KR20060084004A - Apparatus and method for setting broadcasting channel automatically in digital broadcasting receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for automatically setting a broadcast channel in a digital broadcast receiver. For example, in the case of automatically setting a broadcast channel in a digital broadcast receiver, the reference value is automatically scanned while the broadcast frequency of all bands is automatically scanned. If a broadcast frequency for which the above good broadcast signal strength and quality is detected is set to any one broadcast channel, and the same broadcast channel as the set broadcast channel is previously set, the broadcast signal strength and quality of the same broadcast channel is detected. Compared with the received broadcast signal strength and quality, a broadcast channel where better broadcast signal strength and quality is detected is set as a main broadcast channel, and the remaining broadcast channels are divided into sub broadcast channels, and then the main broadcast channel is set. Tune to receive a broadcast signal, and when the strength and quality of the broadcast signal are less than the reference value, By changing and setting the sub broadcast channel to the main broadcast channel and tuning in and receiving a broadcast signal, a broadcast signal having better strength and quality of a better broadcast signal is automatically generated in an overlapping area located among a plurality of transmission towers transmitting terrestrial digital broadcast. It is a very useful invention that can be selectively received.

Terrestrial broadcasting, main broadcasting channel, sub broadcasting channel, overlapping area, hidden broadcasting channel

Description

Apparatus and method for setting broadcasting channel automatically in digital broadcasting receiver             

1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment in which a general digital broadcast receiver is set to move within a broadcast frequency overlap region.

3 illustrates a configuration of a digital broadcast receiver to which the present invention is applied.

4 illustrates an embodiment of channel setting information stored and managed according to the present invention;

5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of automatically setting a broadcast channel in a digital broadcast receiver according to the present invention.

6 illustrates an embodiment in which a main broadcast channel and a sub broadcast channel are changed according to the present invention.

※ Explanation of code for main part of drawing

10: Tuner 11: Demux

12: audio buffer 13: video buffer

14: data buffer 15: MPEG decoder

16: microcomputer 17: OSD generation unit

18: memory 19: frequency strength and quality detection unit

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for automatically setting a broadcast channel in a digital broadcast receiver. For example, in a digital broadcast receiver such as a set-top box for receiving terrestrial digital broadcast, the strength of a broadcast signal and An apparatus and method for automatically setting a broadcast channel in a digital broadcast receiver for setting a better quality broadcast channel as a main broadcast channel and separately setting a remaining broadcast channel as a sub broadcast channel.

In general, digital broadcasting includes digital satellite broadcasting, terrestrial broadcasting, and cable broadcasting. In a digital broadcasting receiver such as a set top box (STB) that receives the digital broadcasting, a broadcast channel automatic setting operation is performed. In this case, while automatically scanning the broadcast frequencies of all bands, the strength and quality of the broadcast signals are detected.

Further, a series of broadcasts in which the strength and quality of the detected broadcast signal are compared with a preset reference value, and the broadcast frequency at which the strength and quality of a good broadcast signal equal to or greater than the reference value is detected is set to any one broadcast channel. Channel setting operation is performed sequentially.

Then, the broadcast channel set as described above is stored and managed, and when a user selects and designates any one broadcast channel, the broadcast channel corresponding to the broadcast channel is tuned to receive a digital broadcast signal.

However, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, in an overlapping area located among a plurality of transmission towers transmitting terrestrial digital broadcasting, all broadcast signals transmitted through each transmission tower can be received. In the setting operation, since only one broadcast channel having better signal strength and quality is selected and set among the broadcast signals, when the installation position of the digital broadcast receiver is changed within the overlapping region, Although a more optimal broadcast signal can be received, there is a problem in that the broadcast signal is received through a preset broadcast channel.

In addition, in a general broadcast channel setting operation, if the broadcast frequencies for which a good broadcast signal strength and quality above the reference value are detected are all set to separate broadcast channels, the same broadcast channel is set repeatedly, so that the user can Since the broadcast channel must be selected and deleted, there is a problem in that inconvenience is felt.

Therefore, the present invention was created to solve the above problems, for example, in a digital broadcasting receiver receiving terrestrial digital broadcasting, when the broadcasting channel is automatically set, the broadcast of which the strength and quality of a good broadcasting signal is detected. If the frequency is set to any one broadcast channel but the same broadcast channel as the set broadcast channel is previously set, the broadcast channel whose better broadcast signal strength and quality is detected is compared by comparing the strength and quality of the broadcast signal. If the broadcast channel is set, and the remaining broadcast channels are divided into sub-broadcast channels, and the broadcast signal is tuned using the main broadcast channel, and the strength and quality of the broadcast signal are less than the reference value. Change the sub broadcast channel to a main broadcast channel and receive a good broadcast signal. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for automatically setting a broadcast channel in a digital broadcast receiver.

In order to achieve the above object, the method for automatically setting a broadcast channel in a digital broadcast receiver according to the present invention may be performed by automatically scanning a broadcast frequency, and selecting a broadcast frequency at which a good broadcast signal strength and quality above a reference value are detected. Setting to a broadcast channel; If a broadcast channel identical to the set broadcast channel is previously set, comparing the broadcast signal strength and quality of the same broadcast channel with the detected broadcast signal strength and quality; And as a result of the comparison, setting a broadcast channel for which better broadcast signal strength and quality is detected as the main broadcast channel, and separately setting the remaining broadcast channels as sub broadcast channels.

In addition, the apparatus for automatically setting a broadcast channel in a digital broadcast receiver according to the present invention includes: receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal while automatically scanning a broadcast frequency; Detecting means for detecting the strength and quality of the received broadcast signal; And when the strength and quality of the detected broadcast signal are greater than or equal to the reference value, set the broadcast frequency to any one broadcast channel and, if the same broadcast channel is previously set, according to the strength and quality of the broadcast signal. And control means for separately setting the broadcast channel and the sub broadcast channel.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of an apparatus and method for automatically setting a broadcast channel in a digital broadcast receiver according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

3 illustrates a configuration of a digital broadcast receiver to which the present invention is applied. For example, a digital broadcast receiver such as a set-top box (STB) for receiving terrestrial digital broadcasting includes a tuner 10 and a demux. 11), audio buffer 12, video buffer 13, data buffer 14, MPEG decoder 15, microcomputer 16, OSD generator 17, memory 18, and frequency intensity and quality. The detection unit 19 is configured to be included.

On the other hand, in the microcomputer 16, when the broadcast channel automatic setting operation is performed, the tuner 10 is operated to automatically scan broadcast frequencies of all bands, and the frequency strength and quality detection unit ( 19), the strength and quality of the currently received broadcast signal are detected.

In addition, the microcomputer 16 compares the strength and quality of the detected broadcast signal with a predetermined reference value set in advance, and selects a broadcast frequency for which a good broadcast signal strength and quality equal to or greater than the reference value is detected. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the frequency of the broadcast channel, the strength and quality of the broadcast signal, and the channel setting information are stored in the memory 18. Information storage).

In the microcomputer 16, if a broadcast channel identical to the broadcast channel set as described above is previously set in the channel setting information, the broadcast signal strength and quality of the same broadcast channel are determined by the strength of the detected broadcast signal. Compared with the quality, the broadcast channel in which better broadcast signal strength and quality is detected is set as the main broadcast channel, and the remaining broadcast channels are separately set as the sub broadcast channel.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, among the channel setting information stored and managed in the memory 18, a main broadcast channel and a sub broadcast channel may be separately managed in a k-th channel (Channel #k). The sub broadcast channel is stored and managed as a hidden broadcast channel.

On the other hand, when the microcomputer 16 receives a broadcast signal by using the main broadcast channel of the k-th channel according to a user's request, and the strength and quality of the broadcast signal are less than the reference value, By changing and setting the sub broadcast channel to the main broadcast channel and receiving the broadcast signal, as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in an overlapping region located among a plurality of transmission towers transmitting terrestrial digital broadcast, It is possible to automatically select and receive a broadcast signal having a good broadcast signal strength and quality, which will be described in detail below.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for automatically setting a broadcast channel in a digital broadcast receiver according to the present invention. As described above, in a digital broadcast receiver such as a set-top box for receiving terrestrial digital broadcast, When performing a broadcast channel automatic setting operation according to a request, the microcomputer 16 operates the tuner 10 to automatically scan the broadcast frequencies of all bands that can receive broadcast (S10). .

Then, the frequency strength and quality detector 19 is operated to detect the strength and quality of the broadcast signal received through the tuner 10. For example, the strength and quality of the broadcast signal are previously determined. If it is less than the set reference value, the broadcast channel setting is skipped, whereas if the strength and quality of the broadcast signal are detected with good strength and quality above the reference value (S11), the current broadcast frequency (Frequency) is selected. In addition to setting any one broadcast channel (eg, Channel #k), the strength and quality of the detected broadcast signal are linked and stored (S12).

On the other hand, when setting any one broadcast channel as described above, the microcomputer 16 searches for channel setting information stored and managed in the memory 18, and the same broadcast channel as the set broadcast channel is preset. For example, when the same broadcast channel is preset (S13), the signal strength and quality stored in association with the frequency of the same broadcast channel are compared with the detected signal strength and quality. (S14).

Further, as a result of the comparison, a broadcast channel prioritization operation of setting any one broadcast channel having a better signal strength and quality as a main broadcast channel and dividing the remaining broadcast channels into sub broadcast channels is performed. For example, as described above with reference to FIG. 4, for example, a frequency of a main broadcast channel and a frequency of a sub broadcast channel are divided into a k-th channel (Channel #k) stored and managed in the memory 18. Managed.

In addition, when the scan operation for the broadcast frequency of all bands is completed (S16), the microcomputer 16 uses the channel setting information stored in the memory 18 to select and receive a broadcast channel desired by the user. Since the operation is performed (S17), according to the present invention, the same broadcast channel is divided into a main broadcast channel and a sub broadcast channel.

On the other hand, when the microcomputer 16 receives a broadcast signal using the main broadcast channel, but the strength and quality of the broadcast signal are less than a reference value, as shown in FIG. 6, the sub broadcast channel. Is replaced with the main broadcast channel, and the broadcast signal is tuned back so that the location of the digital broadcast receiver is more optimal than that in the overlapping area among the plurality of transmission towers transmitting terrestrial digital broadcast. One broadcast signal can be selected and received.

Or more, preferred embodiments of the present invention described above, for the purpose of illustration, those skilled in the art, within the technical spirit and the technical scope of the present invention disclosed in the appended claims below, to further improve various other embodiments Changes, substitutions or additions will be possible.

The apparatus and method for providing satellite broadcast antenna installation information in a digital broadcast receiver according to the present invention constructed and constructed as described above, for example, when a satellite broadcast antenna is connected to and installed in a digital broadcast receiver such as a set-top box (STB), After the user outputs and displays an OSD image for inputting the current position information of the satellite broadcasting antenna, and when the current position information is input, the broadcast satellites that can be received at the position are displayed as an OSD image in a list form, and any of them is displayed. When a satellite is selected, the installed angle, altitude, and azimuth of the satellite broadcasting antenna for the satellite are displayed and displayed in an OSD image so that the user can more accurately determine the installation angle, altitude, and azimuth of the satellite broadcasting antenna which is optimal for the current position. And easy to identify and adjust, and also includes a spectrum analysis module built into the device By controlling the operation, by measuring the strength and quality of the broadcast signal received through the satellite broadcasting antenna, and outputs the displayed result as an OSD image, the user can more easily check the current broadcast reception status It is a very useful invention.

Claims (11)

Setting a broadcast frequency for detecting a good broadcast signal strength and quality above a reference value to any one broadcast channel while automatically scanning the broadcast frequency; If a broadcast channel identical to the set broadcast channel is previously set, comparing the broadcast signal strength and quality of the same broadcast channel with the detected broadcast signal strength and quality; And According to the comparison, the digital broadcasting receiver comprising the step of setting the broadcast channel, the better broadcast signal strength and quality is detected as the main broadcast channel, and setting the remaining broadcast channel to the sub broadcast channel How to set broadcast channel automatically. The method of claim 1, In the first step, if a good broadcast signal strength and quality equal to or greater than a reference value is detected while automatically scanning a broadcast frequency, the broadcast frequency is set to any one broadcast channel, and the detected broadcast signal strength and quality is detected. Method for providing satellite broadcasting antenna installation information in a digital broadcast receiver, characterized in that for storing and linked. The method of claim 1, The sub broadcast channel is classified into a hidden (Hidden) broadcast channel management method for automatically setting a broadcast channel in a digital broadcast receiver. The method of claim 1, And when the main broadcast channel and the sub broadcast channel are separately set, receiving a broadcast signal by using the main broadcast channel. The method of claim 1, When the broadcast signal is tuned and received using the main broadcast channel, and the strength and quality of the broadcast signal are less than the reference value, the sub broadcast channel is changed to the main broadcast channel, and the broadcast signal is tuned again. Method for automatically setting a broadcast channel in a digital broadcast receiver, characterized in that it further comprises a step. The method of claim 5, When changing and setting the sub broadcast channel to the main broadcast channel, changing and setting the previously set main broadcast channel to the sub broadcast channel. Receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal while automatically scanning the broadcast frequency; Detection means for detecting the strength and quality of the received broadcast signal; And If the strength and quality of the detected broadcast signal are equal to or greater than a reference value, the broadcast frequency is set to any one broadcast channel, and if the same broadcast channel is preset, the main broadcast is performed according to the strength and quality of the broadcast signal. And a control means for dividing and setting the channel and the sub broadcast channel. The method of claim 7, wherein The control means compares the broadcast signal strength and quality of the same broadcast channel with the detected broadcast signal strength and quality, and sets the broadcast channel where a better broadcast signal strength and quality is detected as the main broadcast channel, The apparatus for automatically setting a broadcast channel in a digital broadcast receiver, wherein the remaining broadcast channels are divided and set as sub broadcast channels. The method of claim 7, wherein And the sub broadcast channel is classified and managed as a hidden broadcast channel. The method of claim 7, wherein When the main broadcast channel and the sub broadcast channel are separately set, the control means receives a broadcast signal by using the main broadcast channel, but when the strength and quality of the broadcast signal are less than a reference value, the sub The apparatus for automatically setting a broadcast channel in a digital broadcast receiver, wherein the broadcast channel is changed to the main broadcast channel and set and received. The method of claim 10, And the control means changes and sets the previously set main broadcast channel to the sub broadcast channel when changing and setting the sub broadcast channel to the main broadcast channel.

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