KR100683346B1 - Method for manupulating EPG information in Digital Multimedia Broadcasting receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for processing electronic program guide information of a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) receiving apparatus.

The electronic program guide information processing method of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus according to the present invention comprises the steps of: determining whether the electronic program guide information is stored in the storage means according to the activation signal of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus; Displaying electronic program guide information stored in the electronic program guide information, servicing a digital multimedia broadcasting selected according to a user's channel selection, and receiving electronic program guide information and storing the electronic program guide information stored in the storage means. And updating the program guide information. According to the configuration of the present invention, by using the latest electronic program guide information stored in the idle time when the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving device is started, the startup time of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving device can be reduced and the relatively recent electronic program guide information can be provided to the user. Provide the benefits that can be provided.

Electronic Program Guide, EPG Information, EPG Updates, DMB

Description

Method for processing electronic program guide information of digital multimedia broadcasting receiver {Method for manupulating EPG information in Digital Multimedia Broadcasting receiver}             

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional general digital multimedia broadcasting receiver.

2 is a flowchart illustrating an electronic program guide method of a digital multimedia broadcasting receiver according to the prior art.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of processing electronic program guide information in a digital multimedia broadcasting reception device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of processing electronic program guide information in a digital multimedia broadcasting reception device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

110: tuner 120: demultiplexer

130: image signal processing unit 140: display unit

150: electronic program guide processor 160: storage means

170: control unit 180: user command input unit

The present invention relates to a method for processing electronic program guide information of a digital multimedia broadcasting receiver.

In general, the standard of digital broadcasting is divided into European DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) method and American VSB (Vestigial Sideband Broadcasting) method.

The DVB method improves the commonality of various media such as cable TV, satellite, terrestrial and public antenna (SMATV), and the signal incubation and compression is based on the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) 2. In addition, digital TV systems (satellite, terrestrial, cable) including DVB tasks and service information (scrambling), channel coding and modulation methods by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) As the standardization is successfully completed, the service and technology sharing is spreading internationally.

In general, a general digital broadcasting receiver generally adopts an electronic program guide (EPG) function to help a user use a digital broadcasting service. Accordingly, in order to display the electronic program guide information to the user, the digital broadcast reception device needs to receive a program specific confirmation (PSI) / service information (SI) table including the electronic program guide information.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional digital multimedia broadcasting receiver.

As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional general digital multimedia broadcasting receiver includes a tuner 110 for tuning a broadcast signal and a demultiplexer 120 for demultiplexing a multiplexed broadcast signal tuned through the tuner 110. And a video signal processor 130 for processing the demultiplexer 120 to display the demultiplexed image information on the screen, and a display for displaying the output signal of the video signal processor 130 on the screen. The unit 140, the electronic program guide processor 150 for providing a guide screen for providing the electronic program guide information of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiver to the user, and for storing data and additional information necessary for signal processing A storage unit 160, a controller 170 for controlling each component of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus, and a digital multimedia And a user command input unit 180 that receives a user command related to an operation of a broadcast receiving device or related to an operation mode selection provided through a user interface screen.

In the general digital multimedia broadcasting receiver configured as described above, an electronic program guide method of a digital multimedia broadcasting receiver according to the prior art will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for guiding an electronic program of a digital multimedia broadcasting receiver according to the prior art.

Referring to FIG. 2, when power is supplied to the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus, the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus starts starting (S210). At this time, the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus receives electronic program guide information about a service serviced from the transmission apparatus of the digital multimedia broadcasting system (S220).

First, the multiplexed broadcast signal tuned through the tuner 110 is demultiplexed through the demultiplexer 120 and separated into additional information including broadcast information and program guide information, and additional information including program guide information is controlled. Under the control of 130 is stored in the storage means 160.

After receiving the electronic program guide information, the digital multimedia broadcasting receiver updates the stored electronic program guide information with newly received electronic program guide information and then displays the electronic program guide information on the screen through the user interface (S240). . That is, when a user inputs an electronic program guide screen output command through a user command input unit 180 such as a key of a remote controller or a receiving device, the controller 170 reads electronic program guide information stored in the storage unit 160. To the electronic program guide processor 150. The electronic program guide processor 150 processes the transmitted electronic program guide information on a OSD (On Screen Display) signal, and displays the electronic program guide information on the display unit 140 through the image signal processor 130 for the user.

On the other hand, if the user selects a channel to be watched (S250), the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus services the digital multimedia broadcasting for the corresponding channel (S260). Thereafter, when the digital multimedia broadcasting service for the corresponding channel selected by the user ends, it is determined whether the user continues to receive another digital multimedia broadcasting service (S270).

As a result of the determination (S270), if it is determined that the user wants another digital multimedia broadcasting service, the electronic program guide information is displayed again on the screen so that the user can select another digital multimedia broadcasting service (S240).

As a result of the determination (S270), when it is determined that the user does not want another digital multimedia broadcasting service, the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus ends the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving operation to terminate the service (S280).

According to the conventional method, when the digital multimedia broadcasting receiver is activated, the EIT (Event Information Table), which is electronic program guide information, is received and the channel name is displayed. Information of a program currently being broadcast using the present EIT [EIT (p)] including information of a program currently being broadcast in this process and the following EIT [EIT (f)] containing information about a program to be broadcasted next. Shows the entire electronic program guide information of 24 hours or 48 hours or more using schedule EIT [EIT (s)], which contains information about the program to be broadcast after the next program to be broadcast.

Therefore, in order to show the electronic program guide information according to the conventional method, the EIT (p / f) including the short-term electronic program guide information and the EIT (s) including the long-term electronic program guide information must be received. There is a disadvantage in that the activation time of the multimedia broadcasting reception device takes a long time.

The present invention provides the minimum electronic program guide information by using the short-term electronic program guide information received first by first receiving the short-term electronic program guide information from the electronic program guide information transmitted by the digital multimedia broadcast transmitter when the digital multimedia broadcasting receiver starts up. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for processing electronic program guide information of a digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus which can reduce the startup time of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic program guide information processing method of a digital multimedia broadcasting receiver according to the present invention preferentially receives short-term electronic program guide information among electronic program guide information transmitted from a digital multimedia broadcasting transmitting apparatus. And constructing minimal electronic program guide information by using the received short-term electronic program guide information, and displaying electronic program guide information according to the configured minimum electronic program guide information. do.

After the step of displaying the electronic program guide information, the step of servicing the selected digital multimedia broadcasting according to the user's channel selection, and if the digital multimedia broadcasting continues to receive the entire electronic program guide information and stored in the storage means And updating the program guide information.

Receiving the entire electronic program guide information and updating the electronic program guide information stored in the storage means, the step of determining whether to continue receiving the digital multimedia broadcast, and if the determination continues to receive the digital multimedia broadcast all electronic program Receiving the guide information, and updating the information stored in the storage means with the received full electronic program guide information.

The receiving of the electronic program guide information and updating the electronic program guide information stored in the storage means may include determining whether to continue receiving the digital multimedia broadcasting, and when the digital multimedia broadcasting reception is terminated as a result of the determination, Terminating a broadcast receiving operation of the multimedia broadcasting receiver; receiving full electronic program guide information during idle time of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiver; and updating information stored in the storage means with the received full electronic program guide information. Characterized in that comprises a.

According to the electronic program guide information processing method of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiver according to the present invention configured as described above, among the electronic program guide information transmitted from the digital multimedia broadcasting transmitter, the short term electronic program guide information is first received and received. By configuring the minimum electronic program guide information using the short-term electronic program guide information, there is an advantage that can reduce the startup time of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiver.

Hereinafter, an electronic program guide information processing method of a digital multimedia broadcasting receiver according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of processing electronic program guide information in a digital multimedia broadcasting reception device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

An electronic program guide information processing method of a digital multimedia broadcasting receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

First, the digital multimedia broadcasting receiver starts to operate according to the power on (S310).

The digital multimedia broadcasting signal transmitted from the digital multimedia broadcasting transmission device is demuxed through the demultiplexer 120 to output a signal including the electronic program guide information. The controller 170 of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiver receives short-term electronic program guide information [EIT (p / f)] from the demuxed signal (S320).

In this case, the controller 170 may receive short-term electronic program guide information [EIT (p / f)] and long-term electronic program guide information [EIT (s)] that constitute the electronic program guide information (EIT) within a short time. Only electronic program guide information [EIT (p / f)] is received.

The controller 170 configures and stores electronic program guide information including current program information of all channels to be initially used by the digital multimedia broadcasting receiver using the received short-term electronic program guide information [EIT (p / f)]. It stores in the means (160) (S330). Accordingly, when the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus starts up, the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus is started after configuring the minimum electronic program guide information using the information.

Even if the electronic program guide information configured using the short-term electronic program guide information [EIT (p / f)], the program name currently being broadcast and the next program name following each channel can be known. Therefore, the electronic program guide information initial screen can show the information of all channels and the current and subsequent programs of each of all channels.

The digital multimedia broadcasting reception apparatus in which startup is completed after the electronic program guide information is configured as described above, displays the electronic program guide screen on the basis of the information stored in the storage means 160 by the electronic program guide processor 150. It is displayed on (S340).

In this case, the digital multimedia broadcasting reception device may show all channel names and current program names of all channels. In this initial stage of activation, the electronic program guide information stored in the storage means 160 does not include long-term electronic program guide information, but there is no big problem for the user to use.

According to the above process, if the user selects a specific channel through the user command input unit 180 after the electronic program guide information is displayed on the display unit 140, the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus provides a digital multimedia broadcasting service for the selected channel. It will be executed (S350).

Subsequently, the digital multimedia broadcasting service receiving device performs a specific operation according to a user input command, and includes the entire electronic program guide information EIT including the long-term electronic program guide information [EIT (s)] when the load of the device is reduced. Received) and updates the electronic program guide information stored in the storage means 160 with the new electronic program guide information (S360).

To this end, the controller 170 first determines whether to continue receiving the digital multimedia broadcasting (S361).

As a result of the determination (S361), when continuing to receive the digital multimedia broadcasting, the controller 170 may be configured to execute the short term electronic program guide information [EIT (p / f)] and the long term included in the digital multimedia broadcasting signal transmitted from the digital multimedia broadcasting transmitter. All electronic program guide information including the electronic program guide information [EIT (s)] is received (S362).

The control unit 170 reconstructs the electronic program guide information according to the received total electronic program guide information (EIT) and updates the electronic program guide information stored in the storage unit 160 with the reconstructed electronic program guide information. In operation S363, the processor 160 stores the stored information at 160.

When the electronic program guide information is updated by the above process, when the user later tries to view the electronic program guide information again, the updated electronic program guide information can be displayed (S340).

As a result of the determination (S361), when the reception of the digital multimedia broadcasting is stopped, the controller 170 terminates the operation of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus (S364).

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of processing electronic program guide information of a digital multimedia broadcasting reception device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic program guide information processing method of the digital multimedia broadcasting reception device according to another embodiment of the present invention is the electronic program guide information of the digital multimedia broadcasting reception device shown in FIG. 3. Most of the work is done similarly.

Therefore, since the description of the steps S410 to S450 is the same as the description of the steps S310 to S350 of FIG. 3, the description thereof is omitted, and the electronic program guide information corresponding to the other parts is received to the storage means. Updating the stored electronic program guide information (S460) will be described.

In the step of receiving the electronic program guide information and updating the electronic program guide information stored in the storage means 160, the control unit 170 first determines whether the digital multimedia broadcasting reception device should continue to receive (S361).

As a result of the determination (S361), when the digital multimedia broadcasting reception is to be terminated, the controller 170 terminates the reception operation of the digital multimedia broadcasting reception apparatus (S364).

In the idle state in which the reception operation of the digital multimedia broadcasting reception device is terminated, since the reception module of the digital multimedia broadcasting reception device does not operate, the communication module is not used to use the broadcasting network used by the reception module of the digital multimedia broadcasting reception device. All electronic program guide information is received at idle time using a communication network that is a band used in operation S465.

When the electronic program guide information is received in the idle time, the reception time may use the night time which is the least available to the user, and the time when the broadcaster or the information provider periodically changes the electronic program guide information is 1-day. You can use the time you set twice.

The new electronic program guide information received at the idle time updates the electronic program guide information previously stored in the storage means 160 with the newly received electronic program guide information.

On the other hand, if the determination result (S461), when continuing to receive the digital multimedia broadcasting, the user receives a command such as channel selection, and receives all the electronic program guide information when the module performs an operation such as audio / video play, etc. (S462) The electronic program guide information of the storage means 160 is updated (S463). In this case, the entire electronic program guide information is received using a broadcasting network used by the receiving module of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus.

The updated electronic program guide information is controlled so that the controller 170 controls the electronic program guide processor 150 to be displayed on the image display unit 140 according to a user's electronic program guide information display command (S440).

As described above, according to the electronic program guide information processing method of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiver according to the present invention, the electronic program guide information can be configured quickly by preferentially receiving short-term electronic program guide information at the time of startup. While the startup time is faster, the user can initially display the electronic program guide information required by the user.

In the above, the electronic program guide information processing method of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus according to the present invention has been described in detail with reference to various embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, but the present invention may be included in the present invention even if the present invention is carried out without change and modification without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the fact will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

According to the electronic program guide information processing method of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiver according to the present invention, the digital multimedia broadcasting receiver first receives only short-term electronic program guide information that can be received within a short time when the digital multimedia broadcasting receiver is activated, thereby configuring the digital program guide information. It is possible to reduce the startup time of the multimedia broadcasting receiver.

Claims (4)

Receiving short-term electronic program guide information among electronic program guide information transmitted by the digital multimedia broadcasting transmission device; Constructing minimum electronic program guide information using the received short-term electronic program guide information; Displaying electronic program guide information according to the configured minimum electronic program guide information; And Receiving long-term electronic program guide information and updating the electronic program guide information stored in the storage means Electronic program guide information processing method of a digital multimedia broadcasting receiving apparatus, characterized in that configured to include. delete The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the long-term electronic program guide information and updating the electronic program guide information stored in the storage means comprises: Determining whether to continue receiving the digital multimedia broadcasting; Receiving long-term electronic program guide information when continuing to receive digital multimedia broadcasting as a result of the determination; And updating the information stored in the storage means with the received long-term electronic program guide information. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the long-term electronic program guide information and updating the electronic program guide information stored in the storage means comprises: Determining whether to continue receiving the digital multimedia broadcasting; Terminating the broadcast receiving operation of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiver when the digital multimedia broadcasting reception is terminated as a result of the determination; Receiving long-term electronic program guide information during idle time of the digital multimedia broadcasting receiver; And updating the information stored in the storage means with the received long-term electronic program guide information.

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