JP2008294866A - Digital broadcast reception device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital broadcast reception device capable of improving convenience by limiting viewing of a specified program. <P>SOLUTION: A viewing-limited program is registered by specifying a specified program as the viewing-limited program by operating an operation key during view of the specified program or display of an EPG (Electronic Program Guide), and is registered by storing program information on the specified program. It is judged whether a current program is a viewing-limited program with reference to program information on the current program being broadcast through each channel and the program information on the registered viewing-limited program. If the viewing-limited program is being viewed when the viewing-limited program is specified or if the current program being broadcast through an indicated channel is the viewing-limited program when the channel indicated by operating an operation key is selected, video and audio corresponding to the program are stopped from being output to inhibit the program from being viewed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a viewing restriction function of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus.

  For example, some digital broadcast receivers such as digital television receivers have a parental lock function that restricts a parent from watching a television broadcast harmful to children. For example, the parental lock function of digital television receivers used in Europe and the like includes a channel lock function that restricts viewing of the channel itself designated by key operation, and each TV broadcast multiplexed with a digital TV broadcast signal. There is a parental rating function that uses program rating information.

  On the other hand, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus described in Patent Document 1 below, a viewing restriction word is present in program information that is set in advance by an administrator and detected from a broadcast signal and stored in a memory. Whether the program information includes a viewing restriction word is determined to be a viewing restricted program, and even if there is a viewing request for the program, the video output of the program is restricted.

  Further, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus described in Patent Document 2 below, a keyword or condition for program selection is registered in the memory in advance, and when the user receives a program selection screen display command, the broadcast is received. The program information detected from the signal is searched for information that matches the keyword or condition, and if there is a program containing information that matches the keyword or condition, the program is displayed in a different color from other programs on the program selection screen. When the program is selected by the cursor and rating information is included in the program information of the program, a warning sound is emitted.

  In the digital broadcast receiving apparatus described in Patent Document 3 below, the first rating information is detected from the video data decoded by the video decoding unit, and the first rating information is detected from the EPG data decoded by the EPG processing unit. 2 Rating information is detected, and at the time of program reservation, whether or not reservation is possible due to viewing restrictions is determined based on the second rating information and displayed on the program reservation guide.

  Furthermore, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus described in Patent Document 4 below, the broadcast program data of the broadcast program currently displayed on the display means is compared with the broadcast scheduled program data stored in the storage means, Reserving a broadcast scheduled program whose genre or program name matches or is similar to the current broadcast program.

JP 2006-319613 A JP 2003-219300 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-110953 JP 2000-92400 A

  The parental lock function and the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 4 described above are not convenient because the user cannot restrict viewing of a specific program. In particular, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the administrator must consider the viewing restriction word in advance and input it to the apparatus, which is complicated.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a digital broadcast receiving apparatus that can restrict the viewing of a specific program and improve convenience.

  In the present invention, channel selection means for selecting each channel of digital broadcasting and receiving the broadcast signal of each channel, channel selection instruction means for instructing channel selection of each channel, and processing the broadcast signal for each channel A digital broadcast receiving apparatus comprising signal output means for outputting a video signal and an audio signal corresponding to a broadcast program, and detection means for processing the broadcast signal and detecting program information of a program broadcast on each channel In addition, a program designating unit for designating a viewing-restricted program to be restricted from being viewed, and a registration unit for registering the viewing-restricted program by storing program information of the viewing-restricted program designated by the program designating unit; Referring to the program information of the current program being broadcast on each channel and the program information of the viewing-restricted program registered in the registration means, And a judging means for judging whether or not. Then, when the viewing restriction program is designated by the program designation means, a video signal and an audio signal corresponding to the designated viewing restriction program are being outputted by the signal output means, and the channel designated by the channel selection instruction means is selected. When the current program broadcast on the channel is a viewing-restricted program, the output of the video signal and the audio signal corresponding to the program by the signal output means is stopped.

  In this case, the user simply designates a specific program as a viewing-restricted program by the program designating means, and the program at this time or later (the program itself designated as the viewing-restricted program or a program similar thereto) Since the output of the corresponding video signal and audio signal is stopped and the program cannot be viewed, it is possible to easily limit the viewing of a specific program and enhance the convenience.

  In the present invention, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus, the program designating unit designates a program corresponding to the video signal and the audio signal being output by the signal output unit as a viewing-restricted program.

  In this way, it is possible to easily limit viewing of a specific program that is currently being broadcast and received, thereby improving convenience.

  According to the present invention, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus, the detection means detects program information of a program broadcast on each channel for a certain period, and stores the program information detected by the detection means; A list display means for displaying a list of programs broadcast in each channel for a certain period based on the program information stored in the means, and the program designating means includes, among the programs listed by the list display means, One of the programs is designated as a viewing-restricted program.

  In this way, it is possible to easily restrict viewing in advance for a specific program broadcasted for a certain period of time, thereby improving convenience.

  In the present invention, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus, program information for a predetermined period of each channel is detected by the detection means at a preset timing and stored in the storage means.

  In this way, it is possible to detect and store the program information of each channel for a certain period before registering the viewing-restricted program and determining the viewing-restricted program, and update and accurately hold the program information. For this reason, at the time of registration of the viewing-restricted program, the program information of the viewing-restricted program stored in the storage unit can be quickly and accurately registered by the registration unit, saving the trouble of detecting the program information of the viewing-restricted program from the broadcast signal. Can do. In addition, when determining a viewing-restricted program, the program information of the current program stored in the storage unit and the program of the viewing-restricted program registered by the registering unit are saved without the trouble of detecting the program information of the current program from the broadcast signal. It is possible to quickly and accurately determine whether or not the current program is a viewing-restricted program by referring to the information. Further, based on the determination result, it is possible to reduce the time required to execute or stop the output of the video signal and the audio signal corresponding to the current program of the channel at the time of channel selection.

  In the present invention, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus, the program information includes at least a program name.

  In this way, viewing restriction can be applied to a program having the same name as a specific program designated as a viewing restricted program by the program designation means.

  In the present invention, in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus, when the number of output stops by the signal output means of the video signal and the audio signal corresponding to the viewing restricted program is less than a predetermined number, the viewing restriction designated by the program designating means. When the output of the video signal and audio signal corresponding to the viewing-restricted program by the signal output means is stopped only during a specific broadcast time period of the program, The output of the video signal and audio signal corresponding to the viewing-restricted program by the signal output means is stopped during all broadcast time zones of the restricted program.

  In this way, among the specific programs designated by the user as viewing-restricted programs, the corresponding video signal and audio signal output stop count is less than a certain number of times, only in the specified specific broadcast time zone. Conveniently restricting viewing temporarily for all subsequent broadcast hours for programs that temporarily limit viewing and corresponding video and audio signal output stops are more than a certain number of times. Can increase the sex.

  In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, channel selection means for selecting each channel of digital broadcasting compliant with the DVB SI (Digital Video Broadcast Service Information) standard and receiving a broadcast signal of each channel, and each channel Channel selection instruction means for instructing channel selection, processing the broadcast signal and outputting TS (Transport Stream), processing the TS and outputting the video signal and audio signal corresponding to the program broadcast on each channel Signal output means for detecting EIT (Event Information Table) from the TS, detecting means for detecting program information of the program broadcast on each channel from the EIT, and outputting video based on the video signal and sound based on the audio signal In the digital broadcast receiving apparatus provided with the video / audio output means, the following configuration is adopted. The detecting means detects program information including at least a program name of a program broadcast on each channel for a certain period at the time of activation or periodically. Furthermore, a storage means for storing program information detected by the detection means, a list display means for displaying a list of programs broadcast in each channel for a certain period based on the program information stored in the storage means, and video and audio A program that is designated as a viewing-restricted program that restricts the viewing of the program that is currently being viewed by the output means and the program that is currently being viewed or the list-displayed program by the list display means. A registration means for registering the viewing-restricted program by storing program information of the viewing-restricted program designated by the program designating means, program information of the current program broadcast on each channel, and registration Whether or not the current program is a viewing-restricted program by checking the program name match with reference to the program information of the viewing-restricted program registered in the means And a determination unit. And, when the viewing restricted program is designated by the program designating means, when the designated viewing restricted program is being watched, and when the channel designated by the tuning instruction means is selected, the current broadcasted on the channel When the program is a viewing-restricted program, output of the video and audio corresponding to the program by the video / audio output means is stopped so that the program cannot be viewed.

  In this way, a specific program currently being viewed by the user or a specific program out of the programs broadcast for a certain period of time displayed in a list can be specified as a viewing-restricted program, and the program is currently being viewed. Since the output of video and audio corresponding to the program or the program with the same name as that broadcast after that is stopped and the program cannot be viewed, the viewing can be easily restricted to a specific program to improve convenience. be able to. Further, by detecting the program information for a certain period of each channel at the time of start-up, or for each of the certain period or for each period shorter than the certain period, the registration of the viewing-restricted program and the determination of the viewing-restricted program are performed. Program information can be reliably stored and updated in the storage means, and can always be held accurately. For this reason, at the time of registration of the viewing-restricted program, it is possible to save the trouble of detecting the program information of the viewing-restricted program from the EIT of the TS, and register the program information by quickly and accurately moving it from the storage means by the registration means. . Further, when determining the viewing-restricted program, the trouble of detecting the program information of the current program from the EIT of the TS is saved, and the program information of the current program stored in the storage unit and the viewing-restricted program registered by the registration unit are saved. With reference to the program information, it is possible to quickly and accurately determine whether or not the current program is a viewing-restricted program. Further, based on the determination result, it is possible to reduce the time required to execute or stop the output of video and audio corresponding to the current program of the channel when the channel is selected. Further, by detecting and storing program information for a certain period of time for each channel at the time of activation and not performing it during the subsequent driving, it is possible to save time and effort for the processing during the subsequent driving. Furthermore, by making the period for periodically detecting and storing the program information of each channel for a certain period equal to the certain period, the execution frequency of the process is reduced, and the time and burden of the process are reduced. be able to.

  Furthermore, in a typical embodiment of the present invention, the digital broadcast receiving apparatus further comprises a counting means for counting the number of output stops by the video / audio output means for the video and audio corresponding to the viewing-restricted program. When a time zone is included and the number of times the output of the viewing-restricted program is stopped is less than a certain number of times, a video corresponding to the viewing-restricted program only during a specific broadcast time zone of the viewing-restricted program designated by the program designating means And when the output stop count of the viewing-restricted program is equal to or greater than a certain number of times, the video corresponding to the viewing-restricted program is displayed in all broadcast hours of the viewing-restricted program. The output of the audio video / audio output means is stopped.

  In this way, among the specific programs designated by the user as viewing-restricted programs, the corresponding video and audio output stop count is less than a certain number of times, and only for the specified specific broadcast time zone. Temporarily restrict viewing so that it cannot be viewed, and the program with the same name whose corresponding video and audio output has been stopped more than a certain number of times is continuously viewed in all subsequent broadcast hours. It is possible to restrict viewing and prevent viewing and enhance convenience.

  According to the present invention, when a user designates a specific program as a viewing-restricted program, the program cannot be viewed at this time or after that. Can be increased.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100 receives a broadcast signal of each channel of digital broadcast compliant with the DVB SI (Digital Video Broadcast Service Information) standard, and outputs video and audio corresponding to a program broadcast on each channel. Consists of a digital television receiver. A tuner module is constructed on the sub-board 1 of the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100. A main system of TV (TV) is constructed on the main board 2.

  The tuner 3 extracts an IF (Intermediate Frequency) signal corresponding to each channel from a digital broadcast RF (Radio Frequency) signal acquired via an antenna (not shown), and outputs the IF (Intermediate Frequency) signal to the demodulator (Demod) 4. The demodulator 4 demodulates the digital IF signal of each channel to detect a TS (Transport Stream), and the TS is connected to a hybrid processor (hereinafter referred to as “processor”) 6 via a CI (Common Interface) 5. Output to. The demodulator 4 outputs an AGC (Auto Gain Control) signal for selecting each channel to the tuner 3. The tuner 3 and the demodulator 4 perform data communication via an IIC (Inter Integrated Circuit) bus. An IC card (not shown) with a built-in descrambler is connected to the CI 5. The scrambled TS such as pay digital broadcasting is unscrambled by the descrambler of the IC card via the CI 5.

  The processor 6 includes a demultiplexer (Demux), an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) decoder, an MHEG (Multimedia and Hypermedia information coding Experts Group) decoder, a graphic controller (Graphic), and a CPU. The processor 6 detects an MPEG-2 video stream, an audio stream, an MHEG data stream, and PSI (Program Specific Information) / SI (Service Information) from the TS using a demultiplexer. PSI / SI is supplementary information of a program included in a broadcast signal of each channel of digital broadcasting. The processor 6 decodes the video stream or the MHEG data stream by the MPEG decoder or the MHEG decoder to generate video data. Further, the processor 6 performs various kinds of image processing on the video data by the graphic controller and outputs a video signal to the AV SW (switch) 10 (Video (CVBS, Y / C)). Further, the processor 6 decodes the audio stream by the MPEG decoder, generates audio data, and outputs the audio data to an audio DAC (Digital Analog Converter) 7. The audio DAC 7 converts the audio data into an audio signal and outputs the audio signal to the AV SW 10 (Audio (L, R)).

  The memory 9 is composed of EEPROM, NOR FLASH, SDRAM and the like. The memory 9 stores in advance data for processing the TS by the processor 6, data for controlling the IC card connected to the tuner 3, the demodulator 4 and the CI 5 by the CPU of the processor 6 in advance. Or remembered from time to time. The CPU of the processor 6 reads / writes data from / to the memory 9. The CPU of the processor 6 performs data communication with the IC card connected to the demodulator 4 or the CI 5 via the IIC bus.

  A microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “microcomputer”) 11 provided on the main board 2 includes a CPU, a memory, and a timer. The microcomputer 11 controls each unit of the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100. The microcomputer 11 measures the date and time using a timer. Further, the microcomputer 11 selects each channel of the digital broadcast by the tuner 3 and the demodulator 4 and receives a broadcast signal (IF signal) of each channel. The memory 17 is composed of EEPROM, NOR FLASH, or the like. The microcomputer 11 reads / writes data from / to the memory 17.

  The processor 6 and the microcomputer 11 perform data communication through a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) interface. The CPU of the processor 6 transmits information such as PSI / SI to the microcomputer 11. The microcomputer 11 detects an EIT (Event Information Table) from the SI, and detects program information of each channel of the digital broadcast from the EIT. Specifically, the EIT includes program information for about one week of all digital broadcasting channels. For this reason, the microcomputer 11 detects the program information of the program broadcast from the EIT on each channel for a certain period (for example, one week) and stores it in the program information DB (database) provided in a predetermined area of the memory 17 ( Remember. The program information includes various information such as the program name, broadcast time zone, title, content, genre, and rating information of each program. The microcomputer 11 generates EPG information constituting an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) based on the program information stored in the program information DB.

  The microcomputer 11 transmits the EPG information and various information stored in the memory 17 and the built-in memory to the processor 6. The processor 6 generates video data based on the information transmitted from the microcomputer 11 by a graphic controller, and performs OSD (On Screen Display) processing for incorporating the video data into video data generated by an MPEG decoder or the like. By this OSD processing, a video signal for displaying an EPG screen, a menu screen, various setting screens, and the like that display a list of programs broadcast for a certain period (for example, one week) on each channel of digital broadcasting is generated. The video signal is output from the processor 6 to the AV SW 10.

  The AV SW 10 receives not only video signals and audio signals from the tuner 3, processor 6, and audio DAC 7, but also video signals (not shown) connected to the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100 by cables or the like (not shown). CVBS) and audio signal (Audio) are input. In addition, a video signal and an audio signal are input / output between the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100 and the external video device via the AV SW 10 and SCART (Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorecepteurs et Televiseurs) 1 and 2 interfaces. The AV SW 10 switches between an audio signal output to the speaker 15 and a video signal output to the scaler 13.

  An HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) receiver 12 receives a component signal or an HDMI signal input from an external video device, and outputs it to the scaler 13. The scaler 13 performs image processing such as image size conversion and image quality adjustment on the video signal input from the AV SW 10 or the HDMI receiver 12, and then converts the video signal into an LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) signal. And output to an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) module 14. The LCD module 14 displays an image based on the input LVDS signal. Examples of the video displayed on the LCD module 14 include video corresponding to each program, input video from an external video device, EPG screen, menu screen, and various setting screens. The speaker 15 outputs sound based on the input audio signal. The sound output from the speaker 15 includes sound corresponding to each program and input sound from an external video device.

  The operation keys 16 are provided on an operation panel and a remote controller installed on the front surface of the main body of the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100, respectively. The operation keys 16 include various keys such as a channel key, a channel up / down key, a menu key, a cross key, an enter key, and a volume key. By performing a predetermined operation with the operation key 16, it is possible to instruct channel selection of each channel, to specify a viewing-restricted program that restricts viewing so that it cannot be viewed, to set each function, to input information, etc. Can be input.

  When the viewing-restricted program is designated by the operation of the operation key 16, the microcomputer 11 stores (stores) the program information of the viewing-restricted program in the viewing-restricted DB provided in a predetermined area of the memory 17, thereby Register restricted programs. Then, the microcomputer 11 determines whether or not the current program broadcast on each channel is a viewing restriction program based on the viewing restriction information stored in the viewing restriction DB. Further, the microcomputer 11 locks the viewing-restricted program so that it cannot be viewed. The viewing-restricted program is locked by stopping the output of the video signal and audio signal corresponding to the view-restricted program by the processor 6 and the audio DAC 7, and the video and audio corresponding to the view-restricted program by the LCD module 14 and the speaker 15. The output is stopped so that the viewing-restricted program cannot be viewed. The microcomputer 11 counts the number of times each viewing-restricted program is locked using the memory 17. Further, when various information set by the administrator of the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100 is input by operating the operation key 16, the microcomputer 11 stores the information in an administrator DB provided in a predetermined area of the memory 17. The administrator DB stores various setting information such as an administrator identification code, a password for canceling viewing restrictions, and age restrictions for viewing.

  In the above configuration, the tuner 3, the demodulator 4, and the microcomputer 11 constitute an embodiment of the channel selection means in the present invention. The demodulator 4, the processor 6, and the audio DAC 7 constitute one embodiment of the signal output means in the present invention. The processor 6 and the microcomputer 11 constitute one embodiment of the detection means in the present invention. The microcomputer 11 constitutes an embodiment of the determination means in the present invention. The microcomputer 11 and the memory 17 constitute one embodiment of the registration means and counting means in the present invention. The memory 17 constitutes one embodiment of the storage means in the present invention. The scaler 13, the LCD module 14, and the speaker 15 constitute one embodiment of the video / audio output means in the present invention. The processor 6, the microcomputer 11, the scaler 13, and the LCD module 14 constitute an embodiment of the list display means in the present invention. The operation key 16 constitutes one embodiment of the channel selection instruction means and the program designation means in the present invention.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the program information acquisition process. This processing is executed by the microcomputer 11 controlling each part of the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100. When the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100 is activated or every time a predetermined period elapses (periodically), the microcomputer 11 determines that the preset program information acquisition timing has come (step S1: YES). The time when the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100 is activated is when the power switch of the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100 is turned on and each unit is activated. Each time the fixed period elapses is, for example, when one week (24 hours × 7 days = 168 hours) or a period shorter than one week has elapsed from the previous program information acquisition timing. The program information acquisition timing is preset in the manufacturing stage of the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100 (initial timing), but the user can freely operate the operation keys 16 according to various setting screens displayed on the LCD module 14. Can be set and changed.

  Then, the microcomputer 11 detects the EIT from the SI of the TS detected from the broadcast signal of the channel being selected when the program information acquisition timing comes (step S2). The channel being selected is a preset initial channel, a channel selected until immediately before the power is turned off, or a channel selected by the user by operating the operation key 16. The microcomputer 11 detects program information of each channel for a certain period from the EIT (step S3), stores the program information in the program information DB of the memory 17 (step S4), and ends the process. Specifically, the microcomputer 11 detects the program information for one week for each channel from the EIT and stores it in the program information DB. At this time, if old program information is stored in the program information DB, the newly detected program information is overwritten on the old program information, and the program information in the program information DB is updated.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the viewing restriction setting process. This processing is executed by the microcomputer 11 controlling each part of the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100. When the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100 is activated and, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, video and audio corresponding to the current program broadcast on 6 channels are output from the LCD module 14 and the speaker 15, the user When the program is viewed and designated as a viewing-restricted program by operating the operation key 16 (step S11 in FIG. 3: YES), the microcomputer 11 locks the program, that is, the program is designated as a viewing-restricted program. The output of the corresponding video and audio from the LCD module 14 and the speaker 15 is stopped, the viewing of the program is prohibited (cannot be viewed) (step S13), and the LCD module 14 indicates that the program cannot be viewed. (Step S14). At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the LCD module 14 displays the current program because the video program corresponding to the current program broadcast on the six channels is replaced with a blackback screen and viewing restrictions. A message indicating that viewing cannot be performed is displayed, and no sound is output from the speaker 15. Then, the microcomputer 11 registers the viewing-restricted program by reading the program information of the program designated as the viewing-restricted program from the program information DB of the memory 17 and storing it in the viewing-restricted DB (step S15 in FIG. 3). The process is terminated. If the user operates the operation key 16 and inputs a password preset by the administrator while the viewing-restricted program is locked, the microcomputer 11 unlocks the program, that is, the video corresponding to the program. Are output from the LCD module 14 and the speaker 15 to permit (view) the program.

  When the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100 is activated and an EPG as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the LCD module 14, for example, the user operates the operation key 16 to view any program. (Step S11: NO, Step S12: YES in FIG. 3), the microcomputer 11 reads the program information of the program specified as the viewing-restricted program from the program information DB of the memory 17 and stores it in the viewing-restricted DB. Thus, the viewing restricted program is registered (step S15), and the process is terminated. FIG. 6 shows a part of a list of programs broadcast on each channel on a certain day. In each program column, simple program information such as a program name, a title, and contents is displayed. When one of the programs is selected (clicked) by operating the operation key 16, detailed program information of the program is displayed in another frame. Further, the program designated as the viewing-restricted program is displayed in a different form from other programs (background color change, highlight display, etc., hatching in FIG. 6).

  When the viewing restriction setting process ends as described above, the viewing restriction DB of the memory 17 stores the program information of the viewing restricted program as shown in FIG. 7, for example, and the viewing restricted program is registered. In FIG. 7, the program name and program related information are stored in the viewing restriction DB in association with each other as program information of each viewing restricted program. The program related information includes a broadcast time zone, a broadcast channel (CH No.), a title, a genre, and the like of the program.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of channel selection processing. This processing is executed by the microcomputer 11 controlling each part of the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100. While the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100 is activated, the user operates the operation keys 16 such as the channel key and the channel up / down key, or the user operates the operation keys 16 while viewing the EPG as shown in FIG. When any channel selection is instructed (step S21 in FIG. 8: YES), the microcomputer 11 reads the program information of the current program broadcast on the channel from the program information DB in the memory 17. At this time, the program information of the current program instructed to be selected may be detected from the EIT of the TS detected from the broadcast signal of the channel being selected. Then, the microcomputer 11 refers to the program information of the current program of the channel instructed to be selected and the program information of the viewing-restricted program registered in the viewing-restriction DB of the memory 17 (step S22). It is determined whether or not the current program is a viewing-restricted program (step S23). At this time, for example, the microcomputer 11 confirms that the program names of the current program and the viewing-restricted program match, and if the program names match, determines that the current program is a viewing-restricted program (step S23: YES). If the program names do not match, it is determined that the current program is not a viewing-restricted program (step S23: NO). In addition to this, for example, a match between the genre of the current program and the viewing-restricted program or a match between at least two or more of a plurality of information included in the program information is confirmed. If they do not match, it may be determined that the current program is not a viewing-restricted program.

  When the microcomputer 11 determines that the current program of the channel instructed to be selected is a viewing-restricted program (step S23: YES), selects the channel (step S24), locks the current program, That is, the output of the video and audio corresponding to the program from the LCD module 14 and the speaker 15 is stopped, the viewing of the program is prohibited (step S25), and the LCD module 14 notifies that the program cannot be viewed. (Step S26), the process ends. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the LCD module 14 has a blackback screen and a viewing restriction instead of the video corresponding to the current program broadcast on the selected channel. A message indicating that the current program cannot be viewed is displayed, and no sound is output from the speaker 15.

  If the microcomputer 11 determines that the current program of the channel instructed to be selected is not a viewing-restricted program (step S23: NO), the microcomputer 11 searches the manager DB of the memory 17 and the viewing-restricted age is set in advance. It is determined whether or not (step S27). Then, when the age limit for viewing is preset and stored in the administrator DB (step S27: YES), the microcomputer 11 displays the rating information of the current program of the channel instructed to select the program information in the memory 17. Read from DB. At this time, the rating information of the current program may be detected from the EIT of the TS detected from the broadcast signal. Then, the microcomputer 11 refers to the viewing limit age and the rating information of the current program (step S28), and determines whether or not the viewing limit age is equal to or lower than the rating set age indicated by the rating information ( Step S29). At this time, if the viewing limit age is equal to or lower than the rating setting age (step S29: YES), the microcomputer 11 selects the designated channel (step S24), locks the current program (step S25), Notifying that the program cannot be viewed (step S26), the process is terminated.

  In addition, the microcomputer 11 sets the viewing-restricted age in advance and is not stored in the administrator DB (step S27: NO), or the set viewing-restricted age is the current program of the channel for which channel selection is instructed. If it is older than the rating setting age (step S29: NO), the designated channel is selected (step S30), and the current program is not locked, that is, the video and audio corresponding to the program are sent to the LCD module 14. The program is output from the speaker 15 to permit viewing of the program (step S31), and the process ends. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the video corresponding to the current program broadcast on the channel being selected is displayed on the LCD module 14, and the audio corresponding to the current program is output from the speaker 15. .

  9-11 is a figure which shows other embodiment. The viewing restriction setting process shown in FIG. 9 and the channel tuning process shown in FIG. 11 are executed by the microcomputer 11 controlling each part of the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100. In FIG. 9 and FIG. 11, the same steps as those in FIG. 3 and FIG.

  First, in the viewing restriction setting process of FIG. 9, the microcomputer 11 designates the program being viewed as a viewing restricted program by the user (step S11: YES), locks the program (step S13), and cannot view the program. Is notified (step S14), or if any program is designated as a viewing-restricted program from the EPG by the user (step S12: YES), the viewing-restriction DB in the memory 17 is searched to view the program. It is determined whether or not the program has already been registered (step S41). If the result of determination in step S41 is that the designated program has not yet been registered in the viewing restriction DB, the microcomputer 11 reads the program information of the program from the program information DB in the memory 17, and the viewing restriction shown in FIG. By storing the temporary viewing restriction area 17b in the DB, the program is registered as a temporary viewing restriction program (step S42 in FIG. 9). Then, if the designated program is currently locked (step S43: YES), the microcomputer 11 sets the number of times of locking as one in the temporary viewing restriction area 17b of the viewing restriction DB as shown in FIG. The program related information is recorded (step S44 in FIG. 9), and the process ends. If the designated program is not currently locked (step S43: NO), the microcomputer 11 includes 0 as the number of locks in the program related information of the program in the temporary viewing restriction area 17b of the viewing restriction DB. (Step S45), and the process ends.

  If the result of determination in step S41 is that the designated program has already been registered in the viewing restriction DB as a temporary viewing restriction program and the program is currently locked (step S46: YES) 1) is added to the number of locks of the program stored in the temporary viewing restriction area 17b of the viewing restriction DB (step S47), and the number of locks is updated. Then, the microcomputer 11 determines whether or not the number of locks of the designated program is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of preset times (step S48). If the program specified in step S41 has already been registered as a temporary viewing restriction program in the viewing restriction DB and the program is not currently locked (step S46: NO), the microcomputer 11 It is determined whether or not the number of locks is a certain number or more (step S48). If the number of locks of the designated program is less than the predetermined number (step S48: NO), the microcomputer 11 ends the process. If the designated program is locked more than a certain number of times (step S48: YES), the microcomputer 11 continuously displays the program information of the program from the temporary viewing restriction area 17b of the viewing restriction DB shown in FIG. By moving to the viewing restricted area 17a, the program is registered as a continuous viewing restricted program (step S49), and the process ends. If the result of determination in step S41 is that the designated program has already been registered in the viewing restriction DB as a continuous viewing restriction program, the microcomputer 11 ends the process without executing steps S42 to S49.

  Next, in the channel selection process of FIG. 11, when the user instructs the channel selection of one of the channels (step S21: YES), the microcomputer 11 displays the program information of the current program broadcast on the channel. Referring to the program information of the viewing-restricted program registered in the viewing-restricted DB (step S22), for example, by confirming the match of the program name, it is determined whether or not the current program is a viewing-restricted program. Determination is made (step S51). When the microcomputer 11 determines that the current program of the channel instructed to be selected in step S51 is a continuous viewing restriction program, the microcomputer 11 selects the channel (step S24) and locks the program (step S25). ), Notification that the program cannot be viewed (step S26). Then, since the current program is not a temporary viewing restriction program (step S53: NO), the microcomputer 11 ends the process.

  If the microcomputer 11 determines that the current program of the channel instructed to be selected in step S51 is a temporary viewing restriction program, the microcomputer 11 is registered in the broadcast time zone of the current program and the viewing restriction DB. It is determined whether or not the broadcast time zone of the temporary viewing-restricted program (a specific broadcast time zone of the view-restricted program designated from the EPG) matches (step S52). Then, if the broadcasting time zone of the current program and the temporary viewing restriction program match (step S52: YES), the microcomputer 11 selects the designated channel (step S24), and the current program Is locked (step S25), and it is notified that the program cannot be viewed (step S26). Since the current program is a temporary viewing restriction program (step S53: YES), the microcomputer 11 adds 1 to the number of locks of the program stored in the temporary viewing restriction area 17b of the viewing restriction DB. (Step S54), the number of locks is updated, and the process ends.

  Further, the microcomputer 11 determines that the current program of the channel instructed to be selected in step S51 is not a viewing-restricted program, or the broadcast time zone of the current program and the temporary viewing-restricted program do not match in step S52. (Step S52: NO), it is determined whether or not the viewing limit age is set in advance (step S27). Then, the microcomputer 11 has a preset viewing age limit (step S27: YES), and refers to the viewing restriction age and the rating information of the current program (step S28). If it is below the rating setting age of the program (step S29: YES), step S24 and subsequent steps are executed as described above, and the process is terminated. In addition, when the viewing limit age is not set in advance (step S27: NO), or the viewing limit age is higher than the rating setting age of the current program (step S29: NO), the microcomputer 11 selects the designated channel. The channel is selected (step S30), the current program is not locked (step S31), and the process is terminated.

  According to the above, a specific program out of a specific program that the user is currently viewing or a program that is broadcast for a certain period of time displayed in a list on the EPG can be designated as a viewing-restricted program by the operation key 16. Since the output of video and audio corresponding to the program that was being watched at this time or the same program (same name, etc.) that was broadcast after that is stopped and the program cannot be viewed, it is easy to select a specific program. Convenience can be enhanced by restricting viewing.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, by detecting the program information of each channel for a certain period at a preset program information acquisition timing, registration of a viewing-restricted program (step S15 in FIG. 3 or step in FIG. 9). Before S42 and S49) and before the determination of the viewing-restricted program (step S23 in FIG. 8, step S51 in FIG. 11, etc.), the program information is stored in the program information DB of the memory 17, and the program information is updated to be accurate. Can be held in. In particular, by detecting the program information of each channel for a certain period and storing the program information in the program information DB at the time of start-up or for each certain period or for each period shorter than the certain period, before registration of the viewing-restricted program and viewing restriction Prior to program determination, the program information can be reliably stored and updated in the program information DB, and can always be accurately maintained.

  For this reason, when registering a viewing-restricted program, the trouble of detecting program information of the viewing-restricted program from the EIT of the TS is saved, and the program information is quickly and accurately moved from the program information DB of the memory 17 to the viewing-restricted DB. You can register. Further, when determining the viewing restricted program, the trouble of detecting the program information of the current program from the EIT of the TS is saved, and the current program program information stored in the program information DB of the memory 17 and the viewing restriction DB are stored. It is possible to quickly and accurately determine whether or not the current program is a viewing-restricted program by referring to the program information of the viewing-restricted program. Further, based on the determination result, when selecting a channel, the video and audio output corresponding to the current program of the channel is executed (unlocked state) or stopped (locked state). be able to. Also, by detecting and storing program information for a certain period of time for each channel at the time of startup and not performing it during the subsequent driving, it is possible to save time and effort for the processing during the subsequent driving. Furthermore, the period for periodically detecting and storing the program information for each channel for a certain period is made equal to the certain period, thereby reducing the execution frequency of the process and reducing the time and burden of the process. be able to.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 11, among the specific programs designated by the user as viewing-restricted programs, the program with the same name (temporary viewing-restricted program) whose lock frequency is less than a certain number of times, All of the subsequent programs for the same name (continuous viewing restriction program) that is temporarily restricted to the specified broadcast time period so that it cannot be viewed and the number of locks is a certain number or more It is possible to continuously restrict viewing during the broadcast time period so that viewing is not possible and to improve convenience.

  The present invention can adopt various forms other than the embodiment described above. For example, in the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the digital broadcast receiving apparatus 100 including a television receiver that receives a digital broadcast compliant with the DVB SI standard and displays the video and audio of the broadcast program of each channel. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. In addition, the present invention is a television receiver, an optical disk recorder, a hard disk recorder, a set-top box, or at least two of these, which receive at least a digital broadcast compliant with, for example, the DVB SI standard or other standards. The present invention can be applied to a digital broadcast receiving apparatus such as an AV composite apparatus.

It is a block diagram of a digital broadcast receiver. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a program information acquisition process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a viewing restriction setting process. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of a LCD module. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of a LCD module. It is a figure which shows an example of EPG. It is a figure which shows an example of the storage information of viewing restrictions DB. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a channel tuning process. It is a flowchart which shows other embodiment of a viewing-and-listening setting process. It is a figure which shows other embodiment of viewing restrictions DB. It is a flowchart which shows other embodiment of a channel channel selection process.

Explanation of symbols

3 Tuner 4 Demodulator 6 Hybrid Processor 7 Audio DAC
11 Microcomputer 13 Scaler 14 LCD Module 15 Speaker 16 Operation Key 17 Memory 100 Digital Broadcasting Receiver

Claims (8)

Channel selection means for selecting each channel of digital broadcasting and receiving the broadcast signal of each channel, channel selection instruction means for instructing channel selection of each channel, and processing of the broadcast signal is broadcast on each channel In a digital broadcast receiving apparatus comprising signal output means for outputting a video signal and an audio signal corresponding to a program, and detection means for detecting program information of a program broadcast on each channel by processing the broadcast signal,
A program designating means for designating a viewing-restricted program to restrict viewing so that it cannot be viewed;
Registering means for registering the viewing restricted program by storing program information of the viewing restricted program designated by the program designating means;
Referring to the program information of the current program broadcast on each channel and the program information of the viewing-restricted program registered in the registration means, it is determined whether or not the current program is a viewing-restricted program. Determination means,
At the time of designating the viewing restricted program by the program designating means, a video signal and an audio signal corresponding to the designated viewing restricted program are being outputted by the signal output means, and a channel designated by the channel selection instruction means The digital output is characterized in that when the current program broadcast on the channel is a viewing-restricted program at the time of channel selection, output of the video signal and audio signal corresponding to the program by the signal output means is stopped. Broadcast receiving device. The digital broadcast receiver according to claim 1,
The digital broadcast receiving apparatus, wherein the program designating unit designates a program corresponding to the video signal and the audio signal being output by the signal output unit as a viewing-restricted program. In the digital broadcast receiver according to claim 1 or 2,
The detection means detects program information of a program broadcast on each channel for a certain period,
Storage means for storing program information detected by the detection means;
A list display means for displaying a list of programs broadcast in each channel for a certain period based on the program information stored in the storage means,
The digital broadcast receiving apparatus, wherein the program designating unit designates one of the programs displayed as a list by the list display unit as a viewing-restricted program. The digital broadcast receiver according to claim 3, wherein
A digital broadcast receiving apparatus characterized in that program information for a certain period of each channel is detected by the detecting means and stored in the storage means at a preset timing. The digital broadcast receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The digital broadcast receiving apparatus, wherein the program information includes at least a program name. The digital broadcast receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
When the number of output stops by the signal output means of the video signal and audio signal corresponding to the viewing restricted program is less than a certain number of times, only during a specific broadcast time zone of the viewing restricted program designated by the program designating means, When the output of the video signal and the audio signal corresponding to the viewing-restricted program is stopped by the signal output means, and the number of times the output of the viewing-restricted program is stopped is a certain number of times or more, In addition, the digital broadcast receiving apparatus stops the output of the video signal and the audio signal corresponding to the viewing restricted program by the signal output means. DVB SI (Digital Video Broadcast Service Information) standard channel selection for each channel of digital broadcasting, channel selection means for receiving the broadcast signal of each channel, channel selection instruction means for instructing the selection of each channel, Signal output means for processing a broadcast signal and outputting a TS (Transport Stream), processing the TS and outputting a video signal and an audio signal corresponding to a program broadcast on each channel, and an EIT (Event Information) from the TS Table) and detecting the program information of the program broadcast on each channel from the EIT, and the digital broadcast reception provided with the video / audio output means for outputting the video based on the video signal and the audio based on the audio signal In the device
The detection means detects program information including at least a program name of a program broadcasted in each channel for a certain period at startup or periodically,
Storage means for storing program information detected by the detection means;
List display means for displaying a list of programs broadcast in each channel for a certain period based on the program information stored in the storage means;
A viewing-restricted program that restricts the viewing of a program that is currently being viewed with the corresponding video and audio output by the video / audio output means or the list displayed by the list display means so that it cannot be viewed Program designation means to designate as,
Registering means for registering the viewing restricted program by storing program information of the viewing restricted program designated by the program designating means;
By referring to the program information of the current program being broadcast on each channel and the program information of the viewing-restricted program registered in the registration means, the current program can be viewed by confirming that the program names match. Determining means for determining whether the program is a restricted program,
When the designated program for viewing restriction is designated by the program designation means, when the designated restricted viewing program is being viewed, and at the time of channel selection of any channel designated by the channel selection instruction means, the program is broadcast on the channel. When the current program is a viewing-restricted program, the output of the video and audio corresponding to the program by the video / audio output means is stopped so that the program cannot be viewed Receiver device. The digital broadcast receiver according to claim 7, wherein
Counting means for counting the number of output stops by the video and audio output means of the video and audio corresponding to the viewing-restricted program,
The program information includes a broadcast time zone,
When the number of output stops of the viewing-restricted program is less than a certain number, the video and audio corresponding to the viewing-restricted program are only in a specific broadcasting time zone of the viewing-restricted program designated by the program designating means. When the output by the video / audio output means is stopped and the output stop count of the viewing-restricted program is equal to or greater than a certain number, the video and audio corresponding to the viewing-restricted program are displayed in all the broadcast time zones The digital broadcast receiving apparatus, wherein output by the video / audio output means is stopped.

Images