JP2024000652A - Receiver, program, and receiving method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promote more adaptive correspondence to a user when detecting deterioration of a reception quality.

SOLUTION: A receiver comprises: a broadcast reception part in which existence of at least part of a broadcast signal of broadcast signals is confirmed, and which measures the reception quality of a first broadcast signal as a broadcast signal that can perform channel selection; and a control part that determines that the reception quality is less than a predetermined threshold value. The control part recognizes a total broadcast signal number as a sum of the number of first broadcast signals and the number of second broadcast signals, in which the second broadcast signal is the broadcast signal of which an existence of at least one part of the broadcast signals is confirmed, and is a broadcast signal different from the first broadcast signal. The control part outputs notification information indicating a possibility of a deterioration of the reception quality caused by the second broadcast signal in the case where the control unit determines that the reception quality is less than the predetermined threshold value, and the total broadcast signal number is increased after a specific time point.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a receiver, a program, and a receiving method.

When receiving digital television broadcasts, reception interference may occur. In order to comfortably view broadcast programs, it has been proposed to provide hints on the causes of reception disturbances and countermeasures. For example, the receiving device described in Patent Document 1 includes a television device main body and a remote control device. The television device main body includes an antenna, an analog modulation wave demodulation section, a signal control section, a system control section, a digital modulation wave demodulation section, a digital decoding processing section, a graphic drawing multiplex display processing section, and an audio output. It has a processing section, a speaker, a built-in or external display device, a known defect display processing section, and a user information holding section. The known failure status holding unit holds known information regarding reception failures. The known information is held, for example, as a table that associates channels with the details of the problem.

In addition to the current digital terrestrial broadcasting (referred to as "current broadcasting" in this application), the introduction of advanced terrestrial broadcasting (sometimes simply referred to as "advanced broadcasting") is being considered. In advanced terrestrial broadcasting, new data signals (referred to herein as "enhanced signals") that provide video with higher resolution are broadcast on different broadcast waves.

Current devices measure the reception quality of data signals transmitted in current broadcasting and monitor the measured reception quality. For example, a modulation error ratio (MER) is obtained as an indicator of reception quality. Some current devices calculate a signal-to-noise ratio (C/N) from the measured MER.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-72335

Current digital terrestrial broadcast receivers (herein referred to as "current equipment") are unable to filter out and decode the enhanced signals. Therefore, when advanced terrestrial broadcasting begins, there is a possibility that the reception quality of the current signal will deteriorate due to reception interference due to multiwave reception. Since the user cannot identify the cause of the deterioration in reception quality, the user may take unnecessary measures. For example, a user may suspect a defect in the broadcasting service or receiver as the cause of the deterioration in reception quality, and may make unnecessary inquiries to the broadcaster, receiver manufacturer, or seller.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one aspect of the present invention is to provide a broadcasting system in which the existence of at least a part of the broadcasting signal is confirmed and the channel can be selected. a broadcast receiving unit that measures reception quality of a first broadcast signal, and a control unit that determines that the reception quality is less than a predetermined threshold; a total number of broadcast signals that is the sum of the number of broadcast signals and the number of second broadcast signals, and the second broadcast signal is a broadcast signal in which the presence of at least a part of the broadcast signals among the broadcast signals is confirmed. , and the broadcast signal is different from the first broadcast signal, and the control unit determines that the reception quality is less than a predetermined threshold, and that the total number of broadcast signals has increased after a certain point in time. If determined, the receiver outputs notification information indicating the possibility of the reception quality being degraded due to the second broadcast signal.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, when deterioration in reception quality is detected, it is possible to prompt the user to take a more appropriate response.

1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration example of a receiving system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a first example of channel search processing according to the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing a first example of output determination processing according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the 1st type display screen based on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the 1st type display screen based on 1st Embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing a second example of output determination processing according to the first embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a third example of output determination processing according to the first embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. If a configuration described in a particular embodiment, modification, or item is similar to a configuration described in another embodiment, modification, or item, that description may be incorporated and not repeated. Furthermore, members having the same functions as the members shown in each item are designated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are used unless otherwise specified.

<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration example of a receiving system 1 according to the present embodiment. First, a configuration example of the receiving system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. The receiving system 1 includes an antenna section 80 and a receiver 100. The following explanation will mainly be based on a case where the receiver 100 provides a broadcast service for current broadcasting and does not provide a broadcast service for advanced terrestrial broadcasting.

The antenna section 80 receives broadcast signals included in broadcast waves transmitted from a broadcast station. The broadcast signal includes at least a first broadcast signal. The first broadcast signal is a broadcast signal in which the existence of at least a portion of the broadcast signal is confirmed and can be tuned. The first broadcast signal includes at least a first video signal. The channel selection will be explained later.

The antenna section 80 includes an antenna 82 and a booster 84. The antenna 82 receives an electric signal generated by receiving an incoming broadcast wave as a broadcast signal. The antenna 82 is, for example, a parabolic antenna. Antenna 82 outputs the received broadcast signal to booster 84. Booster 84 amplifies the strength of the broadcast signal input from antenna 82 and outputs the amplified broadcast signal to receiver 100 .

Receiver 100 identifies the total number of broadcast signals, which is the sum of the number of first broadcast signals and the number of second broadcast signals, through synchronization processing. After the synchronization process, the receiver 100 performs a channel selection process to identify the number of channels on which at least a portion of the first broadcast signal can be selected.

The first broadcast signal is a signal included in the current broadcast. The first broadcast signal is a signal that allows tuning of the broadcast signal. Being able to select a channel may also mean being able to demodulate a broadcast signal through the processing of the broadcast receiving unit 13 included in the receiver 100. Moreover, being able to select a channel may also mean being able to select a service (organized channel) provided by a broadcast signal. Moreover, being able to select a channel may mean that the user can view and listen to video and audio that constitute a service (organized channel) as a result of processing by the broadcast receiving unit 13. The video signal of the video forming the organized channel and the audio signal of the audio forming the organized channel are obtained as a result of processing the broadcast signal by each functional block included in the main system section 10. Details of this process will be described later.

The second broadcast signal is a broadcast signal in which the existence of at least a part of the broadcast signal is confirmed, and is different from the first broadcast signal. The second broadcast signal is a signal included in advanced terrestrial broadcasting. The second broadcast signal includes a video signal of next-generation advanced terrestrial broadcasting as a second video signal. "The existence of at least a part of the broadcast signal is confirmed" may mean that synchronization by the receiver 100 is possible, but it is not possible to select a channel. When advanced terrestrial broadcasting is broadcast in addition to current broadcasting, the total number of broadcast signals may be greater than the number of first broadcast signals.

Receiver 100 extracts a data signal from a broadcast signal input from antenna section 80, and presents audio and video of a broadcast program as content transmitted using the extracted data signal. Receiver 100 measures the reception quality of a data signal to be broadcast.

Receiver 100 determines whether the reception quality is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The receiver 100 determines changes in the number of first broadcast signals and the total number of broadcast signals. The receiver 100 determines that the change is caused by the increase in the number of second broadcast signals for the first broadcast signal, based on the reception quality and a change in at least one of the number of first broadcast signals and the total number of broadcast signals. Notification information indicating the possibility of deterioration in reception quality of the first broadcast signal is output.

The receiver 100 includes a main system section 10 , a transmission/reception module 40 , an operation input section 50 , a speaker 60 , and a display section 70 . The speaker 60 and the display section 70 function as a notification section 55 that notifies various information. The information to be notified includes, for example, notification information for guiding the start of advanced terrestrial broadcasting.

The main system unit 10 separates a data signal and a pilot signal (reference signal) from the broadcast signal input from the antenna unit 80. The main system unit 10 separates a control signal and a content signal from the separated data signal. The control signal is a signal that conveys various types of control information used in the reception process of broadcast signals. A content signal is a signal that carries content. The main system unit 10 decodes audio signals and video signals representing audio that constitutes content. The main system unit 10 outputs the decoded audio signal to the speaker 60 and outputs the decoded video signal to the display unit 70.

The speaker 60 outputs audio based on the audio signal input from the main system section 10. The display unit 70 displays an image based on a video signal input from the main system unit 10 on a display screen. The display section 70 includes, for example, a display element and a drive circuit for driving the display element. The display element may be any type of display, such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic electroluminescent display, etc.

The transmitting/receiving module 40 is connected to a communication network wirelessly or by wire, and transmits and receives various data to and from devices connected to the communication network. The transmitting/receiving module 40 is connected to a local communication network compliant with standards such as IEEE802.3, IEEE802.11, and IEEE802.15.3. The transmitting/receiving module 40 connects to a destination device via the network, and transmits and receives data to and from the destination device. The transmission/reception module 40 transmits transmission data input from the main system section 10 to a destination device, and outputs reception data received from a transmission source device to the main system section 10.

The operation input unit 50 acquires an operation signal based on a user's operation, and outputs the acquired operation signal to the main system unit 10. The main system unit 10 controls operations based on operation signals input from the operation input unit 50. The operation signal instructs execution/stop of a predetermined function, broadcast channel, various information settings, volume, color, etc. The operation input unit 50 may include a member that receives an operation. Such members may include, for example, dedicated members such as buttons, dials, knobs, etc., or may include general-purpose members such as touch sensors, mice, etc.

The touch sensor may be integrated with the display and function as a touch panel. The operation input unit 50 may include a sensor that wirelessly receives an operation signal from a remote controller. The sensor may be any member capable of detecting electromagnetic waves that carry operation signals, such as an infrared sensor.

The main system section 10 includes a control section 12, a broadcast receiving section 13, an audio processing section 20, a display processing section 24, a storage section 26, a flash memory 28, and a digital I/F 30.

The control section 12 controls the processing of each section of the receiver 100 and performs the functions of the receiver 100. The control unit 12 may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be configured with a general-purpose computer system. A computer system includes at least an arithmetic processing unit and a storage medium. As the arithmetic processing device, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be applied. A storage unit 26 and a flash memory 28 are used as the storage medium.

The arithmetic processing device, for example, reads a program stored in advance in the flash memory 28 and expands the read program in the storage unit 26. The arithmetic processing unit implements the functions of the control unit 12 by executing the program loaded in the storage unit 26 . In the present application, "execution of a program" or "executing a program" includes the meaning of executing processing related to instructions written in the program.

An operation signal may be input to the control section 12 from the operation input section 50 . The control unit 12 may execute processing using various types of information instructed by operation signals. The control unit 12 may output an audio signal or a video signal acquired through processing performed by the control unit 12 to the audio processing unit 20 or the display processing unit 24, respectively. The functions of the control unit 12 may be realized by executing a program obtained by software download. In a software download, a program is carried over the airwaves as part of a data signal. The presence or absence of the program or the time at which the program is transmitted may be notified using, for example, announcement information multiplexed on the content signal.

When the content signal of a broadcast program is multiplexed using the MMT-TLV (MPEG Media Transport - Length Value) method, announcement information is transmitted using an MH-SDTT (Software Download Trigger Table) as an information element. can be transmitted. The control unit 12 can extract the program from the data signal obtained at the time notified by the notification information.

The current signal and the advanced signal may be modulated using different modulation schemes. Even if the receiver 100 successfully demodulates the current signal, it cannot demodulate the advanced signal. When receiving current broadcasting, reception quality may deteriorate due to multiwave reception (for example, intermodulation distortion due to input of other signals) due to the addition of advanced broadcasting.

Therefore, the control unit 12 uses the following method to determine whether or not the deterioration in reception quality is caused by the enhanced signal. More specifically, the control unit 12 identifies the number of first broadcast signals and the total number of broadcast signals. Further, the control unit 12 identifies whether the reception quality is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 12 displays the display screen representing the first type notification information (in this application, the display screen representing the first type notification information is based on the reception quality and at least one of the number of first broadcast signals and the total number of broadcast signals). A video signal indicating the generated display screen is output to the display processing unit 24. The display unit 70 presents type 1 notification information based on the video signal input via the display processing unit 24.

The first type of notification information indicates the possibility of reception disturbance due to the start of advanced terrestrial broadcasting. In other words, the first type notification information is information indicating the possibility of deterioration in the reception quality of data signals included in the first broadcast signal due to an increase in the number of second broadcast signals. The control unit 12 determines whether a state has occurred in which the reception quality of the data signal included in the first broadcast signal is lower than a predetermined reception quality threshold (referred to as a "reception quality threshold" in this application). good.

The timing at which the control unit 12 executes the above notification information output determination process is, for example, when a new broadcast channel is selected by the user's operation of the receiver 100. As the broadcast channel provided by the first broadcast signal, a broadcast channel designated by the operation signal input from the operation input section 50 can be selected. In addition to selecting a new broadcast channel from the broadcast channel currently receiving a broadcast signal to another broadcast channel, for example, selecting a new broadcast channel may be performed by pre-storing the channel in the storage unit 26 before power is cut off after the power supply is resumed. This also includes the case of specifying the reception channel indicated by the received reception channel information.

The broadcast receiving section 13 demodulates the data signal transmitted by the broadcast signal input from the antenna section 80, and extracts the audio signal and video signal of the broadcast program from the demodulated data signal. Broadcast receiving section 13 outputs the extracted audio signal and video signal to audio processing section 20 and display processing section 24, respectively. The broadcast receiving section 13 includes a tuner section 14, a demodulating section 16, and a descramble/demux section 18.

The tuner section 14 selects a broadcast channel specified by the channel selection information input from the control section 12 as the first broadcast channel of the broadcast signal input from the antenna section 80 . The channel selection information is instructed by an operation signal input from the operation input section 50. The tuner section 14 down-converts the input broadcast signal based on the center frequency (broadcast frequency) corresponding to the selected broadcast channel, and converts it into an intermediate frequency (IF: Inter-frequency) signal.

The tuner unit 14 measures the strength of the input received signal as a received signal strength indicator (RSSI). The tuner section 14 outputs the measured received signal strength to the control section 12. The tuner unit 14 adjusts the amplitude of the IF signal based on the measured received signal strength so that the signal level of the IF signal falls within a predetermined range. The tuner section 14 outputs the amplitude-adjusted IF signal to the demodulation section 16.

The demodulation section 16 demodulates the IF signal input from the tuner section 14 using a predetermined demodulation method and converts it into a digital signal. The demodulator 16 performs error detection and error correction on the converted digital signal. The demodulation unit 16 uses, as a predetermined demodulation method, a method corresponding to the modulation method used to modulate the digital signal to be broadcast. As the demodulation method, for example, a method corresponding to a modulation method such as 64QAM or 16QAM is used.

The demodulator 16 measures the reception quality of the input IF signal. The demodulator 16 measures, for example, C/N (signal to noise ratio) and bit error rate (BER) as indicators of reception quality. The demodulator 16 calculates a modulation error ratio (MER) from the demodulated signal using a known method, for example. The modulation error rate is an index indicating the magnitude of fluctuation of the value of each symbol expressing the IF signal from a predetermined reference value.

The demodulator 16 can convert MER to C/N using a known conversion formula. C/N is an index indicating that the larger the value, the higher the reception quality. BER is an index indicating the ratio of the number of bits containing errors to the total number of bits. In error detection, the demodulation unit 16 performs certain arithmetic processing for each block forming a part of the digital signal and compares the calculated value with the error detection code, and determines whether the two match.

When transmitting a data signal, a calculated value obtained by the calculation process is added to each block as an error detection code. The demodulator 16 can detect a bit error when the two do not match, and can determine the BER based on the frequency at which the bit error is detected. The smaller the BER value, the higher the reception quality. The demodulation unit 16 outputs reception quality information indicating the measured reception quality index to the control unit 12.

In this embodiment, the demodulator 16 uses the demodulated data signal in measuring reception quality. The demodulator 16 can specify, of the IF signal, a data region to which data symbols forming a data signal are allocated and a pilot region to which symbols forming a pilot signal are allocated. The pilot signal is a reference signal whose main purpose is to measure reception quality, and is not intended to transmit information.

The demodulator 16 can generate a data signal and a pilot signal by concatenating bits represented by symbols respectively assigned to the specified data region and pilot region. The symbol arrangement may be indicated by, for example, a TMCC signal that is a control signal. The data area includes a control area (for example, a TMCC area) in which symbols constituting a control signal are conveyed, and other areas.

Symbols forming content signals are assigned to other areas. The demodulator 16 can generate a control signal and a content signal by concatenating bits represented by symbols respectively assigned to the specified control area and other areas. The demodulation section 16 outputs the generated content signal to the descramble/demux section 18.

The descramble/demux section 18 performs descramble on the content signal input from the demodulator 16. Descrambling corresponds to descrambling. In descrambling, the bit strings forming the input content signal are rearranged in the reverse order of the scrambling performed on the bit strings forming the content signal to be broadcast.

The descrambling/demuxing section 18 separates the data signal obtained by descrambling into constituent signals such as audio signals and video signals by referring to the configuration information multiplexed on the content signal (demultiplexing). , de-multiplexing). When the MMT-TLV method is used in multiplexing content signals, configuration information is written in an MPT (MMT Package Table). The descramble/demux section 18 outputs the extracted audio signal and video signal to the audio processing section 20 and the display processing section 24, respectively.

The audio processing unit 20 decodes the audio signal input from the descrambling/demuxing unit 18 using a predetermined audio decoding method. The predetermined audio decoding method may be any method as long as it corresponds to the audio encoding method (eg, AAC: Advance Audio Coding, MPEG-4 AUDIO, etc.) used to encode the audio signal to be broadcast.

The audio processing unit 20 outputs the decoded audio signal or the audio signal input from the control unit 12 to the speaker 60. When audio signals are simultaneously input from the control unit 12 and the descramble/demux unit 18, the audio processing unit 20 adds (mixes) the decoded audio signal and the audio signal input from the control unit 12, and performs the addition. The resulting audio signal may be output to the speaker 60.

The display processing section 24 decodes the video signal input from the descramble/demux section 18 using a predetermined video decoding method. The predetermined video decoding method may be any method as long as it corresponds to the video encoding method used to encode the video signal to be broadcast (eg, HEVC: High Efficiency Video Coding, AVC: Advanced Video Coding, etc.).

The display processing unit 24 outputs the decoded video signal or the video signal input from the control unit 12 to the display unit 70. When video signals are simultaneously input from the control unit 12 and the descrambling/demuxing unit 18, the display processing unit 24 superimposes the decoded video signal and the video signal input from the control unit 12, and displays the result of the superimposition. The video signal may be output to the speaker 60.

The storage unit 26 is an example of a main storage device (main memory) that constitutes the computer system of the receiver 100. The storage unit 26 is, for example, a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 26 is mainly used as a work area for the control unit 12. That is, the control unit 12 reads the program and parameters that are instructed to be executed from the flash memory 28 and stores the read programs and parameters in the storage unit 26 . The control unit 12 temporarily stores an intermediate value obtained by executing a certain process in the storage unit 26, and the stored intermediate value can be used when executing another process.

The flash memory 28 is an example of an auxiliary storage device that permanently stores various programs and data. The flash memory 28 can store measurement data such as setting information, parameters, and reception quality used in processing. The receiver 100 may include, for example, an SSD (Solid Storage Device), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like, as an auxiliary storage device instead of or together with the flash memory 28.

The digital I/F (Interface) unit 30 inputs and outputs various data to and from the transmitting/receiving module 40 . The digital I/F section 30 outputs the transmission signal input from the control section 12 to the transmission/reception module 40. The digital I/F section 30 outputs the received signal input from the transmission/reception module 40 to the control section 12.

When the receiver 100 is installed (when used for the first time), it performs a channel search in response to a user's operation. In the channel search, the receiver 100 detects a broadcast channel that can stably receive a broadcast signal in the reception environment in which the receiver 100 is installed, and registers broadcast channel information indicating the detected broadcast channel in itself.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, the control unit 12 of the main system unit 10 is instructed to start a channel search by an operation signal input from the operation input unit 50 in response to a user's operation. At this time, the control unit 12 reads the control program from the storage unit 26, loads it in the flash memory 28, and starts its execution.

The control unit 12 sets the frequency for each broadcast channel of digital terrestrial broadcasting in the tuner unit 14. The tuner section 14 outputs to the demodulation section 16 an IF signal based on a broadcast signal carried at a set frequency. The control unit 12 acquires the received signal strength from the tuner unit 14, and determines whether there is a broadcast wave on the selected channel based on the acquired received signal strength.

The control unit 12 may determine whether or not the conditions for channel selection by the device are satisfied based on control information shown in the control signal acquired from the demodulation unit 16. The control unit 12 monitors reception quality information input from the demodulation unit 16, and determines whether stable reception is possible based on the reception quality information. The control unit 12 sequentially executes these processes for each of all broadcast channels assigned to digital terrestrial broadcasting.

The control unit 12 counts the number of actual broadcast waves and the number of broadcast waves that can be stably received based on the presence or absence of broadcast waves for each broadcast channel and reception quality information. The number of actual broadcast waves corresponds to the number of broadcast channels that can receive broadcast signals. The number of broadcast waves that can be stably received corresponds to the number of broadcast channels that can be selected by the user. The control unit 12 stores the number of selectable broadcast channels in the flash memory 28 as the number of first broadcast signals.

The control unit 12 stores in the flash memory 28 the sum of the number of broadcast channels that can be selected and the number of broadcast channels that were successfully synchronized but could not be selected, as the number of second broadcast signals. The control unit 12 stores the information obtained by the channel search in the flash memory 28 as channel search information.

After the receiver 100 is installed, the control unit 12 periodically performs a channel search to check whether there is a new receivable broadcast wave. For example, a predetermined execution time may be set in advance in the control unit 12, and the channel search may be executed during the set execution time. The control unit 12 may execute the channel search as background processing regardless of whether the user views a broadcast program.

For example, if the broadcast receiving unit 13 has the ability to process a broadcast signal that provides multiple broadcast channels at the same time, the control unit 12 may provide a channel other than the channel selected by the user. Reception quality information based on the broadcast signal may also be acquired.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a first example of channel search processing according to this embodiment. An example of channel search processing according to this embodiment will be explained using FIG. 2.

(Step S102) The control unit 12 starts the channel search process when the current time reaches a preset execution time. In the channel search, the control unit 12 executes the following process for each broadcast channel.

(Step S104) The control unit 12 acquires the number of broadcast wave channels and the number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels. The number of broadcast wave channels corresponds to at least the number of broadcast signals that have been successfully synchronized. At this time, the number of broadcast wave channels may correspond to the sum of the number of first broadcast signals and the number of second broadcast signals (that is, the total number of broadcast signals). The number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels is the number of first broadcast signals that have been successfully subjected to channel selection processing in addition to synchronization processing.

(Step S106) Based on the control information acquired from the demodulation unit 16, the control unit 12 determines the number of first broadcast signals acquired in the current channel search, the total number of broadcast signals, and the channels stored in the flash memory 28. The number of first broadcast signals acquired in the previous channel search related to the broadcast channel included in the search information and the total number of broadcast signals are respectively compared to determine whether there is a change in the number of channels.

If there is a difference between the number of first broadcast signals acquired this time and the number of first broadcast signals acquired last time, or the total number of broadcast signals acquired this time and the total number of broadcast signals acquired last time. If there is a difference between them, the process proceeds to step S108. If there is no difference between the number of first broadcast signals acquired this time and the number of first broadcast signals acquired last time, or the total number of broadcast signals acquired this time and the total number of broadcast signals acquired last time. If there is no difference between them, the process of FIG. 2 ends.

(Step S108) The control unit 12 determines the number of broadcast wave channels (total number of broadcast signals) and the number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels (number of first broadcast signals) obtained in the current channel search and the number obtained in the previous channel search. The number of broadcast wave channels (total number of broadcast signals) and the number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels (number of first broadcast signals) are stored in the flash memory 28.

(Step S110) The control unit 12 associates the current number of broadcast wave channels (total number of broadcast signals) and the number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels (number of first broadcast signals) with respect to the broadcast channel to be processed, and updates the current time. The date and time are stored in the flash memory 28 as the acquisition date and time of the current number of broadcast wave channels and the number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels. The information stored in steps S108 and S110 forms part of the channel search information.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first example of output determination processing according to the present embodiment. Next, an example of the output determination process according to this embodiment will be described. In FIG. 3, a case is taken as an example in which a broadcast channel that provides 2K broadcast using video with a resolution of 1920×1080 is selected as the current broadcast. The data signal includes a 2K signal that transmits the video as a current signal, and the advanced terrestrial signal is not multiplexed. The advanced terrestrial signal may include a 4K signal that transmits an image with a resolution of 3840×2160.

(Step S202) The control unit 12 specifies the broadcast channel specified by the operation signal input from the operation input unit 50, and outputs tuning information indicating the specified broadcast channel to the tuner unit 14 (2K broadcast tuning ).

(Step S204) The tuner unit 14 measures the reception strength of the IF signal tuned to the broadcast channel specified by the tuning information from the broadcast signal input from the antenna unit 80. The demodulation section 16 demodulates the IF signal obtained from the tuner section 14 and measures the BER and C/N of the data signal extracted from the IF signal as reception quality. The control unit 12 acquires reception strength information indicating the measured reception strength from the tuner unit 14, and acquires reception quality information indicating the measured BER and C/N from the demodulation unit 16.

(Step S206) The control unit 12 determines whether the reception state of the selected broadcast channel is good or bad based on the acquired reception quality information. In determining whether the reception state is good or bad, the control unit 12 determines, for example, whether the BER indicated in the reception quality information is equal to or higher than the Shannon limit. The Shannon limit corresponds to the upper limit of the BER at which the original bit string can be restored by error correction. When it is determined that the reception state is poor (YES in step S206), the process advances to step S208. When it is determined that the reception state is good (NO in step S206), the process of FIG. 3 is ended.

(Step S208) The control unit 12 calculates the current number of broadcast wave channels (total number of broadcast signals), the number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels (the number of first broadcast signals), the previous number of broadcast wave channels, and the existing 2K broadcast reception channels. Get the number and.

(Step S210) The control unit 12 refers to the channel search information stored in the flash memory 28, and determines the current number of broadcast wave channels, the number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels, the previous number of broadcast wave channels, and the existing 2K broadcast reception channels. Determine whether there is a change in any of the numbers. If there is a change in either the current number of broadcast wave channels and the number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels and the previous number of broadcast wave channels and the number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels, the process proceeds to step S212. If there is no change in either the current number of broadcast wave channels and the number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels and the previous number of broadcast wave channels or the number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels, the process ends.

(Step S212) The control unit 12 performs X Determine whether it is within days. When a change is detected between the current number of broadcast wave channels and the number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels and the previous number of broadcast wave channels and the number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels, the current number of broadcast wave channels and the number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels are detected. It is specified by the number of broadcast wave channels and the number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels, and the acquisition date and time of the previous number of broadcast wave channels and the number of existing 2K broadcast reception channels.

X is a predetermined number of days (for example, 3 to 5 days). When it is determined that it is within X days (YES in step S212), the process advances to step S214. When it is determined that the number of days has exceeded X days (NO in step S212), the process ends.

(Step S214) The control unit 12 displays type 1 notification information indicating the possibility of deterioration in reception quality of the current broadcast signal due to an increase in the number of advanced terrestrial broadcast signals due to the start of advanced terrestrial broadcasting. A first type display screen is generated, and a video signal indicating the generated first type display screen is output to the display unit 70 via the display processing unit 24. The display unit 70 displays type 1 notification information indicating the possibility of deterioration in reception quality of current broadcasting signals due to the start of advanced terrestrial broadcasting and the accompanying increase in the number of signals of advanced terrestrial broadcasting. is presented. The process then ends.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first example of the first type display screen according to the present embodiment. Next, an example of a display screen according to this embodiment will be described. The type 1 display screen illustrated in FIG. 4 may be displayed immediately after selecting a channel when viewing a broadcast program. The first type display screen includes reception status information of the selected channel, received signal quality, and first type notification information. As the first type notification information, the message "Please check the homepage, etc. to see if next-generation advanced terrestrial broadcasting has started" is included in the area surrounded by the dashed line.

Users who come into contact with the first type notification information can be made aware of the possibility of deterioration in the reception quality of current broadcast signals due to the start of advanced terrestrial broadcasting, and can be made aware of the improvement in the reception environment. It is possible to prevent unnecessary user support by broadcasters who provide broadcasting services on the channel, receiver manufacturers, or sellers.

Note that the first type notification information may include location information of guide information indicating the start of advanced terrestrial broadcasting on the selected channel. Such location information may include a link to the address (for example, URL: Uniform Resource Locator) of a web server where the guidance information is stored. When the control unit 12 detects the pressing of a link, the control unit 12 may use the digital I/F 30 and the transmission/reception module 40 to request guidance information from the device indicated by the URL, and obtain the requested guidance information.

Note that in the present application, "pushing down" includes not only actual "pressing down" but also the inputting of an operation signal instructing a position within the area. The control unit 12 may generate a video signal indicating a display screen including guidance information, and output it to the display unit 70 via the display processing unit 24.

On the display screen illustrated in FIG. 4, "Terrestrial-15" is displayed as the selected channel. “Terrestrial-15” refers to channel 15 of digital terrestrial broadcasting. As the reception status information, the reception status level "E" and the words "received signal quality is insufficient" indicating the explanation of the status are described. The control unit 12 selects a receiving state level corresponding to the measured received signal quality from a plurality of preset receiving state levels.

The control unit 12 is set in advance with different ranges and explanations of received signal quality for each reception condition level, and specifies the reception condition level and explanation corresponding to the range within which the measured received signal quality is within the range. can do. On the display screen, a message indicating items to check for the user regarding the reception status is displayed: ``Please check that the antenna wire is not loose and that the antenna power settings are correct.If the problem does not improve, check the outdoor antenna.'' "Required. Please consult your dealer for inspection." This prompts the user to improve the reception environment.

In FIG. 4, received signal quality is expressed using approximate conversion values. The approximate conversion value corresponds to, for example, 2.6 times the C/N expressed in decibels. The current value of the approximate conversion value is "10", and the maximum value measured in the past is "60". The current values are represented by a bar graph along with the range of recommended values. The recommended value range is between 60 and 100, which is displayed as a "range that allows stable viewing." Since the current value is significantly lower than the recommended value range, the user is prompted to check the reception environment. In the example of FIG. 4, the first type notification information includes a message indicating the possibility of deterioration in reception quality due to the start of advanced terrestrial broadcasting for the currently selected channel.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second example of the first type display screen according to the present embodiment. The first type display screen illustrated in FIG. 5 shows the reception status of all broadcast channels including digital terrestrial broadcasting and satellite broadcasting. As the reception state information, one of the codes A to E is expressed as the reception strength and reception state level for each broadcast channel. However, for digital terrestrial broadcasting (digital terrestrial broadcasting), past (MM/MM/DD/YYYY) and current reception strength values are shown. Regarding satellite broadcasting (BS/CS antenna), current reception quality and reception strength values are shown.

However, in the example of FIG. 5, the first type notification information includes a message indicating the possibility of deterioration in reception quality due to the start of advanced terrestrial broadcasting for the currently selected channel. “Broadcasting station B” and “U26” are specified as the selected broadcasting station and selected channel, respectively.

When the receiver 100 has a recording function, a reserved broadcast channel may be selected immediately before the reserved recording start time. In that case, the user is not expected to view the screen of the display unit 70. Therefore, the control unit 12 may guide the first type notification information using the user notification function. More specifically, the control unit 12 generates a video signal representing an icon indicating the presence of a message, outputs it to the display unit 70 via the display processing unit 24, and displays the icon.

The control unit 12 may continue to display the icon even after the recording end time. The icon may be configured to represent, for example, a stylized pattern of an envelope, a letter, or the like. When the control unit 12 detects that the icon is pressed, the control unit 12 erases the display of the icon and sends a video signal indicating the first type display screen including a message representing the first type notification information to the display unit 70 via the display processing unit 24. and output. At this time, a first notification screen including a message representing the first type notification information is displayed on the display unit 70. Note that a portion of the first type notification screen illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 excluding the first type notification information may be used as the second type notification screen.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a second example of the output determination process according to the first embodiment. The process in FIG. 6 includes step S202, step S204, step S206, step S216, step S218, step S220, and step S214.

The processing in step S202, step S204, step S206, and step S214 is the same as that in FIG. 3.

(Step S216) The control unit 12 acquires the current number of broadcast wave channels (total number of broadcast signals) and the previous number of broadcast wave channels. The process advances to step S218.

(Step S218) The control unit 12 refers to the channel search information stored in the flash memory 28, and searches for broadcast wave channels from the day when the number of broadcast wave channels first increases until the screen shown in FIG. 4 or 5 is displayed. It is determined whether the increase in the number of channels has occurred consecutively Y or more times. Y is a predetermined integer of 2 or more (for example, 3 to 5). The day on which the number of broadcast wave channels first increases until the screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed is also referred to as a specific day or a specific point in time. Note that if this has occurred consecutively Y or more times (YES in step S218), the process proceeds to step S220. If it does not occur consecutively Y or more times (NO in step S218), the process ends.

By setting conditions related to the process of step S218, when the number of broadcast wave channels increases due to some reason other than the start of advanced terrestrial broadcasting, the screen in FIG. 4 or 5 can be displayed. Display can be avoided.

(Step S220) The control unit 12 determines whether it has been within X days since the increase in the number of broadcast wave channels occurred Y times in a row. If it is within X days after the increase in the number of broadcast wave channels occurs Y times in a row (YES in step S220), the process proceeds to step S214. If more than X days have passed since the increase in the number of broadcast wave channels occurred Y times in a row (No in step S220), the process ends.

If more than X days have passed since the increase in the number of broadcast wave channels occurred Y times in a row, the start of advanced terrestrial broadcasting may not be the main factor; Since the screen related to step S220 is being displayed to the user and there is a possibility that the user is aware of the deterioration in reception quality due to the start of advanced terrestrial broadcasting, the user It is possible to avoid notification of redundant or unnecessary information.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a third example of the output determination process according to the first embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 7 further includes step S222 in addition to the flowchart in FIG.

(Step S222) The control unit 12 determines whether it has been within Y days since the display screen according to FIG. 4 or 5 started being displayed in a certain cycle. In a certain cycle, if it is within Y days since the display screen according to FIG. 4 or 5 started being displayed, the process proceeds to step S214. In a certain cycle, if more days than Y days have passed since the display screen according to FIG. 4 or 5 started being displayed, the process advances to step S214.

Here, a certain cycle means that as a result of executing the series of output determination processes in FIG. 7 up to the final "end" step, the first type notification information is presented, and then the series of output determination processes in FIG. This refers to the period until Type 1 notification information is no longer presented.

As described above, the receiver 100 according to the present embodiment receives the first broadcast signal, which is a broadcast signal in which the presence of at least a part of the broadcast signal is confirmed and can be tuned. A broadcast receiving unit that measures the quality, and a control unit that determines that the reception quality is less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit being the sum of the number of first broadcast signals and the number of second broadcast signals. Identify the total number of broadcast signals.

The second broadcast signal is a broadcast signal in which the existence of at least a part of the broadcast signal is confirmed, and is different from the first broadcast signal. If the control unit determines that the reception quality is less than a predetermined threshold and also determines that the total number of broadcast signals has increased after a certain point in time, the control unit determines that the reception quality may decrease due to the second broadcast signal. Outputs the notification information shown.

According to this configuration, the degradation of the quality of the video signal included in the current broadcast signal is caused by the start of advanced terrestrial broadcasting, which may cause a decrease in reception quality due to the increase in the amount of advanced terrestrial broadcast signals for the current broadcast signal. gender will be notified. Therefore, the user of the receiver 100 can know that there is a relatively low possibility that a defect in the broadcasting service or the receiver is the cause of the deterioration in reception quality. Since unnecessary inquiries based on defects in the broadcasting service or the receiver are reduced or eliminated, the burden on the broadcaster, manufacturer or seller of the receiver 100 to deal with users is reduced or eliminated. Further, the user of the receiver 100 can be urged to take effective measures to prevent the deterioration of reception quality, such as inspecting and replacing the antenna, and purchasing a receiver compatible with advanced broadcasting.

The broadcast receiving unit 13 may measure the reception quality of a pilot signal added to the first broadcast signal as the reception quality.

According to this configuration, reception quality is compared between the data signal and the pilot signal. Therefore, with the start of advanced terrestrial broadcasting, it is possible to more reliably estimate the deterioration in the reception quality of the current broadcast signal due to the increase in the number of terrestrial broadcast signals compared to the current broadcast signal.

The broadcast receiving unit 13 may measure a carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N ratio) as an indicator of reception quality. This quantifies the degree of noise component to the data signal.

The broadcast receiving unit 13 may measure BER as an indicator of reception quality. This quantifies the degree of bit error for the data signal.

The control unit 12 determines that the reception quality is less than a predetermined threshold value and that the total number of broadcast signals has increased after a certain point in time, after a quality deterioration state occurs for the first time. The first type notification information may be output until a predetermined period of time has elapsed. According to this configuration, when the number of broadcast wave channels repeatedly increases depending on the content to be transmitted or the reception environment, the first type notification information is output. Therefore, with the start of advanced terrestrial broadcasting, it is possible to avoid erroneous notifications caused by accidental channel selection processing failures, etc. regarding the deterioration of reception quality due to the increase in terrestrial broadcast signals compared to the current broadcast signals. can.

If the quality deterioration state has repeatedly occurred a predetermined number of times or more starting from the day when the quality deterioration state first occurred, the control unit outputs the notification information. According to this configuration, after the start of advanced terrestrial broadcasting, a sufficient period of time has passed for users to realize that the reception quality may deteriorate due to an increase in terrestrial broadcasting signals compared to current broadcasting signals. , the notifications will be stopped. Therefore, it is possible to reduce or eliminate discomfort caused by the notification to the user.

Further, when the quality deterioration state occurs within a predetermined period after the quality deterioration state first occurs or within a predetermined period from the first output of the first type notification information, the control unit outputs the first type notification information. .

Note that the broadcast signal may be a signal transmitted via a communication network, such as an IP broadcast, an optical fiber network, a cable television network, or a mobile network.

Furthermore, in the broadcast waves, the current broadcast signal (first broadcast signal) and the advanced terrestrial broadcast signal (second broadcast signal) may be superimposed at the intensity level.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and designs etc. may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. included. The configurations described in the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily.

In the above description, an example is given in which the receiver 100 provides a broadcasting service based on current broadcasting and does not provide a broadcasting service based on advanced broadcasting, but the present invention is not limited to this. The receiver 100 may have a function of providing broadcasting services using advanced broadcasting. In that case, the broadcast receiving unit 13 modulates the demodulated IF signal using the modulation method used for modulation.

When advanced broadcasting is selected in response to a user operation, broadcast receiving section 13 may cause notification section 55 to present the content of advanced broadcasting based on the content signal separated from the demodulated data signal. When the current broadcast is selected in response to a user operation, the broadcast receiving unit 13 causes the notification unit 55 to present the first type notification information according to the above-described method.

Further, some configurations of the receiver 100 may be omitted, or other configurations may be added. For example, in the receiver 100, if any one or a combination of the transmitting/receiving module 40, the operation input section 50, the speaker 60, and the display section 70 can be connected to the main system section 10 so as to input and output various data, The receiver 100 does not necessarily have to be provided integrally.

For example, in receiver 100 configured as a dedicated television receiver, transmitting/receiving module 40 may be omitted. In the receiver 100 configured as a set-top box or a recorder, the display unit 70 may be omitted. The receiver 100 may include the antenna section 80 and may be configured integrally.

Further, a program for realizing some or all functions of the receiver 100 described above, for example, a part or all of the control unit 12, may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, the flash memory 28), and this recording medium These functions may be realized by loading and executing programs recorded in the computer system.

The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, a "computer system" may include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a communication line such as a dedicated line, etc.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Reception system, 10... Main system section, 12... Control section, 13... Broadcast receiving section, 14... Tuner section, 16... Demodulation section, 18... Descrambling/demuxing section, 20... Audio processing section, 24... Display processing Section, 28...Flash memory, 30...Digital I/F, 40...Transmission/reception module, 50...Operation input section, 55...Notification section, 60...Speaker, 70...Display section, 80...Antenna section, 84...Booster, 100... Receiving machine

Claims (10)

a broadcast receiving unit that measures the reception quality of a first broadcast signal, which is a broadcast signal in which the presence of at least a part of the broadcast signal is confirmed and can be tuned;
a control unit that determines that the reception quality is less than a predetermined threshold;
The control unit identifies a total number of broadcast signals that is the sum of the number of first broadcast signals and the number of second broadcast signals,
The second broadcast signal is a broadcast signal in which the existence of at least a part of the broadcast signal is confirmed, and is a broadcast signal different from the first broadcast signal,
When the control unit determines that the reception quality is less than a predetermined threshold and also determines that the total number of broadcast signals has increased after a certain point in time, the control unit controls the reception quality due to the second broadcast signal. A receiver that outputs notification information indicating the possibility of degradation. The receiver according to claim 1, wherein the broadcast receiving unit measures reception quality of a pilot signal added to the first broadcast signal as the reception quality. The receiver according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the broadcast receiving unit measures a signal-to-noise ratio as an indicator of the reception quality. The receiver according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the broadcast receiving unit measures a bit error rate as an indicator of the reception quality. The control unit determines that the reception quality is less than a predetermined threshold and determines that the total number of broadcast signals has increased after a specific time point, which is a state in which the quality degradation state occurs for a predetermined period of time. The receiver according to claim 1, wherein the notification information is outputted until the time period elapses. The control unit determines that the received quality is less than a predetermined threshold, and the control unit determines that the received quality is less than a predetermined threshold, and that the total number of broadcast signals increases after a certain point in time, starting from the day when the quality deterioration state first occurs. The receiver according to claim 1, wherein the notification information is output when the quality deterioration state repeatedly occurs a predetermined number of times or more. The control unit determines that the reception quality is less than a predetermined threshold and determines that the total number of broadcast signals has increased after a specific time point, which is a state in which the quality degradation state occurs for a predetermined period of time. The receiver according to claim 1, wherein the receiver outputs the notification information when the quality deterioration state occurs within a predetermined period of time or within a predetermined period from the first output of the notification information. The receiver according to claim 1, wherein the first broadcast signal and the second broadcast signal are superimposed in intensity level. A program for causing a computer to function as the receiver according to claim 1. A reception method in a receiver, comprising:
The receiver is
A first step of measuring the reception quality of a first broadcast signal, which is a broadcast signal in which the presence of at least a part of the broadcast signal is confirmed among the broadcast signals and can be tuned;
a second step of determining that the reception quality is less than a predetermined threshold;
a third step of identifying a total number of broadcast signals that is the sum of the number of first broadcast signals and the number of second broadcast signals;
If it is determined that the reception quality is less than a predetermined threshold and it is determined that the total number of broadcast signals has increased after a certain point in time, the possibility of a decrease in the reception quality due to the second broadcast signal is determined. a fourth step of outputting notification information indicating;
The second broadcast signal is a broadcast signal in which the presence of at least a part of the broadcast signal is confirmed, and is different from the first broadcast signal.The receiving method.

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