JPH08125993A - Image display controller, recording and reproducing device and image display controlling method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To select any prescribed dedicated channel for waiting time in near video on demand service. CONSTITUTION: Through the prescribed channel tuned by a tuning part 9, prescribed control data are supplied through a demodulating part 10, frame separating processing part 11 and secret talk cancel part 12 to a CPU 2. The CPU extends a signal from the dedicated channel or a signal reproduced from a Video-CD 200 or a CD-ROM 300 just for the waiting time recognized based on these control data while using an MPEG video extension processing part 14 or an MPEG audio extension processing part 18. After the signal is converted into an analog signal through a D/A converting part 16 or 19, the image is displayed on a CRT 17 and the voice is outputted from a speaker 20. A digital VTR 400 simultaneously records the plural programs received through a CATV cable 8.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image display control device and a recording / reproducing device suitable for use in receiving, recording, or reproducing a digital broadcast such as near video on demand service. And an image display control method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, terrestrial television broadcasting,
Alternatively, in satellite broadcasting, an analog video / audio signal corresponding to a predetermined program is modulated to a predetermined frequency and transmitted to an image display control device such as a television receiver via a broadcast radio wave to display the corresponding video. It In a cable television (CATV), an analog video / audio signal corresponding to a predetermined program is modulated to a predetermined frequency, and a CAT such as a coaxial cable or an optical fiber cable is used.
It is transmitted to the television receiver via the V cable,
The corresponding video is displayed.

In addition, a plurality of channels having a frequency bandwidth of 6 MHz are used to receive a predetermined program which is sequentially transmitted by shifting a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes) for each channel. By doing so, the waiting time until the next broadcast start time of this program can be set to 15 minutes at the maximum, in this case, when the so-called near video on demand service is implemented, The person needs to wait until the next broadcast start time of a predetermined program.

Further, when a predetermined program is recorded by using a recording / reproducing apparatus such as a conventional VHS, beta or 8 mm type video tape recorder (VTR), a program which can be simultaneously recorded on one video tape. Is supposed to be one.

[0005]

As described above, the near video on demand service is carried out, and the frequency-modulated video / audio signal corresponding to the predetermined program is transmitted at 6 MHz through the electric wave or the CATV cable. If multiple channels of bandwidth are used and they are transmitted cyclically with a predetermined time offset for each channel, the viewer may either wait patiently until the next broadcast start time of this program, or However, there was a problem that I had to spend time by watching other programs.

[0006] In the meantime, the viewer's mind changed,
There is a possibility that the program may not be viewed, and particularly in pay broadcasting, there is a problem that it may lead to a decrease in viewing fee income from the viewer.

Furthermore, when recording a plurality of programs at the same time, a plurality of VTRs must be prepared, and a plurality of VTs must be prepared.
A general viewer who does not own R has a problem that it is difficult to record a plurality of programs at the same time.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in the near video on demand service, the channel is automatically switched to the advertising channel until the next broadcast start time of a predetermined program. By displaying the notice of the program you are about to watch, the broadcast guide for the next week, etc., until the broadcast of the predetermined program starts without frustrating or boring the viewer, It allows viewers to be attracted to the screen.

[0009]

An image display control apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an output means for outputting at least one of predetermined video, audio, and character information (for example, FIG. 1).
CRT 17), an advertising channel, and a predetermined transmission channel consisting of a plurality of program transmission channels. Means for selectively inputting a predetermined program that has been transmitted selectively from one of the program transmission channels (for example, FIG. 1).
Channel selection unit 9) and the program transmission channel from any one of the program transmission channels until the first portion of the program is transmitted. Control means for causing the output means to output video, audio, or character information corresponding to broadcasting (for example, CPU in FIG.
2) and are provided.

An image display control apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is an output means for outputting at least one of predetermined video, audio, and character information (for example, CERT17 in FIG. 1).
For each of a plurality of program transmission channels through a plurality of program transmission channels of a predetermined transmission channel composed of an advertisement channel and a plurality of program transmission channels,
A predetermined program, which is periodically transmitted with a predetermined time difference, is transmitted from any one of the program transmission channels.
Input means for selectively inputting (for example, channel selection section 9 in FIG. 1)
And a storage / playback unit (for example, Video-CD 200 or CD-ROM 300 in FIG. 1) that stores and plays back predetermined video, audio, or data, and one of the program transmission channels, Until the part is transmitted, the input means is provided with a control means (for example, the CPU 2 in FIG. 1) for inputting the video, audio, or data reproduced by the storage / reproduction means and outputting it to the output means. Characterize.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording / reproducing apparatus which comprises an output means (for example, CRT 17 in FIG. 1) for outputting at least one of predetermined video, audio, and character information, and a predetermined transmission channel. Recording means for simultaneously recording at least two programs consisting of video, audio, and data transmitted via at least any two of the plurality of program transmission channels (for example, FIG. 1).
Recording unit 401) and reproducing means for reproducing at least two recorded programs simultaneously or separately (for example, FIG. 1).
Playback unit 402) and control means for causing the output means to output video, audio, or data corresponding to the program reproduced simultaneously or separately by the reproduction means (for example, the CPU of FIG. 1).
2) and are provided.

Further, the reproducing means can simultaneously reproduce the video, audio, or data constituting the program recorded by the recording means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image display control method, wherein a plurality of program transmission channels are provided via a plurality of program transmission channels of a predetermined transmission channel including an advertisement channel and a plurality of program transmission channels. Each time, a predetermined program is shifted by a predetermined time and transmitted cyclically, and a predetermined broadcast is repeatedly transmitted at a predetermined cycle through the advertising channel, and the program is transmitted from any one of the program transmission channels. Until the first part of the program is transmitted, a predetermined broadcast is input from the advertising channel and video, audio, or character information corresponding to this broadcast is output.

[0014]

In the image display control apparatus according to the present invention, the control of the CPU 2 is performed until the first portion of the predetermined program is transmitted through the program transmission channel which constitutes the predetermined transmission channel. Thus, the input channel is switched to the advertising channel. Therefore, the video corresponding to the advertisement or the program preview transmitted through the advertising channel is displayed on the CRT 17.

According to another aspect of the image display control apparatus of the present invention, the CPU 2 is controlled until the first portion of the predetermined program is transmitted through the program transmission channel which constitutes the predetermined transmission channel. By Video-C
Input signal from D200 or CD-ROM300 is CRT
17 is supplied. Therefore, the predetermined image recorded on the Video-CD 200 or the CD-ROM 300 is CR.
Displayed at T17.

In the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the third aspect, a plurality of programs transmitted via a plurality of program transmission channels are simultaneously recorded, and the plurality of recorded programs are reproduced simultaneously or separately. Therefore, it is possible to record a plurality of programs on one video tape at the same time and play them back simultaneously or separately.

In the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the video / audio / data signals of the recorded program are reproduced at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to display the corresponding video and simultaneously display the related character information.

In the image display control method according to the present invention, a predetermined broadcast is periodically transmitted through an advertisement channel which constitutes a predetermined transmission channel, and a program transmission which constitutes a predetermined transmission channel. Through the channel
The input channel is switched to the advertising channel until the first part of a given program is transmitted. Therefore, the video corresponding to the advertisement or the program preview transmitted via the advertising channel is output.

[0019]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an AV system to which the image display control device and the recording / playback device of the present invention are applied. When a predetermined channel tuning button provided on the operation unit (not shown) is pressed, the remote controller 1
A built-in light (for example, infrared ray) corresponding to a control signal for instructing to select a corresponding transmission channel (having a frequency bandwidth of 6 MHz and consisting of a plurality of program transmission channels and advertisement channels) The light is emitted from the light emitting section. This light is received by a light receiving unit (not shown) of the AV system, converted into a corresponding control signal, and then CP
It is designed to be supplied to U2.

On the basis of the control signal supplied from the light receiving section, the CPU 2 sends an RF signal corresponding to a video / audio signal compressed by the MPEG method and digitally transmitted to the channel selection section 9 via the CATV cable 8. Command is issued via the buses 3 and 4 to select a predetermined transmission channel instructed by the remote controller 1. In addition, a demodulation unit 10 and a frame separation processing unit 1 described later.
1 and the confidential talk canceller 12 are supplied with a predetermined control signal at a predetermined timing.

The tuning unit 9 is designed to select a predetermined transmission channel instructed by the CPU 2 from the RF signal supplied via the CATV cable 8. The demodulation unit 9 is controlled by the CPU 2 via the buses 3 and 5 and digitally demodulates the RF signal corresponding to the predetermined transmission channel supplied from the channel selection unit 9.

The frame separation processing section 11 separates the video signal and the audio signal contained in the digitally demodulated video and audio signal supplied from the demodulation section 10 via the signal line 13.

The confidential story canceller 12 is a frame separation processor 1
The scramble applied to the video signal and the audio signal supplied from the above-mentioned No. 1 is separately released.

The MPEG video decompression processing unit 14 is adapted to decompress the video signal of the digital video and audio signal compressed by the MPEG system supplied from the confidentiality cancellation unit 12. The frame memory 15 is M
The PEG video decompression processing unit 14 is used as a work buffer when decompressing the video signal.

The D / A converter 16 converts the digital video signal supplied from the MPEG video decompression processor 14 into an analog video signal. The CRT 17 is adapted to display an image corresponding to the analog video signal supplied from the D / A converter 16.

The MPEG audio decompression unit 18 is adapted to decompress the audio signal of the digital video and audio signal compressed by the MPEG system supplied from the confidentiality cancellation unit 12.

The D / A converter 19 converts the digital audio signal supplied from the MPEG audio expansion processor 18 into an analog audio R / L signal. Speaker 2
0 outputs the analog audio R / L signal supplied from the D / A converter 19.

The Video-CD 200 has a predetermined image /
The television / receiver 100 reproduces a voice / data signal.
Is supplied via the AV input terminal T1. The CD-ROM 300 reproduces a predetermined video / audio / data signal and supplies it to the television receiver 100 via the AV input terminal T2.

The digital VTR 400 records a predetermined video / audio / data signal supplied via the input / output terminal T3 of the television receiver 100 by the recording section 401 and reproduces it by the reproducing section 402. .

Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows a digital audio / video signal which is digitally modulated on a transmission channel having a frequency bandwidth of 6 MHz required for transmitting one channel of an NTSC analog video signal. This shows a case where only the advertisement channel Y and the program transmission channels A to D in FIG. 2 are transmitted.

In FIG. 2, an asterisk "*" indicates that an advertisement or a program announcement is being broadcast,
The hyphen "-" indicates that a predetermined program is being broadcast. The asterisk "*" in the program transmission channels A to D is supposed to have broadcasted the last part of the program at this time, but as described later, it is forcibly forced at this time. It is shown that the channel is switched to the advertising channel Y and the advertisement of the advertisement or the program broadcast on the advertising channel Y is displayed on the screen.

FIG. 3 shows a comparison between the number of channels that can be set by the analog modulation method and the data transmission method, and the number of channels that can be set by the digital modulation method, and the data transmission method in a transmission line having a frequency bandwidth of 6 MHz. It is the figure which showed.

As shown in FIG. 3A, in the case of the conventional analog broadcasting system, only one channel of broadcasting can be performed using the transmission line having the frequency bandwidth of 6 MHz. Further, in adjacent frequency bands, another channel cannot be set due to adjacent interference, and there is a limit to the number of channels that can be broadcast. For example, in Tokyo, there are 7 channels in the VHF band, UHF, BS. It is limited to more than a dozen channels including.

Also in CATV, due to the characteristics of the cable, there is an upper limit on the frequency that can be transmitted, and due to cost constraints, etc., the upper limit of the frequency that can be transmitted is about 800 MHz, and a frequency of 6 MHz per channel. When allocating the bandwidth, it is practically possible to set 60 channels.

Further, in data transmission, the amount of data that can be transmitted is limited because the data is transmitted by being superimposed on the vertical blanking period (V blanking period) of each channel.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
In the case of digital broadcasting, 6 channels can be set in a frequency bandwidth of 6 MHz. That is, in the case of the digital broadcasting system, although it depends on the digital modulation system for modulating the digital video / audio signal, the transmission rate of about 40 Mbit / sec is possible, and the maximum transmission rate of 6 Mbit / sec per channel. Even if it is estimated that is necessary, it is possible to transmit video and audio signals for at least 6 channels. Therefore, in the case of CATV, about 300 channels can be set.

Further, it is possible to set a transmission path for transmitting data for each channel.

In the case of a digital video / audio signal compressed by the MPEG system or the like, it is possible to transmit a video / audio signal which can be displayed with an image quality equivalent to the conventional one at a transmission rate of 4 to 6 megabits / second. It has already been confirmed experimentally. In addition, the application of the MPEG1 compression method, Vi
The transmission speed of the video / audio signal during the reproduction of the moving image by the deo-CD or the CD-ROM is 1.5 megabits / second, and the image quality equivalent to that of the VHS system video deck is realized.

Therefore, by allocating only one channel to the transmission path having a transmission rate of 6 megabits / second, it is possible to obtain a digital image quality almost equal to that obtained by the NTSC system currently broadcast in Japan. It is possible to transmit video and audio signals for 6 channels.

Further, in the case of the digital broadcasting system, since video, audio and data can be separately transmitted for each channel via transmission lines of different frequency bands, high quality audio can be transmitted. It is also possible to transmit sub-audio, hi-fi sound, etc., or perform multilingual broadcasting using a plurality of channels.

Furthermore, digital data can be transmitted for each channel by a data section set in a predetermined frequency band different from the audiovisual signal. Therefore, using this data section, for example, various data services are performed, programs for video game software and personal computers (personal computers) are transmitted, and downloaded using a television receiver installed in each home. be able to.

Further, when various control signals such as the program broadcast start time are changed by using this data part,
A control signal for adjusting the recording start time to the VTR by that amount, and display data, for example, character data transmitted by character broadcasting, caption broadcasting, or FAX broadcasting,
Alternatively, the character data associated with the video signal can be transmitted. For example, in a sports program or the like, the profile of a player, the performance of each team, etc. can be transmitted.

Of the above-mentioned five channels, channel Y is an advertising channel for advertisement or program announcement, and channels A to D are for periodically transmitting a predetermined program by shifting a predetermined time. This is a program transmission channel.

In this case, on the advertising channel Y, a predetermined advertisement or program announcement is repeatedly broadcast at 15-minute intervals. Also, for example, at time 0:00, broadcasting of a program for a predetermined time starts via the program transmission channel A, and is broadcast via the program transmission channel B and the program transmission channel A. Broadcasting of a program similar to that is started at 0:15, with a delay of 15 minutes.

In the program transmission channel C, the program transmission channel B is further delayed by 15 minutes,
The broadcast of this program starts from 0:30, and in the program transmission channel D, the program transmission channel C
After a further 15 minutes delay, the broadcast of this program starts at 0:45.

For example, at time 0:07, when a button corresponding to a predetermined transmission channel having a frequency bandwidth of 6 MHz in which a predetermined program of the remote controller 1 is broadcast is pressed, the remote controller 1 causes the remote controller 1 to transmit this channel. The light corresponding to is emitted. This light is received by the light receiving unit, converted into a corresponding control signal, and then supplied to the CPU 2. CPU
2 recognizes from the control signal from the light receiving unit that the selection of this transmission channel has been instructed.

Next, the CPU 2 first gives an instruction to the channel selection section 9 via the buses 3 and 4 so as to select the advertising channel Y in this transmission channel. Channel selection section 9 is CP
In accordance with a command from U2, the advertising channel Y is selected from the RF signals supplied via the CATV cable 8, and the video / audio signal supplied via the advertising channel Y is sent to the demodulation unit 10. Supply via line 13.

The demodulation section 10 demodulates the video / audio signal supplied from the channel selection section 9 via the signal line 13 into a digital signal. The demodulated digital signal is supplied to the frame separation processing unit 11 via the signal line 13. This digital signal is composed of a video frame, an audio frame, and a data frame. Frame separation processing unit 1
Reference numeral 1 separates a video frame, an audio frame, and a data frame, which are included in the digital signal supplied from the demodulation unit 10 via the signal line 13, as a transmission unit, and supplies the separated frames to the confidentiality cancellation unit 12.

The confidential story canceller 12 is a frame separation processor 1
1 descrambles the video frame, the audio frame, and the data frame supplied from 1, respectively, and the video signal corresponding to the descrambled video frame is MPEG video expanded through the signal line 13. The audio signal corresponding to the descrambled audio frame supplied to the processing unit 14 is MPEG
It is supplied to the audio expansion processing unit 18. Further, predetermined control data corresponding to the descrambled data frame is supplied to the CPU 2 via the buses 7 and 3.

This control data is composed of, for example, a program transmission channel in which the next broadcast of a predetermined program starts with a minimum waiting time, a waiting time, and the like.

The CPU 2 uses the confidentiality canceling section 12 to access the bus 7,
At the time 0: 7 when this transmission channel is selected by the remote controller 1 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2 based on the predetermined control data supplied via the program 3, the programs that make up this transmission channel are shown. It is recognized that, of the transmission channels A to D, the program transmission channel B starts the next broadcast of a predetermined program with the minimum waiting time.

Therefore, the CPU 2 receives the video / audio signal from the advertising channel Y for the waiting time of the control data, displays the video corresponding to the corresponding advertisement or program announcement on the CRT 17, and outputs the audio from the speaker 20. Output it.

In this way, the preview of the program transmitted through the advertising channel Y or the video corresponding to various information is displayed on the CRT 17 of the television receiver 100 through the CATV cable 8 and is output from the speaker 20. Sound is output. That is, until the time when the program starts next on channel B, the advertisement channel Y
Is selected, and the advance notice of the program and various information are displayed on the screen of the CRT 17. As a result, it is possible to prevent the viewer from getting bored or irritated.

Next, the CPU 2 indicates from the control data transmitted by the data part of the advertisement channel Y that the next program broadcast start time of the program transmission channel B (time 0:15 in FIG. 2) has come. When recognizing, for the tuning unit 9,
The command is issued via the buses 3 and 4 to select the channel B for program transmission.

In accordance with a command from the CPU 2, the channel selection section 9 selects a program transmission channel B from the RF signal supplied via the CATV cable 8 and transmits it via the program transmission channel B. The video / audio signal is supplied to the demodulation unit 10 via the signal line 13.

The demodulation section 10 demodulates the video / audio signal supplied from the channel selection section 9 via the signal line 13 into a digital signal. The demodulated digital signal is supplied to the frame separation processing unit 11 via the signal line 13. As described above, this digital signal is composed of a video frame and an audio frame as a transmission unit. The frame separation processing unit 11 separates a video frame and an audio frame, which form the digital signal supplied from the demodulation unit 10 via the signal line 13, and supplies them to the confidential talk cancellation unit 12.

The confidential story canceller 12 is a frame separation processor 1
When the video frame and the audio frame supplied from 1 are scrambled,
Each of them is descrambled, and the video signal corresponding to the descrambled video frame is supplied to the MPEG video decompression processing unit 14 via the signal line 13 to MPE the audio signal corresponding to the descrambled audio frame.
It is supplied to the G audio decompression processing unit 18.

When the scramble is not applied, the confidential story canceling unit 12 supplies the video frame supplied from the frame separation processing unit 11 to the MPEG video expanding unit 14 as it is, and the audio frame as it is to the MPEG audio expansion processing unit 18. Supply to.

The video signal compressed by the MPEG system supplied from the confidentiality canceling unit 12 to the MPEG video expansion processing unit 14 is expanded there and supplied to the D / A conversion unit 16. From the MPEG video decompression processor 14, D /
The video signal supplied to the A conversion unit 16 is converted into an analog video signal and then supplied to the CRT 17, and the corresponding video is displayed.

On the other hand, the MPEG audio expansion processing section 18
The MPEG-compressed audio signal supplied to the above is subjected to decompression processing and supplied to the D / A conversion unit 19. The audio signal supplied from the MPEG audio decompression processing unit 18 to the D / A conversion unit 19 is converted into an analog signal there, and then supplied to the speaker 20 and output.

In this way, the video corresponding to the predetermined program transmitted by the channel B via the CATV cable 8 is displayed on the CRT 17 of the television receiver, and the sound is output from the speaker 20.

In the above case, the time when the transmission channel corresponding to the predetermined program is designated by the remote controller 1 is, for example, 0:07, and the program transmission with the shortest time until the next program broadcasting start time is transmitted. The case where the transmission channel is the program transmission channel B has been described, but the time at which the transmission channel corresponding to the predetermined program is designated by the remote controller 1 is, for example, before 0:00, and the time until the next program broadcasting start time is reached. If the program transmission channel with the shortest waiting time is the program transmission channel A, and the time when the transmission channel corresponding to the predetermined program is designated by the remote controller 1 is, for example, 0:16, When the program transmission channel with the shortest waiting time until the next program broadcasting start time is the program transmission channel C, the remote controller 1 Accordingly, the time at which the transmission channel corresponding to the predetermined program is designated is, for example, 0:31, and the program transmission channel with the shortest waiting time until the next program broadcasting start time is the program transmission channel D. Even in some cases, basically the same processing as that described above for the case of the program transmission channel B is performed,
The description is omitted.

As in the case of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 uses a predetermined transmission channel having a frequency band of 6 MHz in which four program broadcasting channels A to D and one advertising channel Y are set. Also shows an example of broadcasting a program for two hours.

In this case, the advertising channel Y
A video / audio signal corresponding to a publicity advertisement, a program announcement, or the like is periodically transmitted in 30-minute units via. Further, in the program transmission channels A to D, predetermined programs are shifted by 30 minutes each and transmitted periodically.

That is, on the program transmission channel A, for example, broadcasting of a predetermined program is started at time 0:00, and on the program transmission channel B, time 0:30.
Broadcasting of a predetermined program starts from the minute. On the program transmission channel C, broadcasting of a predetermined program starts from 1:00, and on the program transmission channel D, broadcasting of a predetermined program starts from 1:30.

In this case as well, basically in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG. 2, when this transmission channel is selected by the remote controller 1, the CPU 2 determines that the broadcast of the predetermined program is the minimum. The program transmission channel started at the waiting time is recognized from the control data transmitted by the data part of the advertising channel Y.

Until the next broadcast start time, the video corresponding to the advertisement or program announcement transmitted through the advertisement channel Y is displayed on the CRT 17, and the speaker 20 outputs the sound.

FIG. 5 shows a transmission channel having a frequency bandwidth of 6 MHz and eight program transmission channels A.
This is an example of setting the advertisement channels Y to H.

In the case of this example, since the video and audio signals for 9 channels including the program transmission channel and the advertisement channel are transmitted through one transmission channel, each channel is transmitted at about 3 Mbit / sec. It will be speed. Therefore, the image quality is degraded.

However, since the predetermined programs are shifted by 15 minutes and transmitted to each program transmission channel,
The waiting time can be suppressed to 15 minutes at the maximum.

FIG. 6 shows a transmission channel having a frequency bandwidth of 12 megahertz, which is double that of the transmission channel shown in FIG. 5, and eight program transmission channels as in the case of FIG. A to H and advertising channel Y
This is an example of the case where is set.

In the case of this example, since a transmission rate of 6 Mbits / sec can be obtained for each of the program transmission channel or the advertisement channel, a video signal having a resolution similar to that of the normal NTSC system can be transmitted. , And can be received by the television receiver 100.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which two transmission channels having a frequency bandwidth of 6 MHz are used and each transmission channel is further divided into five channels.

In the case of this example, advertising channels Y1 and Y2 are set for each transmission channel. Then, predetermined control data for performing information management for the program transmission channels A to H is transmitted via each of the advertising channels Y1 and Y2.

The CPU 2 controls the channel selection section 9 based on the control data transmitted via the advertising channel Y1 or Y2 until the next broadcasting of a predetermined program is started, and the advertising channel Y1 Alternatively, an image corresponding to a predetermined advertisement transmitted via Y2 is displayed on the CRT 17, and a sound is output from the speaker 20.

When the predetermined program start time comes, the CP
U2 controls each unit to cause the CRT 17 to display an image corresponding to a predetermined program transmitted through a predetermined program transmission channel among the video and audio signals transmitted through the program transmission channels A to H. , Voice is output from the speaker 20.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the flow of signals transmitted via the two transmission channels shown in FIG. 7 (hereinafter referred to as the first transmission line and the second transmission line). As mentioned above,
Each transmission line has a frequency bandwidth of 6 MHz, and corresponds to one channel in the case of a conventional analog signal.

On the first transmission path, the advertising channel Y1,
Program transmission channels A to D are set, and an advertisement channel Y2 and program transmission channels E to H are set on the second transmission path.

First, the CPU 2 receives the RF signal from the advertising channel Y1 of the first transmission line so that the bus 3,
The command is sent to the channel selection unit 9 via 4. The tuning unit 9 is the CPU 2
In accordance with a command from the, the channel for advertisement Y1 that constitutes the first transmission path is tuned in, and a video / audio signal corresponding to a predetermined advertisement transmitted through the channel for advertisement Y1 and a predetermined control signal are demodulated. Supply to 10.

The video and audio signals and the control signal are the first
On the transmission path, as shown in FIG. 8A, the data packet is divided into a predetermined size and transmitted. Each packet includes a video / video transmitted via the advertising channel Y1.
Audio / control signals and program transmission channels A to D
It is composed of video / audio / control signals transmitted via.

Also in the second transmission path, the video / audio signal and the control signal are divided into data packets of a predetermined size and transmitted, as shown in FIG. 8 (c). Each packet includes a video / audio / control (data) signal transmitted through the advertisement channel Y2 and a program transmission channel E.
Video / audio / control (data) transmitted via
Composed of signals.

The predetermined video / audio signal and control signal supplied to the demodulation section 10 are demodulated into a digital video / audio signal and control signal, and then the frame separation processing section 11,
The control signal is supplied to the CPU 2 via the confidentiality cancellation unit 12. The video signal is further supplied to the CRT 17 via the MPEG video expansion processing section 14 and the D / A conversion section 16, and the audio signal is supplied to the MPEG audio expansion processing section 18,
It is supplied to the speaker 20 via the D / A converter 19.

Next, the CPU 2 receives the RF signal from the advertising channel Y2 of the second transmission path so that the bus 3,
The command is sent to the channel selection unit 9 via 4. The tuning unit 9 is the CPU 2
According to a command from the demodulator, the channel for advertisement Y2 forming the second transmission path is tuned in, and a demodulator for a video / audio signal corresponding to a predetermined advertisement transmitted through the channel for advertisement Y2 and a predetermined control signal. Supply to 10.

The predetermined video / audio signal and control signal supplied to the demodulation section 10 are demodulated into a digital video / audio signal and control signal, and then the frame separation processing section 11,
The control signal is supplied to the CPU 2 via the confidentiality cancellation unit 12. The video signal is further supplied to the CRT 17 via the MPEG video expansion processing section 14 and the D / A conversion section 16, and the audio signal is supplied to the MPEG audio expansion processing section 18,
It is supplied to the speaker 20 via the D / A converter 19.

The control signal supplied to the CPU 2 is as shown in FIG.
As shown in (b) and FIG. 8 (d), the current time, the next start time, the next start channel, the transmission path for transmitting the signal of the channel, the waiting time, and the program time (one cycle period) To be done.

Based on the control signals received via the advertising channels Y1 and Y2, the CPU 2 can recognize the program transmission channel in which the broadcasting of a predetermined program is started next with a minimum waiting time. .

Therefore, under the control of the CPU 2, the advertisement channel Y is held until the broadcasting of a predetermined program starts next time.
1 or Y2, the video corresponding to the advertisement or the program announcement supplied via Y2 is displayed on the CRT 17, and the speaker 2
Sound is output from 0.

Then, the advertising channel Y1 or Y2
When the CPU 2 recognizes that the broadcast start time of the predetermined program has been reached based on the control signal received via the CPU 2, the CPU 2 transmits the previously recognized predetermined program with the minimum waiting time. The tuning unit 9 is instructed to select a predetermined program transmission channel via the buses 3 and 4.

As a result, a detailed description thereof will be omitted, but
Similar to the case described above with reference to FIG. 2, a video corresponding to a predetermined program is displayed on the CRT 17, and the speaker 20 is displayed.
More sound is output.

As described above, it is possible to transmit predetermined character / graphic data, control signals, game software, etc. through the data portion of the advertising channel or the program transmission channel. Then, the television receiver that receives the character / graphic data receives the character font RO
With reference to M, the corresponding character or graphic can be displayed on the CRT 17.

In FIG. 9, a two-hour program uses four transmission lines (first transmission line, second transmission line, third transmission line, and fourth transmission line), and a total of 16 program transmission channels are used. It is the figure which showed the example at the time of transmitting via via.

Advertising channels Y1 to Y4 are channels for advertising, program announcement, or control data transmission on each transmission path, and a predetermined video / audio signal or control signal is periodically sent at 7.5-minute intervals. To transmit. In addition, a two-hour program is periodically transmitted with a shift of 7.5 minutes for each channel via the program transmission channels A to P.

As a result, the viewer can watch this two-hour program by waiting for at most 7.5 minutes, basically in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a signal format in the case of recording a digital signal. As shown in FIG.
When receiving a high-resolution video / audio / data signal and recording a high-resolution video such as a digital video signal on a digital VTR 400 capable of recording or a digital video disk recorder (not shown), as shown in FIG. To
The data will be recorded in that order. In the case of reproducing, as shown in FIG. 8E, recorded video / audio / data are reproduced in the order of recording.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the video / audio / data signals R1 to R5 of the normal resolution (the resolution obtained by the NTSC system) transmitted via a predetermined transmission path.
8D, the video / audio / data signals R1 and R3 therein can be selected and multiplexed and recorded on the same video tape or disk. In the case of reproducing, as shown in FIG. 8 (f), a predetermined one of the recorded video / audio / data signals R1 to R3 (video / audio / data signal R1 in this case) is selectively reproduced. Then, display the corresponding video on the CRT 17,
Audio can be output from the speaker 20.

Also, of the recorded video / audio / data, a plurality of video / audio / data are reproduced, and, for example, a two-screen TV capable of displaying the video of two channels by dividing it at the same time.
(Television receiver).

Data in reproduced video / audio / data, for example, additional information such as a profile of each player in a sports program is displayed on a PinP (picture in picture) screen, or one screen of a two-screen TV. Or
Or, for aspect ratios such as 4: 3, which is normal for landscape TV.
When the image is displayed, it can be displayed on the left side or the right side of the image where the image is not displayed.

The viewer operates the remote controller 1 to
Make it possible to select predetermined data from various data transmitted via the data section of each program transmission channel, and place the character or figure corresponding to the selected data at the predetermined location on the screen. For example, a window can be displayed.

When an image having a normal aspect ratio of 4: 3 is displayed on a landscape television or the like, the displayed image is moved to the left end or the right end to display characters or figures corresponding to the data. It is also possible to secure an area.

In FIG. 10, in the case of recording a video of normal resolution, the program transmission channels set on the same transmission line (transmission line having a frequency band of 6 MHz in the case of the NTSC system) are used. Although the video / audio / data signal corresponding to the predetermined program transmitted is recorded, the video / audio / data corresponding to the predetermined program transmitted via the predetermined program transmission channel of a different transmission path. It is also possible to record the signal.

In FIG. 11, a predetermined one program is recorded in a normal 2 format by using a digital VTR 400 or a digital video disk recorder capable of simultaneously recording two programs transmitted in a normal resolution (resolution obtained by the NTSC system). It is a figure for demonstrating the method of recording at double speed and reproducing it.

As shown in FIG. 11, a predetermined same channel is provided through a total of eight program transmission channels A to H of two transmission channels (transmission channels) each including one advertisement channel and four program transmission channels. The two-hour program is assumed to be transmitted periodically with a shift of 15 minutes for each program transmission channel. For convenience of explanation, the signals corresponding to the programs transmitted via the program transmission channels A to H are divided into recording units of 15 minutes each, and each recording unit is given an identification number such as A1. The letter A of the identification number A1 indicates that the signal is transmitted through the program transmission channel A, and the letter 1 indicates that the signal corresponds to the first 15 minutes of the program.

When a digital video signal having a normal resolution in the NTSC system is compressed by the MPEG system and transmitted through a predetermined transmission channel, a transmission speed of 4 megabits / second to 6 megabits / second is required. .
Therefore, if the recording performance is doubled, two predetermined programs are selectively input from the programs transmitted via each program transmission channel of the transmission channels, and the digital programs corresponding to the respective programs are input. Video and audio signals are combined in short data units (packet units) and input / output terminals T are doubled in speed.
3 to the digital VTR 400. The digital VTR 400 records the video / audio signal supplied from the input / output terminal T3.

When playing one of the recorded programs, the packet corresponding to the one of the recorded programs is sampled and taken out, and reconstructed into continuous video / audio data. Decompression processing unit 14 or MPEG audio decompression processing unit 1
Supply to 8.

The MPEG video decompression processing unit 14 performs decompression processing on the video signal of the video / audio signal supplied from the digital VTR 400 via the input / output terminal T3, and the analog / video signal via the D / A conversion unit 16. After being converted into a video signal of, the data is supplied to the CRT 17.

The MPEG audio decompression processing section 18 performs decompression processing on the audio signal of the video / audio signal supplied from the digital VTR 400 via the input / output terminal T3, and the analog / decoded signal via the D / A conversion section 19. The audio R / L signal is converted and then output from the speaker 20.

When playing back a plurality of recorded programs at the same time, the video and audio signals corresponding to the plurality of simultaneously recorded programs are sampled and taken out, respectively, and reconstructed into continuous video and audio signals. Then, the video signal is subjected to decompression processing in the MPEG video decompression processing unit 14 and converted into an analog signal via the D / A conversion unit 16. On the other hand, the audio signal is subjected to decompression processing in the MPEG audio decompression processing unit 18, and D /
It is converted into an analog signal via the A converter 19.

These analog signals are converted into normal two-channel video / audio signals, and then two corresponding video signals are displayed on a two-screen TV capable of displaying or outputting the two-channel video / audio signals. And audio are displayed or output at the same time.

First, the two data transmitted via the predetermined transmission path.
A method of multiplexing signals corresponding to one program and recording them in half the time of the conventional method will be described.

First, two recording units indicated by the identification number A1 transmitted via the program transmission channel A and the identification number H2 transmitted via the program transmission channel H are, for example, the digital VTR 400 (or Digital video disc recorder) is recorded in multiplex. The recording time in this case is 15 minutes. Next, two recording units indicated by the identification number H3 transmitted via the program transmission channel H and the identification number G4 transmitted via the program transmission channel G are multiplexed and recorded on the digital VTR 400. . The recording time in this case is also 15 minutes.

Then, two recording units indicated by the identification number G5 transmitted via the program transmission channel G and the identification number F6 transmitted via the program transmission channel F are multiplexed and recorded on the digital VTR 400. To be done. The recording time in this case is 15 minutes. Further, two recording units indicated by the identification number F7 transmitted via the program transmission channel F and the identification number E8 transmitted via the program transmission channel E are multiplexed and recorded on the digital VTR 400. The recording time in this case is also 15 minutes.

In this way, the total time required for one hour is 2
You can record programs for hours. Therefore, the recording time can be shortened.

Next, a method for reproducing two programs recorded in a multiplexed manner will be described. First, the digital VTR
400 plays only the first 15 minutes of the recorded signal. The reproduction signal includes a signal corresponding to the identification number A1 transmitted through the program transmission channel A,
Identification number H transmitted via the program transmission channel H
The signal corresponding to 2 is multiplexed. Therefore, CPU2
Among the signals reproduced by the digital VTR 400, only the signal corresponding to the identification number A1 is supplied to the CRT 17 to display a predetermined image and the identification number H2.
The signal corresponding to is stored in a memory (not shown) in time series. In addition, the corresponding sound is output from the speaker 20.

The signal corresponding to the identification number A1 is the CRT 17
When 15 minutes have elapsed, the CPU 2 instructs the digital VTR 400 to stop the reproducing operation, supplies the signal corresponding to the identification number H2 stored in the RAM for 15 minutes to the CRT 17, and records the recording signal. Display the corresponding video for the next 15 minutes. Further, the corresponding voice is output from the speaker 20.

After the lapse of 15 minutes, all the signals stored in the RAM are supplied to the CRT 17, and when the corresponding sound is output, the CPU 2 controls the digital VTR 400 to correspond to the next 15 minutes of the recording signal. Identification number H
The signal corresponding to the identification number G3 is reproduced while the signal corresponding to the identification number H3 is supplied to the CRT 17.
The signal corresponding to 4 is stored in the RAM.

The signal corresponding to the identification number H3 is reproduced,
When the display on the CRT 17 is completed, the CPU 2 instructs the digital VTR 400 to stop the reproduction operation, and the identification number H
RAM for 15 minutes while the signal corresponding to 3 is displayed
The signal corresponding to the identification number G4 stored in
Supply to CRT17.

The same processing as that described above is basically performed for the identification numbers G5, F6, F7, and E8 to reproduce a normal video / audio signal from the video tape multiplexed and recorded by the above method. , The image can be displayed on the CRT 17, and the sound can be output from the speaker 20.

In the above embodiment, the program transmission channel forming the predetermined transmission channel is used to
Although the same predetermined program is transmitted, different programs may be transmitted.

In the above embodiment, the number of programs that can be simultaneously recorded in the digital VTR is two, but a digital VTR capable of recording a predetermined number of programs larger than that can be used. Even in that case, it is possible to record a predetermined program in a shorter period of time by performing basically the same processing as that described above. It is also possible to reproduce a plurality of programs at the same time.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, MPEG
I tried to compress or expand a predetermined signal by the method,
It is also possible to use other methods for compression or expansion.

Further, in the above embodiment, the program transmitted via the CATV cable is received, but it is also possible to receive the program transmitted by the terrestrial broadcasting or the satellite broadcasting. Is.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the transmission line having a frequency bandwidth of 6 MHz is mainly used, but it is also possible to use a transmission line having a frequency bandwidth other than that. is there.

[0123]

According to the image display control apparatus of the first aspect, until the first portion of the predetermined program is transmitted through the program transmission channel which constitutes the predetermined transmission channel, Since the input channel is switched to the advertising channel by the control means, the video corresponding to the advertisement or the program preview transmitted through the advertising channel is displayed on the CRT 17. Therefore, it becomes possible to attract the viewer to the screen without annoying or boring the viewer until the broadcasting of the predetermined program starts next time.

According to the image display control apparatus of the second aspect, the control means until the first portion of the predetermined program is transmitted through the program transmission channel which constitutes the predetermined transmission channel. Thus, the input signal from the storage / playback means is displayed on the output means, so that the predetermined video / audio stored in the storage / playback means is output to the output means. Therefore, it becomes possible to attract the viewer to the screen without annoying or boring the viewer until the broadcasting of the predetermined program starts next time.

In the recording / playback apparatus according to the third aspect, a plurality of programs transmitted via a plurality of program transmission channels are simultaneously recorded, and the plurality of recorded programs are played back simultaneously or separately. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously record a predetermined program transmitted via a plurality of program transmission channels on one video tape and reproduce it at the same time or separately. Therefore, the recording time can be shortened and a predetermined program can be efficiently recorded. Also, by playing back a plurality of recorded programs at the same time, it is possible to save time for the viewer.

In the recording / reproducing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, since the video / audio / data signals of the recorded program are reproduced at the same time, the corresponding video is displayed and the related character information is displayed. Can be displayed.
Therefore, the viewer can obtain the related character information while viewing the predetermined image displayed on the screen.

According to the image display control method of the fifth aspect, a predetermined broadcast is periodically transmitted through an advertising channel which constitutes a predetermined transmission channel, and a program which constitutes a predetermined transmission channel is transmitted. Through the channel for
Since the input channel can be switched to the advertising channel until the first part of the predetermined program is transmitted, the video corresponding to the advertisement or the program preview transmitted via the advertising channel can be displayed. Is output. Therefore, it becomes possible to attract the viewer to the screen without annoying or boring the viewer until the broadcasting of the predetermined program starts next time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an AV system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which a program is transmitted for 1 hour using a transmission path having a frequency bandwidth of 6 MHz having four program transmission channels and one advertising channel.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a comparison between the number of channels that can be set and the data transmission method in the case of the conventional analog system and the case of the digital system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of transmitting a program for 2 hours using a transmission line having a frequency bandwidth of 6 MHz having four program transmission channels and one advertising channel.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a case where a 2-hour program is transmitted using a transmission path having a frequency bandwidth of 6 MHz having eight program transmission channels and one advertising channel.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which a program for two hours is transmitted using a transmission line having a frequency bandwidth of 12 MHz having eight program transmission channels and one advertising channel.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a case where a program for two hours is transmitted by using two transmission paths having a frequency band of 6 MHz having four program transmission channels and one advertising channel.

8 is a diagram showing a transmission data format of a video / audio / data signal transmitted via each transmission line in FIG.

FIG. 9 uses four transmission lines with a frequency bandwidth of 6 MHz having four program transmission channels and one advertising channel, and a total of 16 program transmission channels of each transmission line, It is a figure which shows the example at the time of shifting and transmitting a time program by 7.5 minutes.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of recording and reproducing a predetermined image using a digital VTR.

FIG. 11 is a digital VT capable of recording and reproducing two programs.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of recording a 2-hour program for 1 hour and performing normal reproduction by R.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Remote Controller 1 2 CPU 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Bus 8 CATV Cable 9 Channel Selection Section 10 Demodulation Section 11 Frame Separation Processing Section 12 Confidentiality Release Section 13 Signal Line 14 MPEG Video Expansion Processing Section 15 Frame Memory 16 D / A Conversion Section 17 CRT 18 MPEG audio expansion processing section 19 D / A conversion section 20 speaker 200 Video-CD 300 CD-ROM 400 digital VTR

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of programs of an output unit for outputting at least one of predetermined video, audio, and character information, an advertising channel, and a predetermined transmission channel including a plurality of program transmission channels. One of the program transmission channels is a predetermined program that is periodically transmitted via the transmission channel for each of the plurality of program transmission channels with a predetermined time difference.
Input means for selectively inputting one of the program transmission channels, and any one of the program transmission channels,
Until the first part of the program is transmitted, the input means is made to input a predetermined broadcast from the advertising channel, and video, audio, or character information corresponding to the broadcast is made to the output means. An image display control device comprising: a control unit that outputs the image. 2. The plurality of programs of an output unit for outputting at least one of predetermined video, audio, and character information, an advertisement channel, and a predetermined transmission channel including a plurality of program transmission channels. One of the program transmission channels is a predetermined program that is periodically transmitted via the transmission channel for each of the plurality of program transmission channels with a predetermined time difference.
An input means for selectively inputting, a storage / playback means for storing and playing back predetermined video, audio, or data; and one of the program transmission channels,
Until the first part of the program is transmitted, the image reproduced by the storage / reproduction means is input to the input means,
An image display control device, comprising: a control unit that inputs voice or data and outputs the data to the output unit. 3. An output means for outputting at least one of predetermined video, audio, and character information, and at least any two of a plurality of program transmission channels forming a predetermined transmission channel. The recording means for simultaneously recording at least two programs each consisting of transmitted video, audio and data, and the reproducing means for reproducing the recorded at least two programs at the same time or separately, and the reproducing means. A recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: a control unit that causes the output unit to output video, audio, or data corresponding to the program reproduced simultaneously or separately. 4. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reproducing means simultaneously reproduces the video, audio, or data constituting the program recorded by the recording means. 5. A predetermined program is set for each of the plurality of program transmission channels via the plurality of program transmission channels of a predetermined transmission channel including an advertisement channel and a plurality of program transmission channels. Periodically transmitted by shifting the time of, the predetermined broadcast is repeatedly transmitted at a predetermined cycle via the advertising channel, and from any one of the program transmission channels,
Until the first part of the program is transmitted, the predetermined broadcast is input from the advertising channel, and video, audio, or character information corresponding to the predetermined broadcast is output. Image display control method.