JP6309393B2 - Program guide generator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a program guide generating device that generates a program guide showing a list of programs.

  Currently, TV programs such as digital broadcasting (hereinafter abbreviated as programs) are broadcast in multi-organization, and each broadcasting station is assigned a plurality of channels (for example, three channels) consisting of a main channel and sub-channels. It has been. A broadcast station can broadcast one or more programs on a main channel and a sub-channel.

(Event sharing)
A broadcast station can broadcast the same program (event) on a plurality of channels in the same time zone. Such a program is called an event sharing program. Of the plurality of channels on which the event sharing program is broadcast, one channel (reference destination: “parent” channel) receives an EIT (Event Information Table) that is program data of the event sharing program. On the other hand, in the EIT received by the remaining channels (reference source: “child” channel), information on the “parent” channel is described as a reference destination. The “child” channel acquires the EIT of the event sharing program by referring to the EIT of the “parent” channel.

  An example of an event sharing program will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a two-dimensional program guide M in which a broadcast schedule of programs broadcast on each channel of each broadcast station is described.

  In the two-dimensional program guide M shown in FIG. 20, the program 04120 is broadcast on the channels 041 and 042 of the broadcasting station 4 between 20:00 and 21:00. Therefore, the program 04120 is an event sharing program. Also, the program 02121 is broadcast on the channels 021 to 023 of the broadcasting station 2 between 21:00 and 22:00. Therefore, the program 02121 is also an event sharing program. On the other hand, different programs are broadcast on the 021 to 023 channels of the broadcasting station 2 between 14:00 and 15:00. Accordingly, each program broadcast on channels 021 to 023 between 14:00 and 15:00 is not an event sharing program.

(Next program guide)
A program broadcast next to a program currently broadcast on a certain channel is called a next program. A program table in which program information of the next program of each channel is described is called a next program table. In the next program guide, program columns of the next program are arranged in one row. For this reason, the next program guide generally has an advantage that the program column is smaller than the two-dimensional program guide M (see FIG. 20) arranged in a matrix.

  FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams showing conventional next program guides Tx and Ty. In the next program tables Tx and Ty shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the next program to be broadcast next on each channel is described in the program column arranged in one column. Here, it is assumed that the broadcast schedule of the program is determined as shown in the two-dimensional program guide M (see FIG. 20), and the current time is 14:30.

  In the next program table Tx shown in FIG. 21A, only the channel number of one channel is displayed in the event shared program column in the channel on which the event shared program is broadcast. For example, in the next program table Tx, only the “011ch” that is the “parent” channel among the channel numbers of the channels 011 to 013 on which the program 01121 is broadcast is described in the column of the program 01121.

  In the next program guide Ty shown in FIG. 21B, the channel number of all channels on which the event shared program is broadcast is displayed in the event shared program column. For example, in the next program table Ty, the channel number “011, 012, 013ch” of three channels on which the program 01121 is broadcast is described in the program column of the program 01121 that is an event shared program. Note that Patent Document 1 describes a next program table in which all channels on which the event shared program is broadcast are displayed in the event shared program column as in the next program table Ty.

JP 2007-13562 A (published January 18, 2007)

  In the next program table Tx shown in FIG. 21A, there is no difference in the program column between the column of the event shared program and the column of the next program that is not the event shared program. The event sharing program is composed of a plurality of channels and has higher image quality than a program that is not an event sharing program. However, even if the user looks at the next program guide Tx, the user cannot recognize which next program is the event sharing program.

  In addition, when the user performs an operation for viewing a certain event shared program (for example, program 02121) with respect to the next program guide Tx, the program guide generator generally has the main broadcast station 2 main. A “parent” channel (for example, 021ch) which is also a channel is selected (or viewing reservation or recording reservation). Here, there are cases where only the “child” channel (for example, 022ch) is included in the next program guide Tx. However, as described above, the user cannot recognize which next program is the event sharing program even when looking at the next program guide Tx, so that it is different from the “child” channel included in the next program guide Tx. It is impossible to know that the same program as the event sharing program broadcast on the “child” channel is broadcast on the “parent” channel. Therefore, when the user selects the “child” channel (or reserves viewing or recording), but the program table generator selects the “parent” channel, there is a program that is not the event shared program that the user wants to watch. If a channel to be broadcast is selected, it may be misunderstood by the user.

  In the next program table Ty shown in FIG. 21B, a plurality of channel numbers are described in the event shared program column, whereas one channel number is displayed in the next program column that is not an event shared program. Have been described. Therefore, the user can understand which next program is the event sharing program when viewing the next program guide Ty.

  However, in the next program guide Ty, the channel numbers of all the channels on which the event shared program is broadcast are described in the event shared program column. Therefore, the next program guide Ty has a problem that it is difficult to display in a narrow space. That is, in the next program guide Ty shown in FIG. 21B, the advantage of the one-dimensional program guide that it is smaller than the two-dimensional program guide M (see FIG. 20) may be lost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a program guide generation device in which the display form of an event shared program is distinguished from the display forms of other programs in the program guide. .

  In order to solve the above problems, a program guide generation device according to an aspect of the present invention is a program guide generation device that generates a program guide showing a list of programs and displays the generated program guide on a display unit. Identification means for identifying a specific program that is the same program broadcast on a plurality of channels in the same time zone, and in the program table, the display form of the information related to the specific program, the display of information related to other programs Display form control means for making it different from the form.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that in the program guide, the display form of the same program broadcast on a plurality of channels in the same time zone is distinguished from the display forms of other programs.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the program display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the next program schedule produced | generated by the next program schedule output unit with which the program display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 was equipped. It is a figure which shows an example of the display image which the display image process part with which the program display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 was equipped displays, and is a figure which shows the display image containing a program image | video and a next program schedule. It is a figure which shows an example of the channel number selection table memorize | stored in the memory | storage part with which the program display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 was equipped. It is a figure explaining how the next program schedule production | generation part with which the program display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 is provided switches the channel number described in an event shared program icon, and is described in an event shared program icon It is a figure which shows rotation of a channel number. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the next program schedule production | generation method which the next program schedule production | generation part with which the program display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 is provided performs. It is a figure explaining the flow in which the next program schedule production | generation part with which the program display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 was provided produces | generates a next program schedule. (A) and (b) are figures which show the next program schedule which the next program schedule production | generation part which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 1 produces | generates. (A) (b) is a figure which shows rotation of the channel number described in the event sharing program icon which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the specific event shared program extraction method which the next program schedule production | generation part with which the program display apparatus concerning Embodiment 2 was equipped performs. It is a figure which shows the next program schedule which the next program schedule production | generation part which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 2 produces | generates. It is a figure which shows the dialog which the next program schedule production | generation part which concerns on the other modification of Embodiment 2 produces | generates. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the program display apparatus 3 which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the next program schedule which the next program schedule production | generation part with which the program display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 was provided is produced | generated. (A)-(c) is another figure which shows the next program schedule which the next program schedule production | generation part with which the program display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 is provided, and shows the program column by which the event shared program tab is arrange | positioned It is a figure which shows the next program schedule in the expanded state. It is a figure which shows an example of the tab arrangement | positioning necessity determination table memorize | stored in the memory | storage part with which the program display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 was equipped. It is a figure which shows the next program schedule which the next program schedule production | generation part with which the program display apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 is provided is shown, The program column by which the event shared program tab was arrange | positioned by pressing down an event shared program tab. It is a figure which shows the next program schedule in the state grayed out. It is a figure which shows the present / next program schedule which the next program schedule production | generation part with which the program display apparatus concerning Embodiment 5 was provided is produced | generated. FIG. 16 is another diagram showing a current / next program table generated by the next program table generating unit provided in the program display device according to the fifth embodiment, and a part of the program column of the next program when an event sharing program tab is pressed. It is a figure which shows the present / next program schedule which is grayed out. It is a figure which shows the two-dimensional program guide in which the broadcast schedule of the program broadcast by each channel of each broadcasting station was described. (A) and (b) are figures which show the example of the conventional next program schedule.

Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

(Configuration of program display device 1)
The configuration of the program display device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the program display device 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the program display device 1 includes a tuner unit 10, a control unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a display unit 40.

  The tuner unit 10 receives a broadcast wave of a TV program (hereinafter abbreviated as a program) using the reception antenna 15 and converts the received broadcast wave into a transport stream (TS).

  The TS converted by the tuner unit 10 includes program guide information (for example, EIT (Event Information Table)) in addition to the video signal and audio signal of the program. The program guide information includes program name information, program ID (event ID), channel ID (service ID) on which the program is broadcast, program broadcast time zone information, event group descriptor (described later), and program details. Information etc. are included. The tuner unit 10 transmits the converted TS to the control unit 20.

  The control unit 20 includes a separation unit 210, a program video generation unit 220, a next program table output unit 230 (program table generation device), and a display image processing unit 240.

  The separation unit 210 separates the video signal included in the TS received from the tuner unit 10 from the audio signal, and outputs the separated video signal to the program video generation unit 220. Further, the separation unit 210 stores the program guide information included in the TS in the storage unit 30 as the electronic program guide data D1.

  The program video generation unit 220 generates program video data by decoding the video signal input from the separation unit 210. Then, the generated program video data is output to the display image processing unit 240.

  The next program guide output unit 230 generates a next program guide T1 (refer to FIG. 2) in which a program to be broadcast next to a program currently broadcast on each channel (hereinafter referred to as a next program) is described. At this time, the next program guide output unit 230 refers to the electronic program guide data D1, the channel number selection table D2, and the icon data D3 stored in the storage unit 30. Then, the next program guide output unit 230 outputs the generated next program guide T1 to the display image processing unit 240. Details of the next program guide output unit 230 will be described later. The details of the electronic program guide data D1, the channel number selection table D2, and the icon data D3 will be described together with the details of the next program guide output unit 230.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the next program guide T1 generated by the next program guide output unit 230. As shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the current time is 14:30 and the broadcast schedule of the program is determined as shown in the two-dimensional program table M (see FIG. 20). As shown in FIG. 2, the next program table T1 includes a number that identifies a channel on which the next program is broadcast (hereinafter referred to as a channel number), a number that identifies the next program, and a broadcast time zone of the next program. Is described.

  As can be seen from the two-dimensional program guide M shown in FIG. 20, the programs 01121, 02121, 03121, etc. are broadcasted by sharing events (programs) of two or more channels assigned to the same broadcasting station. It is a program. Hereinafter, such a next program is referred to as an event sharing program (specific program).

  In the next program guide T1 shown in FIG. 2, an icon A1 is displayed in the program column of the next program that is an event sharing program. An icon A2 is displayed in the program column of the next program that is not an event shared program. As shown in FIG. 2, the icon A <b> 1 has a shape in which a plurality of rectangular papers or panels overlap each other with a slight shift (in other words, a shape in which strips are overlapped). On the other hand, the icon A2 has a shape like a piece of rectangular paper or a panel.

  The user can understand which next program is the event sharing program by looking at the icon A1 displayed in the next program guide T1. Hereinafter, the icon A1 displayed in the program column of the event shared program is referred to as an event shared program icon A1. The icon A2 displayed in the program column of the next program that is not an event shared program is referred to as a non-event shared program icon A2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, unlike the two-dimensional program guide M, the next program guide T1 has program columns arranged in a line. Therefore, the next program guide T1 has an advantage that it can be displayed in a small display area as compared with the two-dimensional program guide M, and an advantage that the data amount is small.

  The display image processing unit 240 performs program processing from the program video data input from the program video generation unit 220 and the next program guide T1 input from the next program guide output unit 230 by image processing, and the program video P and the next program guide T1. A display image D (see FIG. 3) including is generated. Then, the display image processing unit 240 displays the generated display image D on the display unit 40.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image displayed by the display image processing unit 240, and is a diagram illustrating a display image D including a program video P and a next program guide T1. In the display image D shown in FIG. 3, the program video P is located in the image area Dx1, and the next program guide T1 is located in the remaining image area Dx2. As can be seen from FIG. 3, even when the next program guide T1 is displayed in a small image area Dx2, it is easy for the user to present information about the next program.

(Details of the next program guide output unit 230)
The details of the next program guide output unit 230 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the next program guide output unit 230 includes a next program analysis unit 231 (identification means), a channel number selection unit 232, and a next program guide generation unit 233 (display form control means).

  The next program analysis unit 231 uses the event group descriptor included in the electronic program guide data D1 stored in the storage unit 30 to analyze whether or not the next program of each channel is an event shared program. In addition, the next program analysis unit 231 identifies a referenced program that is referred to as a program broadcast on another channel from among programs set in each of a plurality of channels corresponding to the event sharing program. .

  Here, the event group descriptor describes information indicating which program to which the event group descriptor is added is the same program as which program broadcast on which channel. A group of programs identified by the event group descriptor as being the same program as each other is hereinafter referred to as an event sharing group. The event sharing group is composed of the same event sharing program broadcast on different channels.

  The event sharing group of the event sharing program includes one “parent” (referenced program) and one or more “child” (“child 1” “child 2”...). When the event sharing group is composed of one “parent” and one or more “child”, the service ID of each channel on which “parent” and “child” are broadcast is included in the event group descriptor of “parent”. Is described. On the other hand, the “child” event group descriptor describes only the service ID of the channel on which “parent” is broadcast. In the following, the channel on which “parent” is broadcast is referred to as “parent” channel, and the channel on which “child” (“child 1” “child 2”) is broadcast is called “child” channel (“child 1” channel, “child” Child 2 "channel). A program that is not an event sharing program is an independent program that is neither a “parent” program nor a “child” program.

  The next program analysis unit 231 refers to the event group descriptor added to the next program. When the next program is included in an event sharing group including one “parent” and one or more “child”, it is determined that the program is an event sharing program. The next program analysis unit 231 outputs an analysis result obtained by analyzing whether or not the next program of each channel is an event shared program to the channel number selection unit 232 and the next program table generation unit 233.

  For each of the next programs determined by the next program analysis unit 231 as being an event sharing program, the channel number selection unit 232 selects any one of the channel numbers of the programs included in the event sharing group included in the next program. Select one channel number. At this time, the channel number selection unit 232 refers to the channel number selection table D2. Further, the channel number selection unit 232 associates the channel number with the referenced program specified by the next program analysis unit 231.

  In the channel number selection table D2, among the programs included in the event sharing group of the event sharing program, the channel described in the event sharing program icon A1 depends on which program is the next program and which program is not the next program. Numbers are divided into cases.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the channel number selection table D2. According to the channel number selection table D2 shown in FIG. 4, when “parent” is the next program, the channel number selection unit 232 determines whether or not “child 1” and “child 2” are the next program. , Select the channel number of “parent” channel.

  When any one of “parent”, “child 1”, and “child 2” is the next program, the channel number selection unit 232 selects one of the above (that is, “parent”, “child 1”, “ The channel number of the channel on which the child 2 ") is broadcast is selected.

  Further, when “child 1” and “child 2” are the next program and “parent” is not the next program, the channel number selection unit 232 displays the channel number of the channel on which “child 1” is broadcast, and Of the channel numbers of the “child 2” channel, the channel number having the smaller value is selected.

  Here, a method will be described in which the channel number selection unit 232 selects the channel number when the event sharing group of the event sharing program is composed of three programs (“parent”, “child 1”, “child 2”). did. However, the method in which the channel number selection unit 232 selects the channel number regardless of whether the event sharing group of the event sharing program is composed of two programs or four or more programs. Is similar to the method described above.

  As described above, the channel number selection unit 232 selects one channel number from the channel numbers of the channels on which the program included in the event sharing group is broadcast, and the selected channel number is set to the next program. The table generation unit 233 is notified.

  The next program guide generation unit 233 uses the electronic program guide data D1 stored in the storage unit 30 to generate the next program guide T1. At this time, the next program table generation unit 233 uses the analysis result of the next program analysis unit 231 to arrange the event shared program icon A1 in the program column of the event shared program and to program the next program that is not the event shared program A non-event shared program icon A2 is arranged in the column. Further, the next program guide generation unit 233 describes the channel number selected by the channel number selection unit 232 in the event sharing program icon A1. Then, the generated next program guide T1 is output to the display image processing unit 240.

(Channel number rotation)
When the user operates the next program guide T1 and selects a channel on which the event shared program is broadcast (or recording reservation or viewing reservation), is the channel selected by the user the “parent” channel? Regardless of whether it is a “child” channel, the program display device 1 generally selects the “parent” channel. Here, only the “child” channel may be included in the next program guide T1. In this case, even if the user looks at the next program guide T1, the user cannot know the “parent” channel on which the event sharing program is broadcast. Therefore, the program table generator selects the “parent” channel even though the user selected the “child” channel (or reserved viewing or recording reservation) in order to view a certain event sharing program. In this case, there is a possibility that the user may misunderstand that a channel on which a program that is not an event shared program to be viewed is broadcast is selected.

  Therefore, when the channel selected by the user is a “child” channel, identification information (for example, channel number, remote control number, service name (broadcast station name) for identifying the “parent” channel by some method. Etc.) to the user.

  Therefore, the next program guide generation unit 233 sets the channel number described in the event shared program icon A1 arranged in the program column of the event shared program among the channel numbers of all the channels on which the event shared program is broadcast. Rotate. That is, the next program guide generation unit 233 sequentially switches the channel numbers described in the event shared program icon A1 between the channel numbers of all the channels on which the event shared program is broadcast.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining how the next program guide generation unit 233 switches the channel number described in the event shared program icon A1, and rotation of the channel number described in the event shared program icon A1. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the channel number selected by the channel number selection unit 232 is first described in the event sharing program icon A1. As shown in FIG. 5, the next program guide generation unit 233 may describe the channel numbers of the channels on which the programs included in the event sharing group are broadcast one by one in the event sharing program icon A1. Good. Alternatively, the next program guide generation unit 233 may alternately describe the number selected by the channel number selection unit 232 and the “parent” number in the event sharing program icon A1. In these configurations, the next program guide generation unit 233 switches the channel number described in the event shared program icon A1 at regular intervals.

  Alternatively, when the event sharing program icon A1 is pressed, the next program guide generation unit 233 may switch the channel number described in the event sharing program icon A1. The time from when the last channel number of the rotation is displayed in the event sharing program icon A1 until the first channel number of the rotation is displayed is the time after the channel number other than the last channel number is displayed. It may be longer than the time until the next channel number is displayed.

  According to the above configuration, the user broadcasts a program included in the event sharing group of the event shared program by viewing the channel number displayed in the event shared program icon A1 arranged in the program column of the event shared program. You can know the channel numbers of all the channels that are used.

  Further, the next program guide generation unit 233 describes the channel number of the “parent” channel in bold type so as to be distinguishable from the channel number of the “child” channel, for example, as shown in FIGS. Therefore, the user can easily understand the channel number of the “parent” channel of the event sharing program.

  When an operation for selecting the event shared program icon A1 arranged in the program column of the event shared program is performed, the next program guide generation unit 233 may start the rotation described above.

  Further, when the event sharing program icon A1 is focused (with a pointer or the like), the next program guide generation unit 233 may start the rotation described above. In this configuration, when the event shared program icon A1 is focused out, the next program guide generation unit 233 stops the rotation of the channel number.

  Further, when the operation for the next program guide T1 is not performed for a predetermined time, the next program guide generation unit 233 may start the rotation described above.

(Flow of next program guide generation method)
The flow of the next program guide generation method in which the next program guide generation unit 233 generates the next program guide T1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the next program guide generation method. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a list T0 that the next program guide generation unit 233 creates in order to generate the next program guide T1. In the next program guide generation method, the next program guide generation unit 233 processes the list T0. It is a figure explaining the flow to do. In FIG. 6, a variable k is a variable for specifying any one of the next programs listed in the list T0.

  As shown in FIG. 6, first, the next program guide generation unit 233 uses the current time and the broadcast time zone information of the program included in the electronic program guide data D1 stored in the storage unit 30, to A list T0 describing the next program to be broadcast on each channel of the broadcasting station is created (S1). Further, 1 is substituted into the variable k (S2). As shown in FIG. 7, the list T0 describes all the next programs for each channel of each broadcasting station.

  Next, the next program table generation unit 233 calculates the analysis result of whether or not the kth next program Fk among the K (K is a natural number) next programs listed in the list T0 is an event sharing program. Obtained from the program analysis unit 231. Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired next program Fk is an event sharing program (S3).

  When the next program Fk is not an event shared program (NO in S3), the next program table generation unit 233 arranges the non-event shared program icon A2 in the program column of the next program Fk in the next program table T1 (S5). Thereafter, the process flow of the next program guide generation method proceeds to S6 described later.

  On the other hand, when the next program Fk is an event sharing program (YES in S3), the next program table generation unit 233 determines whether or not a plurality of programs constituting the event sharing group of the next program Fk are included in the list T0. Determine (S41). For example, the list T0 shown in FIG. 7 includes a plurality of programs constituting an event sharing group of the program 03121 (program 03121 broadcast on channels 031 to 033). On the other hand, a plurality of programs constituting the event sharing group of program 01121 (program 01121 broadcast on channels 011 to 013) are not included.

  When the list T0 does not include a plurality of programs constituting the event sharing group of the next program Fk (NO in S41), the processing flow of the next program table generation method proceeds to S43 described later.

  On the other hand, when the list T0 includes a plurality of programs constituting the event sharing group of the next program Fk (YES in S41), the next program table generation unit 233 combines the program columns of the next program Fk into one (S42). ). As shown in FIG. 7, the list T0 includes a plurality of programs constituting the event sharing group of the program 03121. Therefore, the program column of the program 03121 is combined into one.

  After S42 or when NO in S41, the next program guide generation unit 233 arranges the event sharing program icon A1 in the program column of the next program Fk (S43).

  After S43 or after S5, the next program guide generation unit 233 writes the channel numbers in the event shared program icon A1 and the non-event shared program icon A2, respectively (S6). At this time, the next program guide generation unit 233 selects a channel number (among channel numbers of all channels on which the event shared program is broadcast) in the event shared program icon A1 arranged in the program column of the event shared program. The channel number selected by the unit 232 is described. Further, in the non-event shared program icon A2 arranged in the program column of the next program that is not an event shared program, the channel number of the channel on which the next program is broadcast is described.

  Thereafter, 1 is added to the variable k (S7). When the variable k is equal to or less than the total number K of the next programs listed in the list T0 (YES in S8), the processing flow of the next program table generation method returns to S3. If the variable k exceeds the total number K of the next programs listed in the list T0 (NO in S8), the processing flow of the next program table generation method ends.

  The next program guide generation unit 233 outputs the list T0 processed in this way to the display image processing unit 240 as the next program guide T1.

(Modification)
In the present invention, the event shared program icon and the non-event shared program icon are not particularly limited to the event shared program icon A1 and the non-event shared program icon A2 shown in FIG.

  (A) and (b) of FIG. 8 are diagrams showing a next program table T1 on which event sharing program icons A1A and A1B according to a modification of the present embodiment are arranged.

  In the next program guide T1 shown in FIG. 8A, the event shared program icon A1A and the non-event shared program icon A2A are distinguished by the number of added flags. Three flags are added to the event shared program icon A1A, and one flag is added to the non-event shared program icon A2A. In the next program table T1 shown in FIG. 8A, the number of flags arranged in the program column of a certain next program represents the number of channels on which the next program is broadcast. For example, an event sharing program icon A1A composed of three flags is arranged in the program column of a program 01121 broadcast on channels 011 to 013. In addition, an event sharing program icon A1A composed of two flags is arranged in the program column of the program 04121 broadcast on channels 041 and 042.

  In the next program table T1 shown in FIG. 8B, the event shared program icon A1B and the non-event shared program icon A2B are distinguished depending on whether or not the icon is filled. The event shared program icon A1B is painted in an arbitrary color, while the non-event shared program icon A2B is not painted. In the next program table T1 shown in FIG. 8B, the color of the event sharing program icon A1B arranged in the program column of a certain next program differs depending on the number of channels on which the next program is broadcast. For example, the color of the event sharing program icon A1A arranged in the program column of the program 04121 broadcasted on the channels 041 to 043 and the event sharing program icon A1A arranged in the program column of the program 04116 broadcasted on the 041 and 042 channels The colors are different from each other. On the other hand, the color of the event shared program icon A1A arranged in the program column of the program 01121 broadcasted on the channels 011 to 013 and the event shared program icon A1A arranged in the program column of the program 02121 broadcasted on the channels 021 to 023 The colors are the same.

(Channel number rotation)
The next program guide generation unit 233 sets the channel numbers described in the event shared program icons A1A and A1B arranged in the program column of the event shared program among the channel numbers of all the channels on which the event shared program is broadcast. Rotate. In other words, the next program guide generation unit 233 sets the channel number described in the event sharing program icons A1A and A1B to channels including all channels or all of the channels on which the event sharing program is broadcast (all channels or , Some channels including the “parent” channel) in order.

  FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining how the next program guide generation unit 233 switches the channel numbers described in the event sharing program icons A1A and A1B, and the event sharing program icon A1A. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating rotation of channel numbers described in A1B.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the channel numbers selected by the channel number selection unit 232 are first described in the event sharing program icons A1A and A1B. As shown in FIG. 9A, the next program guide generation unit 233 changes the channel numbers of all or some of the channels on which the event shared program is broadcast, one by one, and shares the event shared program icons A1A and A1B. It may be described in. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9B, the next program guide generation unit 233 alternates the number selected by the channel number selection unit 232 and the “parent” number, thereby sharing the event shared program icons A1A and A1B. It may be described in. In these configurations, the next program guide generation unit 233 switches the channel numbers described in the event shared program icons A1A and A1B at regular intervals.

  Alternatively, when the event sharing program icons A1A and A1B are pressed, the next program guide generation unit 233 may switch the channel numbers described in the event sharing program icons A1A and A1B. The time from when the last channel number of the rotation is displayed in the event sharing program icons A1A and A1B until the first channel number of the rotation is displayed is after the channel number other than the last channel number is displayed. It may be longer than the time until the next channel number is displayed.

  According to the above configuration, the user can view the channel numbers displayed in the event shared program icons A1A and A1B arranged in the program column of the event shared program, and thereby the programs included in the event shared group of the event shared program Among the channels on which is broadcast, it is possible to know the channel numbers of channels including at least the “parent” channel.

  Further, the next program guide generation unit 233 is able to distinguish the channel number of the “parent” channel from the channel number of the “child” channel, for example, as shown in FIGS. It describes in. Therefore, the user can easily understand the channel number of the “parent” channel of the event sharing program.

[Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the first embodiment, a configuration is described in which an event shared program icon A1 is arranged in the program column of all event shared programs included in the next program guide T1, and channel numbers displayed in the event shared program icon A1 are rotated. did. However, before the rotation is started, the channel number of the “parent” channel may be described in the event sharing program icon A1. In this case, even if the channel number displayed in the event sharing program icon A1 is not rotated, the user can know the channel number of the “parent” channel.

  Therefore, if the channel number of the “parent” channel is described in the event sharing program icon A1 before the rotation is started, the channel number does not need to be switched. Here, as can be seen from the channel number selection table D2 shown in FIG. 4, when “parent” is the next program, rotation is started regardless of whether or not “child” is the next program. Before, the channel number of the “parent” channel is described in the event sharing program icon A1.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the event sharing program is included only in the program column of the event sharing program that satisfies the condition α that ““ child ”(at least one of them) is the next program but“ parent ”is not the next program”. A description will be given of a configuration in which the channel number displayed in the icon A1 is rotated, and an event sharing program that satisfies the above condition α is hereinafter referred to as a specific event sharing program.

  For example, in the next program table T1 shown in FIG. 2, “child 1” of program 02121 (program 02121 broadcast on channel 022) is the next program, but “parent” (program 02121 broadcast on channel 021) is Since it is not the next program, the program 02121 is a specific event sharing program.

  The program display device 2 according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the program display device 1 (see FIG. 1) of the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the next program guide generation unit 233 extracts a specific event shared program from the event shared programs included in the next program guide T1. Then, only the channel numbers described in the event sharing program icon A1 arranged in the program column of the extracted specific event sharing program are rotated (as described in the first embodiment).

  The next program guide generation unit 233 places the same icon as the event shared program icon A1 in the program column of the event shared program that does not satisfy the condition α, but does not rotate the channel number displayed in the icon. Or the next program schedule production | generation part 233 may arrange | position the icon different from event shared program icon A1 and non-event shared program icon A2 in the program column of the event shared program which does not satisfy | fill the said conditions (alpha).

  When the icon arranged in the program column of the event shared program that does not satisfy the condition α is the same icon as the event shared program icon A1, it is arranged in the program column of the event shared program in the next program table T1. Since the icons are unified, the appearance uniformity (balance) of the next program guide T1 is improved.

(Specific event shared program extraction method)
The flow of the specific event shared program extraction method in which the next program table generation unit 233 according to the present embodiment extracts a specific event shared program from the event shared programs included in the next program table T1 will be described with reference to FIG. To do. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the specific event shared program extraction method. In FIG. 10, a variable k is a variable for specifying any one next program described in the list T0 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the next program guide generation unit 233 first uses the current time and the broadcast time zone information of the program included in the electronic program guide data D1 stored in the storage unit 30, to A list T0 of programs is created (S10). Further, 1 is substituted into the variable k (S20).

  Next, the next program table generation unit 233 analyzes the analysis result of whether or not the k-th next program Fk among the K (K is a natural number) next programs listed in the list T0 is an event sharing program. Obtained from the next program analysis unit 231 (S30).

  When the next program Fk is not an event shared program (NO in S30), the process flow of the specific event shared program extraction method proceeds to S70 described later. On the other hand, when the next program Fk is an event shared program (YES in S30), the next program table generation unit 233 determines whether or not a plurality of programs constituting the event sharing group of the next program Fk are included in the list T0. Determine (S40).

  If the list T0 does not include a plurality of programs constituting the event sharing group of the next program Fk (NO in S40), the processing flow of the specific event sharing program extraction method proceeds to S70 described later. On the other hand, when the list T0 includes a plurality of programs constituting the event sharing group of the next program Fk (YES in S40), the next program table generation unit 233 determines whether or not the next program Fk is a “child”. Determine (S50).

  If the next program Fk is not “child” (NO in S50), the process flow of the specific event shared program extraction method proceeds to S70 described later. On the other hand, when the next program Fk is “child” (YES in S50), the next program guide generation unit 233 sets a flag of “specific event shared program” for the next program Fk (S60).

  Thereafter, 1 is added to the variable k (S70). When the variable k is equal to or less than the total number K of the next programs listed in the list T0 (YES in S80), the process flow of the specific event shared program extraction method returns to S30. Further, when the variable k exceeds the total number K of the next programs listed in the list T0 (NO in S80), the processing flow of the specific event shared program extraction method ends.

(Modification 1)
In a modification of the present embodiment, the next program guide generation unit 233 describes the channel number of the “parent” channel together with the channel number of the “child” channel in the program column of the specific event sharing program in the next program guide T1. May be.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the next program guide T1 generated by the next program guide generator 233 according to the present modification. As shown in FIG. 11, in the next program guide T1, “child” (selected by the channel number selection unit 232) is included in the event sharing program icon A1 ′ arranged in the program column of the program 02121 that is the specific event sharing program. The channel number “021ch” of the “parent” channel is also described together with the channel number “022ch” of the “channel”. Note that the channel number of the channel on which another “child” program included in the event sharing group of the program 02121 is broadcast may or may not be described in the event sharing program icon A1 ′.

  According to the above configuration, the user can know the channel number of the “parent” channel without rotating the channel number displayed in the event sharing program icon A1 ′.

(Modification 2)
In another modification of the present embodiment, when a predetermined operation is performed on the program column of a specific event shared program, the next program table generation unit 233 selects a channel on which the “parent” of the specific event shared program is broadcast. A dialog including the information to be shown may be generated.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a dialog Dig including information indicating a channel on which the “parent” of the specific event sharing program is broadcast. As shown in FIG. 12, in the dialog Dig, the channel number “021ch” of the “parent” channel on which the program 02121 that is the specific event sharing program is broadcast is described.

  In the present modification, the next program guide generation unit 223 instructs the display image processing unit 240 to display the generated dialog Dig on the display unit 40. At this time, the next program guide generation unit 223 may instruct the display image processing unit 240 to delete the display image D and display the dialog Dig. Alternatively, the display image processing unit 240 may be instructed to display the dialog Dig over the display image D. In any of the above configurations, when the user performs an operation to restore the display, the next program guide generation unit 223 deletes the dialog Dig and displays the display image D so that the display image processing unit 240 is displayed. To instruct.

  According to the above configuration, the user can know the channel number of the “parent” channel on which the program 02121 is broadcast by confirming the dialog Dig displayed on the display unit 40.

[Embodiment 3]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration in which an event shared program tab is arranged in the program column of the event shared program instead of the event shared program icon described in the first and second embodiments will be described.

(Configuration of program display device 3)
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the program display device 3 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the next program guide output unit 230 of the program display device 3 includes a tab arrangement program column selection unit 332 instead of the channel number selection unit 232. In addition to the electronic program guide data D1, the storage unit 30 of the program display device 3 stores a tab arrangement necessity determination table D4 (see FIG. 14) and tab data D5. The tab data D5 includes information indicating the shape and the like of the event sharing program tabs Fa to Fc (see (a) to (c) of FIG. 15).

  In the present embodiment, the next program guide generation unit 233 sets the display form of the next program guide T1 as the channel number of a part of the plurality of channels on which the programs constituting the event sharing group of the event sharing program are broadcast. And a second display form showing all teal channel numbers of the plurality of channels.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a next program table T1 (first display form) in which event shared program tabs Fa to Fc are arranged in the program column of the event shared program. As shown in FIG. 14, event sharing program tabs Fa to Fc are arranged in the program column of programs 01121, 02121, and 04121 which are event sharing programs.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the event sharing program tab Fa has the shape of the upper arrow. On the other hand, the event sharing program tab Fb has a shape of an arrow in the vertical direction. The event sharing program tab Fc has an upward arrow shape. When the event sharing program tabs Fa to Fc arranged in the program column of the event sharing program are pressed (or focused), the next program table generation unit 233 expands the program column so as to expand in the direction indicated by the arrow. .

  (A)-(c) of FIG. 15 is a figure which shows the next program schedule T1 (2nd display form) to which the program column by which the event shared program tab Fa-Fc was arrange | positioned expanded. In (a) to (c) of FIG. 15, the expanded program column of programs 01121, 02121, and 04121, which are event shared programs, is an area of a program column in which other channels on which the event shared program is broadcast are described. Of these, the area other than the area where the channel number is described is covered. Therefore, the user who sees the next program table T1 shown in FIGS. 15A to 15C can understand which channel the programs 01121, 02121, and 04121 that are event shared programs are broadcast on.

  When an operation for selecting the event shared program tabs Fa to Fc arranged in the program column of the event shared program is performed, the next program guide generation unit 233 sets the channel number of the “parent” channel of the event shared program. In order to be distinguished from the channel number of the “child” channel, for example, as shown in FIGS.

  The next program guide generation unit 233 may emphasize the channel number of the “parent” channel by a method other than writing it in bold. In the above configuration, the user can easily understand the channel number of the “parent” channel of the event sharing program.

  In the configuration in which the program column is enlarged by focusing the event shared program tabs Fa to Fc (with a pointer or the like), when the event shared program tabs Fa to Fc are focused, the next program table generating unit 233 is used. Returns the size of the program column to its original size.

  Further, the next program guide generation unit 233 may emphasize the description of the channel number of the “parent” channel every predetermined time.

(Modification)
The next program guide generation unit 233 according to the modification of the present embodiment refers to the tab arrangement necessity determination table D4, and for each event shared program included in the next program guide T1, the program of the event shared program It may be determined whether or not the event sharing program tabs Fa to Fc are arranged in the column. In the tab arrangement necessity determination table D4, among the programs included in the event sharing group of the event sharing program, the event sharing is performed in the program column of the event sharing program depending on which program is the next program and which program is not the next program. Whether or not the program tabs Fa to Fc are arranged is divided into cases.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the tab arrangement necessity determination table D4. According to the tab arrangement necessity determination table D4 shown in FIG. 16, when the “parent” (program) of the event sharing program is the next program, the next program guide generation unit 233 sets “child 1” “child 2” ( Regardless of whether or not (program) is the next program, event shared program tabs Fa to Fc are not arranged in the program column of the event shared program.

  When at least one of “child 1” and “child 2” of the event sharing program is the next program and “parent” is not the next program, the next program table generation unit 233 displays the event sharing program. Event sharing program tabs Fa to Fc are arranged in the program column.

  Here, when the event sharing group of the event sharing program is composed of three programs (“parent”, “child 1”, “child 2”), the next program table generation unit 233 displays the event sharing program in the program column. The method of determining whether to arrange the event sharing program tabs Fa to Fc has been described. However, even if the event sharing group of the event sharing program is composed of two programs or four or more programs, the event sharing program tab Fa is displayed in the program column of the event sharing program. The method for determining whether to place ~ Fc is the same as the method described above.

[Embodiment 4]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the third embodiment, when the event shared program tabs Fa to Fc arranged in the program column of the event shared program are pressed, the program column is expanded. However, how the program column changes is not particularly limited.

  The program display device 4 according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the program display device 3 (see FIG. 13) of the third embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the next program guide generation unit 233 broadcasts the event sharing program when the event sharing program tabs Fa to Fc arranged in the program column of the event sharing program are pressed (or focused). Gray out the program column that lists other channels. Here, before the event sharing program tabs Fa to Fc are pressed, the next program table T1 is in the state shown in FIG. When the event sharing program tab Fb (Fc) arranged in the program column of the program 02121 (04121) is pressed, the program column in which the channels 021, 023 (041) are described is grayed out, so that Differentiated from the program column. Note that the program column in which the 021 and 023 (041) channels are described may be distinguished from other program columns by means other than grayout.

  FIG. 17 shows a state in which the program column describing the channels 012 and 013 (the channel on which the program 01121 is broadcast) is grayed out by pressing the event sharing program tab Fa arranged in the program column of the program 01121. It is a figure which shows program schedule T1. As shown in FIG. 17, in the grayed-out program column, a message indicating the program 01121 is displayed as the first program counted from the currently broadcasted programs on the channels 012 and 013 is displayed. .

  The user who has seen the next program guide T1 shown in FIG. 17 can understand that the program 01121, which is an event sharing program, is broadcast on channels 011 to 013. Further, it is possible to understand what program 01121 is broadcast as the first program counted from the currently broadcasted programs on the 012 and 013 channels. In other words, the user can know when the program broadcast on the 011 channel and the program broadcast on the 012 and 013 channels are integrated.

  When an operation for selecting the event shared program tabs Fa to Fc arranged in the program column of the event shared program is performed, the next program guide generation unit 233 sets the channel number of the “parent” channel of the event shared program. In order to distinguish from the channel numbers of the “child” channels, for example, as shown in FIG.

  The next program guide generation unit 233 may emphasize the channel number of the “parent” channel by a method other than writing it in bold. In the above configuration, the user can easily understand the channel number of the “parent” channel of the event sharing program.

  In the configuration in which the program column is enlarged by focusing the event shared program tabs Fa to Fc (with a pointer or the like), when the event shared program tabs Fa to Fc are focused, the next program table generating unit 233 is used. Returns the size of the program column to its original size.

  Further, the next program guide generation unit 233 may emphasize the channel number of the “parent” channel every predetermined time.

[Embodiment 5]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the example in which the present invention is applied to the next program table T1 in which the next program to be broadcast next on each channel of each broadcasting station has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to any program guide as long as the program guide includes the next program guide.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the next program to be broadcast next on each channel of each broadcast station, a program currently broadcast on each channel of each broadcast station (hereinafter referred to as the current program) is also described. An example in which the present invention is applied to the next program table T5 (see FIG. 18) will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the current / next program guide T5. As shown in FIG. 18, the current / next program table T5 describes information related to the current program and the next program of each channel. In FIG. 18, the program column in which information on the current program and the next program of channels 041 to 043 is described is omitted. The user who has viewed the current / next program table T5 can simultaneously know the current program and the next program broadcast next to the program.

  In the current / next program table T5, event shared program tabs Fa and Fb are arranged in the program column of programs 01121 and 02121 which are event shared programs and also next programs. As described in the fourth embodiment, when the event sharing program tabs Fa and Fb arranged in the program column of the programs 01121 and 02121 are pressed (or focused), the next program guide generation unit 233 displays the programs 01121 and 02121. Is grayed out in the program column in which other channels on which are broadcast are listed.

  FIG. 19 shows the current program and the next program of channels 012 and 013 (the channel on which the program 01121 is broadcast) by pressing the event sharing program tab Fa arranged in the program column of the program 01121. It is a figure which shows the present / next program schedule T5 in which the part of the program column of the next program was grayed out among the program columns. As shown in FIG. 19, in the grayed out program column, a message indicating the program 01121 is displayed as the numbered program counted from the currently broadcasted programs on the channels 012 and 013 is displayed. .

  The user who viewed the current / next program table T5 shown in FIG. 19 can understand that the program 01121, which is an event sharing program, is broadcast on the 011 to 013 channels. Further, it is possible to understand what program 01121 is broadcast as the first program counted from the currently broadcasted programs on the 012 and 013 channels.

  When an operation for selecting the event shared program tabs Fa to Fc arranged in the program column of the event shared program is performed, the next program guide generation unit 233 sets the channel number of the “parent” channel of the event shared program. In order to distinguish from the channel numbers of the “child” channels, for example, as shown in FIGS.

  The next program guide generation unit 233 may emphasize the channel number of the “parent” channel by a method other than writing it in bold. In the above configuration, the user can easily understand the channel number of the “parent” channel of the event sharing program.

  Further, in the configuration in which the program column is expanded by focusing the event shared program tabs Fa and Fb (with a pointer or the like), when the event shared program tabs Fa and Fb are focused out, the next program table generation unit 233 is used. Returns the size of the program column to its original size.

  Further, the next program guide generation unit 233 may emphasize the channel number of the “parent” channel every predetermined time.

[Example of software implementation]
The control block of the program display device 1 (particularly each part of the next program guide output unit 230) may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or a CPU (Central Processing). Unit) and may be realized by software.

  In the latter case, the program display device 1 includes a CPU that executes instructions of a program that is software for realizing each function, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which the program and various data are recorded so as to be readable by a computer (or CPU). Alternatively, a storage device (these are referred to as “recording media”), a RAM (Random Access Memory) that expands the program, and the like are provided. And the objective of this invention is achieved when a computer (or CPU) reads the said program from the said recording medium and runs it. As the recording medium, a “non-temporary tangible medium” such as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. The program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[Summary]
The program display device (next program guide output unit 230) according to aspect 1 of the present invention is a program guide generator that generates a program guide showing a list of programs and displays the generated program guide on the display unit (40). An identification means (next program analysis unit 231) for identifying a specific program that is the same program broadcast on a plurality of channels in the same time zone, and a display form of information regarding the specific program in the program table And a display form control means (next program table generation unit 233) that is different from the display form of information relating to other programs.

  According to said structure, in a program schedule, a specific program and other program schedules are displayed with the display format which can be distinguished. Therefore, the user who has seen the program guide can know which program is the specific program. Note that the specific program has a high image quality because it is composed of a plurality of channels. A user who understands which program is a specific program can take actions such as lowering the recording quality of the specific program (in order to reduce the amount of recorded data) to be lower than the recording quality of other programs. .

  The program display device according to aspect 2 of the present invention is the program display apparatus according to aspect 1, wherein the display form control means describes at least one piece of identification information for identifying each of the plurality of channels in the program table. Also good.

  According to said structure, the user can know the channel on which a specific program is broadcast. The identification information may be, for example, a channel number, a remote control number, or a service name (broadcast station name). For example, a user who knows a channel number as channel identification information on which a specific program is broadcast can view the specific program by selecting the channel number.

  The program display device according to aspect 3 of the present invention is the program display apparatus according to aspect 2, in which the identification means broadcasts on other channels from among the programs set in each of the plurality of channels corresponding to the specific program. The referred program referred to as the program to be played may be specified, and the display form control means may associate the identification information with the referenced program.

  According to said structure, the user who looked at the program schedule can obtain the information regarding the channel by which a to-be-referenced program is broadcast. Here, the referenced program may be a program referred to by an event descriptor added to another event (program).

  In this way, the user who sees the program guide can know the channel on which the referenced program is broadcast. Therefore, the user can select the channel of the referenced program (or reserve viewing / recording reservation) from the program guide (or using another means).

  The program display device according to aspect 4 of the present invention is the program display apparatus according to aspect 3, in which the first display form showing a part of the identification information of the plurality of channels as the channel for broadcasting the specific program, and the plurality You may switch between the 2nd display form which shows the said identification information of the other part of all the channels, or all.

  According to the above configuration, when the program guide is in the first display form, only a part of the identification information among the plurality of channels is shown in the program guide. Therefore, since the area occupied by the identification information in the program guide becomes narrow, the identification information can be written in the program guide even when the program guide is small. Further, when the program guide is in the second display form, other part of the identification information or all of the identification information is shown in the program guide. Therefore, the user who has seen the program guide can obtain information on some or all of the channels on which the specific program is broadcast from the program guide.

  The program display device according to aspect 5 of the present invention is the program display apparatus according to aspect 4, wherein the display form control means changes the display form of the program table to the first display form and the above when a predetermined operation is performed. You may switch between the 2nd display form.

  According to said structure, the user can see the program schedule of the desired display form by performing predetermined operation.

  The program display device according to aspect 6 of the present invention is the program display apparatus according to any one of the aspects 1 to 5, wherein the display form control means counts from the currently broadcasted program in each of the plurality of channels. Information indicating whether a specific program is broadcast may be described in the program table.

  According to the above configuration, the user can know how many times the specific program is broadcast in each channel where the specific program is broadcast from the currently broadcast program.

  In the program display device according to aspect 7 of the present invention, in the aspect 2, the display form control means displays the identification information for identifying each of the plurality of channels in order on the program table. Also good.

  According to said structure, the user can obtain each identification information for identifying each channel on which a specific program is broadcast by confirming the identification information displayed in order on a program schedule.

  The program display device according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the program display device is realized by a computer by causing the computer to operate as each means included in the program display device. A control program for the program display device and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a new technical feature can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

  The present invention can be used for a program guide generating apparatus.

40 display unit 230 next program guide output unit (program guide generator)
231 Next program analysis unit (identification means)
233 Next program guide generation unit (display mode control means)

Claims (5)

A program guide generating device for generating a program guide showing a list of programs and displaying the generated program guide on a display unit,
Identification means for identifying a specific program that is the same program broadcast on a plurality of channels in the same time zone;
In the program guide, a display form control means for making a display form of information relating to the specific program different from a display form of information relating to other programs,
With
The display form control means describes at least one piece of identification information for identifying each of the plurality of channels in the program table,
The identifying means identifies a referenced program that is referred to as a program broadcast on another channel from among the programs set in each of the plurality of channels corresponding to the specific program,
Further, the display form control means associates the identification information with the referenced program . A program guide generating device for generating a program guide showing a list of programs and displaying the generated program guide on a display unit,
Identification means for identifying a specific program that is the same program broadcast on a plurality of channels in the same time zone;
In the program guide, a display form control means for making a display form of information relating to the specific program different from a display form of information relating to other programs,
With
The display form control means describes, in the program table, information indicating how many times the specific program is broadcast from each of the plurality of channels counted from the currently broadcast program. A program guide generating device. 3. The program guide generation apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the display form control means describes at least one piece of identification information for identifying each of the plurality of channels in the program guide. The identifying means identifies a referenced program that is referred to as a program broadcast on another channel from among the programs set in each of the plurality of channels corresponding to the specific program,
4. The program table generation apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the display form control means associates the identification information with the referenced program. The display form control means uses the display form of the program table as a channel for broadcasting the specific program, a first display form showing a part of the identification information of the plurality of channels, and the plurality of channels. 5. The program guide generation device according to claim 1 , wherein the program table generation device is switched between a second display form indicating the other part or all of the identification information.

Images