JP2008131430A - Broadcast receiving system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a broadcast receiving system which can restrict a function easily and reliably. <P>SOLUTION: An MPU 26 of a remote control has an operation signal transmitting portion 263 transmitting to a digital broadcast receiver remote control identifying information, as an operation signal, which is identifying information which can identify each remote control when a specific key which is a preset key is pressed down. An MPU 11 of a digital broadcast receiver has a specific key determining portion 111 determining whether or not an operation signal corresponding to a specific key is accepted, and a function restriction setting portion 112 reading, from a function restriction storing portion 122, function restriction setting information corresponding to the remote control identifying information included in the accepted operation signal when it is determined that the operation signal corresponding to the specific key is accepted, and setting a condition of a function restriction based on the function restriction setting information read. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  According to the present invention, a broadcast receiving device configured to receive a television broadcast and output to a monitor so as to be visible from the outside, a plurality of keys are provided, and the broadcast receiving device is communicably connected to the broadcast receiving device. The present invention relates to a broadcast receiving system including a plurality of remote controllers.

  Conventionally, in a broadcast receiving device configured to receive a television broadcast and be output to a monitor so as to be visible from the outside, the number of channels that can be viewed has increased dramatically with the spread of digital broadcasting, The number of programs including obscene scenes is increasing, and there is an increasing demand for limiting programs that can be viewed by children and the like so as not to show such programs to children and the like.

In order to solve this problem, various apparatuses have been proposed. For example, it stores the types of programs that are prohibited from viewing for each password, accepts password input when the power is turned on, reads the types of programs prohibited for the entered passwords, and selects the selected channel. There has been disclosed a digital broadcast receiving apparatus that restricts display output (= viewing restriction) depending on whether or not the type of program being received is prohibited (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-64758 A

  However, since the digital broadcast receiving apparatus needs to input a password when the power is turned on, the operation may be complicated. Further, when password information is leaked, there is a possibility that function restrictions such as viewing restrictions cannot be executed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a broadcast receiving system capable of performing function restriction simply and reliably.

  In order to achieve the above object, a broadcast receiving system according to claim 1 is provided with a broadcast receiving apparatus configured to receive a television broadcast and to be output to a monitor so as to be visible from the outside, and a plurality of keys. And a plurality of remote controllers communicatively connected to the broadcast receiving device, wherein the plurality of remote controllers are preset for each of the plurality of keys, Key information storage means for storing key identification information, which is identifiable identification information, and key determination means for receiving a press of the plurality of keys from the outside and determining the pressed key among the plurality of keys; The key identification information corresponding to the key determined to be pressed by the key determination means is read from the key information storage means, and the read key identification information is read out. Is transmitted to the broadcast receiving apparatus as an operation signal, and identification information that can identify each remote controller when a specific key that is at least one preset key among the plurality of keys is pressed Remote control identification information as an operation signal to the broadcast receiving device, and the broadcast receiving device is information that defines a function restriction condition in association with the remote control identification information. Function restriction storage means for storing certain function restriction setting information, specific key determination means for determining whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the specific key has been received, and an operation signal corresponding to the specific key by the specific key determination means If it is determined that the function restriction setting information corresponding to the remote control identification information included in the received operation signal is Function restriction setting means for setting function restriction conditions based on the function restriction setting information read from the function restriction storage means, wherein the key information storage means identifies the key corresponding to the specific key. In order to make information function as the remote control identification information, each of the plurality of remote controllers is preset and stored differently, and the specific key is pressed when the broadcast receiving device is turned on. A power key, a menu key that is pressed to display a menu screen when setting the function of the broadcast receiving device, and an enter key that is pressed when setting the function of the broadcast receiving device. The restriction setting information includes viewing restriction setting information which is information for setting a viewing restriction.

  The broadcast receiving system according to claim 2, wherein a broadcast receiving apparatus configured to receive a television broadcast and output to a monitor so as to be visible from the outside, a plurality of keys are provided, and the broadcast receiving apparatus A plurality of remote controllers communicatively connected to each other, wherein each of the plurality of remote controllers is a specific key that is at least one preset key among the plurality of keys Remote control identification information, which is identification information that can identify each remote controller, is transmitted as an operation signal to the broadcast reception device, and the broadcast reception device includes the remote control identification information. In association with the function restriction storage means for storing function restriction setting information, which is information for defining function restriction conditions, and the specific key. A specific key determining unit that determines whether or not an operation signal to be received is received, and a remote controller included in the received operation signal when the specific key determination unit determines that the operation signal corresponding to the specific key is received Function restriction setting means for reading function restriction setting information corresponding to identification information from the function restriction storage means, and setting function restriction conditions based on the read function restriction setting information. Yes.

  The broadcast receiving system according to claim 3 is the broadcast receiving system according to claim 2, wherein the specific key includes a power key that is pressed when the power of the broadcast receiving apparatus is turned on. It is said.

  The broadcast receiving system according to claim 4 is the broadcast receiving system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the specific key is configured to display a menu screen when setting a function of the broadcast receiving apparatus. It includes a menu key to be pressed.

  The broadcast receiving system according to claim 5 is the broadcast receiving system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the specific key is pressed when setting a function of the broadcast receiving apparatus. It is characterized by including an enter key.

  The broadcast receiving system according to claim 6 is the broadcast receiving system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the plurality of remote controllers are set in advance for each of the plurality of keys, Key information storage means for storing key identification information, which is identification information capable of identifying a key, and key determination for receiving a press of the plurality of keys from the outside and determining a pressed key among the plurality of keys Means for reading the key identification information corresponding to the key determined to be pressed by the key determination means from the key information storage means, and using the read key identification information as an operation signal. And the key information storage means causes the key identification information corresponding to the specific key to function as the remote control identification information. It is characterized in that it is stored with preset different from one another in.

  The broadcast receiving system according to claim 7 is the broadcast receiving system according to claim 6, wherein the key information storage means causes the key identification information to function as the remote control identification information. It is characterized in that it is preset and stored differently for each.

  The broadcast receiving system according to claim 8 is the broadcast receiving system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the function restriction setting information is information for setting a viewing restriction. It is characterized by including.

  According to the broadcast receiving system of claim 1, each remote controller can be identified when a specific key that is at least one preset key among the plurality of keys is pressed. Remote control identification information that is identification information is transmitted as an operation signal to the broadcast receiving apparatus. Further, in the broadcast receiving device, it is determined whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the specific key is received, and when it is determined that the operation signal corresponding to the specific key is received, the remote controller included in the received operation signal Function restriction setting information corresponding to the identification information is read from the function restriction storage means. Since the function restriction condition is set based on the read function restriction setting information, the function restriction can be performed easily and reliably.

  That is, when an operation signal corresponding to a specific key is received from each remote controller, it is included in the function restriction setting information corresponding to remote control identification information that is included in the received operation signal and is identification information that can identify each remote controller. Based on this, the function restriction conditions are set, and when the user presses a specific key on the remote controller, the function restriction conditions corresponding to each remote controller are set. It can be done.

  Further, the function restriction storage means stores function restriction setting information, which is information for defining function restriction conditions, in association with remote control identification information that is identification information that can identify the remote controller, and is received from the remote controller. The function restriction setting information corresponding to the remote control identification information included in the received operation signal is read out, and the function restriction condition is set based on the read function restriction setting information. Restrictions can be made.

  In addition, since the specific key includes a power key that is pressed when the broadcast receiving apparatus is turned on, a function restriction condition is set when the user turns on the power. Can do.

  That is, when a user views a broadcast via a broadcast receiving apparatus, first, the power is turned on, so that a function restriction condition corresponding to the remote controller of the user who performed the operation to turn on the power is set. Therefore, the function can be restricted more easily.

  In addition, since the specific key includes a menu key that is pressed to display the menu screen when setting the function of the broadcast receiving device, a function restriction condition is set when the user sets the function of the broadcast receiving device. Therefore, it is possible to perform the function restriction more reliably.

  That is, when the user sets the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus, the menu key for displaying the menu screen is pressed. When the menu key is pressed, the remote controller of the user who performed the operation is pressed. Since the function restriction condition corresponding to is set, the function restriction can be performed more reliably.

  For example, when a user (for example, a child) who is subject to function restriction presses a menu key, it is prohibited to set the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus as a function restriction condition corresponding to the user's remote controller. With this setting, the user cannot set the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus, and cannot change the function restriction condition.

  In addition, since the specific key includes an enter key that is pressed when setting the function of the broadcast receiving device, the function restriction condition is set when the user sets the function of the broadcast receiving device, so that the function is more reliably performed. Restrictions can be made.

  That is, when the user sets the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus, an enter key for setting the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus is pressed. When this enter key is pressed, the remote of the user who performed the operation is pressed. Since the function restriction condition corresponding to the controller is set, the function restriction can be performed more reliably.

  For example, when a user who should be subject to function restriction (for example, a child) presses the enter key, it is prohibited to set the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus as a function restriction condition corresponding to the remote controller of the user. With this setting, the user cannot set the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus, and cannot change the function restriction condition.

  Furthermore, when the plurality of keys are pressed from the outside, the pressed key is discriminated among the plurality of keys. The identification information corresponds to the key that is determined to be pressed and can identify the key. The key identification information is read from the key information storage means, and the read key identification information is transmitted as an operation signal. Further, the key information storage means sets the key identification information corresponding to the specific key differently for each of the plurality of remote controllers so as to function as remote control identification information that is identification information for identifying each remote controller. Since the key identification information corresponding to the specific key functions as the remote control identification information, the remote control identification information can be generated with a simple configuration.

  In addition, since the function restriction setting information includes the viewing restriction setting information that is information for setting the viewing restriction, the viewing restriction can be easily and reliably performed.

  According to the broadcast receiving system of claim 2, each remote controller can be identified when a specific key, which is at least one preset key among a plurality of keys, is pressed. Remote control identification information that is identification information is transmitted as an operation signal to the broadcast receiving apparatus. Further, in the broadcast receiving device, it is determined whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the specific key is received, and when it is determined that the operation signal corresponding to the specific key is received, the remote controller included in the received operation signal Function restriction setting information corresponding to the identification information is read from the function restriction storage means. Since the function restriction condition is set based on the read function restriction setting information, the function restriction can be performed easily and reliably.

  That is, when an operation signal corresponding to a specific key is received from each remote controller, it is included in the function restriction setting information corresponding to remote control identification information that is included in the received operation signal and is identification information that can identify each remote controller. Based on this, the function restriction conditions are set, and when the user presses a specific key on the remote controller, the function restriction conditions corresponding to each remote controller are set. It can be done.

  Further, the function restriction storage means stores function restriction setting information, which is information for defining function restriction conditions, in association with remote control identification information that is identification information that can identify the remote controller, and is received from the remote controller. The function restriction setting information corresponding to the remote control identification information included in the received operation signal is read out, and the function restriction condition is set based on the read function restriction setting information. Restrictions can be made.

  According to the broadcast receiving system of claim 3, since the specific key includes the power key that is pressed when the power of the broadcast receiving apparatus is turned on, the function restriction condition is set when the user turns on the power. Therefore, the function can be restricted more easily.

  That is, when a user views a broadcast via a broadcast receiving apparatus, first, the power is turned on, so that a function restriction condition corresponding to the remote controller of the user who performed the operation to turn on the power is set. Therefore, the function can be restricted more easily.

  According to the broadcast receiving system of claim 4, since the specific key includes a menu key that is pressed to display a menu screen when setting the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus, the user sets the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus. In this case, the function restriction condition is set, so that the function restriction can be performed more reliably.

  That is, when the user sets the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus, the menu key for displaying the menu screen is pressed. When the menu key is pressed, the remote controller of the user who performed the operation is pressed. Since the function restriction condition corresponding to is set, the function restriction can be performed more reliably.

  For example, when a user (for example, a child) who is subject to function restriction presses a menu key, it is prohibited to set the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus as a function restriction condition corresponding to the user's remote controller. With this setting, the user cannot set the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus, and cannot change the function restriction condition.

  According to the broadcast receiving system of the fifth aspect, since the specific key includes the enter key that is pressed when setting the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus, the function restriction is set when the user sets the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus. Since the conditions are set, the function can be more reliably restricted.

  That is, when the user sets the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus, an enter key for setting the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus is pressed. When this enter key is pressed, the remote of the user who performed the operation is pressed. Since the function restriction condition corresponding to the controller is set, the function restriction can be performed more reliably.

  For example, when a user who should be subject to function restriction (for example, a child) presses the enter key, it is prohibited to set the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus as a function restriction condition corresponding to the remote controller of the user. With this setting, the user cannot set the function of the broadcast receiving apparatus, and cannot change the function restriction condition.

  According to the broadcast receiving system of claim 6, a plurality of external key presses are accepted, and the pressed key is determined among the plurality of keys, and corresponds to the key determined to be pressed. At the same time, key identification information, which is identification information that can identify the key, is read from the key information storage means, and the read key identification information is transmitted as an operation signal. Further, the key information storage means sets the key identification information corresponding to the specific key differently for each of the plurality of remote controllers so as to function as remote control identification information that is identification information for identifying each remote controller. Since the key identification information corresponding to the specific key functions as the remote control identification information, the remote control identification information can be generated with a simple configuration.

  According to the broadcast receiving system of claim 7, in the key information storage means, key identification information, which is preset for each of a plurality of keys arranged in the remote controller and is identification information that can identify the key, In order to function as remote control identification information that is identification information that can identify the remote controller, each of the plurality of remote controllers is preset and stored differently, so it corresponds to a plurality of keys arranged on the remote controller. Since the key identification information to function functions as remote control identification information, it is possible to perform function restriction more reliably.

  That is, each time a key provided on the remote controller is pressed, the remote controller can be identified. Therefore, every time a key provided on the remote controller is pressed, the remote key that is pressed is pressed. Since the function restriction condition corresponding to the controller can be set, the function restriction can be performed more reliably.

  According to the broadcast receiving system of the eighth aspect, since the function restriction setting information includes the viewing restriction setting information which is information for setting the viewing restriction, the viewing restriction can be easily and reliably performed.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a digital broadcast receiving system according to the present invention. A digital broadcast receiver 1 (corresponding to a broadcast receiver) is communicably connected to a remote controller (= remote controller: hereinafter referred to as “remote controller”) 2 via infrared communication.

  The digital broadcast receiver 1 is configured to receive an operation input from a user via the remote controller 2 to receive a television broadcast and output it to a display 183 described later with reference to FIG.

  The remote controller 2 receives an operation input from the user, generates an infrared signal corresponding to the operation input, and outputs the infrared signal to the digital broadcast receiver 1. Here, the remote controller 2A, Remote controllers 2B and 2C are provided. The parent remote control 2A is owned and operated by a user (parent, etc.) who is not subject to functional restrictions such as viewing restrictions. The child remote controls 2B and 2C are owned and operated by a user (child or the like) who is to be subject to functional restrictions such as viewing restrictions. Here, since the parent remote controller 2A and the child remote controllers 2B and 2C have substantially the same configuration as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, except for the case where the respective remote controllers are specifically described, Collectively referred to as remote control 2.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the digital broadcast receiver 1. The digital broadcast receiver 1 includes an MPU 11, a RAM 12, a ROM 13, an operation unit 14, a receiving unit 15, an audio output unit 16, an MPEG2 decoding unit 17, an image output unit 18, and an infrared communication unit 19.

  An MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 11 controls the operation of the entire digital broadcast receiver 1. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 12 stores information such as audio information and moving image information in a readable and writable manner. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 13 stores a control program for operating the MPU 11 and the like.

  The operation unit 14 receives various operations such as power ON / OFF operation and channel selection. However, the operation unit 14 is configured so that operations relating to various settings (viewing restriction setting and the like) of the digital broadcast receiver 1 cannot be performed. That is, operations related to various settings (such as viewing restriction settings) of the digital broadcast receiver 1 can be performed only via the remote controller 2. The receiving unit 15 receives and demodulates a television broadcast, and includes an antenna unit 151, a tuner unit 152, an A / D conversion unit 153, a demodulation unit 154, and a TS demultiplexer 155.

  The antenna unit 151 receives a television broadcast wave. The tuner unit 152 selects a broadcast of a preset channel from the television broadcast wave received by the antenna unit 151. The A / D conversion unit 153 converts an output signal (= analog signal) from the tuner unit 152 into digital information. The demodulator 154 demodulates the output information from the A / D converter 153. A TS (Transport Stream) demultiplexer 155 separates and outputs the output information demodulated by the demodulator 154 for each type.

  The audio output unit 16 outputs audio corresponding to the television broadcast received by the receiving unit 15, and includes a D / A conversion unit 161, an audio signal output unit 162, and a speaker 163. The D / A converter 161 converts the audio information (= digital information) output from the TS demultiplexer 155 into an analog signal. The audio signal output unit 162 outputs the audio signal converted into an analog signal by the D / A conversion unit 161. The speaker 163 outputs audio corresponding to the audio signal output from the audio signal output unit 162.

  An MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) 2 decoding unit 17 decodes the moving picture information output from the TS demultiplexer 155 into the moving picture information before compression.

  The image output unit 18 outputs the moving image information decoded by the MPEG2 decoding unit 17, and includes an NTSC encoding unit 181, a video signal output unit 182, and a display 183. An NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) encoding unit 181 converts the moving image information decoded by the MPEG2 decoding unit 17 into an NTSC television signal. The video signal output unit 182 outputs the NTSC television signal output from the NTSC encoding unit 181 to the display 183. The display 183 (corresponding to a monitor) includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), and the like, and displays a moving image corresponding to the television signal output from the video signal output unit 182. .

  The infrared communication unit 19 (corresponding to a part of the specific key determination unit) is used for various operations such as power ON / OFF operation from the remote controller 2, channel selection, various settings (such as viewing restriction settings) of the digital broadcast receiver 1. Is to accept.

  Next, the operation when the digital broadcast receiver 1 receives a broadcast will be described. First, the transmitted digital broadcast wave is received by the antenna unit 151. When a channel selection operation is accepted via the operation unit 14, the tuner unit 152 switches the transponder (Transponder) received. The received digital broadcast wave is converted into digital information by the A / D converter 153 and demodulated by the demodulator 154.

  The digital broadcast wave is transmitted as a TS (Transport Stream) packet from the transmission side (transmission station). The TS packet is composed of control information including moving image information, audio information, channel information, and the like. This control information is output separately by the TS demultiplexer 155 and stored in the RAM 12. The audio information read from the RAM 12 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 161, and the audio is output from the speaker 163 through the audio signal output unit 162.

  Also, the moving image information read from the RAM 12 is decoded into the moving image information before compression by the MPEG2 decoding unit 17, converted into an NTSC television signal by the NTSC encoding unit 181, and the video signal output unit 182 The moving image is displayed on the display 183.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the remote controller 2 shown in FIG. The remote controller 2 includes an infrared signal output unit 20, a power key 21, a numeric keypad 22, an enter key 23, a setup key 24, and a menu key 25. The infrared signal output unit 20 (corresponding to a part of the transmission means) generates an operation signal corresponding to the key pressed by the user, converts it into an infrared signal, and transmits it to the digital broadcast receiver 1. is there.

  The power key 21 is a key that is pressed when the digital broadcast receiver 1 is turned on or when the power is turned off (= in a standby state). The numeric keypad 22 is a key for accepting numbers “0” to “9” and is pressed when inputting a channel number or the like.

  The enter key 23 is a key that is pressed when setting various functions such as viewing restriction conditions of the digital broadcast receiver 1. The setup key 24 is a key that is pressed to display a setup screen when performing initial settings such as channel settings of the digital broadcast receiver 1. The menu key 25 is a key that is pressed to display a menu screen when various functions such as viewing restriction conditions of the digital broadcast receiver 1 are set.

  FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of the remote controller 2 shown in FIG. The remote controller 2 includes an MPU 26, a RAM 27, a ROM 28, and a key press detection unit 29. An MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 26 controls the operation of the entire remote controller 2. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 27 temporarily stores various information such as key identification information described later.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 28 stores a control program for operating the MPU 26 and the like. The key press detection unit 29 (corresponding to a part of the key discriminating means) has pressed various keys such as the power key 21, the numeric key 22, the enter key 23, the setup key 24, and the menu key 25 shown in FIG. In other words, an operation detection signal corresponding to various keys is output to the MPU 26 (a key determination unit 261 described later).

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the main part of the broadcast receiving system according to the present invention. The MPU 11 of the digital broadcast receiver 1 shown in FIG. 2 functionally includes a specific key determination unit 111, a function restriction setting unit 112, and a function restriction execution unit 113. 2 is functionally provided with a key information storage unit 121 and a function restriction storage unit 122. The MPU 26 of the remote controller 2 illustrated in FIG. 3 functionally includes a key determination unit 261, an operation signal generation unit 262, and an operation signal transmission unit 263. Further, the RAM 27 of the remote controller 2 shown in FIG. 3 functionally includes a key information storage unit 271.

  Here, the MPU 11 functions as functional units such as the specific key determination unit 111, the function restriction setting unit 112, and the function restriction execution unit 113 by reading and executing a control program stored in advance in the ROM 13 or the like shown in FIG. At the same time, the RAM 12 is caused to function as functional units such as the key information storage unit 121 and the function restriction storage unit 122. Further, the MPU 26 reads out and executes a control program stored in advance in the ROM 28 or the like shown in FIG. 4, thereby functioning as functional units such as a key determination unit 261, an operation signal generation unit 262, and an operation signal transmission unit 263. The RAM 27 functions as a functional unit such as the key information storage unit 271.

  Also, among the various data stored in the RAM 12, ROM 13 shown in FIG. 2, the RAM 27 shown in FIG. 4, and the ROM 28, data that can be stored in a removable recording medium is, for example, a hard disk drive, an optical disk drive, a flexible disk drive, silicon The recording medium may be readable by a driver such as a disk drive or a cassette medium reader. In this case, the recording medium is, for example, a hard disk, an optical disk, a flexible disk, a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD, or a semiconductor memory.

  The key information storage unit 271 (corresponding to the key information storage means) stores key identification information that is preset for each of a plurality of keys arranged in the remote controller 2 and is identification information that can identify the key. . Further, the key information storage unit 271 uses key identification information corresponding to a specific key (here, the power key 21, the enter key 23, and the menu key 25) as identification information that can identify each of the remote controllers 2A, 2B, and 2C. In order to function as remote control identification information, a plurality of (here, three) remote controls 2A, 2B, and 2C are set differently and stored in advance.

  FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of key identification information stored in the key information storage unit 271 (and the key information storage unit 121). The left column of the figure shows the names of keys arranged on the remote controller 2, the central column is key identification information of the parent remote controller 2A, and the right column is key identification information of the child remote controllers 2B and 2C. It is.

  As shown in the figure, for example, the key identification information of the power key 21 is set to “10” for the parent remote control 2A, and is set to “11” for the child remote controls 2B and 2C. The key identification information functions as remote control identification information that is identification information that can identify each of the remote controls 2A, 2B, and 2C. That is, when the digital broadcast receiver 1 receives an operation signal indicating the key identification information “10” from the remote controller 2, the digital broadcast receiver 1 transmits the operation signal from the remote controller 2A. Can be discriminated. Similarly, the key identification information of the enter key 23 and the menu key 25 also functions as remote control identification information that is identification information that can identify each of the remote controls 2A, 2B, and 2C.

  Also, as shown in the figure, for example, the key identification information of each key constituting the numeric keypad 22 is set in common for all remote controllers 2A, 2B, 2C, and therefore does not function as remote controller identification information. In this way, key identification information for functioning as remote control identification information only for specific keys (here, the power key 21, the enter key 23, and the menu key 25) among the keys arranged on the remote control 2 is provided. By setting, the capacity of the key information storage unit 271 and the key information storage unit 121 can be reduced, and the operation speed of the remote controller 2 and the digital broadcast receiver 1 can be improved.

  Returning to FIG. 5 again, the functional configuration of the broadcast receiving system will be described. The key determination unit 261 (corresponding to a part of the key determination unit) receives a press of a key such as the power key 21 and the numeric key 22 from the user via the key press detection unit 29, and presses a key among a plurality of keys. The determined key is discriminated.

  The operation signal generation unit 262 (corresponding to a part of the transmission unit) reads the key identification information corresponding to the key determined to be pressed by the key determination unit 261 from the key information storage unit 271 and reads it. Key identification information is generated as an operation signal. In addition, the operation signal generation unit 262 is a specific key (here, the power key 21, the enter key 23, and the menu key) that is at least one preset key among the plurality of keys disposed on the remote controller 2. When 25) is pressed, remote control identification information that is identification information that can identify each of the remote controls 2A, 2B, and 2C is generated as an operation signal (see FIG. 6).

  The operation signal transmission unit 263 (corresponding to a part of the transmission means) converts the operation signal generated by the operation signal generation unit 262 into an infrared communication signal via the infrared signal output unit 20 to convert the operation signal into the digital broadcast receiver 1. To send to.

  The key information storage unit 121 (corresponding to a part of the specific key determination unit) is set in advance for each of a plurality of keys arranged in the remote controller 2 in the same manner as the key information storage unit 271, and is an identification that can identify the key. The key identification information which is information is stored. Further, the key information storage unit 271 uses key identification information corresponding to a specific key (here, the power key 21, the enter key 23, and the menu key 25) as identification information that can identify each of the remote controllers 2A, 2B, and 2C. In order to function as remote control identification information, a plurality of (here, three) remote controls 2A, 2B, and 2C are set differently and stored in advance (see FIG. 6).

  The function restriction storage unit 122 (corresponding to the function restriction storage means) is information that defines the function restriction conditions in association with remote control identification information that is identification information that can identify each remote controller 2A, 2B, 2C. The limit setting information is stored. The function restriction storage unit 122 stores function restriction setting information including viewing restriction setting information that is information for setting viewing restrictions.

  Here, the function restriction storage unit 122 stores, for example, function restriction setting information indicating that there is no viewing restriction for the parent remote controller 2A, and viewing restriction for the child remote controllers 2B and 2C. It is assumed that function restriction setting information indicating that there is (= prohibit viewing a specific program or a specific channel) is stored.

  The specific key determination unit 111 (corresponding to a part of the specific key determination unit) is transmitted from the remote control 2 (= operation signal transmission unit 263) via the infrared communication unit 19 (here, the power key 21 and the enter key 23). In addition, it is determined with reference to the key information storage unit 121 whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the menu key 25) has been received. That is, the specific key determination unit 111 accepts an operation signal indicating key identification information corresponding to the specific key (here, the power key 21, the enter key 23, and the menu key 25) stored in the key information storage unit 121. It is determined whether or not it has been.

  The function restriction setting unit 112 (corresponding to the function restriction setting unit), when the specific key determination unit 111 determines that the operation signal corresponding to the specific key has been received, remote control identification information included in the received operation signal Is read from the function restriction storage unit 122, and a function restriction condition is set based on the read function restriction setting information.

  Here, when the operation signal corresponding to the parent remote controller 2 </ b> A is received by the specific key determination unit 111, the function limitation setting unit 112 sets a function limitation indicating that there is no viewing limitation, and the specific key determination unit 111. When the operation signal corresponding to the child remote control 2B or 2C is received by the user, the function restriction indicating that there is a viewing restriction (= prohibiting viewing of a specific program or a specific channel) is set. It is.

  The function restriction execution unit 113 restricts various functions based on the function restriction condition set by the function restriction setting unit 112. Here, when the function restriction that there is no viewing restriction is set by the function restriction setting unit 112, the function restriction execution unit 113 can view all programs and channels and has a viewing restriction. When the function restriction is set, it is prohibited to view a specific program or a specific channel.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the digital broadcast receiver 1 (mainly the MPU 11). First, the specific key determination unit 111 determines whether an operation signal has been accepted (S101). If it is determined that an operation signal has not been received (NO in S101), the process is set to a standby state. If it is determined that an operation signal has been received (YES in S101), the specific key determination unit 111 determines whether an operation signal corresponding to the power key 21 has been received (S103).

  If it is determined that an operation signal corresponding to the power key 21 has been received (YES in S103), the process proceeds to step S109. When it is determined that the operation signal corresponding to the power key 21 is not received (NO in S103), the specific key determination unit 111 determines whether the operation signal corresponding to the menu key 25 is received. Performed (S105).

  If it is determined that an operation signal corresponding to the menu key 25 has been received (YES in S105), the process proceeds to step S109. When it is determined that the operation signal corresponding to the menu key 25 has not been received (NO in S105), the specific key determination unit 111 determines whether the operation signal corresponding to the enter key 23 has been received. Performed (S107).

  If it is determined that the operation signal corresponding to the enter key 23 has not been received (NO in S107), the process returns to step S101, and the processes after step S101 are repeatedly executed. When it is determined that the operation signal corresponding to the enter key 23 has been received (NO in S107), in the case of YES in step S103, or in the case of YES in step S105, it is received by the function restriction setting unit 112 It is determined whether or not the remote control identification information included in the operation signal is information indicating the parent remote control 2A (S109).

  If it is determined that the information indicates the parent remote controller 2A (YES in S109), the viewing restriction is canceled by the function restriction setting unit 112 (S111), and the process is terminated. When it is determined that the information is not information indicating the parent remote controller 2A (= information indicating the child remote controllers 2B and 2C) (NO in S109), the viewing restriction is set by the function restriction setting unit 112 (S113). The process is terminated.

  In this manner, in each of the remote controllers 2A, 2B, and 2C, a specific key (here, the power key 21, the enter key 23, and the menu key 25) that is at least one key among a plurality of keys. When is pressed, remote control identification information that is identification information that can identify each of the remote controls 2A, 2B, and 2C is transmitted to the digital broadcast receiver 1 as an operation signal. Also, in the digital broadcast receiver 1, it is determined whether or not an operation signal corresponding to a specific key has been received, and if it is determined that an operation signal corresponding to a specific key has been received, the digital broadcast receiver 1 is included in the received operation signal. The function restriction setting information corresponding to the remote control identification information to be read is read from the function restriction storage unit 122. Since the function restriction condition is set based on the read function restriction setting information, the function restriction can be performed easily and reliably.

  That is, when an operation signal corresponding to a specific key is received from each remote controller 2A, 2B, 2C, remote control identification information that is included in the received operation signal and is identification information that can identify each remote controller 2A, 2B, 2C. Since the function restriction condition is set based on the function restriction setting information corresponding to, the function restriction condition corresponding to each remote controller 2A, 2B, 2C is set when the user presses a specific key on the remote controller 2. Therefore, the function can be restricted easily and reliably.

  Also, the function restriction storage unit 122 stores function restriction setting information, which is information for defining function restriction conditions, in association with remote control identification information that is identification information that can identify each remote controller 2A, 2B, 2C. The function restriction setting information corresponding to the remote control identification information included in the operation signal received from the remote controller 2 is read, and the function restriction condition is set based on the read function restriction setting information. Functional restriction can be performed easily and reliably.

  Furthermore, since the specific key includes a power key 21 that is pressed when the digital broadcast receiver 1 is turned on, a function restriction condition is set when the user turns on the power. It can be performed.

  That is, when a user views a broadcast via the digital broadcast receiver 1, first, the power is turned on. Therefore, a function restriction condition corresponding to the remote controller 2 of the user who performed the operation of turning on the power is set. Therefore, the function can be restricted more easily.

  In addition, since the specific key includes a menu key 25 that is pressed to display a menu screen when setting the function of the digital broadcast receiver 1, the function is limited when the user sets the function of the digital broadcast receiver 1. Therefore, the function can be more reliably restricted.

  That is, when the user sets the function of the digital broadcast receiver 1, the menu key 25 for displaying the menu screen is pressed. When the menu key 25 is pressed, the operation is performed. Since the function restriction condition corresponding to the user's remote controller 2 is set, the function restriction can be performed more reliably.

  For example, when a user (for example, a child or the like) who is subject to function restriction presses the menu key 25, the function of the digital broadcast receiver 1 is set as a function restriction condition corresponding to the remote control 2B or 2C of the user. By setting to prohibit the setting, the user cannot set the function of the digital broadcast receiver 1 and cannot change the function restriction condition.

  In addition, since the specific key includes the enter key 23 that is pressed when setting the function of the digital broadcast receiver 1, a function restriction condition is set when the user sets the function of the digital broadcast receiver 1. In addition, the function can be more reliably restricted.

  That is, when the user sets the function of the digital broadcast receiver 1, the enter key 23 for setting the function of the digital broadcast receiver 1 is pressed. When the enter key 23 is pressed, the operation is performed. Since the function restriction condition corresponding to the remote controller 2 of the user who has performed is set, the function restriction can be performed more reliably.

  For example, when a user (for example, a child) who is subject to function restriction presses the enter key 23, the function of the digital broadcast receiver 1 is set as a function restriction condition corresponding to the user's remote control 2B, 2C. By setting to prohibit the setting, the user cannot set the function of the digital broadcast receiver 1 and cannot change the function restriction condition.

  Furthermore, it is identification information that allows a user to press a plurality of keys, recognizes a pressed key out of a plurality of keys, corresponds to the key determined to be pressed, and identifies the key. The key identification information is read from the key information storage unit 271 and the read key identification information is transmitted as an operation signal. In the key information storage unit 271, key identification information corresponding to specific keys (here, the power key 21, enter key 23, and menu key 25) identifies each remote controller 2A, 2B, 2C. In order to function as remote control identification information, which is information, a plurality of remote controls 2A, 2B, and 2C are preset and stored differently from each other (see FIG. 6), so that key identification information corresponding to a specific key is stored in the remote control. Since it functions as identification information, remote control identification information can be generated with a simple configuration.

  In addition, since the function restriction setting information includes the viewing restriction setting information that is information for setting the viewing restriction, the viewing restriction can be easily and reliably performed.

The present invention can also be applied to the following forms.
(A) In the present embodiment, the case where the broadcast receiving system includes the three remote controllers 2 has been described. For example, the broadcast receiving system may include two remote controllers 2 or four or more remote controllers 2.

  (B) In the present embodiment, the case where the broadcast receiving device is the digital broadcast receiver 1 has been described. That's fine. For example, the broadcast receiving system may receive analog broadcasts, or may receive analog broadcasts and digital broadcasts.

  (C) In the present embodiment, the case where the monitor is the display 183 disposed in the digital broadcast receiver 1 has been described. However, the monitor is configured as a device different from the digital broadcast receiver 1. But you can. For example, the monitor may be a monitor disposed in a personal computer or the like.

  (D) In the present embodiment, the specific key is the power key 21, the enter key 23, and the menu key 25. However, the specific key is the power key 21, the enter key 23, and the menu key 25. It is possible to include at least one key or a form including other keys. As the number of specific keys is smaller, the capacity of the key information storage unit 271 and the key information storage unit 121 can be reduced, and the processing of the MPU 26 (operation signal generation unit 262) and MPU 11 (specific key determination unit 111 and the like) is simplified. be able to.

  Conversely, all the keys arranged on the remote controller 2 may be specific keys. That is, the key identification information of all the keys arranged on the remote controller 2 may be set so as to function as remote control identification information that is identification information that can identify each of the remote controllers 2A, 2B, and 2C. In this case, each time a key disposed on the remote controller 2 is pressed, the remote control identification information can be determined and a function restriction condition corresponding to the remote controller 2 on which the key is pressed can be set. Furthermore, viewing restrictions can be performed with certainty.

  (E) In the present embodiment, the case where the remote control identification information is of two types, one corresponding to the parent remote control 2A and the one corresponding to the child remote control 2B, 2C has been described. The form which is more than a kind may be sufficient. The more types of remote control identification information, the more detailed function restriction setting information can be set. For example, when remote control identification information capable of identifying each family member is set, function restriction setting information corresponding to each family member can be set.

  (F) In the present embodiment, the case where the function restriction setting information is the viewing restriction information has been described. However, it may be information that defines other function restriction conditions in the digital broadcast receiver 1. For example, the function restriction setting information may be information that restricts the function of setting the channel of the digital broadcast receiver 1.

  (G) In the present embodiment, the case where the function restriction setting information is viewing restriction information that prohibits viewing of a specific program or a specific channel received via the reception unit 15 has been described. The restriction setting information may be viewing restriction information regarding information received from an external device such as a DVD player.

These are the block diagrams which show an example of the digital broadcast receiving system which concerns on this invention. These are block diagrams which show an example of a structure of a digital broadcast receiver. These are figures which show an example of the external appearance of the remote control shown in FIG. These are block diagrams which show an example of an electrical configuration of the remote control shown in FIG. These are block diagrams which show an example of a structure of the principal part of the broadcast receiving system which concerns on this invention. These are figures which show an example of the key identification information stored in the key information storage part. These are the flowcharts which show an example of operation | movement of a digital broadcast receiver (mainly MPU).

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital broadcast receiver (broadcast receiver)
11 MPU
111 Specific key determination unit (part of specific key determination means)
112 function restriction setting unit (function restriction setting means)
113 Function restriction execution unit 12 RAM
121 Key information storage unit (part of specific key determination means)
122 function restriction storage unit (function restriction storage means)
2 Remote control 2A Parent remote control 2B, 2B Child remote control 20 Infrared signal output unit (part of transmission means)
21 Power key 23 Enter key 25 Menu key 26 MPU
261 Key discriminating part (part of key discriminating means)
262 Operation signal generator (part of transmission means)
263 Operation signal transmission unit (part of transmission means)
27 RAM
271 Key information storage unit (key information storage means)
29 Key press detection unit (part of key discrimination means)

Claims (8)

A broadcast receiving device configured to receive a television broadcast and be output to a monitor so as to be visible from the outside, and a plurality of remote controllers provided with a plurality of keys and connected to be able to communicate with the broadcast receiving device A broadcast receiving system comprising:
The plurality of remote controllers are respectively
Key information storage means for storing key identification information that is preset for each of the plurality of keys and that can identify the key;
A key discriminating unit that accepts pressing of the plurality of keys from the outside and discriminates the pressed key among the plurality of keys; and
The key identification information corresponding to the key determined to be pressed by the key determination means is read from the key information storage means, and the read key identification information is transmitted as an operation signal to the broadcast receiving apparatus. When the specific key that is at least one preset key among the plurality of keys is pressed, remote control identification information that is identification information that can identify each remote controller is used as an operation signal for the broadcast receiving apparatus. A transmission means for transmitting to
With
The broadcast receiving device is:
Function restriction storage means for storing function restriction setting information, which is information for defining function restriction conditions, in association with the remote control identification information;
Specific key determination means for determining whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the specific key is received;
When it is determined by the specific key determination means that an operation signal corresponding to a specific key has been received, function restriction setting information corresponding to remote control identification information included in the received operation signal is read from the function restriction storage means. A function restriction setting means for setting a function restriction condition based on the read function restriction setting information;
With
The key information storage means is preset and stored differently for each of the plurality of remote controllers so that key identification information corresponding to the specific key functions as the remote control identification information.
The specific key includes a power key that is pressed when the broadcast receiver is turned on, a menu key that is pressed to display a menu screen when setting the function of the broadcast receiver, and the broadcast reception Including an enter key to be pressed when setting the function of the device,
The broadcast reception system, wherein the function restriction setting information includes viewing restriction setting information which is information for setting a viewing restriction. A broadcast receiving device configured to receive a television broadcast and be output to a monitor so as to be visible from the outside, and a plurality of remote controllers provided with a plurality of keys and connected to be able to communicate with the broadcast receiving device A broadcast receiving system comprising:
The plurality of remote controllers are respectively
When a specific key that is at least one preset key among the plurality of keys is pressed, remote control identification information that is identification information that can identify each remote controller is sent to the broadcast receiving apparatus as an operation signal. A transmission means for transmitting to the
The broadcast receiving device is:
Function restriction storage means for storing function restriction setting information, which is information for defining function restriction conditions, in association with the remote control identification information;
Specific key determination means for determining whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the specific key is received;
When it is determined by the specific key determination means that an operation signal corresponding to a specific key has been received, function restriction setting information corresponding to remote control identification information included in the received operation signal is read from the function restriction storage means. A function restriction setting means for setting a function restriction condition based on the read function restriction setting information;
A broadcast receiving system comprising:   The broadcast receiving system according to claim 2, wherein the specific key includes a power key that is pressed when the power of the broadcast receiving apparatus is turned on.   The broadcast receiving system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the specific key includes a menu key that is pressed to display a menu screen when setting a function of the broadcast receiving apparatus.   The broadcast receiving system according to claim 2, wherein the specific key includes an enter key that is pressed when setting a function of the broadcast receiving apparatus. The plurality of remote controllers are respectively
Key information storage means for storing key identification information that is preset for each of the plurality of keys and that can identify the key;
A key discriminating unit that accepts pressing of the plurality of keys from the outside and discriminates the pressed key among the plurality of keys; and
With
The transmission means reads key identification information corresponding to a key determined to be pressed by the key determination means from the key information storage means, and transmits the read key identification information as an operation signal.
The key information storage means is preset and stored differently for each of the plurality of remote controllers so that key identification information corresponding to the specific key functions as the remote control identification information. The broadcast receiving system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.   7. The key information storage means is preset and stored differently for each of the plurality of remote controllers so that the key identification information functions as the remote controller identification information. The broadcast receiving system described.   The broadcast receiving system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the function restriction setting information includes viewing restriction setting information which is information for setting a viewing restriction.

Images