JP2014011534A - Broadcasting receiver and channel search method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve such a problem that it takes time for searching for channels in digital terrestrial television broadcasting.SOLUTION: A broadcasting receiver comprises: storage means for storing a channel list; information acquisition means for acquiring predetermined information about a mobile entity; determination means for determining whether the mobile entity satisfies predetermined conditions on the basis of the acquired information; and channel search means for performing channel search in a range excluding channels that are already registered with the channel list, when it is determined that the mobile entity satisfies the predetermined conditions.

Description

  The present invention relates to a broadcast receiver mounted on a mobile body and a channel search method suitable for a broadcast receiver whose reception position moves.

  In digital terrestrial television broadcasting, high-quality high-definition broadcasting (full-segment broadcasting) using 12 segments and one-segment broadcasting using one segment are transmitted. 1Seg broadcasting has a narrower reception band than high-definition broadcasting, and can be received relatively stably even in environments where reception quality is not guaranteed, so it is mainly provided as a service for vehicles such as vehicles and mobile phone terminals. ing.

  For digital terrestrial television broadcasting, 40 frequency channels in the UHF band (470 MHz to 710 MHz) are used. In digital terrestrial television broadcasting, different frequency channels are used in different regions such as prefectures, and there are unused frequency channels that are not used in different regions. Currently, area one-segment broadcasting using this vacant frequency channel is experimentally performed. Area One Seg Broadcasting is a one-segment broadcasting service that is delivered to a relatively small area with weak power that does not affect surrounding wireless systems, and is also referred to as "area-limited one-segment broadcasting" or "one-segment local service" ing. In Area One Seg Broadcasting, usage forms such as providing information services in limited areas such as event venues and commercial facilities are assumed. Since area one-segment broadcasting uses one-segment broadcasting technology, it can be viewed on a terminal capable of receiving existing one-segment broadcasting.

  A specific configuration of a broadcast receiver capable of receiving area one-segment broadcasting is described in Patent Document 1, for example. The broadcast receiver described in Patent Document 1 is configured to detect receivable broadcast radio waves when a vehicle equipped with this receiver enters a predetermined range from a transmission point of area one-segment broadcasting.

JP 2011-139134 A

  By the way, in the broadcast receiver exemplified in Patent Document 1, when the frequency channel of area one seg broadcasting is unknown, channel search is performed for the entire range (40 channels in the UHF band) where area one seg broadcasting may be distributed. It is considered necessary. However, channel search in digital terrestrial television broadcasting acquires a TS (Transport Stream) signal by tuning the tuner to one frequency channel, performing OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex) demodulation and error correction processing, and acquiring the TS. Since channel information is tried to be acquired from a signal, there is a problem that it takes a considerable time if it is performed over the entire range. Therefore, there is a constant demand for shortening the channel search time in this type of broadcast receiver.

  A broadcast receiver according to an aspect of the present invention is an apparatus mounted on a mobile object, and includes a storage unit that stores a channel list, an information acquisition unit that acquires predetermined information about the mobile object, and an acquired information Determination means for determining whether or not the mobile body satisfies a predetermined condition, and a channel search means for performing a channel search for a range excluding channels registered in the channel list when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied. It is characterized by providing.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, a channel search is performed for a range excluding channels (for example, NHK and each key station) registered in the channel list, so that the time required for the channel search is shortened. Further, since a channel search is automatically executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, it is possible to search with high probability for area one seg broadcasting that generally misses viewing opportunities.

  Also, the broadcast receiver has a detecting means for detecting a network ID of a receivable channel searched in the channel search, and when the detected network ID is a specific network ID, the searched channel is included in the channel list. It is good also as a structure provided with the registration means to register.

  In addition, the broadcast receiver may include a notification unit that notifies that a receivable channel has been searched by channel search.

  The broadcast receiver includes a branch that receives the broadcast program, a received program processing unit that performs at least one of reproduction and recording of the broadcast program received by the branch, and during processing of the broadcast program by the received program processing unit. When it is determined by the determination means that a predetermined condition is satisfied, permission / rejection confirmation means for confirming permission / inhibition of execution of the channel search to the user and reception of the broadcast program by the branch is stopped when the execution of the channel search is permitted by the user It is good also as a structure provided with the reception stop means to perform. In this case, when the reception of the broadcast program is stopped, the channel search means can perform the channel search using the branch that has received the broadcast program. Note that the reception stop means includes not only a form in which reception of a broadcast program is stopped according to the user's permission to execute a channel search, but also a form in which reception of a broadcast program is stopped by shifting to a channel search, for example.

  In the broadcast receiver, a plurality of branches may be provided. In this case, when execution of the channel search is permitted by the user, reception of the broadcast program is stopped in at least one branch by the reception stop unit, and a channel by the channel search unit is used using the branch in which the reception is stopped. The search is performed, and the processing of the broadcast program by the received program processing means is continued using the remaining branches.

  Here, the predetermined condition is, for example, that the moving body is located at a point where the moving speed is likely to stay below a certain speed and in the vicinity of the point.

  The broadcast receiver may be configured to include an input unit that receives an input from the user and a positioning unit that measures the current position of the moving body. In this case, the information acquisition unit acquires the point input by the input unit and the current position of the moving body measured by the positioning unit. In addition, the predetermined condition in this case is, for example, that the current position of the moving body measured by the positioning unit falls within a predetermined range from the point input by the input unit.

  In addition, the broadcast receiver includes an input unit that receives an input of a destination by the user, a route search unit that performs a route search based on the input of the destination by the input unit, and on and near the route searched by the route search unit It is good also as a structure provided with the point estimation means which estimates the point where area one-segment broadcasting may be performed, and the positioning means which measures the present position of a moving body. In this case, the information acquisition unit acquires the point estimated by the point estimation unit and the current position of the mobile body measured by the positioning unit. In addition, the predetermined condition in this case is, for example, that the current position of the moving body measured by the positioning unit falls within a predetermined range from the point estimated by the point estimating unit.

  In addition, the broadcast receiver may include a traffic information receiving unit that receives traffic information from a predetermined backbone system. In this case, the information acquisition unit acquires the traffic jam information received by the traffic jam information reception unit. In this case, the predetermined condition is, for example, that the mobile object is estimated to belong to a section where the traffic jam occurs based on the traffic jam information received by the traffic jam information receiving unit.

  In addition, the broadcast receiver may include a moving speed detecting unit that detects the moving speed of the moving body. In this case, the information acquisition unit acquires the moving speed of the moving body detected by the moving speed detection unit. The predetermined condition in this case is, for example, that the moving speed detected by the moving speed detecting means is equal to or lower than a certain speed.

  The broadcast receiver may include a drive determination unit that determines whether or not the engine of the moving body is driven, and a power supply determination unit that determines whether or not the accessory power source of the mobile body is on. Good. In this case, the information acquisition unit acquires the determination results of the drive determination unit and the power source determination unit. The predetermined condition in this case is, for example, that the engine is not driven and the accessory power supply is on.

  In addition, the broadcast receiver may be configured to include an electric field strength detection unit that detects the electric field strength of the received radio wave of the selected frequency channel. In this case, the channel search means can exclude frequency channels whose electric field intensity detected by the electric field intensity detection means is not more than a certain value from the search target.

  A channel search method according to an aspect of the present invention is a method in a broadcast receiver mounted on a mobile object, an information acquisition step of acquiring predetermined information about the mobile object, and a movement based on the acquired information A determination step for determining whether or not the body satisfies a predetermined condition; and when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, a channel search is performed for a range excluding channels registered in a channel list stored in a predetermined storage medium. Performing a channel search step.

  According to the broadcast receiver and the channel search method according to one aspect of the present invention, the channel search is performed for the range excluding the channels already registered in the channel list, so that the time required for the channel search is shortened. Further, since a channel search is automatically executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, it is possible to search with high probability for area one seg broadcasting that generally misses viewing opportunities.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the broadcast receiver of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the area one-segment broadcast registration process by the broadcast receiver of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen displayed on the display screen of a video display part. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the modification of the area one-segment broadcast registration process by the broadcast receiver of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the broadcast receiver of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the modification of the area one-segment broadcast registration process by the broadcast receiver of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the broadcast receiver of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the area one-segment broadcast registration process by the broadcast receiver of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the modification of the area one-segment broadcast registration process by the broadcast receiver of 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, a broadcast receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Broadcast Receiver of First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast receiver 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The broadcast receiver 1 constitutes an in-vehicle navigation device (including a PND (Portable Navigation Device)) and is installed in a vehicle such as a general passenger car. The broadcast receiver 1 is designed to be compatible with terrestrial digital television broadcasting (one-segment broadcasting), and is configured to receive and process broadcast signals in the signal format of the broadcasting system. Note that the broadcast receiver 1 is not limited to the in-vehicle navigation device, and may constitute a portable information terminal such as a smartphone, a feature phone, or a portable game machine. The broadcast receiver 1 may be configured to be able to receive full-segment broadcasting in addition to one-segment broadcasting.

As shown in FIG. 1, the broadcast receiver 1 is a navigation ECU (Electronic Control).
Unit) 11, a storage device 12, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit 13, an input device 14, a video display unit 15, an audio output unit 16, and a broadcast receiving unit 17.

  The navigation ECU 11 is connected to each part constituting the broadcast receiver 1 and controls the operation of each part and also performs the basic operation of the navigation function. In this embodiment, the navigation ECU 11 that can also control the navigation function performs reception processing of terrestrial digital television broadcasting. In another embodiment, instead of the navigation ECU 11, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) dedicated to terrestrial digital television broadcasting is used. ) May be connected to each unit so as to perform reception processing of terrestrial digital television broadcasting and control the operation of each unit.

  The storage device 12 is a rewritable storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various data used by the navigation ECU 11 in addition to various programs executed by the navigation ECU 11. Is done. For example, the storage device 12 stores a channel list in which NHK (receivable) of the region to which the vehicle currently belongs and each key station are registered. This channel list is composed of, for example, a record group in which each information of a frequency channel, a remote control key identification number, and a broadcasting station name is associated.

  The GPS receiver 13 is a module that measures the current position (of the vehicle on which the broadcast receiver 1 is mounted) based on GPS signals received from a plurality of GPS satellites. The GPS receiver 13 measures the current position at a predetermined time interval (for example, every second), and outputs the positioning result to the navigation ECU 11.

The input device 14 is an operation means for receiving an input by a user, generates a signal corresponding to the operation input, and outputs the signal to the navigation ECU 11. As this type of operation means, hardware, software, or various UIs (User Interfaces) combining these are assumed. Specifically, mechanical switch keys, membranes mounted on the front panel of the broadcast receiver 1 main body GUI (Graphical User) provided under the key and touch panel environment
Interface), a remote controller equipped with operation keys, and the like.

  The video display unit 15 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and performs various screen displays based on signals output from the navigation ECU 11 and the broadcast receiving unit 17.

  The audio output unit 16 is a speaker, and performs various audio outputs based on signals output from the navigation ECU 11 and the broadcast receiving unit 17.

  Note that the input device 14, the video display unit 15, and the audio output unit 16 are not constituent elements of the broadcast receiver 1 itself, but are other devices (for example, a smartphone or the like) connected to the broadcast receiver 1 (wired connection or wireless connection). It may be a component of a portable information terminal such as a feature phone.

  The broadcast receiving unit 17 includes an antenna 17a, a tuner 17b, a demodulating unit 17c, and a decoding unit 17d. The tuner 17b extracts an RF (Radio Frequency) signal of a desired station (frequency channel) from broadcast radio waves received by the antenna 17a, and frequency-converts the extracted RF signal to an intermediate frequency suitable for signal processing such as filtering. Then, the IF (Intermediate Frequency) signal after the frequency conversion is output to the demodulator 17c. The demodulator 17c performs OFDM demodulation on the IF signal input from the tuner 17b, restores information for each subcarrier, converts it into bit data, performs Viterbi decoding and Reed-Solomon decoding, and decodes the TS signal obtained thereby To the unit 17d. The decoding unit 17d decodes the TS signal input from the demodulation unit 17c, separates and reconstructs each stream data such as a video stream and an audio stream. The decoding unit 17d performs predetermined video signal processing on the reconstructed video stream and outputs it to the video display unit 15, and also performs predetermined audio signal processing on the audio stream and outputs it to the audio output unit 16. . As a result, the terrestrial digital television broadcast is reproduced by the broadcast receiver 1.

[Area One Seg Broadcast Registration Processing of First Embodiment]
FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of area one seg broadcast registration processing by the broadcast receiver 1 of the first embodiment. In Area One Seg broadcasting, since the broadcasting area is within a range of, for example, a radius of about 1 km centering on the position of the broadcasting station, viewing while a vehicle such as a passenger car is traveling (viewing on the front seat front monitor is generally regulated. Therefore, it is assumed here that viewing on the rear monitor of the rear seat is difficult). Therefore, in this specification, a point where the traveling speed is likely to remain below a certain speed (speed 0, that is, including a stop) and the period in which the vehicle is located in the vicinity of the point are Think of it as an opportunity to watch (receive) the broadcast. A point where the traveling speed is likely to stay below a certain speed (hereinafter referred to as “Area One Seg Broadcast Receivable Point”) is searched by a navigation point such as a resting point such as a service area, a commercial facility, or the navigation ECU 11. Various landmarks on the guide route to the destination and in the vicinity of the route, the destination itself, and the like are assumed. Further, when the vehicle belongs to a section where traffic is congested, it is considered that the vehicle is located at a point where the area one-segment broadcasting can be received.

  In the area one-segment broadcasting registration process of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the digital terrestrial television broadcast is neither played nor recorded by the broadcast receiver 1.

<S1 in FIG. 2 (Area One-Seg Broadcast Receivable Point Acquisition Process)>
The navigation ECU 11 acquires an area one-seg broadcast receivable point. Specifically, the navigation ECU 11 acquires a waypoint or destination input by the user via the input device 14 as an area one-segment broadcast receivable point in order to execute a guidance route search by the navigation function. Moreover, it is estimated that various landmarks such as commercial facilities on the searched guide route and in the vicinity of the route may be performing the area one seg broadcast, and acquired as the area one seg broadcast receivable point. The acquired area one-segment broadcast receivable point is temporarily stored in the storage device 12 until the route guidance by the navigation function is completed, for example.

<S2 in FIG. 2 (approach determination processing to an area one-seg broadcast reception possible point)>
The navigation ECU 11 compares the current position measured by the GPS receiver 13 with the area one-segment broadcast receivable point stored in the storage device 12, and determines whether or not the linear distance between the two is less than a predetermined distance. When the linear distance between the two is less than or equal to a predetermined distance (for example, 1 km) (S2: YES), the navigation ECU 11 may process the vehicle because it may have entered the broadcast area of the area 1Seg broadcast reception point. Proceed to S3 in FIG. On the other hand, when the linear distance between the two is longer than the predetermined distance (S2: NO), the approach determination process is tried again after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  When there are a plurality of area one seg broadcast receivable points whose distance from the current position is a predetermined distance or less, the nearest area one seg broadcast receivable point is given priority as a comparison target. Moreover, the case where the period for which the vehicle belongs to the broadcast area of the area-one-seg broadcast receivable point ends in an instant can be considered. In this case, performing the processing after the acquisition processing based on the point may result in wasteful use of the resources of the broadcast receiver 1. Therefore, in this acquisition process, “the situation where the linear distance between the two is less than or equal to a predetermined distance lasts for a predetermined time or more” may be added as a determination condition for proceeding to the process of S3 in FIG.

<S3 (Channel Search Processing) in FIG. 2>
The navigation ECU 11 searches for receivable frequency channels of digital terrestrial television broadcasting. At this time, the navigation ECU 11 does not cover the entire frequency range of digital terrestrial television broadcasting, but performs a channel search for a range excluding channels (for example, NHK and each key station) registered in a channel list such as a key station. Therefore, the time required for channel search is shortened. Further, the navigation ECU 11 detects the electric field strength of the received radio wave in the previous stage of processing such as OFDM demodulation by the linkage processing with the broadcast receiving unit 17 in order to further shorten the channel search time, and the detected electric field strength is Frequency channels below a certain value may be excluded from search targets by determining that reception is not possible. This channel search process is executed until the area one-segment broadcasting is searched or until the search for the target frequency range is completed.

<S4 in FIG. 2 (Area One Seg Broadcast Receivability Determination Processing)>
The navigation ECU 11 determines whether or not the area one-segment broadcasting can be received as a result of the channel search process of S3 in FIG. Specifically, the navigation ECU 11 checks whether or not the network ID (network_id) in the NIT (Network Information Table) of the TS signal obtained from the searched frequency channel is “0x7E8E”. When the network ID (network_id) is “0x7E8E” (S4: YES), the navigation ECU 11 advances the processing to S5 in FIG. 2 because the area one-segment broadcasting is transmitted on the searched frequency channel. On the other hand, if the network ID (network_id) is not “0x7E8E” and an unsearched range remains, the channel search process of S3 in FIG. 2 is repeated. If the network ID (network_id) is not “0x7E8E” and there is no unsearched range (that is, a frequency channel that can be received within the search range cannot be searched) (S4: NO) Then, the process of this flowchart is terminated.

  Note that “0x7E8E” is defined as an identifier common throughout the country for area one-segment broadcasting in the “Provisional Guidelines for Transmission Operation of“ One Segment Local Service ”” by the Digital Broadcasting Promotion Association (Dpa). Since this provision is a provisional provision, the identifier used in this reception availability judgment process and the judgment material similar to this can be changed as appropriate according to future standard development.

<S5 in FIG. 2 (Registering Area One Seg Broadcast to Channel List)>
The navigation ECU 11 registers, in the channel list of the storage device 12, a record in which each information of the searched area one-segment broadcasting frequency channel, remote control key identification number, and broadcasting station name is associated. When the broadcast station name is blank, it may be replaced with other unique information such as the current position measured by the GPS receiver 13.

  In addition, the navigation ECU 11 may display a message on the display screen of the video display unit 15 for the user to select whether or not to register the searched area one seg broadcasting in the channel list before the main registration process. The navigation ECU 11 executes the main registration process when an operation for permitting registration of the channel list is performed, and ends the flowchart without executing the main registration process when an operation for rejecting registration of the channel list is performed. .

  In addition, the remote control key identification number (remote_control_key_id) of area one seg broadcasting is assigned, for example, the one used by the cable television operator in the area where the area one seg broadcasting is performed as an independent broadcasting channel (for example, 11ch). ing. In addition, when registering the area one-segment broadcast in the channel list, auxiliary data for identifying the user to be an area one-segment broadcast instead of a normal one-segment broadcast may be added. In this type of information, for example, the broadcasting station name or remote control key identification number of Area One Seg broadcasting is displayed on the display screen of the video display unit 15 with a special symbol, color scheme, character size, character font, brightness, etc. Data is assumed. Special symbols, color schemes, character sizes, character fonts, brightness, etc. may be displayed with changes over time.

<S6 in FIG. 2 (Area One Seg Broadcast Notification Process)>
After the registration process of S5 in FIG. 2, the navigation ECU 11 receives a message notifying that the reception of the area one seg broadcast is possible with the remote control key identification number (for example, 11ch), and whether to view the area one seg broadcast. Is displayed on the display screen of the video display unit 15.

  FIG. 3A shows an example of a message displayed on the display screen of the video display unit 15. As shown in FIG. 3A, the message is superimposed on the currently displayed screen (in this case, the navigation screen). For example, when the user selects the “NO” icon in FIG. 3A using the input device 14, the message is deleted, the original navigation screen is restored, and route guidance on the navigation screen is continued. On the other hand, when the user selects the “YES” icon in FIG. 3A by the input device 14, the screen is switched, and the reproduction of the area one-segment broadcasting registered in the registration process of S5 in FIG. 2 is started. At this time, in order to shorten the time until the start of reproduction, the predetermined video signal processing for the video stream of the area one-segment broadcasting and the processing up to the predetermined audio signal processing for the audio stream are executed in parallel with the message display processing, After selecting the “YES” icon, the Area One Seg broadcast may be played immediately. If the “YES” and “NO” icons are not selected within a certain period of time, it is considered that one of the icons previously designated by the user or the like has been selected, and the return to the navigation screen (the designated icon is When “NO” or area one-segment broadcasting is reproduced (when the designated icon is “YES”) is automatically executed.

  Moreover, navigation ECU11 may display the said message outside the display area of a map, for example, in order to maintain the visibility of the route guidance information (for example, map) in a navigation screen. At this time, the map may be temporarily reduced or a partial area of the map may be cut in order to secure a message display area. When the broadcast receiver 1 includes a sub display, the message may be displayed on the sub display.

  Further, the navigation ECU 11 may superimpose a “return” icon on the broadcast screen while the area one-segment broadcasting is being displayed. When the user selects the “return” icon by the input device 14, the display on the display screen of the video display unit 15 is restored to the screen (for example, the navigation screen) before switching to the broadcast screen. The “return” icon may be displayed at all times during display of the area one-segment broadcasting, or may be displayed at regular time intervals, or the user may perform some operation (for example, touch outside the map display area). It may be displayed when the operation is performed.

  Further, the navigation ECU 11 does not completely switch the display screen of the video display unit 15 from the navigation screen to the broadcast screen of the area one seg broadcasting. For example, the navigation screen displays the navigation screen while continuously displaying the navigation screen as the parent screen. It may be displayed as a child screen. Conversely, the broadcast screen may be displayed as a parent screen and the navigation screen may be continuously displayed as a child screen.

  Further, the navigation ECU 11 may start the reproduction of the area one seg broadcast without displaying the message in order to shorten the time until the reproduction start of the area one seg broadcast. In this case, a message that allows the user to select whether or not to continue viewing after the start of playback of the area one-segment broadcasting may be displayed on the display screen of the video display unit 15.

  Further, the navigation ECU 11 may reproduce the same message by the audio output unit 16 instead of or in addition to the display of the message by the video display unit 15.

  Further, when the navigation ECU 11 fails to receive the area one seg broadcast in the reception availability determination process of S4 in FIG. 2, the video display unit 15 sends a message notifying the user that the area one seg broadcast is not transmitted near the current location. It may be displayed on the display screen.

  Here, an example of a method for selecting and reproducing area one-segment broadcasting registered in the past from the channel list will be described. When the user performs a channel list display operation using the input device 14, as shown in FIG. 3B, the channel list is superimposed on the currently displayed screen (for example, a navigation screen). At this time, a specific display process (hatching in FIG. 3B) is performed in order to allow the user to identify the remote control key identification number (for example, 11ch) of area one-segment broadcasting. In addition, specific display processing (halftone in FIG. 3B) is also applied to other receivable broadcasting stations. When the user selects 11ch in the channel list displayed on the display screen, the area one-segment broadcasting is reproduced only when the vehicle belongs to the receivable area.

[Area One Seg Broadcast Registration Process of Modification of First Embodiment]
FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a modification of the area one seg broadcast registration process by the broadcast receiver 1 of the first embodiment. In the following modifications and embodiments, the same or similar configurations and processes as those of the broadcast receiver 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and description thereof is simplified or omitted.

  In the modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that at least one of reproduction and recording of digital terrestrial television broadcasting by the broadcast receiver 1 is performed at the start of execution of the area one-segment broadcasting registration process. And

<S11 in FIG. 4 (Reception Stop Processing)>
The navigation ECU 11 performs the playback / recording process after performing the process of S1 in FIG. 4 (acquisition process for an area one-seg broadcast receivable point) and the process of S2 in FIG. Therefore, reception of digital terrestrial television broadcasting by the branch (antenna 17a and tuner 17b) currently used is stopped. Note that the reception stop processing here also includes stopping reception of digital terrestrial television broadcasting by shifting to other processing such as channel search processing, for example.

  Here, the navigation ECU 11 executes the channel search until the terrestrial digital television broadcast reproduction / recording is interrupted after the approach determination process of S2 of FIG. 4 and before the reception stop process of S11 of FIG. A message for confirming whether or not it is acceptable may be displayed on the display screen of the video display unit 15. In this case, the reception stop process is executed only when the user performs an operation for permitting execution of the channel search by the input device 14. When the user performs an operation of refusing to execute the channel search using the input device 14, this flowchart ends. Note that the message may be displayed again after a predetermined time has elapsed without ending this flowchart in the case of rejection.

<S12 in FIG. 4 (Reception Resumption Processing)>
The navigation ECU 11 uses the branch (antenna 17a and tuner 17b) made available by the reception stop process in S11 in FIG. 4 and executes the process in S3 (channel search process) in FIG. Resume receiving terrestrial digital television broadcasts. Next, the navigation ECU 11 performs the process of S4 of FIG. 4 (area one-segment broadcast reception availability determination process), the process of S5 of FIG. 4 (area one-segment broadcast registration process to the channel list), and the process of S6 of FIG. 1seg broadcast notification process).

  Also in the modification of the first embodiment, the time required for the channel search process of S3 in FIG. 4 is reduced. For this reason, the interruption time of playback / recording of terrestrial digital television broadcasting can be suppressed.

[Broadcast Receiver of Second Embodiment]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast receiver 1z according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The broadcast receiver 1z according to the second embodiment is different from the broadcast receiver 1 according to the first embodiment in that a broadcast receiver 17z is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the broadcast receiving unit 17z includes a total of n branches from the first branch (antenna 17a-1 and tuner 17b-1) to the nth branch (antennas 17a-n and tuner 17b-n). It has. Further, in FIG. 5, the demodulator 17cz is shown as a single block similarly to the demodulator 17c of FIG. 1, but more specifically, a demodulator block that performs demodulation processing on the output of each branch, And a block that synthesizes the output of each demodulated block at the maximum ratio and obtains a TS signal from the combined signal.

[Area One Seg Broadcast Registration Processing of Second Embodiment]
In the area one seg broadcast registration process of the second embodiment, as in the area one seg broadcast registration process of the first embodiment of FIG. 2, it is assumed that the digital terrestrial television broadcast is neither played nor recorded by the broadcast receiver. And The area one seg broadcast registration process of the second embodiment is the same as the area one seg broadcast registration process of the first embodiment of FIG. 2 except that the channel search process of S3 is executed using a plurality of (up to n) branches. The same. In the second embodiment, since a plurality of branches can be used, more stable channel search processing can be executed.

[Area One Seg Broadcast Registration Process of Modification of Second Embodiment]
FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a modification of the area one seg broadcast registration process by the broadcast receiver 1z of the second embodiment. In the modification of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6, similarly to the modification of the first embodiment of FIG. 4, reproduction of terrestrial digital television broadcast by the broadcast receiver at the start of execution of the area one-segment broadcast registration process・ It is assumed that recording is being performed.

<S21 in FIG. 6 (Channel Search Process and Playback / Recording Process)>
The navigation ECU 11 performs the playback / recording process after executing the process of S1 in FIG. 6 (acquisition process for an area one-segment broadcasting receivable point) and the process of S2 in FIG. Therefore, reception of digital terrestrial television broadcasting by at least one of the n branches currently used is stopped. Here, reception by the first branch (antenna 17a-1 and tuner 17b-1) is stopped. Next, the navigation ECU 11 performs a channel search process similar to S3 of FIG. 2 using the first branch that has become usable by the reception stop process, while all the branches other than the first branch (from the second branch to the first branch). Continue to receive digital terrestrial television broadcasting at n branches.

  The navigation ECU 11 continues to receive digital terrestrial television broadcasts from the second branch to the n-th branch, while the channel search process by the first branch, the process of S4 in FIG. 6 (determining whether or not to receive the area one-segment broadcast) Process), the process of S5 in FIG. 6 (area one seg broadcast registration process in the channel list), and the process of S6 in FIG. 6 (area one seg broadcast notification process) are executed.

  In the modification of the second embodiment, since the terrestrial digital television broadcast is received even during the execution of the channel search process, the playback and recording of the terrestrial digital television broadcast is performed without interruption. Note that the diversity combining processing in the demodulator 17cz is performed using (n−1) branches from the second branch to the n-th branch.

[Broadcast Receiver of Third Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast receiver 1y according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The broadcast receiver 1y of the third embodiment differs from the broadcast receiver 1z of the second embodiment in that it includes a vehicle information acquisition unit 18 and an external information acquisition unit 19.

  The vehicle information acquisition unit 18 is assumed to be, for example, a vehicle speed sensor that detects the traveling speed of the vehicle, a gyro sensor that measures an angular velocity related to a direction in the horizontal plane of the vehicle, a circuit that detects the operating state of the engine and the state of the accessory power source, and the like. The The vehicle speed sensor and the gyro sensor also function as a DR (Dead Reckoning) sensor for performing position measurement and azimuth measurement by autonomous navigation, and can assist position measurement and azimuth measurement by the GPS receiver 13.

  The external information acquisition unit 19 is a communication interface that can acquire traffic jam information such as VICS (registered trademark) and the Internet.

[Area One Seg Broadcast Registration Processing of Third Embodiment]
FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of area one seg broadcast registration processing by the broadcast receiver 1y of the third embodiment.

<S31 in FIG. 8 (Congestion Judgment Processing)>
The navigation ECU 11 determines whether or not the vehicle belongs to a section in which the vehicle is congested based on the traffic jam information acquired by the external information acquisition unit 19. If the vehicle belongs to a traffic jam section (S31: YES), the navigation ECU 11 advances the process to S32 in FIG. On the other hand, when the vehicle does not belong to the traffic jam section (S31: NO), this flowchart is ended.

  Note that the congestion section length to which the vehicle belongs may be added as a determination condition for the traffic congestion determination process. Specifically, the navigation ECU 11 may advance the process to S32 of FIG. 8 only when the vehicle belongs to a traffic jam section and the length of the traffic jam section is equal to or longer than a certain distance.

<S32 in FIG. 8 (traveling speed determination process)>
The navigation ECU 11 determines whether or not the traveling speed of the vehicle acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 18 is equal to or lower than a certain speed (including speed 0, that is, stopping). Navigation ECU11 returns a process to S31 of FIG. 8, when the driving speed of a vehicle exceeds fixed speed (S32: NO). On the other hand, when the traveling speed of the vehicle is equal to or lower than a certain speed (S32: YES), it is considered that the vehicle belongs to the area one-seg broadcast receiving point, the process of S3 (channel search process) in FIG. The processing (area one-segment broadcasting reception availability determination processing), the processing of S5 in FIG. 8 (area one-segment broadcasting registration processing in the channel list), and the processing of S6 in FIG. 8 (area one-segment broadcasting notification processing) are executed.

  In addition, when the vehicle is only decelerated to a certain speed or less for a short time, it is expected that the vehicle will immediately depart from the broadcast area of Area One Seg broadcasting. In this case, performing the processing after the channel search processing in S3 of FIG. 8 may result in wasteful use of the resources of the broadcast receiver 1y. Therefore, in the present travel speed determination process, “the state where the speed is not more than a certain speed continues for a certain time or more” may be added as a determination condition for proceeding to the process of S3 in FIG.

  Here, based on the above-mentioned idea that the reception of the area one-segment broadcasting is possible at and near a point where the traveling speed of the vehicle is likely to stay below a certain speed, the processing of both S31 and S32 in FIG. The execution of is not essential, and only one of the processes may be executed. The form which performs only the process of S32 is suitable for implementation in the scene etc. where the vehicle stops at SA or a parking lot, for example.

  According to the third embodiment, it is possible to receive area one-segment broadcasting that has been difficult to search using existing technology and is transmitted outside landmarks such as commercial facilities. Users can watch area one-segment broadcasting that is likely to be missed, and broadcasters can acquire new viewers.

[Area One Seg Broadcast Registration Process of Modification of Third Embodiment]
FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of a modification of the area one seg broadcast registration process by the broadcast receiver 1y of the third embodiment.

<S41 in FIG. 9 (vehicle state determination processing)>
The navigation ECU 11 detects the operation state of the engine and the state of the accessory power supply by the vehicle information acquisition unit 18, and if the engine is not driven and the accessory power supply is on (S41: YES), the navigation ECU 11 is in a stopped state. 9. Considering that the vehicle belongs to the area one-segment broadcasting receivable point, the process of S3 in FIG. 9 (channel search process), the process of S4 of FIG. 9 (reception availability determination process of area one-segment broadcasting), and the process of S5 of FIG. (Registration process of area one seg broadcast to channel list) and the process of S6 in FIG. 9 (notification process of area one seg broadcast) are executed. On the other hand, when the above condition is not satisfied (S41: NO), it is considered that the vehicle is not stopped, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the vehicle state determination process is retried.

  In addition, when the stop time is short, it is expected that the vehicle will be immediately removed from the broadcast area of Area One Seg broadcasting. In this case, performing the processing after the channel search processing of S3 in FIG. 9 may result in wasteful use of the resources of the broadcast receiver 1y. Therefore, in the present travel speed determination process, “a state where the speed is not more than a certain speed continues for a certain time or more” may be added as a determination condition for proceeding to the process of S3 in FIG.

  The modification of 3rd Embodiment is suitable for implementation in the scene etc. where the vehicle stops in SA or a parking lot, for example. Therefore, in order to more accurately determine whether or not the vehicle belongs to an area one segment broadcast receivable point, S1 in FIG. 2 (area one segment broadcast receivable point acquisition process) and S2 in FIG. 2 (area one segment broadcast receivable). The process of determining approach to a point) may be further executed, and when all the conditions are satisfied, the process after S3 (channel search process) in FIG. 9 may be executed.

  The above is the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. For example, the embodiment of the present application also includes contents appropriately combined with examples and the like clearly shown in the specification or obvious examples.

1, 1z, 1y Broadcast receiver 11 Navigation ECU
12 Storage device 13 GPS receiving unit 14 Input device 15 Video display unit 16 Audio output unit 17, 17z Broadcast receiving units 17a, 17a-1, ..., 17a-n Antennas 17b, 17b-1, ..., 17b- n tuner 17c, 17cz demodulator 17d decoder 18 vehicle information acquisition unit 19 external information acquisition unit

Claims (24)

In a broadcast receiver mounted on a mobile object,
Storage means for storing a channel list;
Information acquisition means for acquiring predetermined information about the mobile body;
Determination means for determining whether or not the moving body satisfies a predetermined condition based on the acquired information;
A channel search means for performing a channel search for a range excluding channels registered in the channel list when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied;
A broadcast receiver comprising: Detecting means for detecting a network ID of a receivable channel searched in the channel search;
Registration means for registering the searched channel in the channel list when the detected network ID is a specific network ID;
The broadcast receiver according to claim 1, comprising: 3. The broadcast receiver according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying that a receivable channel has been searched in the channel search. A branch that receives a broadcast program;
Received program processing means for performing at least one of reproduction and recording of the broadcast program received by the branch;
Permission / rejection confirmation means for confirming whether or not to execute the channel search when the determination means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied during the processing of the broadcast program by the received program processing means;
When the execution of the channel search is permitted by the user, reception stopping means for stopping reception of the broadcast program by the branch;
With
4. The channel search unit according to claim 1, wherein, when reception of the broadcast program is stopped, the channel search means performs the channel search using a branch that has received the broadcast program. 5. The broadcast receiver according to one item. A plurality of the branches;
When the execution of the channel search is permitted by the user, the reception stop unit stops the reception of the broadcast program in at least one branch, and the channel search unit uses the branch in which the reception is stopped. 5. The broadcast receiver according to claim 4, wherein the channel search is performed, and the processing of the broadcast program by the received program processing means is continued using the remaining branches.   The broadcast according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined condition is a point where the moving speed is likely to stay below a certain speed and the moving body is located in the vicinity of the point. Receiving machine. Input means for accepting input by the user;
Positioning means for positioning the current position of the mobile body;
With
The information acquisition means includes
Acquire the current position of the moving body measured by the point input by the input means and the positioning means,
The predetermined condition is that the current position of the moving body measured by the positioning unit is within a predetermined range from the point input by the input unit. The broadcast receiver according to item. An input means for receiving a destination input by the user;
Route search means for performing a route search based on a destination input by the input means;
Point estimation means for estimating a point where area one seg broadcasting may be performed on and near the route searched by the route search means;
Positioning means for positioning the current position of the mobile body;
With
The information acquisition means includes
Acquire the current position of the mobile object measured by the point estimated by the point estimation means and the positioning means,
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that a current position of the moving body measured by the positioning unit falls within a predetermined range from a point estimated by the point estimating unit. The broadcast receiver according to one item. A traffic information receiving means for receiving traffic information from a predetermined core system is provided.
The information acquisition means includes
Obtain traffic information received by the traffic information receiving means,
The predetermined condition is that the mobile body is estimated to belong to a section in which traffic jam occurs based on traffic jam information received by the traffic jam information receiving unit. The broadcast receiver according to item. A moving speed detecting means for detecting a moving speed of the moving body;
The information acquisition means includes
Obtaining the moving speed of the moving body detected by the moving speed detecting means;
The broadcast receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the predetermined condition is that a moving speed detected by the moving speed detecting unit is equal to or less than a predetermined speed. Drive determination means for determining whether or not the engine of the moving body is driven;
Power determination means for determining whether or not the accessory power supply of the moving body is on;
With
The information acquisition means includes
Obtain the determination results of the drive determination means and the power supply determination means,
The broadcast receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the predetermined condition is that the engine is not driven and the accessory power source is turned on. Electric field strength detecting means for detecting the electric field strength of the received radio wave of the selected frequency channel;
The channel search means includes
The broadcast receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a frequency channel having an electric field intensity detected by the electric field intensity detecting means is also excluded from a search target. In a channel search method in a broadcast receiver mounted on a mobile object,
An information acquisition step of acquiring predetermined information about the mobile body;
A determination step of determining whether or not the moving object satisfies a predetermined condition based on the acquired information;
A channel search step for performing a channel search for a range excluding channels registered in a channel list stored in a predetermined storage medium when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied;
Including a channel search method. A detection step of detecting a network ID of a receivable channel searched in the channel search;
A registration step of registering the searched channel in the channel list when the detected network ID is a specific network ID;
The channel search method according to claim 13, comprising: 15. The channel search method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a notification step of notifying that a receivable channel has been searched in the channel search. A received program processing step of performing at least one of reproduction and recording of a broadcast program received by the branch of the broadcast receiver;
A permission / refusal confirmation step of confirming whether or not to execute the channel search when the determination step determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied during the processing of the broadcast program;
A reception stop step of stopping reception of the broadcast program by the branch when execution of the channel search is permitted by a user;
Including
The channel search is performed using the branch that has received the broadcast program in the channel search step when reception of the broadcast program is stopped by executing the reception stop step. 15. The channel search method according to any one of 15. There are multiple branches,
When the execution of the channel search is permitted by the user, at the reception stop step, the reception of the broadcast program by at least one branch is stopped, and the branch at which the reception is stopped at the channel search step The channel search method according to claim 16, wherein the channel search is performed using, and the processing of the broadcast program in the received program processing step is continued using the remaining branches.   The channel according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the predetermined condition is a point where the moving speed is likely to stay below a certain speed and the moving body is located near the point. Search method. An input step for accepting input by the user;
A positioning step of positioning the current position of the mobile body;
Including
In the information acquisition step,
Acquire the current position of the mobile object measured in the point input in the input step and the positioning step,
19. The method according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined condition is that a current position of the mobile body measured in the positioning step falls within a predetermined range from a point input in the input step. The channel search method according to claim 1. An input step for accepting a destination input by the user;
A route search step for performing a route search based on the input of the destination in the input step;
A point estimation step for estimating a point where an area one seg broadcast may be performed on and near the route searched in the route search step;
A positioning step of positioning the current position of the mobile body;
Including
In the information acquisition step,
Acquire the current position of the mobile object measured in the location estimated in the location estimation step and the positioning step,
The predetermined condition is that the current position of the mobile body measured in the positioning step is within a predetermined range from the point estimated in the point estimating step. The channel search method according to any one of the above. Including a traffic information receiving step for receiving traffic information from a predetermined backbone system,
In the information acquisition step,
Obtain traffic information received in the traffic information reception step,
21. The any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the predetermined condition is that the mobile body is estimated to belong to a traffic jam section based on the traffic jam information received in the traffic jam information receiving step. The channel search method according to one item. A moving speed detecting step for detecting a moving speed of the moving body,
In the information acquisition step,
Obtaining the moving speed of the moving body detected in the moving speed detecting step;
The channel search method according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the predetermined condition is that the movement speed detected in the movement speed detection step is equal to or less than a predetermined speed. A drive determination step of determining whether or not the engine of the moving body is driving;
A power determination step for determining whether or not the accessory power supply of the moving body is on;
Including
In the information acquisition step,
Obtain the determination results in the drive determination step and the power supply determination step,
The channel search method according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the predetermined condition is that the engine is not driven and the accessory power source is turned on. Including a field strength detection step of detecting the field strength of the received radio wave of the selected frequency channel,
In the channel search step,
The channel search method according to any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein a frequency channel having an electric field intensity detected in the electric field intensity detection step is also excluded from search targets.

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