JP2007184783A - Broadcast viewing restriction device and broadcast viewing restriction method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a broadcast viewing restriction device and a broadcast viewing restriction method, capable of presenting the information concerning broadcast which is restricted from being viewed by users when the selected channel of broadcast is restricted from being viewed by the users, for promoting utilization of broadcast. <P>SOLUTION: The rental broadcast viewing restriction device 20 transmits a selected channel number of rental broadcast to a television receiving set 30 when the viewing restriction judging unit 104 judges that the selected channel number of rental broadcast can be viewed. On the other hand, if it is judged by the viewing restriction judging unit 104 that the selected channel number of rental broadcast is restricted from being viewed, the rental broadcast viewing restriction device 20 informs the television receiving set 30 of an output picture screen switching code. The rental broadcast viewing restriction device 20 acquires a viewing guide screen corresponding to the channel number that is not permitted to be viewed from a web server 40, and enables the viewing guide screen to be displayed on the screen of the television receiving set 30 through a screen display unit 109. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a broadcast viewing restriction device and a broadcast viewing restriction method.

  In recent years, broadcasting services include terrestrial digital and BS / CS digital broadcasting in addition to conventional analog broadcasting, and the number of channels is increasing. Also, in service facilities such as hotels, broadcasts that are delivered to TV receivers installed in guest rooms, etc., using empty channels for digital broadcasting, such as programs stored in servers and broadcasts provided by vendors (hereinafter referred to as broadcasts) And rental broadcasting). The rental broadcast channel can be restricted for each customer.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional rental broadcast viewing restriction device. The rental broadcast viewing restriction device is provided in a set-top box 220 or the like that can be operated using the remote control device 210. The set top box 220 is equipped with a TV tuner 350. When a channel number is selected by remote control device 210, set top box 220 determines whether or not the selected channel number is viewable. In the case of a viewable channel, the TV tuner 350 is switched to the frequency of the selected channel, and the video / audio signal is output to the TV monitor 230. On the other hand, in the case of a viewing-prohibited channel, this channel is skipped and the frequency of the next-numbered channel is switched.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional television tuner control apparatus. In the television tuner control apparatus (set top box) 500, the digital broadcast tuner 450 is installed in the television monitor 430, not in the set top box 500, in order to support analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting. The digital broadcast tuner 450 provided in the television monitor 430 is controlled by an infrared command from the remote control device 410 (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-9025 A

  However, if viewing of the selected rental broadcast channel is not permitted, the channel is switched to the next numbered channel, so that the viewer cannot determine the content related to the rental broadcast that is not permitted to be viewed. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when viewing of a selected broadcast channel is not permitted, information related to a broadcast that cannot be viewed can be presented, and the use of the broadcast is promoted. An object of the present invention is to provide a broadcast viewing restriction device and a broadcast viewing restriction method that can be implemented.

  A first aspect of the present invention is a broadcast viewing restriction device for restricting broadcast viewing by a television receiver, the channel input unit accepting designation of a channel to be received by the television receiver, and the designated A viewing restriction determination unit that determines permission or non-permission of viewing of a broadcast corresponding to a channel, and the viewing restriction determination unit that corresponds to the designated channel when the viewing restriction of the broadcast is determined to be permitted When the channel designation output unit for instructing the television receiver to receive a broadcast and an external information providing apparatus are connected via a communication line and it is determined that viewing of the broadcast is not permitted, the information An acquisition request for requesting display information related to the specified channel is transmitted to the providing device, and the display information is sent from the information providing device as a response to the acquisition request. A communication unit for signal, the display information received by the communication unit, the one in which a television broadcast viewing restricting apparatus and a display information output unit for outputting to the receiver is provided.

  With this configuration, when viewing of the selected broadcast channel is not permitted, information related to a broadcast that cannot be viewed can be presented, and the use of the broadcast can be promoted.

  A second aspect of the present invention is the broadcast viewing restriction device according to the first aspect, wherein the viewing restriction determination unit stores a viewing restriction table in which a channel and viewing permission or disapproval are associated and registered. And with reference to the viewing restriction table, permission or non-permission of viewing of the broadcast corresponding to the channel input to the channel input unit is determined.

  With this configuration, the viewing restriction determination unit can easily determine whether viewing is possible.

  Thirdly, the present invention is the broadcast viewing restriction apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the code determination unit that determines a code input to the channel input unit, and the input code is a channel input And a storage unit for storing a code for identifying the input channel following the code for specifying the channel input, and the viewing restriction determination unit is stored in the storage unit. Whether or not the channel can be viewed is determined based on the identification code.

  With this configuration, when broadcast viewing is restricted, it is possible to correspond to a user interface for channel number input in digital broadcasting.

  Fourthly, the present invention provides a broadcast viewing restriction device for restricting broadcast viewing by a television receiver, the step of accepting designation of a channel to be received by the television receiver, and the designated channel. Determining whether to allow or disallow viewing of the corresponding broadcast; and when determining that viewing of the broadcast is permitted, instructs the television receiver to receive the broadcast corresponding to the designated channel. And displaying information related to the designated channel to the information providing device when it is determined that viewing of the broadcast is not permitted, and connected to an external information providing device via a communication line. Transmitting the requested acquisition request and receiving display information from the information providing apparatus as a response to the acquisition request; and In which the broadcasting viewing restriction method and a step of outputting to a vision receiver is provided.

  By this method, when viewing of the selected broadcast channel is not permitted, information regarding the broadcast that cannot be viewed can be presented, and the use of the broadcast can be promoted.

  According to the present invention, when viewing of a selected broadcast channel is not permitted, information regarding a broadcast that cannot be viewed can be presented, and a broadcast viewing restriction device and a broadcast that can promote the use of the broadcast A viewing restriction method can be provided.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a rental broadcast viewing restriction device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the rental broadcast viewing restriction device 20 is a set top box (STB), which includes a remote control code receiving unit 100, a remote control code determination unit 101, a channel number storage memory 102, and a rental broadcast viewing type table 103. A viewing restriction determination unit 104, a TV code conversion unit 105, a TV code transmission unit 106, a screen request transmission unit 107, a screen reception unit 108, and a screen display unit 109.

  The rental broadcast viewing restriction device 20 receives the infrared code from the remote control device 10 and transmits the infrared code to the television receiver 30. The rental broadcast viewing restriction device 20 is connected to the television receiver 30 with a cable, and can output a video / audio signal to the television receiver 30 as will be described later. Furthermore, the rental broadcast viewing restriction device 20 is connected to the web server 40 via the network 150.

  The remote control code receiving unit 100 is an example of a channel input unit that receives designation of a channel received by the television receiver, and receives an infrared code transmitted from the remote control device 10. The remote control code determination unit 101 determines whether or not the received code is a channel number code. When the remote control code is a code indicating channel number input, the channel number storage memory 102 stores the channel number that is input thereafter.

  The rental broadcast viewing type table 103 registers the channel numbers of rental broadcasts and whether or not there are viewing restrictions. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing rental broadcast channel numbers registered in the rental broadcast viewing type table 103 and their viewing types. Specifically, in this table, the channel (CH) numbers “911” and “913” are set to a value 0 indicating that viewing is impossible, and the CH number “912” is a value indicating that viewing is possible. 1 is set.

  The viewing restriction determination unit 104 determines whether or not to permit viewing of the broadcast corresponding to the designated channel, and determines whether or not the rental broadcast channel number is viewable.

  The TV code conversion unit 105 converts the infrared code received from the remote control device 10 into an infrared code that can be interpreted by the television receiver 30. The TV code transmitter 106 transmits the converted infrared code to the television receiver 30. The TV code transmission unit 106 functions as a channel designation output unit that instructs the television receiver to receive a broadcast corresponding to the designated channel when the viewing restriction judgment unit determines that the viewing of the broadcast is permitted. To do.

  The screen request transmission unit 107 transmits a request for a viewing guidance screen corresponding to the rental broadcast channel number to the web server 40. The screen receiving unit 108 receives the viewing guidance screen transmitted from the web server 40. The screen request transmitting unit 107 and the screen request receiving unit 108 are connected to the web server 40, which is an example of an external information providing apparatus, via a network 150, which is an example of a communication line. When it is determined that viewing is not permitted, an acquisition request for requesting display information related to the designated channel is transmitted to the information providing apparatus, and display information is received as a response to the acquisition request from the information providing apparatus. It functions as an example of a communication unit.

  The screen display unit 109 outputs a viewing guide screen, which is an example of display information received by the screen receiving unit 108, to the television receiver 30 and causes the television receiver 30 to display the viewing guidance screen.

  In the present embodiment, the remote control code determination unit 101, the viewing restriction determination unit 104, and the TV code conversion unit 105 are mainly configured by a processor that operates according to a predetermined program.

  FIG. 3 is a front view showing the appearance of the remote control device 10. In addition to the infrared (Ir) transmitter 10c, various buttons including a channel number input button 10a, a numeric keypad 10b, and the like are provided on the front surface of the remote control device 10. When these buttons are pressed, a corresponding operation is performed. An infrared code is transmitted from the Ir transmitter 10c.

  The operation of the rental broadcast viewing restriction device 20 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure of the remote control code determination unit 101. The remote control code determination unit 101 first sets the internal state of the rental broadcast viewing restriction device 20 to the normal state (step S1). Here, the normal state is a state in which nothing is stored in the channel number storage memory 102, the infrared code transmitted from the remote control device 10 is received, and the remote control code can be determined. In this state, when receiving the infrared code transmitted from the remote control device 10, the remote control code receiving unit 100 notifies the remote control code determining unit 101 of the received remote control code.

  Remote control code determination unit 101 waits until a remote control code notified from remote control code receiving unit 100 is received (step S2). When the remote control code is received, it is determined whether or not the received remote control code is a channel number input code (CH number input code) (step S3). If the remote control code is a channel number input code, the internal state of the rental broadcast viewing restriction device 20 is switched to the channel number input state (CH number input state) (step S4). Thereafter, the process returns to step S2.

  On the other hand, if the remote control code received in step S3 is not a code indicating channel number input, it is determined whether or not it is a code indicating a channel number (CH number code) (step S5). If the code indicates a channel number, it is determined whether or not the current internal state is a channel number input state (step S6). In the channel number input state, the number (one digit) indicated by the received channel number code is stored in the channel number storage memory 102 (step S7).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the channel number storage memory 102 is empty (step S8). For example, when the channel number storage memory 102 can store a three-digit number, the one-digit number indicated by the channel number code received in step S7 is stored in order from the upper digit. Then, when a number of 2 digits or less is stored in the channel number storage memory 102, it is determined that there is a vacancy, and when a 3 digit number is stored, it is determined that there is no vacancy.

  If it is determined in step S8 that there is no space in the channel number storage memory 102, the channel number stored in the channel number storage memory 102 is notified to the viewing restriction determination unit 104 (step S9). Further, the internal state is set to the normal state, and the channel number storage memory 102 is initialized (step S10). Thereafter, the process returns to step S2.

  On the other hand, if the channel number storage memory 102 is empty in step S8, the received channel number code is notified to the TV code conversion unit 105 (step S11). Thereafter, the process returns to step S2 and waits for the remote control code receiving unit 100 to notify the channel number stored in the next digit of the channel number storage memory 102.

  On the other hand, if the current internal state is not the channel number input state in step S6, the channel number indicated by the received channel number code is notified to the viewing restriction determination unit 104 (step S12). Thereafter, the process returns to step S2.

  On the other hand, if the remote control code received in step S5 is not a channel number code, the internal state is set to the normal state and the channel number storage memory 102 is initialized (step S13). Then, the received remote control code is transmitted to the TV code conversion unit 105 (step S14). Thereafter, the process returns to step S2.

  For example, a case where the channel number storage memory 102 can store three digits and the user presses buttons in the order of “channel number input”, “9”, “1”, “2” of the remote control device 10 is shown. . After the “channel number input” button is pressed, the internal state of the rental broadcast viewing restriction device 20 becomes the channel number input state. The next “9” is the channel number and the internal state is the channel number input state, so “9” is stored in the upper digit of the channel number storage memory 102. Further, since the channel number storage memory 102 is empty, the TV code conversion unit 105 is notified of the channel number “9”. The next channel number “1” is the same as “9”, and is stored in the digit one digit lower than the digit “9” in the channel number memory 102. The next channel number “2” is stored in the least significant digit of the channel number storage memory 102. As a result, the channel number storage memory 102 is full, and the viewing restriction determination unit 104 is notified of the channel number “912”.

  On the other hand, when the buttons are pressed in the order of “9”, “1”, “2” without pressing the “channel number input” button, the first “9” is the channel number, and the rental broadcast viewing restriction device 20 Is in the normal state, the channel number “9” indicated by the received channel number code is notified to the viewing restriction determination unit 104. Similarly, channel numbers “1” and “2” are also notified to the viewing restriction determination unit 104 for “1” and “2”, respectively. The viewing restriction determination unit 104 performs viewing determination for each of the channel numbers “9”, “1”, and “2”.

  In the case of a remote control device with a liquid crystal display, the user inputs “9”, “1”, “2” in this order, confirms the number on the liquid crystal screen on the remote control device, and then clicks the “channel number input” button. Press to transmit. Even in this case, since the transmission order from the remote control device is “channel number input”, “9”, “1”, “2”, the processing can be performed in the same procedure as the processing shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure of the viewing restriction determination unit 104 when the channel number is notified from the remote control code determination unit 101.

  The viewing restriction determination unit 104 determines whether or not a channel number has been notified from the remote control code determination unit 101 (step S21). If not, the process of step S21 is repeated. On the other hand, when the channel number is notified, the rental broadcast viewing type table 103 is referred to based on the notified channel number (step S22). Then, it is determined whether or not the notified channel number is a channel number of a rental broadcast that can be viewed (step S23).

  If the channel number is a rental broadcast that can be viewed, the notified channel number is notified to the TV code conversion unit 105 (step S24). Here, when the channel number is stored in the channel number storage memory 102 in step S9, the number for the last two digits is already transmitted in step S11, so only the last digit number is transmitted. become. On the other hand, when the channel number received in step S12 is notified as it is, the notified channel number is transmitted. Thereafter, the process returns to step S21.

  On the other hand, if the rental broadcast channel number cannot be viewed in step S23, the TV code conversion unit 105 is notified of an output screen switching code for switching the output screen of the television receiver 30 to the set-top box screen (step S23). S25). Furthermore, the screen request transmission unit 107 is notified of the channel number that is not viewable notified in step S24 (step S26). Thereafter, the process returns to step S21.

  The TV code conversion unit 105 receives a remote control code other than the channel number notified from the remote control code determination unit 101, a remote control code indicating the channel number notified from the viewing restriction determination unit 104, or the output screen switching code described above. It is converted into an infrared code that can be interpreted by the receiver 30 and notified to the TV code transmitter 106. The TV code transmission unit 106 transmits the infrared code notified from the TV code conversion unit 105 to the television receiver 30. When receiving the output screen switching code converted into the infrared code, the television receiver 30 switches from the output of the TV tuner 50 to the video output (and audio output) of the rental broadcast viewing restriction device 20.

  On the other hand, the screen request transmission unit 107 accesses the URL indicating the location of the web server 40 and notifies the channel number notified from the viewing restriction determination unit 104. The web server 40 transmits a viewing guidance screen corresponding to the notified channel number that cannot be viewed to the rental broadcast viewing restriction device 20. The screen receiving unit 108 receives the viewing guidance screen transmitted from the web server 40, outputs it from the screen display unit 109 to the television receiver 30, and displays the viewing guidance screen from the monitor.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewing guidance screen. In order to present the details of the rental broadcast program, a channel number and a title representing the program content corresponding to the channel number are displayed on the viewing guidance screen. Here, each program such as a movie, sports, cooking, and art and its channel number are displayed. The viewing guidance screen may be, for example, a screen that introduces sports currently being broadcast as the contents of the program when the sports program with the channel number “911” cannot be viewed.

  As described above, the rental broadcast viewing restriction device 20 of the present embodiment receives the selected channel number when the rental restriction broadcast of the selected channel number is determined to be viewable by the viewing restriction determination unit 104. To the machine 30. On the other hand, when the rental restriction broadcast of the selected channel number is determined not to be viewed by the viewing restriction determination unit 104, the television receiver 30 is notified of the output screen switching code. Further, the web server 40 is notified of a channel number that cannot be viewed, and the viewing guidance screen is acquired from the web server 40. Then, a viewing guidance screen is displayed on the television receiver 30.

  This makes it possible to restrict viewing of rental broadcasts without providing a digital broadcast tuner in the rental broadcast viewing restriction device. Therefore, the rental broadcast viewing restriction device (set top box) can be made inexpensive. Even if the rental broadcast of the channel number selected by the viewer is not viewable, the details of the rental broadcast can be presented, and the use of the rental broadcast can be promoted. Furthermore, by using the channel number storage memory, it is possible to correspond to a user interface for inputting a channel number for digital broadcasting using an infrared code.

  In the above embodiment, the channel number is input using the remote control device. However, when a key for inputting the channel number is provided in the set top box, the channel number is input by pressing this key. May be.

  When a remote control device having a display such as a liquid crystal is transmitted in the order of first digit number, second digit number, third digit number, and channel number input, the following processing may be performed. . The received three-digit number is temporarily stored in the channel number storage memory, and when the channel number input is transmitted, it is determined whether or not the three-digit channel number stored in the channel number storage memory can be viewed. It may be.

  In addition, the broadcast viewing restriction apparatus according to the present embodiment is applicable not only to rental broadcasts using digital broadcast vacant channels but also to broadcasts requiring viewing restrictions, including pay broadcasts such as Internet broadcasts.

  The broadcast viewing restriction apparatus and broadcast viewing restriction method of the present invention can present information related to a broadcast that cannot be viewed when viewing of the selected broadcast channel is not permitted, and promote the use of the broadcast. It has a possible effect and is useful for rental broadcasting systems installed in accommodation facilities.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the rental broadcast viewing-and-listening apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the content of a rental broadcast viewing classification table Front view showing appearance of remote control device The flowchart which shows the operation processing procedure of a remote control code determination part The flowchart which shows the operation | movement process procedure of the viewing-limitation determination part when a channel number is notified from the remote control code determination part. Figure showing an example of a viewing guidance screen The figure which shows schematic structure of the conventional rental broadcast viewing-and-listening restriction device The figure which shows schematic structure of a television tuner control apparatus

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Remote control apparatus 20 Rental broadcast viewing restriction apparatus 30 Television receiver 40 Web server 101 Remote control code determination part 102 Channel number storage memory 103 Rental broadcast viewing type table 104 Viewing restriction determination part 105 TV code conversion part 109 Screen display part

Claims (4)

A broadcast viewing restriction device for restricting broadcast viewing by a television receiver,
A channel input unit for receiving designation of a channel to be received by the television receiver;
A viewing restriction determination unit that determines permission or disapproval of viewing of a broadcast corresponding to the designated channel;
A channel designation output unit for instructing the television receiver to receive a broadcast corresponding to the designated channel when the viewing restriction judgment unit determines that the viewing of the broadcast is permitted;
An acquisition request for requesting display information related to the designated channel to the information providing apparatus when it is determined that viewing of the broadcast is not permitted, connected to an external information providing apparatus via a communication line. And a communication unit that receives display information as a response to the acquisition request from the information providing device,
A broadcast viewing restriction apparatus comprising: a display information output unit that outputs display information received by the communication unit to the television receiver. The broadcast viewing restriction device according to claim 1,
The viewing restriction determination unit includes a viewing restriction table in which a channel and viewing permission or disapproval are associated and registered, and the channel input to the channel input unit is referred to the viewing restriction table. A broadcast viewing restriction device that determines permission or disapproval of viewing of a corresponding broadcast. The broadcast viewing restriction device according to claim 1 or 2,
A code determination unit for determining a code input to the channel input unit;
When the input code is a code designating a channel input, the storage unit further stores a code for identifying a channel input following the code designating the channel input,
The viewing restriction determination unit is a broadcast viewing restriction device that determines whether a channel stored in the storage unit is viewable based on an identification code. A broadcast viewing restriction device for restricting broadcast viewing by a television receiver,
Receiving a designation of a channel to be received by the television receiver;
Determining whether or not to allow viewing of the broadcast corresponding to the designated channel;
Instructing the television receiver to receive a broadcast corresponding to the designated channel when it is determined that viewing of the broadcast is permitted;
An acquisition request for requesting display information related to the designated channel to the information providing apparatus when it is determined that viewing of the broadcast is not permitted, connected to an external information providing apparatus via a communication line. And receiving display information as a response to the acquisition request from the information providing device;
A broadcast viewing restriction method comprising: outputting the received display information to the television receiver.

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