JPH10243152A - Digital tuner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow the user of a digital broadcast to utilize positively two-way communication via a telephone line or the like. SOLUTION: In a digital tuner 2 that receives program information sent by a digital broadcast program and is outputted and displayed on a television receiver 3, image information is entered by a tablet T or a scanner/printer SP and it is used for an electronic mail of the image information and sent as a fax image via a modem 30. Furthermore, an electronic mail of the received image information is received by a facsimile equipment via the modem 30, stored in a hard disk 30 and displayed on the television receiver 3 or outputted from the scanner/printer SP as required.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital tuner for receiving program information supplied by digital broadcasting.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the progress of compression encoding technology in recent years, it has become possible to realize multi-channel broadcasting, and the implementation of television broadcasting services such as digital satellite broadcasting that sells these multi-channels has been promoted. It is getting. In this type of service, the user is charged according to the contents of the channel selected by the contract and the usage status. That is, individual usage histories of users are recorded as needed on an IC card inserted into a tuner for digital broadcast reception (hereinafter, referred to as a digital tuner), and this recorded information is transmitted to a service center via a telephone line and charged. Is processed.
As described above, the conventionally known digital tuner not only receives program information broadcasted by broadcasting but also is connected to a telephone line, and is physically connected to a two-way communication system. Has become possible.

[0003]

However, although the conventional digital tuner is physically configured to be capable of two-way communication via a telephone line as described above, the conventional digital tuner uses the above-described accounting process. In addition to transmitting the use history information or receiving various types of information transmitted from the service center, the system is not configured to allow the user to independently use the two-way communication.

The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and has as its object to provide a digital tuner that allows a user to actively utilize two-way communication via a telephone line or the like.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital tuner for receiving program information transmitted by digital broadcasting, outputting the program information to a video reproducing apparatus, and displaying the same. , Input means for inputting image information, transmitting means for facsimile transmitting the image information input by the input means as e-mail, receiving means for facsimile receiving the e-mail of the transmitted image information, and receiving means Storage means for accumulating the e-mail of the image information received by the apparatus, and output means for reading out the image information of the specified e-mail from the storage means, outputting the read out image information to the video reproducing apparatus, and displaying the same. Features.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the image reproducing apparatus and the printer are connected to a printer that prints out the supplied image information and output the image information. And an output unit that outputs the image information of the electronic mail read from the storage unit to an output destination selected by the selection unit.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. A: Configuration of Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an antenna, which receives a broadcast wave transmitted via a communication satellite (CS) or a broadcast satellite (BS). This broadcast wave is composed of program information of each channel (mainly a video signal and an audio signal obtained by digital compression encoding), and a text tag signal is added as necessary.

[0008] Reference numeral 2 denotes a digital tuner, which decodes received information fetched from the antenna 1 and supplies it to the television receiver 3. The television receiver 3 displays an image corresponding to the video signal supplied from the tuner 2 on a monitor, and emits a sound corresponding to the audio signal supplied from the tuner 2 from a speaker.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the digital tuner 2 will be described. First, reference numeral 20 denotes a tuner unit that receives a broadcast wave signal received by the antenna 1. The tuner unit 20 receives program information of a channel specified by a user under the control of a CPU 22 described later.

A decoder 21 decodes program information of a designated channel output from the tuner unit 20. Here, the decoding processing means decoding of the encrypted program information and decompression processing of the compression-encoded program information.

The CPU 22 controls each section of the tuner 2 connected via the bus BUS. That is, the CPU 22 realizes various operations described later by executing a predetermined control program stored in the ROM 23. The RAM 24 is used as a work area of the CPU 22, for example, a control program is loaded from the ROM 23.

Reference numeral 25 denotes AV (audio / visual)
An interface (I / F) that converts the decoded program information into a signal that can be reproduced by the television receiver 3. The AV I / F also converts image data received as electronic mail (described later) into a signal that can be displayed on the television receiver 3. Reference numeral 26 denotes an operation I / F, which receives an optical signal corresponding to a user operation transmitted from the remote controller R, converts the optical signal into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal to the bus BUS.

Here, the remote controller R has an operation surface composed of operators for performing various operations by the user and a circuit for transmitting an optical signal corresponding to the operation. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the operation surface of the remote controller R. In the figure, R0 is a power button for instructing power on / off, R1 and R2 are volume up and volume down keys for adjusting the volume, R10 is a channel number, a mail name described later, and a mail transmission destination. R20 is a selection key for confirming the input, R21 and R22 are arrow keys for switching the channel in the forward or reverse direction, and R30 is a display and end of the program guide. R31 to 34 are cursor movement keys for selecting a program on the program guide screen or mail selection on the mail list screen, R35 is a print key for instructing print output, and R36 is a screen display. A display key for instructing, R37 is a tablet key for instructing tablet input. R38 is a read key for instructing a scanner input, R40 is a cancel key for instructing to cancel an input operation or stop processing, and R50 is a liquid crystal panel for displaying a message or input information for guiding input. . The remote controller R detects an operation on each of the above-described operators and transmits an optical signal corresponding to the operation.

Now, returning to FIG. 1, the configuration of the digital tuner 2 will be described. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 28 denotes a card I / F into which an IC card CD is inserted, and reads and writes data from and to the IC card CD under the control of the CPU 22. IC card CD contains user ID
Information about a number (that is, an identification number unique to the user) and usage history for charging according to the usage status of the user is recorded. This IC card CD is card I / F2
8, the user is authenticated based on the ID number, and the tuner 2 can be used.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a modem connected to a telephone line, which is used for text data communication and image data F.
It can support both AX (facsimile) communication protocols. That is, this digital tuner 2
It is connected to a host computer (not shown) installed at a digital broadcasting service center via a telephone line N, and transmits text data relating to a usage history recorded on an IC card CD to charge according to the usage history. Processing is performed. The digital tuner 2 has a mail function by facsimile transmission and reception as described later, and exchanges image data with an external communication terminal such as a facsimile device via the telephone line N.

A hard disk 32 stores various data. For example, FA through the modem 30
X The received image data is stored in the hard disk 3
2 once. Then, the data is read from the hard disk 32 in response to an output request.

Reference numeral 34 denotes a tablet I / F to which a tablet T for inputting a figure or the like by a plane coordinate operation is connected. This tablet I / F34 is
The user operates the touch pen (not shown) to operate the tablet T
The graphic information (vector coordinate data) drawn on the operation surface is converted into vector / raster data and is taken into the tuner 2 as image data. Further, it detects an instruction operation on a keyboard defined on the operation surface of the tablet T, generates and outputs a corresponding text code.

Reference numeral 36 denotes an image input / output I / F;
A scanner / printer SP having both functions of reading and printing an image is connected. This image input / output I / F3
Numeral 6 captures image data to be read and output by the scanner / printer SP into the tuner 2, and outputs image data output from the tuner 2 to the printer SP.

B: Operation of Embodiment Next, the operation of the embodiment having the above configuration will be described. First, when the digital tuner 2 is powered on, the CP
U22 loads the control program from the ROM 23,
Do this. As a result, the following processing is performed according to various events.

(1) Reproduction of Program Information First, a reproduction process of program information supplied by digital broadcasting will be described. After the power is turned on, the CPU 22 supplies a control signal designating a channel to be tuned to the tuner unit 20 so as to receive the program information of the currently selected channel. Thereby, the tuner unit 20
Receives program information of a designated channel based on a control signal supplied from the CPU 22. The received program information is decoded by the decoder 21, and then output to the AV I / F 25. AV / I / F25
The decoded program information supplied to the television receiver 3 is further converted into a signal that can be reproduced by the television receiver 3, and then supplied to the receiver 3. As a result, the television receiver 3 reproduces the video and audio of the selected program.

Further, the user can select a desired channel in any of the following modes. That is,
After inputting the channel number using the numeric keypad R10,
A mode in which the selection key R20 is pressed, a mode in which one of the arrow keys R21 and R22 is pressed to select a channel adjacent in the forward or reverse direction, a program guide key R3
There is a mode in which a program guide screen (program guide information is supplied as a broadcast wave) is displayed on the television receiver 3 by pressing 0, and the screen is selected by the cursor movement keys R31 to R34 and the selection key R20.

When the user newly selects a desired channel, the CPU 22 outputs a control signal to tune the tuner unit 20 to the selected channel. Thereby, the tuner unit 20 tunes to the newly selected channel and receives the program information. Thus, in the television receiver 3, the program of the newly selected channel is reproduced.

(2) Mail Reception Next, the mail reception processing will be described with reference to the schematic diagram shown in FIG. Exchange of mail in the present embodiment is performed by facsimile transmission and reception of image data. For example, when coded image data is transmitted from the FAX device 101, the tuner 2 receives and decodes the coded image data via the modem 30, and temporarily stores the data in a predetermined area of the hard disk 32.

On the other hand, when a text electronic mail is transmitted from a personal computer or the like (not shown), the mail is subjected to text / image conversion by a predetermined conversion service machine 102 provided on the line before being taken into the tuner 2. Is done. As a result, the mail converted to the image data is taken into the tuner 2 and stored in the hard disk 32 as described above.

Then, when the mail of the image data is received, the CPU 22 causes the incoming call icon RI to be displayed on the screen of the television receiver 3 in order to notify the user of this. When the user who knows that the mail has arrived by the incoming call icon RI enters a predetermined number defined in advance from the ten keys R10 of the remote control R and instructs the display of the mail list screen, the CPU 22 executes this instruction operation. After the detection and the storage status of the hard disk 32 are checked, a mail list screen is displayed on the television receiver 3 and the user is prompted to select a mail.

On this mail list screen, the user operates the cursor movement keys R31 to R34 of the remote control R and the selection key R
When a desired mail is selected by 20, the CPU 22
This selection operation is detected, and the user is further urged to select which of the screen display and the print output is to be performed. Here, when the user presses the print key R35 of the remote controller R, the CPU 22 detects this and reads out the image data of the selected mail from the hard disk 32 and outputs it to the scanner / printer SP. As a result, the contents of the selected mail are printed out. On the other hand, when the user presses the display key R36 of the remote controller R, the CPU 22 detects this and reads out the image data of the mail and outputs it to the television receiver 3 as described above. As a result, the contents of the selected mail are displayed on the screen (DSP shown in the figure).

(3) Mail Transmission Next, a mail transmission process will be described with reference to the schematic diagram shown in FIG. When sending an email,
The predetermined number defined in advance is entered on the numeric keypad R1 of the remote controller R.
Input from 0. When detecting the input of this number, the CPU 22 causes the television receiver 3 to display a mail transmission screen. Then, the user is prompted to select either inputting the mail to be transmitted from the tablet T or reading the mail from the scanner / printer SP.

Here, when the user presses the tablet key R37 of the remote controller R, the CPU 22 detects this, and
A tablet input screen is displayed on the television receiver 3 to prompt input from the tablet T. The tablet input screen displays a keyboard for inputting alphanumeric characters and hiragana, in addition to an image input area for displaying input image data as needed. Then, when the user operates the touch pen to draw a picture on the tablet T, image data corresponding to the operation is output from the tablet I / F 34, and the CP is output.
U22 displays this on the tablet input screen (TI in the figure). Thus, the user can interactively compose a mail while watching the screen. Then, when the creation of the mail is completed, the user designates the position corresponding to the keyboard on the screen defined on the tablet T with the touch pen, and specifies the mail name and dials the destination. The CPU 22 detects this operation, attaches a mail name to the input image data, and faxes the image data to the designated destination via the modem 30. In order to simplify the dialing operation of the transmission destination, a telephone number registered in advance is displayed on the television receiver 3 as a telephone directory screen, and the cursor movement keys R31 to R34 and the selection key R of the remote controller R are displayed.
The dial operation may be performed by using the dial 20 (CL in the figure).

On the other hand, when the user presses the read key R3
When the CPU 8 is pressed, the CPU 22 detects this and displays a scanner input screen on the television receiver 3 to urge input from the scanner / printer SP. In response, when the user causes the scanner / printer SP to read a predetermined document,
Image data corresponding to the read image is taken into the tuner 2. Then, the user operates the numeric keypad R10 of the remote controller R to input a hiragana previously assigned to a two-digit number or the like, thereby designating a mail name and dialing a transmission destination. The CPU 22 detects this operation, attaches a mail name to the input image data, and faxes the image data to the designated destination via the modem 30.

The image data mail transmitted in this way is received as it is if the destination is a communication terminal having a FAX receiving function. However, if the FAX receiving function is not provided or if reception of text data is desired. Is subjected to image / text conversion by a predetermined conversion service machine 103 provided in the middle of the line, and is received as a text mail.

C: Modifications (1) In the embodiment, a tuner for receiving digital satellite broadcasts has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form, and for example, a cable such as terrestrial broadcast or CATV is used. The present invention is also applicable to a digital tuner for broadcast reception.

(2) Further, in the embodiment, the conversion service machines 102 and 103 are interposed on the line as means for exchanging text data with electronic mail. However, such a conversion service machine is not provided. Well-known conversion software for performing text / image conversion and image / text conversion may be provided inside the tuner 2 (for example, stored in the ROM 23 or the hard disk 32), and the above conversion may be executed inside the tuner 2. . In this way, while it is possible to receive an e-mail in text data, it is possible to convert the e-mail in text data into image data and send it by fax.

(3) In the embodiment, the tablet T
In the case of the input from, the input of the mail name and the dialing of the transmission destination are performed using the pseudo keyboard defined on the tablet T, but the input is not limited to such a form, and the input from the tablet T is also applicable. As in the case of the scanner / printer SP, the input of a mail name or the like may be performed using the numeric keypad R10.

(4) Further, in the embodiment, FAX transmission / reception via a telephone line has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form, and can be applied to, for example, FAX transmission / reception via ISDN. . In this case, instead of the modem 30, TA
(Terminal adapter) is used as an interface.

[0035]

As described above, according to the present invention, a user of a digital broadcast can actively utilize two-way communication via a telephone line or the like by exchanging mails by facsimile communication.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration example of an operation surface of a remote controller R according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a mail receiving process in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a mail transmission process in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Antenna, 2 ... Digital tuner, 3 ... Television receiver (video reproduction apparatus), 20 ... Tuner part, 21 ... Decoder, 22 ... CPU (output means, selection means), 23 ... R
OM, 24 RAM, 25 AV I / F, 26 operation I / F, 28 card I / F, 30 modem (transmission means, reception means), 32 hard disk (storage means),
34 tablet I / F (input means), 36 image input / output I / F (input means), 101 fax device, 102,
103: Conversion service machine, BUS: Bus, CD: I
C card, R: remote control, SP: scanner / printer,
T: Tablet.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04L 12/58 H04L 11/20 101B H04N 7/24 H04N 7/13 Z 7/14

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A digital tuner for receiving program information transmitted by digital broadcasting, outputting the program information to a video reproducing apparatus, and displaying the same, wherein: input means for inputting image information; and image information input by the input means. Transmission means for facsimile transmission as e-mail; reception means for facsimile reception of e-mail of image information to be transmitted; storage means for storing e-mail of image information received by the reception means; designation from the storage means Output means for reading out the image information of the received e-mail and outputting the read out image information to the video reproducing apparatus for display. 2. A printer connected to a printer that prints out the supplied image information, and further includes a selection unit that selects one of the video reproduction device and the printer as an output destination of the image information. 2. The digital tuner according to claim 1, wherein the image information of the electronic mail read from the storage unit is output to an output destination selected by the selection unit.