JP3617630B2 - Bidirectional broadcasting method and bidirectional receiving apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a two-way broadcast suitable for a response via a telephone line.Method and interactive broadcastingThe present invention relates to a receiving device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in television shopping, questionnaire surveys, and quiz programs with viewer participation, the reception telephone number for responding on the television broadcast side is displayed on the screen in superimposition for the appropriate time for viewing. There is a two-way broadcast in which the response from the person is made by telephone or facsimile.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the viewer makes a call to the reception telephone number in order to respond to the interactive broadcast program as described above, conventionally, the line is congested and it is difficult to make a call. As a result, there is a problem that the burden on the line usage fee for the viewer is increased and the line is loaded.
[0004]
Recently, a telephone company has provided a service called telegong in order to solve such a line problem when responding to two-way broadcasting.
[0005]
In this telegong, for example, in a viewer-participation-type quiz program, a reception telephone number is assigned to each of a plurality of answers to a question, and the number of incoming calls for each telephone number, that is, from the viewer This is a service that counts and counts the number of responses at each telephone station on the calling side and reports it to the broadcasting station side. In addition, the load on the telephone line due to transmission / reception of response data after the incoming call is reduced, and the viewer can be on-hook immediately after the incoming call, so the burden on the line usage fee is reduced.
[0006]
However, in the case of telegong, for example, in order to send a response “1”, a long telegong phone number such as 0180-XX-XXXX must be dialed. This results in a burden of unnecessary line usage fees.
[0007]
In addition, in the case of telegong, although the line can be disconnected immediately after the incoming call, the viewer listens to the telegong message sent on tape and does not release the line until the line is disconnected from the telegong side. There was also a problem that there were many cases.
[0008]
On the other hand, if the viewer makes a mistake in the reception telephone number, a load is placed on the telephone line, and a third party who has a telephone number similar to the reception telephone number makes an irrelevant call. There was a problem that it was frequently applied and was very annoying.
[0009]
In order to prevent such a mistake in answering the telephone number of the response destination, the broadcast side broadcasts program-related information such as access data for two-way broadcasting multiplexed with the main broadcast signal, and the reception side demodulates. It can be considered that multiplexed program-related information separated from the broadcast signal is stored in a memory and used for an automatic response dial for two-way broadcasting.
[0010]
However, even in this method, there is a possibility that the telephone number of the response destination may not be received correctly due to the poor reception state of the broadcast, and the problem of erroneous calls still remains.
[0011]
In view of this point, an object of the present invention is to provide interactive broadcasting capable of easily and reliably avoiding inconvenience of a third party and useless line load due to a viewer's wrong call.Method and interactive broadcastingTo provide a receiving apparatus.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, interactive broadcasting according to the invention of claim 1MethodIs
Two-way broadcast that broadcasts a two-way program that prompts the receiver's response from the broadcast side, and sends response information from the receiver side to a predetermined response reply destination via a telephone lineMethodIn
From the broadcast side, the response function identification information for identifying the presence or absence of the silent response function of the response reply destination is multiplexed with the main broadcast signal and broadcast,
The receiving side separates and stores the response function identification information from the received signal, calls a predetermined number corresponding to the mute response function before the telephone number of the response reply destination, and returns the response reply When the previous call is made, the connection of the telephone line is immediately cut off at the time when the incoming call of the response reply destination is detected.
[0013]
A two-way broadcast receiver according to the invention of claim 2
In a bidirectional broadcast receiving apparatus comprising: a receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal; and a transmission unit that transmits information on a response to a question from the broadcast side to a predetermined response reply destination via a telephone line.
Separating and reproducing means for separating and reproducing response function identification information for identifying the presence or absence of the silent response function of the response reply destination multiplexed on the received broadcast signal;
Means for capturing reproduced response function identification informationWhen,
Based on the captured response function identification information, a predetermined number corresponding to the mute response function is called before the telephone number of the response reply destination.Means,
When calling the reply reply destination, immediately disconnect the telephone line when detecting the incoming reply reply destination.Control means to control and
WithIt is characterized by that.
[0014]
Further, interactive broadcasting according to the invention of claim 3MethodIs
Two-way broadcasting that broadcasts a two-way program that prompts the receiver to select multiple responses to questions from the broadcast side, and sends response information from the reception side to a predetermined response reply destination via a telephone lineMethodIn
From the broadcast side, a plurality of reply destination identification information for identifying the presence or absence of a plurality of reply reply destinations corresponding to the plurality of responses is multiplexed and broadcast on the main broadcast signal,
The receiving side separates and stores the plurality of reply destination identification information from the received signal, and makes a selective call to the plurality of response reply destinations via the telephone line and also makes a selective call to the plurality of reply reply destinations. In addition, the connection of the telephone line is immediately cut off when the incoming call of the response reply destination is detected.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bidirectional broadcast receiving apparatus.
In a bidirectional broadcast receiving apparatus comprising: a receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal; and a transmission means for transmitting a plurality of response selection information for questions from the broadcast side to a predetermined response reply destination through a telephone line.
Separating and reproducing means for separating and reproducing a plurality of reply destination identification information for identifying the presence or absence of a plurality of reply reply destinations corresponding to the plurality of responses multiplexed on the received broadcast signal;
Means for capturing the reproduced multiple reply destination identification information;
Based on the captured multiple reply destination identification information, the transmission means selectively calls the multiple reply reply destinations.Means,
When making a selective call to the plurality of response reply destinations, the telephone line connection is immediately cut off when an incoming call from the reply reply destination is detected.Control means to control and
WithIt is characterized by that.
[0016]
No ringing response or ringing ringing is performed by an automatic meter reading system using a telephone line network using an NRS (No Ringing Service) signal or a dedicated network called “F net” using an NCNG (No Calling NG tone) signal. Facsimile communication is well known.
[0017]
In the present invention, the broadcasting station side broadcasts information related to the silent response in addition to the sub-broadcast information, and the receiver side receives whether or not the telephone exchange in the area where it is installed can be silently called. Set to the machine. If the response reply destination has a ringing response function and the telephone switching center in the receiver installation area is a switching station that can be ringing-free, it can be received based on the function identification information sent from the broadcast side. From the side, after calling the number of the silent ringing, by calling the telephone number of the reply reply destination, the ringing signal corresponding to the function of the reply reply destination is transmitted from the exchange, An incoming call is made only to a reply reply destination having a predetermined function, so that trouble due to an erroneous call is avoided, and an erroneous call is avoided by automatically dialing the reply reply destination corresponding to the selected reply. Further, since the line is disconnected immediately after the incoming call, the line load is reduced.
[0018]
Also, when the broadcast side has a plurality of response reply destinations corresponding to a plurality of responses, a plurality of response reply destinations are selectively called from the reception side based on reply destination identification information sent from the broadcast side. The number of erroneous calls is reduced, and the line is disconnected immediately after the incoming call, so the line load is reduced.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, interactive broadcasting according to the present inventionMethodAn embodiment of a receiving apparatus for interactive broadcasting will be described. In this example, on the broadcast station side, program-related information as sub-broadcast information is multiplexed (mixed) into the main broadcast audio signal and broadcast as a DTMF (Dual Tone Multi-Frequency) signal system signal configuration. . On the other hand, the receiving side separates and decodes the DTMF signal from the received broadcast audio signal, reproduces the program-related information, stores it in the memory, and uses it for telephone communication with a service station or program reservation.
[0020]
In this example, information related to the silent response function of the telephone receiving facility on the broadcasting station side is also broadcast as the above-described sub broadcast information.
[0021]
[No ringing call]
First, a description will be given of a telephone communication system that does not ring the telephone bell and does not ring or respond.
[0022]
For example, in an automatic meter reading system for electricity, gas, water, etc., a meter equipped with a non-ringing reception function using an NRS (No Ringing Service) signal is built in the meter, thereby enabling meter reading through a telephone line.
[0023]
The NRS signal is a single tone signal of 2080 Hz, and is transmitted from the switching center by dialing a specific number for identification before the subscriber dials the other party's number.
[0024]
Also, in facsimile communication, if transmission is performed using a dedicated network called “F-net”, if a ringing call is made with an NCNG signal (No Calling tone) and the other party's facsimile has a ringing incoming function, Even if a telephone is connected to the same line, it is possible to receive a call without ringing the telephone or facsimile.
[0025]
The NCNG signal is a 1300 Hz single tone signal, and is transmitted from the switching center by dialing a specific identification number before the subscriber of the facsimile network dials the other party's number.
[0026]
The ringing call as described above is possible in an area where there is an exchange having a corresponding facility, and is mainly limited to an urban area.
[0027]
As described above, inconvenience of a third party due to a mistake in dialing the telephone number of the answering destination is caused by the ringing of the telephone bell. Be prepared to prevent third party telephone bells from ringing if a mistake is made.
[0028]
[DTMF signal]
Next, the DTMF signal will be described with reference to FIG.
The DTMF signaling is an audio band signaling that sends two tones simultaneously, one in a low frequency group (low group) and the other in a high frequency group (high group). Each of these low and high frequency groups consists of four audio band frequency tones, none of which is in an articulatory relationship.
[0029]
In the DTMF signal, the four frequencies in the low group are, for example, 697 Hz, 770 Hz, 852 Hz, and 941 Hz, and the four frequencies in the high group are, for example, 1209 Hz, 1336 Hz, 1477 Hz, and 1633 Hz. Then, one frequency in each of the low group and the high group is combined, and each DTMF signal (each of these DTMF signals is hereinafter referred to as a function signal) consisting of the combination is divided into four rows as shown in FIG. The push buttons are assigned to the push buttons “0” to “D” arranged in four rows.
[0030]
In telephone communication, of the 16 combinations of DTMF signals, only 12 are generally used for subscriber address (telephone number) signals. That is, the above-mentioned 12 combinations of function signals correspond to the numbers “0” to “9” used as a so-called numeric keypad and the symbols “*” and “#”. The function signals corresponding to the characters “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” shown by the broken lines in FIG. 2 are not generally used in Japan, and a push button (PB) dial is used. It is only used for data transmission.
[0031]
When performing line selection by telephone number using such a DTMF signal, signal transmission conditions are defined as shown in FIG.
[0032]
Due to the combination of the two frequencies and the transmission conditions as described above, the DTMF signal rarely occurs in nature and can be clearly distinguished from natural sounds such as human voices. The signal can be multiplexed (mixed) and broadcast, and separation on the receiving side is relatively easy.
[0033]
By the way, the DTMF signal is also used in multi-function telephones. When you are away from home, you can play a message recorded on your home phone by operating a push button type telephone, You can record, play, and delete requirements.
[0034]
[Broadcast of sub broadcast information]
On the transmission side of this embodiment, that is, on the broadcasting station side, “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” that are not used for PB line selection as described above when transmitting sub-broadcast information. Among the functional signals meaning “A”, “B”, and “C” are used as transmission start information for sub-broadcast information, and the functional signal “D” is used as transmission end information.
[0035]
Since there are three types of transmission start information, in this example, three types of sub-broadcast information can be distinguished and transmitted. That is, the three types of sub-broadcast information are broadcast by being divided into one of the function signals “A”, “B”, and “C” and the function signal “D” for each type.
[0036]
For example, information related to response access to interactive programs, for example, sub-broadcast information such as the access destination telephone number (acceptance telephone number) and transmission rate is transmission end information with the function signal “A” as transmission start information. It is transmitted between the function signals of “D”. Similarly, for example, sub-broadcast information related to environment settings such as the tail limit of the telephone number on the responding side and the current time setting clears the received data between the function signal “B” and the function signal “D”. The information on the information is multiplexed and broadcast as a signal sandwiched between the function signal “C” and the function signal “D”.
[0037]
On the receiving side, numerical values or symbol data sandwiched between any one of the function signals “A”, “B”, and “C” as transmission start information and the function signal “D” as transmission end information. Are regarded as sub-broadcast data strings (information groups), and are distinguished and stored in predetermined storage areas of the memory, as will be described later.
[0038]
For example, as information regarding response access, sub-broadcast information is used when access to the reception telephone number 0990-1234-1234 is permitted at a transmission rate of 300 bps to a receiver whose interactive television standard version is 00. Is
00 # 0990 * 1234 * 1234
A data string composed of the functional signals of the DTMF signal is multiplexed and transmitted to the main broadcast audio signal in a state sandwiched between the functional signal of “A” and the functional signal of “D”. The Here, the first 00 in the data string indicates that the interactive (interactive) television standard version is 00 (transmission rate 300 bps), and the numerical data after the symbol “#” is the reception telephone number.
[0039]
In the case of permitting access to the telephone number 0990-1234-1235 at a transmission rate of 1200 bps for a receiver whose interactive television standard version is 01,
01 # 0990 * 1234 * 1235
A data string composed of each functional signal of the DTMF signal is multiplexed and transmitted to the main broadcast audio signal in a state sandwiched between the functional signal “A” and the functional signal “D”. The Here, in the data string, the first 01 indicates that the interactive television standard version is 01 (transmission rate 1200 bps), and the numerical data after the symbol “#” is the reception telephone number.
[0040]
In the data string related to response access as described above, the symbol “#” represents a separator (separation of individual data), and the symbol “*” represents a pause.
[0041]
When restricting access to only viewers who have a specific phone number (subscriber number) as information related to environment settings, for example, when permitting access only to numbers whose phone number ends with 0,
0 # 0
When the data string composed of the function signals of the DTMF signal such as
0 # 1
A data string composed of the functional signals of the DTMF signal is multiplexed with the main broadcast audio signal in a state of being sandwiched between the functional signal of “B” and the functional signal of “D”. Sent out. In this case, the number “0” before the symbol “#” means that access from a telephone number having the number after the symbol “#” at the end is permitted.
[0042]
If you want to allow access only to numbers that end with an even number,
0 # 0 * 0 # 2 * 0 # 4 * 0 # 6 * 0 # 8
A data string composed of each functional signal of the DTMF signal is multiplexed and transmitted to the main broadcast audio signal in a state sandwiched between the functional signal “B” and the functional signal “D”. The Here, the symbol “*” means a logical sum.
[0043]
Further, as time information for broadcast program reception reservation or recording reservation, for example, if the current time is 7:00 on Tuesday, December 15, 1993,
1 # 1993121520700
A data string composed of the functional signals of the DTMF signal is multiplexed and transmitted to the main broadcast audio signal in a state sandwiched between the functional signal “B” and the functional signal “D”. The
[0044]
Also, if a broadcast program is broadcast from 7:00 to 7:29 on the next Sunday as seen from the present time,
10 # 07000729
A data string composed of the function signals of the DTMF signal is sent between the function signal “B” and the function signal “D”, and another broadcast program is sent on the next Monday 12. When broadcasting from 0:00 to 14:15,
11 # 12001415
A data string composed of the functional signals of the DTMF signal is sandwiched between the functional signal “B” and the functional signal “D” and transmitted.
[0045]
In the data string related to the environment setting as described above, the symbol “#” represents a separator, and the symbol “*” represents “OR (logical sum)”.
[0046]
And as information about clearing received data, for example, in the case of clearing number restrictions,
99 # 0
When a data string composed of each function signal of the DTMF signal is sandwiched between the function signal of “C” and the function signal of “D”, and the reception telephone number is cleared Is
99 # 1
A data string composed of the function signals of the DTMF signal is sandwiched between the “C” function signal and the “D” function signal and transmitted.
[0047]
In this embodiment, as a response access information for identifying the presence / absence of the non-ringing reception function of the reception telephone number, when the response destination telephone corresponds to the NCNG signal, for example,
55 # 0
A data string composed of the function signals of the DTMF signal is sandwiched between the function signal “A” and the function signal “D” and transmitted.
[0048]
In addition, when the telephone of the response destination supports the NRS signal, for example,
55 # 1
A data string composed of the function signals of the DTMF signal is sandwiched between the function signal “A” and the function signal “D” and transmitted.
[0049]
When making a call, dial (call) the number for the silent ringing corresponding to the silent ringing function of the reply reply destination, and then dial the telephone number of the reply reply destination. However, if the receiving side does not have a non-ringing incoming call function, the call cannot be detected and therefore no incoming call is made.
[0050]
The interactive television standard version as described above can also be used as information related to response access for identifying the presence / absence of the silent incoming call function.
[0051]
For example, when this standard version is 00 (transmission rate 300 bps), there is no ringing incoming function, and when this standard version is 01 (transmission rate 1200 bps), there is a non-ringing incoming function using an NRS signal. Stipulated in
[0052]
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reception telephone number is information indicating reception of a response by the telegong service, for example,
44 # 1
A data string composed of the function signals of the DTMF signal is sandwiched between the function signal “A” and the function signal “D” and transmitted.
[0053]
As described above, the function signals “A”, “B”, “C”; “D” that are not used as telephone line selection signals are used as transmission start information and transmission end information of sub-broadcast information. Thus, for example, even when a DTMF sound is transmitted in a scene of making a drama phone call, it is not confused with program-related information. Further, the sub broadcast information can be reliably transmitted and received.
[0054]
Note that when a program is recorded with a VTR for a broadcasting station for rebroadcasting or the like, horizontal and vertical synchronization signals including the blanking period are replaced with those generated inside the VTR. Since the DTMF signal is recorded as sound, there is no change or omission of the sub broadcast information as described above even when the program is recorded at the broadcast station.
[0055]
[Receiver configuration]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6, an embodiment in which the bidirectional broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a television receiver compatible with the bidirectional broadcast program will be described.
[0056]
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an embodiment of the multiplex broadcast receiving apparatus of this example. In FIG. 1, 10 is a signal system of a television receiver, and 20 is a control system thereof.
[0057]
Broadcast radio waves received by the antenna 1 are supplied to the tuner 11. A tuning signal is supplied to the tuner 11 from the control system 20, and a broadcast signal of a desired channel is selected by the tuner 11 and converted into an intermediate frequency signal. This intermediate frequency signal is supplied to the intermediate frequency circuit 12. The intermediate frequency circuit 12 includes a video demodulator 13 and an audio demodulator 14, and demodulates the video signal and the audio signal.
[0058]
The video signal S13 from the video demodulator 13 is supplied to the picture tube 16 through the video signal processing circuit 15. The audio signal S14 from the audio demodulator 14 is supplied to the audio multiplex decoder 17, and the bilingual signal or the stereo signals SL and SR are decoded. These signals SL and SR are supplied to the left and right speakers 19L and 19R through the amplifiers 18L and 18R, respectively.
[0059]
The audio signal S14 from the audio demodulator 14 is also supplied to the DTMF decoder 32 via the preprocessing circuit 31. The DTMF decoder 32 always searches the DTMF signal in the input signal and, when detecting the DTMF signal, decodes which functional signal the DTMF signal is. That is, the numbers “0” to “9”, “#”, “*”, and “A” to “D” are decoded. Then, the decoded data is supplied to the control system 20.
[0060]
In the case of this example, as the DTMF decoder 32, a commercially available DTMF decoder widely used is used. The pre-processing circuit 31 is provided to perform pre-processing for enabling decoding of a DTMF signal with higher accuracy even when a commercially available DTMF decoder is used as the DTMF decoder 32 as described above. That is, the preprocessing circuit 31 removes frequency components other than the DTMF signal from the audio signal S14 so that the input signal of the DTMF decoder 32 becomes a signal allowed by a commercially available DTMF decoder. Consists of
[0061]
As a result, an inexpensive circuit such as a DTMF receiver chip that is mass-produced as an IC can be used as the DTMF decoder, and an inexpensive receiver can be provided.
[0062]
In this embodiment, a modem (modem / demodulator) 33 for data communication is provided in order to cope with a bidirectional broadcast program such as a response to a viewer participation program. A telephone line 2 is connected to the line connection terminal Line of the modem 33, and a telephone 3 is connected to the telephone terminal Tel. This modem 33 is connected to the system bus 200 of the control system 20. The data from the modem 33 is supplied to the DTMF decoder 32 so that the DTMF decoder 32 can decode the DTMF signal sent via the telephone line 2 and take it into the control system 20. Has been.
[0063]
The control system 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a DRAM 23, an SRAM 24, and a video RAM 25, and each is connected to the system bus 200. The ROM 22 stores various control programs in addition to a later-described DTMF data reception / intake processing program, and also stores font and graphic data used for display, and a calling number for making a ringing call. Is done. The DRAM 23 is mainly used as a work area for calculation, and the SRAM 24 stores setting information and ID information of the receiving device itself.
[0064]
The video RAM 25 is used for display. A display controller 25C is provided for the video RAM 25. The display controller 25C controls reading and writing of video data to the video RAM 25 and converts the read video data into an analog video signal. The analog video signal obtained from the display controller 25C is supplied to the video signal processing unit 15, and in combination with the control of the video signal processing unit 15 from the control unit 20, the analog video signal is converted into a video signal from the intermediate frequency circuit 12. Superposed or switched to be combined.
[0065]
The control system 20 also includes I / O ports 261, 262, 263, 264, 265 and a VTR control port 27. A control signal is supplied to the video signal processing circuit 15 and the audio multiplex decoder 17 through the I / O port 261. Further, for example, an infrared remote control signal from the remote control transmitter 34 is received by the remote control receiver 35, the received remote control signal is decoded by the remote control decoding circuit 36, and the decoded remote control signal is the I / O port 261. It is taken into the control system 20 more.
[0066]
Then, the CPU 21 performs control according to a user operation on the remote control transmitter 34 in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 22. For example, in the case of remote control operations such as tuning and volume control, tuner tuning and volume control are executed, and at the same time, font data for displaying necessary characters and symbols is read from the ROM 22 and transferred to the video RAM 25. Transferred. Then, the data of the video RAM 25 is supplied to the video signal processing circuit 15 and is combined with the video signal S13 (for example, superimposed) to be displayed on the screen of the picture tube 16 for an appropriate time.
[0067]
Data such as channel selection and volume control is written to the non-volatile SRAM 24 for each operation. When the power is turned off and then turned on again, the same channel with the same volume as that immediately before the power is turned off. A so-called last memory function for viewing is realized.
[0068]
A channel selection signal is supplied to the tuner 11 through the I / O port 263. Further, in this embodiment, time data from the timer circuit 37 for notification of real time and occurrence of interruption for a predetermined time is input to the control system 20 through the I / O port 264.
[0069]
In this example, the control port 27 of the VTR is configured to be able to control three VTR1, VTR2, and VTR3. The control system 20 can supply a control signal to the VTR through the control port 27 and can take in a status signal from the VTR and perform desired control on the VTR.
[0070]
Each VTR incorporates a tuner and an intermediate frequency circuit. For example, each VTR is connected to the antenna 1 via a distributor, and can perform scheduled recording under the control of the control system 20 as will be described later. it can.
[0071]
In this embodiment, a switch 38 for setting whether or not to make a ringing call as described above is provided and connected to the I / O port 265. This switch 38 is preset by the viewer depending on whether the receiver is connected through the line 2, that is, whether the telephone exchange in the area where the receiver is installed can make a ringing call. .
[0072]
As will be described later, at the time of outgoing call, the setting state of the switch 38 is taken into the control system 20 through the I / O port 265, and information on whether or not the telephone exchange office in the receiver installation area can make a ringing call is checked. The
[0073]
[Reception processing of multiplexed information]
Next, the multiplexed information reception process of the embodiment of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 as well.
[0074]
When the television receiver is turned on, the pre-processing circuit 31 and the DTMF decoder 32 are used to constantly monitor the DTMF signal mixed with the audio signal of the program of the currently selected channel.
[0075]
That is, the CPU 21 searches the output of the DTMF decoder 32 through the I / O port 262 constantly or at a predetermined cycle (step 101), and the DTMF signal is mixed with the audio signal S14 of the broadcast program currently being received. When this is detected (step 102), the decoded output D32 of the DTMF signal is fetched as a number or symbol as described above (step 103).
[0076]
At this time, the transmission conditions as described above, that is, whether the length of the DTMF signal continues is 50 msec or longer, the pause time from the end of the DTMF signal to the next signal rise is 30 msec or longer, the length of the DTMF signal and the pause time To check whether or not the detected signal is a DTMF signal (step 104). As a result, it is possible to prevent the reception of error data when the reception state of the broadcast radio wave is bad, and it is possible to prevent erroneous reception when the same frequency component as that of the DTMF signal is accidentally included in normal sound. .
[0077]
If it is determined in step 104 that the received data is not a DTMF signal, the process proceeds to step 105 where the temporary storage area of the DRAM 23 is cleared and the save pointer is initialized, and then the process returns to step 101 to return to the DTMF decoder 32. Continue the output check.
[0078]
If it is determined that the received data is DTMF, the process proceeds to step 106 to check whether or not the save pointer address is within the range of the temporary storage area. If the save pointer address is not within the range of the temporary storage area, it is a state immediately after the power is turned on or an error state, so the process proceeds from step 106 to step 107 to temporarily store the save pointer from the meaning of reset. Initialize the area address. As a result, data is written to the DRAM 23 while the address indicated by the save pointer is indefinite, thereby preventing a malfunction or a software runaway.
[0079]
When it is determined in step 106 that the pointer address is within the range of the temporary storage area, or after the temporary storage area address is initially set in the pointer in step 107, the process proceeds to step 108 and the received data is "0" to "0". It is determined whether the number is up to “9” or symbol data such as “#” or “*”. If it is determined that these are numerical values or symbols, the process proceeds from step 108 to step 109 to check whether or not there is a free space in the temporary storage area.
[0080]
If the received data is such numerical value or symbol data and the temporary storage area is empty, that is, if the pointer indicates the range of the temporary storage area, the process proceeds to step 110 and the DRAM 23 The received data (“0” to “9”, “#”, “*”) is stored at the address indicated by the pointer. Then, the process proceeds to step 111 and the pointer is updated by one character. Thereafter, the process returns to step 101 to continue the DTMF signal reception check.
[0081]
If it is determined in step 109 that there is no free space in the temporary storage area, it is a reception error, so the process proceeds to step 112 to clear the temporary storage area and initialize the address of the temporary storage area in the pointer.
[0082]
If the received data is not a numerical value or symbol data such as “0” to “9”, “#”, “*” in the above-described step 108, the character data “4” corresponding to the four function signals described above is used. Since any one of “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” is entered, the routine 120 for storing compartments in FIG. 4 is entered. This routine 120 has the contents shown in FIG. 5. First, in step 121, the head address of the temporary storage area is set in the pointer. Next, in steps 122, 123, and 124, it is sequentially checked whether the received data is one of the three function signals “A”, “B”, and “C”.
[0083]
If it is determined in step 122 that the received data is a function signal “A”, the process proceeds to step 125 where “A” is set in the address indicated by the pointer. If it is determined in step 123 that the received data is a function signal “B”, the process proceeds to step 126 and “B” is set in the address indicated by the pointer. Further, if it is determined in step 124 that the received data is a function signal “C”, the process proceeds to step 127 and “C” is set in the address indicated by the pointer.
[0084]
After these steps 125, 126, and 127, the process proceeds to step 111 to update the pointer by one character. Thereafter, the process returns to step 101 to continue the DTMF signal reception check.
[0085]
If it is determined in the above-described steps 122 to 124 that none of the three function signals “A”, “B”, and “C” is present, it is determined that the function signal is for the remaining character “D”. The data stored in the temporary storage area so far is processed as one data string (information group).
[0086]
That is, when the DTMF signal is transmitted, the broadcast side sends one of the function signals “A”, “B”, and “C” as a transmission start signal. As a result of steps 125 to 127, the temporary storage area One of “A”, “B”, and “C” is stored at the top. Therefore, in the next step 128, it is determined which of the character data “A”, “B”, and “C” is at the top of the temporary storage area.
[0087]
As a result of the determination, if the head of the temporary storage area is “A”, the process proceeds to step 129, and the data string from the head of the temporary storage area to the last part indicated by the pointer is stored in the corresponding storage area Ga. .
[0088]
If the head of the temporary storage area is “B”, the process proceeds to step 130, and the data string from the head of the temporary storage area to the last part indicated by the pointer is stored in the corresponding storage area Gb.
[0089]
Further, if the head of the temporary storage area is “C”, the process proceeds to step 131, and the data string from the head of the temporary storage area to the last part indicated by the pointer is stored in the corresponding storage area Gc. As will be described later, these storage areas Ga, Gb, and Gc are set on the DRAM 23 or the SRAM 24.
[0090]
Then, the process proceeds to step 132 where the received data string is evaluated and analyzed, and if the information stored in the storage areas Ga, Gb, Gc is a command that needs to be executed at the time of reception, the command For example, clearing part or all of the received information, setting the current time in the timer circuit 37, and menu display selection processing. Thereafter, the process returns to step 101 and the reception check is continued.
[0091]
As described above, in the multiplexed data reception process according to this embodiment, the character data “A”, “D”, “B” corresponding to the function signal in the DTMF signal is constantly monitored while monitoring the audio signal of the broadcast program. ”And“ D ”and“ C ”and“ D ”function data are regarded as one piece of information, divided according to the type of information as described above, and each piece of information is stored separately. Automatically save to areas Ga, Gb, Gc. Thus, in this embodiment, received information can be classified and stored.
[0092]
For example, if the function signal is “A” at the beginning, the data string is stored in the storage area Ga as information related to response access to the interactive program. If the function signal is “B” at the start, it is stored in the storage area Gb as information related to the environment setting. If the function signal is “C” at the start, it is stored in the storage area Gc as information related to clearing received data.
[0093]
Temporary information corresponding to interactive programs, such as information related to response access, can be cleared when a number clear signal is received. However, considering the possibility that the channel may be switched when a clear signal is received, It is desirable to clear the old number at the timing. Therefore, information regarding response access may be stored in the DRAM 23 as it is. That is, the storage area Ga may be set on the DRAM 23.
[0094]
On the other hand, as described above, the information related to the environment setting includes time information for receiving reservations and recording reservations for broadcast programs, and the time information of reserved programs may exceed one week, for example. Storage over a relatively long period of time. Therefore, it is better to transfer these pieces of information to the nonvolatile SRAM 24.
[0095]
Therefore, in this embodiment, the storage areas Ga, Gb, and Gc are in accordance with conditions such as the nature of the data to be stored, that is, whether long-term storage is necessary or whether the storage areas Ga, Gb, and Gc may be erased with the power off It is set on the volatile DRAM 23 or the nonvolatile SRAM 24.
[0096]
In response processing as described later of a simple interactive television using a general telephone line for transmission of uplink information to the center station, the destination telephone number stored in the storage area Ga on the DRAM 23 Necessary information such as communication conditions can be automatically read and used.
[0097]
In addition, the time information of the reserved program transferred from the storage area Gb on the DRAM 23 to the SRAM 24 can be automatically used for recording reservation.
[0098]
[Interactive broadcast response processing]
Next, the response processing of the embodiment of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0099]
In step 151 of the response processing routine 150 of FIG. 6, the viewer ID number is added to the information as a response to the broadcast program, and response information is created.
[0100]
As described above, in the case of a response to telegong, the response reply destination telephone number itself has a meaning as response information.
[0101]
As the viewer ID number (identification number), the telephone number of the telephone line connected to the modem 33 is generally used, but there may be a case where the viewer does not register the telephone number. Thus, it is also possible to use the ID number of the receiving device set at the time of production.
[0102]
In step 152, the modem 33 is off-hooked and waits for detection of a dial tone (dial tone) from the telephone exchange office indicating that the dial number is ready to be received (step 153).
[0103]
In the next step 154, it is checked whether or not the receiving equipment of the response destination has a ringing incoming call function based on the information related to the response access stored on the DRAM 23 as described above.
[0104]
If the receiving equipment of the response destination has a ringing incoming function, the process proceeds to step 155 where it is checked whether it corresponds to an NCNG signal or an NRS signal. If it corresponds to the NRS signal, the process proceeds to step 157.
[0105]
In both steps 156 and 157, the setting of the switch 38 (see FIG. 1) of the receiver of this embodiment is checked, and the switching center connected to the telephone line 2 makes each ringing call. It is determined whether the station is a possible station.
[0106]
If the exchange is capable of ringing, it proceeds to the corresponding steps 158 and 159, and sends a specific number (identification code) for making ringing by NCNG signal or NRS signal through the modem 33. . As the identification code, in the case of NCNG, for example, numbers “161” and “162” are used, and in the case of NRS, a predetermined number is also used.
[0107]
In the next step 160, the telephone number of a predetermined response transmission destination stored on the DRAM 23 is transmitted through the modem 33.
[0108]
In step 154, if the receiving equipment of the response destination does not have a ringing incoming call function, and if in step 156 and 157, the receiver is not set to support ringing ringing, the flow goes to step 160. Transition.
[0109]
As a result, when the switching office to which the telephone line 2 is connected is capable of making a ringing call, the switching station uses the above-mentioned NCNG signal (1300 Hz) or NRS signal (2080 Hz) in accordance with the ringing call instruction by the identification code. Is used to call the telephone number of the response transmission destination. If there is no ringing call instruction using the identification code, a call is made to the telephone number of the response transmission destination using a normal 16 Hz call signal (CI).
[0110]
Regardless of which tone signal is used, a call is detected for a phone that has a ringing function that supports the signal, or that can receive calls only at the receiving equipment and does not have a corresponding ringing function. I can't do it, so I don't receive calls.
[0111]
Also, even if the telephone number is wrong due to poor broadcast reception, etc., the telephone bell does not ring, so there is no inconvenience to third parties. Even if the wrong telephone number is a facsimile equipped with a ringing incoming call function, the error is terminated because the protocol after the incoming call is different.
[0112]
In the next step 161, the ringing tone (ringback tone) corresponding to this call is no longer detected, and the incoming call is detected by detecting through the modem 33 that the polarity of the line 2 has been reversed. Wait for.
[0113]
If an incoming call is detected, the process proceeds to step 162, where it is checked whether the telephone number of the response destination is a response to the telegong, and if it is a response to the telegong, it immediately goes on-hook. (Step 163), the process is terminated.
[0114]
If the response transmission destination telephone number is not a response to telegong in step 162, response information is transmitted (step 164), and on-hook is performed after the transmission is completed (step 163).
[0115]
In telegong, the telephone station side counts the number of responses by an incoming call, and indicates that the incoming call itself has finished sending a response. Therefore, immediately after the incoming call, the line is released by on-hooking.
[0116]
As described above, compared with the case where the line is manually disconnected or the line is disconnected on the telegong side, the period during which the load is applied to the telephone station line on the calling side is reduced from, for example, 10 seconds to 1 second or less. Thus, the load on the line is reduced.
[0117]
If the time is up in step 153 or 161, although not shown, both are on-hook and a message indicating an error is displayed on the screen of the picture tube 16 for a certain period of time.
[0118]
In the above-described embodiment, when information identifying the presence / absence of the silent response function of the response reply destination is sent from the broadcast side, the response is received from the reception side via the switching center based on this identification information. By sending a ringing signal corresponding to the function of the reply destination, only the reply reply destination having the specified function will be received, so even if the telephone number is wrong, the wrong telephone bell will not ring and the wrong number The inconvenience of a third party due to is avoided.
[0119]
Note that even if a receiver is installed in the area of an old facility exchange, the viewer can make a call by a normal calling method by setting the switch 38 in advance.
[0120]
Thereby, on the broadcast side, an interactive broadcast program using a telephone line can be organized even at midnight.
[0121]
In addition, when information identifying the presence or absence of a plurality of response reply destinations corresponding to a plurality of responses is sent from the broadcast side, a plurality of response reply destinations are selectively called from the reception side based on this identification information, When the incoming call arrives, the substantial response transmission is completed, so that the line can be disconnected immediately and the load on the telephone line is reduced.
[0122]
[Other embodiments]
The program related information of the interactive program may be superimposed on an empty horizontal section within the vertical blanking period of the video signal. Also, in the case of multiplex broadcasting in which data is multiplexed as a sub-audio signal for audio multiplexing or a signal in a band different from the video signal or audio signal as the main broadcast signal is used to carry the multiplexed data, the multiplexed data This can be dealt with by simply changing the extraction and decoding process.
[0123]
Even in the case of satellite broadcasting or cable television broadcasting, the broadcast signal receiving apparatus according to the present invention is effective.
[0124]
In the above-described embodiment, the response reply destination is provided with a non-ringing response function. However, if the receiving side has a non-ringing response function, the telephone on the receiving side It is also possible to make the receiving apparatus receive a call preferentially without ringing the bell.
[0125]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to television broadcasting and a receiver has been described. However, sub-broadcast information such as access data for two-way broadcasting and data for program reservation is used in the above example. If, for example, a DTMF signal within a relatively narrow audio band is used to multiplex and broadcast with a main broadcast audio signal, AM, FM radio broadcasts and PCM audio broadcasts, respectively, corresponding receivers can be used. It is also possible to apply to.
[0126]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in two-way broadcasting in which a response is transmitted to the broadcasting side through a telephone line, the function identification information for identifying the presence / absence of the silent response function of the response reply destination is transmitted from the broadcasting side to the broadcast signal. When the response reply destination has a no-call response function, the receiver side sets the response reply destination function before dialing the reply reply destination telephone number based on the function identification information. By dialing the corresponding ringing number, a predetermined ringing call signal is transmitted from the switching center and is received only at a reply reply destination having a predetermined function, so that trouble due to an erroneous call is avoided.
[0127]
Also, the broadcast side multiplexes and broadcasts broadcast destination reply information identifying the presence or absence of a plurality of response reply destinations corresponding to a plurality of responses, and the broadcast side sends a plurality of response reply destinations corresponding to the plurality of responses. In response to the reply destination identification information, a plurality of response reply destinations are selectively called from the receiving side based on the reply destination identification information, and when the incoming call arrives, the substantial response transmission is completed, the line is disconnected, and the line load is reduced. It is reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a bidirectional broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a DTMF signal.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a transmission condition of a DTMF signal.
4 is a flowchart for explaining the overall operation of receiving sub-broadcast information using the DTMF signal according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a portion of the flowchart of FIG.
6 is a flowchart for explaining a response operation of an interactive program according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Signal system, 14 ... Audio demodulator, 20 ... Control system, 21 ... CPU, 23 ... DRAM, 24 ... SRAM, 31 ... Pre-processing circuit, 32 ... DTMF decoder, 33 ... Modem, 38 ... No ringing call permission setting Switch, 150 ... Response processing routine

Claims (4)

In the interactive broadcasting method of broadcasting an interactive program that prompts the receiver's response from the broadcast side, and transmitting response information from the receiver side to a predetermined response reply destination via a telephone line,
From the broadcast side, the response function identification information for identifying the presence or absence of the silent response function of the response reply destination is multiplexed with the main broadcast signal and broadcast,
The receiving side separates and stores the response function identification information from the received signal, calls a predetermined number corresponding to the mute response function before the telephone number of the response reply destination, and returns the response reply A bidirectional broadcasting method characterized in that, when a previous call is made, the connection of the telephone line is immediately cut off when an incoming call at the response reply destination is detected. In a bidirectional broadcast receiving apparatus comprising: a receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal; and a transmission unit that transmits information on a response to a question from the broadcast side to a predetermined response reply destination via a telephone line.
Separating and reproducing means for separating and reproducing response function identification information for identifying the presence or absence of the silent response function of the response reply destination multiplexed on the received broadcast signal;
Means for capturing a response function identification information reproduced,
Means for calling a predetermined number corresponding to the mute response function before the telephone number of the response reply destination based on the captured response function identification information ;
Control means for controlling the connection of the telephone line to be disconnected immediately upon detection of an incoming call at the response reply destination when the reply reply destination is called ;
Receiver of interactive broadcast, characterized in that it comprises a. An interactive broadcasting method for broadcasting an interactive program that prompts a receiver to select a plurality of responses to a question from the broadcast side, and transmitting response information from the reception side to a predetermined response reply destination via a telephone line In
From the broadcasting side, a plurality of reply destination identification information for identifying the presence or absence of a plurality of reply reply destinations corresponding to the plurality of responses is multiplexed and broadcast on the main broadcast signal,
The receiving side separates and stores the plurality of reply destination identification information from the received signal, and makes a selective call of the plurality of reply reply destinations through the telephone line and also makes a selective call of the plurality of reply reply destinations. In addition, the two-way broadcasting method is characterized in that the telephone line connection is immediately cut off when an incoming call at the response reply destination is detected. In a bidirectional broadcast receiving apparatus comprising: a receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal; and a transmission means for transmitting a plurality of response selection information for questions from the broadcast side to a predetermined response reply destination through a telephone line.
Separating and reproducing means for separating and reproducing a plurality of reply destination identification information for identifying presence or absence of a plurality of reply reply destinations corresponding to the plurality of responses multiplexed on the received broadcast signal;
Means for capturing the reproduced multiple reply destination identification information;
Means for selectively calling the plurality of response reply destinations by the transmission means based on the captured plural reply destination identification information ;
Control means for controlling the telephone line connection to be disconnected immediately upon detection of an incoming call from the response reply destination when a selective call is made to the plurality of reply reply destinations ;
Receiver of interactive broadcast, characterized in that it comprises a.

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