JP3931354B2 - Receiver - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a suitable receiving device and applied to a ISDB broadcasting system. Specifically, the electronic program information representing the contents of the broadcast program is transmitted using the non-broadcast time zone, the reception side stores the electronic program information, and the broadcast program can be confirmed by monitoring the electronic program information when necessary. It is a thing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the development of digital technology, an interactive integrated digital broadcasting system (referred to as an ISDB (Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting) system) in which various kinds of information including broadcast signals are digitized is being researched and developed in the broadcasting industry.
[0003]
More specifically, the ISDB system is used for not only current broadcast signals (standard television signals, high-definition signals), but also software and facsimile data, as well as multimedia information such as voice, text, graphics, and images. It is a broadcasting system in which each is digitized (encoded), integrated and multiplexed, and then subjected to a modulation process matching the transmission form for transmission.
[0004]
When various types of information including broadcast signals are integrated and multiplexed, in addition to these pieces of information, additional information used as control information on the receiving side can also be integrated and multiplexed at the same time. The integrated ISDB broadcast signal (digital signal) is transmitted using ground waves, satellite waves, optical cables, or the like.
[0005]
On the receiving terminal side, it is possible to receive the integrated ISDB broadcast signal, discriminate the target signal, display it on the monitor and enjoy it as a normal television broadcast. (Save) or transfer to another terminal. Further, if the received additional information is used, the received information can be used according to the user's preference, such as monitor control, recording control, and processing control on the monitored image. That is, an interactive broadcasting system can be constructed.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, if this ISDB system is used, the service content for the user is improved and the more interactive broadcasting system can be constructed as the variety of additional information to be transmitted increases.
[0007]
By the way, the usage form of the current television broadcasting is generally that the received signal is demodulated and viewed on a TV set or the like. As a program selection method, program information printed in a television column such as a newspaper / magazine is checked, a desired channel is selected, and a desired program is viewed.
[0008]
For this reason, it is necessary to always use another media such as a newspaper / magazine in order to specify a program, which is inconvenient and inconvenient that a desired program cannot be selected immediately without the assistance of the corresponding media.
[0009]
Therefore, the present invention solves such a problem, and transmits another electronic program information using a non-broadcast time zone, and stores it on the receiving side, thereby using another medium. The desired channel can be selected by using this electronic program information at any timing.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, in the receiving device according to the present invention described in claim 1, a channel selection means for selecting a specific broadcast signal including electronic program information indicating the contents of a plurality of broadcast programs, Signal separation means for separating electronic program information from a specific broadcast signal selected by the means, storage means for storing electronic program information in which a plurality of items are added to each broadcast program , and storage in the storage means Selection output means for selectively outputting the electronic program information to the monitor, instruction means for instructing to read out some of the plurality of items including a desired item among the plurality of items, In response to an instruction from the instruction means , only a part of the plurality of items added to each broadcast program is read from the storage means and output to the monitor via the selection output means. System Characterized in that it comprises a control means for.
[0011]
In the receiving apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the channel selection unit selects a specific broadcast signal including encoded information in which program information is encoded and electronic program information, and the signal separation unit includes: Decoding means for separating encoded information and electronic program information from a specific broadcast signal, decoding means for decoding the encoded information and outputting program information, and a selection output means comprising at least one of electronic program information and program information One of them is output to the monitor .
[0012]
In engaging Ru RECEIVER to the invention described in claim 3, the signal separating means, characterized in that the separation of electronic program information as the additional information corresponding to the coded information and the coded information from the particular broadcast signal And
[0013]
In engaging Ru RECEIVER to the invention described in claim 4, channel selection means, and the coding information, a particular broadcast data and the encoded data encoded information is multiplexed as an electronic program information The signal is selected, and the signal separation means separates encoded information and data encoded information from a specific broadcast signal, decodes the data encoded information, and outputs electronic program information .
[0014]
In the receiving device according to the present invention described in claim 5, the control means includes, as a plurality of items corresponding to each broadcast program, a program code for identifying program information, genre information indicating a genre corresponding to the program information, broadcast date and time information indicating the broadcast date and time of the program information, title information indicating the title of the program information, performer information indicating a performer of the program information, and any of the program content introduction information that describes the contents of the program information The electronic program information is controlled to be recorded in the storage means .
[0015]
7. The receiving apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising input means for inputting personal identification information for identifying a user, wherein the storage means stores the personal identification information and a corresponding desired item, and control means. The input signal input by the input means and the personal identification information stored in the storage means are collated, and when the collation results match, only a part of the corresponding items are read from the storage means. It is characterized by.
[0016]
In the receiving device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the input means inputs voice information of the user as personal identification information for identifying the user .
[0017]
In the receiving device according to the present invention as set forth in claim 8, the input means inputs the fingerprint information of the user as personal identification information for identifying the user.
[0018]
In the receiving apparatus according to the present invention described in claim 9 , the channel selection means selects a specific broadcast signal including electronic program information indicating broadcast program contents in a non-broadcast time zone in which the program is not broadcast. Features.
[0019]
The electronic program information is transmitted using a non-broadcast time zone, and this is forcibly stored in the memory means. Electronic program information is updated on a daily or weekly basis. Since the electronic program information accumulated by the instruction of the user (viewer) is displayed on the monitor screen, the content of the broadcast program can be confirmed by this display content. In some cases, a broadcast program can be selected on this display screen.
[0020]
By assigning individual codes, individual electronic program information can be stored. In this case, by inputting a personal code, dedicated electronic program information according to the personal preference can be displayed on the screen.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Subsequently, the ISDB reception equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a main part showing an ISDB transmission apparatus 10. In this example, main information transmitted in an integrated manner for convenience of explanation includes a standard television signal, a high-definition signal, and various data information. Shall. Each of them can be multiplexed with additional information such as control information. Various kinds of additional information can be considered. A time code etc. can be considered about a standard television signal and a high-definition signal.
[0023]
Referring to FIG. 1, the video signal SVN of the standard television signal is supplied to the terminal 12a, and the audio signal SAN associated therewith is supplied to the terminal 12b. The encoding unit 14 performs appropriate encoding processing including compression and the like. Is given. In synchronization with this encoding process, the additional information generating means 16 operates to generate additional information such as control information. In this example, the additional information may be a time code or other video control information. The encoded standard television signal and additional information are supplied to the multiplexing unit 20 and multiplexed together with other information.
[0024]
The video signal SVH of the high-definition signal is supplied to the terminal 22a, and the audio signal SAH associated therewith is supplied to the terminal 22b, and the encoding unit 24 performs the same encoding process as described above. The additional information generating means 26 is activated in synchronization with the encoding process, and predetermined additional information is generated in synchronization with the encoding process.
[0025]
Various data such as computer data and facsimile data is supplied to the terminal 28a, which is encoded by the encoding unit 30. At the same time, the additional information generating means 32 is activated to generate corresponding additional information. As additional information, information such as area designation for enlargement / reduction, telephone number for inquiry, and fax number can be considered.
[0026]
The encoded information and additional information obtained from each are multiplexed in the multiplexing unit 20, respectively. In the multiplexing unit 20, for example, a process is performed in which each piece of encoded information is packetized and multiplexed for error correction is multiplexed in units of transmission frames to form a bit stream. FIG. 2 shows an example of packetizing data, and shows signal forms when image information, audio information, and data information are packetized using packet headers.
[0027]
The multiplexed data is modulated by the transmission unit 34 into an ISDB broadcast signal having a transmission form suitable for transmission means (for example, a broadcasting satellite), and in this example, the data is multiplexed by an up-converter 36 and a transmission antenna (parabolic antenna) 38. Sent to the broadcasting satellite.
[0028]
In the present invention, electronic program information is used as the additional information or data described above. The electronic program information is various information representing the contents of the broadcast program, and can be configured as shown in FIG. 3, for example.
[0029]
The item “program code” shown in the figure is an identification code for specifying a G-code program in the current television broadcast. The item “genre” is information indicating the classification of a program. For example, politics, economy, society, international, sports, culture, science, etc. If these are major classification items, a hierarchical structure relating to genres such as medium classification and small classification may be adopted. Even in the same politics, it is stratified like international politics, domestic politics, municipal administration of local governments. By adopting a hierarchical structure, program information suitable for the user can be selected.
[0030]
The item “broadcast date” defines the scheduled broadcast date of the program and the start and end times of the broadcast, and is an indispensable item for electronic program information. The “title” of the program is also an indispensable item for program recognition. “Performer” is useful information for a viewer who selects a program. Although an item of “keyword” is cited as a spare, it can be used as important information for searching for programs desired by each viewer. For example, in the case of a movie, the year of production and the name of the director can be mentioned, but basically it is necessary to respond to the demands of general viewers. When all or some of the keywords match, all corresponding electronic program information is displayed on the monitor screen.
[0031]
The item “introduction of program contents” is a rough line about each program, and helps the viewer to select. In many cases, program guides using media such as newspapers and magazines are made up of photos in addition to text. By utilizing the packet structure described above, not only data but also related images (still images / moving images) can be transmitted. Therefore, by including image data, program contents can be obtained in advance as audiovisual information.
[0032]
As described above, the electronic program information composed of various pieces of information for helping to select a program is packetized and transmitted using a non-broadcasting time zone (midnight or early morning time zone when the broadcast is finished). The
[0033]
FIG. 4 shows an example of a receiving apparatus 40 according to the present invention for receiving such an ISDB broadcast signal.
The satellite wave received by the receiving antenna (parabolic antenna) 42 is down-converted to a 1 GHz band by the down converter 44 and then supplied to the ISDB tuner 46 for channel selection processing. Therefore, the ISDB broadcast signal of a specific channel is selected by the channel selection signal SC from the terminal 48.
[0034]
The selected ISDB broadcast signal is supplied to the signal separation unit 50 and separated into original main information and additional information. For example, when a specific channel of a standard television signal is selected, the standard television signal and additional information (time code or the like) associated with the specific channel are separated. The separated standard television signal is decoded by the decoding unit 52, and the video signal SV (SVN) and the audio signal SA (SAN) are respectively decoded, and these are stored in the memory means (DRAM) for the video signal and the audio signal as necessary. Etc.) and video processing is performed based on a command from the control unit 58. The broadcast signal read from the memory means 54 is supplied to a monitor (CRT or the like) 62 through a switcher 60 described later, thereby displaying an image, and an audio signal is reproduced (sounded out) from a speaker 64.
[0035]
The decoded video signal and the like are further supplied to the recording / reproducing unit 56, and broadcast signals are recorded and stored as necessary. Which broadcast signal is recorded and which of the recorded broadcast signals is reproduced is controlled based on a control signal from the control unit 58.
[0036]
The additional information separated by the signal separation unit 50 is decoded by the decoding unit 66, and the decoded additional information is supplied to the switcher 60 and the control unit 58, respectively. The control unit 58 analyzes the input additional information and generates a control signal corresponding to the analysis content. The control includes an image processing method for the memory unit 54, a read timing thereof, and a recording / reproducing mode control for the recording / reproducing unit 56. By controlling the switcher 60, image processing for inserting additional information into the main image is performed.
[0037]
In this example, of the information separated by the signal separation unit 50, information related to data is supplied to a dedicated decoding unit 68, and data information is decoded. In the present invention, since the above-described broadcast form in which the electronic program information is transmitted as data information is exemplified, the decoding unit 68 decodes the electronic program information. The decoding unit 68 may be configured to be used as the decoding unit 52 as well. The decrypted electronic program information is stored in memory means (RAM etc.) 70 dedicated to the program.
[0038]
The accumulation process can be either forced or arbitrary, but this example shows the case of forced accumulation. This is to ensure that electronic program information can be accumulated. Therefore, when the electronic program information is confirmed by the received packet header information, all the electronic program information is stored in the memory means 70. When electronic program information is transmitted every day on a daily basis, the contents are updated every day, and when electronic program information is transmitted on a specific day of the week on a weekly basis, it is updated once every week. Although it is possible in units of every other month, in this case, the amount of data increases, so that a problem of the capacity of the memory means 70 occurs.
[0039]
The stored electronic program information is supplied to the monitor 62 or the like via the switcher 60 as necessary. A part of this electronic program information is stored in an electronic program information memory means (RAM or the like) 72 for personal use as needed. Information related to viewer preferences depends on the individual, and the preference for broadcast programs often varies depending on the age, sex, and preferences of family members even in the same home. Displaying unnecessary electronic program information is useless and often results in hindering program selection speed, so personal dedicated electronic program information is required.
[0040]
The electronic program information read from the memory means 72 is also displayed on the monitor 62 via the switcher 60. The electronic program information for each person stored in the memory means 72 is also updated on a daily, weekly or monthly basis in synchronism with the updating process as in the memory means 70 described above.
[0041]
In this way, in order to further process the electronic program information and remake it into personal electronic program information, the control unit 58 uses an identification code for identifying the individual and a selector for the electronic program information required by the individual. Need to give to. The controller 58 is controlled by the commander 80 by remote control. Therefore, the control unit 58 is provided with a light receiving unit 59 for remote control signals.
[0042]
As the identification code, an agreed personal code (personal code) ID, a voice (real voice), a fingerprint, and the like can be considered. The personal code ID and the selector for the electronic program information designated by the personal code ID are stored in the memory means 72 for the personal program described above. If only a personal code ID is input when reading a personal program, only the electronic program information of the designated selector is selectively read out and displayed on the monitor screen.
[0043]
For example, when “title” is designated as a selector of personal program information, information related to “title” is selected and read out from the information shown in FIG. In addition, essential information (in this example, the program code and the broadcast date and time) are read out simultaneously. Since no other information is read out, only the electronic program information desired by the individual can be confirmed. The simplest method for designating a specific program from the displayed electronic program information is to designate a program code.
[0044]
The personal information is entered in the condition registration mode. As the input means, various methods such as input from the commander 80, input from a full keyboard (not shown), and character selection using the commander 80 from the character table displayed on the screen are conceivable.
[0045]
In addition to the personal code ID, the identification code may be a voice (a real voice). In order to register a real voice, although not shown, voice data is obtained using a voice analyzer, and this is registered in the memory means 72, for example. At the same time, a selector for electronic program information is registered.
[0046]
For this reason, the commander 80 is provided with a microphone 81, and voice is input through the microphone 81. The control unit 58 compares the input voice with the registered voice data, and when they match, the personal electronic program information designated in advance is read out. In the case of voice identification, it is convenient because personal electronic program information can be read even if the personal code ID is forgotten.
[0047]
Individual fingerprint information can be used as an identification code instead of voice. In this case, a memory means 74 dedicated for fingerprint data is provided, in which personal fingerprint information is stored. At the same time, an electronic program information selector is also stored in the memory means 72.
On the other hand, an individual fingerprint is detected by the fingerprint input unit (image scanner) 76, and this fingerprint input data is collated with the registered fingerprint data by the control unit 58. If the collation results match, the personal electronic program information having the fingerprint is selectively read from the memory means 72 as described above. The fingerprint input unit 76 may be provided on the commander 80 side.
[0048]
It is also possible to configure that the channel can be selected immediately by sending a channel setting command from the commander 80 in a state where the electronic program information is displayed on the screen. In this case, since a program reservation is also conceivable, in that case, it is stored in the memory as program reservation information. Any of the above-described memories can be used as the memory for that purpose.
[0049]
In the example described above, the electronic program information is digitized and transmitted as part of the data. However, this electronic program information is transmitted using a non-broadcast time zone of main information such as a standard television signal. Therefore, after the broadcast of the standard television signal ends, the electronic program information may be transmitted through the same channel. In that case, it is not necessary to provide the decoding unit 68 shown in FIG. As the recording / reproducing unit 56 and the memory means 54, 70, 72, in addition to the semiconductor memory, a VTR, a data recorder, a magneto-optical disk recording / reproducing device, or the like can be used.
[0050]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in engagement Ru receiving apparatus in the present invention, as in addition to the electronic program information of the transmission signal release sent to non-broadcast time zone, can be displayed on the screen while accumulating and processing it at the receiving end It is a thing.
[0051]
According to this, instead of selecting the desired channel while watching the TV column of newspapers and magazines, in addition to being able to check the daily and weekly programs while looking at the screen, in some cases the desired program can be directly selected You can tune in so you don't need media such as newspapers and magazines.
[0052]
Furthermore, since it can be processed and saved into electronic program information for each individual, it has a feature that it is very convenient because a program to be viewed can be searched immediately. Therefore, the present invention is very suitable when applied to an ISDB system for digital broadcasting.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system diagram of an essential part showing an embodiment of an ISDB transmission device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a signal form of an ISDB broadcast signal.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of electronic program information.
FIG. 4 is a system diagram of an essential part showing an embodiment of an ISDB receiver according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ISDB transmitter 14, 24, 30 Encoder 16, 26, 32 Additional information generator 20 Multiplexer 46 ISDB tuner 52, 66, 68 Decoder 54 AV memory 56 Recording / playback unit 62 Monitor 70 Electronic Memory means 72 dedicated to program information Private program memory means 72

Claims (9)

Channel selection means for selecting a specific broadcast signal including electronic program information indicating the contents of a plurality of broadcast programs;
Signal separating means for separating the electronic program information from the specific broadcast signal selected by the channel selecting means;
Storage means for storing the electronic program information in which a plurality of items are added to each of the broadcast programs,
Selective output means for selectively outputting the electronic program information stored in the storage means to a monitor;
An instruction means for instructing to read a part of the plurality of items including a desired item of the plurality of items ;
In response to an instruction from the instruction means, only a part of the plurality of items added to each broadcast program is read from the storage means and output to the monitor via the selection output means. receiving device, characterized in that it comprises a control means for controlling so that. The channel selection means selects a specific broadcast signal including encoded information in which program information is encoded and the electronic program information,
The signal separation means separates the encoded information and the electronic program information from the specific broadcast signal,
And further comprising decoding means for decoding the encoded information and outputting the program information,
The receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection output unit outputs at least one of the electronic program information and the program information to the monitor. The receiving apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the signal separating unit separates the encoded information and the electronic program information as additional information corresponding to the encoded information from the specific broadcast signal. The channel selection means selects a specific broadcast signal in which the encoded information and data encoded information obtained by encoding data as the electronic program information are multiplexed,
The signal separation means separates the encoded information and the data encoded information from the specific broadcast signal, decodes the data encoded information, and outputs the electronic program information. The receiving device described in 1. The control means includes, as a plurality of items corresponding to each broadcast program, a program code for identifying the program information, genre information indicating a genre corresponding to the program information, broadcast date information indicating the broadcast date and time of the program information, The electronic program information having any one of title information indicating the title of the program information, performer information indicating the performer of the program information, and program content introduction information explaining the content of the program information is recorded in the storage means. The receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving apparatus is controlled to perform. An input means for inputting personal identification information for identifying the user;
The storage means stores the personal identification information and the corresponding desired item,
The control means collates the input signal input by the input means with the personal identification information stored in the storage means, and when the collation results match, only the corresponding part of the items is stored in the storage means. The receiving device according to claim 5, wherein the receiving device is controlled so as to be read from the receiving device. The receiving apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the input unit inputs voice information of the user as personal identification information for identifying the user. The receiving apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the input unit inputs fingerprint information of the user as personal identification information for identifying the user. The receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the channel selection unit selects a specific broadcast signal including electronic program information indicating broadcast program contents in a non-broadcast time zone in which no program is broadcast.

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