JP2011239052A - Epg display control device, epg display control method and epg control information transmission device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a transmitter station to operate according to their intention such as displaying EPG information for program advertisement regarding to a particular channel even if contract is not concluded or not displaying EPG information regarding to another particular channel if contract is not concluded.SOLUTION: A digital broadcast receiver 20 comprises: a holding unit 20-6 for holding contract confirmation information for each subscriber; a communication unit 20-1 for receiving a transport stream including a service description table and a network information table; a processing unit 20-4 for determining display or non-display of EPG for each service identification from the contract confirmation information and the service description table and the network information table received.

Description

  The present invention relates to an EPG (electronic program guide) display control technique in multi-channel digital broadcasting such as CATV (cable TV).

  In recent years, the importance of EPG has been increasingly recognized due to the generalization of digital broadcasting, the increase in the number of channels, and the increase in high-definition (high resolution) broadcasting channels. Broadcasting services using EPG (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “services”) viewing, broadcasting service recording reservation, broadcasting service search, and confirmation of detailed information of broadcasting services such as performers and synopses are generally performed. ing. Especially in CATV, in addition to terrestrial digital broadcasting, BS (broadcast satellite) digital broadcast, hundreds of channels of CS (communication satellite) broadcast, independent broadcast, PPV (pay per view) broadcast purchased in units of broadcast services, etc. Many broadcast services are available, so in addition to the basic contract that packs basic channels, you can also subscribe to premium contracts that pack multiple paid channels and individual paid programs as additional contracts. Diversified. Furthermore, in recent years, due to the increase in high-definition broadcast channels, the same program content is broadcast on different channels, and EPG display corresponding to these broadcasts has become complicated and complicated.

  FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a CATV broadcasting system that performs retransmission of CS broadcasting. Descriptions of BS, terrestrial digital broadcast retransmission, and independent broadcast are omitted.

  The CS broadcast EPG information is generated by the broadcast service server 2 as one week of broadcast service information in accordance with the configuration of the broadcast service, and is transmitted to the EPG generation device 3 via the control device 1. The EPG generation device 3 converts the received EPG information into a broadcast signal transmission format and transmits it to the MUX / SCR / QAM device 7. MUX is an abbreviation for multiplexer, SCR is a scrambler, and QAM is an abbreviation for 64QAM modulator.

  On the other hand, the conditional access control for each subscriber of the broadcast service is performed by using the control signal from the subscriber management device 5 that manages the subscriber's contract information as the limited reception information (EMM) via the control device 1 and the limited reception device. 6 is converted into a broadcast signal transmission format, scrambled by the MUX / SCR / QAM device 7, converted to 64 QAM, and transmitted to the CATV transmission line 10 via the MIX (mixer) 8. In the MUX / SCR / QAM device 7, the broadcast service received by the CS broadcast receiving device 4 includes the EPG information generated by the EPG generating device 3, the broadcast service arrangement information described later, and the broadcast generated by the limited receiving device 6. The service scramble key and the common information (ECM) about the contract type used for contract confirmation are multiplexed, scrambled for limited reception, 64QAM converted and transmitted to the CATV transmission line 10 via MIX8. .

  A CATV subscriber operates the remote controller 22 to display the broadcast service received by the digital broadcast receiver 20 on the TV monitor 21 for viewing. Since EPG information is multiplexed in the broadcast service, the digital broadcast receiver 20 can display EPG for one week by operating the remote controller 22. By selecting broadcast service information displayed on the EPG, viewing or recording reservation of the corresponding broadcast service, and reference to detailed information of the broadcast service can be performed.

  EPG information is generated and sent as common information to all subscribers, unlike broadcast service limited reception, so only contract broadcast services that match the contract form of each contractor are displayed. The EPG information of all broadcast services that are broadcasting, including uncontracted broadcast services, is displayed.

  Here, 1 to 8 are head end devices installed in the CATV station, and the digital broadcast receiver 20, TV monitor 21 and remote controller 22 are installed in the subscriber's house.

  Next, the operation on the transmission device side will be described using the configuration diagram of the control device in FIG.

  The control device 1 has a broadcast service setting screen. Before starting the broadcast service, a service for broadcasting is registered from this screen. The processing unit 1-3 of the server 1-1 in FIG. 13 displays a broadcast service setting screen on the monitor 1-6 connected via the display unit 1-5, and common information about the contract type used for contract confirmation. (ECM) is held in the holding unit 1-4. Also, the limited reception information (EMM) of the broadcast service for each digital broadcast receiver is received from the subscriber management apparatus 5 via the network by the communication unit 1-2, processed by the processing unit 1-3, and held by the holding unit. Hold at 1-4.

  The common information (ECM source information) for each broadcasting service set in the control device 1 and the subscriber limited reception information (EMM source information) transmitted from the subscriber management device 5 to the control device 1 are processed by the processing unit 1-3. Is read from the holding unit 1-4 and transmitted to the limited receiving device 6 via the communication unit 1-2. The limited reception information (EMM) is scrambled by the MUX / SCR / QAM device 7 from the limited reception device 6 to the individual digital broadcast receiver 20 for each subscriber, is posted in the transport stream, and is subscribed via the transmission line 10. It is transmitted to the digital broadcast receiver 20 at the home of the person. Also, common information (ECM) for each broadcast service is posted on the transport stream together with the broadcast service, EPG information, and broadcast service arrangement information by the MUX / SCR / QAM device 7 and transmitted.

  Further, the processing unit 1-3 is information necessary for generating the network service table (NIT), the service description table (SDT) and other broadcast service arrangement information based on the common information (ECM source information) for each registered broadcast service. Is transmitted to the EPG generation device 3. The EPG generation device 3 generates broadcast service arrangement information such as a network information table (NIT), a service description table (SDT), and other information based on the transmitted information, and transmits the information to the MUX / SCR / QAM device 7 to transmit the broadcast service. Each common information (ECM), broadcast service, and EPG information are posted in the transport stream and transmitted to the digital broadcast receiver 20 at the subscriber's home via the transmission path 10.

  Here, FIG. 15 shows an outline of the data structure of the network information table (NIT), link descriptor, and service description table (SDT) of the digital broadcast, which is a part of the broadcast service arrangement information of the digital broadcast.

  FIG. 15A is an outline of the data structure of the NIT, and shows a table identification 31 and a network descriptor area 32 of the NIT 30. The network descriptor area 32 includes a link descriptor 40 shown in FIG. FIG. 15B is an outline of the data structure of the link descriptor, and shows a descriptor tag 41 indicating the link descriptor 40, a TS identification 42, an original network identification 43, a service identification 44, a link type 45, and private data 46. Has been. FIG. 15 (3) is an outline of the data structure of the SDT, which shows the table identification 51, service identification 52, free_CA_mode 53, and SDT descriptor area 54 of the SDT 50. Is repeated for each service unit. In addition, the CA contract information descriptor is included in the SDT descriptor area 54. Note that the broadcasting service arrangement information of digital broadcasting is described in Non-Patent Document 1.

  Next, the operation of the digital broadcast receiver 20 will be described using the configuration diagram of the digital broadcast receiver of FIG.

  Of the broadcast services received from the CATV transmission path 10, the broadcast service of the channel selected in the receiving network designated by the remote controller 22 is processed by the signal processing unit 20-2, and the processing unit 20-4 is multiplexed with the broadcast service. If there is viewing right information (contract confirmation information) included in the limited reception information (EMM) received and held in advance, the common information (ECM) for each service is compared with the limited reception card 20-5. Based on the decode key returned from the conditional access card 20-5, the display unit 20-3 performs descrambling and displays it on the TV monitor 21. More specifically, the processing unit 20-4 refers to a free_CA_mode 53 that defines a pay-free display, and a CA contract information descriptor that defines the necessity of viewing contract confirmation for each service identification in the SDT descriptor area 54. The contract reception information is collated with the limited reception card 20-5 to realize limited reception of the broadcasting service.

  On the other hand, when the processing unit 20-4 receives the EPG display instruction from the remote controller 22 via the receiving unit 20-7, the processing unit 20-4 displays the EPG information multiplexed in the broadcast service. As described above, EPG information is generated and sent as common information to all subscribers, unlike broadcast service limited reception. It is not possible to display only services, and EPG information of all broadcasting services that are broadcasting, including uncontracted broadcasting services, is displayed.

  A proposal for a digital broadcast receiver having a function of generating EPG display data excluding broadcast services that cannot be received is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

JP 2002-252817 A

ARIB STD-B10

  However, in this proposal, EPG information is dare to be displayed even if it is not contracted for a specific broadcasting service, and a program is promoted such that a subscriber wants to view the information by viewing the information, and an additional contract is made. There has been a problem that the broadcast station cannot perform detailed control that meets the demands of the broadcast station, such as not displaying a specific broadcast service (for example, adult) if it is not contracted.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, an EPG display control device of the present invention indicates a holding unit that holds contract confirmation information for each subscriber, service identification, and necessity of viewing contract confirmation for each service identification. Network information including a link descriptor including a service description table including service information, private data, and a link type indicating whether the private data is data used for EPG display control. A communication unit that receives a transport stream including a table, the service identification, and service information for each service identification, and the private data is data used for EPG display control. When the link type indicates, the EPG display control information included in the private data is extracted, and the previous A processing unit for determining whether to display or hide an EPG for each service identification from the contract confirmation information to be held, the extracted service identification, the service information for each service identification, and the EPG display control information. .

  The EPG display control method of the present invention comprises a first step of holding contract confirmation information for each subscriber, service identification, and service information indicating whether or not viewing contract confirmation is necessary for each service identification. A transport stream including a service description table, private data, and a network information table including a link descriptor including a link type indicating whether or not the private data is data used for EPG display control When the link type indicates that the private data is data used for EPG display control, and the second step of receiving the service identification, the service identification and the service information for each service identification are extracted, The EPG display control information contained in the private data is extracted and the contract confirmation that is held is retained. Information, the extracted service identification and the service identification for each of the service information and the EPG display control information from, a third step of determining a visible EPG for each of the service identification consists.

Further, the EPG display control device of the present invention includes a holding unit that holds contract confirmation information for each subscriber,
Network information including a link descriptor including service identification, private data for each service identification, and a link type indicating whether the private data for each service identification is data used for EPG display control. A communication unit that receives a transport stream including a table, the service identification, and a private data for each service identification when the link type indicates that private data for each service identification is data used for EPG display control. EPG display control information included in the data is extracted, and display or non-display of the EPG is determined for each service identification from the contract confirmation information held, the extracted service identification, and the EPG display control information. And a processing unit.

  Also, the EPG display control method of the present invention includes the first step of holding contract confirmation information for each subscriber, service identification, private data for each service identification, and private data for each service identification. A second step of receiving a transport stream including a network information table including a link descriptor composed of a link type indicating whether the data is used for control, the service identification, and the service identification When the link type indicates that each private data is data used for EPG display control, EPG display control information included in the private data for each service identification is extracted, and the contract confirmation information to be held is From the extracted service identification and the EPG display control information, the service A third step of determining a visible EPG for each separate, consisting of.

  According to the EPG display control device, the EPG display control method, and the EPG control information transmission device of the present invention, for a specific broadcast service, EPG information is dare to be displayed even if it is not contracted, and the subscriber can view the information by viewing the information. To control the program to meet the demands of broadcasting stations, such as advertising programs that require additional contracts and not displaying other specific broadcasting services (eg adults) if they are not subscribed. This can be done at the broadcasting station.

  According to the EPG display control device, the EPG display control method, and the EPG control information transmission device of the present invention, for a specific broadcast service, EPG information is dare to be displayed even if it is not contracted, and the subscriber can view the information by viewing the information. To control the program to meet the demands of broadcasting stations, such as advertising programs that require additional contracts and not displaying other specific broadcasting services (eg adults) if they are not subscribed. This can be done at the broadcasting station.

The figure which shows an example of the data structure of the link descriptor in Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the EPG display control table in Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the other example of the data structure of the link descriptor in Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the other example of the EPG display control table in Example 1 of this invention. Process flow diagram of EPG display control in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Process flow diagram of EPG display control in Embodiment 2 of the present invention The figure which shows an example of the data structure of the link descriptor in Example 3 of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the EPG display control table in Example 3 of this invention. Process flow diagram of EPG display control in Embodiment 3 of the present invention The figure which shows an example of the data structure of the link descriptor in Example 4 of this invention. Process flow diagram of EPG display control activation in Embodiment 4 of the present invention The figure which shows the structure of a CATV broadcast system Diagram showing the configuration of the control device Diagram showing the configuration of the digital broadcast receiver (1) NIT (2) Link descriptor (3) Outline of SDT data structure

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of the data structure of the link descriptor of the network information table in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an example of the corresponding EPG display control table.

  In FIG. 1, information type and EPG mask setting are defined as private data 46 of the link descriptor 40 shown in FIG. The description of the descriptor tag 41, the TS identification 42, the original network identification 43, the service identification 44, and the link type 45 of the link descriptor 40 is omitted. As the link type 45, for example, a provider definition that can be used for EPG display control, re-transmission credit, future reserve, etc. are defined to indicate whether the private data 46 is data used for EPG display control. use.

  In the private data (EPG display control information) 46 shown in FIG. 1, “0x01” represents “EPG mask operation pattern setting” as the information type, and “0x01” “operation pattern 1 operation” represents the EPG mask setting. , “0x02” represents “operation of operation pattern 2”.

  FIG. 2 shows an EPG display control table in the case of information type = “0x01” (EPG mask operation pattern setting).

  The EPG display control table includes a service type, a service identification 52 shown in the service description table (SDT) 50 of FIG. 15 (3), a free_CA_mode 53, a CA contract information descriptor (service information) included in the SDT descriptor area 54, and a service. Each piece of common information (ECM) is collated by the conditional access card 20-5, contract confirmation information included in the conditional access information (EMM) received and held in advance, the EPG mask setting set in FIG. It comprises EPG display control determined from CA contract information descriptor (service information), contract confirmation information, and EPG mask setting. The service types are classified into Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. For example, Type 1 is free broadcast, Type 2 is additional pay broadcast, Type 3 is basic contract broadcast and Premier contract broadcast, This corresponds to pay-per-view broadcasting.

  Here, in the case of service type type 1 (service identification 001), the EPG display control is free_CA_mode = “0 (free)” and the CA contract information descriptor (service information) = “none”, so the contract confirmation information is confirmed. And EPG display control = “display”.

  In the case of the service type 2 (service identification 002), the free_CA_mode “1 (charged)” and the CA contract information descriptor (service information) = “Yes”, so the contract check information is checked, and the contract check information = “Yes”. Therefore, EPG display control = “display”.

  In the case of the service type 2 (service identification 003), the free_CA_mode “1 (charged)” and the CA contract information descriptor (service information) = “Yes”, so the contract confirmation information is confirmed, and the contract confirmation information = “None”. However, since EPG mask setting = “0x01” (operation of operation pattern 1), EPG display control = “display”. That is, the operation pattern 1 is an operation pattern in which the EPG display control is “displayed” unconditionally regardless of the contract confirmation information.

  In the case of service type 2 (service identification 004), free_CA_mode “1 (charged)” and CA contract information descriptor (service information) = “Yes”, so the contract confirmation information is confirmed, and the contract confirmation information = “None”. Since EPG mask setting = “0x02” (operation of operation pattern 2), EPG display control = “non-display” is set. That is, the operation pattern 2 is an operation pattern in which the EPG display control is set to “display” or “non-display” according to the contract confirmation information.

  In the case of service type type 3 (service identification 005), free_CA_mode = “0 (free)” and CA contract information descriptor (service information) = “Yes”, so the contract confirmation information is confirmed, and the contract confirmation information = “Yes” Therefore, EPG display control = “display”.

  In the case of service type type 3 (service identification 006), since free_CA_mode = “0 (free)” and CA contract information descriptor (service information) = “present”, the contract confirmation information is confirmed, and the contract confirmation information = “none”. Therefore, EPG display control = “non-display” is set.

  As described above, EPG display control is performed based on the CA contract information descriptor (service information), the contract confirmation information, the information type of the private data (EPG display control information) defined in FIG. 1, and the contents of the EPG mask setting. be able to.

  Next, FIG. 3 shows another example of the data structure of the link descriptor of the network information table according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 shows another example of the corresponding EPG display control table. .

  In the private data (EPG display control information) 46 shown in FIG. 3, “0x02” represents “EPG mask display setting” as the information type, and “0x00” represents “default display” and “0x10” represents the EPG mask setting. “According to the contract confirmation information, display when there is contract confirmation information, hide when there is no contract confirmation information”, “0x20” represents “unconditional display”, “0x30” represents “unconditional non-display” Shall.

  Similar to FIG. 2, FIG. 4 shows an EPG display control table in the case of information type = “0x02” (EPG mask display setting).

  Here, the EPG display control is the same control as the EPG display control of FIG. 2 in the case of service type 1 (service identification 007), type 2 (service identification 008), and type 3 (service identification 011). Description is omitted.

  In the case of the service type 2 (service identification 009), the free_CA_mode “1 (charged)” and the CA contract information descriptor (service information) = “Yes” confirm the contract confirmation information, and the contract confirmation information = “None”. However, since EPG mask setting = “0x20 (unconditionally displayed)”, EPG display control = “display”.

  In the case of the service type 2 (service identification 010), the free_CA_mode “1 (charged)” and the CA contract information descriptor (service information) = “Yes”, so the contract confirmation information is confirmed, and the contract confirmation information = “None”. Since EPG mask setting = “0x10 (display according to contract confirmation information)”, EPG display control = “non-display”.

  In the case of service type 3 (service identification 012), free_CA_mode “0 (free)” and CA contract information descriptor (service information) = “Yes”, so the contract confirmation information is confirmed, and the contract confirmation information = “None”. However, since EPG mask setting = “0x20 (unconditionally displayed)”, EPG display control = “display”.

  In the case of the service type 3 (service identification 013), free_CA_mode “0 (free)” and the CA contract information descriptor (service information) = “Yes”, so the contract confirmation information is confirmed, and the contract confirmation information = “None”. Since EPG mask setting = “0x10 (display according to contract confirmation information)”, EPG display control = “non-display”.

  Thus, EPG display control can be performed by the CA contract information descriptor (service information), the contract confirmation information, the information type of the private data (EPG display control information) and the EPG mask setting defined in FIG. it can.

  Next, the flow of EPG display control processing in the digital broadcast receiver will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a processing flowchart of EPG display control of the digital broadcast receiver 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The digital broadcast receiver 20 in FIG. 14 analyzes the transport stream received from the transmission path 10 by the signal processing unit 20-2, and a network information table (NIT) 30 which is a part of the broadcast service arrangement information in FIG. The link descriptor 40 in the NIT 30 is read (steps S101 and S102). When the link type 45 indicates that the private data 46 in the link descriptor 40 is data used for EPG display control (Yes in step S103), the processing unit 20-4 displays the private data shown in FIG. Information type 46 and EPG mask setting (EPG display control information) are read out (step S104). Similarly, the service description table (SDT) 50 in FIG. 15 is read (step S105). The processing unit 20-4 checks the contents of the service identification 52 in the service description table (SDT) 50, the free_CA_mode 53, and the CA contract information descriptor (service information) in the SDT descriptor area 54 (step S106). The processing unit 20-4 inquires the limited reception card 20-5 for the contract confirmation information of the target service identification from the free_CA_mode 53 and the CA contract information descriptor (service information) for each service identification 52 (step S107). Finally, the processing unit 20-4, based on free_CA_mode 53, CA contract information descriptor (service information), contract confirmation information, information type, EPG mask setting (EPG display control information), as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. The content of the EPG display control is determined for each service identification, and the received EPG information is displayed or hidden on the display unit 20-3 (step S108).

  The processing unit 20-4 stores the EPG display control information for each service identification in the storage unit 20-6. When an EPG display is instructed, the processing unit 20-4 reads the EPG display control information from the storage unit 20-6 and displays the EPG display. Take control.

  The processing unit 20-4 is instructed by the remote controller 22 when the power of the digital broadcast receiver 20 from the remote controller 22 is turned off or when the preset date / time, NIT, and SDT are updated. When the user performs a channel scan, the EPG display control process is performed.

  As for the target service for which the EPG display control processing is performed, the first service is performed for all services, but the next service is performed preferentially for the service having the service identification that is not displayed. This makes it possible to quickly change the EPG display of a service that has been hidden by the user's digital broadcast receiver to which the service has been additionally contracted to a display.

  Next, operation | movement of the control apparatus 1 which transmits the EPG display control information of this invention using FIG. 12, FIG. 13 is demonstrated.

  When the subscriber management device 5 sends the information of the EPG display control information described in the link type 45 and the private data 46 of the link descriptor 40 to the control device 1 for each service identification for the service subject to EPG display control. The processing unit 1-3 of the control device 1 receives from the communication unit 1-2 and holds it in the holding unit 1-4. Alternatively, when the above information is registered in the control device 1 from the monitor 1-6, the processing unit 1-3 holds the information in the holding unit 1-4.

  The processing unit 1-3 communicates information related to the broadcast service arrangement information, common information (ECM source information), and limited reception information (EMM source information) other than the network information table (NIT) 30, the service description table (SDT) 50, and the like. The mechanism that is transmitted to the EPG generation device 3 or the conditional access device 6 via the unit 1-2 and transmitted to the transmission path 10 as a transport stream is as described in the background art.

  Here, as shown in type 3 of FIG. 2, since free_CA_mode 53 and CA contract information descriptor (service information) of the service description table (SDT) 50 are used for EPG display control, free_CA_mode 53 = “0”. Also, the CA contract information descriptor (service information) = “present” is described so that the digital broadcast receiver 20 can refer to the contract confirmation information.

  According to the first embodiment, for a specific channel, EPG information is dared to be displayed even if it is not contracted, and the subscriber wants to view the information by viewing the information and perform a program promotion, The broadcast station can perform detailed control that meets the broadcaster's request, such as not displaying other specific (eg, adult) channels if they are not subscribed.

  Next, an example in which EPG display control is performed using the service description table (SDT) 50 without using the link descriptor 40 in the network information table (NIT) 30 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a processing flowchart of EPG display control of the digital broadcast receiver according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 6, the processing unit 20-4 reads a service description table (SDT) 50 (step S201). When the free_CA_mode 53 = “0” and the CA contract information descriptor = “present” in the service description table (SDT) 50 (steps S202 and S203), the processing unit 20-4 limits the contract confirmation information for each service identification 52. An inquiry is made to the receiving card 20-5 (step S204), and if the contract confirmation information = “Yes” (step S205), the received EPG information is displayed (step S207). When the contract confirmation information = “none” (step S205), the received EPG information is hidden (step S206), and the process is terminated. When the CA contract information descriptor = “none” (step S203), the processing unit 20-4 displays the received EPG information (step S207).

  Further, when the free_CA_mode 53 = “1” and the CA contract information descriptor = “present” (step S202, step S208), the processing unit 20-4 displays the separately received EPG information (step S207), and the CA contract. When the information descriptor = “none” (step S208), since the combination of such settings is not normal, the process ends.

  In this manner, EPG display control can be performed based on the free_CA_mode 53 and CA contract information descriptor (service information) for each service identification in the service description table (SDT) and the contents of the contract confirmation information.

  Next, an example in which EPG display control is performed using the link descriptor 40 in the network information table (NIT) 30 without using the service description table (SDT) 50 will be described. In addition, the description which overlaps with Example 1 is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the data structure of the link descriptor of the network information table in Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIG. 8 shows an example of the corresponding EPG display control table.

  In FIG. 7, information type, EPG mask setting, and EPG mask CA information (EPG display control information) are defined as private data 46 of the link descriptor 40 shown in FIG.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that the information type 101 “0x03” represents “EPG mask display setting and CA information”, and the CA contract described in the service description table (SDT) 50 as EPG mask CA information. The content that matches the information descriptor is described. Here, “0x00” is set when the CA contract information descriptor = “none”, and “0x01” is set when the CA contract information descriptor = “present”.

  FIG. 8 shows an EPG display control table in the case of information type = “0x03” (EPG mask display setting and CA information).

  8 is the same as the EPG display control described in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment except that EPG mask CA information is added in place of the free_CA_mode 53 and the CA contract information descriptor of FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. Since it exists, description here is abbreviate | omitted.

  As described above, information in the service description table (SDT) is obtained from the contract confirmation information and the private data (information type, EPG mask setting, and EPG mask CA information EPG display control information) of the link descriptor defined in FIG. EPG display control can be performed without using.

  Next, the flow of the EPG display control process in the digital broadcast receiver will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9 is an EPG display control processing flowchart of the digital broadcast receiver 20 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Description of the same processing as that in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment is omitted.

  The processing unit 20-4 of the digital broadcast receiver 20 in FIG. 14 indicates that the private data 46 in the link descriptor 40 is data used for EPG display control from the link descriptor read out in step S102. (Yes in step S103), service identification 44, information type of private data 46 shown in FIG. 7, EPG mask setting, EPG mask CA information (information type, EPG mask setting, EPG mask CA information are collectively called EPG. Display control information and EPG mask CA information as service information) are read out (step S301). The conditional access card 20-5 is inquired of the service identification contract confirmation information to be the EPG display control target from the EPG mask CA information (step S302). Finally, the processing unit 20-4 determines the content of the EPG display control for each service identification as shown in FIG. 8 based on the EPG mask CA information (service information), the contract confirmation information, and the EPG mask setting. For 20-3, the EPG information received from the broadcast signal is displayed or not displayed (step S303).

  Next, operation | movement of the control apparatus 1 which transmits the EPG display control information of this invention using FIG. 12, FIG. 13 is demonstrated.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that when the processing unit 1-3 transmits the information of the network information table (NIT) 30 to the EPG generation device 3, the link descriptor having the private data shown in FIG. It is a point to be sent via the communication unit 1-2, and information corresponding to “none” = “0x00” or “present” = “0x01” in the CA contract information descriptor described in the EPG mask CA information The same information as “None” or “Yes” information in the CA contract information descriptor to be posted in the description table (SDT) 50 is posted.

  According to the third embodiment, without using the information in the service description table (SDT), as in the first embodiment, EPG information is dared to be displayed for a specific channel even if it is not contracted, and the subscriber can view the information. Detailed control that meets the broadcaster's request, such as advertising programs that require additional viewing and subscription, or not displaying other specific (eg adult) channels if not subscribed Can be performed on the broadcasting station side.

  So far, EPG display control has been performed using private data 46 in the link descriptor 40 of the network information table (NIT) 30 as EPG display control information. However, as EPG display control activation information for activating EPG display control. It is also possible to use it. In addition, the description which overlaps with Example 1 is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the link descriptor of the network information table according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 10, as the private data 46 of the link descriptor 40 shown in FIG. 15 (2), an information type and an EPG mask state (EPG display control activation information) are defined.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that the information type = “0x10” represents the EPG mask operation state, and the EPG mask state is described instead of the EPG mask setting. Here, the EPG mask state is set to “0x00” when stopped and “0x01” when operating.

  As described above, the activation control of the EPG display control can be performed based on the information type of private data and the EPG mask state (EPG display control activation information) defined in FIG.

  Next, a flow of processing for starting EPG display control in the digital broadcast receiver 20 using the EPG mask operation state shown in FIG. 10 will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a processing flowchart of EPG display control activation of the digital broadcast receiver 20 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Description of the same processing as that in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment is omitted.

  The processing unit 20-4 of the digital broadcast receiver 20 in FIG. 14 determines that the private data 46 in the link descriptor 40 is data used for starting the EPG display control from the link descriptor read in step S102. If 45 indicates (Yes in step S401), the information type and EPG mask state (EPG display control activation information) of the private data 46 shown in FIG. 10 are read (step S402). When the information type = “0x10” (EPG mask operation state) and the EPG mask state = “0x01 (in operation)” from the private data 46 read out in step S402, the TV monitor 21 is displayed from the display unit 20-3 in FIG. When the display (start button) for starting the EPG display control is selected / determined by the operation of the user's remote controller 22 (step S404), the display for starting the EPG display control is performed (step S404). Control is performed to activate the EPG display control (step S405). Alternatively, when the EPG mask state = “0x01 (in operation)”, the processing unit 20-4 may start the EPG display control and perform display control or non-display control without waiting for the start instruction. .

  The processing unit 20-4 holds information on whether the EPG mask is in operation or is stopped in the holding unit 20-6, and refers to it when starting the EPG display control process.

  Next, operation | movement of the control apparatus 1 which transmits the EPG display control starting information of this invention using FIG. 12, FIG. 13 is demonstrated.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that when the processing unit 1-3 transmits the information of the network information table (NIT) 30 to the EPG generation device 3, the link descriptor having the private data shown in FIG. It is a point which sends out via the communication part 1-2.

  In the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, a digital broadcast receiver has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a digital television that performs EPG display control, a personal computer that can receive a digital television, and the like. The present invention can also be applied to apparatuses and methods.

  In addition, the head end device has been described with the configuration illustrated in FIG. 12, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the control device 1, the EPG generation device 3, and the MUX / SCR / QAM device 7 are configured as one device. It may be.

  According to the EPG display control device, the EPG display control method, and the EPG control information transmission device of the present invention, for a specific broadcast service, EPG information is dare to be displayed even if it is not contracted, and the subscriber can view the information by viewing the information. To control the program to meet the demands of broadcasting stations, such as advertising programs that require additional contracts and not displaying other specific broadcasting services (eg adults) if they are not subscribed. Since it can be performed on the broadcasting station side, it is useful as an EPG display control technology and an EPG display control activation technology.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control apparatus 2 Broadcast service server 3 EPG production | generation apparatus 4 CS broadcast reception apparatus 5 Subscriber management apparatus 6 Conditional reception apparatus 7 MUX / SCR / QAM apparatus 8 MIX (mixer)
20 Digital Broadcasting Receiver 21 TV Monitor 22 Remote Control 30 Network Information Table (NIT)
40 Link descriptor 50 Service description table (SDT)

Claims (12)

A holding unit for holding contract confirmation information for each subscriber;
A service description table comprising service identification and service information indicating whether or not viewing contract confirmation is required for each service identification;
A network information table including a link descriptor composed of private data and a link type indicating whether the private data is data used for EPG display control;
A communication unit that receives a transport stream including:
Extracting the service identification and service information for each service identification;
When the link type indicates that the private data is data used for EPG display control, EPG display control information included in the private data is extracted,
A processing unit for determining whether to display or hide an EPG for each service identification from the contract confirmation information to be held, the extracted service identification, the service information for each service identification, and the EPG display control information;
An EPG display control device comprising: The EPG display control information is
The EPG display control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an information type indicating a type of the EPG display control information. A first step of maintaining contract confirmation information for each subscriber;
A service description table comprising service identification and service information indicating whether or not viewing contract confirmation is required for each service identification;
A network information table including a link descriptor composed of private data and a link type indicating whether the private data is data used for EPG display control;
A second step of receiving a transport stream comprising:
Extracting the service identification and service information for each service identification;
When the link type indicates that the private data is data used for EPG display control, EPG display control information included in the private data is extracted,
A third step of determining whether or not to display an EPG for each service identification from the contract confirmation information held, the extracted service identification, the service information for each service identification, and the EPG display control information; ,
An EPG display control method comprising: A service description table comprising service identification and service information indicating whether or not viewing contract confirmation is required for each service identification;
A network information table including a link descriptor composed of private data and a link type indicating whether the private data is data used for EPG display control;
A holding unit for holding contract confirmation information for each subscriber;
A processing unit that generates a transport stream including the service description table, the network information table, and the contract confirmation information;
A communication unit for transmitting the transport stream;
An EPG control information transmitting device comprising: A holding unit for holding contract confirmation information for each subscriber;
Network information including a link descriptor including service identification, private data for each service identification, and a link type indicating whether the private data for each service identification is data used for EPG display control. A communication unit for receiving a transport stream including a table;
When the link type indicates that the service identification and private data for each service identification are data used for EPG display control, EPG display control information included in the private data for each service identification is extracted. ,
From the contract confirmation information to be held, the extracted service identification, and the EPG display control information, a processing unit that determines whether to display or hide an EPG for each service identification;
An EPG display control device comprising: The EPG display control information is
An information type indicating the type of the EPG display control information;
6. The EPG display control device according to claim 5, further comprising service information indicating whether or not viewing contract confirmation is necessary. A first step of maintaining contract confirmation information for each subscriber;
Network information including a link descriptor including service identification, private data for each service identification, and a link type indicating whether the private data for each service identification is data used for EPG display control. A second step of receiving a transport stream including a table;
When the link type indicates that the service identification and private data for each service identification are data used for EPG display control, EPG display control information included in the private data for each service identification is extracted. ,
A third step of determining whether to display or hide an EPG for each service identification from the contract confirmation information to be held, the extracted service identification, and the EPG display control information;
An EPG display control method comprising: Network information including a link descriptor including service identification, private data for each service identification, and a link type indicating whether the private data for each service identification is data used for EPG display control. Table,
A holding unit for holding contract confirmation information for each subscriber;
A processing unit that generates a transport stream including the network information table and the contract confirmation information;
A communication unit for transmitting the transport stream;
An EPG control information transmitting device comprising: A communication unit for receiving a transport stream including a private data, a link type indicating whether or not the private data is data used for EPG display control activation, and a network information table including a link descriptor configured from the private data; ,
When the link type indicates that the private data is data used for EPG display control activation, the EPG display control activation information included in the private data is extracted.
A processing unit that activates EPG display control based on the EPG display control activation information;
An EPG display control activation device comprising: The EPG display control activation information is
The EPG display control activation device according to claim 9, further comprising an information type indicating a type of the EPG display control activation information. A first transport stream including a network information table including a link descriptor including private data and a link type indicating whether or not the private data is data used for EPG display control activation is received. Steps,
When the link type indicates that the private data is data used for EPG display control activation, the EPG display control activation information included in the private data is extracted.
A second step of activating EPG display control based on the EPG display control activation information;
An EPG display control starting method comprising: A holding unit for holding a network information table including a link descriptor composed of private data and a link type indicating whether the private data is data used for EPG display control activation;
A processing unit for generating a transport stream including the network information table;
A communication unit for transmitting the transport stream;
An EPG control activation information transmission device comprising:

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