JP4364073B2 - Electronic program guide transmission apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic program guide transmission apparatus and method, and more particularly, to an electronic program guide transmission apparatus and method capable of displaying an electronic program guide in a shorter time.

  Recently, systems for digitizing video signals and transmitting them via broadcast satellites or communication satellites are becoming widespread. In this system, a large number of broadcast channels such as 80 channels can be secured. Therefore, in this system, an electronic program guide (EPG) is superimposed on the program and transmitted, and on the receiving side, the electronic program guide is displayed on the display device, and the program is displayed using the electronic program guide. It has been proposed to choose.

The present applicant has also proposed such a system as Patent Document 1, for example.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-111823

  As the EPG data, it is preferable for the user to transmit data in as wide a range as possible. However, if the range of transmission as EPG data is widened, the amount of data increases accordingly, and the capacity for transmitting the original program is limited.

  That is, in such a system, one frequency carrier wave of a radio wave transmitted through a satellite is assigned to one transponder in the satellite, and a program of a plurality of broadcast channels is assigned to each channel with one carrier wave. Packetized and transmitted. Also, different frequency carriers are assigned to different transponders.

  When a carrier wave corresponding to each transponder is defined as a transmission channel, a plurality of programs (broadcast channels) are multiplexed and transmitted on one transmission channel.

  The same EPG data is transmitted from each transmission channel (transponder) in order to obtain EPG data regardless of which transmission channel is received. The EPG data includes data that guides not only the own transmission channel but also programs of all other transmission channels. Therefore, expanding the range of EPG in one transmission channel means expanding the range of EPG in other transmission channels, and a considerable amount of data increases in the entire system.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and is intended to reduce the transmission amount of program data and to transmit an electronic program guide in a wide range as much as possible. .

The electronic program guide transmission device according to claim 1 is a first generation means for generating data in a first range among electronic program guides for selecting a program, and a narrower one than the first range in the electronic program guide. A second generation means for generating data in a range of 2 and a plurality of first range data transmitted through the first transmission channel and a plurality of second range data different from the first transmission channel. and a transmitting means for transmitting at the second transmission channel, the first transmission channel, which can send a large amount of data for constructing an electronic program guide from a plurality of second transmission channels, a promotional It is characterized by only one predetermined transmission channel for mainly transmitting programs .

The electronic program guide transmission method according to claim 6 generates data in a first range in an electronic program guide for selecting a program, and generates data in a second range narrower than the first range in the electronic program guide. Generating and transmitting the first range of data on the first transmission channel, transmitting the second range of data on a plurality of second transmission channels different from the first transmission channel, The transmission channel is only one predetermined transmission channel for mainly transmitting a promotional program , which can send more data for constituting an electronic program guide than the plurality of second transmission channels. It is characterized by that.

The electronic program guide transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first generation unit generates data in the first range of the electronic program guide for selecting a program, and the second generation unit includes the second range. Generate data. Transmitting means, the data of the first range is transmitted in the first transmission channel, the data of the second range transmitted in different second transmission channel from the plurality of first transmission channel, the first transmission The channel is only one predetermined transmission channel for mainly transmitting a promotional program , which can send more data for constituting an electronic program guide than the plurality of second transmission channels.

7. The electronic program guide transmission method according to claim 6 , wherein the first range data and the second range data are generated in the electronic program guide , and the first range data is transmitted through the first transmission channel. is, data of the second range is Ru is transmitted in the plurality of second transmission channel different from the first transmission channel. The first transmission channel is a predetermined transmission channel that mainly transmits a promotional program capable of sending more data for constituting an electronic program guide than the plurality of second transmission channels. It is.

  According to the present invention, on the transmission side, it is possible to transmit a wider range of electronic program guides while preventing the transmission capacity of a program to be originally transmitted from decreasing. In addition, a desired program can be selected quickly and reliably.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a transmission apparatus to which the electronic program guide transmission apparatus of the present invention is applied. The transmission apparatus includes a switcher 301. The switcher 301 includes video data and audio supplied from broadcast stations such as CNN, GAORA, Asahi, STAR, TRY, MTV, Super, Sport, BBC, CSNI, and Green. Data is input as digital data. Alternatively, a digital video signal and an audio signal reproduced from a digital video tape recorder (DVTR) (not shown) are input to the switcher 301. The switcher 301 is controlled by the program transmission control device 308 to select a predetermined plurality of channels (in this case, the video signal and the audio signal are counted as one channel) among the input video signal and audio signal. Select and output to the promotion channel generating apparatus 302.

  Furthermore, the switcher 301 selects predetermined five broadcast channels from the input signal and outputs them to the MPEG video / audio encoder block 303-1. Similarly, signals for predetermined five channels are selected and output to the MPEG video / audio encoder blocks 303-2 to 303-7.

  The promotion channel generation device 302 converts, for example, 16 broadcast channel signals out of a plurality of input broadcast channel signals into one screen signal (16 broadcast channels for each multi-screen sub-screen obtained by dividing one screen into 16 screens). Are converted into signals that are reduced and arranged), and signals for the other 16 broadcast channels are converted into signals for the other one screen (16 broadcast channels for each sub-screen of a multi-screen obtained by dividing one screen into 16). The image is converted into a signal that is reduced and arranged). Furthermore, the signals of the other two channels are processed independently. And it is set as the signal for a total of 4 broadcast channels.

  In addition, bitmap data such as an icon to be transmitted, a station logo, and a category logo generated by the EPG data generation device 309 under the control of the program transmission control device 308 is input to the promotion channel generation device 302. The promotion channel generator 302 superimposes this bitmap data on the video signal of each child screen input from the switcher 301.

  Promotion channel generating apparatus 302 outputs the processed data to multiplexer (MUX) 304-1. Details of the promotion channel generating apparatus 302 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  MPEG video / audio encoder blocks 303-1 through 303-7 are provided with five channels (five units) of MPEG so that video signals and audio signals of five broadcast channels respectively input from the switcher 301 can be encoded. Built-in video / audio encoder. MPEG video / audio encoders 303-1 through 303-7 encode the input video data and audio data, and output the encoded video data and audio data to corresponding multiplexers 304-2 through 304-8.

  The multiplexers 304-2 to 304-8 are supplied with the first EPG data (EPG1) generated by the EPG data generation device 309. The EPG 1 includes EPG data for a relatively short period. In addition, the multiplexer 304-1 is supplied with second EPG data (EPG 2) including EPG data of EPG 1 and EPG data of a period after that.

  The multiplexers 304-2 to 304-8 and the multiplexer 304-1 convert the EPG1 or EPG2 into video data and audio input from the MPEG video / audio encoder blocks 303-1 to 303-7 or the promotion channel generating apparatus 302. The data is multiplexed and output to the digital modulation circuits 305-2 to 305-8 or the digital modulation circuit 305-1. The digital modulation circuits 305-1 to 305-8 digitally modulate the input digital data by a predetermined method (for example, QPSK method). The outputs of these digital modulation circuits 305-1 to 305-8 are assigned to correspond to the transponders (not shown) of the satellites.

  The synthesis circuit 306 synthesizes the outputs of the digital modulation circuits 305-1 to 305-8 and transmits it to the satellite via the antenna 307.

  FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration example of the promotion channel generation device 302. The data for 16 broadcast channels supplied from the switcher 301 is input to the multi-screen generating device 331-1 so that the screen of the 16 broadcast channels becomes a sub-screen of one screen divided into 16 screens (multi-screen). Is converted to Therefore, the data output from the multi-screen generating device 331-1 is data for one broadcast channel.

  The data output from the multi-screen generation device 331-1 is input to the superimposer 333-1, and bitmap data such as an icon supplied from the EPG data generation device 309 is superimposed on each child screen. The data output from the superimposer 333-1 is input to the MPEG video / audio encoder block 334-1 and encoded.

  Similarly, the data for the other 16 broadcast channels output from the switcher 301 is converted into a multi-screen for one broadcast channel by the multi-screen generating device 331-2 and input to the super impose 333-2. The superimposer 333-2 superimposes the data supplied from the EPG data generation device 309 on this data and outputs it to the MPEG video / audio encoder block 334-2.

  On the other hand, the data of one other broadcast channel output from the switcher 301 is processed as a single screen by the single screen generation device 332-1. The output is input to the superimposer 333-3, and the data supplied from the EPG data generation device 309 is superimposed. Then, the output of the superimposer 333-3 is output to the MPEG video / audio encoder block 334-3.

  Similarly, the data for the remaining one broadcast channel output from the switcher 301 is independently processed by the single screen generation device 332-2, and then input to the superimposer 333-4, and the EPG data generation device 309. More input data is superimposed. The data output from the superimposer 333-4 is input to the MPEG video / audio encoder block 334-4 and encoded.

  Note that the audio data is captured by the multi-screen generation apparatuses 331-1 and 331-2 for 16 channels, and all of them are encoded by the MPEG video / audio encoders 334-1 and 334-2. Also, the audio data for each channel captured by the single screen generation devices 332-1 and 332-2 are encoded by MPEG video / audio encoders 334-3 and 334-4, respectively.

  The data output from the MPEG video / audio encoder blocks 334-1 to 334-4 is multiplexed by the multiplexer 335 and output to the multiplexer 304-1.

  In this way, there are about 150 European standards for digital video broadcasts that are conducted via satellites to receivers (IRDs described later) installed in each home, mainly from European broadcasters and manufacturers. Is compiled by the project DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) in which the participants participate, but on the receiving side, in accordance with this standard, the screen of the electronic program guide is generated from the EPG data transmitted in this way and displayed on the monitor device Can be made.

  3 to 5 show display examples of the electronic program guide displayed in this way.

  FIG. 3 shows an electronic program guide (overall program guide) for all channels. The vertical axis shows the broadcasting station name, the horizontal axis shows the time, and the position is defined by the two axes. At the broadcasting station, the title of the program broadcast at that time is displayed.

  FIG. 4 shows a display example of an electronic program guide (channel program guide) of one broadcasting station. In this example, from the top to the bottom, the title of the program broadcast on the broadcast channel and the broadcast start time are displayed.

  The entire program guide shown in FIG. 3 and the channel program guide shown in FIG. 4 are information (minimum program description) necessary for selecting a desired program. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, information (detailed program description) that explains the contents of a predetermined program (or a predetermined broadcast station (broadcast channel)) is not always necessary for selecting a program. Although it is information not to be used, it is helpful in selecting a program. Therefore, this detailed program description is also transmitted as EPG data.

  If both the program guide (program outline description) and the program content (program detail description) are transmitted from each transponder for a long time, the transmission rate of video data and audio data to be originally transmitted is increased by that amount. It will get worse. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6A, a maximum of 80 transponders (multiplexers 304-2 to 304-8) of transmission channels for transmitting normal program data are provided as EPG1 from the EPG data generation device 309. Broadcast channels (10 broadcast channels per transponder, and 8 transponders assigned to one satellite is 80 broadcast channels. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, 39 (= 5 X7 + 4) 24 hours of program guide data), 80 channels (39 channels) of the current (currently) broadcasted program, and the contents of the next program Try to transmit data.

  This prevents the transponder from deteriorating the transmission rate of the video signal and audio data that should be transmitted.

  On the other hand, the transmission channel (transmission channel corresponding to the digital modulation circuit 305-1) of the promotion channel generating apparatus 302 is then the other transmission channel (transmission channel corresponding to the digital modulation circuits 305-2 to 305-8). It is a channel for mainly (preferentially) transmitting promotional programs such as introduction of programs being broadcast, programs that encourage broadcast reception, and promotions of program providers. Unlike other normal transponders, the number of transponders that transmit information on the promotion channel (hereinafter referred to as guide transponders) is small even if normal programs are transmitted. It is possible to transmit more. Therefore, in this promotion channel, as shown in FIG. 6B, the EPG data generation device 309 transmits the program guide data and program content data for a longer time as EPG2. In this embodiment, the program guide data is data for 150 hours, and the program content data is data for 70 hours.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, in the guide transponder (transponder 1), the program guide data for 150 hours of each channel of 80 channels and the program content data for 70 hours of 80 channels are transmitted.

  On the other hand, in a normal transponder (transponder 2 to transponder 8), program schedule data for 24 hours of 80 channels and program content data for 80 channels up to the current program and the next program are transmitted. The

  Next, the operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described. The switcher 301 is controlled by the program transmission control device 308, selects signals for a maximum of 34 channels to be broadcast for promotion, and outputs the signals to the promotion channel generation device 302.

  In the promotion channel generation device 302, signals for 16 channels to be a multi-screen are input to the multi-screen generation device 331-1 and converted into images of each sub-screen generated by dividing one screen into 16 screens. Is done. FIG. 8 shows a display example of this multi-screen. In this display example, screens of 15 broadcast channels are arranged on a multi-screen as child screens.

  On the other hand, the EPG data generation device 309 outputs data to be displayed superimposed on each sub-screen. In the display example of FIG. 8, this data is the name (or logo) of the broadcasting station displayed on each sub-screen (for example, a station logo such as CNN or GAORA in FIG. 8).

  When these logo data are generated as OSD data on the IRD side described later, there is no need to transmit them from the transmission side.

  The superimposer 333-1 superimposes these logo data on each of the sub-screens of the multi-screen input from the multi-screen generator 331-1, and then converts the data into the MPEG video / audio encoder block 334-. Output to 1. The MPEG video / audio encoder block 334-1 encodes input data according to the MPEG2 system and outputs the encoded data.

  Similar processing is also performed in the multi-screen generating device 331-2, the superimposer 333-2, and the MPEG video / audio encoder block 334-2. Therefore, in this embodiment, two multi-screen promotion channels are generated.

  On the other hand, the data of one channel output from the switcher 301 is input to the superimposer 333-3 after being subjected to a predetermined process in the single screen generating device 332-1. This single-screen program introduces a part of the program in order to promote a predetermined program, for example. FIG. 9 shows a display example of this promotion program.

  The superimposer 333-3 superimposes data input from the EPG data generation device 309 on the video data. In the display example of FIG. 9, the characters “promotion channel 1 CNN” as the item name displayed at the upper left, the characters “program introduction” as the item contents, and the broadcast that actually broadcasts this program A station logo (in this example, “CNN”) is superimposed.

  Then, the output of the superimposer 333-3 is input to the MPEG video / audio encoder block 334-3 and encoded by the MPEG2 system.

  The same processing is performed by the single screen generation device 332-2, the superimposer 333-4, and the MPEG video / audio encoder block 334-4 for the other one channel signal selected by the switcher 301. Done. Accordingly, two promotion channels for introducing a program on a single screen are generated in this embodiment.

  In FIG. 8, the three icons displayed on the lower right sub-screen (the icons displaying the number 2, characters P1, P2) are generated and displayed on the receiving side described later.

Further, the icons I _{1 to} I ₆ displayed in one column on the right side in FIG. 9, the cursor moving on the icon, and the message displayed corresponding to the position of the cursor (in this embodiment, “multi-ch1 is selected” The character “select the channel with the select button” is generated and displayed on the receiving side.

  The multiplexer 335 multiplexes two multi-screen promotional channel data output from the MPEG video / audio encoder blocks 334-1 to 334-4 and two single-screen promotional channel data. Output to 1.

  The multiplexer 304-1 multiplexes the EPG data EPG2 input from the EPG data generation device 309 with the data input from the promotion channel generation device 302, packetizes it, and outputs it. The digital modulation circuit 305-1 digitally modulates the data input from the multiplexer 304-1. Data output from the digital modulation circuit 305-1 is assigned to the guide transponder (transponder 1 in FIG. 7) of the satellite.

  On the other hand, the MPEG video / audio encoder block 303-1 encodes video data and audio data for five broadcast channels input from the switcher 301, and outputs them to the multiplexer 304-2. The multiplexer 304-2 packetizes the data for these five broadcasts, multiplexes them, and outputs them to the digital modulation circuit 305-2. The digital modulation circuit 305-2 digitally modulates the data input from the multiplexer 304-2. The data digitally modulated by the digital modulation circuit 305-2 is assigned to a first transponder (transponder 2 in FIG. 7) of normal transponders of transponders.

  Thereafter, similarly, the multiplexers 304-3 to 304-8 packetize and multiplex the data of the other five channels encoded by the MPEG video / audio encoder blocks 303-2 to 303-7, and cope with them. To the digital modulation circuits 305-3 to 305-8. The digital modulation circuits 305-3 to 305-8 digitally modulate input data. Data signals modulated by these digital modulation circuits 305-3 to 305-8 are assigned to the remaining six normal transponders (transponders 3 to 8), respectively.

  The combining circuit 306 combines the data output from the digital modulation circuits 305-1 to 305-8, and outputs the combined data to the satellite via the antenna 307. The satellite processes this data with eight transponders and transmits it to each receiving device (IRD).

  Next, details of the EPG data will be further described. The EPG data is transmitted together with other accompanying data as a kind of service information SI (Service Information) in the DVB system. Data necessary for creating an electronic program guide from this EPG data is shown in FIG. It is the data shown.

  A service supplier that identifies a supplier that supplies a service (broadcast channel), a service name that represents the name of the service, and a service type (service type) that represents the type of the service are respectively stored in SDT (Service Description Table) in the EPG data. is described. In this service type, for example, a description indicating whether it is the above-described 16-divided multi-screen (mosaic_service) or a single screen (promotion_service) is performed.

  A title representing a program name is defined as an event_name of a Short Event Descriptor of EIT (Event Information Table). The subtitle (type) is described in the EIT Component Descriptor.

  The current date and time is defined as UTC_time in TDT (Time and Date Table).

  The program start time is described as start_time of EIT. The program time length is described as an EIT duration.

  Further, for example, in the case where only a person of a predetermined age or higher is allowed to view, the parental rate that defines the age is described in the Parent Rating Descriptor of the EIT.

  The video mode is described in the EIT's Component Descriptor, and the provided language is described in the PMT's ISO 639 language Descriptor. The provided voice mode is described in the EIT Component Descriptor.

  The category is described in the Content Descriptor of the EIT.

  In addition, the above-described program outline description is described in the EIT Short Event Descriptor, and the program detailed description is described in the EIT Extended Event Descriptor.

  Further, the promotion information such as the item name (promotion channel 1 CNN), item content (program introduction), and station logo (CNN) described with reference to FIG. 9 is described in the Promotion Descriptor of SDT.

  FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the SDT. The SDT includes data describing a service in the system such as a service name and a service provider. In the figure, the number in parentheses represents the number of bytes.

  The first 10 bytes are used as a header, and are composed of a common structure 1 (3), a transport stream ID (transport_stream_id (2)), a common structure 2 (3), and an original network ID (original_network_id (2)). Yes. The transport stream ID provides a label for identifying the transport stream for which SDT provides information from other transport streams multiplexed within the same delivery system.

  The original network ID is a label for identifying the network ID that is the generation source of the delivery system.

  Next to the header, service descriptor loop (service descriptors loop) [0] to service descriptors loop [N] are arranged, and finally, CRC_32 (4) for error correction is arranged.

  In each service descriptor loop, service_id (2), EIT_schedule_flag, EIT_pre / fol_flag, running_status, and free_CA_mode are arranged.

  service_id provides a label for identifying the service from other services in the same transport stream. service_id is the same as the program number (program_number) in the corresponding program map section (program_map_section).

  EIT_schedule_flag indicates the presence or absence of EIT_schedule information in its own transport stream.

  EIT_present / following_flag indicates the presence or absence of EIT_present / following information in its own transport stream.

  running_status indicates whether the service has not started yet, will start in a few minutes (to prepare for VCR recording), has already started, has already started, or is currently suspended, etc. Show.

  free_CA_mode indicates whether the service can be accessed free of charge or is controlled by a conditional access system.

  Next, descriptor_loop_length is arranged. This indicates the total bytes length of the following descriptors.

  The next service_descriptor [i] supplies the service_provider (service provider) name and the service name in text format together with the service_type.

  The next country_availability_descriptor [i] represents a permitted country list and a non-permitted country list, and can be inserted twice at maximum.

  Next, descriptors are arranged, and the above described promotion descriptor and the like are included therein.

  FIG. 12 shows the configuration of the EIT. Common structure 1 (3), service_id (2), common structure 2 (3), and transport_stream_id (2) are arranged in the header of the first 10 bytes.

  Next, original_network_id (2) is arranged, and then last_table_id (1) is arranged. This last_table_id (1) identifies the final (= maximum) table_id. When only one table is used, table_id of this table is set. When table_id takes a continuous value, the information is also kept in date order. Hereinafter, event descriptors loop [0] to event descriptors loop [N] are arranged, and finally CRC_32 (4) is arranged.

  In each event descriptors, event_id (2) that provides an identification number of the event to be described is arranged, and then start_time (5) that displays the start time of the event in UTC and MJD is arranged. This field gives 16 LSBs of MJD in 16 bits, and the next 24 bits represent 6 digits according to 4-bit BCD. For example, 93/10/12 12:45:00 is encoded as 0XC078124500.

  The next duration (3) represents the duration of the event (program) in hours, minutes, and seconds.

  Next, running_status is arranged, and further free_CA_mode is arranged.

  Next, descriptor_loop_length (1.5) is arranged, and next, Short_event_descriptor [i] (7 + α) is arranged. This provides the event name and a short description of the event (program guide) in text format.

  The next Extended_event_descriptor [i] (11 + α) provides a more detailed event description (program content) than that provided by the above-mentioned Short event descriptor.

Furthermore, audio_component_descriptor [i] (6
), Video_component_descriptor [i] (3), subtitle_component_descriptor [i] (6).

  The next CA_identifier_descriptor [i] (4) describes whether it is scrambled, whether conditional access such as charging is conditioned, or the like.

  Further below, other descriptors are described.

  FIG. 13 shows the configuration of the TDT. As shown in the figure, the TDT is composed of a common structure 1 (3) and UTC_time (5).

  In addition to the above table, SI includes the following PAT (Program Association Table) in FIG. 14 and PMT (Program Map Table) in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the PAT is composed of program_map_id_loop [0] (4) to program_map_id_loop [N] (4) in addition to the common structure 1 (3), transport_stream_id (2), and common structure 2 (3). Finally, CRC_32 (4) is arranged.

  Each program_map_id_loop [i] (4) is composed of program_number [i] (2) and program_map_PID [i] (2) (or network_PID).

  program_number represents a program in which the corresponding program_map_PID is valid. When this is set to 0x0000, the PID to be referred to next is network_PID. In all other cases, the value of this field is user defined. This field does not take the same value more than once in one version of PAT. For example, program_number is used as a broadcast channel designation.

  The network_PID defines the PID of the transport stream packet including the NIT (Network Information Table). The value of network_PID is user-defined (0x0010 for DVP), but cannot take a value reserved for other purposes. The presence or absence of network_PID is optional.

  The program_map_PID specifies the PID of the transport stream packet including the PMT effective for the program specified by the program_number. There is no program_number with one or more program_map_PID assignments. The value of program_map_PID is defined by the user, but cannot take a value reserved for other purposes.

  In the PMT, as shown in FIG. 15, a 10-byte header composed of a common structure 1 (3), program_number (2), a common structure 2 (3), and PCR_PID (1.375) is arranged at the head. PCR_PID indicates the PID of a transport stream packet including a PCR field that is valid for the program specified by program_number. If there is no PCR associated with the program definition for the private stream, this field takes a value of 0x1FFF.

  Next, program_info_length (1.5) is arranged. This defines the number of bytes of the descriptor that immediately follows this field.

  In the next program info descriptors, CA_descriptor, Copyright_descriptor, Max_bitrate_descriptor, and the like are described.

  Next, stream type loop [0] (5 + α) to stream type loop [N] (5 + α) and CRC_32 (4) are arranged.

  Each stream type loop has stream_type (1) and elementary_PID (2). The stream_type specifies an elementary stream carried by a packet having a PID that takes a value specified by the elementary_PID, or a payload type. The value of stream_type is defined in MPEG2.

  The elementary_stream-PID defines the PID of the related elementary stream and the transport stream packet that carries the data.

  Next, ES_info_length (1.5) is arranged, which is a 12-bit field, the first 2 bits are 00, and specifies the number of bytes of the associated elementary stream descriptor that immediately follows this field.

  Next, ES info descriptors [N] is defined. Here, CA_descriptor and other descriptors are described.

  FIG. 16 shows a configuration example of an AV (Audio Video) system to which the present invention is applied. In this embodiment, the AV system 1 demodulates a signal received by the parabolic antenna 3 via a satellite (broadcast satellite or communication satellite) not shown by the parabolic antenna 3 in the AV system 1. (Receiver / Decoder) 2 and monitor device 4. The monitor device 4 and the IRD 2 are connected to each other by an AV line 11 and a control line 12.

  A command can be input to the IRD 2 by an infrared (IR) signal by the remote commander 5. That is, when a predetermined button switch of the remote commander 5 is operated, an infrared signal corresponding thereto is emitted from the IR transmitter 51 and incident on the IR receiver 39 (FIG. 19) of the IRD2.

  FIG. 17 shows an electrical connection state of the AV system 1 of FIG. The parabolic antenna 3 has an LNB (Low Noise Block downconverter) 3a, converts a signal from a satellite into a signal of a predetermined frequency, and supplies the signal to the IRD 2. The IRD 2 supplies its output to the monitor device 4 via an AV line 11 constituted by, for example, three lines of a composite video signal line, an audio L signal line, and an audio R signal line.

  Further, the IRD 2 has an AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 2A, and the monitor device 4 has an AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 4A. These are connected to each other by a control line 12 made of wired SIRCS (Wired Sony Infrared Remote Control System).

  FIG. 18 illustrates a configuration example of the front surface of the IRD 2. A power button switch 111 is provided on the left side of the IRD 2. The power button switch 111 is operated when the power is turned on or off. The LED 112 is turned on when the power is turned on. The LED 114 on the right side of the LED 112 is lit when a predetermined message is transmitted to the IRD 2 via the satellite. When the user outputs and displays this message on the monitor device 4 and confirms it, the LED 114 is turned off.

  The menu button switch 121 is operated when a menu is displayed on the monitor device 4.

  An up button switch 117, a down button switch 118, a left button switch 119, and a right button switch 120 are arranged on the top, bottom, left, and right of the select button switch 116, respectively. The up button switch 117, the down button switch 118, the left button switch 119, and the right button switch 120 are operated when the cursor is moved in the vertical and horizontal directions. The select button switch 116 is operated when the selection is confirmed (when selected).

  FIG. 19 shows an example of the internal configuration of the IRD 2 for receiving the aforementioned DSS. The RF signal output from the LNB 3a of the parabolic antenna 3 is supplied to the tuner 21 of the front end 20 and demodulated. The output of the tuner 21 is supplied to the QPSK demodulating circuit 22 and QPSK demodulated. The output of the QPSK demodulator circuit 22 is supplied to an error correction circuit 23, where an error is detected and corrected, and is corrected as necessary.

  In a CAM (Conditional Access Module) 33 constituted by an IC card composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, a key necessary for decrypting a cipher is stored together with a decryption program. When a signal transmitted via a satellite is encrypted, a key and a decryption process are required to decrypt the encryption. Therefore, this key is read from the CAM 33 via the card reader interface 32 and supplied to the demultiplexer 24. The demultiplexer 24 uses this key to decrypt the encrypted signal.

  The CAM 33 stores accounting information as well as keys and decryption programs necessary for decryption.

  The demultiplexer 24 receives a signal output from the error correction circuit 23 of the front end 20 and temporarily stores it in a data buffer memory (DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)) 35. Then, this is read out as appropriate, the decoded video signal is supplied to the MPEG video decoder 25, and the decoded audio signal is supplied to the MPEG audio decoder 26.

  The MPEG video decoder 25 appropriately stores the input digital video signal in the DRAM 25a, and executes a decoding process of the video signal compressed by the MPEG method. The decoded video signal is supplied to the NTSC encoder 27 and converted into an NTSC luminance signal (Y), chroma signal (C), and composite signal (V). The luminance signal and the chroma signal are respectively output as S video signals via the buffer amplifiers 28Y and 28C. The composite signal is output via the buffer amplifier 28V.

  As the MPEG video decoder 25, an MPEG2 decoding LSI (STi3500) manufactured by SGS-Thomson Microelectronics can be used. The outline is introduced by Martin Bolton in Nikkei BP “Nikkei Electronics” 1994.14 (no. 603), pages 101 to 110, for example.

  The MPEG2-Transportstream is described in pages 231 to 253 of “Latest MPEG Textbook” issued on August 1, 1994 by ASCII Corporation.

  The MPEG audio decoder 26 appropriately stores the digital audio signal supplied from the demultiplexer 24 in the DRAM 26a, and executes the decoding process of the audio signal compressed by the MPEG method. The decoded audio signal is D / A converted by the D / A converter 30, the left channel audio signal is output via the buffer amplifier 31L, and the right channel audio signal is output via the buffer amplifier 31R. Is done.

  The RF modulator 41 converts the composite signal output from the NTSC encoder 27 and the audio signal output from the D / A converter 30 into an RF signal and outputs the RF signal. In addition, when the TV mode is set, the RF modulator 41 passes an NTSC RF signal input from an AV device such as a cable box to the VCR or other AV device (none of which is shown). Output as is.

  In the case of this embodiment, these video signals and audio signals are supplied to the monitor device 4.

  A CPU (Central Processor Unit) 29 executes various processes according to programs stored in the ROM 37. For example, the tuner 21, the QPSK demodulation circuit 22, the error correction circuit 23, and the like are controlled. Further, the AV device control signal transmitting / receiving unit 2A is controlled to output a predetermined control signal to another AV device (in this embodiment, the monitor device 4) via the control line 12, and the other AV device. Receive control signal from.

  A predetermined command can be directly input to the CPU 29 by operating the operation button switch (FIG. 18) of the front panel 40. When the remote commander 5 (FIG. 20) is operated, an infrared signal is emitted from the IR transmitter 51, the infrared signal is received by the IR receiver 39, and the light reception result is supplied to the CPU 29. Accordingly, a predetermined command can be input to the CPU 29 also by operating the remote commander 5.

  The demultiplexer 24 captures EPG data and the like in addition to the MPEG video data and audio data supplied from the front end 20 and supplies them to the EPG area 35A of the data buffer memory 35 for storage. The EPG information includes information (for example, program channel, broadcast time, title, category, etc.) relating to programs on each broadcast channel from the current time to a maximum of 150 hours later. Since this EPG information is frequently transmitted, the latest EPG can always be held in the EPG area 35A.

  In an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) 38, data to be retained even after the power is turned off (for example, reception history of the tuner 21 for 4 weeks, channel number received immediately before the power is turned off (last channel)). ) And the like are stored as appropriate. For example, when the power is turned on, the same channel as the last channel is received again. When the last channel is not stored, the channel stored as a default in the ROM 37 is received. Further, when the sleep mode is set, the CPU 29 operates the minimum circuits such as the front end 20, the demultiplexer 24, and the data buffer memory 35 even when the power is off, and is included in the received signal. The current time is counted from the time information, and control for causing each circuit to perform a predetermined operation at a predetermined time is also executed. For example, timer automatic recording is executed in conjunction with an external VCR.

  Further, the CPU 29 controls the MPEG video decoder 25 when it is desired to generate predetermined OSD (On-Screen Display) data. In response to this control, the MPEG video decoder 25 generates predetermined OSD data, writes it to the OSD area 25aA (FIG. 25) of the DRAM 25a, further reads it, and outputs it. As a result, predetermined characters, graphics, etc. (for example, the program guides, program contents, and icons in FIGS. 3 to 5) can be output to the monitor device 4 and displayed as appropriate.

  The SRAM 36 is used as a work memory for the CPU 29. The modem 34 exchanges data via a telephone line under the control of the CPU 29.

  FIG. 20 shows a configuration example of the button switch of the remote commander 5. The select button switch 131 can be operated (directional operation) in a total of eight directions including four directions in the vertical and horizontal directions and four oblique directions in the middle thereof, and also on the upper surface of the remote commander 5. Thus, it is possible to perform a pressing operation (select operation) in the vertical direction. The menu button switch 134 is operated when a menu screen is displayed on the monitor device 4. The cancel button switch 135 is operated when returning to the original normal screen.

  The channel up / down button switch 133 is operated to increase or decrease the number of a broadcast channel to be received. The volume button switch 132 is operated when the volume is raised or lowered.

  A numeric button (ten-key) switch 138 on which numbers 0 to 9 are displayed is operated when a displayed number is input. When the operation of the numeric button switch 138 is completed, the enter button switch 137 is operated subsequently in the sense of ending numeric input. When the channel is switched, a new channel number, call sign (name), logo, and mailer banner are displayed for 3 seconds. There are two types of burners: those with a simple configuration as described above, and those with a more detailed configuration including the name of the program (program), the broadcast start time, the current time, and the like. Yes, the display button 136 is operated when switching the type of burner to be displayed.

  The television / video switching button switch 139 is operated when switching the input of the monitor device 4 to an input (VCR or the like) from a built-in television tuner or video input terminal. When the channel is switched by operating the numeric button switch 138, the channel before switching is stored, and the jump button switch 141 is operated when returning to the original channel before switching.

  The language button 142 is operated to select a predetermined language when broadcasting is performed in two or more languages. The guide button switch 156 is operated when receiving a promotion channel.

  The TV button switch 146 and the DSS button switch 147 are switches for switching functions, that is, for switching the device category of the infrared signal code emitted from the remote commander 5. The television button switch 146 is operated when displaying a signal received by the television tuner built in the monitor device 4. The DSS button switch 147 is operated when the signal received via the satellite is received by the IRD 2 and displayed on the monitor device 4. The LEDs 149 and 150 are turned on when the TV button switch 146 or the DSS button switch 147 is turned on, respectively. This indicates to which category of device the code is transmitted when various buttons are pressed.

  When the TV power button switch 152 and the DSS power button switch 153 are respectively operated, the power of the monitor device 4 or the IRD 2 is turned on or off.

  The muting button switch 154 is operated when setting or canceling the muting state of the monitor device 4. The sleep button switch 155 is operated when setting or canceling the sleep mode in which the power is automatically turned off when a predetermined time comes or when a predetermined time elapses.

  FIG. 21 shows a configuration example of a small stick switch used as the select button switch 131. This small stick switch has a structure in which a lever 162 protrudes from a main body 161. When the select button switch 131 is operated in eight directions on the horizontal plane, the lever 162 rotates in accordance with the operation direction. When the select button switch 131 is selected (vertical operation), the lever 162 is moved in the vertical direction. Can be pushed down.

  As this small stick switch, for example, model RKJXL1004 manufactured by Alps Electric Co., Ltd. can be used. The thickness of the main body 161 of this small stick switch is about 6.4 mm.

  FIG. 22 shows eight operation directions in the horizontal plane of the lever 162. As shown in the figure, the lever 162 can be operated in directions in eight horizontal planes indicated by A to H.

  FIG. 23 illustrates an internal configuration example of the remote commander 5. As shown in the figure, the contacts A to H inside the main body 161 of the small stick switch respectively correspond to the eight directions A to H shown in FIG. 22, and the lever 162 is moved in the directions A to D. When operated, any one of the terminals A to D is electrically connected to the terminal C1. Further, when the lever 162 is rotated in any one of the directions E to H, any one of the terminals E to H is electrically connected to the terminal C2. Further, between H and A and between D and E, the terminals C1 and C2 are both conducted. Further, when the lever 162 is operated in the vertical direction, the terminal 1 and the terminal 2 are in a conductive state.

  The conduction state of these terminals of the main body 161 is monitored by the CPU 72 constituting the microcomputer 71. Thereby, the CPU 72 can detect the direction operation and the select operation of the select button switch 131.

  The CPU 72 also constantly scans the button switch matrix 82 to detect operations of other button switches of the remote commander 5 shown in FIG.

  The CPU 72 executes various processes in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 73 and stores necessary data in the RAM 74 as appropriate.

  When outputting the infrared signal, the CPU 72 drives the LED 76 via the LED driver 75 to output the infrared signal.

  FIG. 24 schematically shows how video data, audio data, and SI data (including EPG data) are packetized, transmitted, and demodulated by IRD2. In the encoder on the transmission side, as shown in FIG. 24, SI data, video data, and audio data are packetized and transmitted to the 12.25 GHz to 12.75 GHz BSS band high-power transponder mounted on the satellite. To do. In this case, packets of a plurality of (up to 10) channels are multiplexed and transmitted on a signal of a predetermined frequency assigned to each transponder. That is, each transponder transmits signals of a plurality of channels with one carrier wave. Therefore, for example, if there are 23 transponders, it is possible to transmit data of up to 230 (= 10 × 23) channels.

  In the IRD 2, the front end 20 receives a carrier wave of one frequency corresponding to a predetermined one transponder and demodulates it. As a result, packet data of a maximum of 10 channels (5 channels in the embodiment) can be obtained. Then, the demultiplexer 24 temporarily stores each packet obtained from the demodulated output in the data buffer memory 35 and reads it out. For the SI packet including EPG data, the data portion excluding the header is stored in the EPG area 35A. The video packet is supplied to the MPEG video decoder 25 and decoded. The audio packet is supplied to the MPEG audio decoder 26 and decoded.

  Each transponder performs scheduling so that the transfer rate is the same. The transmission rate per carrier wave assigned to each transponder is 30 Mbits / sec.

  For example, in the case of a fast moving image such as a sports program, MPEG video data occupies many packets. For this reason, as the number of such programs increases, the number of programs that can be transmitted by one transponder decreases.

  On the other hand, MPEG video data of an image with little motion such as a news program announcement scene can be transmitted with a small number of packets. For this reason, when there are many such programs, the number of programs that can be transmitted by one transponder increases.

  FIG. 25 schematically illustrates data processing until the screen of the program guide is displayed on the monitor device 4.

  The CPU 29 presets a transfer destination of data input from the front end 20 in a register 24 a built in the demultiplexer 24. The data supplied from the front end 20 is temporarily stored in the data buffer memory 35, read by the demultiplexer 24, and transferred to the transfer destination set in the register 24a.

  As described above, a header is added to each packet, and the demultiplexer 24 refers to this header to supply the MPEG video data to the MPEG video decoder 25 and transfer the MPEG audio data to the MPEG audio decoder 26. When the PID (Packet ID) included in the header is SDT or EIT, these EPG data (SI data) is stored at a predetermined address in the EPG area 35A set in the register 24a. .

  Note that the header is discarded when this transfer is completed and is discarded.

  In this way, for example, when receiving radio waves from a normal transponder, program outline explanation data (program table) from the current time for 80 (39) channels to 24 hours later, the current program and the next The program detailed explanation (program content) of the program is taken into the EPG area 35A, and this EPG data can be received from any ordinary transponder. That is, the same EPG data is transmitted from any ordinary transponder.

  On the other hand, when receiving radio waves from the guide transponder (when receiving a promotion channel), program outline explanation data from the current time for 80 (39) channels to 150 hours later, and 70 hours The program detailed explanation data up to later time is taken in.

  The CPU 29 determines a time in a predetermined range of channels (for example, 15 channels in the example of FIG. 3) in the predetermined display area 250 from the total EPG table 240 (about 4 hours from the current time in the example of FIG. 3). The program data for the time until the later) is read from the EPG area 35A and written as bitmap data in the OSD area 25aA of the DRAM 25a. Then, the MPEG video decoder 25 reads out the bitmap data of the OSD area 25aA and outputs it to the monitor device 4 so that the monitor device 4 can display the EPG such as the entire program table (FIG. 3).

  When displaying characters or the like as OSD data, since the character data stored in the EPG area 35A is compressed, a process for restoring it using a dictionary is performed. For this reason, the ROM 37 stores a compression code conversion dictionary.

  The ROM 37 also stores a correspondence table (address conversion table) between character codes and font bitmap data storage positions. By referring to this conversion table, bitmap data corresponding to a predetermined character code can be read and written to the OSD area 25aA. Of course, the ROM 37 also stores the bitmap data itself at a predetermined address.

  Further, the ROM 37 stores logo data for displaying the logo (logo) (various logo data including the category logo. However, the station logo data is stored as necessary), and the logo ID. And an address conversion table for calling Logo data (bitmap data) corresponding to the ID. When the Log ID is known, the Log data stored at the address corresponding to the ID is read and written in the OSD area 25aA so that the Log indicating the category of each program can be displayed on the monitor device 4. Has been made. The station Logo is superimposed by the superimposers 333-1 to 333-4 in FIG. 2 and transmitted from the transmission side. If the station Logo is not transmitted, the ID is transmitted and corresponds to the ID. Bitmap data is read from the ROM 37.

  Next, a processing example for displaying a program guide on the monitor device 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S21, it is determined whether or not a predetermined button switch of the remote commander 5 has been operated, and waits until it is operated.

  That is, when the CPU 72 of the remote commander 5 detects that a predetermined button switch has been operated via the button switch matrix 82 or the main body 161 of the select button switch 131, the CPU 72 drives the LED 76 via the LED driver 75 to operate the button 76. The infrared signal corresponding to the button switch is output.

  The CPU 29 of the IRD 2 receives this infrared signal input via the IR receiver 39 and determines which button switch of the remote commander 5 is operated from the input signal.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the predetermined button switch has been operated, the process proceeds to step S22, and it is determined whether or not the menu button switch 134 has been operated. If it is determined that the menu button switch 134 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S23, and the CPU 29 executes menu display processing.

  That is, the CPU 29 causes bitmap data of the main menu as shown in FIG. 27, for example, to be written in the OSD area 25aA of the DRAM 25a corresponding to the EPG data stored in the EPG area 35A. The bitmap data is read from the DRAM 25aA, input from the MPEG video decoder 25 to the NTSC encoder 27, and converted to NTSC data. This NTSC data is supplied to the monitor device 4 via the AV line 11 and displayed as an S video signal or a composite signal. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 27, the main menu is displayed on the CRT of the monitor device 4 as a window superimposed on the image of the channel currently received and displayed. This is because the MPEG video decoder 25 reads the bitmap data from the OSD area aA in the DRAM 25a every time the predetermined window display area data is read in the process of decoding the video data compressed by the MPEG system. This is realized by reading and outputting.

  In the main menu screen of FIG. 27, the window is divided into nine areas, and button icons (soft buttons) for selecting a predetermined mode are displayed in each area. The user operates the select button switch 131 in one of the eight directions in the horizontal plane to change the cursor (in this embodiment, a predetermined button icon has a brightness (brightness different from that of the other button icons). This is displayed in color or blink (blinking), or displayed in a frame, and this is used as a cursor. In the case of FIG. 27, the cursor is positioned on the button icon of the entire program guide in the center) Can be moved in either direction.

  For example, when the select button switch 131 is operated in the left direction from the button icon of the entire program guide, the cursor moves on the button icon of the channel program guide. Further, when operated in the diagonally downward left direction, the screen moves from the button icon of the entire program guide to the button icon of the movie list.

  For example, when the select button switch 131 can be operated only in four directions, up, down, left, and right, to move the cursor from the button icon of the entire program guide to the button icon of the movie list, first move the cursor to the left side. Further, it is necessary to move it further downward, or to move it further downward once and then move it further to the left side. That is, in this case, two operations are required. On the other hand, if the select button switch 131 can be operated not only in the vertical and horizontal directions but also in the diagonal direction as in the embodiment of FIG. 20, the cursor can be moved to the entire program table by one operation. The button icon can be moved onto the movie list button icon.

  The user moves the cursor over a predetermined button icon to select a predetermined mode, and further performs a selection operation (vertical operation) in which the select button switch 131 is pressed vertically to confirm the selection.

  In step S24, it is determined whether or not the button icon of the program guide (whole program guide or channel program guide) has been selected and confirmed. If the button icon of the program guide is selected and confirmed (selected), the process proceeds to step S25, and the program guide display process is executed. Details of the program guide display processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If it is determined in step S24 that the button icon of the program guide has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S27, and it is determined whether or not another button icon has been selected. If not, the process returns to step S23. Continue menu display.

  If it is determined in step S27 that a button icon other than the program guide has been selected and confirmed, the process proceeds to step S28, and processing corresponding to the selected and confirmed button icon is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the input from the remote commander 5 is not an operation of the menu button switch 134, the process proceeds to step S26 to determine whether or not the guide button switch 156 has been operated. Determined. If it is determined that the guide button switch 156 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S25, and the program guide display process (in this case, the entire program guide display process) is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that any button switch other than the guide button switch 156 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S28, and processing corresponding to the operated button switch is executed.

  As described above, the entire program guide can be displayed via the menu, or can be directly displayed by operating the guide button switch 156. However, the channel program guide is displayed only via the menu.

  FIG. 28 shows a more detailed process example of the program guide display process in step S25 of FIG. In step S41, a program guide display process is performed. That is, when the entire program guide is selected from the menu or when the guide button switch 156 of the remote commander 5 is operated, the entire program guide as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed.

  Next, in step S42, it is determined whether or not the select button switch 131 of the remote commander 5 has been selected. If it is determined that the select operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S43 to determine whether or not a direction operation has been performed. Is done. When the direction operation is not performed, the process returns to step S42, and it is determined whether or not the selection operation is performed again. In this way, it waits until a select operation or a direction operation is performed.

  If it is determined in step S43 that the direction of the select button switch 131 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S44, and whether or not the program when the cursor is moved is in a position in the range exceeding 24 hours from the current time. Is determined. If the program is within 24 hours, the process proceeds to step S48, and the cursor is moved to that position. Then, the process returns to step 42 and waits until a new operation is performed.

  In this way, the user can move the cursor on a predetermined program by operating the select button switch 131 in the direction.

  If it is determined in step S44 that the program after the cursor is moved is a program located in a range exceeding 24 hours from the current time, the process proceeds from step S44 to step S45, and the program within 150 hours from the current time. It is determined whether or not. As described above, since the range included in the EPG transmitted as EPG data is 150 hours at the maximum, in the case where the cursor is moved to a position exceeding 150 hours, the process proceeds to step S46. “None” message is displayed on the monitor device 4.

  If it is determined in step S45 that the position of the cursor is within 150 hours (that is, it is determined that the range is longer than 24 hours and within 150 hours), the process proceeds to step S47. The transponder is changed from a normal transponder to a guide transponder.

  In step S48, the cursor is moved. When the cursor reaches the end of the screen, event_id is acquired, and short_event_descriptor is acquired from the EIT, and the program guide is displayed. Thereafter, the process returns to step S42 and waits until a new operation is performed.

  That is, in this way, the entire program guide or the channel program guide is displayed as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 corresponding to the movement position of the cursor.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S42 that the select button switch 131 has been selected with the cursor positioned on the predetermined program, the process proceeds to step S49, where the program is the program at the current time or the next program. Is determined. If it is the current program or the next program, the process proceeds to step S53, and the event_id of the program is acquired. Then, the process proceeds to step S54, and the extended_event_descriptor is obtained from the EIT of the event_id acquired in step S53. In step S55, the program content corresponding to the extended_event_descriptor is displayed.

  Thus, for example, if a select operation is performed while the entire program guide is displayed, the program content of the program at which the cursor is positioned is displayed as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 30, when a selection operation is performed in a state where the cursor is positioned on a predetermined program in the channel program guide, the contents of the program are displayed.

  Next, in steps S56 and S57, the system waits until a select operation or a direction operation is performed. If it is determined that a direction operation has been performed, the process returns from step S57 to step S48 to move the cursor onto a new program. At this time, the program content of the program on which the cursor has been positioned is deleted.

  If it is determined in step S56 that the select operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S58, and the reception process of the program where the cursor is located is executed. That is, the CPU 29 controls the tuner 21 and commands the reception of the program. As a result, the program is displayed on the monitor device 4.

  If it is determined in step S49 that the selected program is a program ahead of the next program, the data of the program content is included only in the EPG data of the transmission channel of the guide transponder. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to step S50, and it is determined whether or not the program is a program within 70 hours from the current time. In the case where the program is a program at a position exceeding 70 hours, as described above, in this system, the program content of the program in that time zone has not been transmitted as EPG data. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to step S46, and a “no information” message is displayed.

  When the position of the program is within 70 hours from the current time, the process proceeds from step S50 to step S51, where it is determined whether or not the current transponder is a guide transponder, and the current transponder is switched to the guide transponder. If not, the process proceeds to step S52, and a process of changing the transponder to a guide transponder is performed. If it has already been switched to the guide transponder, the process of step S52 is skipped.

  In step S53, event_id is acquired from the EPG data transmitted from the guide transponder, and in step S54, the corresponding extended_event_descriptor is acquired. In step S55, the corresponding program content is displayed.

  In this way, it is possible to confirm the program contents for up to 70 hours.

  FIG. 31 schematically shows the processing shown in FIG. 28 in the entire program guide. When a transponder other than the guide transponder is received, the EPG data includes a range from the current time for 80 channels to the time after 24 hours. Therefore, a predetermined number of channels out of 80 channels can be displayed by moving the cursor in the vertical direction.

  On the other hand, when the cursor is moved in the left-right direction, the cursor may enter a position exceeding 24 hours. At this time, EPG data exceeding 24 hours is transmitted only in the guide transponder. In this case, the transponder is switched and EPG data of the promotion channel (that is, EPG data up to 150 hours from the current time). Data). Within that range, the program designated by the cursor is displayed.

  In the case of a channel program guide, as shown in FIG. 33, the range in which the cursor can be moved is only in the time direction, so the range from the current time of a predetermined channel to the range of 24 hours or even 150 hours. Programs between are displayed.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, a transmission channel corresponding to a normal transponder transmits EPG data in a relatively short range, and a transmission channel of a guide transponder that transmits a promotion program is wider ( Since a long range of EPG data is transmitted, it is possible to prevent a transmission capacity of a program from being reduced in a transmission channel supported by a normal transponder. In addition, since there are few programs that should be transmitted on the promotion channel, the amount of data of the programs that should be originally transmitted is smaller than that on other transmission channels, unlike the case of other normal transmission channels. Therefore, even if the EPG data is increased in this promotion channel as compared with other transmission channels, substantially no trouble occurs.

  Further, when switching to another program while watching a predetermined program, if the other program is also a program in the same transmission channel, it is possible to switch quickly. However, in the case of other transmission channels (programs transmitted from other transponders), it takes some time to switch programs.

  Therefore, when it is necessary to view a wider range of electronic program guides while viewing a normal predetermined program, it is necessary to switch the transponder to the promotion channel, which requires some switching time. To do. However, this switching interrupts the reception of the program that is being viewed and switches to the state of watching the program on the promotion channel, so it is the same as switching a normal program, which is a mental burden for the user. Must not.

  In the promotion channel, since the amount of EPG data is larger than that in other transmission channels, the transmission period is longer than that in other transmission channels. However, as long as the promotional channel is received, a wide range of desired electronic program guides can be obtained in a short time, so there is almost no stress on the user. This also reduces the memory capacity and processing time required for processing EPG data in a normal transmission channel in IRD2.

  As described above, the case where the present invention is applied to the IRD 2 has been described as an example. However, the IRD can be substantially incorporated in the monitor device 4 (television receiver).

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the transmitter which applied the electronic program guide transmission apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the promotion channel production | generation apparatus 302 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a whole program schedule. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a channel program guide. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of program detailed description (program content). It is a figure explaining the range of a program schedule and program content. It is a figure explaining transmission of EPG information in a transponder. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a multiscreen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display in the case of selecting a multiscreen. It is a figure explaining EGP data. It is a figure explaining the structure of SDT. It is a figure explaining the structure of EIT. It is a figure explaining the structure of TDT. It is a figure explaining the structure of PAT. It is a figure explaining the structure of PMT. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the AV system to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical connection state of the AV system of FIG. It is a front view which shows the structural example of the front of IRD2 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of IRD2 of FIG. It is a top view which shows the structural example of the upper surface of the remote commander 5 of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the small stick switch which comprises the select button switch 131 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation direction in the horizontal surface of the lever 162 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of the remote commander 5 of FIG. It is a figure explaining the outline of the process in the encoder of a transmission side, and the process of IRD2 which receives the output. It is a figure explaining the EPG data memorize | stored in the EPG area 35A of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the process which displays a program schedule. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the menu screen in step S23 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the program schedule display process in step S25 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example which displayed the program content on the whole program schedule. It is a figure which shows the example which displayed the program content on the channel program guide. It is a figure explaining the display range of a whole program schedule. It is a figure explaining the display range of a channel program guide.

Explanation of symbols

1 AV system 2 IRD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Parabolic antenna 4 Monitor apparatus 5 Remote commander 21 Tuner 23 Error correction circuit 24 Demultiplexer 25 MPEG video decoder 25a DRAM
26 MPEG audio decoder 26a DRAM
29 CPU
35 Data buffer memory 35A EPG area 36 SRAM
37 ROM
38 EEPROM
39 IR receiver 131 Select button switch 156 Guide button switch

Claims (6)

First generation means for generating data in a first range of an electronic program guide for selecting a program;
Second generation means for generating data in a second range narrower than the first range in the electronic program guide;
Transmission means for transmitting the data in the first range through a first transmission channel and transmitting the data in the second range through a plurality of second transmission channels different from the first transmission channel. And
The first transmission channel mainly transmits a promotional program capable of sending more data for configuring the electronic program guide than a plurality of the second transmission channels. An electronic program guide transmission device characterized in that there are two transmission channels. The transmission means superimposes a part of the data in the first range on a screen of a broadcast channel signal transmitted by the first transmission channel;
2. The electronic program guide transmission device according to claim 1, further comprising: a multiplexing unit that multiplexes the data in the second range into a broadcast channel signal transmitted through the plurality of second transmission channels. 3. . A part of the data in the first range superimposed on the screen of the broadcast channel signal transmitted by the first transmission channel by the superimposing means is a bitmap of the data in the first range. The electronic program guide transmission device according to claim 2, wherein the electronic program guide transmission device is a data portion. The electronic program guide transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first range is a wide range including the second range. The electronic program guide transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic program guide includes a program outline description indicating the program and a broadcast time thereof, and a program detail description introducing the contents of the program. In an electronic program guide transmission method of an electronic program guide transmission device for generating and transmitting an electronic program guide for selecting a program,
Generating data in a first range of the electronic program guide;
Generating data in a second range narrower than the first range in the electronic program guide;
Transmitting the first range of data on a first transmission channel;
Transmitting the second range of data through a plurality of the second transmission channels different from the first transmission channel ;
The first transmission channel mainly transmits a promotional program capable of sending more data for configuring the electronic program guide than a plurality of the second transmission channels. An electronic program guide transmission method characterized by comprising one transmission channel.

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