JP4973214B2 - Program guide presentation device, program guide presentation method, program guide presentation program, and program guide generation device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program guide presentation device, a program guide presentation method, a program guide presentation program, and a program guide generation device. For example, the present invention is applied to a program guide presentation device that generates a program guide serving as a program schedule table and presents it to a user. And suitable.

  In recent years, as this kind of program guide presentation device, EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information indicating a broadcast schedule of a program is acquired, and an electronic program guide that becomes a broadcast schedule table of the program is generated based on the acquired EPG information. Television receivers and program recorders that are presented to users are widely used.

  For example, in a television receiver, an electronic program guide generated based on EPG information is displayed, so that the user can recognize the broadcast schedule of the program, and the user can select a desired program via this electronic program guide. This makes it possible to switch programs and make reservations for viewing programs.

  In the program recording apparatus, the electronic program guide generated based on the EPG information is displayed on an external display so that the user can recognize the broadcast schedule of the program, and the user can select a desired program via the electronic program guide. The program can be reserved for recording by selecting.

  As described above, in the conventional television receiver and program recording apparatus, the user can set the program broadcast schedule without viewing the television column of the newspaper by presenting the electronic program guide generated based on the EPG information to the user. It is made to be able to be recognized.

  Conventionally, as a program guide presenting device for presenting this type of electronic program guide, for example, an electronic program guide (also referred to as a current program guide) in which program information of programs currently being broadcast on each channel is displayed as a list is displayed. There has been proposed a program guide presentation device that can be presented (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, an electronic program guide (also referred to as a future program guide) that displays a list of program information of programs scheduled to be broadcast at any time among the programs scheduled to be broadcast from the present to the next few days in each channel is presented. There is also a program guide presentation device to obtain.

  Among them, the current program guide is a program guide suitable for confirming the back program of the program that the user is currently viewing (that is, the program being broadcast on other channels), and the future program guide is scheduled to be broadcast by the user. This is a program table suitable for making reservations for viewing and recording reservations.

Therefore, by switching between the current program guide and the future program guide according to the user operation and displaying them, an electronic program guide suitable for the user's purpose such as confirmation of the back program, reservation for viewing or reservation for viewing can be obtained. There is also a program guide presentation device that can be presented.
JP 2006-108929 A

  However, in the conventional program guide presenting apparatus as described above, when the current program guide is displayed, the user can confirm only the program information of the program currently broadcast on each channel. For this reason, for example, even if the user only wants to confirm a program broadcast immediately before the currently broadcasted program (for example, the next broadcasted program), the program of the program scheduled to be broadcast from the present time to a predetermined time ahead. An operation such as switching to a future program guide on which information is displayed has to be performed on the program display presentation device.

  Here, if it is possible to realize a current program table that allows easy confirmation of a program that is currently being broadcast and a program that is being broadcast in the immediate vicinity of the program that is currently being broadcast, a user-friendly electronic It is considered that the program guide can be presented.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, the prior art and compared with more program guide presenting device capable of presenting a good program table easy to use, presentation method program guide, the program guide presents the program and the program table generator It is what we are going to propose.

In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, program guide information including a broadcast station that broadcasts a program and program information indicating at least a broadcast start time of the program is acquired, and each broadcast station is based on the acquired program guide information. In addition, each program broadcast within a predetermined time from the current time is assigned to one or more program information display frames for displaying program information, and further provided for each broadcasting station along a time frame in which the time axis is divided by time zones. the resulting display area, generates a program table by arranging at a position corresponding program information display frame on the broadcast start time of the program, to display the program guide generated by a predetermined display unit, further lapse of time Each time a program being broadcast ends, the program information display frame of the program that has been broadcast is deleted from the display area, and the empty space generated by deleting the program information display frame is filled, table In the region, and in so that update the program guide by relocating the corresponding program information display frame for the rest of the program to be broadcast in the same time zone and the program ended broadcasting start time of the program location.

In this way, every time a program that is currently being broadcast is finished, the program information display frame of the program that has been broadcast is deleted, and the empty space generated by deleting the program information display frame is filled. By relocating the program information display frame of the remaining programs that are broadcast in the same time zone as the program that was terminated in the position corresponding to the broadcast start time of the program and updating the program guide , each broadcast station it is possible to easily confirm the program currently being broadcast to the user, the program can also be easily confirmed to be broadcast in the immediate vicinity of the program currently being broadcast from the broadcasting station.

According to the present invention, every time a program that is currently being broadcast is finished, the program information display frame of the program that has been broadcast is deleted, and the empty space generated by deleting the program information display frame is filled. In this way, the program information is updated by rearranging the program information display frames of the remaining programs that are broadcast in the same time zone as the program ended in this way to the position corresponding to the broadcast start time of each program. it is possible to easily confirm the user the program currently being broadcast from the station, the program can also be easily confirmed to be broadcast in the immediate vicinity of the program currently being broadcast from the broadcasting station. Thus, conventional and compared with more program guide presenting device capable of presenting a good program table easy to use, presentation method program guide, the program guide presents the program and the program table generating apparatus can be realized.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) Hardware Configuration of Television Broadcast Receiving Device In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a hardware configuration of the television broadcast receiving device. This television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 has a function of receiving and reproducing digital and analog television broadcasts and a function of acquiring EPG information, and a host microcomputer 2 is connected via a built-in memory or bus 3 (not shown). Various processes are executed according to a program stored in the connected nonvolatile memory 4, and an operation signal (hereinafter also referred to as a remote controller) RM is input via a UI (User Interface) control unit 5. That is, a user operation) is received as a command, and the operation of each unit is controlled in accordance with this command.

  In practice, the television broadcast receiver 1 inputs a digital broadcast signal received via the digital antenna 6 to the digital tuner 7 under the control of the host microcomputer 2. The digital tuner 7 extracts a broadcast signal of a predetermined channel (for example, a channel designated by a user operation) from the digital broadcast signal under the control of the host microcomputer 2, and further demodulates the extracted broadcast channel signal. Broadcast channel data is obtained by performing processing, descrambling processing, etc., and this broadcast channel data is sent to the demultiplexer 8.

  The demultiplexer 8 separates video data and audio data from the broadcast channel data, and sends them to the AV decoder 9. The AV decoder 9 obtains a video signal and an audio signal by decoding each of the video data and the audio data, and sends the video signal to the display 11 via a GUI (Graphical User Interface) superimposer 10, while A signal is sent to the speaker 12. At this time, the GUI superimposer 10 superimposes a graphic signal such as OSD (On Screen Display) on the video signal.

  As a result, a digital broadcast program video is output from the display 11 of the television broadcast receiver 1, and program audio is output from the speaker 12. In this way, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 receives a digital broadcast and reproduces the program video and program audio.

  Also, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 inputs an analog broadcast signal received via the analog antenna 13 to the analog tuner 14 under the control of the host microcomputer 2. The analog tuner 14 extracts a broadcast signal of a predetermined channel from the analog broadcast signal under the control of the host microcomputer 2 and sends the extracted broadcast signal to the demodulator 15. The demodulator 15 obtains a demodulated signal by performing predetermined demodulation processing on the broadcast signal, further separates the video signal and the audio signal from the demodulated signal, and displays the video signal via the GUI superimposer 10. 11, while sending the audio signal to the speaker 12. At this time, the GUI superimposer 10 superimposes a graphic signal such as OSD (On Screen Display) on the video signal.

  As a result, analog broadcast program video is output from the display 11 of the television broadcast receiver 1, and program audio is output from the speaker 12. In this way, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 receives an analog broadcast and reproduces the program video and program audio.

  Further, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 separates the EPG information of the digital broadcast from the broadcast channel data by the demultiplexer 8 under the control of the host microcomputer 2 and records this in the nonvolatile memory 4. Incidentally, when this EPG information is provided for each channel, the host microcomputer 2 acquires the EPG information from each broadcast channel data of a plurality of receivable channels and records it in the nonvolatile memory 16. .

  Further, the television broadcast receiver 1 sends the demodulated signal demodulated by the demodulator 15 to a VBI (Vertical Blanking Interval) slicer 16 under the control of the Host microcomputer 2. The VBI slicer 16 cuts out a specific line of the demodulated signal and sends it to the EPG decoder 17. The EPG decoder 17 decodes the specific line of the demodulated signal to obtain EPG information of the analog broadcast and stores it in the nonvolatile memory. Record in 4.

  Also, the television broadcast receiver 1 receives analog broadcast EPG information transmitted from an EPG information distribution server (not shown) via the network terminal 18 under the control of the host microcomputer 2 and receives the received EPG information. EPG information is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 4 via the network controller 19 and the bus 3.

  In this way, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 is configured to acquire EPG information. Incidentally, in this EPG information, for example, as the program information of a program scheduled to be broadcast, the broadcast station name, channel number, broadcast date and time (including broadcast start time and broadcast end time), program name, genre, program overview, program details , Performers, etc. are included.

  Furthermore, in the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1, the host microcomputer 2 generates electronic program guide data based on the EPG information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 4 and temporarily stores it in the RAM 20 via the bus 3. Thereafter, the data is sent from the RAM 20 to the GUI superimposer 21. The GUI superimposing unit 21 generates a screen signal based on the data of the electronic program guide and sends it to the display 11.

  Here, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 of this embodiment has program information of a program scheduled to be broadcast at an arbitrary time (for example, 4 hours) among programs scheduled to be broadcast several days from now as an electronic program guide. The data of the future program table that can display a list of a plurality of channels (for example, for seven channels) and program information of a program broadcast within a predetermined time (for example, one hour) from the current time for a plurality of channels (for example, for seven channels) Data of the current program guide that can be displayed in a list can be selectively generated. Here, the case where data of a future program guide is first generated will be described.

  That is, the host microcomputer 2 generates future program guide data based on the EPG information recorded in the non-volatile memory 4, temporarily stores it in the RAM 20 via the bus 3, and then stores the GUI superimposer 21 from the RAM 20. To send. The GUI superimposing unit 21 generates a screen signal based on the data of the future program guide and sends it to the display 11.

  As a result, the future program guide screen 30 as shown in FIG. 2 is output from the display 11 of the television broadcast receiver 1. Here, the screen configuration of the future program guide screen 30 will be described in detail.

(2) Future program guide (2-1) Future program guide screen configuration The future program guide screen 30 has a future program guide 31 sized to occupy almost the entire screen at the center of the screen. Word W (W1 to W7) indicating various operations related to the future program guide 31 (selection of display target day, channel selection, enlargement / reduction display, program explanation display, function display, end of electronic program guide screen, etc.) Has a screen configuration displayed in proximity to the button icons Bi (Bi1 to Bi7) indicating the buttons of the remote controller RM corresponding to the operation.

  The future program table 31 is a table in which the horizontal axis indicates the channel and the vertical axis indicates the broadcast time, and the program information of the program scheduled to be broadcast at any time among the programs scheduled to be broadcast several days ahead from now Minutes can be displayed. Here, the future program table 31 shown in FIG. 2 is an example in which program information for 7 hours and 4 hours is displayed. Hereinafter, the future program table 31 in this case will be described as an example.

  In this case, the future program table 31 has channel numbers of seven channels to be displayed (for example, “011”, “012”, “021”, “022”, “023”, “041”, Seven channel number frames CN (CN1 to CN7) for displaying “042” are arranged along the horizontal axis, and at the left end and the right end of the table, four hours (for example, 4:00 pm to pm Four time frames Ti (Ti1 to Ti4) indicating 1 hour unit (4 hours until 8:00) are arranged along the vertical axis, and the date (month / day) to be displayed is displayed in the upper left corner of the table. (Day of week)) is arranged, and the remaining part is a program information display area Pa for displaying program information for each channel. Incidentally, characters indicating the corresponding time zone (for example, “afternoon 4”, “4”, etc.) are displayed in each of the time frames Ti.

  Here, in the channel number frame CN1 at the left end of the seven channel numbers CN (CN1 to CN7), a channel number smaller than the channel number displayed in the channel number CN1 exists in the acquired EPG information. In addition, a left-pointing triangle mark M1 indicating that is displayed, and the channel number CN7 at the right end has a channel number larger than the channel number displayed in the channel number CN7 in the acquired EPG information. If it exists, a right-pointing triangular mark M2 indicating that fact is displayed. Further, EPG information obtained before the time indicated by the time frame Ti1 is obtained near the upper side of the time frame Ti1 at the upper end of the four time frames Ti (Ti1 to Ti4) arranged at the right end of the table. Is displayed, an upward triangular mark M3 indicating that is present, and a time later than the time indicated by the time frame Ti4 is obtained near the lower side of the time frame Ti4 at the lower end. When the EPG information is present, a downward triangle mark M4 indicating that fact is displayed.

  In the future program guide 31, the channel and time to be displayed are switched by operating the direction key provided on the remote controller RM in the same direction as the displayed triangle mark M (M1 to M4). It has also been made.

  Further, in the program information display area Pa, a plurality of frames Fr to which a single program or a plurality of programs continuous in time on the same channel are allocated are channels and times for broadcasting the allocated one or a plurality of programs. (The horizontal position corresponds to the channel and the vertical position corresponds to the time), and the program information of one or more assigned programs is displayed in each frame Fr. It is made to be done.

  As shown in FIG. 3 in addition to FIG. 2, the frame Fr is roughly divided into two types depending on the size of the vertical width. One is a large frame FrL having a vertical width capable of displaying one or more lines of program information (specifically, broadcast start amount + program name) represented by characters such as kanji, hiragana, katakana, and numbers. One is a line of program information (specifically, the start of broadcasting) that is smaller in length than the large frame FrL and is represented only by numbers that are smaller in size than the characters displayed in the large frame FrL (0 in the large frame FrL). .. (Corresponding to 5 lines), a plurality of small frames FrS that can be displayed. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, one line of the large frame FrL is treated as a line reference.

  One program is assigned to the large frame FrL, and the broadcast start amount (for example, “00”) of the allocated one program and the program name (for example, “news” are sequentially arranged in the horizontal direction from the upper left in the frame. "Weather information") is displayed. On the other hand, when one or a plurality of programs are assigned to the small frame FrS and one program is assigned, On the other hand, the broadcast start amount (for example, “45”) of the program is displayed at the left end in the frame. On the other hand, when a plurality of programs are assigned, the respective broadcast start portions (for example, “50”) of the assigned plural programs. ”,“ 55 ”) are displayed in order from the left end in the frame in the order from the beginning of the broadcast in the horizontal direction.

  That is, the large frame FrL can display more detailed program information because the vertical frame is larger than the small frame FrS, while the small frame FrS is displayed because the vertical frame is smaller than the large frame FrS. Since the area is small and only broadcast start information is displayed as program information, program information of a plurality of programs can be displayed.

  Incidentally, in the future program table 31 of this embodiment, the vertical width of one time frame Ti is set to a size that can display the program information (broadcast start amount + program name) displayed in the large frame FrL for four lines. Therefore, for example, a large frame FrL for displaying one line of program information (broadcast start amount + program name) at a position corresponding to one time frame Ti, such as 4 pm in the channel number “011”. Up to four can be arranged.

  In other words, in this future program table 31, if the number of programs broadcast on each channel is 4 or less per hour, the broadcast start amount and program names of all programs broadcast on this hour are displayed in a large frame FrL. In contrast, when the number of programs broadcasted in one hour is 5 or more, at least the start of broadcasting of all programs can be displayed using one or more small frames FrS. Has been made.

  In the future program guide 31, the width of the frame Fr (large frame FrL and small frame FrS) is basically 1 such that the channel number “011” is 4:30 pm to 4:45 pm. The channel number frame CN is set to the same size as the horizontal width (for example, a size capable of displaying a plurality of characters). For example, the channel number “011” from 4:00 pm to 4:05 pm In the time zone in which one broadcast station broadcasts the same program on multiple channels (also called event sharing), such as the number “012” from 4:00 pm to 4:05 pm It is set to a size in which the horizontal widths of a plurality of channel number frames CN corresponding to a plurality of shared channels are connected. In other words, in this future program table 31, a plurality of programs shared by events are handled as one program, and the width of a plurality of channel number frames CN corresponding to a plurality of channels sharing events is connected to this one program. The large frame FrL or the small frame FrS is allocated.

  Further, in the future program table 31, the broadcast date of each program is indicated by the date frame Dt, and the broadcast time zone of each program (that is, each program) is indicated by the time frame Ti and the vertical positions of the large frame FrL and the small frame FrS. When the program starts on the future program table 31 as a whole even if only the broadcast start time is displayed as the broadcast start time of the program on the large frames FrL and FrS. The user can accurately recognize the time (month, day, hour, and minute). The broadcast end time of each program can be specified by the broadcast start time of the next program.

  By displaying such a future program guide 31 on the future program guide screen 30, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can display a display target time (in this embodiment, seven channels) in a plurality of display target channels (in this embodiment). In this case, it is possible for the user to easily recognize at least the number and the broadcast start amount of all the programs broadcast in 4 hours.

  In addition, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 displays various operation related to the future program guide 31 in the lower corner of the future program guide screen 30 (selection of display target date, channel selection, enlargement / reduction display, program description display, function By displaying the word W (W1 to W7) indicating the display, the end of the electronic program guide screen) in association with the button icons Bi (Bi1 to Bi7) indicating the buttons of the remote controller RM corresponding to the operation, for example, The user can easily recognize various operations related to the future program guide 31 using the remote controller RM without referring to the instruction manual or separately displaying an operation explanation screen.

  Further, on the future program guide screen 30, each of all the programs for seven channels and four hours can be selected by the focus Fc displayed superimposed on the frame Fr of the future program guide 31. Incidentally, the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiver 1 is configured to move the focus Fc in accordance with, for example, an operation of a direction key (not shown) provided on the remote controller RM. Hereinafter, program selection by the focus Fc will be described in detail.

(2-2) Selection of program by focus Here, a case will be described as an example where each of a plurality of programs is selected in a situation where there are a plurality of programs to be broadcast for a predetermined hour on a predetermined channel.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, as a plurality of programs broadcast on a predetermined channel for a predetermined hour (00 to 60 minutes), the broadcast start is “00” and the program name is “A”. Program a, broadcast start program “03” and program name “B” b, broadcast start program “10” and program name “C”, and broadcast start program “30”. The program d with the program name “D”, the program e with the broadcast start “40” and the program name “E”, the program f with the broadcast start “50” and the program name “F”, It is assumed that there are seven programs ag in the EPG information with the program g having the broadcast start amount of “53” and the program name of “G”.

  In this case, the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 4B, these seven programs a to g are accommodated in one time frame Ti (for four lines). The six frames Fr1 to Fr6 are assigned according to the program length of the programs a to g. Here, the frame Fr with (S) added like a frame Fr1 (S) is a small frame FrS for 0.5 lines, and the frame Fr with (L) added like a frame Fr3 (L). Indicates a large frame FrL of one line or more.

  Specifically, the host microcomputer 2 assigns the program a to the frame Fr1 (S) for 0.5 rows positioned at the top, and the frame Fr2 (S) for 0.5 rows positioned below it. Program b is assigned, program c is assigned to the frame Fr3 (L) for one line located below it, program d is assigned to the frame Fr4 (L) for one line located below it, and the position is located below it. The program e is assigned to the frame Fr5 (S) for 0.5 lines to be assigned, and the program f and the program g are assigned to the frame Fr6 (S) for 0.5 lines located at the bottom.

  As a result, only the start “00” of the program a is displayed in the frame Fr1 (S) positioned at the top, and only the start “03” of the program b is displayed in the subsequent frame Fr2 (S). In the subsequent frame Fr3 (L), the start “10” of the program c and the program name “C” are displayed, and in the subsequent frame Fr4 (L), the start of the program d “30” and the program name “D” are displayed. In the subsequent frame Fr5 (S), only the start amount “40” of the program e is displayed, and the start portion “50” of the program f is sequentially displayed from the left in the frame Fr6 (S) positioned at the bottom. And the start of program g “53” are displayed with a predetermined interval.

  The host microcomputer 2 sets such a state (a state where the focus Fc is not applied) as an initial state, and then moves the focus Fc to the uppermost frame Fr1 (S) by, for example, an operation of the remote controller RM. As shown in FIG. 4C, the frame Fr1 (S) is changed to the frame Fr1 (L) (that is, the small frame FrS is changed to the large frame FrL), and the focus Fc is applied to the frame Fr1 (L). Further, by shifting the frame Fr1 (S) to the frame Fr1 (L), the subsequent frame Fr2 (S) is shifted downward by 0.5 lines, and the frame Fr3 (L) below is further changed to the frame Fr3 (S). Change (that is, change from the large frame FrL to the small frame FrS).

  As a result, the start frame “00” and the program name “A” of the program a are displayed in the state where the focus Fc is applied to the frame Fr1 (L) positioned at the top, and the subsequent frame Fr2 Only the start “03” of program b is displayed in (S), and only the start “10” of program c is displayed in the subsequent frame Fr3 (S). As a result, the program a assigned to the frame Fr1 (L) is selected by the focus Fc.

  Further, when the host microcomputer 2 recognizes that the down key of the remote controller RM is pressed from this state, for example, as shown in FIG. 4D, the top frame Fr1 (L) is changed to the frame Fr1 ( S) (that is, the large frame FrL is changed to the small frame FrS), and the subsequent frame Fr2 (S) is changed to the frame Fr2 (L) (that is, the small frame FrS is changed to the large frame FrL). The focus Fc is moved to Fr2 (L).

  As a result, only the start “00” of the program a is displayed in the frame Fr1 (S) positioned at the top, and the program F with the focus Fc applied to the subsequent frame Fr2 (L). The start part “03” of b and the program name “B” are displayed. As a result, the program b assigned to the frame Fr2 (L) is selected by the focus Fc.

  Further, when the host microcomputer 2 recognizes that the down key of the remote controller RM is pressed from this state, for example, the host microcomputer 2 changes the frame Fr2 (L) to the frame Fr2 (S) as shown in FIG. (In other words, the large frame FrL is changed to the small frame FrS), and the subsequent frame Fr3 (S) is changed to the frame Fr3 (L) (that is, the small frame FrS is changed to the large frame FrL). The focus Fc is moved to.

  As a result, only the start amount “03” of the program b is displayed in the frame Fr2 (S), and the start amount “10” of the program c with the focus Fc applied to the subsequent frame Fr3 (L). "And the program name" C "are displayed. As a result, the program c assigned to the frame Fr3 (L) is selected by the focus Fc.

  Further, when the host microcomputer 2 recognizes from this state that, for example, the down key of the remote controller RM is pressed, the host microcomputer 2 moves the focus Fc to the frame Fr4 (L) as shown in FIG.

  As a result, the start amount “30” and the program name “D” of the program d are displayed in the state in which the focus Fc is applied to the frame Fr4 (L). As a result, the program d assigned to the frame Fr4 (L) is selected by the focus Fc.

  Further, when the host microcomputer 2 recognizes that the down key of the remote controller RM is pressed from this state, for example, the host microcomputer 2 changes the frame Fr4 (L) to the frame Fr4 (S) as shown in FIG. (In other words, the large frame FrL is changed to the small frame FrS), and the subsequent frame Fr5 (S) is changed to the frame Fr5 (L) (that is, the small frame FrS is changed to the large frame FrL). The focus Fc is moved to.

  As a result, only the start amount “30” of the program d is displayed in the frame Fr4 (S), and the start amount “40” of the program e with the focus Fc applied to the subsequent frame Fr5 (L). "And the program name" E "are displayed. As a result, the program e assigned to the frame Fr5 (L) is selected by the focus Fc.

  Further, when the host microcomputer 2 recognizes from this state that, for example, the down key of the remote controller RM is pressed, the position of the focus Fc and the sizes of the frames Fr1 to Fr6 are as shown in FIG. The program e assigned to the frame Fr5 (L) is reassigned to the upper frame Fr4 (S), and the program f and the program g assigned to the lowermost frame Fr6 (S). The program f that starts earlier is reassigned to the upper frame Fr5 (L).

  As a result, the start “30” of the program d and the start “40” of the program e are displayed with a predetermined interval in order from the left in the frame Fr4 (S), and the subsequent frame Fr5 (L ), The start amount “50” and the program name “F” of the program f are displayed with the focus Fc being applied, and the start portion “53” of the program g is displayed in the subsequent frame Fr6 (S). Only comes to be displayed. As a result, the program f assigned to the frame Fr5 (L) is selected by the focus Fc.

  Further, when the host microcomputer 2 recognizes that the down key of the remote controller RM is pressed from this state, for example, the host microcomputer 2 changes the frame Fr5 (L) to the frame Fr5 (S) as shown in FIG. (In other words, the large frame FrL is changed to the small frame FrS), and the subsequent frame Fr6 (S) is changed to the frame Fr6 (L) (that is, the small frame FrS is changed to the large frame FrL). The focus Fc is moved to.

  As a result, only the start amount “50” of the program f is displayed in the frame Fr5 (S), and the start of the program g is performed with the focus Fc being applied to the bottom frame Fr6 (L). The minute “53” and the program name “G” are displayed. As a result, the program g assigned to the frame Fr6 (L) is selected by the focus Fc.

  In this way, the host microcomputer 2 can select each of the seven programs a to g by the focus Fc that can be moved according to the operation of the direction key provided on the remote controller RM. ing.

  As described so far, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can select one program assigned to the frame Fr by placing the focus Fc on an arbitrary frame Fr according to a user operation. Has been made so.

  In addition, when a plurality of programs are assigned to one frame Fr (for example, the frame Fr6), the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 includes at least three frames including the frame Fr (for example, the frame Fr6) according to a user operation. Using adjacent frames Fr (for example, frames Fr4, Fr5, Fr6), one of a plurality of programs is assigned to one frame Fr, and the other programs are assigned to the remaining two frames Fr. The program assignment was changed. In this way, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can select each program even when a plurality of programs are assigned to one frame Fr.

  Furthermore, since the program selected by the focus Fc is considered to be a program that the user is interested in, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 has at least one line of program information of the program selected by the focus Fc. The large frame FrL is used for display. By doing so, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can make the user recognize the program information of the selected program in more detail and easily.

  Here, the case where the programs are actually selected one by one with the focus Fc on the future program guide screen 30 shown in FIG. 2 will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 5, the event is shared by channel number “021”, channel number “022”, and channel number “023”, and broadcast from 5:30 pm to 5:40 pm in time frame Ti2. It is assumed that the focus Fc is applied to a frame Fr10 (L) to which one program (starting portion “30”, program name “quartet”) is assigned. That is, in this case, the program (starting portion “30”, program name “quartet”) assigned to the frame Fr10 (L) is selected by the focus Fc.

  In this state, when recognizing that the down key of the remote controller RM is pressed, the host microcomputer 2 changes the frame Fr10 (L) to the frame Fr10 (S) as shown in FIG. In accordance with this, the lower frame Fr11 (S) is changed to the frame Fr11 (L) (that is, the small frame FrS is changed to the large frame FrL), and the focus Fc is set to the frame Fr11 (L). Move.

  As a result, only the start portion “30” of the assigned program (start portion “30”, program name “quartet”) is displayed in the frame Fr10 (S), and the frame Fr11 (L ) Displays the start amount “40” of one program assigned with the focus Fc and the program name “Anime Zenzai THE ...”. As a result, the program assigned to the frame Fr11 (L) (starting amount “40”, program name “animation Zenzai THE ...”) is selected by the focus Fc.

  Further, from this state, when recognizing that the down key of the remote controller RM is pressed, the host microcomputer 2 keeps the position of the focus Fc and the sizes of the frames Fr10 to Fr11 as shown in FIG. The program assigned to Fr11 (L) (starting amount “40”, program name “Anime Zenzai THE ...”) is reassigned to the frame Fr10 (S) one level higher, and one of the frames Fr11 (L) is assigned. The early program of the start of the two programs (the program with the start “45” and the program with the start “50”) assigned to the frame Fr12 (S) located at the bottom of the time frame Ti2 below Reassign (starting program “45”) to the frame Fr11 (L).

  As a result, the start portion “30” and the start portion “40” of the two programs assigned in order from the left are displayed in the frame Fr10 (S) with a predetermined interval, and the subsequent frame Fr11 is displayed. In (L), the start amount “45” of one program assigned with the focus Fc being applied and the program name “Menelau switch mini” are displayed, and the subsequent frame Fr12 (S) is displayed. Only the start “50” of one assigned program is displayed. As a result, the program assigned to the frame Fr11 (L) (starting amount “45”, program name “Menelau switch mini”) is selected by the focus Fc.

  Further, from this state, when recognizing that the down key of the remote controller RM is pressed, the host microcomputer 2 changes the frame Fr11 (L) to the frame Fr11 (S) as shown in FIG. 8 (that is, the large frame FrL). In accordance with this, the lower frame Fr12 (S) is changed to the frame Fr12 (L) (that is, the small frame FrS is changed to the large frame FrL) and the focus is set to the frame Fr12 (L). Move Fc.

  As a result, only the start “45” of one assigned program is displayed in the frame Fr11 (S), and the focus Fc is applied to the frame Fr12 (L) below the frame Fr11 (S). The start amount “50” of one assigned program and the program name “Anime ぉ Jajamaru” are displayed. As a result, the program assigned to the frame Fr12 (L) (starting amount “50”, program name “animated Jajajamaru”) is selected by the focus Fc.

  Further, from this state, when recognizing that the down key of the remote controller RM has been pressed, the host microcomputer 2 sets the focus Fc to the frame Fr12 (at the bottom of the time frame Ti, as shown in FIG. L), the frame Fr13 (L) at the top of the next time frame Ti3 is moved, and the states of the frames Fr10 to Fr12 of the time frame Ti2 are returned to the original state (that is, the state shown in FIG. 5). As a result, the program assigned to the frame Fr13 (L) (starting amount “00”, program name “Mirakuru! Earthworm”) is selected by the focus Fc.

  In this way, the host microcomputer 2 selects programs one by one on the future program guide screen 30 by the focus Fc. Further, when the host microcomputer 2 recognizes that a determination button (not shown) of the remote controller RM is pressed in a state where any one program is selected, for example, the program description (program outline, program details, etc.) of this program ) Is displayed on the future program guide screen 30, and when it is recognized that a channel selection button (not shown) has been pressed while the currently broadcast program is selected, the future program guide screen 30 is displayed. When it is recognized that a reservation button (not shown) has been pressed while switching to a video and a program scheduled to be broadcast is selected, the viewing reservation screen is displayed on the future program guide screen 30 or the like. Performs various processing on the program. By having such a mechanism that can select each program, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can perform processing for each program.

(2-3) Future Program Guide Generation Algorithm Next, when the future program guide 31 is generated, each frame to be displayed (that is, each program broadcasted at a predetermined time on a plurality of channels) to which frame Fr (large frame FrL, How to allocate and allocate to the small frame FrS), that is, the generation algorithm of the future program guide 31 will be described in detail. Incidentally, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 of this embodiment basically performs processing in units of time frames Ti of each channel (that is, one channel per hour) when the future program guide 31 is generated. Yes. Therefore, the generation algorithm is executed with one channel per hour as a processing unit.

  First, the types of frames Fr constituting the future program guide 31 will be described again in detail. As shown in FIG. 10, in this generation algorithm, as a frame Fr, a large frame FrL in which a vertical width is one line or more and one program is allocated, and a small frame in which a vertical width is 0.5 lines and one or more programs are allocated. Two types of frames FrS are prepared.

  In this case, as described above, one line means program information represented by characters such as kanji, hiragana, katakana, and numbers that can be easily recognized by the user (specifically, the start amount + program name). ). In other words, the large frame FrL can display one or more lines of program information (specifically, the start amount + program name) represented by characters such as kanji, hiragana, katakana, and numbers.

  On the other hand, since the small frame FrS has only 0.5 lines in height, it cannot display program information represented by characters such as kanji, hiragana, katakana, and numbers like the large frame FrL. Instead, program information (specifically, the start amount) represented only by numbers that can be sufficiently recognized by the user can be displayed for a plurality of programs even with a font size smaller than characters such as kanji, hiragana, and katakana.

  Next, a program allocation pattern (also referred to as a program allocation pattern) for the large frame FrL and the small frame FrS will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D and FIG. 12, in this generation algorithm, four basic patterns a to d are prepared as program allocation patterns.

  As shown in FIGS. 11A and 12, the first basic pattern a is a pattern in which one program is allocated to one or more large frames FrL. That is, the program information of one program is displayed in one or more lines. Specifically, when one program is allocated to the large frame FrL for one line, one program is allocated to the large frame FrL for 1.5 lines, and one program is allocated to the large frame FrL for two lines, 2 The case where one program is allocated to the large frame FrL for five lines is included in the first basic pattern a.

  As shown in FIGS. 11B and 12, the second basic pattern b is a pattern in which two programs are assigned to one large frame FrL for one row and one small frame FrS for 0.5 row. That is, it is a pattern for displaying program information of two programs in 1.5 lines. Specifically, considering the selection of a program by focus, there are a case where a small frame FrS continues below the large frame FrL for one row and a case where a large frame FrL for one row continues below the small frame FrS. It is included in the second basic pattern b.

  As shown in FIGS. 11C and 12, the third basic pattern c is a pattern in which three or more programs are allocated to one large frame FrL for one row and two small frames FrS for 0.5 row. That is, it is a pattern for displaying program information of three or more programs in two lines. Specifically, considering the selection of a program by focus, two small frames FrS continue below the large frame FrL for one row, and one large frame FrL continues below the small frame FrS. The third basic pattern c includes a case in which the small frame FrS continues and a case in which the large frame FrL for one line follows the two small frames FrS.

  As shown in FIGS. 11D and 12, the fourth basic pattern d is a pattern in which four or more programs are allocated to one large frame FrL for one row and three small frames FrS for 0.5 row. That is, it is a pattern that displays program information of four or more programs in 2.5 lines. Specifically, in consideration of selection of a program by focus, a case where three small frames FrS continue below the large frame FrL for one line, and a large frame FrL for one line continues below the small frame FrS. Is followed by two small frames FrS, a case where two small frames FrS are followed by a large frame FrL for one line, and a small frame FrS is further followed by one small frame FrS. The fourth basic pattern d includes a case where the large frame FrL continues.

  Such four basic patterns a to d and a pattern arbitrarily combining them are program allocation patterns. By the way, as is apparent from the third basic pattern c, if there are at least two display areas, this display is made using one large frame FrL for one line and two small frames FrS for 0.5 line. The program information of any number of programs can be displayed in the area. Further, at this time, one arbitrary program can be selected by allocating one arbitrary program to the large frame FrL and allocating all the remaining programs to the two small frames FrS.

  Here, in this generation algorithm, as shown in FIG. 13, program allocation is performed based on the number of programs broadcast in the processing target time (1 hour in this embodiment) in the processing target channel and the number of lines used. A pattern is selected.

  In practice, in this generation algorithm, for example, if the number of lines used is two and the number of programs is one, the first basic pattern a is selected as the program allocation pattern. If the number of lines used is two and the number of programs is two, a pattern in which two first basic patterns a are combined is selected as a program allocation pattern. Furthermore, if the number of lines used is two and the number of programs is three, four, or five, the third basic pattern c is selected as the program allocation pattern.

  Further, in this generation algorithm, for example, if the number of lines used is 2.5 and the number of programs is one, the first basic pattern a is selected as the program allocation pattern. If the number of lines used is 2.5 and the number of programs is two, a pattern in which two first basic patterns a are combined is selected as a program allocation pattern. Furthermore, if the number of lines to be used is 2.5 and the number of programs is three, a pattern that combines the first basic pattern a and the second basic pattern b is selected as the program allocation pattern. If the number of lines to be used is 2.5 and the number of programs is 4 or 5, the fourth basic pattern d is selected as the program allocation pattern.

  Furthermore, in this generation algorithm, for example, if the number of lines used is three and the number of programs is one, the first basic pattern a is selected as the program allocation pattern. If the number of lines used is three and the number of programs is two, a pattern in which two first basic patterns a are combined is selected as a program allocation pattern. Furthermore, if the number of lines to be used is three and the number of programs is three, a pattern in which three first basic patterns a are combined is selected as a program allocation pattern. If the number of lines to be used is three and the number of programs is four or five, a pattern combining the first basic pattern a and the third basic pattern c is selected as the program allocation pattern.

  Further, in this generation algorithm, for example, if the number of lines used is 3.5 and the number of programs is one, the first basic pattern a is selected as the program allocation pattern. If the number of lines to be used is 3.5 and the number of programs is two, a pattern in which two first basic patterns a are combined is selected as a program allocation pattern. Further, if the number of lines to be used is 3.5 and the number of programs is three, a pattern in which three first basic patterns a are combined is selected as a program allocation pattern. If the number of lines to be used is 3.5 and the number of programs is four, a combination of the first basic pattern a and the third basic pattern c is selected as the program allocation pattern. If the number of lines to be used is 3.5 and the number of programs is five, a combination of the second basic pattern b and the third basic pattern c is selected as the program allocation pattern.

  In this way, in this generation algorithm, the program allocation pattern is selected. Incidentally, even if the number of programs is 6 or more and the number of lines is 4 or more, the program allocation pattern may be selected in the same way as the selection method described above.

  In this selection method, as is apparent from the table of FIG. 13, the first basic pattern a composed of the large frame FrL is selected as much as possible, and the second basic pattern b and the third basic pattern are selected. Each of c and the fourth basic pattern d always includes one large frame FrL. That is, in this generation algorithm, the program names of as many programs as possible can be displayed by allocating programs to the large frame FrL as much as possible (that is, within the range allowed by the number of lines).

  Further, in this generation algorithm, each program is classified into one of classification 1 to classification 4 described later based on the broadcast time of each program. Specifically, in this generation algorithm, as shown in FIG. 14 (A), the broadcast start time of the programs whose broadcast target time is included in the target process time (1 hour) of the target channel is the target of processing. A program whose broadcast end time is earlier than the processing target time is classified into category 1 and a program whose broadcast start time is earlier than the processing target time and whose broadcast end time is within the processing target time is classified as category 2. A program whose processing start time and broadcasting end time are within the processing target time is classified into classification 3, and a program whose broadcasting start time is within the processing target time and whose broadcasting end time is later than the processing target time is classified into classification 4.

  By the way, there are not a plurality of programs classified into category 1, category 2, and category 3 in the processing target time (1 hour) (that is, there is one), but a program classified into category 4 is a processing target. There may be several in time (1 hour).

  In this generation algorithm, if there is a program classified into category 1 in the processing target time of the processing target channel, a display area (that is, one time frame Ti) assigned to the processing target time is displayed for this program. All the lines in the display area (minutes) are allocated. If there is a program classified into category 2, a frame Fr of 0.5 lines or more from the upper end of the display area (display area for one time frame Ti) is assigned to this program, and further to category 3 If there is a classified program, assign a frame Fr of 0.5 lines or more from the lower end of the display area (display area for one time frame Ti) to this program, and further classify the program into classification 4. For example, the remaining lines of the display area (display area for one time frame Ti) are assigned to this program.

  Actually, for example, as shown in FIG. 14B, as a program in which the broadcasting target time is included in the processing target time (one hour) of the processing target channel, “55” where the broadcast start is before the processing target time. The program m whose broadcast end is “10” within the processing target time, the program n whose broadcast start is “10” within the processing target time and whose broadcast end is “30” within the processing target time, and broadcast The program o whose start is “30” within the processing target time and the broadcast end is “40” within the processing target time, and the broadcast start is “40” within the processing target time and the broadcast end is within the processing target time. EPG information includes five programs m to q including “50” program p and “50” program start time within the processing target time and “05” program q after the processing target time. Suppose it exists.

  In this case, in this generation algorithm, first, a frame Fr of 0.5 lines or more from the upper end of the display area (display area for one time frame Ti) is assigned to the program m, and the display area (time) is assigned to the program q. After allocating a frame Fr of 0.5 lines or more from the lower end of the display area for one frame Ti), the remaining display areas (display areas for one time frame Ti) for the remaining three programs n, o, and p Allocate rows.

  Here, when the remaining lines of the display area (display area for one time frame Ti) are allocated to the three programs n, o, and p, the above-described program allocation pattern selection method is used (that is, the remaining lines are used). 3 programs n, o, and p are assigned to some frames Fr). Therefore, in order to display the program information of any number of programs by the remaining lines, the remaining lines must be at least two lines.

  Therefore, considering that there is one category 2 program, one category 3 program, and a plurality of category 4 programs in the display area (display area for one time frame Ti), at least 0. Three lines of 5 lines + 0.5 lines + 2 lines are required. That is, each time frame Ti of the future program guide 31 may have a vertical width of three lines or more. In the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 of this embodiment, as described above, based on the screen size of the future program guide screen 30, the average number of programs broadcasted by each broadcasting station in one hour, etc. The vertical width is set to the size of 4 lines.

  Thus, in this generation algorithm, a program whose broadcast start time is before the processing target time and whose broadcast end time is within the processing target time is always 0 from the upper end of the display area (display area for one time frame Ti). .5 lines or more are allocated, and a program whose broadcast start time is within the processing target time and whose broadcast end time is after the processing target time is always 0 from the upper end of the display area (display area for one time frame Ti). By assigning 5 lines or more, the user can recognize at a glance that these programs are programs that cross the time frame Ti. Note that a program assigned 0.5 lines or more from the upper end of the display area is assigned 0.5 lines or more from the lower end of the display area in the previous one time frame Ti. When the time frame Ti is to be displayed, the program information is displayed in a large frame FrL for one line or more. The same applies to programs assigned 0.5 lines or more from the lower end of the display area.

  Further, in this generation algorithm, the position and size of the frame Fr with respect to the vertical axis (time axis) of the processing time display area (display area for one time frame Ti) are set to the broadcast time of the program assigned to the frame Fr. It is also made to match as accurately as possible. Specifically, in this generation algorithm, first, the number of programs to be broadcast during the processing target time (one hour) of the processing target channel is determined by the above-described selection of the program allocation pattern and the line allocation according to the program classification. Assigned to the frame Fr. At this time, in this generation algorithm, several arrangements having different positions and sizes of the frame Fr to which the program is assigned are obtained, and among the various arrangements, the vertical axis (time axis) of the time frame Ti and the broadcast time of the program are calculated. An arrangement with the smallest error (also referred to as a time error) is selected.

  Here, a method for calculating the time error will be described. First, in this calculation method, as shown in FIG. 15, the vertical axis of the processing target time display area (display area for one time frame Ti) is aligned with the arrangement unit (0.5 line unit) of the frame Fr. Associate with time. As a result, the vertical axis of the processing target time display area (1 hour frame Ti) is “00” for the 0th row, “7.5” for the 0.5th row, and “15” for the first row. , 1.5th line is "22.5", 2nd line is "30", 2.5th line is "37.5", 3rd line is "45", 3.5th line Is associated with “52.5” and the fourth line is associated with “60”.

The time error is the program e _k to be broadcast to the processing target channel processing target time (1 hour) _(k is 1 to n, n is the number of programs) assigned broadcast start portion of s _k, program e _k is display start line of the frame Fr (0.5 units) When _{p k,} obtained by the following equation (1).

Σ | s _k − (60/4) × p _k | (1)

  In this way, the time error is calculated. Here, in practice, for example, as a program that is broadcast during the processing target time (one hour) of the processing target channel, a program whose broadcast start is “00”, a program whose broadcast start is “20”, and broadcast start Suppose that there are three programs, one with the minute “40”.

  At this time, in the generation algorithm, one or more large frames FrL are allocated to each of these three programs. As a result, for example, a program whose broadcast start amount is “00” is allocated to the large frame FrL1 for one row located at the top of the display area (one time frame Ti) of the processing target time, and 1 is located therebelow. An arrangement in which a program with a start of broadcasting of “20” is assigned to the large frame FrL2 for the row, and a program with a start of broadcasting of “40” is assigned to the large frame FrL3 for two rows located below it (this is the first ) Is assigned to the large frame FrL1 for the two rows located at the top, and the broadcast start portion is assigned to the large frame FrL2 for the one row located below it. Suppose that an arrangement in which a program of “40” is assigned to a large frame FrL3 for one line located below it is assigned (this is also referred to as a second arrangement). .

  Here, when the time error is calculated for each of the first arrangement and the second arrangement, the time error of the first arrangement is | 0−15 × 0 | + | 20−15 × 1 | + | 40−. 15 × 2 | = 15, while the time error of the second arrangement is | 0−15 × 0 | + | 20−15 × 1.5 | + | 40−15 × 2.5 | = 5 Become. Therefore, the second arrangement is selected because the second arrangement has less time error.

  In this way, in the generation algorithm, the position and size of the frame Fr with respect to the processing time display area (display area for one time frame Ti) are matched as accurately as possible to the broadcast time of the program assigned to the frame Fr. It is made like that. As a result, in this generation algorithm, as a result, a larger frame Fr (that is, a frame Fr having a larger number of lines) is assigned to a program having a longer broadcast time. In practice, it can be said that a program having a longer broadcast time is an important program for the broadcast station as well as a user. Therefore, if a large frame Fr is assigned to such a program, the program information of the important program is correspondingly increased. Many can be displayed.

  As described so far, this generation algorithm displays the program names of as many programs as possible, allows the user to recognize at a glance the programs that cross the time frame Ti (that is, straddle “00”), and The future program guide 31 is arranged so that the position and size of the frame Fr with respect to the vertical axis (time axis) of the display area of the processing target time (display area for one time frame Ti) matches the broadcast time of the program as accurately as possible. Has been made to generate.

  Then, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 generates the future program guide 31 based on such a generation algorithm and displays it on the display 11, thereby making the future program guide 31 easier to see and understand than the conventional program guide 31 to the user. It is made to be able to present.

(3) Current Program Guide Next, a case where the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 generates data of the current program guide will be described. That is, the host microcomputer 2 (FIG. 2) generates the current program guide data based on the EPG information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 4 and temporarily stores it in the RAM 20 via the bus 3. It is sent to the GUI superimposer 21. The GUI superimposing unit 21 generates a screen signal based on the data of the current program guide and sends it to the display 11.

  As a result, a current program guide screen 32 as shown in FIG. 2 is output from the display 11 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1. Here, the screen configuration of the current program guide screen 32 will be described in detail.

(3-1) Screen Configuration of Current Program Guide Screen The current program guide screen 32 displays a program video 33 of a program broadcast on the currently selected channel on the upper half of the screen, and the lower half of the screen. The current program guide 34 occupying almost the entire lower half is displayed, and explanations of various operations related to the current program guide 34 (channel selection, enlargement / reduction display, program description display, function display) are displayed in the lower corner of the screen. The word W (W3 to W7) indicating the end of the electronic program guide screen) is displayed in the vicinity of the button icon Bi (Bi3 to Bi7) indicating the button of the remote controller RM corresponding to the operation. is doing. Incidentally, the word W (W3 to W7) and the button icon Bi (Bi3 to Bi7) are the same as those displayed on the future program guide screen 31.

  The current program table 34 is a table in which the horizontal axis indicates the channel and the vertical axis indicates the broadcast time, and the program information of the program broadcast within a predetermined time from the current time can be displayed for a plurality of channels. Here, the current program table 31 shown in FIG. 16 is an example that is displayed when the current time is 5:00 pm, and is broadcast in one hour from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The program information is displayed for seven channels. At this time, the current program table 31 is such that the display target time is fixed from the current time to what time, and the vertical width of the time frame Ti (Ti10) indicating one hour of the display target is five lines. The configuration is basically the same as that of the future program guide 31 except for the points set in FIG.

  That is, the future program table 31 has channel numbers (for example, “011”, “012”, “021”, “022”, “023”, “041”, “ 042 ") is displayed along the horizontal axis, and the left and right ends of the table are displayed from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A time frame Ti10 indicating one hour is arranged along the vertical axis, and a date frame Dt for displaying the date (month / day (day of the week)) to be displayed is arranged in the upper left corner of the table, and the rest This is a program information display area Pa for displaying program information for each channel.

  Here, in the channel number frame CN1 at the left end of the seven channel numbers CN (CN1 to CN7), a channel number smaller than the channel number displayed in the channel number CN1 exists in the acquired EPG information. In addition, a left-pointing triangle mark M1 indicating that is displayed, and the channel number CN7 at the right end has a channel number larger than the channel number displayed in the channel number CN7 in the acquired EPG information. If it exists, a right-pointing triangular mark M2 indicating that fact is displayed.

  Further, in the program information display area Pa, a plurality of frames Fr to which a single program or a plurality of programs continuous in time on the same channel are allocated are channels and times for broadcasting the allocated one or a plurality of programs. (The horizontal position corresponds to the channel and the vertical position corresponds to the time), and the program information of one or more assigned programs is displayed in each frame Fr. It is made to be done.

  The current program table 34 is the same as the future program table 31 with respect to the type of the frame Fr. That is, there are two types of frames Fr in the current program table 34, a large frame FrL and a small frame FrS. One program is allocated to the large frame FrL, and the programs are allocated in order from the upper left in the frame. The broadcast start amount and program name of one program are displayed. On the other hand, when one or a plurality of programs are assigned to the small frame FrS and one program is assigned. On the other hand, the broadcast start amount of one assigned program is displayed at the left end in the frame. On the other hand, when a plurality of programs are assigned, the broadcast start amounts of the assigned plurality of programs are displayed in the frame. Are displayed in order from the left end of the broadcast.

  In this current program table 34, since the vertical width of one time frame Ti (Ti10) is set to five lines, one or more large frames FrL and two or more small frames FrS are included in these five lines. By arranging, it is possible to display program information of all programs currently broadcast on a plurality of channels to be displayed and all programs scheduled to be broadcast in the immediate vicinity.

  Furthermore, the current program table 34 is the same as the future program table 31 with respect to the allocation of the frame Fr to the event-shared program. That is, in the current program table 34, a plurality of programs shared by events are handled as one program, and the one program connects the horizontal widths of a plurality of channel number frames CN corresponding to the plurality of channels shared by the event. The large frame FrL or the small frame FrS having a predetermined size is assigned.

  By displaying such a current program guide 34 on the current program guide screen 32, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 allows all the programs currently being broadcast on a plurality of channels to be displayed and all of the programs scheduled to be broadcast in the immediate vicinity thereof. The program can be easily recognized by the user.

  Also, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 displays, with respect to the current program table 34, the program information of all the programs currently being broadcast on a plurality of channels to be displayed and all the programs scheduled to be broadcast in the last five lines. As a result, the display area can be reduced to about half that of the future program guide 31 (4 × 4 16 rows), and the channel currently being selected in the empty space of the current program guide screen 32 correspondingly. By displaying the program video of the program being broadcast, on the same screen, the program information of all the programs currently broadcast on the multiple channels to be displayed and all the programs scheduled to be broadcast most recently, It is also possible to simultaneously check the program video of the program broadcast on the selected channel.

  Further, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 is provided with explanations of various operations related to the current program guide 34 (channel selection, enlargement / reduction display, program explanation) almost the same as the future program guide screen 30 at the lower corner of the current program guide screen 32. Word W (W3 to W7) indicating display, function display, end of electronic program guide screen, etc.) are displayed in association with button icons Bi (Bi3 to Bi7) indicating buttons of remote controller RM corresponding to the operation. Thus, for example, the current program guide using the remote controller RM can be used with almost the same feeling as when viewing the future program guide screen 30 without making the user refer to the instruction manual or displaying the operation explanation screen separately. It is also possible for the user to easily recognize the various operations related to 34.

  Further, in the current program guide screen 32, as in the future program guide screen 30, all the programs currently broadcast on the plurality of channels to be displayed and all the programs scheduled to be broadcast most recently are displayed. The focus Fc displayed so as to overlap the frame Fr of the current program guide 34 can be selected. For program selection based on the focus Fc, refer to the description on the future program guide screen 30 described above.

  Thus, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can make the current program guide screen 32 available to the user without a sense of incongruity by almost unifying the operability of the current program guide screen 32 with that of the future program guide screen 30. It is made like that.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, the current program guide 34 displayed on the current program guide screen 32 is configured such that the time frame Ti is updated in a predetermined time unit (in this embodiment, 30 minutes). ing. Specifically, when the current time is from 5:00 pm to 5:29 pm, as shown in FIG. 16, one time corresponding to one hour from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm While the time frame Ti10 is displayed, when it is 5:30 pm to 5:59 pm, as shown in FIG. 17, it is 30 minutes from 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm One corresponding time frame Ti10h and one time frame Ti11h corresponding to 30 minutes from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm are displayed. That is, the update of the time frame Ti in this case is to update the number of time frames Ti and the time associated with each time frame Ti. Incidentally, the current program table 34 shown in FIG. 17 is an example displayed when the current time is 5:30 pm. Here, the current time is appropriately handled in units not including seconds.

  Here, both when displaying one time frame Ti10 and when displaying two time frames Ti10h and Ti11h, the vertical width assigned to the entire time frame Ti is fixed to 5 lines, so two time frames are displayed. When the measures Ti10h and Ti11h are displayed, 2.5 rows are allocated to the time frame Ti10h and 2.5 rows are allocated to the time frame Ti11h.

  The current program table 34 displays not only the time frame Ti but also the program information displayed in the program information display area Pa in accordance with the current time and the broadcast time of the program. Updated to no longer be used. Hereinafter, such update of the current program guide 34 will be described in detail.

(3-2) Updating the current program guide In practice, the current program guide 34 is updated such that the time frame Ti is updated for all channels and the program information is updated on a channel basis. Accordingly, here, the update of the current program guide will be described by taking the update of the time frame Ti and the update of the program information of the predetermined channel as examples.

  First, as a premise, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, the broadcast start time is “7:00” as a plurality of programs broadcast on a predetermined channel from 7 pm to 8 pm on a predetermined date. Program aa with program name “A”, program bb with broadcast start time “7:10” and program name “B”, program start time “7:20” and program name “C” The program cc, the program dd with the broadcast start time “7:25” and the program name “D”, the program ee with the broadcast start time “7:30” and the program name “E”, A program ff whose start time is “7:55” and whose program name is “F”, a program gg whose broadcast start time is “8:05” and whose program name is “G”, and whose broadcast start time is “8:00” The EPG information includes a program hh whose program name is “H” at 10 minutes and a program ii whose broadcast start time is “8:35” and whose program name is “i”. To.

  Assuming that there are nine such programs aa to ii, how the time frame Ti and the program information of the predetermined channel are changed while the current time elapses from 7:00 pm to 8:05 pm 19A to 19G show whether or not is updated.

  That is, for example, when the current time is 7:00 pm, the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 first sets the time frame Ti as 7:00 pm to pm as shown in FIG. One time frame Ti20 corresponding to 5 rows in height corresponding to 1 hour until 8:00 is displayed. At this time, it is assumed that the number “7” indicating the corresponding time zone is displayed in the time frame Ti20.

  At this time, the host microcomputer 2 assigns six programs aa to ff whose broadcasting time is included in one hour from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, which is the current time, in a time frame Ti20 (for five lines). ) Are allocated to the six frames Fr20 to Fr25 according to the program length of the programs aa to ff. Here, a frame Fr to which (L) is added like a frame Fr20 (L) is a large frame FrL for one line or more, and a frame Fr to which (S) is added like a frame Fr21 (S) is 0. . Indicates a small frame FrS for 5 lines.

  Specifically, the host microcomputer 2 assigns the program aa to the frame Fr20 (L) for one row located at the top, and programs to the frame Fr21 (S) for 0.5 rows located below it. bb is assigned, the program cc is assigned to the frame Fr22 (S) for 0.5 lines located below it, the program dd is assigned to the frame Fr23 (L) for one line located below it, and the position below it The program ee is assigned to the frame Fr24 (L) for one line to be assigned, and the program ff is assigned to the frame Fr25 (L) for one line located at the bottom.

  As a result, in the frame Fr20 (L) positioned at the top, the broadcast start portion “00” and the program name “A” of the currently broadcast program aa are displayed, and the program bb is displayed in the subsequent frame Fr21 (S). Only the broadcast start amount “10” of the program cc is displayed in the subsequent frame Fr22 (S), and the broadcast start amount “25” of the program dd is displayed in the subsequent frame Fr23 (L). ”And the program name“ D ”are displayed, and the subsequent frame Fr24 (L) displays the broadcast start amount“ 30 ”and the program name“ E ”of the program ee, and the frame Fr25 (L ) Displays the broadcast start portion “55” and the program name “F” of the program ff.

  Recognizing that the time has passed and the broadcast end time “7:10” of the program aa (that is, the broadcast start time of the program bb) is reached, the host microcomputer 2 recognizes that as shown in FIG. In addition, the program information is updated together with the frame Fr without changing the time frame Ti20.

  More specifically, the host microcomputer 2 deletes the frame Fr20 (L) for one line located at the top to which the program aa that has been broadcast is assigned, and also deletes the frame Fr20 (L). The frame Fr21 (S) located under the frame Fr20 (L) is moved to the top and changed to the frame Fr21 (L) for one line (that is, the small frame FrS is changed to the large frame FrL). Further, the lower frame Fr22 (S) is changed to the frame Fr22 (L) for one line (that is, the small frame FrS is changed to the large frame FrL).

  As a result, the broadcast start “10” and the program name “B” of the currently broadcasted program bb are displayed in the frame Fr21 (L) for one line positioned at the top instead. In the frame Fr22 (L) for the next line, the broadcast start “20” and the program name “C” of the program cc are displayed. That is, in this case, program information of five programs bb to ff is displayed in five lines.

  When the host computer 2 recognizes that the time has elapsed and the broadcast end time “7:20” (that is, the broadcast start time of the program cc) has been reached, the host microcomputer 2 performs the operation as shown in FIG. In addition, the program information is updated together with the frame Fr without changing the time frame Ti20.

  That is, the host microcomputer 2 deletes the frame Fr21 (L) for one line located at the top to which the broadcast program bb is allocated, and deletes the frame Fr21 (L). The frame Fr22 (L) located under (L) is moved to the top, and the frame Fr23 (L) for one line below is further changed to a frame Fr23 (L) for 1.5 lines. (In other words, the vertical width is increased), and the frame Fr24 (L) for one line below is also changed to the frame Fr24 (L) for 1.5 lines (that is, the vertical width is increased).

  As a result, the broadcast start “20” and the program name “C” of the currently broadcast program cc are displayed in the frame Fr22 (L) for one line located at the top, and the following 1 . The broadcast start “25” and the program name “D” of the program dd are displayed in the frame Fr23 (L) for five lines, and the program ee is broadcast in the frame Fr24 (L) for the subsequent 1.5 lines. The start “30” and the program name “E” are displayed. That is, in this case, program information of four programs cc to ff is displayed in five lines.

  When the host microcomputer 2 recognizes that the time has elapsed and the broadcast end time “7:25” of the program cc (that is, the broadcast start time of the program dd) has been reached, the host microcomputer 2 performs as shown in FIG. In addition, the program information is updated together with the frame Fr without changing the time frame Ti20.

  That is, the host microcomputer 2 deletes the frame Fr22 (L) for one line located at the top to which the broadcasted program cc is assigned and deletes the frame Fr22 (L). The frame Fr23 (L) located under (L) is moved to the top and changed to the frame Fr23 (L) for 2.5 lines (that is, the vertical width is increased).

  As a result, the broadcast start “25” and the program name “D” of the currently broadcast program dd are displayed in the frame Fr23 (L) for 2.5 rows positioned at the top. That is, in this case, the program information of the three programs dd to ff is displayed in five lines.

  When the host microcomputer 2 recognizes that the time has elapsed and the broadcast end time “7:30” of the program dd (that is, the broadcast start time of the program ee), which is also the update time of the time frame Ti, is reached. As shown in FIG. 19E, the time frame Ti20 is updated and the program information is updated together with the frame Fr.

  That is, the host microcomputer 2 sets the time frame Ti20 for five rows in width corresponding to one hour from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm to 30 minutes from 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm A time frame Ti20h for a vertical width of 2.5 lines corresponding to, and a time frame Ti21h for a vertical width of 2.5 lines corresponding to 30 minutes from 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm following that And update.

  Further, at this time, the host microcomputer 2 deletes the frame Fr23 (L) for 2.5 rows positioned at the top to which the broadcasted program dd is assigned and deletes the frame Fr23 (L). The frame Fr24 (L) for 1.5 lines located under the frame Fr23 (L) is moved to the top, and the frame Fr25 (L) for one line below it is moved to 1. The frame Fr25 (L) for five lines is changed (that is, the vertical width is increased), and further, a frame Fr26 for one line to which the program gg included in the broadcast time before 8:30 pm is allocated. (L) is added, and further, a frame Fr27 (L) for one line to which the program hh included in the broadcast time until 8:30 pm is assigned is added.

  As a result, the broadcast start “30” and the program name “E” of the currently broadcasted program ee are displayed in the frame Fr24 (L) for 1.5 lines positioned at the top, followed by 1.5 In the frame Fr25 (L) for the line, the broadcast start amount “55” and the program name “F” of the program ff are displayed, and in the frame Fr26 (L) for the next line, the broadcast start amount “05” of the program gg. ”And the program name“ G ”are displayed, and the broadcast start amount“ 10 ”and the program name“ H ”of the program hh are displayed in the frame Fr27 (L) for one line located at the bottom. become. That is, in this case, the program information of the four programs ee to hh is displayed in five lines.

  In this case, since the broadcast time of the program ff crosses 8:00 pm, the frame Fr25 (L) to which the program ff is assigned is arranged at a position across the time frame Ti20h and the time frame Ti21h. It is made so that.

  When the host computer 2 recognizes that the time has elapsed and the broadcast end time “7:55” of the program ee (that is, the broadcast start time of the program ff) has been reached, the host microcomputer 2 performs the operation as shown in FIG. In addition, the program information is updated together with the frame Fr without changing the time frame Ti20h and the time frame Ti21h.

  That is, the host microcomputer 2 deletes the frame Fr24 (L) for 1.5 lines located at the top to which the broadcasted program ee is allocated, and also deletes this frame Fr24 (L). The frame Fr25 (L) located under the frame Fr24 (L) is moved to the top and changed to the frame Fr25 (L) for three lines (that is, the vertical width is increased).

  As a result, the broadcast start portion “55” and the program name “F” of the currently broadcast program ff are displayed in the frame Fr25 (L) for the three rows positioned at the top. That is, in this case, program information of three programs ff to hh is displayed in five lines. Also in this case, the frame Fr25 (L) to which the program ff is assigned is arranged at a position across the time frame Ti20h and the time frame Ti21h.

  When the host microcomputer 2 recognizes that the time has passed and the update time of the time frame Ti has reached “8:00”, the host microcomputer 2, as shown in FIG. The frame Ti21h is updated, and the program information is updated together with the frame Fr.

  That is, the host microcomputer 2 has a time frame Ti20h for 2.5 rows in height corresponding to 30 minutes from 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm, followed by 8:00 pm to 8 pm A time frame of 2.5 rows in width corresponding to 30 minutes up to 30:30 and a time frame of 5 rows in width corresponding to 1 hour from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm Update to Ti21.

  Further, at this time, the host microcomputer 2 changes the frame Fr25 (L) for the three rows positioned at the top to which the program ff being broadcast is assigned to the frame Fr25 (L) for one row (that is, the vertical The width Fr26 (L) for one line and the frame Fr27 (L) for one line are shifted upward so as to continue below the frame Fr25 (L) for one line. Furthermore, a frame Fr28 (L) for two lines to which a program ii included between 9:00 pm and the broadcast time is allocated is added below.

  As a result, the broadcast start time “7:55” and the program name “F” of the currently broadcast program ff are displayed in the frame Fr25 (L) for the first line positioned at the top, and the next line In the minute frame Fr26 (L), the broadcast start amount “05” and the program name “G” of the program gg are displayed, and in the subsequent frame Fr27 (L), the broadcast start amount “10” of the program hh. And the program name “H” are displayed, and the broadcast start portion “35” and the program name “I” of the program ii are displayed in the frame Fr28 (L) for two lines located at the bottom. Become. That is, in this case, program information of four programs ff to ii is displayed in five lines.

  In this case, since the broadcast start of the program ff is before 8:00 pm, here, as can be seen, in the uppermost frame Fr25 (L) to which the program ff is assigned. , "7:55" is displayed for the broadcast start time of the program ff.

  This state continues until the broadcast end time “8:05” of the currently broadcast program ff (that is, the broadcast start time of the program gg).

  In this way, the host microcomputer 2 is configured to update the time frame Ti in the current program table 34 for all channels and update the program information in units of channels as time passes.

  As described so far, when the program being broadcast on each channel is switched over time, the television broadcast receiver 1 deletes the program information of the program that has been broadcast, and starts broadcasting instead. The display of the program information in the display area of each channel is updated so that the program information of the program that has been played (that is, being broadcast) is positioned at the top, and the current program table 34 is always updated. In the first row of the program information display area Pa, program information of programs currently being broadcast on each channel is displayed side by side in a row. The television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 also displays the program information of the program currently being broadcast on each channel so that it is always displayed in one or more large frames FrL (that is, the program name is always displayed). The program guide 34 is updated.

  By doing so, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can always allow the user to easily and specifically recognize the program currently being broadcast on each channel via the current program table 34.

  Also, the television broadcast receiver 1 deletes the program information of the program that has been broadcast over time, and the program information of the program whose broadcast time is newly included within a predetermined time from the current time is deleted. The current program guide 34 is also updated so as to be additionally displayed.

  In this way, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 always allows the user to easily recognize the program currently being broadcast on each channel and the program scheduled to be broadcast most recently through this current program table 34. It has been made so that it can.

  In addition, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 sets the display target time of the current program guide 34 to a maximum of 1 hour and updates the time frame Ti in units of 30 minutes. The display area of the current program guide 34 can be halved compared to when the time frame Ti is updated in units of one hour. As a result, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 reduces the area occupied by the current program guide 34 on the current program guide screen 32 and displays other information related to the program such as a program video in the vacant space. be able to.

(3-3) Current Program Guide Generation Algorithm Next, when the current program guide 34 is generated, each program to be displayed (that is, each program broadcasted within a predetermined time (for example, up to a predetermined time) from the current time on a plurality of channels). The frame Fr (large frame FrL, small frame FrS) is allocated and how it is arranged, that is, the generation algorithm of the current program table 34 will be described in detail. Incidentally, the generation algorithm of the current program guide 34 is basically configured to execute processing in units of each time frame Ti of each channel, similarly to the generation algorithm of the future program guide 31.

  Since the type of frame Fr, the program allocation pattern, and the program classification and the line number allocation according to the classification in the generation algorithm of the future program table 34 are the same as those of the future program table 31, the future described above Refer to the description of the generation algorithm of the program guide 31.

  By the way, in the current program guide 34, based on the concept of the generation algorithm of the future program guide 31, two time frames Ti (first 30 minutes + second half 30 minutes) as shown in FIG. 17 are displayed. That is, when the current time is 30 minutes to 59 minutes, for a program that straddles two time frames Ti, 0.5 lines from the lower end of the display area corresponding to the upper time frame Ti (first half 30 minutes) Therefore, it is necessary to allocate the number of lines corresponding to 0.5 lines from the upper end of the display area corresponding to the lower time frame Ti (second half 30 minutes) to this program.

  Therefore, in this case, each display area (display area corresponding to each time frame Ti) has 0.5 lines allocated to programs that straddle two time frames Ti and an arbitrary number of programs other than this program. At least two lines are required to display the program information.

  Therefore, in the current program table 34, when two time frames Ti (first half 30 minutes + second half 30 minutes) are displayed, each time frame Ti requires at least 2.5 lines. The vertical width is set to the size of 5 lines.

  The generation algorithm of the current program guide 34 is different from the generation algorithm of the future program guide 31 in that it corresponds to the update of the current program guide 34.

  Actually, in the current program table 34, as described above, when the current time is 00 minutes to 29 minutes, the time frame Ti for five lines corresponding to one hour from 00 minutes to 60 minutes is displayed. When the current time is 30 minutes to 59 minutes, the time frame Ti for 2.5 rows corresponding to 30 minutes from 30 minutes to 60 minutes and 2.5 corresponding to 30 minutes from 00 minutes to 30 minutes. A time frame Ti for the row is displayed. In other words, the current program guide 34 displays three patterns of time frames Ti having different numbers of lines from the corresponding times. As a result, the display areas corresponding to the time frames Ti also correspond to the corresponding times. There are three patterns with different numbers of rows.

  Therefore, in the generation algorithm of the current program guide 34, when determining the arrangement (position and size) of the frame Fr with respect to the display area assigned to the processing target time (that is, the display area for one time frame Ti), the display is performed. Processing corresponding to the time and the number of rows corresponding to the area is executed.

  More specifically, in this generation algorithm, for example, as shown in FIGS. 20A to 20D, when the current time is 7:00 pm to 7:29 pm, the display area of the processing target time Since the time corresponding to (that is, the display area for one time frame Ti) is from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm and the number of lines is five lines, the 0th line of the vertical axis of this display area is 7:00, 0.5 line 7:06, 1 line 7:12, 1.5 line 7:18, 2 line 7:24, 2.5 line 7:30, 3rd line 7:36, 3.5th line 7:42, 4th line 7:48, 4.5th line 7:54, 5th line Corresponds to 8:00.

In this case, the time error is the broadcast start time of the processing target program e _k (k is 1 to n, where n is the number of programs) broadcast during the processing target time of the processing target channel (current time to 8:00 pm). the _{s k,} start line of the program _{e k} is assigned a frame Fr (0.5 units) When _{p k,} obtained by the following equation (2).

Σ | s _k − (60/5) × p _k | (2)

  In this way, the time error is calculated. Here, in practice, it is assumed that the EPG information includes the programs aa to ii shown in FIG.

  In this case, in this generation algorithm, by selecting the arrangement of the frame Fr so as to minimize the time error, for example, as shown in FIG. 20 (A), for one line located at the top of the display area. The program aa is assigned to the frame Fr20 (L), the program bb is assigned to the frame Fr21 (S) for 0.5 lines located below it, and the frame Fr22 (S) for 0.5 lines located below it is assigned. The program cc is allocated, the program dd is allocated to the frame Fr23 (L) for one line positioned below the program cc, and the program ee is allocated to the frame Fr24 (L) for one line positioned below the program cc. The program ff is allocated to the frame Fr25 (L) for one line.

Then, over time, at the 7 o'clock 10 minutes is the broadcast end time of the program aa, in this generation algorithm, except for the program aa from the processing target program e _k, program bb~ processing program ff target program e _k As shown in FIG. 20B, for example, as shown in FIG. 20B, by selecting the arrangement of the frames Fr so that the time error is minimized, the frame Fr21 (L) for one line positioned at the top of the display area is displayed. The program bb is allocated, the program cc is allocated to the frame Fr22 (L) for one line positioned below it, the program dd is allocated to the frame Fr23 (L) for one line positioned below it, and the program dd is positioned below it The program ee is assigned to the frame Fr24 (L) for one line, and the program ff is assigned to the frame Fr25 (L) for one line located at the bottom.

Furthermore, over time, at a 7:00 20 minutes a broadcast end time of the program bb, in this generation algorithm, the processing target program e _k except program bb from program cc~ program ff processing target program e _k As shown in FIG. 20C, for example, as shown in FIG. 20C, by selecting the arrangement of the frames Fr so that the time error is minimized, the frame Fr22 (L) for one line located at the top of the display area is displayed. The program cc is assigned, the program dd is assigned to the frame Fr23 (L) for 1.5 lines positioned below it, and the program ee is assigned to the frame Fr24 (L) for 1.5 lines positioned below it. The program ff is allocated to the frame Fr25 (L) for one line located at the bottom.

Furthermore, over time, at a 7:00 25 minutes a broadcast end time of the program cc, in this generation algorithm, the processing target program e _k except program cc from the program dd~ program ff processing target program e _k By selecting the arrangement of the frames Fr so that the time error is minimized, for example, as shown in FIG. 20D, the arrangement at this time is 2.5 rows located at the top of the display area. The program dd is assigned to the minute frame Fr23 (L), the program ee is assigned to the frame Fr24 (L) for 1.5 lines located below it, and the frame Fr25 (L) for one line located at the bottom. Is assigned to the program ff.

  Furthermore, when time elapses and 7:30, which is the update time of the time frame Ti, in this generation algorithm, as shown in FIGS. 21 (A) and (B), the time frame Ti for five lines is set. By updating the time frame Ti to 2.5 lines for 2.5 lines, the display area is also a display area corresponding to 2.5 lines with a corresponding time of 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Since the corresponding time is updated to 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm and the number of lines is updated to the display area for 2.5 lines, the processing is individually performed for each display area.

  That is, for the upper half display area, the corresponding time is from 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm, and the number of lines is 2.5 lines. 7:30, 0.5 line 7:36, 1 line 7:42, 1.5 line 7:48, 2 line 7:54, 2.5 line Is associated with 8:00.

In this case, the time error is the broadcast start time of the processing target program e _k (k is 1 to n, where n is the number of programs) broadcast during the processing target time (current time to 8:30 pm) of the processing target channel. the _{s k,} start line of the program _{e k} is assigned a frame Fr (0.5 units) When _{p k,} obtained by the following equation (3).

Σ | s _k − (30 / 2.5) × p _k | (3)

In this way, the time error is calculated. Incidentally, the processing target program e _k with respect to the display area of the upper half of this time are two of the programs ee and programs ff. In this generation algorithm, by selecting the arrangement of the frame Fr so as to minimize the time error, for example, as shown in FIG. The program ee is assigned to the frame Fr24 (L) for five lines, and the program ff is assigned to the next line.

  On the other hand, in the lower half display area, the corresponding time is 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm and the number of lines is 2.5 lines. 1st line at 8:00, 0.5th line at 8:06, 1st line at 8:12, 1.5th line at 8:18, 2nd line at 8: 24,2. Associate the fifth line with 8:30.

The time error in this case is obtained in the same manner as the upper half display area. Incidentally, the processing target program e _k with respect to the display area of the lower half of this time is three programs ff~ program hh. In this generation algorithm, by selecting the arrangement of the frame Fr so as to minimize the time error, as shown in FIG. Program ff is assigned (as a result, program ff is assigned to frame Fr25 (L) for 1.5 lines including the lower line of the upper half of the display area), and one line located below it The program gg is assigned to the minute frame Fr26 (L), and the program hh is assigned to the frame Fr27 (L) for one line located below it.

Further, when the time elapses and the broadcast end time of the program ee is 7:55 pm, this generation algorithm performs processing on the upper half display area as shown in FIG. except ee program from the program e _k, as a processing target program e _k programs ff, by selecting the placement of the frame Fr so that the time error is minimized, for example, as shown in FIG. 20 (C), the display area The program cc is allocated to all the 2.5 lines.

  On the other hand, for the lower half display area at this time, in this generation algorithm, by selecting the arrangement of the frame Fr so as to minimize the time error, as shown in FIG. Program ff is assigned to the top 0.5 line in the lower half display area (As a result, program ff is assigned to the frame Fr25 (L) for 3 lines combined with 2.5 in the upper half display area. In other words, the program gg is assigned to the frame Fr26 (L) for one line positioned below it, and the program hh is assigned to the frame Fr27 (L) for one line positioned below it.

  Further, when the time elapses and the time frame Ti is updated again at 8:00, the generation algorithm uses a time of 2.5 rows as shown in FIGS. 21 (C) and 21 (D). By updating the two frames Ti to the time frame Ti for five lines, the display area is also updated to the display area for five lines with the corresponding time from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Therefore, processing is performed on this display area.

  That is, for this display area, the corresponding time is 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm and the number of lines is 5 lines, so the 0th line of the vertical axis of this display area is 8:00 , 0.5 line 8:06, 1 line 8:12, 1.5 line 8:18, 2 line 8:24, 2.5 line 8:30 Minutes, line 3 at 8:36, line 3.5 at 8:42, line 4 at 8:48, line 4.5 at 8:54, line 5 at 9:00 Associate with.

The processing target program _{e k} with respect to the display area at this time is four programs ff~ program ii. In this case, in this generation algorithm, by selecting the arrangement of the frame Fr so as to minimize the time error, for example, as shown in FIG. 21C, for one row positioned at the top of the display area. The program ff is assigned to the frame Fr25 (L), the program gg is assigned to the frame Fr26 (L) for one line below it, and the program hh is assigned to the frame Fr27 (L) for one line below it. The program ii is allocated to the frame Fr28 (L) for two lines positioned below the line.

Furthermore, over time, at a 8: 5 is a broadcast end time of the program ff, in this generation algorithm, except the program ff from the processing target program e _k, processed the three programs gg~ program ii as the program e _k, by selecting the placement of the frame Fr so that the time error is minimized, for example, as shown in FIG. 21 (D), a frame of one row located at the top of the display area Fr26 ( L) is assigned a program gg, a program hh is assigned to a frame Fr27 (L) for 1.5 lines located below it, and a program ii is assigned to a frame Fr28 (L) for 2.5 lines located at the bottom. Is assigned.

  In this way, even with the algorithm for generating the current program table 34, the broadcast time of the program assigned to the frame Fr with the position and size of the frame Fr with respect to the processing time display area (that is, the display area for one time frame Ti). To match as accurately as possible.

  In addition, the current program table 34 updates the time associated with the vertical axis of the time frame Ti in units of 30 minutes, that is, the time associated with the vertical axis of the display area of the processing target time. By recalculating the error, for example, the position and size of the frame Fr arranged in the display area of the processing target time can be more accurately compared with the case where this time is updated in units of one hour. The broadcast time of the program assigned to the frame Fr can be adjusted.

  As described so far, even in the generation algorithm of the current program guide 34, as in the generation algorithm of the future program guide 31, the program names of as many programs as possible are displayed and programs that cross the time frame Ti can be viewed at a glance. The current program table 34 is made to be recognized by the user, and the position and size of the frame Fr with respect to the processing time display area (display area for one time frame Ti) is adjusted as accurately as possible to the broadcast time of the program. Has been made to generate.

(3-4) Current Program Guide Generation Processing Procedure Based on Generation Algorithm Next, the current program guide generation processing procedure based on the above-described generation algorithm of the current program guide 34 will be described in detail. This current program guide generation processing procedure is a processing procedure that is executed with one channel and one time frame Ti as a processing unit.

  Further, since the current program guide generation processing procedure is based on the above-described generation algorithm, when the current time is 00 minutes to 29 minutes, the time corresponding to the time from 00 minutes to 60 minutes is associated with five lines. Processing procedure RT2 for the display area for the upper half of the display area RT1 corresponding to the display area for the upper half and the time from the first half hour to 30 minutes when the current time is 30 minutes to 59 minutes And the processing procedure RT3 for the display area corresponding to the lower half of the 2.5 lines in which the times from the latter half 30 minutes to 60 minutes are associated with each other, each will be described in turn below.

First, the current program guide generation processing procedure RT1 when the current time is 00 minutes to 29 minutes will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 22, the processing target time of the processing target channel (the time from the current time to the next 60 minutes) includes any broadcasting time, and a program that has not yet finished broadcasting the process is also referred to as a target program) and e _k, when the number of the processing target program e _k and n, the set of the processing target program e _k is expressed by the following equation (4).

{E _k | 0 ≦ k <n (4)

In addition, here, the broadcast start worth of processing target program e _k and s _k, the broadcast end minute and s _{k + 1.} That is, of the processing target program _{e k,} for example, the top program _{e 0,} broadcasting start portion of the first program _{e 0} is _{s 0,} broadcast end component is represented as _{s 1.}

  Based on these points, the current program guide generation processing procedure RT1 when the current time is 00 minutes to 29 minutes will be described below using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Incidentally, the current program guide generation process RT1 is a process executed by the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 according to a program stored in a built-in memory or the non-volatile memory 4 (not shown).

For example, the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 has the current time when the current program guide display button (not shown) provided on the remote controller RM is pressed or the current program guide screen 32 is displayed. When it is recognized that it is 00 minutes, the current program guide generation processing procedure RT1 is started, and the process proceeds to step SP1. In step SP1, the host microcomputer 2 sets initial values for various variables. More specifically, the host microcomputer 2 sets an initial value “5” to the number N of remaining lines in the display area (that is, one time frame Ti) assigned to the processing target time, and sets the processing target program ek of the processing target program _ek . while set the number of the resulting processed program from the EPG information on the number n, thereby setting an initial value "0" to the number B of the head of the program of the processing target program e _k, number of the last program An initial value “n−1” is set in E. In other words, the processing target program _ek is the program e ₀ to the program en _n−1 .

When the initial values have been set in the various variables in this way, the host microcomputer 2 proceeds to the next step SP2. Host microcomputer 2 at step SP2, of the processing target program _{e k,} broadcast end min _{s 1} program _{e 0} (ie the beginning of the program) determines whether 60 or greater.

If a positive result is obtained in this step SP2, this means that there is only one processing target program e _k of the program e ₀ and its broadcast end is later than the processing target time. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 moves to step SP3.

Host microcomputer 2 in step SP3, to the program _{e 0,} the first basic pattern a (FIG 11 (A)) in performing the process of assigning the N rows (five rows) all the above, the remaining number of lines N After substituting “0”, the current program guide generation processing procedure RT1 for 1 channel 1 time frame Ti is ended.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP2, the host microcomputer 2 moves to step SP4. Host microcomputer 2 in step SP4, the broadcasting end component _{s n} of the program _{e n-1} (i.e. the end of the program) determines whether 60 or greater. If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP4, this means that the broadcast end of the program en _-1 is later than the processing target time. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP5.

In step SP5, the host microcomputer 2 performs a process for allocating 0.5 lines from the lower end of the display area allocated to the processing target time (that is, one time frame Ti for 5 lines) for the program en _-1 . Then, “N−0.5” is substituted for the number N of remaining lines (as a result, the number N of remaining lines is changed from “5” to “4”), and “E-1” is assigned to the number E of the last program. (As a result, the number E is changed from “n−1” to “n-2”), the program en ₋₁ is excluded from the processing target, and the next step SP6 (FIG. 24) is executed. Move.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in the above-described step SP4, the Host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP6 (FIG. 24) as it is.

  In step SP6, the host microcomputer 2 sets the number B of the first program in the variable i indicating the number of the first program among the unprocessed programs, and proceeds to the next step SP7. In step SP7, the host microcomputer 2 determines whether the variable i is equal to the number E of the last program.

If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP7, this means that the first program among the unprocessed programs is the last program, that is, only the program e _E remains as an unprocessed program. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP8.

Host microcomputer 2 at step SP8, based on the program _{e E} remaining as a program of the untreated, it performs the processing of assigning the remaining N lines in a basic pattern a (FIG 11 (A)), the remaining number of lines N After substituting “0”, the process proceeds to step SP9.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP7, this means that at least two programs remain as unprocessed programs. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP10. Move.

  In step SP10, the host microcomputer 2 determines whether or not the remaining row number N is equal to or greater than the last program number E−the number i + 1 of the first program among the unprocessed programs, that is, the remaining row number N is unprocessed. It is determined whether the number of programs remaining as the number of programs is equal to or greater than the number of programs remaining.

If a positive result is obtained in step SP10, this means that the number of remaining lines N is equal to or greater than the number of unprocessed programs. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP11. In step SP11, the host microcomputer 2 performs the process of assigning one line to the first program e _i of the unprocessed programs using the first basic pattern a (FIG. 11A) described above, and the rest. While substituting “N−1” for the number of rows N and substituting “i + 1” for the number i of the first program among the unprocessed programs, the process returns to step SP7 again.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP10 described above, this means that the number of remaining lines N is smaller than the number of unprocessed programs. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP12. In step SP12, the host microcomputer 2 determines whether or not the remaining row number N is 1.5 rows.

If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP12, this means that the number of remaining rows N is 1.5, and the host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP13. Host microcomputer 2 in step SP13, the relative two the beginning of the program _{e i} and the program _{e i} subsequent of the raw program, the second basic pattern b (FIG. 11 (B)) described above A process of assigning 1.5 rows is performed, and “N−1.5” is substituted for the remaining row number N (as a result, the remaining row number N becomes “0”), and then the process proceeds to step SP9.

  By the way, when a positive result is obtained in step SP12, that is, when the remaining number of rows N is 1.5 rows, the processing of step SP16, step SP17, step SP11, step SP7, and step SP10 described later is always performed. There are two unprocessed programs. Therefore, in the current program guide generation processing procedure RT1, it is reliably prevented that the number of remaining lines N is 1.5 and the number of unprocessed programs becomes three or more (that is, display failure occurs). ing.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP12 described above, this means that the number of remaining rows N is not 1.5, and the host microcomputer 2 moves to step SP14. In step SP14, the host microcomputer 2 determines whether or not the remaining row number N is two rows.

If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP14, this means that the number of remaining rows N is two. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP15. In step SP15, the host microcomputer 2 assigns two rows with the above-described third basic pattern c (FIG. 11C) from the first program e _i to the last program e _E of the unprocessed programs. After substituting “N−2” for the remaining row number N (as a result, the remaining row number N becomes “0”), the process proceeds to step SP9.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP14 described above, this means that the number of remaining rows N is neither 1.5 nor 2 and the host microcomputer 2 moves to step SP16. . In step SP16, the host microcomputer 2 determines whether or not the remaining number of rows N is 2.5.

If a negative result is obtained in step SP16, this means that the remaining number N is not 1.5, 2 or 2.5, that is, 3 or more. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 moves to step SP11, with respect to the beginning of the program e _i of the unprocessed program, it performs a process of assigning a row in the first basic pattern a described above (FIG. 11 (a)), the remaining While substituting “N−1” for the number of rows N and substituting “i + 1” for the number i of the first program among the unprocessed programs, the process returns to step SP7 again.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step SP16 described above, this means that the number of remaining rows N is 2.5. At this time, the Host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP17. In step SP17, the host microcomputer 2 determines whether the number i + 1 of the first program among the last program number E-unprocessed program is 3, that is, the number of programs remaining as unprocessed programs is three. Determine if it exists.

If an affirmative result is obtained in this step SP17, this means that the number of remaining lines N is 2.5 and the number of unprocessed programs is 3, and at this time, the host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP11. . In step SP11, the host microcomputer 2 performs the process of assigning one line to the first program e _i of the unprocessed programs using the first basic pattern a (FIG. 11A) described above, and the rest. While substituting “N−1” for the number of rows N and substituting “i + 1” for the number i of the first program among the unprocessed programs, the process returns to step SP7 again. As described above, when the number of remaining lines N is 2.5 and the number of unprocessed programs is 3, the number of remaining lines N is 1.5, which is 2.5-1, by the processing in step SP11. In addition, by setting the number of unprocessed programs to 2 of 3-1 as described above, the number of remaining lines N is 1.5 lines and there are three or more unprocessed programs (that is, display failure). Is surely prevented.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP17 described above, this means that the number of remaining lines N is 2.5 and the number of unprocessed programs is four or more. The microcomputer 2 moves to step SP18. In step SP18, the host microcomputer 2 performs 2.5 lines with the above-described fourth basic pattern d (FIG. 11D) from the first program e _i to the last program e _E of the unprocessed programs. After performing the allocation process and substituting “N−2.5” for the remaining row number N (as a result, the remaining row number N becomes “0”), the process proceeds to step SP9.

By a series of processing up to this point, all processing target program e _k is thus assigned to one of many pieces of the frame Fr.

  In step SP9, the host microcomputer 2 changes the position and size of each frame Fr to which the program is assigned, and determines an arrangement that minimizes the time error calculated by the above-described calculation method. The current program guide generation processing procedure RT1 for the time frame Ti is terminated. Incidentally, the frame Fr whose size can be changed is only the large frame FrL.

  Further, the host microcomputer 2 repeats the current program guide generation processing procedure RT1 for one channel and one time frame Ti for at least seven channels displayed on the current program guide.

  In this way, the host microcomputer 2 generates the current program guide 34 (FIG. 16) when the current time is 00 minutes to 29 minutes. The generated current program guide 34 is used as the current program guide screen 32. The information is displayed on the display 11.

Next, the current program guide generation processing procedure RT2 for the upper half display area when the current time is 30 minutes to 59 minutes will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 25, the processing target time (the time from the current time to the next 60 minutes) of the processing target channel includes a little broadcast time, and a program (not processing is also referred to as a target program) is referred to as e _k.

  Based on this point, the current program guide generation processing procedure RT2 for the upper half display area when the current time is 30 minutes to 59 minutes will be described below using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  For example, the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 has the current time when the current program guide display button (not shown) provided on the remote controller RM is pressed or the current program guide screen 32 is displayed. When it is recognized that 30 minutes have elapsed, the current program guide generation processing procedure RT2 is started, and the process proceeds to step SP20.

In step SP20, the host microcomputer 2 sets initial values for various variables. More specifically, the host microcomputer 2 sets an initial value “2.5” to the number N of remaining lines in the display area (that is, one time frame Ti) allocated to the processing target time, and also sets the processing target program e. the number n of _k while setting the number of the resulting processed program from EPG information, as well as sets the initial value "0" to the number B of the head of the program of the processing target program e _k, the last of the program The initial value “n−1” is set to the number E of In other words, the processing target program _ek is the program e ₀ to the program en _n−1 .

When the initial values have been set in the various variables in this way, the host microcomputer 2 proceeds to the next step SP21. Host microcomputer 2 in step SP21, it is determined of the processing target program _{e k,} broadcast end min _{s 1} program _{e 0} (ie the beginning of the program) is whether 60 or greater.

If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP21, this means that there is only one processing target program e _k of the program e ₀ and its broadcast end is later than the processing target time. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 moves to step SP22.

Host microcomputer 2 in step SP22, to the program _{e 0,} performing the first N rows (2.5 lines) in the basic pattern a (FIG 11 (A)) allocate all processes described above, the number of remaining lines After substituting “0” for N, the current program guide generation processing procedure RT2 for 1 channel 1 time frame Ti is ended.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP21, the host microcomputer 2 moves to step SP23. Host microcomputer 2 in step SP23, the broadcast end component _{s n} of the program _{e n-1} (i.e. the end of the program) determines whether 60 or greater. If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP23, this means that the broadcast end of the program en _-1 is later than the processing target time. At this time, the host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP24.

In step SP24, the host microcomputer 2 performs a process of assigning 0.5 rows from the lower end of the display area assigned to the processing target time (that is, one time frame Ti of 2.5 rows) to the program en _-1 . Then, “N−0.5” is substituted for the remaining line number N (as a result, the remaining line number N is changed from “2.5” to “2”), and the number E of the last program is “ By substituting “E-1” (as a result, the number E is changed from “n-1” to “n-2”), the program en _-1 is excluded from the processing target, and the next step SP6 ( 24).

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP23 described above, the Host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP6 (FIG. 24) as it is.

  The subsequent processing is the same as in the case of the current program guide generation processing procedure RT1 when the current time is 00 minutes to 29 minutes.

When executing the current program guide generation processing procedure RT2, the Host microcomputer 2 also executes the current program guide generation processing procedure RT3 for the lower half display area. In this case, as shown in FIG. 27, a program (also referred to as a processing target program) whose broadcasting time is included in the processing target time of the processing target channel (time from time 00 minutes to time 60 minutes) is called _ek . To do.

  Based on this point, the current program guide generation processing procedure RT3 for the lower half display area when the current time is 30 minutes to 59 minutes will be described below using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  For example, when the current program guide generation processing procedure RT2 for the upper half display area ends, the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 starts the current program guide generation processing procedure RT3, and proceeds to step SP30.

In step SP30, the host microcomputer 2 sets initial values for various variables. More specifically, the host microcomputer 2 sets an initial value “2.5” to the number N of remaining lines in the display area (that is, one time frame Ti) allocated to the processing target time, and also sets the processing target program e. the number n of _k while setting the number of the resulting processed program from EPG information, as well as sets the initial value "0" to the number B of the head of the program of the processing target program e _k, the last of the program The initial value “n−1” is set to the number E of In other words, the processing target program _ek is the program e ₀ to the program en _n−1 .

When the initial values have been set in the various variables in this way, the host microcomputer 2 proceeds to the next step SP31. Host microcomputer 2 in step SP31, the processing of the target program _{e k,} determine whether the program _{e 0} (ie the beginning of the program) broadcasting start fraction _{s 0} is small and the broadcast end min _{s 1} than 0 is greater than 60 To do.

If an affirmative result is obtained in this step SP31, this means that there is only one processing target program e _k of the program e ₀ and its broadcast start is before the processing target time and the broadcast end is after the processing target time. That is, this means that the program e ₀ is a program classified into the above-described category 1 (FIG. 14). At this time, the host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP32.

Host microcomputer 2 in step SP32, to the program _{e 0,} performing the first N rows (2.5 lines) in the basic pattern a (FIG 11 (A)) allocate all processes described above, the number of remaining lines After substituting “0” for N, the current program guide generation processing procedure RT3 for 1 channel 1 time frame Ti is ended.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP31, the host microcomputer 2 moves to step SP33. Host microcomputer 2 in step SP33, the broadcasting start fraction _{s 0} of the program _{e 0} is determined whether 0 is smaller than. If an affirmative result is obtained at step SP33, this means that the broadcasting start portion of the program e ₀ is before the processing target time, Host microcomputer 2 moves to step SP34.

Host microcomputer 2 in step SP34, to the program _{e 0,} performed from the upper end assign 0.5 line processing of the processing target time allocated display area (i.e. time frame Ti1 one minute 2.5 lines) Then, “N−0.5” is substituted for the remaining line number N (as a result, the remaining line number N is changed from “2.5” to “2”), and “B + 1” is assigned to the number B of the first program. By substituting (as a result, the number B is changed from “0” to “1”), the program e ₀ is removed from the processing target, and the process proceeds to the next step SP6 (FIG. 24).

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP33 described above, the Host microcomputer 2 proceeds to step SP6 (FIG. 24) as it is.

  The subsequent processing is the same as in the case of the program table generation processing procedure RT1 when the current time is 00 minutes to 29 minutes.

  Further, the host microcomputer 2 repeats the program guide generation processing procedure RT2 and the program guide generation processing procedure RT3 for at least seven channels displayed on the current program guide 34.

  In this way, the host microcomputer 2 generates the current program guide 34 (FIG. 17) when the current time is 30 minutes to 59 minutes. The generated current program guide 34 is used as the current program guide screen 32. The information is displayed on the display 11.

(4) Functional Configuration of Television Broadcast Receiving Device Here, the functional configuration of the television broadcast receiving device 1 focusing on the generation of the above-described current program guide 34 will be described. As shown in FIG. 29, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 is configured to provide event information (a program in this embodiment) indicating an event (program in this embodiment) providing destination (a channel in this embodiment) and at least an event providing start time. Information) and schedule information (EPG information in this embodiment), and each event provided within a predetermined time from the current time based on the schedule information acquired by the acquisition unit 50 By arranging the events arranged in order of the provision start time for each destination and arranging the events arranged in the order of the provision start time for each of the provision destinations in parallel with the time axis aligned, the event information of the event currently being provided from each provision destination is placed at the top. A schedule table that displays the event information of each event arranged in order of the provision start time for each provision destination in a line (in this example, the current schedule) Composed of a schedule table generating unit 51 which generates a set table 34), a display control unit 53 for displaying a schedule table generated by the schedule generating section 51 on a predetermined display unit 52.

  With such a functional configuration, the television broadcast receiver 1 can functionally realize the generation of the current program guide 34 described above. Here, the schedule table generation unit 51 is a functional unit that is realized, for example, when the host microcomputer 2 that is a hardware configuration of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 executes a program. The acquisition unit 50 includes a digital antenna 6, a digital tuner 7, a demultiplexer 8, an analog antenna 13, an analog tuner 14, a demodulator 15, a VBI slicer 16, and an EPG, which are hardware configurations of the television broadcast receiver 1. The display unit 52 is a functional unit corresponding to the display 11, and the display control unit 53 is a functional unit corresponding to the GUI superimposing unit 21. The functional unit corresponds to the decoder 17, the network terminal 18, and the network controller 19. is there.

(5) Operation and Effect In the above configuration, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 arranges the programs broadcast within a predetermined time from the current time based on the acquired EPG information in order of the broadcast start time for each channel, and for each channel. By arranging each program arranged in order of broadcast start time in the display area of each channel located in parallel on the same time axis, the program information of the program currently broadcast on each channel is arranged in a line at the top of each display area In this way, the current program table 34 on which the program information of each program arranged in order of broadcast start time is displayed for each channel is generated.

  Then, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 displays the current program guide 34 generated in this way on the display 11 as a current program guide screen 32.

As described above, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 sets the program information of programs currently being broadcast on each channel in the current program table 34 in a line at the head of each display area, and in order of the broadcast start time for each channel. By displaying the program information of each of the arranged programs, it is possible for the user to easily check the program currently being broadcast on each channel, and the program that is broadcast closest to the program currently being broadcast on each channel Can also be confirmed easily.

  In addition, in the current program guide 34, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 deletes the program information of the program that has been broadcast and displays the program information when the program being broadcast on each channel changes over time. Instead, display the program information in the display area of each channel so that the program information of the program that has started broadcasting (that is, being broadcast) is positioned at the top. Update.

  By doing so, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can always allow the user to easily recognize the program currently being broadcast on each channel via the current program guide 34.

  At this time, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 always displays the program information of the program currently broadcast on each channel in a large frame FrL of one line or more (that is, always displays the program name). The current program guide 34 is updated.

  By doing so, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can make the user recognize the program currently broadcast on each channel in more detail via the current program guide 34.

  Thus, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can present to the user the current program table 34 that is much easier to use than in the past.

  According to the above configuration, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 arranges the programs broadcast within a predetermined time from the current time in order of the broadcast start time based on the acquired EPG information, and sets the broadcast start time for each channel. By arranging each program arranged in order in the display area of each channel located in parallel on the same time axis, program information of programs currently broadcast on each channel is arranged in a line at the top of each display area. By generating the current program guide 34 on which the program information of each program arranged in order of the broadcast start time is displayed for each channel, and displaying the generated current program guide 34 on the display 11 as the current program guide screen 32. The program currently being broadcast on each channel can be easily confirmed by the user, and the program currently being broadcast on each channel is broadcast immediately. It is possible to program also easily confirmed. Thus, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 can present to the user the current program table 34 that is much easier to use than the conventional one.

(6) Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the current program table 34 in which the horizontal axis is the channel and the vertical axis is the broadcast time has been described. However, the present invention may be applied to the current program table 34x having the horizontal axis as the broadcast time and the vertical axis as the channel, as shown in a part of FIG.

  In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 31, as a frame Frx that constitutes the current program guide 34x, one program has an arbitrary horizontal width (at least the broadcast start part and a part of the program name can be displayed). Two types are prepared: a large frame FrxL to be allocated, and a small frame FrxS to which one or more programs are allocated whose horizontal width is smaller than that of the large frame FrxL (at least one broadcast start can be displayed). By the way, the vertical width is the same for both the large frame FrxL and the small frame FrxS, but when there are at least one line and a plurality of programs are assigned to the small frame FrxS, the broadcast start portions of the plurality of programs are arranged vertically. The size is such that it can be displayed.

  In this case, four basic patterns v to y as shown in FIGS. 32A to 32D are prepared as program allocation patterns.

  As shown in FIG. 32A, the first basic pattern v is a pattern in which one program is assigned to a large frame FrxL having an arbitrary horizontal width. As shown in FIG. 32B, the second basic pattern w is a pattern in which two programs are assigned to one large frame FrxL and one small frame FrxS. Specifically, the case where the small frame FrxS continues to the right of the large frame FrxL and the case where the large frame FrxL continues to the right of the small frame FrxS are included in the second basic pattern w.

  As shown in FIG. 32C, the third basic pattern x is a pattern in which three or more programs are assigned to one large frame FrxL and two small frames FrxS. Specifically, two small frames FrxS continue to the right of the large frame FrxL, a large frame FrxL continues to the right of the small frame FrxS, and a small frame FrxS continues to the right of the small frame FrxS. The case where the large frame FrxL follows is included in the third basic pattern x.

  As shown in FIG. 32D, the fourth basic pattern y is a pattern in which four or more programs are assigned to one large frame FrxL and three small frames FrxS. Specifically, the case where three small frames FrxS continue on the right side of the large frame FrxL, the case where two large frames FrxS continue on the right side of the small frame FrxS, and the case where two small frames FrxS continue on the right side of the large frame FrxS. The fourth basic pattern y includes the case where the large frame FrxL continues on the right side of the frame and the small frame FrxS continues on the right side and the case where the large frame FrxL continues on the right side of the three small frames FrxS.

  Such four basic patterns v to y and patterns obtained by arbitrarily combining these are the program allocation patterns. Incidentally, in this case, if at least the third basic pattern x is used, it is possible to display program information of all arbitrary numbers of programs.

  If the generation algorithm of the above-described embodiment is diverted using such a program allocation pattern, a current program table 34x having the horizontal axis as the broadcast time and the vertical axis as the channel to which the present invention is applied can be generated. it can.

  Here, the case of actually updating the current program table 34x with the horizontal axis as the broadcast time and the vertical axis as the channel as time elapses will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. . Here, for example, as a program broadcast on a predetermined channel from 6 pm to 7 pm on a predetermined date, a program with a broadcast time of 6:00 to 6:10 and a broadcast time of 6:10 It is assumed that the EPG information includes a program of minutes to 6:30, a program with a broadcast time of 6:30 to 7:00, and a program with a broadcast time of 7:00 to 7:30.

  First, when the current time is 6:00 pm, the current program table 34x includes one item corresponding to one hour from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, as shown in FIG. The time frame Ti30 is displayed, and three programs including the broadcast time from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm are assigned to the frame Fr by the third basic pattern x.

  That is, a program having a broadcast time of 6:00 to 6:10 is assigned to the leftmost frame Frx30 (L), and a broadcast start “00” and a program name “News” are displayed. A program with a broadcast time of 6:10 to 6:30 is assigned to the right frame Frx31 (S) and only the broadcast start “10” is displayed, and the broadcast time of 6 is displayed in the right frame Frx32 (S). A program from 30:30 to 7:00 is allocated, and only the broadcast start “30” is displayed. In other words, in this case, the program time is 6:00 to 6:10 and the program name “news” is currently being broadcast.

  When the time elapses and the broadcast end time of the currently broadcast program is 6:10 pm, as shown in FIG. 33 (B), the broadcast ended program is assigned to the leftmost position. The frame Frx30 (L) that is positioned is deleted, and the frame Frx31 (S) that is located on the right side of the frame Frx30 (L) moves to the left and changes to the frame Frx31 (L). The frame FrxS is changed to the large frame FrxL).

  As a result, the broadcast start “10” of the assigned program and the program name “sport information” are displayed in the leftmost frame Frx31 (L). That is, in this case, the program time is 6:10 to 6:30, and the program name “sport information” is currently being broadcast.

  When the time further elapses and the time frame Ti is updated at 6:30 pm, the time frame Ti30 is changed from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm as shown in FIG. The time frame Ti30h corresponding to 30 minutes until and the time frame Ti21h corresponding to 30 minutes from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm following the right side thereof are updated.

  Further, the leftmost frame Frx31 (L) to which the broadcast-terminated program is assigned is deleted, and the frame Fr32x (L) located on the right side of the frame Frx31 (L) is deleted accordingly. As it moves to the left, it becomes the width of one time frame Ti30h, and on the right side, it has the width of one time frame Ti31h to which the program time is assigned from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm A frame Frx33 (L) is added.

  As a result, the broadcast start “30” of the assigned program and a part of the program name “weather forecast” are displayed in the leftmost frame Frx32 (L), and on the right side thereof. In the frame Frx33 (L) located at, the broadcast start portion “00” of the assigned program and a part of the program name “professional baseball” are displayed. That is, in this case, it is indicated that the program whose broadcast time is 6:30 to 6:30 and the program name is “weather forecast” is currently being broadcast.

  In this way, the current program table 34x having the horizontal axis as the broadcast time and the vertical axis as the channel is updated as time passes.

  Further, as in the above-described embodiment, the current program table 34 is displayed with the horizontal axis as the channel and the vertical axis as the broadcast time, and the current program having the horizontal axis as the broadcast time and the vertical axis as the channel as described above. The table 34x may be arbitrarily switched and displayed according to a user operation. In this way, usability as an electronic program guide can be further improved.

  Further, by combining the frame Frx corresponding to the current program table 34x with the horizontal axis as the broadcast time and the vertical axis as the channel, in the current program table 34 of the above-described embodiment, for example, a plurality of events can be shared. It is also possible to display the channel program information together in one channel number frame CN.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 34, it is assumed that three channels with channel numbers “141”, “142”, and “143” exist in the EPG information as channels for event sharing. Furthermore, as a program broadcast on these three channels at a predetermined time (for example, around 6 pm), a program 14nA in which the broadcast time for event sharing on these three channels is from 6:00 to 6:30, The program 141B broadcasted on the channel with channel number “141” from 6:30 to 7:00 and the broadcast time broadcast on the channel with channel number “142” from 6:30 to 6:45. Minute program 142B and program 142C broadcast time from 6:45 to 7:00 and broadcast time broadcast from channel 6:30 to 6:40 program 143B, broadcast 143B The program 143C with a time of 6:40 to 6:50 and a program 143D with a broadcast time of 6:50 to 7:00 and a broadcast time for event sharing on three channels And 00 minutes to 7 hours 30 minutes of program 14nE time is to be present in the EPG information.

  The programs for these three channels are assigned to the frame Fr so as to fit in one channel number frame CN. Specifically, when the current time is 6:00 pm, the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 sets the channel number “141” in the channel number frame CN as shown in FIG. In addition, one time frame Ti40 corresponding to one hour from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm is displayed, and 2.5 on the top of the display area corresponding to this time frame Ti40. A line frame Fr40 (L) is arranged, and a program 14nA with a broadcast time of 6:00 to 6:30 sharing an event is allocated to the frame Fr40 (L). Further, the host microcomputer 2 arranges a frame Fr41 (L) for 2.5 rows whose width is shorter by two small frames FrxS than the frame Fr40 (L) on the lower left side of the frame Fr40 (L). (L) is assigned a program 141B broadcast on the channel of channel number “141”, and further, a frame Frx42 (S) of 2.5 rows is placed on the right side of the frame Fr41 (L), and 2.5 rows are placed on the right side thereof. Minute frame Frx43 (S) is allocated, program 142B and program 142C broadcast on the channel number “142” are assigned to frame Frx42 (S), and channel number “143” is assigned to frame Frx43 (S). A program 143B, a program 143C, and a program 143D broadcast on the channel are allocated.

  As a result, in the frame Fr40 (L), the broadcast start amount “00” of the program 14nA and the program name “News” are displayed in the horizontal direction from the upper left, and in the frame Fr41 (L), the broadcast start amount of the program 141B “ 30 ”and the program name“ sport information ”are displayed in the horizontal direction from the top left, and the frame Frx42 (S) includes the broadcast start“ 30 ”of the program 142B and the broadcast start“ 45 ”of the program 142C from the top. In the frame Frx43 (S), the broadcast start portion “30” of the program 143B, the broadcast start portion “40” of the program 143C, and the broadcast start portion “50” of the program 143D are displayed vertically from the top. Is done.

  By doing in this way, the program information of a plurality of channels sharing an event can be displayed together in one channel number frame CN. In this way, when there are many broadcast stations sharing an event, program information of more channels can be displayed on the electronic program guide.

  Furthermore, program guide update and program selection with the passage of time in this case will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. When more time elapses from the state shown in FIG. 35A and the current time becomes 6:30 pm, the host microcomputer 2 sets the time frame Ti40 to 6 pm as shown in FIG. The time frame Ti40h corresponding to 30 minutes from 30:30 to 7:00 pm is updated to the time frame Ti41h corresponding to 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm, which follows the time frame Ti40h. Further, the host microcomputer 2 deletes the frame Fr40 (L) positioned at the top, and instead, the display of the program and the frame allocated to the display area (that is, the upper half) corresponding to the time frame Ti41h. The frame Fr41 (L), the frame Frx42 (S) that continues to the right side thereof, and the frame Frx43 (S) that continues to the right side thereof are arranged without changing the size. Further, the host microcomputer 2 arranges a frame Fr44 (L) for 2.5 rows in the display area (that is, the lower half) corresponding to the time frame Ti41h, and the broadcast time for event sharing in this frame Fr44 (L). The program 14nE from 7:00 to 7:30 is allocated.

  As a result, in the frame Fr44 (L), the broadcast start amount “00” of the program 14nE and the program name “baseball broadcast” are displayed in the horizontal direction from the upper left. At this time, at the upper end of the upper half display area, the program 141B assigned to the frame Fr41 (L) is assigned the broadcast start “30”, the program name “sport information”, and the frame Frx42 (S). The broadcast start amount “30” of the program 142B and the broadcast start amount “30” of the program 143B assigned to the frame Frx43 (S) are displayed side by side. Thus, even when program information of a plurality of channels sharing an event is displayed together in one channel number frame CN, the user can check the program information of the currently broadcast program at a glance.

  Here, it is assumed that the frame Fr41 (L) is in the focused state Fc, that is, the program 141B assigned to the frame Fr41 (L) is selected.

  In this state, when recognizing that the right direction key (not shown) of the remote controller RM is pressed, the host microcomputer 2 changes the frame Fr41 (L) to the frame Frx41 for 2.5 rows as shown in FIG. (S) is changed (ie, the large frame FrL is changed to the small frame FrxS), and the right frame Frx42 (S) is changed to the frame Fr45 (L) for two lines and the 0.5 lines following it. The program 142B assigned to the frame Frx42 (S) is reassigned to the frame Fr45 (L), the program 142C is reassigned to the frame Fr46 (S), and the frame Fr45 is changed. The focus Fc is moved to (L), and the channel number displayed in the channel number frame CN is changed to “142”.

  As a result, only the broadcast start portion “30” of the program 141B is displayed at the upper end in the frame Frx41 (S), and the broadcast start portion “30” of the program 142B is displayed in the right frame Fr45 (L). The program name “animation” is displayed in the horizontal direction from the upper left, and only the broadcast start portion “45” of the program 142C is displayed in the lower frame Fr46 (S). As a result, the program 142B broadcast on the channel of the channel number “142” is selected.

  Further, from this state, when recognizing that the right key of the remote controller RM is pressed, the host microcomputer 2 sets the frame Fr45 (L) and the frame Fr46 (S) to 2 as shown in FIG. Returning to the frame Frx42 (S) for .5 lines, the frame Frx43 (S) on the right side of the frame Frx42 (S) corresponding to this is changed to the frame Fr47 (L) for 1.5 lines and 0.5 lines following it. The program 143B assigned to the frame Frx43 (S) is reassigned to the frame Fr47 (L) instead of the frame Fr48 (S) and the frame Fr49 (S) of 0.5 lines following the frame Fr48 (S). 143C is reassigned to the frame Fr48 (S), the program 143C is reassigned to the frame Fr49 (S), the focus Fc is further moved to the frame Fr47 (L), and the channel number displayed in the channel number frame CN is “143”. Change to .

  As a result, in the frame Frx42 (S), the broadcast start amount “30” of the program 142B and the broadcast start amount “45” of the program 142C are displayed vertically from the top, and the right side frame Fr47 (L ), The broadcast start amount “30” of the program 143B and the program name “drama # 1” are displayed in the horizontal direction from the upper left corner, and the broadcast start amount “40” of the program 143C is displayed in the lower frame Fr48 (S). In the lower frame Fr49 (S), only the broadcast start “50” of the program 143D is displayed. As a result, the program 143B broadcast on the channel of the channel number “143” is selected.

  Further, from the state shown in FIG. 35B, that is, when the current time is 6:30 pm and the focus Fc is applied to the frame Fr41 (L), more time elapses and the current time is 6 pm At time 40 minutes, as shown in FIG. 35 (E), the host microcomputer 2 cancels the assignment of the program 143B that has been broadcast to the frame Frx43 (S).

  As a result, the broadcast start “30” of the program 142B is deleted in the frame Frx43 (S), and the broadcast start “40” of the program 142C and the broadcast start “50” of the program 142D are arranged vertically from the top. Is displayed. At this time, at the upper end of the upper half display area, the program 141B assigned to the frame Fr41 (L) is assigned the broadcast start “30”, the program name “sport information”, and the frame Frx42 (S). The broadcast start “30” of the program 142B and the broadcast start “40” of the program 143C assigned to the frame Frx43 (S) are displayed side by side. Thereby, the program information of the program currently being broadcast can be confirmed at a glance.

  Further, from this state, when recognizing that the right direction key (not shown) of the remote controller RM is pressed, the host microcomputer 2 displays the frame Fr41 (L) for 2.5 rows as shown in FIG. Change to the frame Frx41 (S) (that is, change from the large frame FrL to the small frame FrxS), and in accordance with this change the frame Frx42 (S) on the right side to the frame Fr45 (L) for two lines and the 0. Instead of the frame Fr46 (S) for five lines, the program 142B assigned to the frame Frx42 (S) is reassigned to the frame Fr45 (L), and the program 142C is reassigned to the frame Fr46 (S). The focus Fc is moved to the frame Fr45 (L), and the channel number displayed in the channel number frame CN is changed to “142”.

  As a result, only the broadcast start portion “30” of the program 141B is displayed at the upper end in the frame Frx41 (S), and the broadcast start portion “30” of the program 142B is displayed in the right frame Fr45 (L). The program name “animation” is displayed in the horizontal direction from the upper left, and only the broadcast start portion “45” of the program 142C is displayed in the lower frame Fr46 (S). As a result, the program 142B broadcast on the channel of the channel number “142” is selected.

  Further, from this state, when recognizing that the right key of the remote controller RM is pressed, the host microcomputer 2 sets the frame Fr45 (L) and the frame Fr46 (S) to 2 as shown in FIG. Returning to the frame Frx42 (S) for .5 lines, the frame Frx43 (S) on the right side of the frame Frx42 (S) is changed to the frame Fr48 (L) for 1.5 lines and the frame Fr49 for one line following it. In place of (L), the program 143C assigned to the frame Frx43 (S) is reassigned to the frame Fr48 (L), the program 143C is reassigned to the frame Fr49 (L), and the frame Fr48 (L) is further focused. Fc is moved, and the channel number displayed in the channel number frame CN is changed to “143”.

  As a result, in the frame Frx42 (S), the broadcast start amount “30” of the program 142B and the broadcast start amount “45” of the program 142C are displayed vertically from the top, and the right side frame Fr48 (L ), The broadcast start amount “40” of the program 143C and the program name “drama # 2” are displayed horizontally from the upper left, and the lower frame Fr49 (L) shows the broadcast start amount “50” of the program 143D. And the program name “Drama # 3” are displayed horizontally from the left end. As a result, the program 143C broadcast on the channel of the channel number “143” is selected.

  In this way, the host microcomputer 2 of the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 updates the current program table 34 with the passage of time even when program information of a plurality of channels sharing an event is displayed together in one channel number frame CN. The program can be selected by the focus Fc.

  Moreover, the case where program information is displayed for each channel as in the above-described embodiment and the case where program information of a plurality of channels as described above are displayed together are arbitrarily switched according to a user operation. You may do it. In this way, usability as an electronic program guide (future program guide 31 and current program guide 34) can be further improved.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the broadcast start amount and the program name of the assigned program are displayed on the large frame FrL is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the display of the large frame FrL is displayed. Within the range allowed by the area, information other than the broadcast start amount and the program name included in the EPG information, such as program outline and program details, may be additionally displayed. In this way, more information about the program can be provided to the user as compared with the case where the broadcast start part and the program name are simply displayed.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where only the broadcast start portion of the allocated program is displayed in the small frame FrS has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, FIG. As shown in FIG. 4B, a news icon 60 indicating a news program, a weather forecast icon 61 indicating a weather forecast program, and the like are displayed next to the broadcast start as an icon indicating the contents of the program. You may make it display.

  In this case, for example, as shown in FIGS. 36A to 36C, when a program corresponding to the news icon 60 is assigned to the large frame FrL with the passage of time, the large frame FrL includes the news icon 60. Instead of being displayed, the program name “news” is displayed instead. Similarly, when the program corresponding to the weather forecast icon 61 is assigned to the large frame FrL, the program name “weather forecast” is displayed instead of the weather forecast icon 61.

  In addition to the icon indicating the contents of such a program, an icon indicating the processing status of the program (for example, a recording icon indicating that recording is being performed, a recording reservation indicating that recording is already reserved) In addition, one or a plurality of various icons and marks (collectively referred to as program icons) may be displayed. In this way, more information about the program can be provided to the user than when only the broadcast start is displayed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the current program table 34, the time associated with the vertical axis (time axis) of the time frame Ti in units of 30 minutes, that is, the vertical axis of the processing target time display area. The case has been described in which the time is updated, the time error is recalculated, and the arrangement of the frame Fr is updated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the unit is in units of 15 minutes or 5 minutes. In addition, this time may be updated in a shorter time. If the update time of this time is shortened, the position and size of the frame Fr with respect to the vertical axis of the display area of the processing target time can be more accurately matched with the broadcast time of the program assigned to the frame Fr. .

  In the embodiment described above, in the current program table 34, for each channel, the display of program information is updated in units of program broadcast time, and the vertical axis of the processing target time display area is in units of 30 minutes. The case has been described in which the current program table 34 is pseudo-scrolled with the passage of time by updating the attached time, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the current program table 34 is predetermined from the current time. A current program guide is generated up to the time ahead, and the program information of the currently broadcast program is always displayed in a line at the top in the program information display area Pa as the time passes. You may make it scroll in real time as it is.

  In this way, although the processing load increases, the position and size of the frame Fr in the program information display area Pa can be more accurately matched to the broadcast time of the program assigned to the frame Fr.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the program video 33 broadcast on the currently selected channel is displayed on the upper half of the current program guide screen 32 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, various other information such as a Web browser may be displayed. In this case, the current program guide screen 32 that is more user-friendly can be realized by displaying information on the program selected by the focus Fc, information on the recommended program, and the like.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a program with a longer broadcast time is assigned a large frame FrL as being a program important to the user for the broadcasting station, and a program selected by the focus Fc is a program that is important for the user. Although the case where FrL is assigned has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a program whose broadcast start time is close or a program currently being broadcast may be assigned to the large frame FrL.

  In addition, for example, a program in which information indicating that the program is a new program is included in the program information or a program in which information indicating the last episode is included in the program information is allocated to the large frame FrL. Alternatively, a program reserved for viewing or recording may be assigned to the large frame FrL.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to this, and preference data is generated by generating user preference data for a program based on user operations such as program viewing and program selection, or by causing a user to register a keyword indicating the user preference. May be generated, a program having a high preference degree may be identified based on the preference data, and this program may be assigned to the large frame FrL.

  On the other hand, for example, a program that cannot be viewed because it is not contracted, a program whose broadcast time has passed, a program with low preference, etc. may be positively assigned to the small frame FrS.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the size of the small frame FrS is set to the size of 0.5 lines has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the size is equal to or smaller than the large frame FrL, It is not limited to 0.5 lines.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the start of the program is displayed in the large frame FrL and the small frame FrS has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the start time is displayed. Alternatively, for example, the start time may be displayed in the large frame FrL, and the start time may be displayed in the small frame FrS.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the remote controller RM is used as the selection means for selecting a program has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other operations such as a mouse and a keyboard can be performed. The focus Fc may be moved by the device.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the schedule broadcast presentation device 1 and the television broadcast receiving device 1 as an information processing device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other devices are also provided. You may make it apply this invention to. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 having both the generation function of the future program guide 31 and the generation function of the current program guide 34 has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 having only the function of generating the current program guide 34.

  Specifically, for example, the present invention may be applied to a program recording apparatus such as a DVD recorder or a hard disk recorder as a schedule table generation apparatus that does not have the display unit 52 (FIG. 19). In this case, the program recording apparatus displays the generated electronic program guide (future program guide 31 or current program guide 34) on a display unit such as an externally connected liquid crystal display, thereby generating the generated electronic program guide (future program guide). Table 31 or current program table 34) can be presented to the user.

  In addition, neither the display unit 52 nor the display control unit 53 is provided. Instead, the generated electronic program guide (future program guide 31 or current program guide 34) is transmitted to a terminal device having a display section via a network or the like. You may make it apply this invention to information processing apparatuses, such as a server which has a transmission part to send out. Similarly, the above-described television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 causes the network controller 19 and the network terminal 18 to function as a sending unit, so that the generated electronic program guide (future) is connected to an external device connected via the network terminal 18. The program guide 31 or the current program guide 34) may be transmitted.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 acquires EPG information indicating a broadcast schedule of a program broadcasted by television, and a broadcast schedule table of the program broadcasted by television based on the EPG information. The electronic program guide (future program guide 31 or current program guide 34) to be generated has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, schedule information indicating a broadcast schedule of a program distributed over a network. May be obtained from a server or the like, and an electronic program guide (future program guide 31 or current program guide 34) of a program distributed over the network based on the schedule information may be generated.

  Furthermore, not only such programs, but also schedule information (including at least the event provision destination and the provision start time) indicating the schedule of various events such as a movie broadcast at a movie theater, a concert held at a concert venue, etc. The event schedule table may be generated based on the schedule information.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the EPG information obtained by acquiring the channel number smaller than the channel number displayed in the channel number CN1 in the leftmost channel number frame CN1 of the channel numbers CN (CN1 to CN7). Is displayed, and a channel number larger than the channel number displayed in the channel number CN7 is acquired as the rightmost channel number CN7. The case where the right triangle mark M2 indicating the fact is displayed when it exists in the EPG information has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the channel displayed in the channel number CN1 It is displayed in the channel number smaller than the number and the channel number CN7 Regardless of whether or not a channel number larger than the channel number exists in the EPG information, the left triangle mark M1 and the right triangle mark M2 are displayed so that the first channel and the last channel existing in the EPG information are connected. Thus, the switching of channels to be displayed may be controlled in a ring shape.

  In this case, for example, the remote controller RM is in a state where the EPG information includes only seven channels with channel numbers “011”, “012”, “021”, “022”, “023”, “041”, “042”. When the channel switching operation is performed by the operation of the right direction key provided in the channel number, the displayed channel numbers are “011”, “012”, “021”, “022”, “023”, “041”, From the order of “042”, loop scroll to the right so that “012”, “021”, “022”, “023”, “041”, “042”, “011” are in this order. The channel is switched. That is, the triangular marks M1 and M2 in this case indicate whether or not scrolling is possible.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which a program for executing the current program guide generation process is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) in the host microcomputer 2 or in the nonvolatile memory 4. The invention is not limited to this, and the program is recorded on a recording medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or a memory card, and the program is recorded via a drive (not shown) to which the television broadcast receiving apparatus 1 is externally connected. May be read out and installed in the memory inside the host microcomputer 2 or the nonvolatile memory 4.

  The present invention can be effectively used widely in apparatuses that handle EPG information, such as a television receiver, a DVD recorder, and an HDD recorder.

It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a television broadcast receiver. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a future program schedule screen. It is a basic diagram which shows a part of future program guide. It is a basic diagram with which it uses for description of the example of a program selection by focus. It is a basic diagram which shows the program selection example (1) by the focus in the future program schedule screen actually displayed. It is a basic diagram which shows the program selection example (2) by the focus in the future program schedule screen actually displayed. It is a basic diagram which shows the program selection example (3) by the focus in the future program schedule screen actually displayed. It is a basic diagram which shows the program selection example (4) by the focus in the future program schedule screen actually displayed. It is a basic diagram which shows the program selection example (5) by the focus in the future program schedule screen actually displayed. It is a basic diagram which shows the kind of frame. It is a basic diagram which shows the basic pattern (1) of a program allocation pattern. It is a table | surface which shows the basic pattern (2) of a program allocation pattern. It is a table | surface which shows the relationship between the number of programs, the number of lines, and a program allocation pattern. It is an approximate line figure used for explanation of allocation of the number of lines according to classification of a program and classification. It is an approximate line figure used for explanation of arrangement of a frame in a future program guide, and a time error. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure (1) of a present program schedule screen. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure (2) of a present program schedule screen. It is a basic diagram which shows the example of the program information of the program broadcast at 7 pm and 8 pm. It is a basic diagram with which it uses for description of the update of a time frame and program information. It is a basic diagram which shows arrangement | positioning (1) of the frame in a present program schedule. It is a basic diagram which shows arrangement | positioning (2) of the frame in a present program schedule. It is a basic diagram which shows the program (when the present time is 00 minutes-29 minutes) used as a process target. It is a flowchart which shows a present program schedule production | generation procedure (when the present time is 00 minutes-29 minutes) (1). It is a flowchart following the flowchart which shows the present program schedule production | generation process procedure of FIG. It is a basic diagram which shows the program (first half part in case the present time is 30 minutes-59 minutes) used as a process target. It is a flowchart which shows the present program schedule production | generation process procedure (the first half part when the present time is 30 minutes-59 minutes). It is a basic diagram which shows the program (The second half part when the present time is 30 minutes-59 minutes) used as a process target. It is a flowchart which shows the present program schedule production | generation procedure (the second half part when the present time is 30 minutes-59 minutes). It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of a television broadcast receiver. It is a basic diagram which shows a part of electronic program guide by which a horizontal axis by another embodiment makes a broadcast time and a vertical axis | shaft a channel. It is a basic diagram which shows the kind of frame by other embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the basic pattern of the program allocation pattern by other embodiment. It is a basic diagram with which it uses for description of the example of a program schedule update in case a horizontal axis | shaft is broadcast time and a vertical axis | shaft is a channel by other embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the example of the program information by other embodiment. It is a basic diagram with which it uses for description of the program schedule update and program selection in the case of displaying the channel which shares an event by another embodiment collectively. It is a basic diagram which shows the program icon by other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Television broadcast receiver, 2 ... Host microcomputer, 4 ... Non-volatile memory, 6 ... Digital antenna, 7 ... Digital tuner, 8 ... Demultiplexer, 10 ... GUI superimposer, 11 ... ... Display, 13 ... Analog antenna, 14 ... Analog tuner, 15 ... Demodulator, 16 ... VBI slicer, 17 ... EPG decoder, 18 ... Network terminal, 19 ... Network controller, 30 ... Future program Table screen 31... Current program guide 32. Current program guide screen 33 33 Program video 34 34 x Current program guide 50. Acquiring unit 51. Schedule table generating unit 52. Display unit, 53... Display control unit, 60, 61... Program icon, Fc... Focus, FrL, FrxL... Large frame, FrS, FrxS. Pa ...... program guide display area, RM ...... remote control, Ti ...... time frame.

Claims (6)

An acquisition unit for acquiring program guide information including a broadcast station that broadcasts a program and at least program information indicating a broadcast start time of the program ;
Based on the program guide information acquired by the acquisition unit , for each broadcasting station, each program broadcast within a predetermined time from the current time is assigned to one or more program information display frames for displaying the program information, and further the time A program that generates a program table by arranging the program information display frame at a position corresponding to the broadcast start time of a program in a display area provided for each broadcast station along a time frame in which the axis is divided by a time zone. A table generator,
Comprising a display control unit for displaying the program table generated by the program table generating unit on a predetermined display unit,
The program guide generation unit
Every time a program that is being broadcast ends with the passage of time, the program information display frame of the program that has been broadcast is deleted from the display area, and the empty space generated by deleting the program information display frame is filled. In this way, the program table is updated by rearranging the program information display frames of the remaining programs broadcast in the same time zone as the finished program in the display area at positions corresponding to the broadcast start times of the programs.
Program guide presentation device. The program guide generation unit
When the program information display frame is arranged in the display area, the position of the program information display frame arranged in the display area and the broadcast start time of the program assigned to the program information display frame on the time axis The position of the program information display frame in the display area is determined so that the error in the display is minimized.
Program guide presentation device according to 請 Motomeko 1. The display control unit
And the program table generated by the program table generating unit generates a program guide display screen in which the one of the image of the program currently being broadcast is displayed, the program guide display screen on the predetermined display unit Display
Program guide presentation device according to 請 Motomeko 1. Obtain program guide information including a broadcast station that broadcasts the program and program information indicating at least the broadcast start time of the program ;
Based on the acquired program guide information, for each broadcasting station, each program broadcast within a predetermined time from the current time is assigned to one or more program information display frames for displaying the program information, and the time axis is set according to the time zone. In the display area provided for each broadcasting station along the divided time frame, the program information display frame is arranged at a position corresponding to the broadcast start time of the program to generate a program guide ,
The program table raw form were displayed on a predetermined display unit,
In addition, every time a program that is being broadcast ends with the passage of time, the program information display frame of the program that has been broadcast is deleted from the display area, and an empty space generated by deleting the program information display frame is removed. The program table is updated by rearranging the program information display frames of the remaining programs that are broadcast in the same time zone as the ended program in the display area so that they are rearranged at positions corresponding to the broadcast start time of the program. Do
Program guide presentation method. Against the information processing apparatus,
An acquisition step of causing the acquisition unit to acquire program guide information including a broadcast station that broadcasts the program and at least program information indicating the broadcast start time of the program ;
Based on the program guide information acquired in the acquisition step, for each broadcast station, each program broadcast within a predetermined time from the current time is assigned to one or more program information display frames for displaying the program information, and a time axis A program guide for generating a program guide by arranging the program information display frame at a position corresponding to the broadcast start time of the program in a display area provided for each broadcasting station along a time frame divided by time zones. Generation step;
A display step of displaying the program table generated by the program table generating step on a predetermined display unit,
Every time a program that is being broadcast ends with the passage of time, the program information display frame of the program that has been broadcast is deleted from the display area, and the empty space generated by deleting the program information display frame is filled. In this way, the program table is updated by rearranging the program information display frames of the remaining programs broadcast in the same time zone as the finished program in the display area at positions corresponding to the broadcast start times of the programs. A program guide presentation program for executing an update step . An acquisition unit for acquiring program guide information including a broadcast station that broadcasts a program and at least program information indicating a broadcast start time of the program ;
Based on the program guide information acquired by the acquisition unit , for each broadcasting station, each program broadcast within a predetermined time from the current time is assigned to one or more program information display frames for displaying the program information, and further the time A program that generates a program table by arranging the program information display frame at a position corresponding to the broadcast start time of a program in a display area provided for each broadcast station along a time frame in which the axis is divided by a time zone. A table generator,
Comprising a portion for sending the program table generated by the program table generating module to the outside,
The program guide generation unit
Every time a program that is being broadcast ends with the passage of time, the program information display frame of the program that has been broadcast is deleted from the display area, and the empty space generated by deleting the program information display frame is filled. In this way, the program table is updated by rearranging the program information display frames of the remaining programs broadcast in the same time zone as the finished program in the display area at positions corresponding to the broadcast start times of the programs.
Program guide generator.

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