JP5262759B2 - Broadcast receiver - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a broadcast receiving apparatus that receives digital television broadcasts.

  In digital television broadcasting, after purchasing a broadcast receiving device, channel scanning is performed to search for receivable channels, and by setting the frequency that can be received by channel scanning to the device, the program can be viewed. Become.

  In a conventional broadcast receiving apparatus, it is necessary for a user to select a viewer residence area using a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as “remote controller”) or the like before the start of channel scanning. This operation is particularly troublesome for those who are technically weak, and is not classified into 47 prefectures according to the ARIB standard. There were cases where it took a long time to arrive or the target option was not easily found.

  There is also known a broadcast receiving apparatus that sets a viewing area (for example, a prefecture) by dividing a viewing area into a plurality of levels and selecting an area of each layer in order from a wide area (for example, a region). However, this method has many operation steps and is complicated.

JP 2004-289464 A

  Therefore, a broadcast receiving apparatus that automatically determines and sets a viewing area based on a scan result is known. Such a broadcast receiving apparatus has the advantage that no user operation is required and channel scanning can be easily performed even by a technically weak person. However, when the viewing area is automatically set according to the result of the channel scan process, there is a case where an area not conforming to the user's intention is set as the viewing area, and there is a problem that the degree of freedom of user selection is small. In an environment where broadcast signals from nearby prefectures can be received, the area adjacent to the user's residence area may be erroneously set as the viewing area depending on the scan result.

  By the way, in recent years, an increasing number of users receive digital television broadcast signals via a cable television of a non-frequency conversion pass-through (same frequency pass-through) method. In the case of going through the cable TV, when the channel is scanned, a self-broadcast channel called a “community channel (commonly known as“ comi-chan ”)” of the cable television broadcasting station is also taken in. The broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel includes information such as area identification information, TS name, service identification, and service area in addition to video data. Normally, a broadcast receiving apparatus receives only broadcast signals from one cable television broadcast station whose service area is the area. Therefore, by using these pieces of information included in the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel, the accuracy of specifying the viewing area is improved, and the setting of the viewing area becomes easy and reliable.

  An object of the present invention is to easily and surely set a viewing area in a channel scan in a broadcast receiving apparatus that receives a digital television broadcast signal via a cable television broadcast station.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a broadcast receiving apparatus comprising receiving means for setting a viewing area and receiving a digital television broadcast signal from a cable television broadcast station.
A first storage unit that stores an area and predetermined area specifying information for specifying the area in association with each other;
A second storage unit for storing the independent broadcast channel of the cable television broadcasting station;
Detecting means for performing auto-scan for all channels of digital television broadcasting at a predetermined timing and detecting whether or not each channel can be received;
Determination means for determining whether the independent broadcast channel is detected as a receivable channel based on a detection result of the detection means and the second storage unit;
Extracting means for extracting the predetermined area specifying information from broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel when the determination means determines that the independent broadcast channel is detected as a receivable channel;
Setting means for setting a viewing area based on the predetermined area specifying information extracted by the extracting means and the first storage unit;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the first aspect, the setting means sets an area specified by the predetermined area specifying information as the viewing area.

The invention according to claim 3 is the broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third storage unit stores the channel of the local broadcast station in each area;
Determination for determining the area specified by the predetermined area specifying information extracted by the extracting means and the area where the channel of the local broadcasting station detected by the detecting means can be received as candidates for the viewing area Means,
Displaying the area determined as the viewing area candidate by the determining means on a display unit, and selecting means for allowing the user to select one area from the area;
With
The setting means sets one area selected by the user by the selection means as the viewing area.

Invention of Claim 4 is provided with the 4th memory | storage part which memorize | stores the adjacent area adjacent to the service area of each cable television broadcasting station in the broadcast receiver of Claim 3,
The determining means specifies a cable television broadcast station that distributes the independent broadcast channel based on the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel, and specifies the adjacent area of the specified service area of the cable television broadcast station. Based on the fourth storage unit, the specified adjacent area is added to the candidate for the viewing area.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a broadcast receiving apparatus including receiving means for setting a viewing area and receiving a digital television broadcast signal from a cable television broadcast station.
A first storage unit that stores an area and predetermined area specifying information for specifying the area in association with each other;
A second storage unit for storing the independent broadcast channel of the cable television broadcasting station;
A third storage unit for storing channels of local broadcast stations in each area;
A fourth storage unit for storing an adjacent area adjacent to a service area of each cable television broadcasting station;
Detecting means for performing auto-scan for all channels of digital television broadcasting at a predetermined timing and detecting whether or not each channel can be received;
Determination means for determining whether the independent broadcast channel is detected as a receivable channel based on a detection result of the detection means and the second storage unit;
Extracting means for extracting the predetermined area specifying information from broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel when the determination means determines that the independent broadcast channel is detected as a receivable channel;
The area specified by the predetermined area specifying information extracted by the extracting means and the first storage unit, and the area where the channel of the local broadcast station detected by the detecting means can be received A determination means for determining a candidate for the area;
Displaying the area determined as the viewing area candidate by the determining means on a display unit, and selecting means for allowing the user to select one area from the area;
Setting means for setting one area selected by the user by the selection means as a viewing area;
With
The determining means specifies a cable television broadcast station that distributes the independent broadcast channel based on the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel, and specifies the adjacent area of the specified service area of the cable television broadcast station. Based on the fourth storage unit, the specified adjacent area is added to the candidate for the viewing area.

According to the present invention, the first storage unit stores an area and predetermined area specifying information for specifying the area in association with each other, and the second storage unit performs independent broadcasting of the cable television broadcasting station. The channels are stored, and the detection means performs auto-scan for all channels of the digital television broadcast at a predetermined timing to detect whether each channel can be received, and the determination means detects the detection result of the detection means and the second result. Based on the storage unit, it is determined whether or not an independent broadcast channel has been detected as a receivable channel, and the extraction means determines that the independent broadcast channel has been detected as a receivable channel by the determination means The predetermined area specifying information is extracted from the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel, and the setting means extracts the extraction means. Based on a predetermined area specifying information more extraction and a first storage unit, the viewing area is set.
That is, in a broadcast receiving apparatus that receives a digital television broadcast signal via a cable television broadcast station, a viewing area is set based on information extracted from broadcast data of an independent broadcast channel distributed by the cable television broadcast station. Thus, the viewing area can be easily and reliably set in the channel scan.

It is a block diagram which illustrates the principal part structure of the broadcast receiving apparatus of this embodiment. It is an example of an area memory | storage part. It is an example of a voluntary broadcast channel storage unit. It is an example of a local broadcasting station memory | storage part. It is an example of the OSD screen for a user to instruct | indicate the start of a channel scan. It is an example of the viewing-and-listening area selection screen displayed on a display part. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a viewing-and-listening area setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a viewing-and-listening area setting process.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the dotted line indicates the flow of broadcast data, and the solid line indicates the flow of control signals.
As shown in FIG. 1, a broadcast receiving apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as “remote controller”) 1 through which a user inputs various instructions, and a receiver body 2 that is remotely operated by the remote controller 1. And receiving terrestrial digital television broadcast signals.
The broadcast receiving apparatus 100 of this embodiment has a function of receiving a television broadcast signal retransmitted from a cable television broadcast station.

The remote controller 1 includes a plurality of buttons for the user to input various instructions to the receiver body 2. For example, although not shown in the figure, the plurality of buttons include a power button, a program guide display button, a numeric button functioning as a one-touch button, an input switching button, a voice switching button, a return button, a cursor button composed of up / down / left / right buttons, Buttons, channel up / down buttons, volume up / down buttons, and the like.
Identification information is assigned to each of these buttons. When an operation is performed, the identification information of the operated button is read, and a remote control signal corresponding to the read identification information is generated and generated. The remote control signal is transmitted from a transmission unit (not shown).

  The receiver main body 2 includes a remote control signal receiver 3, a tuner 5 as a receiving means, a demodulator 6, a decoder 7, a video processor 8, an audio processor 9, an OSD circuit 10, a display unit 11, an audio output unit 12, The control part 13 is provided and each part is connected by the bus | bath.

  Although not shown, the remote control signal receiving unit 3 includes a photodiode, a SUBCPU, an amplification unit, a demodulation unit, a decoder, and the like. When the SUBCPU receives the remote control signal transmitted from the remote controller 1 at the photodiode provided on the front panel, the amplified remote control signal is amplified by the amplification unit, demodulated by the demodulation unit, waveform shaping, error correction, etc. by the decoder. Are output to the control unit 13. The control unit 13 acquires identification information from the input remote control signal, and determines the operated button based on the acquired identification information.

  For example, the tuner 5 extracts a signal in a specific frequency band from a high-frequency digital broadcast signal input by the antenna 4 or the like according to a channel selection instruction from the control unit 13, converts the signal into a low-frequency signal, Conversion and the like are performed and output to the demodulator 6. Further, the tuner 5 includes a cable receiver for cable television, receives a signal in a specific frequency band from the same frequency pass-through broadcast signal input from the cable, and outputs it to the demodulator 6. It is configured as follows.

The tuner 5 performs a channel scan based on the control from the control unit 13 in the execution of the detection program 137a described later. Channel scan scans physical channels (hereinafter referred to as “channels”) of all frequency bands such as UHF (Ultra High Frequency), VHF (Very High Frequency), and cable bands to detect receivable channels. To do. The result of channel scanning in the tuner 5 is output to the control unit 13. Note that at least only UHF band broadcast signals input from the cable receiver may be scanned.
Here, the broadcast signal received via the cable television broadcast station is superimposed with the broadcast signal of the independent broadcast program (community channel) independently produced by the cable television broadcast station in addition to the retransmission signal of the television broadcast. ing.
In the present invention, “channel” refers to a physical channel.

  For example, the demodulator 6 performs processing such as digital demodulation and error correction on the broadcast signal input from the tuner 5 based on the control from the controller 13, and generates a transport stream (TS). Generate and output to the decoder unit 7.

  The decoder unit 7 includes, for example, a demultiplexer 71, a video decoder 72, an audio decoder 73, a data decoder 74, and the like.

  The separating unit 71 separates the TS input from the demodulating unit 6 into a plurality of streams such as a video stream, an audio stream, and PSI (Program Specific Information) / SI (Service Information: Program Sequence Information). Then, necessary TS packets are acquired based on the PSI, a video stream under the MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group 2) standard is transferred to the video decoder 72, an audio stream is transferred to the audio decoder 73, and EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information. Is used to output to the data decoder 74.

The video decoder 72 performs various processes such as variable length decoding, inverse quantization, inverse DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform), motion correction and the like on the video stream input from the separation unit 71, thereby converting the video stream into a DTS (Decoding Time). The video data is generated and output to the video processing unit 8.
The audio decoder 73 decodes the audio stream input from the separation unit 71, generates audio data, and outputs the audio data to the audio processing unit 9.

The video processing unit 8 performs various video processing on the video data input from the video decoder 72 to generate a video signal. The generated video signal is temporarily stored in a frame memory (not shown) and then output to the display unit 11 at a reproduction timing according to PTS (Presentation Time Stamp).
The audio processing unit 9 performs various audio processing on the audio data input from the audio decoder 73 to generate an audio signal, and outputs the audio signal to the audio output unit 12 at a reproduction timing according to the PTS.

  The OSD circuit 10 generates OSD display data according to control from the control unit 13, superimposes the generated OSD display data on the video signal output from the video processing unit 8, and displays the OSD display data on the display unit 11. Display.

The display unit 11 includes, for example, a display (not shown) such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and the video input from the video processing unit 8. Video based on the signal is displayed on the display.
The audio output unit 12 includes, for example, a speaker (not shown) and the like, amplifies audio based on the audio signal input from the audio processing unit 99, and outputs it from the speaker.

  The control unit 13 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 131, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 132, an area storage unit 133 as a first storage unit, a voluntary broadcast channel storage unit as a second storage unit and a fourth storage unit. 134, a local broadcast station storage unit 135 as a third storage unit, a channel memory 136, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 137, and the like, and controls each unit of the broadcast receiving apparatus 100.

  The CPU 131 reads a processing program stored in the ROM 137 in accordance with an input signal input from each part of the receiver main body 2, a remote control signal input by pressing various buttons on the remote controller 1, etc., and develops it in the RAM 132. The broadcast receiver 100 is controlled as a whole by outputting an output signal to each part of the receiver body 2.

  The RAM 132 includes a program storage area for developing various programs executed by the CPU 131, a data storage area for storing input data and processing results generated when these processing programs are executed, and is used as a work area for the CPU 131. It is done.

The area storage unit 133 is configured by, for example, a nonvolatile memory, and stores an area and predetermined area specifying information for specifying the area in association with each other.
The predetermined area specifying information is, for example, area identification information assigned in advance to each prefecture (area). The area identification information is also included in the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel distributed from the cable television broadcasting station. By referring to the area identification information in the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel, the target area of the independent broadcast channel is obtained. The area where the broadcast receiving apparatus exists can be identified.
FIG. 2 is an example of the area storage unit 133. In the area storage unit 133 of FIG. 2, for example, the area identification information of Chiba Prefecture is stored as “27”.

The voluntary broadcast channel storage unit 134 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile memory, and channels of voluntary broadcast programs distributed together with retransmission signals by cable television broadcast stations nationwide, that is, voluntary broadcast channels, and each cable television broadcast station And an adjacent area adjacent to the service area.
FIG. 3 is an example of the independent broadcast channel storage unit 134. In the independent broadcast channel storage unit 134 in FIG. 3, for each of the nationwide cable television broadcasting stations, the area identification information, TS name, channel, service area, and adjacent area of the area corresponding to the service area are associated with each other. It is remembered. For example, “23” as the area identification information of the cable television broadcasting station “ABC cable”, “JJJ” as the TS name, “111” as the channel for independent broadcasting, “Katsushika-ku, Tokyo” as the service area, “ "Chiba Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture" is remembered.
As described above, the independent broadcast channel storage unit 134 stores in advance information such as independent broadcast channels distributed from cable television broadcast stations nationwide, and is updated based on the latest data transmitted together with the broadcast data. It has come to be.

The local broadcast station storage unit 135 is configured by, for example, a non-volatile memory, and stores a channel of the local broadcast station in each area. Here, in the present invention, the local broadcasting station is a broadcasting station that performs broadcasting mainly for broadcasting within one area.
FIG. 4 shows an example of the local broadcast station storage unit 135. In the local broadcasting station storage unit 135 in FIG. 4, the channel “20” of “Tokyo Metropolitan Television Co., Ltd.” as a local broadcasting station in Tokyo, and “Chiba Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd.” as a local broadcasting station in Chiba Prefecture. Channel “30”, “Satellite TV Saitama” channel “32” as a local broadcasting station in Saitama Prefecture, “Kanagawa Television Channel” channel “18” as a local broadcasting station in Kanagawa Prefecture, Gunma Prefecture The channel “19” of “Gunma Television Co., Ltd.” as a local broadcasting station and the channel “29” of “Tochigi Television Co., Ltd.” as a local broadcasting station in Tochigi Prefecture are stored.

  The channel memory 136 is configured by, for example, a nonvolatile memory, and stores information on receivable channels detected by channel scanning.

  The ROM 137 stores processing programs, data, and the like in advance. For example, a detection program 137a as a detection unit, a determination program 137b as a determination unit, an extraction program 137c as an extraction unit, a determination program 137d as a determination unit, and a selection A selection program 137e as means, a setting program 137f as setting means, and the like are stored.

  The detection program 137a is a program for causing the CPU 131 to perform a function of performing channel scan (auto scan) for all channels of digital television broadcasting at a predetermined timing and detecting whether or not each channel can be received. The CPU 131 configures a detection unit by executing the detection program 137a.

  Here, the predetermined timing for executing the channel scan is, for example, when the user instructs the start of the channel scan. In addition, a channel scan may be automatically executed when the power is turned on after shipment from the factory, or when the broadcast receiving apparatus is moved, at a predetermined timing.

  The determination program 137b is a program for causing the CPU 131 to realize a function of determining whether or not an independent broadcast channel of a cable television broadcasting station is detected as a receivable channel in the execution of the detection program 137a. The CPU 131 configures a determination unit by executing the determination program 137b.

  The extraction program 137c functions to extract predetermined area specifying information from broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel when the CPU 131 determines that the independent broadcast channel is detected as a receivable channel in the execution of the determination program 137b. It is a program for realizing. The CPU 131 configures an extraction unit by executing the extraction program 137c.

  The determination program 137d allows the CPU 131 to determine the area specified by the predetermined area specifying information extracted in the execution of the extraction program 137c and the area storage unit 133, and the channel of the local broadcast station detected in the execution of the detection program 137a. This is a program for realizing a function of determining a receivable area as a viewing area candidate. In addition, the determination program 137d specifies the cable television broadcast station that distributes the independent broadcast channel based on the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel to the CPU 131 and is adjacent to the service area of the specified cable television broadcast station. This is a program that realizes a function of specifying an area based on the second storage unit and adding the specified adjacent area to a candidate for viewing area. The CPU 131 configures a determination unit by executing the determination program 137d.

  The selection program 137e causes the CPU 131 to display an area determined as a viewing area candidate in the execution of the determination program 137d on the display unit 11, and to allow the user to select one area from the areas displayed on the display unit 11. It is a program for realizing. The CPU 131 configures a selection unit by executing the selection program 137e.

  The setting program 137f is a program for causing the CPU 131 to realize a function of setting one area selected by the user in the execution of the selection program 137e as a viewing area. The CPU 131 functions as a setting unit by executing the setting program 137f.

  Here, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the viewing performed in the broadcast receiving apparatus 100 by executing the detection program 137a, the determination program 137b, the extraction program 137c, the determination program 137d, the selection program 137e, and the setting program 137f described above. The region setting process will be described.

First, the CPU 131 displays the OSD screen illustrated in FIG. 5 on the display unit 11 and causes the user to select whether or not to start a channel scan (step S1 in FIG. 7). When the user instructs the start of channel scanning on the OSD screen in FIG. 5 (step S2 of step S7: Yes), the CPU 131 executes the detection program 137a, outputs a channel selection instruction signal to the tuner 5, and outputs UHF. , VHF, and all channels of the cable band are sequentially selected (step S3 in FIG. 7), and whether or not each channel can be received is detected based on the signal from the tuner 5 (step S4 in FIG. 7).
When the channel is receivable (step S4 in FIG. 7; Yes), the CPU 131 acquires information on a receivable channel (for example, reception band, reception channel, area identification, service number, etc.) (FIG. 7). Step S5), and output to the channel memory 136 for storage.
Furthermore, the CPU 131 determines whether or not scanning of all channels in all bands has been completed, and if it is determined that scanning has not ended (step S6; No in FIG. 7), the process returns to step S4. On the other hand, when the CPU 131 determines that scanning of all channels in all bands has been completed (step S6 in FIG. 7; Yes), the channel scanning process is terminated.

Next, the CPU 131 executes the determination program 137d and determines whether there is a receivable channel (step S7 in FIG. 7). If the CPU 131 determines that there is no receivable channel (step S7 in FIG. 7; No), the process ends.
On the other hand, when the CPU 131 determines that there is a receivable channel (step S7 in FIG. 7; Yes), the CPU 131 determines whether the receivable channel includes the independent broadcast channel of the cable television broadcast station (FIG. 7). Step S8) When it is determined that there is no independent broadcast channel in the receivable channel (Step S8 in FIG. 7; No), the process proceeds to Step S11.
On the other hand, when the CPU 131 determines that the receivable channel includes the independent broadcast channel (step S8 in FIG. 7; Yes), the CPU 131 extracts the area identification information from the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel, and extracts the area identification information and the area storage. An area is specified based on the unit 133 (step S9 in FIG. 7). Further, the CPU 131 determines the area specified by the area identification information extracted from the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel as a viewing area candidate (step S10 in FIG. 7).

  For example, if the independent broadcast channel “111” is detected as a receivable channel as a result of the channel scan, the CPU 131 extracts the region identification information “23” included in the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel “111”. To do. Furthermore, referring to the area storage unit 133, the area “Tokyo” associated with the extracted area identification information “23” is specified. Then, the area “Tokyo” specified based on the area identification information “23” extracted from the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel and the area storage unit 133 is determined as a viewing area candidate.

  Next, the CPU 131 determines whether or not there is a local broadcast station in a receivable channel (step S11 in FIG. 8). When the CPU 131 determines that there is no local broadcast station in the receivable channel (step S11 in FIG. 8; No), the CPU 131 proceeds to step S13 in FIG. On the other hand, when CPU 131 determines that there is a local broadcast station in a receivable channel (step S11 in FIG. 8; Yes), it determines an area in which the channel of the local broadcast station can be received as a viewing area candidate (FIG. 8). Step S12).

  For example, as a result of the channel scan, the channel of Tokyo Metropolitan Television Co., Ltd., the local broadcasting station of Tokyo, the channel of Chiba Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd., and the local broadcasting station of Saitama Prefecture When the channel of “TV Saitama Co., Ltd.” is detected as a receivable channel, the CPU 131 displays the three areas “Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama” where the channel of the local broadcasting station can be received. Are determined as viewing area candidates.

  Next, the CPU 131 refers to the independent broadcast channel storage unit 134 to identify a cable television broadcast station that distributes the independent broadcast channel, and identifies an adjacent area of the identified service area of the cable television broadcast station (FIG. 8 step S13). Then, the specified adjacent area is determined as a viewing area candidate (step S14 in FIG. 8).

  For example, when the CPU 131 identifies the cable television broadcast station “ABC cable” that distributes the independent broadcast channel “111” based on the independent broadcast channel storage unit 134 of FIG. The area “Chiba Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture” stored as an adjacent area adjacent to the service area “Tokyo Katsushika Ward” of John Broadcasting Station “ABC Cable” is read out, and these two areas are added as candidates for the viewing area.

In this way, by adding the adjacent area adjacent to the service area of the cable television broadcasting station that distributes the independent broadcast channel to the candidate for the viewing area, the range of selection of the viewing area is further expanded, and at the same time, depending on the user's residence area Only nearby areas can be added as candidates for viewing areas.
That is, many areas such as “Saitama Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, Kanagawa Prefecture, Yamanashi Prefecture” are adjacent to the area “Tokyo” specified by the area identification information in the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel. However, when the area is large, the receivable channels are different at one end (for example, Katsushika City, Tokyo) and the other end (for example, Hachioji City, Tokyo). For example, in Katsushika City, Tokyo, there is a possibility that broadcast signals from neighboring Chiba Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture can be received, but there is a high possibility that broadcast signals from Kanagawa Prefecture and Yamanashi Prefecture cannot be received. Conversely, in Hachioji City, Tokyo, there is a possibility that broadcast signals from Kanagawa Prefecture and Yamanashi Prefecture, which are close to each other, can be received, but there is a high possibility that broadcast signals from Chiba Prefecture and Saitama Prefecture cannot be received.
Therefore, the areas adjacent to the area “Tokyo” identified by the area identification information in the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel “Saitama Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, Kanagawa Prefecture, Yamanashi Prefecture” are all determined as viewing area candidates. Then, not only the areas “Saitama Prefecture and Chiba Prefecture” close to the user's residence area (eg, Katsushika City, Tokyo) but also the area “Kanagawa Prefecture” that is actually away from the user's residence area (eg, Katsushika City, Tokyo). , Yamanashi Prefecture "can also be selected as a viewing area.
Therefore, as in this embodiment, by identifying the cable television broadcast station that distributes the independent broadcast channel, it is possible to further determine the user's residential area in the area, and adjacent to the service area of the cable television broadcast station By adding the adjacent area to the viewing area candidate, only the area “Saitama Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture” close to the user's residential area (for example, Katsushika City, Tokyo) can be selected as the viewing area.
In addition, by making it impossible to select an area away from the user's residence area as a viewing area, wasteful power required for receiving an unreceivable channel when an area away from the user's residence area is selected as the viewing area Consumption can be prevented and power consumption can be reduced.

  Next, the CPU 131 executes the selection program 137e, and causes the display unit 11 to display a list of areas determined as viewing area candidates on the viewing area selection screen (step S15 in FIG. 8).

FIG. 6 is an example of a viewing area selection screen that is displayed when the setting is made to display only areas where the channel of the local broadcast station can be received as viewing area candidates.
In the viewing area selection screen of FIG. 6, three areas “Tokyo”, “Chiba Prefecture”, and “Saitama Prefecture” are listed as viewing area candidates. Here, “Tokyo” is an area where the independent broadcast channel can be received and the channel of the local broadcast station can be received. In addition, “Chiba Prefecture” and “Saitama Prefecture” can receive local broadcaster channels, and the service area “Katsushika-ku, Tokyo”, which is a service area of cable television broadcaster “ABC Cable” that distributes independent broadcast channels. Is an adjacent area.

On the viewing area selection screen, for each area that is a viewing area candidate, its area identification number (for example, “23”), the number of receivable independent broadcast channels (for example, “1”), and receivable The number of local broadcasting stations (for example, “1”), whether the area is included in the wide area (for example, “◯” when included in the wide area, “−” when not included in the wide area) ") Is displayed.
In the list of viewing area candidates, a cursor C for selecting one area is displayed, and the cable of the area selected by the cursor C (“Tokyo” in FIG. 6) is displayed on the right side of the screen. A television broadcasting station (for example, “ABC cable”) and a local broadcasting station (for example, “Tokyo Metropolitan Television Co., Ltd.”) are displayed. Furthermore, when the area is included in the wide area, as shown in FIG. 6, broadcast stations in the wide area may be displayed together.

  In the viewing area selection screen illustrated in FIG. 6, the user operates the cursor button of the remote controller 1 to move the cursor C over an area (for example, “Tokyo”) to be set as a viewing area from the list of viewing area candidates. Is moved and the enter button is operated to select a viewing area.

The CPU 131 determines whether or not the viewing area has been selected by the user on the viewing area selection screen of the display unit 11 (step S16 in FIG. 8), and determines that the viewing area has been selected (step S16 in FIG. 8; Yes). ), The setting program 137f is executed, the area selected by the user is stored as a viewing area in a predetermined storage area, and the viewing area is set. Then, a process of assigning a receivable channel to the one-touch button of the remote controller 1 is performed (step S17 in FIG. 8). Further, the CPU 131 displays an OSD screen “If there is an error in the viewing area setting, please change the viewing area by menu setting” on the display unit 11 (step S18 in FIG. 8). The setting process ends.
Thereby, one area selected by the user on the viewing area selection screen is set as the viewing area.

According to the broadcast receiving apparatus 100 of this embodiment described above, the area and the predetermined area specifying information for specifying the area are stored in association with each other by the area storage unit 133 (first storage unit). The independent broadcast channel storage unit 134 (second storage unit) stores the independent broadcast channel of the cable television broadcast station and the adjacent area adjacent to the service area of each cable television broadcast station. The unit 135 (third storage unit) stores the channel of the local broadcast station in each area. Also, by executing the detection program 137a (detection means), all channels of digital television broadcasting are automatically scanned at a predetermined timing, and whether or not each channel can be received is detected. The determination program 137b (determination means) By execution, it is determined whether or not an independent broadcast channel is detected as a receivable channel based on the detection result of the detection program 137a and the independent broadcast channel storage unit 134, and by executing the extraction program 137c (extraction means), When the determination program 137b determines that an independent broadcast channel is detected as a receivable channel, predetermined area specifying information is extracted from the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel. Further, by executing the determination program 137d (determination means), the area specified by the predetermined area specifying information extracted by the extraction program 137c and the area storage unit 133, and the local detected by the detection program 137a (detection means) An area in which the channel of the broadcasting station can be received is determined as a viewing area candidate, and an area determined as a viewing area candidate by the determination program 137d (determination means) by executing the selection program 137e (selection means). One area displayed on the display unit 11 is selected by the user from the areas, and one area selected by the user by the selection program 137e is set as a viewing area by executing the setting program 137f (setting means). Is done. Further, the determination program 137d identifies the cable television broadcast station that distributes the independent broadcast channel based on the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel, and the adjacent area of the service area of the identified cable television broadcast station is determined. The adjacent area specified and specified based on the independent broadcast channel storage unit 134 is added to the viewing area candidate.
That is, in the broadcast receiving apparatus 100 that receives a digital television broadcast signal via a cable television broadcast station, a viewing area is set based on information extracted from broadcast data of an independent broadcast channel distributed by the cable television broadcast station. Thus, the viewing area can be easily and reliably set in the channel scan.

  In addition, the area specified by the predetermined area specifying information extracted from the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel and the area where the channel of the local broadcasting station can be received are determined as the viewing area candidates. The area determined as is displayed on the display unit 11, and one area selected by the user from the areas displayed on the display unit 11 is set as the viewing area. That is, the user can select an area from viewing area candidates determined based on whether or not each channel can be received and set it as the viewing area. Thus, the viewing area setting operation can be facilitated as compared with the case where the viewing area is set. In addition, since the area where the independent broadcast channel can be received and the area where the local broadcast station channel can be received are candidates for the viewing area, the user's residential area can be more reliably set as the viewing area, Since the viewing area can be selected and set from the viewing area candidates, the area desired by the user can be set as the viewing area.

  In addition to areas where independent broadcast channels can be received and areas where local broadcast station channels can be received, adjacent areas of cable television broadcast station service areas that distribute independent broadcast channels are added to candidates for viewing areas. Therefore, the range of selection of the viewing area is widened, and an area closer to the user's residence area can be set as a viewing area candidate.

  The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various improvements and design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the setting means determines the area specified by the predetermined area specifying information extracted from the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel, the area that can be received by the local broadcasting station, etc. as the viewing area candidates. However, the area selected by the user from the viewing area candidates is set as the viewing area, but the setting means automatically sets the area specified by the predetermined area specifying information extracted from the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel. Alternatively, it may be set as a viewing area. In this configuration, the operation burden on the user is further reduced.
Here, in the “setting means for setting the viewing area based on the predetermined area specifying information and the first storage unit”, the predetermined area specifying extracted from the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel as in the above embodiment. A means for determining viewing area candidates for the area specified by the information, setting an area selected by the user from the determined viewing area candidates as a viewing area, and a predetermined extracted from the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel Means for automatically setting an area specified by the area specifying information as a viewing area.

  Further, the predetermined area specifying information is not limited to the area identification information, and may be any information that can be acquired from the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel distributed from the cable television broadcasting station and can specify the area. For example, a TS name or TS identification information may be used as predetermined area specifying information.

  The present invention can be used in the manufacturing industry of broadcast receiving apparatuses.

100 Broadcast receiving apparatus 5 Tuner (receiving means)
11 Display 131 CPU (detection means, determination means, extraction means, determination means, selection means, setting means)
133 Area storage unit (first storage unit)
134 Voluntary broadcast channel storage unit (second storage unit, fourth storage unit)
135 Local broadcast station storage unit (third storage unit)
137a Detection program (detection means)
137b Judgment program (judgment means)
137c Extraction program (extraction means)
137d Determination program (determination means)
137e Selection program (selection means)
137f Setting program (setting means)

Claims (5)

In a broadcast receiving apparatus comprising a receiving means for setting a viewing area and receiving a digital television broadcast signal from a cable television broadcast station,
A first storage unit that stores an area and predetermined area specifying information for specifying the area in association with each other;
A second storage unit for storing the independent broadcast channel of the cable television broadcasting station;
Detecting means for performing auto-scan for all channels of digital television broadcasting at a predetermined timing and detecting whether or not each channel can be received;
Determination means for determining whether the independent broadcast channel is detected as a receivable channel based on a detection result of the detection means and the second storage unit;
Extracting means for extracting the predetermined area specifying information from broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel when the determination means determines that the independent broadcast channel is detected as a receivable channel;
Setting means for setting a viewing area based on the predetermined area specifying information extracted by the extracting means and the first storage unit;
A broadcast receiving apparatus comprising:   The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets an area specified by the predetermined area specifying information as the viewing area. A third storage unit for storing channels of local broadcast stations in each area;
Determination for determining the area specified by the predetermined area specifying information extracted by the extracting means and the area where the channel of the local broadcasting station detected by the detecting means can be received as candidates for the viewing area Means,
Displaying the area determined as the viewing area candidate by the determining means on a display unit, and selecting means for allowing the user to select one area from the area;
With
The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets one area selected by the user by the selection unit as the viewing area. A fourth storage unit for storing an adjacent area adjacent to a service area of each cable television broadcasting station;
The determining means specifies a cable television broadcast station that distributes the independent broadcast channel based on the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel, and specifies the adjacent area of the specified service area of the cable television broadcast station. The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the broadcast receiving apparatus is specified based on a fourth storage unit, and the specified adjacent area is added to the candidate for the viewing area. In a broadcast receiving apparatus comprising a receiving means for setting a viewing area and receiving a digital television broadcast signal from a cable television broadcast station,
A first storage unit that stores an area and predetermined area specifying information for specifying the area in association with each other;
A second storage unit for storing the independent broadcast channel of the cable television broadcasting station;
A third storage unit for storing channels of local broadcast stations in each area;
A fourth storage unit for storing an adjacent area adjacent to a service area of each cable television broadcasting station;
Detecting means for performing auto-scan for all channels of digital television broadcasting at a predetermined timing and detecting whether or not each channel can be received;
Determination means for determining whether the independent broadcast channel is detected as a receivable channel based on a detection result of the detection means and the second storage unit;
Extracting means for extracting the predetermined area specifying information from broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel when the determination means determines that the independent broadcast channel is detected as a receivable channel;
The area specified by the predetermined area specifying information extracted by the extracting means and the first storage unit, and the area where the channel of the local broadcast station detected by the detecting means can be received A determination means for determining a candidate for the area;
Displaying the area determined as the viewing area candidate by the determining means on a display unit, and selecting means for allowing the user to select one area from the area;
Setting means for setting one area selected by the user by the selection means as a viewing area;
With
The determining means specifies a cable television broadcast station that distributes the independent broadcast channel based on the broadcast data of the independent broadcast channel, and specifies the adjacent area of the specified service area of the cable television broadcast station. A broadcast receiving apparatus that is specified based on a fourth storage unit and adds the specified adjacent area to the candidate for the viewing area.

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