JP4579766B2 - TV broadcast receiver - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a television broadcast receiving apparatus suitable for each terminal device of a local television distribution network laid in a common facility such as a hotel, inn or hospital.

  In general, when watching TV broadcasts on a hotel accommodation facility such as a hotel or an inn, or an in-hospital facility such as a hospital, on the premises TV distribution network laid on the premises, terrestrial broadcasts received with a common antenna, BS 110 ° Multiple programs such as CS digital broadcasting, terrestrial digital broadcasting, and independent broadcasting that is broadcast independently in the facility are received by a dedicated TV broadcast receiving device as a terminal device, and are selected and demodulated by this TV broadcast receiving device. The video signal and the audio signal can be output and viewed by a television receiver connected to the television broadcast receiver.

  However, the above-mentioned dedicated television broadcast receiving apparatus, which is also generally referred to as STB (set top box), has an AC outlet, and a plug at the tip of the AC cord of the television receiver is connected to the television receiver. It also supplies power.

  As a television receiver connected to the television broadcast receiving device, since the AC power supply is received from the television broadcast receiving device, an image sent from the television broadcast receiving device immediately when AC power is supplied. And it is desirable for business use to reproduce audio signals.

  By using such a television receiver for business use, the user can operate the television receiver simply by operating the power button of the remote control for the television broadcast receiver or the power button arranged on the front of the television broadcast receiver body. The unit is also supplied with AC power, and the video and audio of the channel selected at that time are output from the television receiver.

On the other hand, current detection means for detecting the output current from the AC outlet and storage means for storing whether or not the television receiver is connected depending on the presence or absence of current by the current detection means are provided, and the television receiver is connected. If the output current is not detected when the power of the home terminal is turned on, the home terminal technology is provided with a notification means for notifying the resident that the main power supply on the television receiver side is off. Is considered. (For example, Patent Document 1)
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-046017

  Recently, television receivers for general use, in which so-called liquid crystal televisions and plasma televisions, which use thin panel displays such as liquid crystal panels and plasma panels as display elements, have become widespread, and these are digital broadcasts. Therefore, these general-purpose television receivers are often used for local television distribution networks.

  However, in general television receivers including liquid crystal televisions, etc., only the main power switch provided in the main body of the television receiver for connecting / disconnecting the AC power source and the power-on key operation signal for the remote controller are only accepted. Many of them have two systems of power switches, a sub power switch for switching between the standby state and the state of outputting video and audio.

  In this type of general-purpose television receiver, information indicating on / off of the sub power switch is stored in the internal memory together with information such as channel selection and volume, and the main power switch is turned on. At this point, the operating state stored in the memory is restored.

  Therefore, when a general-purpose television receiver is connected to the television broadcast receiver and control is performed including the supply of AC power to the television receiver on the television broadcast receiver side, the sub power switch of the television receiver is used. If the TV broadcast receiving device cuts off the AC power supply to the television receiver in a state where the TV is disconnected, even if the AC power supply to the television receiver is restarted next time, the sub power switch still remains on the television receiver side. Is in a standby state where is disconnected, and television broadcasts and the like cannot be viewed.

  In addition, in such a television broadcast receiver connected to a general-purpose television receiver, all control including channel selection is performed by a remote controller dedicated to the television broadcast receiver, not a remote controller on the television receiver side. It is assumed that this is done by operation, and the television receiver functions as a simple monitor device.

  However, this dedicated remote controller cannot handle operations such as a main power switch, a volume switch, and an input switch provided in the television receiver body.

  Therefore, if the switch on the television receiver side is accidentally operated, it cannot be restored to the original state by the key operation of the remote controller dedicated to the television broadcast receiver, and this is indicated as a guide message. It is also impossible to make a notification on the display screen of the television receiver.

  The occurrence of the above situation in a hotel room, etc., where an unspecified number of users, including those who are extremely unfamiliar with the handling of equipment, is not considered as a device provider. It can cause trouble and should be avoided as much as possible.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a user-friendly television broadcast that can be easily controlled by connecting a general-purpose television receiver. To provide a receiving apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 1 of the present application is a channel selection means for receiving a plurality of television broadcast signals, selecting one television broadcast signal from the received signals, demodulating and outputting each video and audio signal, Instructing means for instructing power on, and supplying power to the external device to which the video signal and the audio signal output from the channel selecting means are supplied as well as turning on the power of its own device based on the instruction from the instructing means A power supply means for detecting, a detection means for detecting a power supply amount to the external device by the power supply means by an output current value, and the external device from the output current value detected by the detection means, the standby state of the television broadcast and the standby A judging means for judging whether the state is a state, a sending means for sending a power-on signal of the external device when the judging means judges that the external device is in a standby state, and a sending means for sending The has been powered on signal is converted into a receivable signal at the external device, characterized by comprising a delivery means for delivering to the external device.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a channel selection means for receiving a plurality of television broadcast signals, selecting one television broadcast signal from the received signals, demodulating and outputting each video and audio signal, and a power source Instructing means for instructing input, and an external device to which the video signal and the audio signal output by the channel selecting means are supplied in a state where the power of the apparatus is turned on based on an instruction from the instructing means A power supply means for supplying power, a detection means for continuously detecting the power supply amount to the external device by the power supply means, and an output current value detected by the detection means. A judging means for judging whether the viewing state of the broadcast or a standby state; a sending means for sending a power-on signal of the external device when the judging means judges that the external device is in a standby state; This call The power-on signal transmitted by the stage and converted into receivable signal at the external device, characterized by comprising a delivery means for delivering to the external device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the external device has a receiving unit that receives an operation signal from a dedicated remote controller, and the delivery unit is connected to the transmission unit. The power-on signal is converted into a signal similar to the operation signal from the dedicated remote controller and delivered to the receiving unit by wire.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, power is supplied to the connected general-purpose television receiver, and if the television receiver is in a standby state, the power-on signal is automatically transmitted to forcibly activate the operation. Therefore, it is possible to easily execute the control without imposing any burden on the user.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, power is supplied to the connected general-purpose television receiver, and the television receiver side is accidentally turned off while the television receiver is watching the television broadcast. Even if it has become, this is detected immediately, and a power-on signal is automatically transmitted to forcibly start up the operation and realize viewing of TV broadcasting, so control without imposing any burden on the user Can be easily executed.

According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the power- on signal is converted into a signal similar to the operation signal from the dedicated remote controller and delivered. Thus, it is possible to reliably turn on the external device.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in the case where the present invention is applied to, for example, a television broadcast receiving apparatus installed for each guest room in a hotel facility premises will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In addition, the distribution-side equipment that distributes TV broadcasts to each guest room in the hotel facility premises receives terrestrial analog broadcasts, terrestrial digital broadcasts, BS digital broadcasts, 110 ° CS digital broadcasts, etc., using dedicated antennas. Then, after these outputs and the independent broadcast in the hall are mixed, they are distributed to the television broadcast receiver installed in each guest room via a distribution network constituted by coaxial cables.

  FIG. 1 shows a connection configuration between a television broadcast receiving device 1 arranged in the guest room and a general-purpose liquid crystal television 3 used as the monitor device. In the figure, a television broadcast receiver 1 is connected to a distribution network (not shown) by a coaxial cable 4 and receives the plurality of television broadcast signals arranged and superimposed on the frequency axis, The audio signal is obtained, and the video signal (video) is delivered to each input terminal of the liquid crystal television 3 via the video cable 6 and the audio signal (audio) via the audio cable 7.

  Further, the AC power supply of the liquid crystal television 3 is also performed by connecting the plug at the tip of the AC power cable 8 of the liquid crystal television 3 to an AC outlet on the back side (not shown).

  Further, a remote control code 9 is derived from the television broadcast receiver 1, and an infrared light emitting unit 10 located at the tip of the remote control code 9 is affixed on the remote controller light receiving unit 11 on the front surface of the liquid crystal television 3.

  The television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 connects a plug at the tip of its own AC power cable 5 to an AC outlet (not shown) arranged in advance in the cabin, and a remote control light receiving unit 13 and a power switch 14 are provided on the front surface of the casing. Is disposed.

  The remote control light receiving unit 13 receives an infrared signal from the remote controller 2 dedicated to the television broadcast receiver 1, and one power switch 14 is connected to the television broadcast receiver 1 itself and the television broadcast receiver 1. It is provided for manually turning on / off the power of the liquid crystal television 3.

  The liquid crystal television 3 is provided with a display screen composed of a color liquid crystal panel with a backlight on the front surface thereof, the remote control light receiving unit 11, a viewing state for outputting video and audio, and an instruction to turn on the power. A power button 12 for switching between a standby state and a standby state;

  That is, the liquid crystal television 3 does not have a conventional main power switch equivalent to other models that have been increasing in recent years, and is always viewed when AC power is supplied through the AC power cable 8. It is assumed that the model is in either a state or a standby state.

  In addition, a remote controller (not shown) that should originally be attached to the liquid crystal television 3 is not used, and it is not deployed in the guest room where the television broadcast receiver 1 and the liquid crystal television 3 are installed.

Next, a detailed circuit configuration in the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 will be described.
FIG. 2 shows a functional circuit configuration inside the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1, and a signal sent via the coaxial cable 4 is distributed into two systems by the distributor 21, and the television broadcast receiving unit 22 and the high frequency It is transmitted to the modem 25.

  The television broadcast receiving unit 22 includes a terrestrial tuner, a terrestrial digital tuner, and a BS / 110 ° CS digital tuner (not shown) arranged in parallel therein, and based on a signal from the control unit 26 described later, The channel is selected by one of the tuners, the video signal and the audio signal are demodulated, and the demodulated video signal is sent from the video output terminal 23 to which the video cable 6 is connected. Output from the connected audio output terminal 24.

  The high-frequency modem 25 realizes a bidirectional communication function by both upstream and downstream data communication using the FSK modulation method with a front computer (not shown) connected via the coaxial cable 4. Control information such as viewing restrictions for the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 and various setting information are received and demodulated by downlink data communication from the receiver, and sent to the control unit 26, while charging information and response information from the control unit 26, etc. Is modulated and transmitted to the front computer via the distributor 21 and the coaxial cable 4.

  The control unit 26 controls the operation of the entire television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 including the high frequency modem 25 and the television broadcast receiving unit 22. The control unit 26 includes a CPU, a flash memory in which an operation program of the CPU is stored in a nonvolatile manner, and a RAM that is a work memory.

  The flash memory in the control unit 26 includes a setting value for determining whether the power of the liquid crystal television 3 is in an on state or a standby state from the AC current value supplied to the liquid crystal television 3, and the reception Key code data of a remote controller dedicated to the liquid crystal television 3, not the device remote controller 2, an address number unique to the television broadcast receiver 1, etc. are stored in advance.

  The work memory in the control unit 26 stores status information and the like when the power supply of the remote controller 2 for receiving apparatus or other key operations is accepted and the power of the liquid crystal television 3 is turned on / off.

  However, in addition to the television broadcast receiving unit 22 and the high frequency modem 25, the control unit 26 includes an operation unit 27 including the power switch 14 and other keys, the remote control light receiving unit 13, a magnetic card reader / writer (card R / W) 29, remote control code output unit 30, current detection unit 31, and power supply control unit 32 are connected.

  The remote controller light receiving unit 13 receives the infrared modulation signal transmitted by the key operation on the receiver remote controller 2, demodulates it, obtains the corresponding key code data, and sends it to the control unit 26.

  The magnetic card reader / writer 29 inserts a prepaid card purchased in order to view a pay program by a user who uses the guest room of the hotel at any time. Is subtracted, and after the prepaid card is instructed to be discharged, the remaining frequency data is written and then discharged.

  The magnetic card reader / writer 29 allows the hotel user to insert a prepaid card as well as a setting card or a confirmation card in which various setting data are recorded by the hotel facility manager. It is also possible to execute setting changes and confirmation of stored data.

  The remote control code output unit 30 generates a modulation signal from the key code data for controlling the power source of the liquid crystal television 3 stored in the flash memory in the control unit 26 in advance and outputs it from the output terminal 28. The remote control code 9. Direct and reliable delivery to the remote control light receiving unit 11 of the liquid crystal television 3 through the infrared light emitting unit 10.

  The power supply control unit 32 creates and supplies DC power for operation of each circuit from the AC power supplied via the AC power cable 5, while supplying AC power as required by internal relay control. This is applied to the AC outlet 33 for the liquid crystal television and supplied to the liquid crystal television 3 through the AC power cable 8.

  The current detection unit 31 detects the output current value at the liquid crystal television AC outlet 33 and outputs it to the control unit 26, and the detected value is digitally converted.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 shows the processing contents of the power control from the state in which the power of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 is turned off. Basically, the CPU in the control unit 26 is operated by the flash memory in the control unit 26. Is executed based on the operation program stored in the program.

  At the beginning, the control unit 26 waits for these key operations by repeatedly determining whether or not the keys of the remote controller 2 for receiving device or the operation unit 27 are operated (step S01).

  When it is determined that the operation has been performed, it is determined whether the next operation is the power key of the receiver remote controller 2 or the power switch 14 of the operation unit 27 (step S02).

  Here, in the case where the operation is something other than the power key or power switch 14 of the remote controller 2 for receiving apparatus, the operation is regarded as invalid and the process returns to the process from step S01 again. When the power key or the power switch 14 of the remote controller 2 for receiving apparatus is operated, the TV broadcast receiving apparatus 1 itself is immediately turned on to start the TV broadcast receiving operation (step S03), and the power control unit The internal relay is closed by 32, and AC power is supplied to the liquid crystal television 3 via the liquid crystal television AC outlet 33 (step S04).

  FIG. 4A illustrates the supply timing of the AC power to the liquid crystal television 3 by the control unit 26 on the television broadcast receiver 1 side, and the power key of the remote controller 2 for the receiver at the timing T1 shown in the figure. Alternatively, the power switch 14 is operated, and the control unit 26 indicates that the AC power is being supplied to the liquid crystal television 3 correspondingly.

  While power is being supplied to the liquid crystal television 3, the current detection unit 31 detects the output current value at the liquid crystal television AC outlet 33 (step S05), and the detected output current value is preset. Depending on whether or not the value is exceeded, it is determined whether or not the liquid crystal television 3 is in a power-on state in which a television broadcast viewing operation is performed, instead of a standby state in which the power-on operation is waited (step S06).

  Here, when the current detection value obtained by the current detection unit 31 is equal to or less than the set value stored in the flash memory in the control unit 26 in advance, the control unit 26 determines that the liquid crystal television 3 is in the standby state. The key code data of the power key operation of the dedicated remote controller of the liquid crystal television 3 is read from the internal flash memory, modulated by the remote control code output unit 30 and output from the output terminal 28, the remote control code 9, the infrared light emitting unit 10 is directly and reliably delivered to the remote control light receiving unit 11 of the liquid crystal television 3 through the liquid crystal television 3 in the same manner as when the power key is operated with a remote controller (not shown) dedicated to the liquid crystal television 3. 3 is automatically turned on (step S07), and the process returns to step S05 again.

  FIG. 4C shows a change in the current value detected by the current detector 31 at this time. After the power of the liquid crystal television 3 is turned on at the timing T1, as shown in FIG. Since the liquid crystal television 3 is in the standby state, the current value consumed with the supply of the AC power is also lower than the preset value A1, which is stored in the control unit 26. By automatically turning on the power source of the liquid crystal television 3 by the processing in step S07, as a result, the television broadcast can be viewed on the liquid crystal television 3 at a timing delayed by the time T2 from the timing T1. The supply of AC power from the television broadcast receiver 1 to the liquid crystal television 3 is continued.

  In addition, when it is determined that the current detection value obtained by the current detection unit 31 in step S06 exceeds a preset value and the power supply of the liquid crystal television 3 has already been turned on to view the television broadcast. The control unit 26 determines whether or not the keys on the remote controller 2 for receiving apparatus or the operation unit 27 have been operated (step S08). If the keys have not been operated, the control unit 26 returns to the processing from step S05 to return these keys. Wait for operation.

  FIG. 4B shows a change in the current value detected by the current detection unit 31 at this time. As shown in FIG. 4A, the power supply of the liquid crystal television 3 is turned on at the timing T1. After that, when the liquid crystal television 3 views the television broadcast, the current value consumed with the supply of the AC power sufficiently exceeds the preset value A1, which is stored in advance. The supply of AC power to the television 3 is continued.

  Even if the power button 12 of the liquid crystal television 3 is inadvertently operated by the user and the liquid crystal television 3 enters the standby state by repeatedly executing the processes of steps S05, S06, and S08, the steps are repeated. This can be determined immediately by the processes in S05 and S06, and the power of the liquid crystal television 3 can be automatically turned on again by the process in step S07.

  FIG. 4D illustrates a change in the current value detected by the current detection unit 31 in such a case. In this case, for example, the power button 12 of the liquid crystal television 3 is used while the supply of AC power from the power control unit 32 of the television broadcast receiver 1 to the liquid crystal television 3 via the liquid crystal television AC outlet 33 is continued. Even if the liquid crystal television 3 is inadvertently operated by the user and the liquid crystal television 3 shifts from the television broadcast viewing operation to the standby state, the current detection unit 31 continues to detect the output current value to the liquid crystal television 3. Therefore, the control unit 26 can detect the state, and when the time T3 elapses after the output current value falls below the preset value A1 stored in advance, the control unit 26 performs liquid crystal processing by the process in step S07. The power of the television 3 is automatically turned on again, and the television broadcast can be viewed on the liquid crystal television 3 again.

  Thereafter, when the user operates the key of the remote controller 2 for receiving apparatus or the operation unit 27, this is determined in step S08, and the next operation is the power key of the remote controller 2 for receiving apparatus or the operating unit 27. It is determined whether or not it is the power switch 14 (step S09).

  Here, in the case where the operated key is anything other than the power key or the power switch 14 of the remote controller 2 for receiving apparatus, the television broadcast corresponding to the operated key, such as changing the viewing channel or adjusting the volume, is performed. After the viewing control is performed (step S10), the process returns to step S05.

  If it is determined in step S09 that the power key or the power switch 14 of the remote controller 2 for receiving apparatus has been operated, the power supply control unit 32 supplies power to the liquid crystal television 3 via the liquid crystal television AC outlet 33. After the supply is stopped (step S11), the power of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 itself is also turned off (step S12), and the above steps are prepared again to prepare for the next power-on instruction as a series of processing is output. Return to the process from S01.

  In this way, the general-purpose liquid crystal television 3 connected to the television broadcast receiver 1 is also used as a television receiver to supply AC power, and when the liquid crystal television 3 is in a standby state, the power is automatically turned on. Since a signal is transmitted and the operation is forcibly started to realize viewing of a television broadcast, it is possible to easily execute control without imposing any burden on the user.

  In addition, not only when the TV broadcast receiving device 1 is turned on, but once the TV broadcast is started, the power switch 14 on the liquid crystal television 3 side is erroneously operated during the viewing and the standby state is set. Even if it stops, this is detected immediately, and a signal to automatically turn on the LCD TV 3 is transmitted to forcibly start up the operation and resume viewing of the TV broadcast. It is possible to easily execute the control without applying it.

  In particular, a signal for turning on the power of the liquid crystal television 3 is converted into a signal generated by a remote controller dedicated to the liquid crystal television 3 and delivered to the remote control light receiving unit 11 of the liquid crystal television 3 to thereby reliably power the liquid crystal television 3. Can be turned on.

  In the above embodiment, the signal transmitted from the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 to the remote control light receiving unit 11 of the television receiver 3 via the remote control code 9 and the infrared light emitting unit 10 at the tip of the remote control cord 9 instructs the power on / off. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be transmitted to the television receiver 3 including key code signals related to other instruction operations such as volume adjustment, input switching, and channel selection.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid crystal television 3 is used as the television receiver connected to the television broadcast receiver 1. However, the display elements of the connected television receiver are limited to those using a liquid crystal display panel. Of course, a display using a plasma display or CRT (CRT) may be used.

  Furthermore, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where it applied to the television broadcast receiver installed for every guest room in a hotel facility premise, this invention is not limited to this, The television distribution network utilized in a facility premise is demonstrated. As long as it is a commercial television broadcast receiving device as each terminal, it can be similarly applied to devices installed in accommodation facilities such as inns or in hospitals.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

  Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, at least one of the problems described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and described in the column of the effect of the invention. In a case where at least one of the obtained effects can be obtained, a configuration in which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.

The block diagram which shows the connection structure of the television broadcast receiver which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and a television receiver. The block diagram which shows the functional circuit structure inside the television broadcast receiver which concerns on the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the processing content mainly regarding power supply control which concerns on the same embodiment. The timing chart which shows the process example regarding the power supply control which concerns on the same embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Television broadcast receiver, 2 ... Remote control for receivers, 3 ... Television receiver, 4 ... Coaxial cable (local distribution network), 5 ... AC power cord, 6 ... Video cable, 7 ... Audio cable, 8 ... AC power supply Cable, 9 ... Remote control code, 10 ... Infrared light emitting unit, 11 ... Remote control light receiving unit, 12 ... Power button, 13 ... Remote control light receiving unit, 14 ... Power switch, 21 ... Distributor, 22 ... TV broadcast receiving unit, 23 ... Video Output terminal 24 ... Audio output terminal 25 ... High frequency modem 26 ... Control part 27 ... Operation part 28 ... Output terminal 29 ... Magnetic card reader / writer (card R / W), 30 ... Remote control code output part 31 ... Current detection unit, 32 ... Power supply control unit, 33 ... AC outlet for liquid crystal television.

Claims (3)

Channel selection means for receiving a plurality of television broadcast signals, selecting one television broadcast signal from the received signals, demodulating and outputting each video and audio signal;
An instruction means for instructing to turn on the power;
A power supply means for turning on the power of its own device based on an instruction from the instruction means and supplying power to an external device to which the video signal and the audio signal output from the channel selection means are supplied;
Detection means for detecting the power supply amount to the external device by the power supply means by the output current value;
Determination means for determining whether the external device is in a television broadcast viewing state or a standby state from the output current value detected by the detection means;
A transmitting means for transmitting a power-on signal of the external device when it is determined by the determining means that the external device is in a standby state;
A television broadcast receiving apparatus comprising: a delivery means for converting a power-on signal sent by the sending means into a signal receivable by the external device and delivering the signal to the external device. Channel selection means for receiving a plurality of television broadcast signals, selecting one television broadcast signal from the received signals, demodulating and outputting each video and audio signal;
An instruction means for instructing to turn on the power;
Power supply means for supplying power also to an external device to which the video signal and audio signal output from the channel selection means are supplied in a state where the power of the own device is turned on based on an instruction from the instruction means; ,
Detection means for continuously detecting the power supply amount to the external device by the power supply means by the output current value;
Determination means for determining whether the external device is in a television broadcast viewing state or a standby state from the output current value detected by the detection means;
A transmitting means for transmitting a power-on signal of the external device when it is determined by the determining means that the external device is in a standby state;
A television broadcast receiving apparatus comprising: a delivery means for converting a power-on signal sent by the sending means into a signal receivable by the external device and delivering the signal to the external device. The external device has a receiving unit that receives an operation signal from a dedicated remote controller,
The said delivery means converts the power-on signal from the said transmission means into the signal similar to the operation signal from the said exclusive remote controller, and delivers to the said receiving part by wire. TV broadcast receiver.

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