JP2010022073A - Information processor, and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promptly and surely select a desired program. <P>SOLUTION: EPG data of programs received via a satellite and EPG data of programs transmitted via ground waves are respectively received, and they are converted to EPG data of an integrated format. The EPG data converted to those of the integrated format are formed into, for instance, EPG data extracted based on predetermined regional information. The integrated EPG data are output to a TV receiver, and displayed. This invention can be applied to an apparatus capable of processing EPG data from a plurality of different broadcast systems. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method capable of obtaining an integrated electronic program guide in a plurality of systems.

  There is a so-called Electronic Program Guide (EPG) system in which a program guide for selecting a television broadcast program is transmitted by being superimposed on an image signal and displayed on a display device on the receiving side. Are known.

  This EPG system includes, for example, a VBI (Vertical Blanking Interval) system disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-504165 and related US Pat. No. 5,353,121, No. 325940 includes a digital satellite system such as that used in the digital direct satellite broadcasting (DSS: Digital Satellite System (trademark of Hughes Communication)) previously disclosed by the present applicant.

  In the VBI system, in normal (VHF (Very High Frequency) band) terrestrial television broadcasting, VBI data that constitutes an EPG (electronic program guide) at a position that does not affect the original image of the horizontal scanning line. Is inserted and transmitted. On the receiving side, the VBI data is accumulated, display data of the electronic program guide is generated from the accumulated VBI data, and displayed on the monitor.

  On the other hand, in the digital satellite system, the EPG data is digitized together with the original image data, and further packetized and transmitted. On the receiving side, the EPG data is stored in a memory, and corresponding display data is generated and displayed on the monitor.

  In either method, the user can select a program he / she wants to view by looking at the electronic program guide displayed on the monitor.

JP-T 6-504165 US Pat. No. 5,353,121

  In a conventional AV system, for example, in a system that receives a terrestrial television broadcast, the VBI EPG is received and displayed, and in a system that receives a satellite broadcast, the satellite is transmitted via a satellite. The received EPG is received and displayed.

  As described above, since the EPG functions independently in each system, for example, if a desired program may be broadcast by terrestrial broadcasting or satellite broadcasting, the program is broadcast. If it is broadcasted, the date and time etc. are searched for in the VBI EPG, and if the desired program is not listed in the EPG (not broadcast), It is necessary to perform a similar search again using the EPG of satellite broadcasting. For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to view a predetermined program quickly and reliably.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and enables a desired program to be selected quickly and reliably.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes: a receiving unit configured to receive electronic program guide information of a plurality of different systems, wherein each of the electronic program guide information of a plurality of systems includes program information of a plurality of channels; The storage means for storing different electronic program guide information of different multiple systems in their respective formats, and the format of the electronic program guide stored in the storage means at the stage of displaying the electronic program guide are unified and duplicated Display control means for controlling to display the electronic program guide from which the channel information to be deleted is displayed.

  A transmission means for transmitting the integrated electronic program guide information to the viewer's terminal in response to a request for provision of specific electronic program guide information from the viewer's terminal can be further provided.

  The display control means can be integrated into a single format as an electronic program guide in which one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis is defined by the time axis and the channel.

  The display control means can integrate the electronic program guide information by designating a predetermined channel.

  The display control means can integrate the electronic program guide information by designating a predetermined category of the program.

  The information processing method of the present invention includes a receiving step of receiving electronic program guide information of a plurality of different systems, each of which includes information of programs of a plurality of channels, and receiving by the processing of the receiving step. A storage step of storing a plurality of different electronic program guide information of different plurality of systems in their respective formats, and a format of the electronic program guide stored by the processing of the storage step at the stage of displaying the electronic program guide And a display control step for controlling to display an electronic program guide that is unified and from which information of overlapping channels is deleted.

  In the present invention, electronic program guide information of a plurality of different systems, each of which includes program information of a plurality of channels, each of which is received, and a plurality of different electronic program guides of the different systems received. Information is stored in each format. At the stage of displaying the electronic program guide, the format of the electronic program guide is unified, and the electronic program guide from which duplicate channel information is deleted is displayed.

  According to the present invention, a desired program can be selected quickly and reliably.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of AV system to which the electronic program guide system of this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the EPG receiver 6 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of IRD4 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the remote commander which remotely controls IRD4 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of TV receiver 5 of FIG. It is a figure explaining the button switch of the remote commander 241 of FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining data storage operation of the EPG receiver 6 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of other data storage of the EPG receiver 6 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of the program selection of the EPG receiver 6 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process of the electronic program guide display of step S51 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of a process of the electronic program guide display of step S51 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display in step S51 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of EPG data of IRD4 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of EPG data of TV receiver 5 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of a display in step S51 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of the EPG receiver 6 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the further another structural example of the EPG receiver 6 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of a display of FIG.9 S51. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the other AV system to which the electronic program guide system of this invention is applied. FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the EPG receiver 6 of FIG. 19. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the remote commander 241 of FIG. It is a figure explaining control of a display in case a plurality of EPG receivers exist. It is a figure explaining integration of EPG data of a plurality of EPG receivers. It is a figure explaining display operation in case a plurality of EPG receivers exist. It is a figure explaining the example which integrates EPG data via a relay base station.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an AV system to which the electronic program guide system of the present invention is applied. In this AV system 1, a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) 2, 3, an IRD (Integrated Receiver / Decoder) 4, a television (TV) receiver 5 and an EPG receiver 6 are mutually connected by an AV line 11 and a control line 12. It is connected.

  The AV line 11 is composed of three lines: a composite video signal line, an audio L signal line, and an audio R signal line. In addition, the control line 12 can be configured as a wired SIRCS (Wired Sony Infrared Remote Control System) when the translator 205 (FIG. 2) described later is not provided. Therefore, these AV devices have a video signal transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving a video signal and an audio signal transmitted via the AV line 11, and an AV device control signal transmission / reception for transmitting / receiving control data via the control line 12. Part.

  Further, the EPG receiver 6 has an IR receiver 6B that receives an infrared signal (IR: Infrared) generated by the remote commander 241. The IRD 4 and the TV receiver 5 have IR receivers 4B and 5B that receive infrared signals generated by the remote commander 5 (FIG. 4).

  FIG. 2 illustrates an internal configuration example of the EPG receiver 6. The input / output (I / O) unit 201 includes a video signal transmission / reception unit 202 and an AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 203. The video signal transmission / reception unit 202 performs an operation of transmitting / receiving a video signal and an audio signal to the AV line 11, and the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 203 executes a process of transmitting / receiving a control signal to the control line 12. To do.

  A translator 205 having an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) 206 as a rewritable memory is used in each manufacturer's AV device to send a command to each manufacturer's AV device constituting the AV system 1. To convert it to a command. The EEPROM 206, which can be replaced relatively easily as necessary, stores commands used in AV equipment of each manufacturer. A backed-up RAM (Randum Access Memory) (or may be an EEPROM) 207 stores EPG data received by an AV device connected to the AV system 1 as a database. The controller 204 is configured to appropriately control each of these circuits.

  FIG. 3 shows an internal configuration example of the IRD 4 for receiving satellite broadcast. An RF signal (bit stream) output from an LNB (Low Noise Block downconverter) 61 a of the parabolic antenna 61 is supplied to the tuner 21 of the front end 20 and demodulated. The output of the tuner 21 is supplied to the QPSK demodulating circuit 22 and QPSK demodulated. The output of the QPSK demodulator circuit 22 is supplied to an error correction circuit 23, where an error is detected and corrected, and is corrected as necessary.

  The CAM (Conditional Access Module) 33, which is composed of an IC card consisting of a CPU (Central Processor Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM, etc., stores a key necessary for decrypting the cipher together with a decryption program. Has been. When a signal transmitted via a satellite is encrypted, a key and a decryption process are required to decrypt the encryption. Therefore, this key is read from the CAM 33 via the card reader interface 32 and supplied to the demultiplexer (transport IC) 24. The demultiplexer 24 uses this key to decrypt the encrypted signal.

  The CAM 33 stores accounting information as well as keys and decryption programs necessary for decryption.

  The demultiplexer 24 receives the signal output from the error correction circuit 23 of the front end 20 and temporarily stores it in a data buffer memory (SRAM: Static Random Access Memory) 35. Then, this is read out as appropriate, and the decoded video signal is supplied to an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) video decoder 25, and the decoded audio signal is supplied to the MPEG audio decoder.

  The MPEG video decoder 25 appropriately stores the input digital video signal in the DRAM 25a, and executes a decoding process of the video signal compressed by the MPEG method. The decoded video signal is supplied to the NTSC encoder 27 and converted into an NTSC luminance signal (Y), chroma signal (C), and composite signal (V). The luminance signal and the chroma signal are respectively output as S video signals via the buffer amplifiers 28Y and 28C. The composite signal is output to the video signal line of the AV line 11 via the buffer amplifier 28V.

  As the MPEG video decoder 25, an MPEG2 decoding LSI (STi3500) manufactured by SGS-Thomson Microelectronics can be used. The outline is introduced by Martin Bolton on pages 101 to 110 of Nikkei PB “Nikkei Electronics” 1994.14 (no. 603), pages 101 to 110, for example.

  The MPEG2-Transportstream is described in pages 231 to 253 of “Latest MPEG Textbook” issued on August 1, 1994 by ASCII Corporation.

  The MPEG audio decoder 26 appropriately stores the digital audio signal supplied from the demultiplexer 24 in the DRAM 26a, and executes the decoding process of the audio signal compressed by the MPEG method. The decoded audio signal is D / A converted by the D / A converter 30, and the left channel audio signal is output to the audio L signal line of the AV line 11 via the buffer amplifier 31L, and the right channel audio signal is output. Is output to the audio signal R signal line of the AV line 11 via the buffer amplifier 31R.

  The RF modulator 41 converts the composite signal output from the NTSC encoder 27 and the audio signal output from the D / A converter 30 into an RF signal and outputs the RF signal. In addition, when the TV mode is set, the RF modulator 41 passes an NTSC RF signal input from an AV device such as a cable box and outputs it directly to a VCR or other AV device.

  In the case of this embodiment, these video signals and audio signals are supplied to the VCRs 2 and 3, the TV receiver 5, and the EPG receiver 6 through the AV line 11.

  The CPU 29 executes various processes according to programs stored in the ROM 37. For example, the tuner 21, the QPSK demodulation circuit 22, the error correction circuit 23, and the like are controlled. Also, the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 39 is controlled, and a predetermined control signal is sent to other AV devices (VCR 2 and 3, TV receiver 5, EPG receiver 6 in this embodiment) via the control line 12. Outputs and receives control signals from other AV devices.

  A predetermined command can be directly input to the CPU 29 by operating the operation button switch of the front panel 40. When the remote commander 5 (FIG. 4) is operated, an infrared signal is emitted from the IR transmitter 51, the infrared signal is received by the IR receiver 4B, and the light reception result is supplied to the CPU 29. Accordingly, a predetermined command can be input to the CPU 29 also by operating the remote commander 5.

  In addition to the MPEG video data and audio data supplied from the front end 20, the demultiplexer 24 takes in EPG data and the like, supplies it to the EPG area 35 A of the data buffer memory 35, and stores it. The EPG information includes information related to programs on each broadcast channel from the current time to several tens of hours later (for example, the program channel, transponder number, broadcast time, title, category, name of an actor appearing in the program, etc.). . Since this EPG information is frequently transmitted, the latest EPG can always be held in the EPG area 35A.

  The EEPROM 38 appropriately stores data (for example, reception history of the tuner 21 for 4 weeks, channel number (last channel) received immediately before the power-off) that should be retained even after the power is turned off. For example, when the power is turned on, the same channel as the last channel is received again. When the last channel is not stored, the channel stored as a default in the ROM 37 is received. Further, when the sleep mode is set, the CPU 29 operates the minimum circuits such as the front end 20, the demultiplexer 24, and the data buffer memory 35 even when the power is off, and is included in the received signal. Control is also performed such that the current time is measured from the time information and each circuit performs a predetermined operation (so-called timer recording or the like) at a predetermined time. For example, timer automatic recording is executed in conjunction with the VCRs 2 and 3.

  Further, the CPU 29 controls the MPEG video decoder 25 when it is desired to generate predetermined OSD (On-Screen Display) data. In response to this control, the MPEG video decoder 25 generates predetermined OSD data, writes it to the OSD area of the DRAM 25a, reads it out, and outputs it. As a result, electronic program guides, menus, and the like including predetermined characters and graphics can be output to the TV receiver 5 and displayed as appropriate.

  The CPU 29 can also control the modem 34 to communicate with other devices via a telephone line.

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the button switch 50 of the remote commander 5 that remotely controls the IRD 4. The select button switch 131 can be operated (directional operation) in a total of eight directions including four directions in the vertical and horizontal directions and four oblique directions in the middle thereof, and also on the upper surface of the remote commander 5. Thus, it is possible to perform a pressing operation (select operation) in the vertical direction. The menu button switch 134 is operated when a menu screen is displayed on the TV receiver 5. The exit button switch 135 is operated when returning to the original normal screen.

  The channel up / down button switch 133 is operated to increase or decrease the number of a broadcast channel to be received. The volume button switch 132 is operated when the volume is raised or lowered.

  A numeric button (ten-key) switch 138 on which numbers 0 to 9 are displayed is operated when a displayed number is input. When the operation of the numeric button switch 138 is completed, the enter button switch 137 is operated subsequent to the end of the numeric input. When the channel is switched, a new channel number, a call sign (name), a logo, and a burner consisting of a mail icon are displayed for 3 seconds. There are two types of burners, one with a simple configuration as described above and the other with a more detailed configuration including the name of the program (program), the broadcast start time, and the current time. Yes, the display button 136 is operated to switch the type of burner to be displayed.

  The TV / video switching button switch 139 is operated when switching the input of the TV receiver 5 to the tuner 222 (FIG. 5) incorporated therein or the input from the video input terminal (input from the VCR 2, 3, etc.). The The TV / DSS switch button switch 140 is operated when selecting a television mode for receiving terrestrial waves (VHF) or a DSS mode for receiving satellite broadcasting. When the channel is switched by operating the numeric button switch 138, the channel before switching is stored, and the jump button switch 141 is operated when returning to the original channel before switching.

  The language button 142 is operated when a predetermined language is selected when broadcasting is performed in two or more languages. The guide button switch 143 is operated when an electronic program guide is directly displayed on the TV receiver 5 without using a menu.

  The cable button switch 145, the television switch 146, and the DSS button switch 147 are button switches for switching functions, that is, for switching the device category of the infrared signal code emitted from the remote commander 5. The cable button switch 145 is operated when a signal transmitted through the cable is received by a cable box (not shown) and displayed on the TV receiver 5, thereby the device category assigned to the cable box. Is emitted as an infrared signal.

  Similarly, the TV button switch 146 is operated when displaying a signal received by a tuner built in the TV receiver 5. The DSS button switch 147 is operated when the signal received via the satellite is received by the IRD 4 and displayed on the TV receiver 5. The LEDs 148, 149, and 150 are turned on when the cable button switch 145, the television button switch 146, or the DSS button switch 147 is turned on, respectively. This indicates to which category of device the code is transmitted when various buttons are pressed.

  When the cable power button switch 151, the TV power button switch 152, and the DSS power button switch 153 are respectively operated, the power of the cable box, the TV receiver 5, or the IRD 4 is turned on or off.

  The muting button switch 154 is operated when setting or canceling the muting state of the TV receiver 5. The sleep button switch 155 is operated when setting or canceling the sleep mode in which the power is automatically turned off when a predetermined time comes or when a predetermined time elapses.

  FIG. 5 shows an internal configuration example of the TV receiver 5. The tuner 222 demodulates the signal received by the VHF antenna 221 and outputs the demodulated signal to the CRT 229 via the synthesis circuit 228 for display. Further, the VBI data slicer 223 extracts VBI data from the output of the tuner 222 and outputs the extraction result to the decoder 224. The decoder 224 decodes the VBI data output from the VBI data slicer 223, generates EPG data, and stores it in the backed up RAM (or EEPROM) 225.

  The controller 226 controls the generation circuit 227 based on the EPG data stored in the RAM 225, generates OSD data (display data), and outputs it to the CRT 229 via the synthesis circuit 228 for display.

  The video signal transmission / reception unit 230 executes processing for exchanging video signals and audio signals to the AV line 11, and the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 231 executes processing for exchanging control signals to the control line 12. To do. The IR receiver 5 </ b> B receives the infrared signal from the remote commander 5 and outputs a reception detection signal to the controller 226.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of the remote commander 241 that remotely controls the EPG receiver 6. The EPG button switch 243 is operated when displaying an electronic program guide integrated in the TV receiver 5. The equipment button switch 244 is operated when designating an electronic program guide to be integrated. For example, in this embodiment, the IRD 4 and the TV receiver 5 have a function of receiving EPG, but when it is desired to display an electronic program guide of any of these devices, for example, the TV receiver 5, The device button switch 244 is operated, and subsequently, in the AV system 1, a number corresponding to the number assigned to the TV receiver 5 is input by operating the number button switch 245.

  When it is desired to designate a channel (CH), a program, or a category of a program, the numeric button switch 245 is operated following the channel button switch 246, the program button switch 247, or the category button switch 248. As with the select button switch 131 of the remote commander 5 in FIG. 4, the select button switch 249 performs a direction operation and a select operation.

  When any one of the button switches is operated, an infrared signal corresponding to the operated button switch is emitted from the IR transmitter 242 and received by the IR receiver 6B of the EPG receiver 6.

  The controller 204 of the EPG receiver 6 executes the EPG data storage process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 in a state where the power is turned on. First, in step S21, the controller 204 selects a receiving device that receives EPG data from the AV devices connected to the AV system 1. For example, IRD4 is first selected. In step S22, the controller 204 requests the receiving device selected in step S21 to receive EPG data. In this case, the controller 204 requests the IRD 4 to receive EPG data via the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 203 and the control line 12.

  The IRD 4 receives this command via the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 39. The manufacturers of the EPG receiver 6 and the IRD 4 are not necessarily the same. Normally, different manufacturers have different commands for controlling each AV device. Therefore, when the controller 204 generates a command requesting the IRD 4 to receive EPG data, the controller 204 supplies the command to the translator 205 and converts it into a command used by the manufacturer of the IRD 4. The translator 205 stores commands used in each manufacturer's system in the EEPROM 206 so that the commands can be converted into commands corresponding to each manufacturer. The translator 205 converts the command into a command of the manufacturer of the IRD 4 according to the data stored in the EEPROM 206.

  When each AV device is connected to the AV system 1, the controller 204 inquires of each AV device about the manufacturer name via the control line 12 and stores the manufacturer name in the RAM 207. Therefore, the translator 205 generates a command used in the manufacturer's system stored in the RAM 207.

  Therefore, the CPU 29 of the IRD 4 can receive this command as an appropriate command via the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 39. When receiving this command, the CPU 29 controls the demultiplexer 24 to read the EPG data stored in the EPG area 35 A of the data buffer memory 35. As described above, the latest EPG data is always updated and stored in the EPG area 35A.

  When reading the EPG data, the CPU 29 outputs the EPG data to the EPG receiver 6 via the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 39 and the control line 12.

  The controller 204 of the EPG receiver 6 receives this EPG data via the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 203.

  In step S23, it is determined whether or not the user operates the remote commander 241 to specify a condition for storing EPG data. If the conditions to be stored are not specified, the process proceeds to step S25, and the EPG data is stored in the RAM 207 under the conditions specified as defaults in advance. In this case, basically, the minimum information (for example, broadcast channel, transponder name, program name, broadcast time) necessary for selecting the program of all channels is stored.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S23 that the condition to be stored is designated, the process proceeds to step S24, and the EPG data is stored in the RAM 207 under the designated condition.

  For example, the user can operate the remote commander 241 to specify a predetermined channel as an EPG to be integrated (EPG to be stored in the RAM 207). The designation of the channel is performed by operating the channel button switch 246 and the numeric button switch 245 of the remote commander 241. If only the EPG data of a program belonging to a predetermined category is to be stored in the RAM 207, the category is designated by operating the category button switch 248 and the numeric button switch 245. Further, when it is desired to store the EPG data of a predetermined program in the RAM 207, the program button switch 247 and the numeric button switch 245 are operated to input a number for specifying the program.

  When such a condition to be stored is input, the controller 204 causes the RAM 207 to store EPG data in accordance with the specified condition.

  Next, returning to step S21, another receiving device is selected. For example, the TV receiver 5 is selected as the receiving device. In step S22, the controller 204 requests the TV receiver 5 to receive EPG data. This request command is also converted by the translator 205 into a command corresponding to the manufacturer of the TV receiver 5 stored in advance in the RAM 207. The converted command is input to the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 231 of the TV receiver 5 via the control line 12.

  When the controller 226 of the TV receiver 5 receives this command input from the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 231, it reads out the EPG data stored in the RAM 225. When the EPG data is not stored in the RAM 225, the tuner 222 is controlled to receive the EPG data and store it in the RAM 225. Then, the stored EPG data is read and output to the EPG receiver 6 via the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 231 and the control line 12.

  When the controller 204 of the EPG receiver 6 receives the EPG data via the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 203, as in the case described above, when it is determined in step S23 that the storage condition is specified, In step S24, the EPG data is stored in the RAM 207 under the designated conditions. If no particular storage condition is specified, the process proceeds to step S25, and the EPG data is stored in the RAM 207 under the conditions defined as default.

  As described above, each AV device connected to the AV system 1 in the RAM 207 is requested to receive EPG data, and EPG data received according to the request (or stored in advance) is stored. Are collectively stored in the RAM 207.

  In the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the EPG data received by the IRD 4 and the TV receiver 5 is basically stored in the RAM 207 in the respective formats. Therefore, for example, even if substantially the same program is broadcast on the IRD 4 and the TV receiver 5 at different times or at the same time, all the EPG data is basically stored in the RAM 207. . As a result, a larger capacity of the RAM 207 is required as compared with the case where data is integrated and stored in a unified format as shown in the flowchart of FIG. However, even if this is done, operability can be improved by unifying the format at the display stage as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 8 shows another example of processing for storing EPG data. In this embodiment, in step S31, the controller 204 of the EPG receiver 6 selects a receiving device that receives EPG data. As described above, for example, IRD4 is selected and designated. In step S32, the controller 204 requests the IRD 4 selected and specified in step S31 to receive EPG data. When the IRD 4 receives this request, the IRD 4 reads the EPG data according to this request and outputs it to the EPG receiver 6. The above process is the same as the process in steps S21 and S22 of FIG.

  In step S33, the controller 204 converts the received EPG data of the IRD 4 into data of a predetermined format (integrated format). In step S34, the data converted in step S33 is stored in the RAM 207.

  Further, returning to step S31, the next AV device, for example, the TV receiver 5 is selected. In step S32, the TV receiver 5 is requested to receive EPG data. The TV receiver 5 receives the EPG data according to this request and outputs it to the EPG receiver 6.

  In step S33, the controller 204 of the EPG receiver 6 converts the received EPG data into integrated format data. In step S 34, the converted data is stored in the RAM 207.

  As described above, the EPG data of the AV device connected to the AV system 1 is stored in the RAM 207 in an integrated format.

  That is, in any of the storage processes shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the EPG data received by the AV device connected to the AV system 1 is made into a database and stored in the RAM 207, but the implementation shown in FIG. In the case of the example, the EPG data of each AV device is stored in a state converted to the integrated format. Therefore, for example, in the IRD 4 and the TV receiver 5, programs having substantially the same contents (programs having the same program name) are registered in the EPG data as being broadcast at the same time or different times. In this case, only one piece of common information is stored, and only different information such as a broadcast time zone and a broadcast area is additionally stored. As a result, the capacity of the RAM 207 can be reduced.

  Whether or not they are the same program can be determined from whether or not, for example, 10 characters at the head of the program name (title) of the program match. Alternatively, when a unique ID is added to each program in the VBI or digital satellite EPG system, it can be determined by comparing the IDs.

  Alternatively, it can be determined from whether or not the broadcast channel names match. In this case, even if the broadcast channel name is the same for sports broadcasts, etc., there is a possibility that different programs (for example, relays of different baseball games) may be broadcast for each region (service area). After the determination, it is determined whether the program names match, and if there is a different program, a process for storing it as information is required.

  Furthermore, by unifying the format in this way, it becomes easy to search for a predetermined program. That is, since the EPG data of a program that can be received by this AV system 1 is made into one unified database, whether or not the program can be received by this AV system 1 by performing only one search in this database. Can know quickly.

  Further, if the EPG data of the program once viewed by the user is deleted if requested by the user, the storage area of the RAM 207 can be used more efficiently. At this time, the program name can be left without being deleted, and the history can be stored in the RAM 207 as a program once viewed by the user. In this way, it is also possible to search for a program once viewed.

  As described above, the latest EPG data is always integrated and stored in the RAM 207 of the EPG receiver 6 as a database.

  As described above, the electronic program guides of different systems are stored in the RAM 207 of the EPG receiver 6 as a database, but the electronic program guides of the respective systems are basically different.

  For example, in order to receive a program transmitted via satellite broadcasting, not only a channel but also a transponder number is required. On the other hand, in order to select a program transmitted via the terrestrial wave, only the channel number is required, and the transponder number is not necessary. Therefore, the EPG data received by the IRD 4 includes the transponder number, but the EPG data received by the TV receiver 5 does not include the transponder number.

  Further, the EPG data of the program received by the TV receiver 5 includes codes necessary when the program is reserved and recorded by the VCR 2, 3 or the like. The code is not included.

  Such a difference is maintained as it is in the integrated EPG data.

  Next, processing when a desired program is selected will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is started when the EPG button switch 243 of the remote commander 241 is operated.

  First, in step S51, processing for displaying an electronic program guide is executed. This display process is performed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 when the storage process in the RAM 207 is performed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, and the storage process is performed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the case where there is a problem, the process is performed as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  That is, when the storage processing in the RAM 207 is basically performed in a state where the EPG data is not integrated into the unified format as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, first, in step S71, as shown in FIG. The EPG data stored in the RAM 207 is read, and the read data is converted into data in an integrated format in step S72. In step S73, a process for displaying the EPG data converted into the integrated format data is executed.

  Specifically, the controller 204 converts the EPG data of the IRD 4 and the EPG data of the TV receiver 5 stored in the RAM 207 into data in an integrated format on display, and converts the data into an AV device control signal. The data is output to the TV receiver 5 via the transceiver 203 and the control line 12.

  When the controller 226 of the TV receiver 5 receives the EPG data via the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 231, the controller 226 controls the generation circuit 227 to generate display data (OSD data) corresponding to the EPG data. The OSD data is output to the CRT 229 via the synthesis circuit 228 and displayed.

  Thereby, although not integrated on the RAM 207, at least in the display state, EPG data of different AV devices (systems) is displayed on the CRT 229 of the TV receiver 5 in an integrated format. Therefore, the user can select a program on different AV devices with the same operation feeling.

  It should be noted that when displaying the electronic program guide, the conditions of the EPG data to be displayed may be further set.

  On the other hand, when the storage process in the RAM 207 is performed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, the EPG data is stored in the RAM 207 in a state of an already integrated format. In this case, the display processing of the EPG data in step S51 of FIG. 9 is performed as shown in FIG.

  That is, first in step S81, the user designates EPG data to be displayed among the EPG data stored in the RAM 207. This designation corresponds to the recording condition designation process in step S23 of FIG. That is, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, conditions are set in advance and EPG data corresponding to the conditions is stored in the RAM 207. In this embodiment, basically all data is stored in the RAM 207. A predetermined condition is designated from the stored data, and EPG data satisfying the condition is read out. Thereby, for example, EPG data of a predetermined category can be specified, or EPG data of a program that can have a predetermined program number can be displayed. Alternatively, if the actors appearing in each program are also registered in the EPG data, the actors can be specified and the EPG data of the program in which the actors appear can be read out. .

  When such a designation is made in step S81, the data designated in step S82 is read from the RAM 207, and a process for displaying the read data is executed in step S83.

  That is, the controller 204 retrieves EPG data corresponding to the designated condition from the database stored in the RAM 207, reads the data obtained as a result of the retrieval, and adds an ODS data generation command for the TV receiver 5 And output.

  The controller 226 of the TV receiver 5 generates OSD data corresponding to the input data in the generation circuit 227 and displays it on the CRT 229 in the same manner as described above.

  FIG. 12 shows a display example of the electronic program guide displayed on the CRT 229 in this way. As shown in FIG. 13 (electronic program guide received by the IRD 4), FIG. 14 (electronic program guide received by the TV receiver 5), and the electronic program guide of FIG. 12, the display example shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, the electronic program guide shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is displayed in an integrated state.

  When the capacity of the RAM 207 is insufficient, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, a part of the EPG data can be deleted and displayed.

  When the electronic program guide display process in step S51 of FIG. 9 is performed as described above, the process proceeds to step S52, where it is determined whether or not the direction operation of the select button switch 249 of the remote commander 241 has been performed. The When it is determined that the direction operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S53, and processing for moving the cursor in the operated direction is executed.

  That is, the select button switch 249 of the remote commander 241 is operated up, down, left and right. Then, an infrared signal corresponding to this direction operation is emitted from the IR transmitter 242 and received by the IR receiver 6B of the EPG receiver 6. When the controller 204 of the EPG receiver 6 receives the direction operation signal via the IR receiver 6B, the controller 204 causes the translator 205 to generate a cursor movement command for the TV receiver 5. This command is transmitted to the TV receiver 5 via the control line 12.

  When receiving the command, the controller 226 of the TV receiver 5 controls the generation circuit 227 to move the cursor (FIG. 12) displayed on the electronic program guide of the CRT 229 corresponding to the operation direction. In this electronic program guide, the time is displayed on the horizontal axis, the channel is displayed on the vertical axis, and the program name is displayed at the broadcast time position of each channel. A program is selected by moving the cursor over the program name.

  In step S54, it is determined whether or not the select button switch 249 has been selected (pressed). If the selection operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S52, and the process returns to the process corresponding to the direction operation. When the user moves the cursor over a predetermined program and then determines the selection of the program, the user presses the select button switch 249 to perform a selection operation. If it is determined in step S54 that this selection operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S55, where the controller 204 executes processing for generating a command code for selecting the program at which the cursor is located.

  That is, when the controller 226 of the TV receiver 5 detects a selection operation via the control line 12, it controls the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 231, and the position information where the cursor is located at that time is transmitted via the control line 12. And output to the EPG receiver 6.

  When the controller 204 of the EPG receiver 6 receives this position information via the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 203, the controller 204 determines a program corresponding to the position. Since the controller 204 generates the electronic program guide displayed on the TV receiver 5 itself, the controller 204 can know the program displayed there from the position information.

  Then, the controller 204 generates a command requesting reception of the AV device that receives the program. For example, when the selected program is a program received by the IRD 4 (that is, a program broadcast via a satellite), a command for requesting the IRD 4 to be received is generated, and the TV receiver is set. 5, a command requesting the TV receiver 5 to receive the program is generated.

  In step S56, the controller 204 sends the generated command to the translator 205 to convert it into a command code corresponding to the manufacturer of the destination AV device (in this case, the IRD 4 or the TV receiver 5). Then, a command code corresponding to the manufacturer of the AV device is transmitted to the AV device (IRD 4 or TV receiver 5) via the control line 12 in step S57.

  This command conversion processing is particularly representatively shown in step S56, but as is apparent from the above description, it is also appropriately performed in EPG data storage processing, cursor movement processing, and the like.

  When receiving the reception request signal via the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 39, the IRD 4 controls the front end 20 and instructs the reception of the designated program. As a result, a program corresponding to the command is received, and the video signal is transmitted to the TV receiver 5 via the AV line 11.

  When receiving the video signal input via the video signal transmission / reception unit 230, the TV receiver 5 outputs the video signal to the CRT 229 via the synthesis circuit 228 for display.

  On the other hand, when receiving the reception request signal via the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 231, the controller 226 of the TV receiver 5 controls the tuner 222 to instruct reception of the designated program. As a result, the video signal received by the tuner 222 is output to the CRT 229 via the synthesis circuit 228 and displayed.

  The AV device (IRD 4 or TV receiver 5) that has received the input of the reception request command receives a status signal indicating that reception has been completed via the control line 12 when receiving the program of the designated channel. Output to the EPG receiver 6.

  In step S58, the controller 204 of the EPG receiver 6 receives the status signal and ends the process when detecting that the reception process of the designated program is completed. If reception of the designated program cannot be completed for some reason, the status signal cannot be input. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to step S59 to execute error processing. For example, the controller 204 generates an error message, outputs it to the TV receiver 5 via the control line 12, and displays it.

  In the above embodiment, various commands are input to the EPG receiver 6 via the dedicated remote commander 241. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the LCD panel 261 and the transparent touch panel 262 are input to the EPG receiver 6. The LCD panel 261 can perform various displays, and the touch panel 262 can be operated with a finger or the like so that various inputs can be performed. In this case, a predetermined program can be selected by displaying an integrated electronic program guide on the LCD panel 261 and operating the touch panel 262.

  In the above embodiment, the operation of selecting a predetermined program has been described. However, it is of course possible to make the selected program be reserved and recorded in the VCRs 2 and 3.

  In the above embodiment, the dedicated remote commander 241 for remotely controlling the EPG receiver 6 is provided. However, by using the remote commander 5 for remotely controlling other AV equipment, for example, the IRD 4 (and the TV receiver 5), It is also possible to control the EPG receiver 6. In this case, when various button switches of the remote commander 5 are operated, an infrared signal corresponding to the operation is generated from the IR transmitter 51.

  When the CPU 29 of the IRD 4 receives a control signal input by the IR signal via the IR receiver 4B, it outputs a command corresponding to the control signal to the EPG receiver 6 via the remote control line 12. When the controller 204 of the EPG receiver 6 receives this command via the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 203, the controller 204 executes corresponding processing.

  In this case, if the EPG receiver 6 is configured as shown in FIG. 2, the integrated EPG data can be stored in the RAM 207 in the same manner as described above.

  The infrared signal emitted from the remote commander 5 can be directly received by the IR receiver 6B of the EPG receiver 6 to execute various operations.

  In the above embodiment, the EPG data of the program received by the IRD 4 and the IRD data of the program received by the TV receiver 5 are integrated into the third integrated format different from both, but the TV image is received. The EPG format of the program of the device 5 is integrated by converting it into the EPG format of the program of the IRD4, or conversely, the EPG data of the IRD4 is converted into the EPG format of the TV receiver 5 and integrated. You can also.

  For example, when the EPG receiver 6 is controlled by the remote commander 5 of the IRD 4, the EPG data of the TV receiver 5 can be converted into the EPG data format of the IRD 4 and integrated. Then, the integrated EPG data can be stored in the RAM 207 of the EPG receiver 6, but can also be stored in the EPG area 35A of the IRD 4. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, the EPG receiver 6 does not require the RAM 207.

  FIG. 18 shows a display example of the electronic program guide when the EPG data of the TV receiver 5 is converted into the EPG data format of the IRD 4 and integrated. Also in this display example, as in the case of the display example shown in FIG. 12, electronic program guides of different receiving systems can be used as a common electronic program guide. In the case of this embodiment, since it is not the new third format, it is possible to perform operations such as program selection as if the electronic program guide of the IRD 4 is always operated.

  In the above embodiment, only the EPG receiver 6 is remotely controlled by the remote commander 241. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the EPG receiver 6 is connected to the remote commander 241 by the control line 13, and the EPG receiver 6 is connected. It is also possible to directly control other AV equipment with an infrared signal generated by the above. In this case, IR receivers 2B and 3B are provided in VCRs 2 and 3 in the same manner as IR receiver 5B of TV receiver 5 and IR receiver 4B of IRD4. When a command is output from the EPG receiver 6 to another AV device, the remote commander 241 is controlled via the control line 13 so that the command is output to each AV device by an infrared signal.

  In this case, the EPG receiver 6 is provided with an IR control unit 271 as shown in FIG. 20, for example. Since the translator 205 is necessary when sending commands to other AV devices, the translator 205 is not provided in the EPG receiver 6, but is incorporated in the remote commander 241 as shown in FIG. .

  When the controller 204 outputs a command to another AV device, the controller 204 controls the IR control unit 271 and sends a signal to the remote commander 241 via the control line 13. When receiving the command input, the remote commander 241 converts the command into a command corresponding to each AV device by the translator 205 and generates an infrared signal.

  However, since it is necessary to receive transmission of EPG data from the IRD 2 or the TV receiver 5, it is necessary to connect the EPG receiver 6 to other AV devices at least by the control line 12.

  As schematically shown in FIG. 22, the EPG data received by the TV receiver 5 is received by the antenna 221 that receives the terrestrial wave, or the radio wave transmitted via the satellite 301 that the IRD 4 receives is transmitted by the antenna 61. It is also possible to receive other EPG data via the pager 304, the cable 306, the radio telephone 305, etc. and integrate them.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 23, when there are a plurality of EPG receivers (EPG receiver 6-1 and EPG receiver 6-2), these are combined to form one integrated EPG (combined EPG). Can be generated and stored in one of the EPG receivers 6-1 or 6-2, or stored in another device.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 24, when there are a plurality of EPG receivers, a specific display is performed using an EPG receiver having a better display function (having a better OSD function). You can also

  For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 24, a radio wave broadcast from a satellite is received via an antenna 61 from an EPG receiver 6-2 that receives terrestrial waves with an antenna 221 and receives the EPG data. The receiver 6-1 that receives the EPG data has a higher-level display function. In this case, the database 351 integrated based on the EPG data received by the EPG receiver 6-2 and the EPG receiver 6-1 is generated, and the display corresponding to the EPG data integrated into the database 351 is displayed on the receiver 5. When performing the control, the control is performed using the EPG receiver 6-1 instead of the EPG receiver 6-2. Thereby, the EPG data of the EPG receiver 6-2 having a poor display function substantially has a higher display function.

  In the above embodiment, EPG data of different systems is integrated in each home, but as shown in FIG. 25, in a predetermined relay base station 321, via antennas 322 to 324, a cable 325, etc. Various independent EPG data can be received and integrated. Then, the relay base station 321 receives, for example, a request for provision of specific integrated EPG data from each home via the telephone line 330, and the received integrated EPG data is transmitted to the antennas 326, 327, It can be transmitted to each home via 328 or cable 329.

  In this case, in order to enable the relay base station 321 to extract only the EPG data in the service area (region), a postal code (ZIP code) or other postal code (identify the region to which the mail is delivered) The postal mail distribution area information) is included in the EPG data and transmitted. On the receiving side, a postal code in the service area is designated, and only EPG data having the postal code in the service area is extracted. Then, only the extracted EPG data is integrated.

  For example, in the United States, the broadcast time of a program of EPG data transmitted via a satellite includes offset information for daylight savings time correction. Furthermore, in the United States, there are four standard times: PST (Pacific Standard Time), MSD (Mountain Standard Time), CST (Central Standard Time), and EST (East Standard Time). It must be displayed in any one of the four standard times according to the viewer's area, and it is necessary to correct the time zone for that purpose. Each standard time is represented by an offset value from Greenwich Mean Time. The relay base station 321 corrects the offset value according to the service area, and further corrects the daylight saving time based on the offset information transmitted via the satellite, thereby obtaining the integrated EPG data. Can do.

  The EPG receiver 6 may include a dedicated receiving circuit that receives all EPG data of the AV system 1.

  1 AV system, 2, 3 VCR, 4 IRD, 5 Television receiver, 6 EPG receiver, 11 AV line, 12 Control line, 202 Video signal transmission / reception unit, 203 AV equipment control signal transmission / reception unit, 205 Translator, 206 EEPROM, 207 RAM

Claims (6)

Receiving means for receiving electronic program guide information of a plurality of different systems, each of the electronic program guide information of a plurality of systems comprising information of programs of a plurality of channels;
Storage means for storing a plurality of different electronic program guide information of different systems received by the receiving means in their respective formats;
Display control means for controlling so as to display the electronic program guide from which the information of the overlapping channel is deleted by unifying the format of the electronic program guide stored in the storage means at the stage of displaying the electronic program guide. Information processing device. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit configured to transmit the integrated electronic program guide information to the viewer terminal in response to a request for provision of specific electronic program guide information from the viewer terminal. The information processing apparatus according to 1. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit is integrated into a single format as an electronic program guide in which one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis is defined by a time axis and a channel. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit integrates the electronic program guide information by designating a predetermined channel. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit integrates the electronic program guide information by designating a predetermined category of a program. A receiving step of receiving electronic program guide information of a plurality of different systems, each of the electronic program guide information of a plurality of systems comprising information of programs of a plurality of channels;
Storing a plurality of different electronic program guide information of different systems received by the process of the receiving step in their respective formats;
A display control step for controlling to display the electronic program guide from which the information of the overlapping channel is deleted by unifying the format of the electronic program guide stored by the processing of the storing step at the stage of displaying the electronic program guide; Information processing method including:

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