JPS6374373A - Television receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify structure of a channel selection operating section and prevent confusion of a user by providing a memory for skip channel selection in a main tuner and an auxiliary tuner in common and skipping unused channels at the time of selecting channel successively by each tuner. CONSTITUTION:For a skip memory 22, 1 bit is allotted respectively to each channel #0-#125. When a channel is not used, data 0 is written in corresponding address in the memory 22, and when a channel is used, data 1 is written. At the time of successive channel selection of the main tuner 5M or auxiliary tuner 5S, each tuner 5M, 5S is controlled by a system controlling circuit 20 to skip channels in which 0 is written in the skip memory 22, and stop at a channel in which 1 is written. As the skip memory 22 is common to tuners 5M, 5S, required capacity can be saved, and a controlling system for channel selection can be simplified.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] The present invention will be explained in the following order.

A. Field of industrial application B. Overview of the invention - C. Prior art D. Problems to be solved by the invention E. Means for solving the problems (Fig. 1) Figure) Reproduction of G2 main and sub-images (Figures 4 and 5) Sequential selection of G3 sub-channels (Figures 1 and 2) A sub-screen was displayed inside the
Regarding television receivers.

B. Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a television receiver with an in-plane sub-screen display, which includes first and second tuners and a skip channel selection memory common to both tuners. By skipping over unused channels based on memory data when sequentially selecting channels with the second tuner, the configuration of the tuning operation section is simplified, user confusion is prevented, and cost is reduced. This is how it was done.

C. Prior Art Conventionally, so-called picture-in-picture type television receivers (hereinafter abbreviated as P/P receivers) in which a sub-screen is displayed within a main screen have been known.

As will be described later, the P/P receiver is equipped with a memory for reproducing images on the sub-screen, and this memory writing,
By continuously and alternately repeating the reading, a moving image can be played back on the sub-screen.

In conventional P/P receivers, the image played back on the main screen (main image) and the image played back on the sub screen@! (Sub-image) signal sources include high-frequency signals such as broadcasting, CATV retransmissions and independent broadcasts, and baseband external video signals such as VTRs and video discs.

D Problems to be Solved by the Invention By the way, in television broadcasting, for example, a baseball program on one broadcast station and a golf program on another broadcast station,
Two programs that a viewer is interested in may be broadcast simultaneously.

In such cases, conventional P/P receivers cannot utilize the playback function of two main and sub screens, and a P/P receiver capable of receiving two systems of high frequency waves has been desired.

However, when two tuners are installed, if each tuner is provided with number keys from 0 to 9 (numeric keypad) and channel number up and down keys as a channel selection operation mechanism, the number of keys is too large. However, there is a problem in that unnecessary confusion is caused due to erroneous operation by the user.

In addition, in the case of a television receiver or remote controller, there is a problem in that it is difficult to increase the number of operation keys because the area in which various control operation keys can be mounted is limited.

In addition, on P/P receivers, the television broadcast reception status (
It is necessary to switch between the TV mode) and the external video signal playback state (video mode), but if this mode switching is associated with tuner channel selection, the circuit configuration will become complicated.
Mode switching and channel selection are performed independently of each other.

However, if each of the two tuners is provided with a mode switching key and a channel selection operation mechanism, the number of keys will further increase and the above-mentioned problems will be exacerbated. In Japanese Patent Application No. 1125/1982, the present applicant has disclosed that when a sub-channel selection means is operated when an externally input image is played within a sub-screen, the sub-channel image is played back. ,
A P/P receiver has already been proposed in which the video signal source switching means for sub-images is omitted to prevent user confusion.

By the way, in television broadcasting, channels with adjacent frequencies are not assigned to the same area in order to prevent interference. Also, in CATV, not all channels are necessarily used in the same area. Therefore, when selecting channels sequentially using the amplifier down key, if unused channels are stored in memory in advance, Skip tuning, which skips unused channels and selects the next channel, can shorten the time required.

However, providing a numeric keypad and a preset key for each tuner to preset unused channels will rekindle the above-mentioned problems.

Furthermore, in addition to the numeric keypad, preset keys, and up/down keys necessary for skip channel selection in the case of a receiver with only one screen, it is also conceivable to provide a changeover switch for two main and sub tuners. However, in this case, one operation key has two meanings, and the operation becomes complicated, again causing confusion due to erroneous operation by the user.

Furthermore, when the main tuner and the sub tuner are each provided with a memory for skip selection, there is a problem in that the required storage capacity increases.

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a main screen internal cut-out screen display type television in which the configuration of the channel selection operation section is simplified, user confusion is prevented, and cost increases are suppressed. It is located in the place where the receiver is provided.

E. Means for Solving Problems The present invention provides a television receiver in which a sub-screen is displayed within the main screen, in which first and second channel selection means (
5M) and (5S), and the first and second channel selection means (
5M) and (5S) are provided with a memory (22) for skipping selection of unused channels common to the first channel selection means (5M) and (5S).
The main image is reproduced from the received signal by the second tuner 12 (5S), the sub-image is reproduced from the received signal by the second tuner 12 (5S), and the first tuner (5M) or the second tuner (5S) 5
This television receiver skips over unused channels based on the data in memory (22) when sequentially selecting channels (S).

According to the present invention, the configuration of the channel selection operation section is simplified, and sequential channel selection of subchannels is easily performed.

G. Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment of a television receiver according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

Overall Configuration of G1 First, the overall configuration of a television receiver according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

This television receiver has a main television circuit MK and a sub-television circuit SK, and projects a main screen on the entire screen of a picture tube (18) based on a video signal from the main television circuit MK. Based on the video signal from the sub-television circuit SK, the sub-screen is displayed on the screen so as to fit into a part of the main screen. These television circuits MK,
SK are tuners (5M), (5S), video intermediate frequency circuits (6M), (6S), and video/color signal circuits <8M), respectively.

(BS).

, and external video signal input terminals V1, V2, . V3
The external video signals from these input terminals are transmitted to the switch circuits (
7M), (7S), tuner (5M)
, (5S) and is supplied to the picture tube (18) so that the image can be displayed.

The sub-television circuit SK has a sub-screen picture tube (18).
A video signal processing circuit (12) is provided for displaying images on the main screen. I'm trying to control it.

The television circuits MK and SK each have a character display circuit (
19M) and (19S) are provided, and the video @ identification characters, such as the number of the television broadcast reception channel and external video signal input terminal, are superimposed and displayed on the main screen and sub screen separately. being done.

System control circuit (20
) is provided to control each part of the television receiver.

Next, the configuration of this television receiver will be explained in more detail. The received signal from antenna AT is supplied to a splitter (1). This brancher (11) passes the received signal through the switch circuit (3) without attenuating it to the main tuner (5M
), and part of it is branched and supplied to the sub tuner (5S) through the high frequency amplifier (4). As a result, the quality of the received signal of the main tuner (5M) is ensured, and branching loss to the sub tuner (5S) is compensated.

The switch circuit (3) switches between the antenna input from the splitter (1) and the high frequency input from a descrambler for receiving pay television broadcasting, etc. from the auxiliary input terminal (2), and connects it to the main tuner (5M). supply

The video intermediate frequency signal from the main tuner (5M) is supplied to the main video intermediate frequency circuit (6M), and the video signal from the video detection circuit of this is supplied to the main switch circuit (7M).
It is switched with the external video signals from the external video signal input terminals v1 to v3, and one of the video signals is supplied to the main video/color signal circuit (8M). Note that (26) is a monitor output terminal, which is connected to the output side of the main switch circuit (7M). This main video/color signal circuit (8M) outputs red, green, and blue signals R, G, and B, and the switch circuit (
9).

The audio intermediate frequency signal from the main video intermediate frequency circuit (6M) is supplied to the audio circuit (with built-in audio multiplexing circuit) (28), and the audio signal from the audio circuit (28) is sent to the switch circuit (29). external audio signal input terminal AL corresponding to the above-mentioned external video signal input terminals v1 to v3.
, A2. A3 is switched to an external audio signal reproduced from a VTR or the like, and one of the audio signals is supplied to a speaker (31) via a low frequency amplifier (30).

Note that two systems of low frequency amplifiers and speakers are provided in order to support stereo audio signals.

Horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals from the main video/color signal circuit (8M) are supplied to the deflection/high voltage circuit (27), and the deflection signal and high voltage DC voltage from this are supplied to the picture tube (18).

The video intermediate frequency signal from the sub tuner (5S) is supplied to the sub video intermediate frequency circuit (6S), and the video signal from the video detection circuit of this is supplied to the sub switch circuit (7S).
After being switched to the external video signals from the external video signal input terminals v1 to 3, and one of the video signals and the video signal from the main switch circuit (7M) being switched by the switch (25), the sub video signal and the video signal from the main switch circuit (7M) are switched. It is supplied to the color signal circuit (8S). Red, green, and blue signals R, G, and B are obtained from this sub-picture/color signal circuit (8S), and these are supplied to the matrix circuit (10) to provide luminance, red difference, and blue difference signals Y, R, and -Y and B-Y, and then supplied to the A/D converter (13) of the video signal processing circuit (12).

This A/D converter (13) is a time division type A/D converter as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 60-44792. The digital signal from the A/D converter (13) is stored in memory.
(14) and written. The digital signal read from the memory (14) is supplied to the D/A converter (15) and converted into an analog signal. In the video signal processing circuit (12), the lines and pixels of the video signal are thinned out according to the size ratio of the main screen and the sub screen, for example, 3:1. The memory (14) has four frame (or field) memory areas, depending on the maximum possible number of sub-screens, for example four. This memory (14) is controlled by a sub-screen control circuit (16) to determine whether the sub-screen is a moving image, a still image, a frame shot, etc., the number of sub-screens, the position of the sub-screen on the main screen, etc.

When the sub-screen is a moving image, the writing and reading of the video signal in the memory (14) is continuously and alternately repeated. When the sub-screen is a still image, the video signal is stored in the memory (14) as a frame or field. After writing in units,
Read this repeatedly. During frame photography on the sub-screen, multiple video signals are written in frame or field units at different timings to the memory (14), and then read out repeatedly (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 56-27573).
, the number of sub-screens that can be fitted into the main screen is determined by memory (
It is determined by the number of memory areas used in 14). The contents of the sub screen include moving images, still images, and frame shots of video signals from the sub video/color signal circuit (8S), or still images and frame shots of video signals from the main video/color signal circuit (8M). Switching of these video signals is performed by switching the above-mentioned switch (25). The video content of the main screen and sub screen can be changed by simultaneous switching of the reception channels of the main and sub tuners (5M) and (5S), or by the main and sub switch circuits (7M).
, <7S).

Each color signal from the main video/color signal circuit (8M) and each color signal from the D/A converter (15) of the video signal processing circuit (12) are supplied to the switch circuit (9), and one part of the main screen so that the sub screen is inserted into the selected predetermined position of the section.
Both color signals can be switched.

This switch circuit (9) is controlled by a sub-screen control circuit (16). The video signal from the switch circuit (9) is supplied to the picture tube (18).

The main picture identification character signal produced by the main character display circuit (19M) is added to the video signal by an adder (17) provided between the switch circuit (9) and the picture tube (18).

Here, for example, an adder (17) is inserted only in the transmission path of the green signal, so that the green video identification character is superimposed on the main screen. This video identification character may be of any other color.

The sub-picture identification-character signal generated by the sub-character display circuit (19S) is sent to the matrix circuit (10) and the A/D converter (1
3) It is added to the sub-picture signal by an adder (11) provided in between. Here, the adder (11) is inserted, for example, only in the transmission path of the luminance signal, and white video identification characters are superimposed on the sub-screen. This video identification character may be of any other color.

The above-mentioned main and sub tuners (5M) and (5S) are
It is controlled by a tuning signal from the system control circuit (20). Switch circuit (3), (7M), (
7s).

(29) and the switch (25) are the system control circuit (2
0). The main and sub video/color signal circuits (8M) and (BS) are blanked by the system control circuit (20) during amplifier and down scanning channel selection. Furthermore, this blanking is
A blanking switch may be provided in the front stage of the picture tube (18), and a main and sub video intermediate frequency circuit (6M
), main and sub-horizontal synchronization signals Hm from (6S)
, Hs and main and sub video/color signal circuits (8M),
Main and sub vertical blanking signals (vertical signals) Vm and Vs from the (BS) are supplied to the system control circuit (20). Main and sub character display circuit (19M), (1
9S) and the sub-screen control circuit (16) are controlled by the system control circuit (20).

(21) is the last condition memory, which shows the selected channels of the main and sub tuners (5M) and (5S), the switching status of the switch circuit (7M) and (7S), and the switching status of the sub screen control circuit (16) when the power is turned off. Control status etc.
It is stored under the control of the system control circuit (20), and when the power is turned on again, the state of each part at the time the power was cut off is reproduced under the control of the system control circuit (20).

(22) is a skip memory in which one bit is allocated to each channel #0 to #125. If any channel is not used, the memory (22
) data “O” is written to the corresponding address,
If the channel is used, data "1" is written.

As described below, the main chainer (5i) or the secondary chainer (
5S), “01” is stored in the skip memory (22).
Each tuner (5M) and (5S) is connected to the system control circuit (20
) is controlled by Note that, at the time of shipment from the factory, for example, only US VHFi broadcast channels #2 to #13 are preset as channels to be used.

K is a group of operation keys attached to the receiver body, and is connected to the system control circuit (20). This group of operation keys includes, for example, a power key, main reception channel and volume up/down keys, an A D D key for presetting the skip memory, and an ERAS key.
E) Contains keys, etc.

(24) is a remote controller for controlling the television receiver, which is equipped with various keys and has a transmitter that transmits a remote control signal based on the operation of the keys. (
23) is a receiver that receives the received signal from the transmitter of this remote controller (24), and the system control circuit (20)
It is connected to the.

This remote control signal is carried by light, radio waves, sound waves, etc.

Next, examples of keys of this remote controller (24) will be listed. Power key, recall key (displays video identification characters), mute key (silences audio), numeric keypad for selecting reception channel and external video signal input terminal number, TV/VTR switching key, antenna manual/ Auxiliary high frequency input switching key, audio multiplex key, picture,
Main reception channel and main external video signal input terminal number and volume up and down keys, sub screen on/off key, sub reception channel and external video signal input terminal number up and down keys, still image key, frame camera key, sub-screen position movement key, main and sub-screen video content exchange key.

G2 Reproduction of main and sub-images Next, reproduction of main and sub-images according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

The main image is played first.

The mode switching key of the remote controller (24) mentioned above is
When the main tuner (5M) is remote controlled and the main tuner (5M)'s channel selection operation key, that is, either the numeric keypad or the main channel number up or down key is pressed, the channel selection operation is performed as shown in Figure 4A. (Step ■), under the control of the system control circuit (20), for example, channel #
21 is selected as the main channel (step ■), and this channel number and channel selection data are stored in the last memory (21
) (step ■), and as shown in FIG. 5A, the image of channel #21 is reproduced on the main screen SLI+, and the channel number is displayed.

When the mode switching key is switched to video mode and video #1 is selected as the main external video signal, this main external video signal number is also stored in the last memory (21) independently of the main channel number. . Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the image of video #1 is reproduced on the main screen S+a, and the number of this external video signal is displayed.

The sub-image is then played back.

As a first step, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the sub-screen on/off key (not shown) of the remote controller (24) is pressed (step ■), the system control circuit (20
), it is determined whether the sub-screen is being displayed (step ■). If it is not displayed, a new sub-screen is displayed and the sub-image is played (step ■), and if it is displayed, the sub-screen (and sub-image) is deleted (step ■). Then, when the sub-screen on/off key is pressed, the display state of the sub-screen is reversed each time the key is pressed, and the final display state is stored in the last memory (21) (step 2).

Next, when the image from the sub tuner (5S) is to be played back on this sub screen, the sub channel number up or down key of the remote controller (24) is pressed, and the selection shown in FIG. 4A above is performed. A station operation is performed and, for example, channel #14 is selected as a subchannel. This channel number etc. are stored in the last memory (21) as in the case of the main channel.

Furthermore, the display position of the sub-screen can be selected by the user. When the sub screen position movement key of the remote controller (24) is operated, the main screen 41 [1]
The lower left corner is selected from among the corners of the location, and this location is stored in the last memory (21).

In this way, as shown in FIG. 5C, the image of channel #14 is reproduced as a sub-image and the channel number is displayed on the sub-screen Ss at the lower left corner of the main screen 5Ill.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to replace the main and sub images. As shown in Figure 4C, the remote control (24)
When the main/sub image swap key is pressed (step 0)
Under the control of the system control circuit (20), the tuning data of the main tuner (5M) and the sub tuner (5S) stored in the last memory (21) are replaced, and the operation mode data is also replaced. Then, the channels of the main and sub-images are exchanged, and the modes of the main and sub-images are exchanged (step 0). In the above case, the main channel and sub-channel are selected as channels #21 and #14, respectively, and the main image is in video mode,
The secondary image was a TV remote. By this replacement, channel #14 becomes the main channel, channel #21 becomes the sub channel, the main image becomes the TV remote, and the sub image becomes the video mode. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, the relationship between the main image and the sub-image is completely opposite to that shown in Figure C. As mentioned above, data such as main and sub image operation modes and channel numbers are stored in the last memory (21).
(step [phase], ■).

Note that the channel number or external video signal number as described above is displayed on the screen for, for example, several seconds each time various keys are operated.

Sequential tuning of G3 subchannels Next, sequential tuning of subchannels according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

First, the main tuner (5M) is controlled by the system control circuit (20) by operating the main channel up/down keys among the operation keys provided on the receiver body.
For example, the channel #14 is selected, and in this state, the skip memory (22) is preset according to the flowchart of FIG.

When channel #14 is broadcast in the area where the receiver is installed, the atto key is pressed among the pair of preset keys (step ■).The system control circuit (20) determines that the atto key has been pressed. (Step O), channel #14 of skip memory (22)
Data “1′” is written to the address corresponding to (
Step O).

Next, the main tuner (5M) is switched to channel #13 by operating the main channel down key. If there is no broadcast on channel #13, when the erase key among the preset keys is pressed (step ■), this is determined in the system control circuit (20) (step O) and channel #13 in the skip memory (22) is pressed.
Data "0" is written to the address corresponding to (step 0).

Thereafter, in the same manner, the skip memory (22) is populated for all channels that can be received in the area where the receiver is installed.

Note that this receivable channel is the main tuner (5M
) and the sub tuner (5S), so in this embodiment, the skip memory (22) is common to both tuners (5S).
5M) and (5S), thereby reducing the required capacity and simplifying the channel selection control system.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of the operation for sequentially selecting subchannels in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the remote controller (
24) When the up key or down key of the sub channel number is pressed (step ■), the system control circuit (
In step 20), it is determined whether the channel selection direction is up (step O). If the channel selection direction is up, 1 is added to the subchannel number before pressing the up key (step ■), and if the channel selection direction is down, 1 is subtracted from the subchannel number before pressing the down key (step ■). )
. The data corresponding to the newly selected sub-channel number is read from the skip memory (22) (step ■), and it is determined whether the read data is "1" or "O" ( Step ■). If the read data is "1", the newly set subchannel is being used for broadcasting, so the sequential channel selection operation is temporarily stopped. Also, if the read data is “0”,
Since the newly set sub-channel is an unused channel, the process returns to step ① again and the sub-channel number is increased or decreased according to the initial channel selection direction, that is, the unused channel is skipped. , the time required for sequential channel selection is shortened.

Effects of the Invention As detailed above, according to the present invention, a memory for skip selection is provided in common to the main tuner and the sub tuner, so that unused channels are skipped when each tuner sequentially selects a channel. As a result, the configuration of the channel selection operation section is simplified, user confusion is prevented, and a television receiver with a sub-screen display inside the main tooth plane is obtained, which reduces the cost.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 and 2 are flowcharts for explaining the skip channel selection operation of an embodiment of the television receiver according to the present invention,
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts and route diagrams for explaining the main and sub-image reproduction operations of the embodiment of the present invention. It is. (5M) is the main tuner, (5S) is the sub tuner, (8M)
) is the main video/color signal circuit, (8S) is the sub video/color signal circuit, (12) is the video signal processing circuit, (20) is the system control circuit, (22) is the memory, (24) is the remote It is a controller.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A television receiver configured to display a sub-screen within the main screen, including first and second channel selection means and a common unused channel selection means for the first and second channel selection means. a memory for skipping channel selection, reproduces a main image from the signal received by the first channel selection means, reproduces a sub-image from the signal received by the second channel selection means, and A television receiver characterized in that the unused channels are skipped based on the data in the memory when sequentially selecting channels by the first channel selection means or the second channel selection means.