KR100242882B1 - Improved user interface apparatus in composite receiver for broadcasting - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a composite reception system for broadcasting which can provide an OSD image of a general broadcasting using a graphic from a digital set-top box in a user interface for receiving a general broadcasting in a receiving system that simultaneously receives satellite broadcasting and general broadcasting. The present invention relates to an improved user interface device. To this end, the present invention extracts and stores menu information data (OSD data) inserted into a satellite broadcasting signal in a first memory area and extracts OSD data extracted from a general broadcasting signal. 2 is stored in the memory area, and in this situation, when the user menu service request signal is input when the receiving system is in the normal broadcast viewing mode, the second area is based on the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals separated from the composite video signal of the selected general broadcast channel. OSD screen is composed of OSD data drawn from Generates OSD switching signal for output switching based on horizontal and vertical sync signal separated from composite video signal of channel, and outputs video signal and OSD screen data of tuned general broadcasting channel in response to the generated OSD switching signal Technical means for generating a video signal mixed with the OSD screen data by adaptively switching the output of the.

Description

Improved User Interface Device in Broadcast Composite Receiver System

The present invention relates to a user interface device in a composite reception system for broadcasting, and more particularly, to a composite reception system suitable for processing user interface information in a composite reception system for receiving satellite broadcast signals and terrestrial broadcast signals or cable broadcast signals. An improved user interface device in.

In recent years, the broadcast method using satellites, which is rapidly expanding in use, is a method of providing broadcast signals to a wider area by using satellites (communication satellites) located at an altitude of about several tens to hundreds of kilometers from the surface of the earth. In this satellite broadcasting system, for example, an old band RF signal having a frequency band of 11.7 GHz to 12.0 GHz is used.

To this end, an antenna for satellite broadcasting reception is provided with a low noise blockdown converter for converting a radio frequency (RF) signal into an intermediate frequency (IF) signal, which is a high frequency RF signal. Is converted into an IF (intermediate frequency) signal in the hundreds to thousands of MHz bands (e.g., 950 MHz-2050 MHz) receivable by a satellite broadcasting receiver (receiver).

Therefore, in the satellite broadcasting tuner provided in the satellite broadcasting receiver (receiver), the user selects and tunes a channel selected by inputting an IF signal received through a low noise converter. Along with the improvement of signal quality and the ease of transmitting additional digital service data, the significant improvement of the user interface is a big advantage.

On the other hand, in recent years, the cable broadcasting method using a cable as well as satellite broadcasting has been rapidly spreading, and if a subscriber (that is, one receiver) wants to receive all of these types of broadcast signals, Since the frequency bands are different, it may be necessary to separately install both a satellite tuner and a cable broadcast tuner.

Accordingly, in order to accommodate various types of broadcasts as described above, various types of internal or external tuners may be provided or two types of broadcasts may be provided in separate signal processing paths (that is, satellite broadcast signal processing paths and cable broadcast signals). It may be considered that the receiver adopts an integrated complex tuner to process through the processing path, but this causes not only a problem of unnecessarily increasing hardware of the receiver itself but also an excessive increase in the cost of the receiver. Is caused.

On the other hand, in view of the above, a situation in which a composite tuner capable of simultaneously receiving a satellite broadcast signal and a cable broadcast signal through a single tuning path has been developed. As an example of such a tuner, the applicant in October 1994 As of 31st, there is a pending application to the Korean Intellectual Property Office (patent application No. 94-28287) under the name "tuner for satellite and cable broadcasting".

On the other hand, the recently developed satellite digital receiver supports up to 16 colors of graphics and various fonts to implement the basic VGA level user interface of the personal computer. The receiver is composed of independent modules, that is, each broadcast (satellite) If you configure it as a set-top box (receiver) with a single tuner that accommodates terrestrial, terrestrial, and cable, respectively, you do not need to integrate the user interface. If you configure a tuner (for example, a composite tuner in which a digital satellite receiver also receives cable broadcast signals, such as the current DSS (Digital Satellite System) MDU (Multi Dwelling Unit) of the United States, Direc TV), users can use a digital set-top box (receiver). Enhanced user interface and monotonous OSD of existing analogue video equipment (TV, cable TV) You will encounter two menus.

In such a composite tuner set-top box, the ideal method is to process all user interfaces of the embedded television in the digital set-top box module, but this method has not been considered until now for two reasons.

First, the analog video signal of the television and the digital video signal of the set-top box are output through different paths.

Second, the graphical user interface in the digital set-top box is combined with the video signal in the MPEG video decoder and output through the digital video signal processing path.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides an OSD image of a general broadcast using graphics from a digital set-top box in a user interface at the time of a general broadcast reception in a receiving system that simultaneously receives satellite broadcasts and general broadcasts. An object of the present invention is to provide an improved user interface device in a broadcast receiving system.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a user interface device in a composite receiving system for broadcasting having a broadcast signal processing path for processing a tuned general broadcast channel and a broadcast signal processing path for processing a tuned satellite broadcast channel, A composite video signal processing block for performing various signal processing of a video signal on the analog composite video signal of the selected general broadcast channel; A sync separation block for separating horizontal and vertical sync signals from the analog composite video signals provided by the composite video processing block; A memory block including a first area storing OSD data extracted from the general broadcast signal and a second area storing OSD menu data extracted from the satellite broadcast signal; Reconstructing the compressed coded video signal of the selected satellite broadcasting channel to the original signal before encoding based on the generated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals, and when a user menu service request signal is input while viewing the tuned satellite broadcasting channel. The OSD data stored in the second region and the restored video signal are mixed to generate a mixed video signal, and provided to the sync separation block when a user menu service request signal is input while watching the tuned general broadcast channel. A video decoding block constituting an OSD screen from OSD data extracted from the first area based on the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals; Generating horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals for reconstruction of the tuned satellite broadcasting channel and providing them to the video decoding block, converting the reconstructed digital video signal or mixed digital video signal into an analog signal, and A video encoding block for converting / reconstructing the OSD screen data into an analog signal based on the separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals when the OSD screen data is provided; And selecting an output of a video signal of the tuned general broadcast channel provided in the composite video signal processing block in the general broadcast viewing mode, and the restored video provided from the video encoding block in the satellite broadcast viewing mode. Selects an output of a signal or a mixed video signal, and when the user menu service request signal is input while watching the general broadcast, correspondingly to the OSD switching signal provided from the video decoding block. Improved user in a broadcast receiving system comprising switching means for generating a video signal mixed with the OSD screen data by adaptively switching the output of a video signal and the output of the OSD screen data provided from the video encoding block Interface device To provide.

1 is a block diagram of an improved user interface device in a broadcast receiving system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of an image screen having an OSD signal provided in a satellite broadcast processing path at a user interface when receiving a general television broadcast according to the present invention; FIG.

2B is a view showing an example of a video screen having an OSD area provided in a general television broadcast processing path at a user interface when receiving a general television broadcast according to the present invention;

FIG. 2C illustrates an example of an image screen having an OSD signal finally obtained at a user interface according to the present invention. FIG.

<Description of the code | symbol about the principal part of drawing>

102: composite video signal processing block 104: synchronous separation block

106, 114: switch 108: MPEG video decoding block

110: memory block 112: video encoding block

The above and other objects and various advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the preferred embodiments of the present invention described below with reference to the accompanying drawings by those skilled in the art.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram of an improved user interface device in a broadcast receiving system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the improved user interface device of the present invention is a composite video signal processing block 102, a sync separation block 104, a first switch 106, an MPEG video decoding block 108, a memory block. 110, two buffers BF1 and BF2, a video encoding block 112, and a second switch 114.

Referring to FIG. 1, the composite video signal processing block 102 processes analog video signals received through a tuner (not shown). For example, the composite video signal processing block 102 performs various signal processing such as level amplification, noise reduction, and gain control. The signal processed video signal (i.e., the video signal comprising the vertical and horizontal synchronizing signals) is connected to the variable junction b of the sync separation block 104 and the second switch 114 via line L11. In this case, the composite video signal provided to the composite video signal processing block 102 may be a terrestrial television broadcast signal or a cable television broadcast signal.

Next, the sync separation block 102 separates the sync signal included in the video signal on the line L11, that is, the horizontal and vertical sync signals, wherein the separated horizontal and vertical sync signals are transmitted through the first switch 106 through the line L12. Is connected to the variable contact c of the C) and provided to the video encoding block 112 through the buffer BF1.

At this time, separating the horizontal and vertical synchronization signal from the analog video signal is to display the OSD signal corresponding to the user request signal (for example, channel information request signal, volume level control display, etc.) while watching the analog broadcast signal according to the present invention. When displaying on a monitor, this is to synchronize the analog video signal with the OSD signal when processing the OSD signal using the graphics from the digital set-top box.

On the other hand, the first switch 106 has an output side fixed contact a connected to the MPEG video decoding block 108 and a variable contact b connected to the video encoding block 112 through the buffer BF2, and the variable contact c described above. Connected to the output of the sync separation block 104, the contact is switched in response to a switching control signal CS2 provided from a controller (e.g., a microprocessor), not shown, that is, currently watching satellite broadcasting ( Or viewing selection) to connect the contacts ab to provide the MPEG video decoding block 108 with horizontal and vertical synchronization signals generated and provided by the video encoding block 112, and the user can broadcast in general (terrestrial broadcast or cable broadcast). When selecting a menu service (e.g., channel information request signal displayed on the monitor in the form of OSD, volume level control indication, etc.) while watching a video, the sync separation block 104 connects the contact ac. A standing separated horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals and provides a video MPEG decoding block 108. At this time, the separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals on the line L12 provided to the video encoding block 112 through the buffer BF1 are used to finish the synchronization of the OSD signal displayed on the monitor.

Next, the MPEG video decoding block 108 processes the tuned satellite channel video signal received through a tuner (not shown). For example, the MPEG video decoding block 108 compresses the compressed coded video signal in consideration of the temporal and spatial correlation of the video signal. The decoding is performed by using a decoding technique such as variable length decoding, inverse DCT, inverse quantization, motion compensation, etc., and the restored video signal is provided to the video encoding block 112 through the line L13. At this time, the frame signal restored to the original signal is synchronized with the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals provided from the video encoding block 112 via the first switch 106.

Also, the MPEG video decoding block 108 responds to a control signal CS1 provided from a controller (e.g., a microprocessor), not shown, when a menu service request signal is input by a user while watching a satellite channel broadcast. To extract the satellite channel information (OSD data) pre-stored in the area A of the memory block 110 to form a menu screen, and then mix the restored video signal in the form of OSD data to provide the video encoding block 112 through the line L13. do.

Moreover, the MPEG video decoding block 108 responds to a control signal CS1 provided from a controller not shown when a menu service request signal is input by the user while the user is watching a general broadcast (terrestrial broadcast or cable broadcast). Then, the general broadcast information (OSD data) stored in the area B of the memory block 110 is extracted to form a menu screen, and then provided to the video encoding block 112 through the line L13. In this case, horizontal and vertical synchronization signals that are separated from the synchronization separation block 104 and provided through the first switch 106 are used.

That is, the MPEG video decoding block 108 has an OSD switching signal (CS3) having a high or low level on the line L14 based on horizontal and vertical synchronization signals separated from the general broadcast signal when there is a menu service request signal during normal broadcast viewing. ), The second switch 114 on the output side switches its output contact in response to this OSD switching signal CS3. For example, the second switch 114 connects the contact ab when the OSD switching signal CS3 is low level to select the output of the tuned general broadcast video signal on the line L11, and the OSD switching signal CS3 is high. At level, connect a contact ac to select the output of OSD data on line L15. Therefore, the general broadcast video signal in which the OSD data is mixed will be output to the output of the second switch 114.

Meanwhile, the memory block 110 stores information about satellite channels (OSD data) and information about general broadcast channels (OSD data), and these OSD data are stored in a separate area through a controller (not shown). Each is stored and provided to the MPEG video decoding block 108 when there is a menu service request signal, and configured as a menu screen.

On the other hand, the video encoding block 112 generates horizontal and vertical synchronization signals required for the reconstruction of the video signal when the user is watching a tuned satellite channel, through the buffer BF2 and the first switch 106. Converts a reconstructed digital video signal (or a reconstructed video signal mixed with OSD data) provided to the MPEG video decoding block 108 described above, and also provided through line L13, to an analog NTSC video signal or a PAL video signal. It is provided to the variable contact c of the second switch 114 through L15.

In addition, video encoding block 112 is provided from MPEG video decoding block 108 via line L13 when the user requests a menu service (e.g., channel information request signal) while watching a tuned general broadcast channel. The OSD data (eg, an OSD signal in the form shown in FIG. 2B) is converted to conform to the analog NTSC or PAL signal specification and then provided to the variable contact c of the second switch 114 via line L15. .

On the other hand, the second switch 114 connects the contacts ab when the receiving system is in the normal broadcasting viewing mode, and provides the video signal of the selected general broadcasting channel to the display side, not shown, and when the receiving system is in the satellite broadcasting viewing mode. The contact ac is connected to provide a video signal of a tuned satellite broadcasting channel (or a satellite channel video signal mixed with an OSD signal) to a display side, not shown.

In addition, the second switch 114 switches the OSD provided from the MPEG video decoding block 108 via line L14 when the user requests a menu service (eg, channel information, etc.) while watching the tuned general broadcast channel. In response to signal CS3, the contacts b and c are alternately switched (i.e., the output of the tuned general broadcast channel video signal on line L11 is selected when the OSD switching signal is low level, and the OSD switching signal is high level). Selects the output of the OSD data on the line L15), thereby providing a video output of the selected general broadcast channel video signal and the OSD signal provided from the set-top box output to the display side, not shown.

That is, the video signal of the general broadcast channel on the line L11 selected (tuned) by the user in the general broadcast viewing mode is a screen as shown in FIG. 2A as an example, and the channel information on the line L15 generated by the user's request at this time. Assuming that the OSD signal is as shown in Fig. 2B, the video signal generated by the alternating output switching of the second switch 114 based on the OSD switching signal CS3 on the line L14 is shown in Fig. 2C. It will consist of the same type of screen. In the figure, A1 is an area where OSD data is to be inserted (or replaced), A2 is an OSD area to be inserted on the original screen, and A3 is an area when an OSD signal is inserted (or replaced) on the original screen.

As described above, according to the present invention, when there is a menu service request (i.e., user interface) from the user while watching the tuned general broadcast in a receiving system that simultaneously receives satellite broadcast and general broadcast, By providing the OSD image of the general broadcast using the graphic of the can realize a user interface with improved beam.

Claims (6)

A user interface apparatus in a broadcast receiving system having a broadcast signal processing path for processing a tuned general broadcast channel and a broadcast signal processing path for processing a tuned satellite broadcast channel, A composite video signal processing block for performing various signal processing of a video signal on the analog composite video signal of the selected general broadcast channel; A sync separation block for separating horizontal and vertical sync signals from the analog composite video signals provided by the composite video processing block; A memory block including a first area storing OSD data extracted from the general broadcast signal and a second area storing OSD menu data extracted from the satellite broadcast signal; Reconstructing the compressed coded video signal of the selected satellite broadcasting channel to the original signal before encoding based on the generated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals, and when a user menu service request signal is input while viewing the tuned satellite broadcasting channel. The OSD data stored in the second region and the restored video signal are mixed to generate a mixed video signal, and provided to the sync separation block when a user menu service request signal is input while watching the tuned general broadcast channel. A video decoding block constituting an OSD screen from OSD data extracted from the first area based on the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals; Generating horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals for reconstruction of the tuned satellite broadcasting channel and providing them to the video decoding block, converting the reconstructed digital video signal or mixed digital video signal into an analog signal, and A video encoding block for converting / reconstructing the OSD screen data into an analog signal based on the separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals when the OSD screen data is provided; And Selecting an output of the video signal of the tuned general broadcast channel provided in the composite video signal processing block in the general broadcast viewing mode; and the reconstructed video signal provided from the video encoding block in the satellite broadcast viewing mode. Or selecting an output of a mixed video signal, and when the user menu service request signal is input while watching the general broadcast, video of the tuned general broadcast channel in response to the OSD switching signal provided from the video decoding block. Improved user interface in a broadcast receiving system comprising switching means for adaptively switching between the output of a signal and the output of the OSD screen data provided from the video encoding block to generate a video signal mixed with the OSD screen data Device. 2. The improved user interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the OSD switching signal is generated based on the separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals provided from the synchronization separation block. 3. The improved user interface device of claim 2, wherein the OSD switching signal is a logic signal having a high or low level. 4. The switching device according to claim 3, wherein the switching means selects an output of the video signal of the tuned general broadcast channel or reconstructs the video signal of the tuned satellite channel when the OSD switching signal is at a low level. An output of the mixed video signal is selected, and the output of the OSD screen data is selected when the viewing mode is the general broadcasting viewing mode and the OSD switching signal is high level. User interface device. 5. The improved user interface device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the general broadcast signal is a terrestrial broadcast signal. 5. The improved user interface device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the general broadcast signal is a cable broadcast signal.

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