step A selection step of selecting a display program to be displayed in a first display cell corresponding to a time zone and having a predetermined size from the target program; and when the number of the selected display programs is one, the plurality of The selected one display program among the program information of A first display step of displaying one program information indicating information in the first display cell; and when the number of the selected display programs is two or more, the two or more selected display programs are displayed. A second display step of displaying identification information for identification in the first display cell.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 16 displays a plurality of program information respectively indicating information of a corresponding broadcast program among the plurality of broadcast programs, and displays the plurality of broadcast programs. (I) the number of target programs to be broadcast in a first unit time zone among the plurality of broadcast programs, and (ii) located immediately before the first unit time zone. Detecting means for detecting whether or not the target program is continuously broadcast in the second unit time zone, and a corresponding program among the plurality of program information according to a detection result by the detecting means Selection means for selecting a display program to be displayed in a first display cell corresponding to the first unit time zone and having a predetermined size from the target program, and the number of the selected display programs Is selected from among the plurality of program information. The first display means for displaying one program information indicating the information of one displayed program in the first display cell, and when the number of the selected display programs is two or more, the selected A second display unit configured to display identification information for identifying two or more display programs in the first display cell; and an output unit configured to display and output at least one of the plurality of broadcast programs.

  In order to solve the above problem, a computer program according to claim 17 is a computer program for controlling a computer provided in the electronic program guide display device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, A computer is caused to function as at least a part of the detection means, the selection means, the first display means, and the second display means.

  Such an operation and gain of the present invention will be clarified from the embodiments described below.

  Hereinafter, as the best mode for carrying out the invention, embodiments according to an electronic program guide display device and method, a broadcast receiving device, and a computer program of the present invention will be described in order.

(Embodiment of electronic program guide display device)
An embodiment of the electronic program guide display device according to the present invention is an electronic program guide display device for displaying a plurality of program information respectively indicating information of corresponding broadcast programs among a plurality of broadcast programs, and Number of target programs (for example, broadcast programs specified by an identification code El_i described below) broadcasted in the first unit time zone, and (ii) one of the first unit time zones Detecting means for detecting whether or not the target program is continuously broadcast in a second unit time zone located in front of the plurality of program information according to a detection result by the detecting means; A display program (for example, a broadcast program specified by an identification code Ed_i described later) to be displayed in the first display cell corresponding to the first unit time zone and having a predetermined size is displayed. Selecting means for selecting from the target program; and First display means for displaying, in the first display cell, one piece of program information indicating information of the selected one display program among the plurality of pieces of program information when the number of selected display programs is one. And second display means for displaying identification information for identifying the two or more selected display programs in the first display cell when the number of the selected display programs is two or more. .

  According to the embodiment of the electronic program guide display device of the present invention, program information indicating broadcast program information including, for example, movies, dramas, news, sports, variety, etc. (for example, program names, detailed contents of programs, etc.) ) Can be displayed, for example, for each channel and divided by time zone. That is, an EPG (electronic program guide) can be displayed.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the number of target programs that are broadcast programs broadcast in the first unit time zone is detected by the operation of the detection means. Here, the “unit time zone” is intended to indicate a time zone having a predetermined time width, and is a case where a broadcast time axis indicating a time flow of broadcasting of a broadcast program is divided by a predetermined time width. , Indicating the respective divided sections. For example, one broadcast program may be broadcast in a single unit time zone, or may be broadcast across a plurality of continuous unit time zones. In addition, due to the operation of the detection means, the first unit in the second unit time zone which is the unit time zone one time before (in other words, one past) in time with respect to the first unit time zone. It is detected whether the target program broadcast in the time zone is continuously broadcast.

  After that, the display program to display the corresponding program information in the first display cell corresponding to the first unit time zone is displayed on the basis of the detection result of the detection means by the operation of the selection means. It is selected from the inside. For example, when there is only one target program, the target program is naturally selected as the display program. On the other hand, when there are two or more target programs, in principle, two or more target programs are selected as display programs. However, the detection result of the detection means (specifically, the target program Depending on whether or not it is broadcasted in the unit time zone of this, and in the case of broadcasting, only one target program may be selected as a display program, or two of them may be selected. One or more target programs may be selected as display programs, or all of the target programs may be selected as display programs. A more specific aspect of this selection will be described in detail later. In addition, the “display cell” is a display unit for displaying program information provided at an intersection of, for example, channels arranged in the column direction and broadcast times arranged in the row direction on the electronic program guide. It is.

  When there is one selected display program, one program information indicating the information of this one display program is displayed in the first display cell by the operation of the first display means. Here, it is not necessary to display all the information included in the program information, and it is sufficient if at least a part of the information is displayed. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of selected display programs, identification information (for example, corresponding to each of the plurality of display programs) is identified in the first display cell by the operation of the second display means. Unique symbols and numbers). In other words, depending on the number of display programs whose program information is to be displayed in the display cell, it is determined whether to display the program information itself or to display identification information (so-called display program is displayed in a simplified manner). Is done.

  By performing the processing related to the display of the program information over all or a predetermined time zone (that is, the above-mentioned processing while shifting the time zone indicated by the first unit time zone along the broadcast time axis of the broadcast program). Thus, the electronic program guide for all or a predetermined time zone can be displayed and output on the display surface of an output means such as a television.

  Originally, the program information is preferably displayed so as to coincide with the time when the program indicated by the program information is broadcast. For example, it is preferable that all program information related to the target program broadcast in the first unit time zone is displayed in the first display cell corresponding to the first unit time zone. However, when there are a plurality of broadcast programs that are broadcast in a short time, displaying the program information so as to match the time causes a disadvantage that the electronic program guide becomes complicated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when attention is paid to a certain unit time zone, the program is displayed in a display cell corresponding to a certain unit time zone while considering the connection with the broadcast program broadcast in the previous unit time zone. The display program to display information is preferably selected from the target program (or a plurality of broadcast programs). Therefore, the program information can be displayed in an easy-to-view manner on a plurality of display cells arranged in correspondence with the unit time period. In addition, when there are a plurality of display programs, instead of displaying the program information itself, simplified identification information is displayed, so that the electronic program guide is not complicated and the time of the broadcast program The context can be easily identified. And since identification information is displayed, if the display cell is seen, the number of the display programs currently displayed on the display cell, etc. can be recognized suitably. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to display an electronic program guide that is neatly organized and easier to see (in other words, in a state where various program information is optimally and efficiently arranged).

  In one aspect of the electronic program guide display device of the present invention, the number of the target programs is two or more, and at least one of the target programs is broadcast over the entire second unit time zone. In this case, the selection means excludes the at least one target program from the display program to be displayed in the first display cell and displays the corresponding program information in the second unit time zone. And the at least one target program is selected as a display program to be displayed in the second display cell having the predetermined size.

  According to this aspect, at least one target program broadcast over the entire second unit time period is excluded from the display programs whose program information should be displayed in the first display cell, and the second Is selected as a display program whose program information is to be displayed in the display cell. Accordingly, since the program information related to at least one target program broadcast over the entire second unit time zone is displayed in the second display cell, the corresponding program information should be displayed in the first display cell. The number of displayed programs can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to display a clear and easy-to-see electronic program guide.

  In another aspect of the embodiment of the electronic program guide display device of the present invention, the number of the target programs is two or more, and at least one of the target programs covers a part of the second unit time zone. In the case of broadcasting, the selection means selects the at least one target program as a display program to be displayed in the first display cell, and sets the corresponding program information as the second unit time zone. And the at least one target program is excluded from the display programs to be displayed in the second display cell having the predetermined size.

  According to this aspect, at least one target program broadcast over a part of the second unit time zone is excluded from the display program whose program information should be displayed in the second display cell, and the first The program information is selected as a display program to be displayed in one display cell. Accordingly, since the program information regarding at least one target program broadcast over a part of the second unit time zone is displayed in the first display cell, the corresponding program information is displayed in the second display cell. The number of display programs to be reduced can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to display a clear and easy-to-see electronic program guide.

  In another aspect of the embodiment of the electronic program guide display device of the present invention, the detection means is configured such that the target program continues in a third unit time zone located immediately after the first unit time zone. It further detects whether or not it is broadcast.

  According to this aspect, when paying attention to a certain unit time zone, in addition to the broadcast program broadcast in the previous unit time zone, the subsequent unit time zone (in other words, one future unit time zone) The display program whose program information is to be displayed in the display cell corresponding to a certain unit time zone can be suitably selected from the target program while considering the connection with the broadcast program to be broadcasted. Therefore, it is possible to display the program information in an easy-to-see manner in a plurality of display cells arranged corresponding to the unit time zone. Therefore, the above-described effect that it is possible to display a clear and easy-to-view electronic program guide can be enjoyed similarly.

  In this aspect, when the number of the target programs is two or more and at least one of the target programs is broadcast over the entire third unit time zone, the selection means displays the corresponding program information. A third display that excludes the at least one target program from display programs to be displayed in the first display cell, and displays corresponding program information in the third unit time zone and having the predetermined size. You may comprise so that the said at least 1 object program may be selected as a display program which should be displayed on a cell.

With this configuration, at least one target program that is broadcast over the entire third unit time period is excluded from the display programs whose program information should be displayed in the first display cell, and the first The program information is selected as a display program to be displayed in the three display cells. Accordingly, since the program information related to at least one target program broadcast over the entire third unit time zone is displayed in the third display cell, the corresponding program information should be displayed in the first display cell. The number of displayed programs can be reduced. Therefore, the above-described effect that it is possible to display a clear and easy-to-read electronic program guide can be similarly enjoyed. In this aspect, the number of the target programs is two or more and the target programs When at least one of the programs is broadcast over a part of the third unit time zone, the selection means selects the at least one target as a display program to display corresponding program information in the first display cell. A program is selected, and the corresponding program information is excluded from the display program to be displayed in the third display cell corresponding to the third unit time zone and having the predetermined size. You may comprise.

With this configuration, at least one target program broadcasted over a part of the third unit time zone is excluded from the display program whose program concessions are to be displayed in the third display cell, and The program information is selected as a display program to be displayed in the first display cell. Therefore, since the program information regarding at least one target program broadcast over a part of the third unit time zone is displayed in the first display cell, the corresponding program information is displayed in the third display cell. The number of display programs to be reduced can be reduced. Therefore, the above-mentioned effect that it is possible to display a clean and easy-to-view electronic program guide can be enjoyed in the same manner, and the other aspect of the embodiment of the electronic program guide display device of the present invention is When the number of target programs is two or more and at least one of the target programs is broadcast only in the first unit time zone, the selection means displays the corresponding program information in the first display cell. The at least one target program is selected as a display program to be displayed.

  According to this aspect, for the target program broadcast only in the first unit time, the corresponding program information is selected as the display program to be displayed in the first display cell. Therefore, it is possible to suitably prevent an error that a broadcast program in which program information corresponding to the display cell is not displayed as a result of selection is generated.

  According to another aspect of the embodiment of the electronic program guide display device of the present invention, when the number of the target programs is one, the selection means should display the corresponding program information in the first display cell. The target program is selected as a display program.

  According to this aspect, for the target program that occupies the first unit time zone, the corresponding program information is naturally selected as the display program displayed in the first display cell.

  In this aspect, when the target program is broadcast over the entire second unit time zone, the program corresponds to the first display cell and the second unit time zone and has the predetermined size. A generating unit configured to generate a combined cell combined with a second display cell, wherein the selecting unit selects the target program as a display program to be displayed in the combined cell; May be.

  With this configuration, a broadcast program that is broadcast across a plurality of unit time zones and occupying a plurality of unit time zones is approximately N times the predetermined size (where N is an integer of 2 or more) The program information corresponding to the combined cell having the size of) can be displayed. Therefore, it is possible to display a more easily viewable electronic program guide.

  Further, in this aspect, when the target program is broadcast over a part of the second unit time zone, the selection means corresponds to the second unit time zone and the corresponding program information corresponds to the predetermined unit time zone. The target program may be excluded from the display program to be displayed in the second display cell having the size of.

  If comprised in this way, such an object program should be excluded from the display program which should display corresponding program information on a 2nd display cell, and should display corresponding program information on a 1st display cell Selected as a display program. Accordingly, since the program information regarding such a target program is displayed in the first display cell, the number of display programs whose corresponding program information should be displayed in the second display cell can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to display a clear and easy-to-see electronic program guide.

  According to another aspect of the embodiment of the electronic program guide of the present invention, two or more pieces of program information indicating information of the two or more display programs identified by the identification information among the plurality of pieces of program information are obtained. Third display means for displaying in a pop-up cell that exists separately from one display cell is further provided.

  According to this aspect, the program information corresponding to the display program on which the identification information is displayed can be displayed in the pop-up cell. Therefore, usually by displaying the identification information, a simpler electronic program guide can be displayed, and pop-up cells can be displayed when necessary to refer to more detailed program information. As a result, it is possible to display a clear and easy-to-see electronic program guide.

  In this aspect, the third display means may be configured to display the two or more program information in the pop-up cell so as to be associated with the first cell in which the identification information is displayed.

  With this configuration, it is possible to preferably recognize which identification information (or display cell) corresponds to the currently displayed pop-up cell. As a result, it is possible to display a clear and easy-to-see electronic program guide.

  Furthermore, in this aspect, when the first display cell is selected by the user, the third display means identifies the identification information displayed in the first display cell selected by the user. You may comprise so that the 2 or more program information which shows the information of 2 or more display programs may be displayed on the said pop-up cell.

  If comprised in this way, the pop-up cell corresponding to the selected display cell can be displayed selectively.

  Furthermore, in this aspect, when the first display cell is selected by the user, the third display means displays the display cell in the same column or the same row as the first display cell selected by the user. Two or more program information indicating information of the two or more display programs identified by the displayed identification information may be configured to be displayed in the plurality of pop-up cells corresponding to each display cell. Good.

  If comprised in this way, a some pop-up cell can be collectively displayed for every row or every column.

(Embodiment of electronic program guide display method)
An embodiment of the electronic program guide display method of the present invention is an electronic program guide display method for displaying a plurality of program information each indicating information of a corresponding broadcast program among a plurality of broadcast programs, wherein: The number of target programs to be broadcast in the first unit time zone, and (ii) in the second unit time zone located immediately before the first unit time zone, the target program is A detection step for detecting whether or not the broadcast is continuously performed, and corresponding program information of the plurality of program information corresponding to the first unit time zone according to a detection result in the detection step; A selection step of selecting a display program to be displayed in a first display cell having a predetermined size from the target program, and when the number of the selected display programs is one, the program information among the plurality of program information One program showing information of one selected display program A first display step of displaying information in the first display cell, and when the number of the selected display programs is two or more, identification information for identifying the two or more selected display programs, A second display step of displaying in the first display cell.

  According to the embodiment of the electronic program guide display method of the present invention, it is possible to receive the same benefits as the various benefits of the above-described embodiment of the electronic program guide display device of the present invention.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the embodiment of the electronic program guide display apparatus of the present invention described above, the embodiment of the electronic program guide display method of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

(Embodiment of broadcast receiving apparatus)
The embodiment according to the broadcast receiving apparatus of the present invention is a broadcast receiving apparatus that displays a plurality of program information each indicating information of a corresponding broadcast program among a plurality of broadcast programs, and displays and outputs the plurality of broadcast programs. (I) the number of target programs broadcast in the first unit time zone among the plurality of broadcast programs, and (ii) the second unit time located immediately before the first unit time zone. Detecting means for detecting whether or not the target program is continuously broadcasted in the band, and corresponding program information of the plurality of program information according to the detection result by the detecting means A selection means for selecting a display program to be displayed in a first display cell corresponding to a unit time zone and having a predetermined size from the target program; and when the number of the selected display programs is one, Of the plurality of program information, the selected one display program If the number of the selected display programs is two or more, the first display means for displaying one program information indicating information in the first display cell, the two or more selected display programs A second display unit configured to display identification information for identification in the first display cell; and an output unit configured to display and output at least one of the plurality of broadcast programs. That is, the embodiment according to the broadcast receiving apparatus of the present invention includes the above-described embodiment (including various aspects thereof) according to the electronic program guide display apparatus of the present invention and the output means.

  According to the embodiment of the broadcast receiving apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of broadcast programs are displayed on a television or the like while enjoying the same benefits as the various advantages of the above-described embodiment of the electronic program guide display apparatus of the present invention. It becomes possible to output.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the embodiment of the electronic program guide display apparatus of the present invention described above, the broadcast receiving apparatus of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

(Embodiment of computer program)
An embodiment according to the computer program of the present invention is a computer program for controlling a computer provided in the above-described electronic program guide display device of the present invention, wherein the computer includes the detection means, the selection means, and the first It functions as at least a part of the display means and the second display means.

  According to the embodiment of the computer program according to the present invention, the computer program is read from a recording medium such as a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a hard disk that stores the computer program, and is executed. If the computer program is downloaded to a computer via communication means and executed, the above-described embodiment of the electronic program guide display device of the present invention can be realized relatively easily.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the embodiment of the electronic program guide display device of the present invention described above, the embodiments of the computer program of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

  Such an operation and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the electronic program guide display device of the present invention, the electronic program guide display device includes the detection means, the selection means, the first display means, and the second display means. In addition, according to the embodiment of the electronic program guide display method of the present invention, it includes a detection step, a selection step, a first display step, and a second display step. Therefore, it is possible to display a more easily viewable electronic program guide.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Basic Configuration First, with reference to FIG. 1, description will be given on a broadcast receiving apparatus provided with an embodiment according to the electronic program guide display apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the basic structure of the broadcast receiving apparatus in the example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a broadcast receiving apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a broadcast receiving antenna / CATV (Cable Television) coaxial cable 101, a music selection / detection unit 102, a demodulation / decoding unit 103, and a frame separation / read. Solomon decoding unit 104, descrambling unit 105, MPEG2-DEMUX unit 106, EPG data / basic data decoder 107, video decoding processing unit 108, down converter 109, audio decoding processing unit 110, video graphic control Unit 111, television 112, CPU 113, card interface (InterFace) 114, CAS (Conditional Access System) card 115, memory 116, remote control receiver 117, remote control 118, modem 119, data bus And a 20.

  The broadcast receiving antenna / CATV coaxial cable 101 is configured to receive a broadcast signal transmitted from a communication satellite or the like, or to receive a broadcast signal transmitted from a CATV broadcast station, for example. The received broadcast signal is output to the music selection / detection unit 102.

  The music selection / detection unit 102 extracts a broadcast signal in a frequency band corresponding to a desired channel by performing tuning from the broadcast signal received by the broadcast receiving antenna / CATV coaxial cable 101, and further extracts the broadcast signal corresponding to the extracted broadcast signal. The detection process is configured to be executable. The broadcast signal subjected to the music selection / detection processing is output to the demodulation / decoding unit 103.

  The demodulation / decoding unit 103 is configured to be able to execute demodulation processing and decoding processing on the broadcast signal output from the music selection / detection unit 102. For example, when a broadcast signal is modulated by a 64QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) system, a demodulation process based on the 64QAM system is performed. Alternatively, when the broadcast signal is modulated by the TC8PSK system, the Trellis code (trellis code) is used and demodulation processing conforming to the 8PSK system is performed. The broadcast signal subjected to the demodulation / decoding process is output to the frame separation / Reed-Solomon decoding unit 104.

  The frame separation / Reed-Solomon decoding unit 104 is configured to execute frame separation processing and Reed-Solomon decoding processing (so-called error correction processing) on the broadcast signal output from the demodulation / decoding unit 103. The broadcast signal subjected to the frame separation process and the Reed-Solomon decoding process is output to the descrambling unit 105.

  The descrambling unit 105 is configured to be able to execute descrambling processing conforming to, for example, the MULTI-2 system on the broadcast signal output from the frame separation / Reed-Solomon decoding unit 104. By performing the descrambling process, the broadcast signal is converted into an MPEG-TS (Transport Stream) system stream signal. The stream signal is output to the MPEG2-DEMUX unit 106.

  The MPEG2-DEMUX unit 106 is configured to be able to execute a demultiplexer process on an MPEG-TS stream signal. By performing demultiplexer processing, section format PSI data and SI data, an elementary stream (ES: Elementary Stream) related to main video information, and an elementary stream related to audio information are extracted from the MPEG-TS stream signal. Is done. Here, an elementary stream including a TS packet having a PID (Packet ID) specified by a PMT (Program Map Table) is selected. Then, the PSI data and SI data in the section format are output to the EPG data / basic data decoder 107, the elementary stream related to the main video information is output to the video decoding processing unit 108, and the elementary stream related to the audio information is the audio The data is output to the decoding processing unit 110.

  The EPG data / basic data decoder 107 is configured to generate EPG data by decoding PSI data and SI data. The EPG data includes an EIT (Event Information Table) in which program information related to the broadcast program such as the name of the broadcast program, the broadcast date and time, and the contents of the program is described. Normally, EIT contains program information for eight days. ing. The EPG data is stored in the memory 116, for example.

  The video decoding processing unit 108 is configured to be able to decode, for example, an MPEG2 elementary stream. As a result, a video signal in a video format is generated, and the video signal is output to the video graphic control unit 111.

  When the video signal generated by the video decoding processing unit 108 has an image quality related to HDTV (High Definition TV), the down converter 109 converts the video signal to an image quality related to SDTV (Standard Definition TV). It is configured to be downconvertable. The down-converted video signal is output to the video graphic control unit 111.

  The audio decoding processing unit 110 is configured to be able to decode audio data of, for example, MPEG2-BC system or MPEG-AAC system included in an elementary stream related to audio information. As a result, an analog audio signal such as monaural / stereo is generated, and the audio signal is output to the video graphic control unit 111.

  The video graphic control unit 111 outputs the video signal output from the video decoding processing unit 108 to the television 112 and outputs the audio signal output from the audio decoding processing unit 110 to the television 112. Further, the video graphic control unit 111 is configured to be able to synthesize a sub-picture such as a still image or characters on the main video indicated by the video signal.

  The television 112 is configured to be able to display a predetermined video on the screen based on the video signal output from the video graphic control unit 111 and to output a predetermined sound from the speaker based on the audio signal.

  The CPU 113 constitutes one specific example of each of the “detection means”, “selection means”, “first display means”, “second display means”, and “third display means” of the present invention. It is configured to be able to execute processing related to display of program information based on. Processing related to display of program information will be described in detail later.

  The CPU 113 is connected to various components constituting the broadcast receiving device 1 via the data bus 120, and controls the entire legal transmission / reception device 1 by giving instructions to the various components. Usually, software or firmware for operating the CPU 113 is stored in the memory 116.

  The card I / F 114 is configured so that a CAS card can be inserted.

  The CAS card 115 is an IC card necessary for viewing, for example, BS digital broadcasting or terrestrial digital broadcasting.

  The memory 116 is used in general data processing in the broadcast receiving apparatus 1 such as a data buffer area. The memory 116 stores a program for operating as the broadcast receiving apparatus 1, that is, a ROM area in which firmware is stored, a buffer for temporarily storing various data, variables necessary for the operation of the firmware program, and the like. It consists of a RAM area and the like.

  The remote control receiving unit 117 is configured to receive an operation signal transmitted from the remote control 118 and to output it to the CPU 113 via the data bus 120.

  The remote controller 118 includes various operation buttons, and is configured to be able to output a corresponding operation signal to the remote control reception unit 117 using, for example, infrared light or the like when the operation button is pressed.

  The modem 119 is configured to be connectable to a telephone line, and is configured to be able to transmit billing information or the like to the center when, for example, a paid broadcast program is viewed.

  The data bus 120 is a bus for inputting / outputting data between various components constituting the broadcast receiving apparatus 1.

(2) Display Mode of Program Guide Next, with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, description will be given on the display mode of program information displayed by the broadcast receiving apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a first mode of display of program information displayed by the broadcast receiving apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a broadcast reception according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a second mode of display of program information displayed by the apparatus 1, and FIG. 4 is a third example of display of program information displayed by the broadcast receiving apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a fourth aspect of display of program information displayed by the broadcast receiving apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an electronic program guide (EPG) 200 configured by displaying program information includes a day display unit 202, a time zone display unit 203, a channel display unit 204, a display cell 205, A detailed program information display unit 208. In the display cell 205, a program name display character string 206 and an identification symbol string 207 are displayed.

  The date display unit 202 is configured to display a date. Since the EPG data describes program information for eight days, the date display unit 202 is also configured to display the date for eight days correspondingly. In addition, a desired date can be specified by moving the focus 202a in the date display unit 202 according to an instruction via the remote controller 118. For example, in FIG. 2, October 21 is designated, and program information for October 21 is displayed in the electronic program guide 200.

  The time zone display unit 203 is configured to be able to display the time zone. For example, in FIG. 2, a time zone from 14:00:00 to 17:59:59 is displayed, and the electronic program guide 200 displays program information corresponding to this time zone. Further, according to an instruction via the remote controller 118, the time zone displayed on the time zone display unit 203 can be scrolled up and down, for example, to display other time zones.

  The channel display unit 204 is configured to be able to display channels. For example, in FIG. 2, four channels BS101, BS102, BS103, and BS104 are displayed, and program information corresponding to these four channels is displayed in the electronic program guide 200. Further, in response to an instruction via the remote controller 118, the channel displayed on the channel display unit 204 can be scrolled, for example, in the horizontal direction to display other channels.

  A display cell 205 is a display area for displaying program information divided by a column corresponding to a channel and a row corresponding to a time zone. The size of the display cell 205 in the column direction is the same as the size occupied by one channel specified in the channel display unit 204. The size of the display cell 205 in the row direction is N times (where N is 1), with the size occupied by the time width of “15 minutes” in the time zone display unit 203 being the minimum unit (in other words, the number of reference rows). The size of the above integer) can be taken as appropriate.

  In addition, a desired display cell 205 can be designated by moving the focus 205a in the display cell 205 by an instruction via the remote controller 118. For example, in FIG. 2, a broadcast program “Italian conversation” broadcast on the “BS101” channel at 15:30 on October 21 is designated.

  More specifically, a program name display character string 206 and an identification symbol string 207 are displayed in the display cell 205.

  The program name display character string 206 constitutes the name of a broadcast program having a predetermined number of characters in accordance with the size of the display cell 205 (and the contents of the broadcast program if the size of the display cell 205 permits). The program name display character string 206 is created when displaying program information related to one broadcast program in the display cell 205 and displayed on the display cell 205.

  The identification symbol string 207 is a symbol string that is created when displaying program information related to two or more broadcast programs in the display cell 205 and displayed on the display cell 205. Specifically, when it is necessary to display program information related to two or more broadcast programs in the display cell 205, for example, in order of broadcast (that is, broadcast start time) for each of the two or more broadcast programs. A unique identification symbol is given (in the early order). An identification symbol string 207 is configured by arranging the identification numbers in the order of broadcasting. In FIG. 2, numerals “1”, “2” and the like are given as identification symbols.

  Operations related to the determination of the size of the display cell 205 and the determination of whether to display the program name display character string 206 or the identification symbol string 207 in the display cell 205 will be described in detail later (FIG. 6 and the like). reference).

  The program detailed information display unit 208 is configured to be able to display the program information of the broadcast program designated by the focus 205a in detail. For example, in addition to the name of the broadcast program displayed in the display cell 205, the content of the broadcast program, specific broadcast time, resolution, aspect ratio, whether there are copy restrictions and viewing restrictions, or pay Information or the like indicating whether or not it is broadcast is displayed. In FIG. 2, the program information of the broadcast program “Italian conversation” broadcast on the “BS101” channel at 15:30 on October 21 is displayed in detail.

  When the display cell 205 on which the identification symbol string 207 is displayed is designated by the focus 205a, the identification symbol string 207 displayed on the display cell 205 designated by the focus 205a is shown as shown in FIG. The name of the broadcast program or the like is displayed in a pop-up cell 210 that exists independently of the display cell 205. In other words, when the display cell 205 on which the identification symbol string 207 is displayed is selected by the focus 205a, a pop-up in which a program name display character string 206 including the name of the broadcast program indicated by the identification symbol string 207 is displayed. A cell 210 is newly displayed on the electronic program guide 200. When the pop-up cell 210 is displayed, the focus 205a moves into the pop-up cell 210, and the program name display character string 206 displayed in the pop-up cell 210 can be designated. The program information of the broadcast program designated by the focus 205a is displayed in detail on the program detailed information display unit 208.

The pop-up cell 210 is preferably displayed so that the association with the original display cell 205a can be recognized. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the pop-up cell 210 may be displayed so that the pop-cell 210 overlaps the original display cell 205a. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the original cell 205a and the pop-up cell 210 may be connected by a line. Alternatively, the pop-up cell 210 may be displayed so that the association between the pop-up cell 210 and the original display cell 205a can be recognized according to other display modes.
In FIG. 3, the broadcast program name or the like indicated by the identification symbol string 207 displayed in the single display cell 205 designated by the focus 205a is displayed in the pop-up cell 210. The display mode of the pop-up cell 210 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the display cell 205 on which the identification symbol string 207 is displayed is selected by the focus 205a, all the identification symbol strings 207 of the channel to which the display cell 205 designated by the focus 205a belongs are displayed. You may comprise so that the several popup 210 corresponding to each may be displayed. Alternatively, when the display cell 205 on which the identification symbol string 207 is displayed is selected by the focus 205a, a plurality of corresponding ones of all the identification symbol strings 207 in the time zone to which the display cell 205 designated by the focus 205a belongs. The pop-up 210 may be configured to be displayed.

(3) Operation Principle Next, with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 10, an explanation will be given on the operation principle relating to the display of program information by the broadcast receiving apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart conceptually showing a first flow of the operation related to the display of the program information by the broadcast receiving apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment. 8 is a flowchart conceptually showing a second flow of the operation related to the display of the program information by 1, and FIG. 8 shows a third flow of the operation related to the display of the program information of the broadcast receiving device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a conceptual flow chart, FIG. 9 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing one specific example of EIT information obtained by receiving a broadcast signal, and FIG. 10 is a broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment. 2 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing one specific example of an EPG data table generated when program information is displayed by 1. FIG.

  The operation described below will be described focusing on one channel (here, the BS 101 channel in FIG. 2). By repeating such an operation in each of the plurality of channels, the electronic program guide 200 shown in FIG. 2 and the like can be displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, under the control of the CPU 113, program information from the display start time to the display end time of the electronic program guide 200 corresponding to a specific channel (here, the BS 101 channel) is first acquired. (Step S101). This is acquired as an output of the EPG data / basic data decoder 107.

  The program information specifically acquired will be described with reference to FIG. Assuming that the display start time of the electronic program guide 200 is 14:00:00 and the display end time is 17:59:59, as shown in FIG. To be acquired. As the program information to be acquired, it is sufficient that at least a part of the various specific examples of the program information described above is acquired. For example, a channel name (service_id) indicating a channel on which a broadcast program is broadcast, a unique event ID (event_id) for identifying the broadcast program, a broadcast start time (start_time) of the broadcast program, and a broadcast time of the broadcast program (duration) The name of the broadcast program (event_name_char) and the like are acquired.

  In FIG. 6 again, subsequently, parameters used for displaying the electronic program guide 200 are initialized under the control of the CPU 113 (step S102). Specifically, for example, a variable “i” for identifying a unit time zone, which will be described later, is initialized to “0”, and the number of rows (that is, width in the row direction) “GI_i” of the display cell 205 is “1”. The cell ID “Sn_i” of the display cell 205 displayed first is initialized to “01”.

  Subsequently, by the operation of the CPU 113, the broadcast program “E1_i” is acquired within the unit time zone “Tw_i”, which starts, ends, or continues (hereinafter, referred to as “start etc.” as appropriate). Step S103). Specifically, the event ID of the broadcast program is acquired as “El_i”.

  Here, the unit time “Tw_i” indicates a section of each time zone when the time zone from the display start time to the display end time of the electronic program guide 200 is divided in units of, for example, 15 minutes. Then, IDs are assigned in the order of “Tw_1”, “Tw_2”,. More specifically, the time zone from 14:00:00 to 14:14:59 is defined as “Tw_1”, and the time zone from 14:15:00 to 14:29:59 is “ The definition is repeated until the display end time.

  For example, when the program information shown in FIG. 9 is acquired, broadcasting starts and ends within the unit time zone “Tw_1” corresponding to the time zone from 14:00:00 to 14:14:59. Alternatively, “001” is acquired as the continuing broadcast program “El_1”. “001” and “002” are acquired as the broadcast program “El_2” for starting broadcasting in the unit time zone “Tw_2” corresponding to the time zone from 14:15:00 to 14:29:59. Is done. “003” and “004” are acquired as the broadcast program “El_3” for starting broadcasting in the unit time zone “Tw — 3” corresponding to the time zone from 14:30:14 to 14:44:59. The “004” and “005” are acquired as the broadcast program “El_1” for starting broadcasting in the unit time zone “Tw — 4” corresponding to the time zone from 14:45:00 to 14:59:59. The “006” is acquired as the broadcast program “E1 — 5” for starting broadcasting in the unit time zone “Tw — 5” corresponding to the time zone from 15:00:00 to 15:14:59. “006” is acquired as the broadcast program “E1 — 6” for starting broadcasting in the unit time zone “Tw — 6” corresponding to the time zone from 15:15:15 to 15:29:59. “007” is acquired as a broadcast program “El_7” for starting broadcasting in a unit time zone “Tw — 7” corresponding to a time zone from 15:30:15 to 15:44:59. “007” and “008” are acquired as a broadcast program “El_8” for starting broadcasting in a unit time zone “Tw_8” corresponding to a time zone from 15:45:00 to 15:59:59. The “009” and “010” are acquired as a broadcast program “El_9” for starting broadcasting in the unit time zone “Tw_9” corresponding to the time zone from 16:00:16 to 16:14:59. The “011” is acquired as a broadcast program “El_10” for starting broadcasting in a unit time zone “Tw_10” corresponding to a time zone from 16:15:00 to 16:29:29. “012”, “013”, and “014” are broadcast programs “El_12” that start broadcasting within a unit time zone “Tw — 12” corresponding to a time zone from 16:30:16 to 16:44:59. "Is acquired. “015” is acquired as a broadcast program “El_13” for starting broadcasting in a unit time zone “Tw — 13” corresponding to a time zone from 17:00 to 17:14:59. “015” is acquired as the broadcast program “El_14” for starting broadcasting in the unit time zone “Tw — 14” corresponding to the time zone from 17:15:17 to 17:29:59. “015” is acquired as the broadcast program “El_15” for starting broadcasting in the unit time zone “Tw — 15” corresponding to the time zone from 17:30:17 to 17:44:59. Of course, “015” is acquired as a broadcast program “E1 — 16” that starts broadcasting within the unit time zone “Tw — 16” corresponding to the time zone from 17:45:00 to 17:59:59. The acquisition of El_i ″ is performed while sequentially incrementing i in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. These acquired broadcast programs “El_i” constitute a specific example of the “target program” of the present invention.

  Subsequently, the number of broadcast programs “En_i” that starts, ends, or continues within the unit time zone “Tw_i” is acquired by the operation of the CPU 113 (step S104). Here, for example, when the program information shown in FIG. 9 is acquired, “1” is acquired as the number of broadcast programs “En — 1” to start broadcasting within the unit time zone “Tw — 1”. In the unit time zone “Tw — 2”, “2” is acquired as the number of broadcast programs “En — 2” starting broadcasting. In the unit time zone “Tw — 3”, “2” is acquired as the number of broadcast programs “En — 3” to start broadcasting. In the unit time zone “Tw — 4”, “2” is acquired as the number of broadcast programs “En — 4” to start broadcasting. In the unit time zone “Tw — 5”, “1” is acquired as the number of broadcast programs “En — 5” starting broadcasting. In the unit time zone “Tw — 6”, “1” is acquired as the number of broadcast programs “En — 6” that start broadcasting. In the unit time zone “Tw — 7”, “1” is acquired as the number of broadcast programs “En — 7” starting broadcasting. In the unit time zone “Tw — 8”, “2” is acquired as the number of broadcast programs “En — 8” for starting broadcasting. In the unit time zone “Tw_9”, “2” is acquired as the number of broadcast programs “En_9” for starting broadcasting. In the unit time zone “Tw — 10”, “1” is acquired as the number of broadcast programs “En — 10” to start broadcasting. In the unit time zone “Tw — 11”, “2” is acquired as the number of broadcast programs “En — 11” that start broadcasting. In the unit time zone “Tw — 12”, “3” is acquired as the number of broadcast programs “En — 12” starting broadcasting. In the unit time zone “Tw — 13”, “1” is acquired as the number of broadcast programs “En — 13” starting broadcasting. In the unit time zone “Tw — 14”, “1” is acquired as the number of broadcast programs “En — 14” starting broadcasting. In the unit time zone “Tw_15”, “1” is acquired as the number of broadcast programs “En_15” for starting broadcasting. In the unit time zone “Tw — 16”, “1” is acquired as the number of broadcast programs “En — 16” that start broadcasting. Of course, the acquisition of “En_i” is performed while sequentially incrementing i in accordance with the flowchart of FIG.

  As a result, a table as shown on the left side of FIG. 10 can be created.

  Thereafter, whether or not “En_i” is “1” is determined by the operation of the CPU 113 (step S105).

  As a result of the determination in step S105, when it is determined that “En_i” is not “1” (step S105: No), the process moves to 1 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if “En_i” is determined to be “1” as a result of the determination in step S105 (step S105: Yes), the broadcast that starts broadcasting in the unit time zone “Tw_i” is subsequently performed. The event ID included in “El_i” indicating a program is “El_i−” indicating a broadcast program that starts broadcasting in the unit time zone “Tw_i−1” that is one time earlier than the unit time zone “Tw_i”. It is determined whether or not it exists within 1 ″ (step S106). More specifically, it is determined whether or not a broadcast program broadcast in the unit time zone “Tw_i” is also broadcast in the previous unit time zone “Tw_i−1”.

  As a result of the determination in step S106, if it is determined that the event ID included in “El_i” does not exist in “El_i−1” (step S106: No), the event is included in “El_i” by the operation of the CPU 113. Is registered in “Ed_i” indicating a broadcast program whose program information is to be displayed in the display cell 205 corresponding to the unit time “Tw_i” (step S107). The registered broadcast program “Ed_i” constitutes a specific example of the “display program” of the present invention.

  Therefore, the program information of the broadcast program specified by the event ID included in “El_i” is displayed in the display cell 205 corresponding to the unit time zone “Tw_i”.

  Thereafter, by the operation of the CPU 113, a cell ID obtained by adding “1” to the cell ID “Sn_i−1” of the display cell corresponding to the unit time zone “Tw_i−1” is displayed as the display cell corresponding to the unit time zone “Tw_i”. Cell ID “Sn_i” (step S108). Then, it is determined whether or not the unit time zone “Tw_i” is the last time zone (step S109).

  As a result of the determination in step S109, when it is determined that the unit time zone “Tw_i” is the last time zone (step S109: Yes), the process moves to 3 in FIG.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S109, when it is determined that the unit time zone “Tw_i” is not the last time zone (step S109: No), after incrementing the variable “i” (step S110), the step The processing from S103 is continued.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S106, if it is determined that the event ID included in “El_i” exists in “El_i−1” (step S106: Yes), then, the unit time zone “Tw_i”. It is determined whether or not the number of broadcast programs “En_i−1” starting to broadcast within the unit time zone “Tw_i−1” immediately before “1” is “1” (step S111). ). More specifically, a broadcast program that is broadcast in the unit time zone “Tw_i” is also broadcast in the previous unit time zone “Tw_i−1”, and the entire unit time zone “Tw_i-1”. It is determined whether or not the program is broadcast (ie occupied). When a broadcast program broadcast in the unit time zone “Tw_i” is also broadcast in the previous unit time zone “Tw_i−1” and is broadcast over the entire unit time zone “Tw_i-1”. “En_i−1” is naturally “1”. On the other hand, the broadcast program broadcast in the unit time zone “Tw_i” is also broadcast in the previous unit time zone “Tw_i−1” and is not broadcast over the entire unit time zone “Tw_i−1”. In the case of (that is, broadcast in a part of the unit time zone “Tw_i−1”), “En_i−1” is naturally not “1”.

  As a result of the determination in step S111, when it is determined that “En_i−1” is not “1” (step S111: No), the operation of the CPU 113 causes the unit one time earlier than the unit time zone “Tw_i”. Among event IDs included in “El_i−1” indicating a broadcast program that starts broadcasting in the time zone “Tw_i−1”, “showing a broadcast program that starts broadcasting in the unit time zone“ Tw_i ”” The event ID overlapping with the event ID included in El_i ”is deleted from“ Ed_i-1 ”indicating the broadcast program whose program information is to be displayed in the display cell 205 corresponding to the unit time zone“ Tw_i−1 ”( Step S112). Further, by the operation of the CPU 113, “1” is subtracted from “GI_i−1” indicating the number of broadcast programs whose program information is to be displayed in the display cell 205 corresponding to the unit time zone “Tw_i−1” (step S113). ). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S107.

  For this reason, even if the broadcast program specified by the event ID included in “El_i” is broadcast from the unit time zone “Tw_i−1” to the unit time zone “Tw_i”, the program information is It is displayed in the display cell 205 corresponding to the band “Tw_i”. Therefore, the number of program information displayed in the display cell 205 corresponding to the unit time zone “Tw_i−1” can be reduced.

  On the other hand, if “En_i−1” is determined to be “1” as a result of the determination in step S111 (step S111: No), the operation of the CPU 113 causes the display cell 205 corresponding to the unit time zone “Tw_i” to be displayed. “1” is added to “Gy_i” indicating the number of rows (step S114). The number of rows in the display cell 205 is indicated by a multiple of the reference number of rows, where the length of the time width of “15 minutes” on the electronic program guide 200 is the reference number of rows. For example, if the number of rows is “1”, the display cell 205 has the number of rows corresponding to the length of the time width of “15 minutes”. For example, if the number of rows is “2”, the display cell 205 has the number of rows corresponding to the length of the time width of “30 minutes”. For example, if the number of rows is “4”, the display cell 205 has the number of rows corresponding to the length of the time width of “60 minutes”.

  Further, by the operation of the CPU 113, the cell ID of the display cell 205 corresponding to the unit time zone “Tw_i” takes over the cell ID of the display cell 205 corresponding to the unit time zone “Tw_i−1” as it is (step S115). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S109.

  In other words, the display cell 205 corresponding to the unit time zone “Tw_i” and the display cell 205 corresponding to the unit time zone “Tw_i−1” are combined to be double, triple, or the like. , N times (where N is an integer equal to or greater than 2), the display cells 205 are defined. That is, since the broadcast program specified by the event ID included in “El_i” is broadcast across the unit time zones “Tw_i−1” to “Tw_i” and occupying these unit time zones, The program information is displayed in a larger display cell obtained by combining the display cells 205 corresponding to the time zone.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7, when it is determined that “En_i” is not “1” as a result of the determination in step S105 of FIG. 6 (step S105: No), first, the unit time zone “Tw_i” is set. The variable “j” used when identifying the broadcast program included in “” is initialized to “1” (step S201).

  Thereafter, the operation of the CPU 113 gives the ID of (#j) to each of two or more event IDs included in “El_i”, and then the broadcast program specified by the event ID (#j) It is determined whether or not the unit time zone “Tw_i−1” immediately before the time zone “Tw_i” is occupied (step S202). That is, it is determined whether the broadcast program specified by one event ID (#j) included in “El_i” is broadcast over the entire previous unit time zone “Tw_i−1”. (Step S202).

  As a result of the determination in step S202, when it is determined that the broadcast program specified by the event ID (#j) occupies the unit time zone “Tw_i−1” (step S202: Yes), the operation of the CPU 113 is performed. The event ID (#j) is set so as not to be registered in “Ed_i” indicating the broadcast program whose program information is to be displayed in the display cell 205 corresponding to the unit time “Tw_i” (step S205). That is, the program information of the broadcast program specified by the event ID (#j) only needs to be displayed in the display cell 205 corresponding to the unit time zone “Tw_i−1”, and therefore corresponds to the unit time zone “Tw_i”. The display cell 205 is set not to display.

  On the other hand, if it is determined as a result of the determination in step S202 that the broadcast program specified by the event ID (#j) does not occupy the unit time zone “Tw_i−1” (step S202: No), then The operation of the CPU 113 determines whether or not the broadcast program specified by the event ID (#j) occupies the unit time zone “Tw_i + 1” immediately after the unit time zone “Tw_i” (step) S203). In other words, it is determined whether or not the broadcast program specified by one event ID (#j) included in “El_i” is broadcast over the entire unit time zone “Tw_i + 1” one after ( Step S203).

  As a result of the determination in step S203, when it is determined that the broadcast program specified by the event ID (#j) occupies the unit time zone “Tw_i + 1” (step S203: Yes), ID (#j) is set so as not to be registered in “Ed_i” indicating a broadcast program whose program information is to be displayed in the display cell 205 corresponding to the unit time “Tw_i” (step S205). That is, the program information of the broadcast program specified by the event ID (#j) only needs to be displayed on the display cell 205 corresponding to the unit time zone “Tw_i + 1”, and thus the display cell corresponding to the unit time zone “Tw_i”. 205 is set so as not to be displayed.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S203, if it is determined that the broadcast program specified by the event ID (#j) does not occupy the unit time zone “Tw_i + 1” (step S203: No), the operation of the CPU 113 The event ID (#j) is set to be registered in “Ed_i” indicating the broadcast program whose program information is to be displayed in the display cell 205 corresponding to the unit time “Tw_i” (step S204). That is, the program information of the broadcast program specified by the event ID (#j) is set to be displayed on the display cell 205 corresponding to the unit time zone “Tw_i”.

  Subsequently, it is determined by the operation of the CPU 113 whether or not the event ID (#j) is the last event ID in “El_i” (step S206).

  As a result of the determination in step S206, if it is determined that the event ID (#j) is not the last event ID in “El_i” (step S206: No), after the variable “j” is incremented by the operation of the CPU 113 (Step S207), the processing from Step S202 is continued.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S206, if it is determined that the event ID (#j) is the last event ID in “El_i” (step S206: Yes), the process moves to step S108 in FIG.

  After the operation from step S101 to step S115 in FIG. 6 and the operation from step S201 to step S207 in FIG. 7 described above are completed, the table shown in FIG. 10 is generated. Thereafter, the actual electronic program guide 200 is displayed on the television 112 according to this table. This operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, the variable “i” is initialized to “1” (step S301). Subsequently, by the operation of the CPU 113, the display cell 205 with the cell ID “i” is displayed at the position corresponding to the unit time zone with the designated number of rows “Gy” (step S302). For example, when the table shown in FIG. 10 is generated, the display cell 205 with the cell ID “01” is designated with the designated number of rows “1” (that is, with the number of rows corresponding to the time width of 15 minutes). It is displayed at a position corresponding to the unit time zone “Tw_1”. For example, the display cell 205 with the cell ID “05” corresponds to the unit time zones “Tw_5” and “Tw_6” with the designated number of rows “2” (that is, with the number of rows corresponding to a time width of 30 minutes). Display in position.

  Subsequently, by the operation of the CPU 113, the broadcast program displaying the program information in the unit time zone “Tw_k (where k is an arbitrary constant indicating an integer of 1 or more)” corresponding to the display cell 205 of the cell ID “i”. It is determined whether or not the number “GI_k” is “1” (step S303). In other words, it is determined whether the number of broadcast programs whose program information is to be displayed in the display cell 205 of the cell ID “i” is one or two or more.

  As a result of the determination in step S303, when it is determined that the number of broadcast programs “GI_k” displaying program information in the unit time zone “Tw_k” is “1” (step S303: Yes), the cell ID “i” In the "" display cell 205, program information relating to one broadcast program may be displayed. Therefore, the program name display character string 206 indicating the program information of one broadcast program specified by “Ed_k” is displayed in the display cell 205 by the operation of the CPU 113 (step S304). More specifically, the name or the like of the broadcast program “Ed_k” is displayed in the display cell 205 of the cell ID “i”, where the number of characters × the number of characters per line is the maximum number of characters.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S303, when it is determined that the number of broadcast programs “GI_k” displaying program information in the unit time zone “Tw_k” is not “1” (step S303: No), the cell ID “ It is necessary to display program information regarding two or more broadcast programs in the display cell 205 of i ″. Therefore, by the operation of the CPU 113, a unique identification symbol is given to the two or more broadcast programs specified by the broadcast program “Ed_k” in the display cell 205 in the order of broadcasting, and the display cell 205 is constituted by the identification symbols. The identification symbol string 207 to be displayed is displayed (step S305).

  Thereafter, it is determined by the operation of the CPU 113 whether or not the display process for the last display cell 205 has been completed (step S306).

  As a result of the determination in step S306, when it is determined that the display process for the last display cell 205 has ended (step S306: Yes), the operation is ended.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S306, if it is determined that the display process for the last display cell 205 has not ended (step S306: No), after incrementing the variable “i” (step S307), the step The processing from S302 is continued.

  In this way, the electronic program guide 200 shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the display screen of the television 112, and the pop-up menu 210 is displayed as necessary.

  As described above, in the broadcast receiving apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when attention is paid to a certain unit time zone “Tw_i”, broadcasts broadcast in the unit time zones “Tw_i−1” and “Tw_i + 1” before and after the unit time zone. The program information to be displayed in the display cell 205 corresponding to a certain unit time zone “Tw_i” can be suitably selected while considering the connection with the program. Accordingly, the program information can be displayed in an easy-to-view manner on the plurality of display cells 205 arranged in a two-dimensional matrix.

  Furthermore, since the size of the display cell 205 is determined in association with the width of the unit time zone, the size of the display cell 205 does not vary. As a result, a clear and easy-to-see electronic program guide 200 can be displayed.

  Further, when it is necessary to display a plurality of program information relating to a plurality of broadcast programs in one display cell 205, a simplified identification symbol string 207 is displayed instead of displaying the program information itself. Yes. For this reason, the electronic program guide 200 does not become complicated, and the number of broadcast programs displayed in the identification symbol string 207, the broadcast order, and the like can be easily identified.

  When the display cell 205 displayed in the identification symbol string 207 is selected using the focus 205a, the program information of the broadcast program specified by the identification symbol string 207 is displayed in the pop-up cell 210. can do. Therefore, normally, by displaying the identification symbol string 207, while displaying a simpler electronic program guide, the pop-up cell 210 can be displayed when necessary to refer to more detailed program information.

  Thus, according to the broadcast receiving apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of program information is forcibly displayed in a single display cell 205, or program information is forcibly displayed in a very small display cell 205. The program information of the broadcast program that cannot be displayed or displayed in the blank display cell 205 does not occur. As a result, it is possible to display the electronic program guide 200 that is clearly organized as a whole and is easier to see (in other words, in a state where various program information is optimally and efficiently arranged).

  Note that the electronic program guide 200 can also be displayed in the same manner by omitting the processing in step S203 in FIG. 7 or omitting steps S112 and S113 after the No determination in step S111 in FIG. That is, when attention is paid to a certain unit time zone “Tw_i”, it corresponds to a certain unit time zone “Tw_i” in consideration of the connection with the broadcast program broadcast in the previous unit time zone “Tw_i−1”. Even if the program information to be displayed in the display cell 205 is appropriately selected, the program information can be displayed in an easy-to-see manner on the plurality of display cells 205 arranged in a two-dimensional matrix.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and an electronic program accompanying such a change. A table display device and method, a broadcast receiving device, and a computer program are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows notionally the basic composition of the broadcast receiver which concerns on a present Example. It is a schematic diagram which shows notionally the 1st aspect of the display of the program information displayed by the broadcast receiver which concerns on a present Example. It is a schematic diagram which shows notionally the 2nd aspect of the display of the program information displayed by the broadcast receiver which concerns on a present Example. It is a schematic diagram which shows notionally the 3rd aspect of the display of the program information displayed by the broadcast receiver which concerns on a present Example. It is a schematic diagram which shows notionally the 4th aspect of the display of the program information displayed by the broadcast receiver which concerns on a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows notionally the 1st flow of the operation | movement which concerns on the display of the program information by the broadcast receiver which concerns on a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows notionally the 2nd flow of the operation | movement which concerns on the display of the program information by the broadcast receiver which concerns on a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows notionally the 3rd flow of the operation | movement which concerns on the display of the program information by the broadcast receiver which concerns on a present Example. It is a data structure figure which shows notionally a specific example of EIT information obtained by receiving a broadcast signal. It is a data structure figure which shows notionally one specific example of the EPG data table produced | generated in the case of the display of the program information by the broadcast receiver which concerns on a present Example.

Explanation of symbols

101 broadcast receiving antenna / CATV coaxial cable 102 music selection / detection unit 103 demodulation / decoding unit 104 frame separation / Reed-Solomon decoding unit 105 descrambling unit 106 MPEG2-DEMUX unit 107 EPG data / basic data decoder 108 video decoding processing unit 109 down converter 110 voice decoding processing unit 111 video graphic control unit 112 television 113 CPU
114 card I / F
115 CAS card 115
116 Memory 117 Remote control reception unit 118 Remote control 119 Modem 120 Data bus 200 Program table 202 Date display unit 203 Time zone display unit 204 Channel display unit 205 Display cell 206 Program name display character string 207 Identification symbol string 208 Program detailed information display unit 210 Pop-up cell

Claims (17)

An electronic program guide display device for displaying a plurality of program information each indicating information of a corresponding broadcast program among a plurality of broadcast programs,
(i) the number of target programs broadcast in a first unit time zone among the plurality of broadcast programs, and (ii) in a second unit time zone located immediately before the first unit time zone Detecting means for detecting whether the target program is continuously broadcast;
According to the detection result by the detecting means, the corresponding program information of the plurality of program information should be displayed on the first display cell corresponding to the first unit time zone and having a predetermined size. Selecting means for selecting a display program from the target program;
A first display for displaying, in the first display cell, one piece of program information indicating the information of the selected one display program among the plurality of pieces of program information when the number of the selected display programs is one Means,
Second display means for displaying identification information for identifying the two or more selected display programs in the first display cell when the number of the selected display programs is two or more. A featured electronic program guide display device. When the number of the target programs is two or more and at least one of the target programs is broadcast over the entire second unit time zone,
The selection means excludes the at least one target program from display programs to be displayed in the first display cell with corresponding program information, corresponds to the second unit time zone, and corresponds to the corresponding program information. 2. The electronic program guide display device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one target program is selected as a display program to be displayed in a second display cell having a predetermined size. When the number of the target programs is two or more and at least one of the target programs is broadcast over a part of the second unit time zone,
The selection means selects the at least one target program as a display program to be displayed in the first display cell with the corresponding program information, the corresponding program information corresponds to the second unit time zone, and the 3. The electronic program guide display device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one target program is excluded from display programs to be displayed in a second display cell having a predetermined size.   The detection means further detects whether or not the target program is continuously broadcast in a third unit time zone located immediately after the first unit time zone. 4. The electronic program guide display device according to any one of items 1 to 3. When the number of the target programs is two or more and at least one of the target programs is broadcast over the entire third unit time zone,
The selection means excludes the at least one target program from the display program to be displayed in the first display cell with the corresponding program information, and the corresponding program information corresponds to the third unit time zone, and 5. The electronic program guide display device according to claim 4, wherein the at least one target program is selected as a display program to be displayed in a third display cell having a predetermined size. When the number of the target programs is two or more and at least one of the target programs is broadcast over a part of the third unit time zone,
The selection means selects the at least one target program as a display program to be displayed in the first display cell with the corresponding program information, the corresponding program information corresponds to the third unit time zone, and the 6. The electronic program guide display device according to claim 4, wherein the at least one target program is excluded from display programs to be displayed in a third display cell having a predetermined size. When the number of the target programs is two or more and at least one of the target programs is broadcast only in the first unit time zone,
The said selection means selects the said at least 1 object program as a display program which should display corresponding program information on a said 1st display cell, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Electronic program guide display device. When the number of the target programs is one,
The said selection means selects the said object program as a display program which should display corresponding program information on a said 1st display cell, It is characterized by the above-mentioned, The characterized by the above-mentioned. The electronic program guide display device described. When the target program is broadcast over the entire second unit time zone,
A generating unit that generates a combined cell by combining the first display cell and the second display cell corresponding to the second unit time zone and having the predetermined size;
9. The electronic program guide display device according to claim 8, wherein the selection unit selects the target program as a display program whose corresponding program information is to be displayed in the combined cell. When the target program is broadcast over a part of the second unit time zone,
The selection means excludes the target program from a display program to be displayed in a second display cell corresponding to the second unit time zone and corresponding program information to the second unit time zone. The electronic program guide display device according to claim 8 or 9.   Two or more program information indicating the information of the two or more display programs identified by the identification information among the plurality of program information is displayed in a pop-up cell that exists independently of the first display cell. The electronic program guide display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising third display means.   12. The electronic apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the third display unit displays the two or more program information in the pop-up cell so as to be associated with the first cell in which the identification information is displayed. Program guide display device.   When the first display cell is selected by the user, the third display means displays the two or more displays identified by the identification information displayed in the first display cell selected by the user. 13. The electronic program guide display device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein two or more pieces of program information indicating program information are displayed in the pop-up cell.   When the first display cell is selected by the user, the third display means is displayed on the display cell present in the same column or the same row as the first display cell selected by the user. 14. Two or more pieces of program information indicating information of the two or more display programs identified by identification information are displayed in a plurality of the pop-up cells corresponding to each of the display cells. The electronic program guide display device according to any one of the above. An electronic program guide display method for displaying a plurality of program information respectively indicating information of a corresponding broadcast program among a plurality of broadcast programs,
(i) the number of target programs broadcast in a first unit time zone among the plurality of broadcast programs, and (ii) in a second unit time zone located immediately before the first unit time zone A detection step of detecting whether the target program is continuously broadcast;
A display to be displayed on the first display cell corresponding to the first unit time zone and having a predetermined size according to the detection result in the detection step. A selection step of selecting a program from the target program;
When the number of selected display programs is one, at least a part of one program information indicating the information of the selected one display program among the plurality of program information is displayed in the first display cell. A first display step to perform,
A second display step of displaying, in the first display cell, identification information for identifying the two or more selected display programs when the number of the selected display programs is two or more. A featured electronic program guide display method. A broadcast receiving device that displays a plurality of program information each indicating information of a corresponding broadcast program among a plurality of broadcast programs, and displays and outputs the plurality of broadcast programs,
(i) the number of target programs broadcast in a first unit time zone among the plurality of broadcast programs, and (ii) in a second unit time zone located immediately before the first unit time zone Detecting means for detecting whether the target program is continuously broadcast;
A display to be displayed on a first display cell corresponding to the first unit time zone and having a predetermined size according to a detection result by the detection means. Selecting means for selecting a program from the target program;
When the number of selected display programs is one, at least a part of one program information indicating the information of the selected one display program among the plurality of program information is displayed in the first display cell. First display means for
When the number of the selected display programs is two or more, second display means for displaying identification information for identifying the two or more selected display programs in the first display cell, and the plurality of broadcasts A broadcast receiving apparatus comprising: output means for displaying and outputting at least one program.   A computer program for controlling a computer provided in the electronic program guide display device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the computer includes the detection means, the selection means, the first display means, A computer program that functions as at least a part of the second display means.

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