JPH08307786A - Display controller and display controlling method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To easily confirm the contents of a desired program and select the program, even if there are many programs. CONSTITUTION: The reduced screens in which the screens of the programs of plural transmitted channels are reduced are arranged in a matrix shape in the prescribed area of a virtual frame memory 49 and a virtual screen is composed. A cursor 201 moves on the reduced screen composing the virtual screen in the order shown by an arrow in a figure, for instance. In this case, every time a user operates a remote commander (non-illustration), the reduced screen where the cursor 201 is located is arranged in the matrix shape in the other area of the virtual frame memory 49, is stored and is subsequently displayed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display control device and a display control method. In particular, the present invention relates to a display control device and a display control method that make it possible to easily find a desired program from programs of a plurality of broadcast channels.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, MPEG (Moving P
By applying high-efficiency coding technology such as icture Experts Group), cable television (CATV: Cable Televi)
sion) and digital direct satellite broadcasting (DSS: Digital Sa)
tellite System (trademark of Hughes Communications)
For example, multi-channel broadcasting is progressing.

[0003]

With the increase in the number of channels, the number of broadcast channels is, for example, 150 to 20.
It becomes 0, and it is not easy to find a desired program from these. That is, if one broadcast channel is selected, the program is actually confirmed, and if it is not the desired program, another broadcast channel is selected. When there are a large number of channels, the viewer feels annoyed.

Therefore, the applicant of the present invention is, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 6-
No. 279618, a device that allows a viewer to easily recognize the contents of programs on many channels currently being broadcast and to select a desired program from them easily and quickly is suggesting.

That is, in this device, the sub-screens of the programs of the respective channels are sequentially displayed,
The viewer can add a bookmark as a predetermined mark to a desired program while looking at the child screen. The program with the bookmark is displayed on the main screen when a predetermined switch is operated.

In this device, when a plurality of programs are bookmarked, the bookmarked programs are sequentially displayed each time a predetermined switch is operated. Therefore, when many programs desired to be viewed are bookmarked in advance and later selected from the programs to be viewed, if the number of bookmarked programs increases, many of them will be deleted. In order to confirm the contents of the program, it is necessary to operate a predetermined switch, and there is a problem that the viewer feels annoyed.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and it is possible to more easily confirm the contents of a program and select the program.

[0008]

A display control device of the present invention includes a receiving means for receiving a signal containing a program of a plurality of broadcast channels, and an output for outputting the program received by the receiving means to the display means. Means and a display means for storing a program designated by operating the program designating means and a program designating means operated when designating the predetermined program while the program is being displayed on the display means. By reading the storage means and a predetermined program stored in the storage means,
Read means for displaying on the display means, the storage means arranges and stores the plurality of programs in a matrix when a plurality of programs are designated, and the read means displays the plurality of programs on the display means. It is characterized in that what is arranged in a shape is displayed.

The display control method of the present invention receives signals including programs of a plurality of broadcast channels, outputs the received programs to display means for display, and displays the programs on the display means. , A predetermined program is designated, and the designated predetermined program is stored in a storage unit for storing information,
A display control method for reading out a predetermined program stored in a storage means and displaying it on a display means, wherein when a plurality of programs are designated, the plurality of programs are arranged in a matrix and stored in the storage means. The display means displays a plurality of programs stored in the storage means arranged in a matrix.

[0010]

In the display control device of the present invention, the receiving means receives signals including programs of a plurality of broadcast channels,
The output means outputs the program received by the receiving means to the display means for display. The program designating unit is operated when designating a predetermined program while the program is being displayed on the display unit, and the storage unit stores the predetermined program designated by operating the program designating unit. It is designed to do. The reading means reads the predetermined program stored in the storage means and displays it on the display means. When a plurality of programs are designated, the storage means arranges and stores the plurality of programs in a matrix, and the reading means causes the display means to display the plurality of programs arranged in a matrix. Has been done.

According to the display control method of the present invention, when a plurality of programs are designated, the plurality of programs are arranged in a matrix form and stored in the storage means, and the display means stores the plurality of programs stored in the storage means. Are arranged in a matrix to be displayed.

[0012]

EXAMPLES Examples of the present invention will be described below, but before that, in order to clarify the correspondence between each means of the invention described in the claims and the following embodiments, each means will be described. In parentheses after the, add the corresponding example (however, one example),
The features of the present invention will be described as follows.

That is, the display control device according to the first aspect is
A display control device for controlling the display of programs of a plurality of broadcast channels on a display unit (for example, the monitor device 4 shown in FIG. 3) for displaying information, which receives signals including programs of a plurality of broadcast channels. Means (eg, FIG. 1)
0), the output means for outputting the program received by the receiving means to the display means and displaying it (for example, the CPU 29 shown in FIG. 10), and the display means for displaying the program. In this state, a program designating unit (for example, the memory button 403 shown in FIG. 12) that is operated when designating a predetermined program, and a storage that stores the predetermined program designated by operating the program designating unit. Means (for example, virtual frame memory 49 shown in FIG. 10) and reading means for reading a predetermined program stored in the storage means and displaying it on the display means (for example,
36) of the program shown in FIG. 36), the storage means arranges and stores a plurality of programs in a matrix when a plurality of programs are designated, and the reading means stores a plurality of programs in the display means. It is characterized by displaying the programs arranged in a matrix.

The display control device according to claim 5 further comprises cursor display control means (for example, processing step S51 of the program shown in FIG. 39) for displaying a cursor for instructing a reduced screen on the display means, The cursor moves while instructing each of the plurality of reduced screens forming the multi-screen displayed on the display means in predetermined time units, and the storage means, when the program designating means is operated,
It is characterized in that the reduced screen pointed by the cursor is stored.

According to another aspect of the display control device of the present invention, the cursor moving means (for example, the joystick 410 shown in FIG. 12) that is operated when the cursor is moved to the next reduced screen before the predetermined time has elapsed. Etc.) is further provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the display control device receives one of the programs in a state where the display means displays a plurality of programs stored in the storage means arranged in a matrix. It is characterized by further comprising a reception designating unit (for example, the joystick 410 shown in FIG. 12) operated when the unit is made to receive.

Of course, this description does not mean that each means is limited to the above.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the terms used in the present invention. FIG. 1A shows a normal screen (screen of a program), which has a full size (for example, 720 × 480 pixels) and a frame rate of 30 frames / second (30 fp).
It means a screen on which the original image displayed in full motion in (s) is displayed.

FIG. 1B shows a multi-screen (arrangement of program selection screens or reduced screens), the frame size of which is 1/9 of the normal screen (FIG. 1A) (240 × 160).
Pixels) reduced screens are arranged in a 3 × 3 matrix, and each reduced screen is an image displayed in full motion (30 fps).

FIG. 1C shows a virtual screen. 1
To No. It is a virtual array image in which 6 6 multi-screens are arrayed in a 2 × 3 matrix, and are sequentially written in the virtual frame memory at a timing satisfying a frame rate of 30 fps. Each reduced screen has a frame size of 1/9 size (240 × 160 pixels) and is written so as to be displayed in full motion (30 fps).

FIG. 1D shows a selection area (area to be read), which is an area for selecting a multi-screen to be read according to a cursor movement operation from the virtual screen written in the virtual frame memory. , Moves up, down, left, and right as the cursor moves. When each reduced screen is displayed in units of program categories or the like, the array of reduced screens forming the virtual screen is rearranged in units of such program categories.

When the image selected in the selection area is displayed on the monitor device, a multi-preview screen (program selection screen) is displayed. This multi-preview screen is a virtual screen written in the virtual frame memory, and the multi-screen read according to the cursor movement operation is displayed on the monitor device. It is 1/9 size (240 × 160 pixels) and is displayed in full motion (30 fps).

Next, the archiving process described in this specification will be described with reference to FIG.

That is, in the present invention, the screens of a plurality of (9 in this embodiment) programs are reduced by, for example, a thinning process so that the number of pixels in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction is 1/3. (Compressed) and the area is 1 /
A reduced screen reduced to 9 is generated. And this 9
By arranging one reduced screen at each position of the multi-screen obtained by dividing one screen into 3 × 3, each reduced screen corresponds to one screen (corresponding to one broadcast channel), for example N.
o. 1 to No. 6 multi-screens of 6 are generated.
In addition, these six No. 1 to No. As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-screens 6 are each compressed by, for example, the MPEG system, and are multiplexed by a multiplexer (MPX) 211 so that they can be transmitted by one transmission channel. In this specification, the compression and multiplexing process will be described as an archive process.

The data multiplexed as the data of one transmission channel by the multiplexer 211 is transmitted to the receiving side via the transmission line constituted by the satellite, the cable and the like.

On the receiving side, the demultiplexer (D
MPX) 24 separates the data of one transmission channel transmitted through the transmission path, and the original data of 6 broadcast channels (the multi-screens of No. 1 to No. 6 having 9 reduced screens) Data).

Then, the separated No. 1 to No. 6
The multi-screen data of (the program selection screen data) is M
It is decompressed (decoded) by the PEG method and stored in the virtual frame memory 49 so as to form a large virtual screen.

Then, arbitrary 3 × 3 areas of the reduced screen of the virtual screen are appropriately selected, output, and displayed.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of an embodiment of a broadcasting system to which the present invention is applied. In broadcasting stations, for example, DS
Program broadcasting by S is performed. That is, at a broadcasting station, a program of one or a plurality of broadcasting channels (image and sound of analog signal) is produced,
It is supplied to the digitizing section 51. Programs from other broadcasting stations are also supplied to the digitizing unit 51. The digitizing unit 51 digitizes the images and sounds that make up the program, and outputs the digitized images and audio to the archiving unit 52.

The program is supplied from the digitizing section 51 to the archiving section 52, and also from other broadcasting stations, digitized programs (digitalized image and audio) of one or a plurality of broadcast channels are supplied. ) Is being supplied. The archive unit 52 generates program selection data (program selection screen data) for each channel, which indicates the contents of each of the programs of a plurality of channels input thereto. That is, in the archive unit 52, for example, the screens (images) of the programs of a plurality of channels input thereto are reduced, and the nine reduced screens are converted into a multi-screen image. Then, for example, programs of nine broadcast channels are set as a multi-screen of one broadcast channel.

As described above, since the program for selecting a program (reduced screen) is created by using the program for normal broadcasting as it is, the program for selecting a program is provided separately (independently) from the program for normal broadcasting. It is possible to save the trouble of creating a program.

Here, in the archive unit 52, the length and width of the screen of the program of each channel are reduced to, for example, 1/3 (thus, considering the area,
It is assumed that the screen of 1/9 of the screen of the program of each broadcast channel is generated. Therefore, in this case, the viewer can simultaneously display reduced screens of programs of nine broadcast channels on one screen.

Further, in the archive unit 52, the sound of the program (the program supplied from the digitizing unit 51 and other broadcasting stations) corresponding to each reduced screen forming the multi-screen is also transmitted together with the reduced screen. .

The archive unit 52 further compresses these data by the MPEG method.

In the archiving unit 52, a plurality (for example, 6) of such multi-screens (program selection screens) are generated (that is, reduced screens of a total of 54 (= 6 × 9) programs are generated. ). Then, the six multi-screen data are collected (combined (archived)) as data of one transmission channel. Here, the data of a plurality of program selection screens, in which the programs of a plurality of broadcast channels are combined into the data of one transmission channel, output from the archiving unit 52 will be referred to as archive data (hereinafter, “archive” is referred to as appropriate). In so-called computer terms,
It means that a plurality of data are combined into one).

The video server 53 includes an archive unit 5
2, the archive data is supplied, and the digitizing unit 51 supplies the programs of a plurality of broadcast channels which are digitized and compressed by the MPEG system (for details, see FIG. 6). See below).

In the video server 53, the data input therein is temporarily stored and supplied to the transmission section 54.

The transmitting section 54 performs error correction processing and modulation (for example, QPSK) on the data from the video server 53.
Processing (such as modulation) and other required processing (eg,
Encryption processing, multiplexing processing, up-conversion, etc.) are performed. Then, the signal obtained as a result of the processing is transmitted to the satellite (BS (broadcast satellite) or CS (communication satellite)) 61 via the parabolic antenna 55, and is transmitted from the satellite 61 to the viewer side. That is, in the transmitting unit 54, the archive data of the program selection screen is transmitted to the viewer side via the satellite 61 together with the programs of the plurality of broadcast channels. Therefore, assuming that the screen of each program is a full-size screen, the broadcast station simultaneously transmits these full-size screen and a reduced screen obtained by reducing the screen.

The programs and archive data of a plurality of broadcast channels are transmitted to the viewer side via the satellite 61, and are also transmitted by a wired transmission path such as a cable, terrestrial waves or other distribution methods. It is possible to transmit from the server 53 to the viewer side. Further, the programs and archive data of a plurality of channels should be transmitted to the viewer side through a plurality of types of transmission paths instead of one type of transmission path (for example, a program of a plurality of broadcasting channels should be transmitted via the satellite 61). , Archived data can be sent via a cable, etc.).

Further, the programs of a plurality of broadcast channels (normal program data) are transmitted by being digitized by the digitizing section 51. In addition, the programs of a plurality of broadcast channels are directly converted into analog signals. In the state (analog program) of the video server 5
It is also possible to send it together with the archived data from 3.

On the viewer side, the data (programs and archived data of a plurality of broadcast channels) transmitted from the broadcasting station via the satellite 61 is received by the parabolic antenna 3 and supplied to the receiver (set top box) 2. To be done.

In the receiver 2, the data from the parabolic antenna 3 is subjected to necessary processing, the image is supplied to the monitor device 4 such as a television receiver for display, and the sound is not shown. It is supplied to the speaker and output. That is, when a specific broadcast channel is selected in the receiver 2, the monitor device 4 displays
The program of that broadcast channel is displayed. When archive data is selected in the receiver 2, a predetermined number of broadcast channels (as described above, in the present embodiment, among the plurality of reduced screens) are displayed on the monitor device 4.
The program of channel 9) is displayed at the same time. Therefore, in this case, the viewer can recognize the contents of each of the programs of the plurality of broadcast channels currently being broadcast by looking at the program selection screen (the details will be described later). Here, this program selection screen is hereinafter referred to as a preview or a preview screen as appropriate.

When data is transmitted from a broadcasting station via a cable or the like, the data is directly received by the receiver 2. In addition, the data
When the data is transmitted from the broadcasting station by ground wave or the like, the data is received by a ground wave antenna (not shown) and supplied to the receiver 2. In addition, in FIG.
Although two receivers 2 are illustrated, even one receiver 2 receives the usage of the data transmitted via the satellite 61 and the data transmitted via other cables or terrestrial waves. Is possible.

FIG. 4 shows how archive data is generated in the archive unit 52. As shown in the figure, the archiving unit 52 reduces the screens (images) of the programs on the nine broadcast channels to generate one multi-screen. This one multi-screen data can be treated as one broadcast channel data or independent data for program selection on the viewer side. Then, the archiving unit 52 generates, for example, six such multi-screens, and these are combined (combined) as data (archive data) 52 of one transmission channel.

As described above, the program data shown in FIG. 4 includes the sound of the program of each broadcast channel in addition to the reduced screen data.

Further, in the archive section 52, reduced screens of programs of a plurality of broadcast channels are made into archive data as they are and output to the video server 53. For example, the reduced screens are arranged according to program categories. After arranging them in a predetermined arrangement state such as, for example, they can be converted into archive data and output to the video server 53.

That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, reduced screens having different program categories are arranged (arranged) in the vertical direction, and reduced screens having the same program category are arranged in the horizontal direction. be able to. Specifically, for example, a reduced screen of a news program is arranged on the first line, a reduced screen of a movie program is arranged on the second line, and a reduced screen of a music program is arranged on the third line. To do so. In this case, the reduced screens of programs in the same category are arranged in the horizontal direction, for example, in the ascending order of the broadcast channels of the programs or in the alphabetical order of the program titles.

When there are four or more categories, and when there are four or more programs in a predetermined category,
They are arranged on other program selection screens. Then, one virtual frame is configured by a plurality (six) of program selection screens (this point will be described later).

By displaying the reduced screen on the viewer side as the multi-preview screen arranged as described above, the viewer views the multi-preview screen in the horizontal direction in the row of the category of the desired program. By watching it, you can easily find the desired program.

Further, in this case, the cursor is displayed on a predetermined one on the reduced screen which constitutes the multi-preview screen as shown in FIG. 5, and the viewer moves by moving the cursor. You can easily find the program you want to play and select it.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, generation of the program selection screen will be described in more detail. Digitizing unit 5
The A / D converter 231 performs A / D conversion on the input analog video signal and audio signal, and then outputs the converted analog video signal and audio signal to the MPEG video / audio encoder / multiplexer system 232 for program transmission, of which 54 channels are included. Multi-screen generation circuits 201-1 to 201 of the archive unit 52
Supply to -6. When the video signal and the audio signal are supplied as digital signals, these digital signals are supplied as they are to the program sending MPEG video / audio encoder / multiplexer system 232 and the multi-screen generation circuits 201-1 to 201-6. It

The multi-screen generation circuit 201-1 has nine built-in RAMs 202-1-1 to 201-1-9, and the screen data of nine inputted programs are stored therein. Then, the data of the nine screens is reduced to ⅓ in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, whereby nine reduced screens are generated. And the nine reduced screens are 1
Each screen is arranged in a multi-screen obtained by dividing the screen into 3 × 3 = 9.

For example, one screen (one frame) is 72
In the case of 0 × 480 pixels, this number is reduced to ⅓ in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, that is, pixels are thinned to form a reduced screen image of 240 × 160 pixels. By arranging 3 × 3 of these reduced screen images in the horizontal and vertical directions, one multi-screen having 9 reduced screens is generated. This multi-screen is
One frame is composed of 720 × 480 pixels.

Similar processing is performed in the other five multi-screen generation circuits 201-2 to 201-6. As a result, six multi-screens (program selection screens) each having nine reduced screens are generated.

In this way, the multi-screen generation circuit 20
The six pieces of multi-screen data generated by 1-1 to 201-6 are supplied to the corresponding MPEG video encoders 203-1 to 203-6 and compressed by the MPEG system. As a result, 6 pieces (6 broadcast channels worth) of archive data are obtained.

Further, the EPG (El
The electrical program guide) data generation device 204 uses the MPEG video / audio encoder / multiplexer system 232 for program transmission,
Broadcast start time, broadcast channel number (channel ID), category, program name (program ID), position on the multi-screen, reduction of the programs for 54 broadcast channels supplied to the multi-screen generation circuits 201-1 to 201-6 Electronic program guide data (EPG data) such as the number of pixels on the screen (for example, 240 × 160) is generated.

The video server 53 uses the MPEG video encoder 203-1 of the archiving unit 52 as required.
To 203-6 video data and EP
After the EPG data supplied from the G data generation device 204 is stored in a built-in memory, the EPG data is read out, and each data is read by the multiplexer 211 so that each data can be transmitted by one transmission channel (channel corresponding to one transponder). Packetize and multiplex (archive). At this time, the archived audio data of 54 programs are also input from the MPEG video / audio encoder / multiplexer system 232 for program transmission to the video server 53, and these audio data are also packetized and transmitted in the same manner. The channels are multiplexed for transmission.

In this way, 6 multi-screens each having 9 reduced screens (these 6 multi-screens are
Archive data including one virtual frame) is transmitted as a signal of one transmission channel by the transmission unit 54.
Is supplied to the transmission line encoding device 221-1.

The error correction coding circuit 222-1 of the transmission path coding device 221-1 performs the error correction coding process on the data input from the multiplexer 211, and then the QPS.
It is output to the K modulation circuit 223-1. QPSK modulation circuit 2
23-1 QPSK-modulates the input data and outputs it to the up converter 224-1. The up converter 224-1 converts the input data into a signal in a predetermined frequency band (a signal corresponding to one transponder of the satellite).
Is output to the mixer 225.

As described above, the transmission channel of the program selection screen is a dedicated transmission channel.

On the other hand, video data and audio data of at least 54 programs (programs as full-size screens) are respectively compressed by the MPEG system in the MPEG video / audio encoder / multiplexer system 232 for program transmission, and further, For example, programs of six broadcast channels are packetized and multiplexed so as to be transmitted by one transmission channel. However, the number of broadcast programs (broadcast channels) to be multiplexed varies depending on the complexity of the image.

Then, the data of one transmission channel is input to the transmission path coding device 221-2 and subjected to error correction coding processing and QPSK modulation processing as in the case of the transmission path coding device 221-1. It Then, the data output from the transmission path coding device 221-2 is converted into a signal in a predetermined frequency band corresponding to another transponder of the satellite by the up converter 224-2, and then input to the mixer 225. .

Hereinafter, another transmission line encoding device 221-3,
An up converter 224-3 (not shown) to a channel coding device 221-n and an up converter 224-n.
Thus, the data subjected to the same processing is input to the mixer 225.

The mixer 225 includes an up converter 224.
The data input from -1 to 224-n are mixed and transmitted to the satellite 61 via the parabolic antenna 55.

By the way, on the viewer side, the broadcast channel number is displayed as a multi-preview screen together with a plurality of reduced screens, and the viewer is made to select the broadcast channel of the desired program by inputting the number. It is also possible to do so. However, in that case, for example, the viewer may misunderstand the broadcast channel or make an error in the operation of inputting the number corresponding to the broadcast channel. Therefore, it is preferable to display the screen of the program by directly selecting the reduced screen corresponding to the desired program from the state where the preview as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.

Therefore, the archive unit 52 establishes a link between the reduced screen and the program corresponding to the reduced screen. Specifically, for example, the number of the broadcast channel of the program corresponding to the reduced screen is added to the reduced screen data, and this is transmitted as EPG data. By doing so, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, by selecting a reduced screen that constitutes a preview, a program linked to the reduced screen,
That is, a full-size screen (program) corresponding to the selected reduced screen can be displayed. Note that, in FIG. 7, of the nine reduced screens forming the preview, the one arranged in the center of the screen is selected, whereby the program PROG2 corresponding to the reduced screen is selected.
, But is displayed in place of the preview.

Next, FIG. 8 shows a schematic configuration example of the receiver 2 on the viewer side. The receiver 2 includes a reception unit 2a, a processing device 2b, and a storage device 2c. In the receiver 2a, for example, the signal supplied from the parabolic antenna 3 (FIG. 3) is received, demodulation processing, error correction processing, and other necessary processing are performed, and the signal is output to the processing device 2b.
The processing device 2b is composed of a CPU or the like, and controls the receiving unit 2a so as to output a signal of a predetermined channel. Then, the processing device 2b decodes the signal supplied from the receiving unit 2a, and if the signal is normal program data, supplies it to the monitor device 4 to display it (note that the sound is , Is output from a speaker (not shown)).

Further, when the signal supplied from the receiving unit 2a is archive data, the processing device 2b decodes the archive data, and the reduced screen data obtained as a result is, for example, a RAM or a magnetic disk. , A virtual frame memory of the storage device 2c such as a magneto-optical disk.

When the archive data includes a voice, the voice is also supplied to the storage device 2c and stored therein.

When it is instructed to display the reduced screen by operating the remote commander 5, the processing device 2b selects the monitor device 4 from the reduced screens stored in the virtual frame memory. The number of reduced screens that can be displayed on one screen (in the present embodiment, nine reduced screens as described above) are read out and supplied to the monitor device 4 for display.

The reduced screen read from the virtual frame memory and displayed on the monitor 4 is the remote commander 5
It is designed to be changed by operating the. Therefore, even if a reduced number of screens that cannot be displayed at one time are sent, the viewer can operate the remote commander 5. , You can see all thumbnails. In addition, the received reduced screens are sequentially updated and stored in the virtual frame memory. For example, by holding the reduced screens stored in the virtual frame memory for a predetermined period of time, the received programs of past programs can be stored. It becomes possible to see the reduced screen.

The reduced screen displayed on the monitor device 4 can be selected by operating the remote commander 5 and moving and confirming the cursor, and the reduced screen corresponding to the program desired by the viewer is displayed. When the screen is selected,
The processing device 2b instructs the receiving unit 2a to output the program corresponding to the reduced screen (the program linked to the reduced screen), and the normal program data obtained as a result is monitored by the monitor device. 4 and display.

FIG. 9 shows the connection relationship of the devices on the viewer side. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 10, the receiver 2 has a modem unit 631 to which a telephone (master) 600 is connected, and also has a function as a cordless telephone (slave). Signals can be transmitted and received to and from 5, for example, via an RF signal.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the internal structure of the receiver 2 for receiving the above-mentioned DSS. Note that FIG.
Front end 20, demultiplexer 24,
The multi-channel real-time decoder 25 and the virtual frame memory 49 correspond to the receiving unit 2a or the storage device 2c shown in FIG. 8, respectively.
The other blocks in FIG. 10 correspond to the processing device 2b shown in FIG.

The parabolic antenna 3 is an LNB (Low Nois).
e Block down converter) 3a, which receives a signal from the satellite 61 and converts it into an intermediate frequency signal (IF signal). The IF signal output from the LNB 3a of the parabolic antenna 3 is supplied to the tuner 21 of the front end 20 and demodulated. The output of the tuner 21 is supplied to the QPSK demodulation circuit 22 and QPSK demodulated. QPSK
The output of the demodulation circuit 22 is supplied to the error correction circuit 23, and the error is detected and corrected.

For example, a CAM (Conditio) composed of an IC card including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and the like.
The nal access module) 33 stores the key necessary for decrypting the code together with the decryption program.
When a broadcasting station performs an encryption process on data and transmits the data, a key and a decryption process are required to decrypt the code. Therefore, this key is read from the CAM 33 via the card reader interface 32 and supplied to the demultiplexer 24. The demultiplexer 24 uses this key to decrypt the encrypted signal.

The CAM 33 stores billing information and the like in addition to the key and the decryption program required for decryption.

The demultiplexer 24 receives the signal output from the error correction circuit 23 of the front end 20 and outputs it to a data buffer memory (SRAM: Static).
Random Access Memory) 35 is temporarily stored. Then, this is read out as appropriate and decrypted as described above. Then, the demultiplexer 24 supplies the image data or the audio data obtained as a result of the decoding to the multi-channel real-time decoder 25 or the MPEG audio decoder 26, respectively.

Multi-channel real-time decoder 2
As will be described later with reference to FIG. 23, the reference numeral 5 indicates M so that the screen data of programs for 6 broadcast channels can be decoded.
PEG video decoders 25-1 to 25-6 and DRA
M25a-1 to 25a-6 are built in, and the input image data (digital image data) is stored in the DRAM 25.
The video signal stored in a is compressed and decoded by the MPEG system is decoded. The video data obtained as a result of the decoding is supplied to the NTSC encoder 27 if it belongs to a normal program, and is sent to the NTSC encoder 27.
The luminance signal (Y), the chroma signal (C), and the composite signal (V) are converted. The luminance signal and the chroma signal are output as S video signals via the buffer amplifiers 28Y and 28C, respectively. Further, the composite signal is output via the buffer amplifier 28V.

Further, the program selection screen data is supplied to and stored in the virtual frame memory 49. Then, the predetermined nine reduced screens are read out as needed, and NTSC
It is adapted to be supplied to the encoder 27.

The MPEG video decoder 2 shown in FIG.
5-i is M from SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
A PEG2 decoding LSI (STi3500) can be used. An outline thereof is introduced, for example, by Mr. Martin Bolton on pages 101 to 110 of "Nikkei Electronics", 1994. 3.14 (no. 603), Nikkei PB.

The MPEG2 transport stream (MPEG2-Transportstream) is described on pages 231 to 253 of "Latest MPEG Textbook" issued by ASCII Corporation, August 1, 1994.

The MPEG audio decoder 26 appropriately stores the digital audio signal supplied from the demultiplexer 24 in the DRAM 26a, and executes the decoding process of the audio signal compressed by the MPEG system. The decoded audio signal is D / A converted in the D / A converter 30, the left channel audio signal is output through the buffer amplifier 31L, and the right channel audio signal is output in the buffer amplifier 31R.
Is output via.

The RF modulator 41 converts the composite signal output by the NTSC encoder 27 and the audio signal output by the D / A converter 30 into an RF signal and outputs the RF signal. Further, the RF modulator 41 passes through an NTSC RF signal input from an AV device (not shown) such as a cable box when a TV mode for receiving a television broadcast signal by terrestrial waves is set. , VCR (VTR) and other AV equipment (neither is shown).

In this embodiment, these video signal and audio signal are supplied to the monitor device 4.

CPU (Central Processor Unit) 29
Executes various processes according to the programs stored in the ROM 37. For example, tuner 21, QPSK
It controls the demodulation circuit 22, the error correction circuit 23, and the like. Further, it controls the AV device control signal transmission / reception unit 2A, outputs a predetermined control signal to another AV device (in this embodiment, the monitor device 4) via the control line 12, and the other AV device. Receives the control signal from.

For the CPU 29, a predetermined command can be directly input by operating an operation button / switch (not shown) provided on the front panel 40 of the receiver 2, and the remote controller 5 can be used. By operating,
A predetermined command can be input.

That is, when the remote controller 5 is operated, an RF signal is emitted from the built-in antenna 681 (not shown), and this RF signal is output to the base unit (telephone master unit).
It is adapted to be received by the 600. The output of the base unit 600 is the modular jack 601.
And 636 to the modem unit 631.

The modem unit 631 connected to the CPU 29 has a modem 632 incorporating a DTMF decoder 633. The modem 632 is connected to a telephone line via a modular jack 635 and is also connected to a modular jack 636 via an external telephone off-hook detection circuit 634.

Further, when the signal supplied from the front end 20 is EPG data, the demultiplexer 24 sends the EPG data to the data buffer memory 3
5 is supplied and stored once. Data buffer memory 3
The EPG data stored in 5 is transferred to and stored in the SRAM 36 at an arbitrary timing (for example, a free time of the CPU 29).

EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Pr
In the ogramable read only memory) 38, data that should be retained even after the power is turned off (for example, the reception history of the tuner 21 for four weeks, the channel number (last channel) received immediately before the power is turned off), etc. It is stored as appropriate. Then, for example, when the power is turned on, the same channel as the last channel is received again. ROM if the last channel is not stored
In 37, the channel previously stored as the default is received. Further, when the sleep mode is set, the CPU 29 is
Activate the minimum circuits such as the front end 20, the demultiplexer 24, the data buffer memory 35,
The present time is also measured from the time information included in the received signal, and control such as causing each circuit to perform a predetermined operation (so-called timer recording) at a predetermined time is also executed. For example, an external VC
The reserved timer automatic recording is executed in conjunction with R.

Further, the CPU 29 causes the predetermined OSD (On
-Screen Display) When you want to generate data, MPEG
The video decoder 25-i is controlled. The MPEG video decoder 25-i generates predetermined OSD data in response to this control, writes it in the OSD area of the DRAM 25a-i, further reads it out, and outputs it. This allows
Predetermined characters, figures, etc. (for example, a cursor, a broadcast channel of a program currently being output from the receiver 2, a bar whose length changes according to the volume, etc.) are appropriately output to the monitor device 4 and displayed. be able to.

FIG. 11 shows a structural example of the base unit 600. The modular jack 601 is connected to the line interface (I / F) 651. The line interface 651 also includes a DTMF encoder 6
52 is connected, and the DTMF encoder 652 encodes the input command into a DTMF signal and outputs it.

The line interface 651 transmits a signal to be transmitted to the remote controller 5, which also functions as a slave unit, to the transmission circuit (T
X) output to 653. The transmission circuit 653 digitizes the transmission signal, modulates the transmission signal, and forms an antenna 655 as an RF signal.
Output more. The receiving circuit (RX) 654 is an antenna 65.
The RF signal transmitted from the remote controller 5 via 5 is received and demodulated, the voice signal is output to the line interface 651, and the command is output to the microcomputer 656.

A microcomputer 656 having a built-in CPU, ROM, RAM and the like controls the transmitting circuit 653 and the receiving circuit 654 in response to an input from a key 657. Further, predetermined characters, symbols, etc. are displayed on the display unit 658.

In FIG. 11, for convenience of explanation,
Illustration of a microphone and a speaker included in the base unit (master device) 600 is omitted.

Next, the remote controller 5 will be described. FIG.
2 is a front view of the remote controller 5, and FIG. 13 is a XY sectional view of the remote controller 5 shown in FIG. The remote controller 5 is shaped like a penguin, and basically includes a main body 405 and a microphone unit 703A (described later) rotatably attached to the main body 405.

The main body 405 is formed on the top of the main body 405 and outputs a speaker 702 for the voice of the other party and a predetermined display such as a channel key and a telephone number (in the figure, a key group 7).
01 is displayed), a call button 402 that is operated when making a call to the telephone number displayed on the display 401, and when storing information such as a telephone number Memory button 40
3, a preview button 404 that is operated when the operation mode is a preview mode described later, and a joystick 410 that is operated when the cursor displayed on the monitor device 4 is moved. Further, the remote controller 5 is provided with an antenna 681 (FIG. 22) inside, and with the base unit 600 (receiver 2),
We exchange radio waves.

When the remote controller 5 is placed on a desk or the like, a leg portion 405A for supporting the main body 405 together with the microphone portion 703A is formed on the lower rear portion of the main body 405, and the counterclockwise in FIG. 13 of the microphone portion 703A. A stopper portion 441 that restricts rotation in the direction is formed in the lower front portion of the main body 405. Further, a cylindrical shaft portion 441A as a rotation axis of the microphone portion 703A is formed at the tip of the stopper portion 441. A contact portion 452 (described later) as a power switch of the remote controller 5 is arranged on the lower surface of the stopper portion 441.

FIG. 14 shows the structure of the microphone section 703A shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, FIG. 14 (A) is a plan view of the microphone section 703A, and FIG. 14 (B) is the microphone section 703A. 14C is a cross-sectional view taken along line AB of FIG. 14C, and FIG. 14C is a rear view of the microphone unit 703A. A microphone 703 for collecting the user's voice is formed at the center of the tip (left end in the figure) of the microphone portion 703A, and the center part of the opposite end surface (end surface at the right end in the figure) is cylindrical. A shaft portion 441A which is penetrated and formed in the main body 405 is adapted to be fitted into the hollowed portion. Therefore, the microphone unit 7
03A is rotatable about the shaft 441A.

Further, the corner portions 460 and 461 are formed so as to limit the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the microphone portion 703A in FIG. 13, and the corner portion 460 or 461 is formed on the main body 405. By contacting the lower surface or the upper surface of the stopper portion 441, the rotation of the microphone portion 703A is restricted. Further, since the spring 440 shown in FIG. 13 biases the microphone portion 703A in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 13, when the remote control 5 is not placed on the table (when the remote control 5 is lifted), the microphone The portion 703A is arranged at the position shown by the dotted line in FIG.

The contact portion 451 as the power switch of the remote controller 5 is provided at a predetermined position (the stopper portion 44) on the corner portion 460.
1) (a position corresponding to the contact portion 452 arranged in FIG. 1) (FIG.
(In the case of this embodiment, as shown in (C), the central position)
When the microphone unit 703A is disposed at the position shown by the dotted line in FIG. 13 (that is, when the remote controller 5 is lifted), the microphone unit 703A and the contact unit 452 disposed below the stopper unit 441 are disposed. Upon contact, the power of the remote controller 5 is turned on. On the other hand, when the remote controller 5 is placed at the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 13 (that is, when the remote controller 5 is placed on the table), the contact between the contact portion 451 and the contact portion 452 is released, and the power source of the remote controller 5 is turned off. To be done.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view when the remote controller 5 is placed on the table (that is, when it is not used). in this case,
The microphone portion 703A rotates counterclockwise in the drawing around the shaft portion 441A against the biasing force of the spring 440, and the corner portion 4 is rotated.
61 is in contact with the upper surface of the stopper portion 441. Therefore, the remote controller 5 is supported by the microphone portion 703A and the leg portion 405A and stands on its own. At this time, the stopper portion 44
Since the contact portion 452 arranged on the lower surface of 1 and the contact portion 451 arranged on the corner portion 460 do not contact each other, the remote controller 5
Power is off.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view when the remote controller 5 is lifted by the user (that is, at the time of use). In this case, since the remote controller 5 is not placed on the table, the microphone portion 703A is biased by the spring 440, rotates in the clockwise direction in the figure, and the corner portion 460 causes the stopper portion 441.
Abut the lower surface of. At this time, the contact portion 452 arranged on the lower surface of the stopper portion 441 comes into contact with the contact portion 451 arranged on the corner portion 460, so that the remote controller 5 is powered on.

In addition, as shown in FIG.
1 is an LCD (Liquid Cristal Displa) that displays information.
The display unit 430 is composed of y) and the transparent tablet 431 that covers the upper portion of the display unit 430.
Further, when the key group 701 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display unit 430, a portion corresponding to the display position of each key of the tablet 431 is formed to project so that the user can easily press each key. .

In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 12, the key group 701 is
It is composed of keys in which the numbers 0 to 9 are displayed, keys in which * and # marks are displayed, and keys in which the character TEL is displayed.

The number 2 key has the letter ABC, the number 3 key has the letter DEF, and the number 4 key has the letter G.
HI, the number 5 key is the letter JKL, the number 6 key is the letter MN, the number 7 key is the letter PRS, the number 8 key is the letter TUV, and the number 9 key is the letter. WX
The letter QZ is displayed on the key of Y and the number 0.

Further, the number 4 key is a rewind mark that symbolizes rewinding the reproduction point, the number 5 key is a symbol that pauses playback, and a number 6 key is a pause mark. Symbols for fast-forwarding, which are symbolized to fast-forward the playback point, are respectively displayed in.

Further, on the numeral 0 key, a mark that symbolizes a predetermined function is displayed.

Further, as a symbol for symbolizing the movement of the cursor, an arrow pointing upward is provided near the number key 2, a downward arrow is provided near the number key 8, and a left arrow is provided near the number key 4. A directional arrow is displayed, and a rightward arrow is displayed in the vicinity of the numeric keypad 6, respectively. Further, as a symbol that symbolizes the meaning of affirmation or negation, the characters “YES” or “NO” are displayed near the numeric keys 5 or 0, respectively.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of the upper portion of the main body 405, and only the vicinity of the joystick 410 is shown in cross section. The joystick 410 is arranged on the right side surface of the main body 405 when viewed from the rear side (on the left side surface when the main body 405 is viewed from the front side) and in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the speaker 702. The recess 411 is formed so that the user can move the joystick 410 in multiple directions (in this embodiment, eight directions as described later). Although not shown, the recess 411 is covered so that dust or the like does not enter.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a structural example of the joystick 410. This joystick 410
Has a structure in which a lever 162 projects from the main body 161 and a hemispherical operation ball 473 operated by a user's finger is attached to the tip of the lever 162. When the operation ball 473 is operated in eight directions in the horizontal plane, the lever 162 rotates in accordance with the operation direction, and when the operation ball 473 is selected (vertical operation), the lever 162 is rotated. 162 is adapted to be pushed down in the vertical direction.

FIG. 19 shows eight operation directions of the lever 162 in the horizontal plane. As shown in the figure, the lever 162 can be operated in the directions of eight horizontal planes indicated by A to H.

In this embodiment, the joystick 4
Since 10 is arranged in the vicinity of the lower end of the speaker 702 on the side surface of the main body 405 (the left side surface when the main body 405 is viewed from the front), the user can hold the joystick 410 and the main body 405 even in a talking state. It can be easily operated with a predetermined finger of a holding hand, and remote control of the receiver 2 and the like can be performed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the remote controller 5
To hold a phone in your left hand (ie speaker 70
When listening to the sound output from 2 with the left ear), the user
The joystick 410 can be easily operated with the left thumb 480 and remote control can be performed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 21, when holding the remote controller 5 in the right hand to talk (that is, the speaker 702).
The user can easily operate the joystick 410 with the right index finger 490 and perform remote control when listening to the sound output from the right ear.

Further, for example, when the telephone number list is displayed on the display device 401, the telephone number list displayed on the display device 401 can be scrolled by operating the joystick 410.

FIG. 22 shows an example of the internal structure of the remote controller 5. The audio signal input from the microphone 703 is input to the transmission circuit 682, digitized and modulated, and then transmitted to the base unit 600 as an RF signal via the antenna 681.

The reception circuit 683 demodulates the RF signal received via the antenna 681, outputs a voice signal of the demodulated signal to the speaker 702, and outputs a command to the microcomputer 684.

The microcomputer 684 is also a CPU, R
Various operations are provided in accordance with an operation signal of the key group 701 displayed on the display portion 430 or a signal corresponding to the operation of the call button 402, the memory button 403, or the preview button 404, which is provided with the OM and the RAM and is output from the tablet 431. Take control. Further, the microcomputer 684 causes the display unit 430 to perform a predetermined display as necessary.

The microcomputer 684 also monitors the operating state of the joystick 410 (main body 161). That is, the contacts A to H inside the main body 161 respectively correspond to the eight directions A to H shown in FIG. 19, and when the lever 162 is operated in the directions A to D, any one of the terminals A to D is reached. The terminal C1 is electrically connected to the heel. Further, in any one of the directions E to H,
When the lever 162 is rotated, any one of these terminals E to H is electrically connected to the terminal C2. Further, between H and A and between D and E, the terminals C1 and C2 are both electrically connected. Further, when the lever 162 is operated in the vertical direction, the terminals 1 and 2 are in a conductive normal band.

The conduction state of these terminals of the main body 161 is as follows.
It is adapted to be monitored by the microcomputer 684 so that the directional operation and the select operation of the joystick 410 are detected.

Next, the operation of the receiver 2 when the operation mode is the preview mode for displaying a preview on the monitor device 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 23. For example, a preview button 40 on the remote controller 5
When 4 is continuously operated for a predetermined time, the operation mode of the receiver 2 is set to the preview mode.

That is, when the preview button 404 is operated, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is sent to the CPU 2 via the base unit 600 and the modem unit 631.
9 is input, and the CPU 29 causes the preview button 404
When the operation signal corresponding to the operation of is received continuously for a predetermined time, the front end 20 is instructed to receive the transmission channel of the archive data, whereby the front end 20 supplies the archive data to the demultiplexer 24. Let

As a result, the tuner 21 receives and demodulates the signal from the transmission channel dedicated to the program selection screen. The output of the tuner 21 is the QPSK demodulation circuit 22.
Error correction circuit 2 after further QPSK demodulation by
An error correction process is performed in 3 and the data is input to the demultiplexer 24. The data input to the demultiplexer 24 includes the above-described six multi-screen video data packets.

Assuming that the data IDs (packet IDs) of the numbers 1 to 6 are added to these packets, the data IDs of the numbers 1 to 6 respectively.
The data having is decomposed (separated). Then, the corresponding MP of the multi-channel real-time decoder 25
It is decoded by the EG video decoders 25-1 to 25-6, supplied to the DRAMs 25a-1 to 25a-6, and stored therein. That is, in the DRAM 25a-1,
The multi-screen of packet ID1 is stored, and so on.
Data ID2 is stored in the DRAMs 25a-2 to 25a-6.
The multi screens 6 to 6 are stored respectively.

Then, the DRAMs 25a-1 to 25a-
The 6 multi-screens stored in 6 are read from the 6 multi-screens, expanded and stored in the virtual frame memory 49 so as to form one virtual screen. In the example of FIG. 23, the data ID No. 1 No. The multi-screen shown by No. 1 is arranged at the upper left of the virtual screen, and the No. The multi screen shown by 2 is arranged on the right side of the screen, and the data ID N
o. The multi-screen shown by No. 3 of data ID4 is arranged below the multi-screen of data ID1. The multi-screen shown by No. 4 of data ID5 is arranged on the right side of the multi-screen of data ID3. The multi-screen shown by 5 has data ID 3
No. of data ID6 is arranged on the lower side of the multi-screen of No.
The multi-screen shown by 6 is arranged on the right side of the multi-screen of data ID 5.

As described above, the No. 1 to N
o. Six multi-screen data indicated by 6 are transmitted by one transmission channel (one transponder and one carrier). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23, if the front end 20 including the tuner 21 is provided with six MPEG video decoders 25-1 to 25-6, six multi-screens are simultaneously received, It can be stored in the virtual frame memory 49.

When one or more of the multi-screens constituting the program selection screen is transmitted via the transmission channel corresponding to another transponder, the tuner 21 receives the multi-screen of the transmission channel. In the end, it becomes impossible to receive all the multi-screens at the same time. (Of course, if a plurality of tuners 21 are provided, this is possible. The structure is complicated and the cost is high). Therefore, it is preferable that the transmission channel for transmitting the program selection screen is one transmission channel (common transmission channel).

The process of receiving a plurality of program selection screens from one transmission channel (archive data) and storing them in the virtual frame memory 49 is shown in FIGS. 24 and 25.
Is schematically represented in.

That is, when the demultiplexer 24 receives the archive data in which the six program selection screens are collected, the demultiplexer 24 separates it into individual program selection screens, as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 25, the resulting six multi-screens are stored in the virtual frame memory 49.
Then, they are arranged in a matrix and stored. Therefore, in the virtual frame memory 49, a virtual screen in which 6 × 9 reduced screens of programs of a plurality of broadcast channels transmitted from a broadcasting station are arranged (a virtual screen larger than one multi-screen)
(Virtual screen) is stored. The reduced screen is a full-motion image (complete moving image) with a frame rate of 30 fps because it is a reduced screen of a normal program. Therefore, if the virtual screen is displayed, the broadcast screen is displayed. The contents (reduced screen) of the programs of the 54 broadcast channels transmitted from can be viewed in full motion.

Here, when the reduced screens are stored in the virtual frame memory 49, instead of arranging the six multi-screens in predetermined positions of 2 × 3 in the virtual frame memory 49 as they are, each reduced screen is displayed. Are independently managed by the CPU 29 (pixel data of the virtual screen is managed in units of 240 × 160 pixels), so that the virtual frame memory 49 can be arranged at any position of the 6 × 9 child screens. Can also be managed as.

In this case, for example, each reduced screen is arranged in order by a predetermined number from the left end of the top row of the virtual frame memory 49 to the right, and further by a predetermined number from the left end of the next row to the right. However, they can be arranged in the same manner below, or can be arranged separately for each program category, as in the case described with reference to FIG. When arranging the reduced screens for each program category, the broadcasting station adds the program category corresponding to the reduced screens as EPG data to the reduced screen, and the receiver 2 reduces the reduced screens. The program categories added to the screen may be read from the EPG data, and the reduced screens may be arranged in the virtual frame memory 49 separately for each program category.

Further, it is possible to arrange the reduced screens in the virtual frame memory 49 by an arrangement method desired by the viewer. In other words, on the broadcast station side, a reduced screen
When the program categories are added as described above, the remote commander 5 is operated to set the order of the program categories, and the set order is reduced from the top row of the virtual frame memory 49. The screens can be arranged sequentially. Furthermore, for example, it is possible to count the frequency with which the viewer has watched the program of each channel and arrange the reduced screens in the order of the frequency.

Further, for example, in the case where the broadcasting station side is to add the broadcast channel of the program corresponding to each reduced screen to the reduced screen, the remote commander 5 is operated to change the order of the broadcast channels of the program. It is also possible to arrange the reduced data sequentially from the uppermost row of the virtual frame memory 49 by setting the setting.

Further, the reduced screen image stored in the virtual frame memory 49 is displayed on the monitor device 4, and is stored in the virtual frame memory 49 by operating the remote commander 5 while watching this display. It is also possible to change the arrangement position of the reduced data.

Therefore, in this case, the reduced screens can be arranged in accordance with the taste of the viewer. That is, the arrangement of the reduced screen can be customized.

Further, as described with reference to FIG. 5, in the case where the reduced screens are arranged and transmitted by the broadcasting station side by dividing into the categories of the program, in the arranged state,
The reduced screen can be stored in the virtual frame memory 49. However, even when the reduced screens are arranged and transmitted for each program category, the reduced screens can be arranged by the arrangement method desired by the viewer as described above. .

The arrangement method (arrangement order) is set according to a predetermined menu screen displayed on the monitor device 4 by operating the call button 402 of the remote commander 5 continuously for a predetermined time. This can be done by operating the joystick 410). The set array method is
For example, it is stored in the EEPROM 38 and the CPU 29
If the arrangement method is set in the EPROM 38,
For the demultiplexer 24, the virtual frame memory 49
Specifies the order of arrangement when storing reduced screens in. Then, the demultiplexer 24 stores the reduced screen in the virtual frame memory 49 according to the arrangement order designated by the CPU 29.

When the reduced screen is stored in the virtual frame memory 49, the CPU 29 commands a reduced screen within a range (selected area) that can be simultaneously displayed on one screen of the monitor device 4 among them. That is, in this embodiment, as described above, one reduced screen is
Since the vertical and horizontal lengths of the screen of a normal program are reduced to ⅓, for example, as shown in FIG. 26, 3 × 3 reduced screens surrounded by thick lines in the drawing are read out. And
This 3 × 3 reduced screen is displayed on the monitor device 4 from the receiver 2.
Is supplied and displayed. That is, a preview is displayed.

Here, as described above, when displaying a predetermined 3 × 3 area of the reduced screen stored in the virtual frame memory 49, the screen of the monitor device 4 is changed to the virtual frame memory 49. It can be said that it is used as a metaphor that allows you to peek at the above reduced screen.

In this case, in the monitor device 4, a frame-like cursor 201 surrounding a certain reduced screen as shown in FIG. The OSD is displayed by superimposing on the screen. It should be noted that the cursor 201 is not limited to the frame-like one described above, and may be any graphic as long as it makes an image of selection of an arrow or other mark.

When the cursor 201 is located at the center of, for example, 3 × 3 reduced screens, the joystick 410 of the remote commander 5 moves upward (for example, in the direction A in FIG. 19) or downward ( For example,
19), rightward, leftward, diagonally upward rightward, diagonally downward rightward, diagonally upward leftward, or diagonally downward leftward, the cursor 201 is moved according to the operating direction. Is moved to a position that encloses the reduced screen displayed in the upward direction, the downward direction, the right direction, the left direction, the diagonally right upward direction, the diagonally right downward direction, the diagonally left upward direction, or the diagonally left downward direction.
It should be noted that the movement of the cursor 201 in the up, down, left, and right directions can also be performed by operating the number keys 2, 8, 4, or 6 of the key group 701, respectively.

If the joystick 410 is further operated with the cursor 201 moved to the upper, lower, left, and right edges of the screen of the monitor device 4, the display content of the monitor device 4, that is, the preview is displayed. Scrolls. For example, when the cursor 201 is located at the bottom line of the preview, the joystick 410
When is operated downward, the preview scrolls upward by one line.

In this scrolling, for example, instead of the 3 × 3 reduced screen surrounded by the thick line in FIG. 26, the 3 × 3 reduced screen surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 26 is read from the virtual frame memory 49. , And is supplied to the monitor device 4. Since the cursor 201 remains stopped at the bottom line, as a result, in the virtual frame memory 49 shown in FIG.
Has moved down by one line.

Further, as shown in, for example, FIG. 28, the monitor device 4 is arranged (arranged) in the bottom row of the virtual frame 35.
In a state where 3 × 3 reduced screens (3 × 3 reduced screens surrounded by thick lines in the figure) including the reduced screens displayed are displayed, the cursor 201 moves to a position below the screen of the monitor device 4. With the joystick 4 moved to the end,
Even when the downward directional operation of 10 is performed, the screen of the monitor device 4 scrolls, whereby the monitor device 4 is displayed on the bottom line in the range surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 3 × 2 reduced screens in the row and 3 × 1 reduced screens in the top row are displayed.

Therefore, in the state where 3 × 3 reduced screens surrounded by thick lines in FIG. 28 are displayed on the monitor device 4,
With the cursor 201 moved to the lower end of the screen of the monitor device 4, the joystick 410 is further added.
When the downward directional operation is performed three times in a row, the monitor device 4 displays 3 × 3 reduced screens including the reduced screen in the top row, which is shown by hatching in FIG. Will be displayed.

Similar scrolling is performed for the upper side, the left side, the right side, the right diagonally upward direction, the right diagonally downward direction, the left diagonally upward direction, and the left diagonally downward direction.

In this scroll, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to the directional operation of the joystick 410 is received by the CPU 29 of the receiver 2, and the CPU 29 corresponds to the received operation signal and outputs the virtual frame memory 49.
Is performed by controlling the read address of the. That is, the CPU 29 recognizes the range of the reduced screen to be displayed on the monitor device 4, that is, the selected area, based on the received operation signal. Then, the CPU 29 commands the virtual frame memory 49 to read the selected area. As a result, the selected area (partial virtual screen) is read from the virtual frame memory 49 and output to the monitor device 4, and as a result, the screen scrolls.

Therefore, the joystick 41 in this case is
It can be said that the operation of 0 is an operation for designating the selection area to be read from the virtual frame memory 49.

Since the preview scrolls as described above, even if the number of programs is larger than the number of reduced screens that can be simultaneously displayed on the monitor device 4, the viewers can preview all the programs. Can be provided.

The viewer, looking at the reduced screen of full motion displayed on the monitor device 4 as shown in FIG.
Operate the joystick 410 to move the cursor 201
Move to the desired reduced screen. Then, in the state where the cursor 201 is positioned on the desired reduced screen, in order to confirm the selection of the program (program), the joystick 410 is vertically operated (select operation) (Enter (Enter)
r) Operation) Then, the CPU 29 causes the front end 20
In response, a command is sent to receive a program on a channel linked to the reduced screen. This command is also sent by operating the numeric keys 5 of the key group 701.

As a result, in the tuner 21 of the front end 20, the tuning frequency is adjusted to the transmission channel of the instructed program, and the packet data of a plurality of programs included in the transmission channel are output to the multiplexer 24. The demultiplexer 24 separates a packet of a predetermined program from packets of a plurality of programs in response to a command from the CPU 29, and outputs the packet to the MPEG video decoder 25-1. Then, the decoded data is processed by the NTSC encoder 27 and output to the monitor device 4 via the block in the subsequent stage, and the monitor device 4 displays the data (program) output from the receiver 2 instead of the preview. To be done.

That is, the viewer has the joystick 4
A desired program can be watched by operating 10 to move the cursor 201 to a desired reduced screen and vertically operating the joystick 410 at that position.

The program selection screen is accompanied by audio, and the multiplexer 24 separates packets of audio corresponding to the reduced screen on which the cursor 201 is located (audio of the program corresponding to the reduced screen). And supplies it to the MPEG audio decoder 26 for decoding. As a result, the viewer can see the full-motion reduced screen where the cursor 201 is located, and can also simultaneously listen to the sound accompanying the reduced screen in real time.

As described above, the joystick 410 for moving the cursor 201 in eight directions and the joystick 410 for confirming the selection of the program corresponding to the reduced screen on which the cursor 201 is located, which is subsequently performed. As described with reference to FIG. 20 or 21, a series of vertical operations (selection operations) can be performed with only the thumb or forefinger, and without holding the remote commander 5.
The operability is improved.

The operation for selecting a desired program from the program selection screen has been described above, but the general usage of the remote controller 5 is summarized in the flowchart of FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 29, the joystick 410 is not used but the key group 701 is used to perform the direction operation of the cursor 201 and the select operation.

That is, first in step S1,
The user uses the remote controller 5 as a telephone or the receiver 2 (monitor device 4) as an electronic device.
Is used as a remote commander for remote control. When using as a remote commander, the process proceeds to step S2, and the preview button 404 is operated. At this time, in response to the signal from the remote controller 5,
From the base unit 600, the preview button 404
Corresponding to DTMF signal is generated and transmitted to the modem 632. The modem 632 decodes this DTMF signal and outputs a predetermined code to the CPU 29. And C
The PU 29 interprets the function assigned to this code, controls the tuner 21 according to the interpretation, and receives and displays the program selection screen.

Next, in step S3, the user operates one of the direction keys composed of the numeric keys 2, 8, 4 or 6. Even when this operation is performed, the DTMF signal corresponding to the operated key is transmitted to the modem unit 631, and the code corresponding to the numeral 2, 8, 4 or 6 is input from the modem 632 to the CPU 29. C
The PU 29 interprets the function corresponding to this code, and moves the cursor in the direction corresponding to the operated key according to the interpretation (cursor movement).

Move the cursor 201 to the desired program (reduced screen)
After moving to the upper side, the user sets Y in step S4.
Operate the ES key (number key 5). Also at this time, the DTMF signal corresponding to the numeral 5 is transmitted to the modem unit 631, and the code corresponding to the numeral 5 from the modem 632 is C.
It is input to the PU 29. The CPU 29 interprets the function corresponding to the numeral 5 as confirming the program. CPU 29
Controls the tuner 21 according to this interpretation to receive and display the designated program. As a result, the program specified on the program selection screen is displayed in full size on the monitor device 4.

On the other hand, when the user uses the remote controller 5 as a telephone, when the determination is made in step S1, the user proceeds to step S10 and first presses the TEL key. When the DTMF signal corresponding to the TEL key is input through the same processing as described above, the external telephone off-hook detection circuit 634 detects off-hook. At this time, the modem 632 sets the telephone mode, and thereafter, the numbers and symbols input as the DTMF signal are processed as the input for the telephone operation. Therefore, in this case, the modem 632 does not decode the input DTMF signal.

Then, the user proceeds to step S11,
Enter the phone number by pressing the number keys. The microcomputer 684 of the remote controller 5 controls the transmission circuit 682 and outputs a signal corresponding to the operated key to the base unit 6.
00 to send.

When the microcomputer 656 of the base unit 600 receives the input of this signal through the receiving circuit 654, it controls the DTMF encoder 652 to generate the DTMF signal corresponding to the operated numeric key.
When the DTMF signal is input in the telephone mode in the modem 632, the DTMF signal is transmitted to the telephone line through the modular jack 635. That is, the line control operation is performed.

The modem 632 closes the telephone line when it detects that the other party has responded to this calling operation from the inversion of the polarity of the telephone line.

As a result, the received voice transmitted from the other party via the telephone line is input to the base unit 600 via the external telephone off-hook detection circuit 634.
The line interface 651 transmits the received voice to the transmission circuit 6
It is supplied to 53 and transmitted to the remote controller 5 via the antenna 655.

In the remote controller 5, the received voice is received by the receiving circuit 683 via the antenna 681 and output from the speaker 702.

The transmitted voice input from the microphone 703 is transmitted from the transmission circuit 682 to the base unit 600 via the antenna 681.

In the base unit 600, this transmission voice is received by the receiving circuit 654 via the antenna 655 and is output via the line interface 651. This transmitted voice is transmitted to the telephone line through the outside telephone off-hook detection circuit 634. In this way, step S1
The call processing in 2 is executed.

When a calling signal is input from the other party via the telephone line, this calling signal is input to the base unit 600. When this calling signal is input through the line interface 651, the receiving circuit 654
Detects this and sends a detection signal to the microcomputer 65.
6 is output.

At this time, the microcomputer 656 controls the transmitting circuit 653 to generate a ringer sound signal and output it from a speaker (not shown). This ringer sound signal is also transmitted from the transmission circuit 653 to the remote controller 5 via the antenna 655. In the remote controller 5, this ringer sound signal is received by the receiving circuit 683 and output from the speaker 702. As a result, the user can know that there is an incoming call.

It is also possible to prevent the ringer sound from being output from the remote controller 5 by making a predetermined setting.

When the user answers the incoming call,
Operate the TEL key. At this time, the microcomputer 684 controls the transmission circuit 682 to generate a response signal.

When receiving the detection signal of this response signal from the receiving circuit 654, the microcomputer 656 of the base unit 600 controls the receiving circuit 654 to generate an off-hook signal. This off-hook signal is sent to the modem unit 631 via the line interface 651.
This is detected by the external telephone off-hook detection circuit 634. Modem 632 closes the telephone line when off-hook is detected. This enables a call.

FIG. 30 shows the structure of the DTMF signal. As shown in the figure, DTMF (Dual Tone Muliti F
As the requency signal, a mixed signal of two frequencies, a low group frequency and a high group frequency, is assigned to each key. As shown in FIG. 30, the low group frequency is 697 Hz,
770 Hz, 852 Hz, or 941 Hz, and the high group frequencies are 1209 Hz, 1336 Hz,
Either 1477 Hz or 1633 Hz,
These frequencies are assigned to each key.

For example, the numerical key 1 is assigned a low group frequency of 697 Hz and a high group frequency of 1209 Hz. Numeric key 2 has a low group frequency of 697 Hz and 13
A high group frequency of 36 Hz has been assigned.

It should be noted that the TEL key shown in FIG.
At 0, for example, the low group frequency of 697 Hz and the high group frequency of 1633 Hz at the position indicated by the letter A are assigned. Further, the call button 402, the memory button 403, or the preview button 404 in FIG.
In FIG. 30, for example, frequencies at positions indicated by letters B, C, or D are assigned.

Therefore, for example, the DTMF encoder 65
2 is 697Hz and 12 when the numeric key 1 is operated.
The signal which mixed the signal of two frequencies of 09Hz is DTM.
Output as F signal. Also, when the numeric key 2 is operated, a signal of frequency 697 Hz and 1336
A mixed signal with a signal having a frequency of Hz is generated as a DTMF signal.

The DTMF decoder 633 uses this DTMF.
When the signal is received, it will generate a code corresponding to the corresponding number or symbol. For example, 697Hz and 1
When a DTMF signal with a frequency of 336 Hz is detected, the code of numeral 2 is output.

A DTM is used to notify a key operation signal from the telephone set (base unit) 600 to the receiver 2.
It is also possible to use signals other than the F signal. However, in that case, it becomes necessary to provide a dedicated detection circuit for that purpose in the receiver 2, resulting in high cost. Modem 632 provides an interface to the telephone line,
Since the DTMF decoder is originally built in, the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced by directly using the DTMF decoder as in the present embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a front view showing the configuration of another embodiment of the remote controller 5. The configuration of the remote controller 5 is basically the same as that described above, but in this embodiment,
A lid 1003 is provided on the main body 405 so as to be freely opened and closed. When the lid 1002 is opened, the full keyboard 1001 of the main body 405 is exposed. Further, on the back side of the lid 1002, an LCD panel 1003 on which a transparent tablet (not shown) is stacked and a card reader 1004 for reading information recorded in a credit card or the like are attached. The user can input information from a transparent tablet (not shown) overlaid on the LCD panel 1003 using a pen or the like.

Also in this case, the joystick 4
Since 10 is arranged at the same position as in the case shown in FIG.
The remote control can be easily performed by operating.

In the above, the DTMF signal generated by the base unit 600 is used. However, when the remote controller 5 has a built-in DTMF encoder, the DTMF signal generated by the remote controller 5 may be used. It is possible.

In the receiver 2, the video server 5
In the case where the signal from 3 is received via a cable network (not shown) and the so-called video-on-demand service can be provided, the remote controller 5
By operating, you can rewind the screen. That is, for example, when the monitor device 4 is currently displaying a video-on-demand program (full-size screen), the rewind key (numeric key 4) and the fast-forward key (numeric key 6). , Or the pause key (numerical key 5), the screen of the program currently being received can be returned in the reverse direction in time, be advanced, or be put in the pause state.

That is, when these keys are operated,
The corresponding DTMF signal is generated and the number 4, 6 or 5
The DTMF signal corresponding to is transmitted to the modem unit 631, and the code corresponding to the numeral 4, 6 or 5 is input from the modem 632 to the CPU 29.

The CPU 29 interprets these codes,
A signal requesting rewind, fast forward, or pause corresponding to the operation of these keys is supplied to the video server 53 via the cable network. When the video server 53 is supplied with this signal, the video server 53 changes the program transmitted to the receiver 2 via the cable network to a screen that traces back in time or changes to a screen in a direction that progresses in time. Or change to a still image screen. In other words, when the VCR is being reproduced, the same screen as when the magnetic tape is rewound, fast forwarded, or in the pause state is transmitted.
As a result, such a screen is displayed on the monitor device 4.

Next, the operation of the receiver 2 when the operation mode is the browse mode will be described.
When the joystick 410 of the remote controller 5 is continuously selected for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) (in a vertically operated state), the operation mode of the receiver 2 is set to the browse mode (automatic browsing). Mode), and the CPU 29 performs processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

That is, when the joystick 410 is pushed (select operation), an operation signal corresponding to the operation is input to the CPU 29 via the base unit 600 and the modem unit 631, and the CPU 29
When the operation signal corresponding to the select operation of the joystick 410 is continuously received for a predetermined time, the operation mode is set to the browse mode and the initial setting process is performed in step S21.

Here, for example, when the operation mode is the preview mode, when the joystick 410 is selected, the program is selected as described above. This is performed when the operation signal corresponding to the select operation of the joystick 410 can be received for a predetermined short time (for example, 1 second or less). Therefore,
As described above, when the joystick 410 is continuously selected for a certain length of time (vertical operation), program selection and other processing are not performed.

The browse mode can be started by selecting the joystick 410 continuously for a predetermined time as described above, or by a software trigger by another specific operation. It is also possible to provide hardware (for example, buttons etc.) on the remote controller 5 and perform such operation.

In the initial setting process of step S21, the CP
The U 29 instructs the front end 20 to receive the archive data transmission channel, thereby causing the front end 20 to supply the archive data to the demultiplexer 24. Then, in the same manner as in the preview mode, the virtual frame memory 49
The virtual screen is stored in.

Further, in step S21, the CPU 29
In the virtual screen, for example, 3 × 3 reduced screens in the upper left portion shown by hatching in FIG. 33, for example, are set as the selection area and are output to the monitor device 4 for display. That is, a preview is displayed (in this way, the operation mode is set to the browse mode, and the preview first displayed is hereinafter referred to as an initial preview as appropriate). At this time, the CPU 29 also causes the cursor 201 to be displayed at the position of the left uppermost reduced screen, for example, in the initial preview as described above.

After that, in step S22, the sound of the program corresponding to the reduced screen where the cursor is positioned is reproduced as described above, and the process proceeds to step S23, in which it is determined whether or not the joystick 410 has been selected. In step S23, the joystick 41
When it is determined that 0 is not selected, the process proceeds to step S24, and it is determined whether or not the joystick 410 has been operated (direction operation) in any of the eight directions described above. When it is determined in step S24 that the joystick 410 has been operated in the direction, the process proceeds to step S28, the browse mode is canceled, and the process ends. That is, the operation mode of the receiver 2 is set to the operation mode before the browse mode. Therefore, when the user wants to exit the browse mode, he or she can operate the joystick 410 in the direction to end the browse mode.

If it is determined in step S24 that the joystick 410 has not been operated in the direction, the process proceeds to step S25, in which it is determined whether the memory button 403 has been operated. In step S25,
When it is determined that the memory button 403 has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S26, and a predetermined time T1 (for example, 10 seconds after the cursor 201 is started to be displayed on the reduced screen where the cursor 201 is located). Seconds etc.)
Is determined. When it is determined in step S26 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S22.

If it is determined in step S26 that the predetermined time has passed, the cursor 201 is moved to another reduced screen position, and the process returns to step S22.
Therefore, in this case, in step S22, the cursor 20
The sound of the program corresponding to the reduced screen of the destination of 1 is started.

Therefore, if the remote controller 5 is not operated,
The processes of steps S22 to S27 are repeated, whereby the cursor 201 moves while indicating the reduced screen displayed on the monitor device 4 in units of a predetermined time T1.

Here, the cursor 201 can move the reduced screens constituting the virtual screen so as to indicate in any order. That is, the cursor 201 can move the reduced screen forming the virtual screen in order from left to right and from top to bottom, as shown in FIG. 33, for example.

Furthermore, the cursor 201 is displayed, for example, in FIG.
It is also possible to move it as shown in. That is,
First, from the left to the right, select the 3x3 thumbnail screen that makes up the initial preview that is displayed first after switching to browse mode.
Then, the cursor 201 is moved so as to sequentially instruct from the top to the bottom, and then the 3 × 3 reduced screen located therebelow is displayed as a preview.
Move 01. Below, a 3 × 3 reduced screen arranged at the lower left of the virtual screen, a 3 × 3 reduced screen arranged at the upper right, a 3 × 3 reduced screen arranged below that, and a 3 arranged further below it. The cursor 201 is moved in the same manner for the × 3 reduced screen.

Also, the cursor 201 moves on the virtual screen
It is also possible to move the so-called zigzag scan.

Returning to FIG. 32, in step S23,
If it is determined that the joystick 410 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S29, at which time the cursor 2
The full-motion screen linked to the reduced screen where 01 is located is displayed in the same manner as in the case described above. After that, when a predetermined time T2 (however, the time T2 is sufficiently shorter than the above-mentioned time T1 (for example, 1, 2 seconds) elapses, the process proceeds to step S30, and the cursor 201 is moved on the virtual screen. A preview screen is displayed and the process returns to step S22.

Therefore, when the display of the monitor device 4 is in the state shown in FIG. 35A, for example, when the joystick 410 is selected, it corresponds to the reduced screen where the cursor 201 is located at that time. A full-motion screen (normal screen) to be displayed is displayed on the entire monitor device 4, as shown in FIG. Then, when the predetermined time T2 elapses, as shown in FIG. 35C, a preview screen in which the cursor 201 is moved to the next reduced screen is displayed, and the sound corresponding to the reduced screen is output.

As described above, the cursor 201 automatically moves to the next reduced screen every time the predetermined time T1 has passed, but it is troublesome to wait for the predetermined time T1. The user has a joystick 41
By selecting 0, the cursor 201 can be immediately moved to the next reduced screen.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 35, the cursor 201 is moved in the order shown in FIG.

Further, in the above, the full-motion screen corresponding to the reduced screen on which the cursor 201 is located when the joystick 410 is selected is displayed, and then the cursor 201 is moved to the next reduced screen. However, the cursor 201 can be moved without displaying the full-motion screen. However, when the joystick 410 is selected, it is better to move the cursor after displaying the full-motion screen and outputting other beep sounds than moving the cursor 201. In 2, it is possible to make the user better recognize that it is recognized that the joystick 410 has been selected.

As described above, while the cursor 201 moves while the preview is displayed, the user
Cursor 2 on the reduced screen corresponding to the program that he or she desires (for example, a program to be stored as one of the program candidates to be viewed later or a program to be displayed as an initial preview).
When 01 is located, the memory button 402 is operated. In this case, in step S25 in FIG. 32, it is determined that the memory button 402 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S31, and the memory processing shown in FIG. 36 is performed.

That is, in step S41, the writing of data to the virtual screen is prohibited, and the preview becomes a still image. Here, in this way, the use of the preview as a still image is, so to speak, the user to recognize that the reduced screen in which the cursor 201 is located when the memory button 402 is operated is stored. This is for interface feedback, and the preview need not necessarily be a still image.

[0206] After that, proceeding to step S42, the reduced screen where the cursor 201 is located in the preview which is a still image is secured in the virtual frame memory 49 separately from the area for storing the virtual screen. (Hereinafter,
Mark frame). That is, the still image (still image) of the reduced screen on which the cursor 201 is located when the memory button 402 is operated is stored in the mark frame.

Here, the mark frame is shown in FIG.
As shown in, the area in which an image of 240 × 160 pixels similar to the reduced screen can be stored is one unit,
For example, it is divided into a 3 × 3 matrix. When the memory button 402 is operated, the cursor 2
The still image of the reduced screen in which 01 is located is stored in the mark frame, for example, at the upper left, and every time the memory button 402 is operated, the cursor 20 at that time is stored.
Still images on the reduced screen where 1 is located are sequentially stored from left to right and from top to bottom of the mark frame. That is, the mark frame is configured to store a plurality of reduced screens arranged in a matrix.

After the still image of the reduced screen is stored in the mark frame, the write protection of the data on the virtual screen is released, and the process proceeds to step S43, where the program corresponding to the reduced screen, for example, the program ID or the channel ID, etc. Required E of
PG data is read from the SRAM 36, and, for example, in the virtual frame memory 49 as shown in FIG.
Further, it is copied (registered) to another area (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a mark list). Here, in FIG. 37 (B), the mark list is illustrated as a matrix-shaped region similarly to the mark frame so that the correspondence with the mark frame is easy to understand, but the mark list is in a matrix. It doesn't have to be. However, it is necessary for the CPU 29 to be able to recognize where in the mark list the EPG data corresponding to the reduced screen stored in the mark frame is stored.

After registering the mark list, the process proceeds to step S44, and the number of still images of the reduced screen stored in the mark frame (the number of EPG data stored in the mark list), that is, the number of programs is a predetermined reference number. (In this embodiment, for example, 9 (= 3) is set as the number of still images that can be stored in the mark frame.
X3)) is determined. When it is determined in step S44 that the number of still images of reduced screens (hereinafter referred to as still screens) stored in the mark frame is not equal to the predetermined reference number, the memory processing is ended and step S22 ( Return to FIG. 32).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S44 that the number of still screens stored in the mark frame has reached the predetermined reference number, that is, in this embodiment,
As shown in FIG. 38, when nine still screens are stored in the mark frame, the process proceeds to step S45, the data of the mark frame is read out and displayed on the monitor device 4 instead of the preview. That is, in this case, only the still screen of the program desired by the user is displayed in a matrix of 3 × 3 (the display of the stored contents of the mark frame in this way will be referred to as a favorite hereinafter). Called preview).

As described above, when a predetermined time (for example, an arbitrary time that can be set by the user, such as several seconds) elapses after the favorite preview is displayed, the process proceeds to step S46 and the selection process shown in FIG. Is done. That is, first, in step S51, the cursor 20 is moved to, for example, the position of the leftmost still screen in the favorite preview in which the 3 × 3 still screens are arranged.
1 is displayed, the process proceeds to step S52, and the cursor 201
The still screen on which is located is reduced to a corresponding reduced screen (moving image). That is, in this case, as shown in FIG. 40, the cursor 201 is located at the uppermost still screen of the favorite preview, but the reduced screen corresponding to the still screen is transferred from the virtual screen.

Further, in step S52, the sound of the program corresponding to the reduced screen is also output.

Then, in step S53, it is determined whether or not the joystick 410 has been selected. If it is determined that the joystick 410 has not been selected, then in step S54, it is determined whether or not the joystick 410 has been operated. To be done. In step S54,
When it is determined that the joystick 410 has not been operated in the direction, the process returns to step S53. Step S
If it is determined in 54 that the joystick 410 has been operated in the direction, the process proceeds to step S55, in which the cursor 2 is displayed on the still screen displayed in the direction operated.
01 is moved. Then, the process proceeds to step S56, and in the same manner as in step S52, the cursor 20
The still screen on which 1 is located is changed to the corresponding reduced screen (moving image), the sound of the program corresponding to the reduced screen is output, and the process returns to step S53.

If the screen on which the cursor 201 is moved is not the still screen and is already the reduced screen (moving image) by the processing of step S52 or S56, the processing of step S56 is skipped.

Therefore, when the cursor 201 is moved so as to indicate all the 3 × 3 screens forming the favorite preview, the favorite preview becomes
All are videos.

The user operates the joystick 410 in the directional direction to move the cursor 201 to the screen (reduced screen) that the viewer really wants to view, and selects the joystick 410 at that position. In this case, in step S53, it is determined that the joystick 53 has been selected, and the process proceeds to step S57. When the joystick 410 is selected, the cursor 20
The full-motion screen corresponding to the reduced screen where 1 was located is displayed as described above by referring to the EPG data registered in the mark list, and the process ends.

When reading a magazine or a book, first read roughly, put a bookmark or sticky note on a page that has an interesting description, and read the details of the page later. Often take the action. The method of selecting a program as described above makes such an action a metaphor. That is, the user selects some programs that he / she desires to watch (channel marking) in a sense of bookmarking them, so that he / she can easily and easily select a program that he / she really wants to watch. You can choose quickly.

Further, there is a conventional device that sequentially receives and displays all broadcast channels for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as "scan" as appropriate). In such a device, the order of scanning is , For example, the ascending order of broadcast channels or the ascending order of carrier frequencies. In the device described in the present embodiment, the arrangement of the reduced screens forming the virtual screen can be made into each category as described above, or can be arranged in the order of high viewing frequency. Alternatively, the cursor 201 can be moved in the ascending order of carrier frequencies, the cursor 201 can be moved by category, or can be moved in the order of viewing frequency.

Further, in this embodiment, in both the preview mode and the browse mode, the same operation of moving the cursor 201 to the position of the desired program by the directional operation of the joystick 410 and then performing the select operation is performed. Since you can select the program,
That is, since the user interface (operation of the joystick 410) for selecting a program is unified, a seamless operation environment can be provided.

In this embodiment, 3 × 3 reduced screens are simultaneously displayed on the monitor device 4 for program selection. However, the number of reduced screens simultaneously displayed on the monitor device 4 is as follows. , But is not limited to this. That is, it is possible to simultaneously display, for example, 4 × 4 reduced screens or 3 × 2 reduced screens on the monitor device 4 in accordance with the resolution and the like (however, one reduced screen is displayed). Should be at least large enough for the viewer to see and understand the content of the program).

Further, in the present embodiment, the receiver 2 and the monitor device 4 are independent devices, but the receiver 2 and the monitor device 4 can be integrated.

Further, in the present embodiment, as the data for program selection, a reduced screen which is a moving image in which the screen of a normal program is reduced is transmitted, but in addition to this, as the data for program selection, Still images and text data representing the contents of the program can be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, the data for program selection is transmitted, but the data for program selection may be generated on the viewer side, for example. That is, on the viewer side, it is possible to generate data representing the content of a reduced screen or other programs from the received normal program and use this as the data for program selection.

Further, in the present embodiment, all the data for program selection can be viewed by scrolling the screen, but in addition to this, the screen can be switched like page turning, for example. It is also possible to be able to see the data for all program selections.

In the present embodiment, the still image of the reduced screen (still screen) is stored in the mark frame. However, the reduced screen itself is always transferred from the virtual screen to the mark frame. It is also possible to store. However, in this case, since the reduced screen is a moving image, the screen when the user operates the joystick 410 and the screen when the favorite preview is displayed are different.

Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of reduced screens are displayed at one time in the browse mode, but in addition, full motion screens may be displayed, for example, in the order of their channels or the frequencies of their carriers. It is also possible to

However, in Japan, for example, V
HF and UHF band broadcasting channels, and even cable television broadcasting channels,
There are only a few channels, and with this number of channels, even if the full motion screen is displayed sequentially, it does not take long to finish displaying all of them, but in the future, the number of broadcast channels will increase. However, if the full-motion screens are sequentially displayed when the process proceeds, it takes a lot of time.

Therefore, as described in the embodiment, in the browse mode, it is preferable to display a plurality of reduced screens at once. Furthermore, in this case, the user can see what programs are being broadcast on other channels.
So to speak, it can be confirmed comprehensively.

In the present embodiment, the mark frame is
Although the favorite preview is displayed when a predetermined number of still screens are stored, the favorite preview is displayed at any other time (for example, when the predetermined operation of the remote controller 5 is performed). It is also possible to display.

Furthermore, the EPG stored in the mark list
The data can be retained until the mark list is initialized. In this case, when the power is turned on again, the mark list is referred to, the reduced screen is transferred from the virtual screen to the mark frame, and for example, this is displayed as an initial preview, so that the user can newly , Without selecting the program in browse mode and registering in the mark frame,
It becomes possible to select a desired program.

Further, in the present embodiment, the mark frame (the same applies to the mark list) is configured so that a 3 × 3 still screen can be arranged. It can also be configured.

Further, in the present embodiment, all the still screens stored in the mark frame are displayed at once, but when many still screens are arranged in the mark frame, for example, in the preview mode. As in the case, it is possible to read out and display a part of the mark frame.

[0233]

As described above, according to the display control device and the display control method of the present invention, a plurality of programs designated by the operation of the program designation means are arranged and stored in the storage means. Since this is displayed, even if the number of programs is large, it is possible to easily confirm and select the content of the desired program.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating terms used in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating archive processing.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a broadcasting system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing how archive data is generated.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an arrangement method of reduced screens.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a more detailed configuration of a part of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a link provided between data of a normal program and its reduced screen.

8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a device on the viewer side in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a connection relationship between devices on the viewer side.

10 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the receiver 2 of FIG.

11 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a base unit 600. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing a configuration of a remote commander 5.

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a remote commander 5.

FIG. 14 is a microphone section 703A shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.
It is a figure which shows the structure of.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state when the remote commander 5 is not used.

16 is a perspective view showing a state of using the remote commander 5. FIG.

FIG. 17 is a view showing how the joystick 410 is attached to the main body 405.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a joystick 410.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an operation direction of a lever 162 in a horizontal plane.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an operation of the joystick 410 when the remote commander 5 is held by the left hand.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating an operation of the joystick 410 when the remote commander 5 is held by the right hand.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of a remote commander 5.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a part of the operation of the embodiment in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing how archive data is separated.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a state in which reduced screens are arranged and stored in a matrix in a virtual frame memory 49.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a range of a reduced screen displayed on the monitor device 4.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a state in which a reduced screen is displayed on monitor device 4.

FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining a reduced screen displayed on the monitor device 4 when the remote commander 5 is scrolled.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the remote commander 5.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a DTMF signal.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the remote commander 5.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the receiver 2 when the operation mode is the browse mode.

FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining the direction in which the cursor 201 is moved in the browse mode.

FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining the direction in which the cursor 201 is moved in the browse mode.

FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining a change in display on the monitor device 4 when it is determined that the joystick 410 has been selected in step S23 of FIG. 32.

36 is a flowchart for explaining details of the memory processing in step S31 of FIG. 32. FIG.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a mark frame and a mark list.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a state in which nine still screens are stored in a mark frame.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart for explaining details of the selection process in step S46 in FIG.

FIG. 40 is a diagram for explaining the process of step S52 of FIG. 39.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 receiver 2a receiving device 2b processing device 2c storage device 3 parabolic antenna 4 monitoring device 5 remote commander 20 front end 21 tuner 22 QPSK demodulation circuit 23 error correction circuit 24 demultiplexer 25 multi-channel real-time decoder 26 MPEG audio decoder 27 NTSC encoder 29 CPU 35 Data buffer memory 36 SRAM 37 ROM 38 EEPROM 49 Virtual frame memory 51 Digitizing section 52 Archiving section 53 Video server 54 Sending section 201 Cursor 402 Call button 403 Memory button 404 Clear button 410 Joystick

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Yoshiaki Kumagai, 6-735 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation (72) Jun-ichi Nagahara 6-35, Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Tatsushi Nashida 6-735 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A display control device for controlling display of programs of a plurality of broadcast channels on a display unit for displaying information, the receiving unit receiving a signal including programs of the plurality of broadcast channels, and the receiving unit. Output means for outputting and displaying the program received by the display means on the display means, and program designating means operated when designating a predetermined program in a state where the program is displayed on the display means. Storage means for storing the predetermined program designated by operating the program designating means, and reading means for reading the predetermined program stored in the storage means and displaying it on the display means. When the plurality of programs are designated, the storage unit arranges and stores the plurality of programs in a matrix, and the reading unit includes the display unit. The means, the display control apparatus characterized by displaying the ones in which a plurality of said programs in a matrix. 2. The display control device according to claim 1, further comprising the display means. 3. The signal also includes a reduced screen obtained by reducing each of the screens of the plurality of programs, the output unit outputting the reduced screen to the display unit for display, and the program designating unit, It is operated when designating the reduced screen corresponding to the predetermined program while the reduced screen is being displayed on the display means, and the storage means is designated by operating the program designating means. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the reduced screen is stored, and the reading unit causes the display unit to display the reduced screen stored in the storage unit. 4. The display control device according to claim 3, wherein the output unit outputs, to the display unit, a multi-screen in which a predetermined number of the plurality of reduced screens are arranged and is displayed. 5. The display device further comprises cursor display control means for displaying a cursor for instructing the reduced screen on the display means, and the cursor is a plurality of reduced screens forming the multi-screen displayed on the display means. Each of them is moved while being instructed in a predetermined time unit, and the storage means stores the reduced screen pointed by the cursor when the program designating means is operated. 4. The display control device according to item 4. 6. The display according to claim 5, further comprising cursor moving means that is operated when moving the cursor to the next reduced screen before the predetermined time has elapsed. Control device. 7. The display control device according to claim 3, wherein the storage unit stores a still image of the reduced screen designated by operating the program designation unit. 8. When the display means displays a plurality of the programs stored in the storage means arranged in a matrix, the receiving means receives any one of the programs. The display control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reception designating unit that is operated by. 9. The reading means displays the predetermined number of the programs on the display means when the predetermined number of the programs is stored in the storage means. Display controller. 10. A display control method for controlling display of programs of a plurality of broadcast channels on a display unit for displaying information, wherein a signal including programs of the plurality of broadcast channels is received, and the received program is displayed. Outputting and displaying the program on the display means, designating a predetermined program on the display means while the program is being displayed, and storing the designated predetermined program in a storage means for storing information, A display control method for reading the predetermined program stored in a storage unit and displaying the program on the display unit, wherein when a plurality of the programs are designated, the plurality of the programs are arranged in a matrix, Display control characterized by storing in a storage means, and displaying on the display means a plurality of the programs stored in the storage means arranged in a matrix Law.