WO2001058161A1

WO2001058161A1 - Broadcasting program guide device and electronic program guide system

Info

Publication number: WO2001058161A1
Application number: PCT/JP2001/000808
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kazumi Mizuguchi
Original assignee: Adc Technology Inc.
Priority date: 2000-02-04
Filing date: 2001-02-05
Publication date: 2001-08-09
Also published as: JP2001218188A; AU2001228879A1

Abstract

A broadcasting program guide device produced at low cost and installed simply serves as a terminal of an EPG system for distributing program information through a network. The broadcasting program guide device comprises an STB (set top box) that can be placed on a TV receiver (TV). The device includes therein an infrared receiving unit (12) for receiving an operation command from a remote controller, an infrared transmitting unit (14) for transmitting a command for reception or recording to the TV or a VTR, an image output circuit (16) for generating a display signal for program guide and outputting it to the TV (or VTR), and a PHS unit (18) connected to a server on the Internet through a PHS communication network. The STB acquires EPG data from an EPG server through the PHS communication network and displays an EPG image. When the user inputs a command to receive or record a specific program on the EPG image, the TV or VTR receives or records the program automatically.

Description

Description Broadcast program guide device and electronic program guide system

The present invention guides program information of various broadcast programs obtained from outside to a user, and automatically receives a specific broadcast program selected by the user from the various broadcast programs thus guided to a receiving / recording device. Also, the present invention relates to a broadcast program guide device for recording, and an electronic program guide system using the same. Background art

Conventionally, program information indicating the broadcast content, broadcast time (broadcast date / time, broadcast start / end time, etc.), broadcast channel, etc. of various broadcast programs transmitted from a broadcast station to TV broadcast and radio broadcast recipients has been provided. As one of the electronic program guide (EPG) systems to be distributed, there is known an electronic program guide (EPG) system that distributes program information to an Internet terminal on a receiver side by using the Internet. For terminal devices used in EPG systems, it has also been proposed that a user can specify a desired broadcast program based on the acquired program information and automatically receive and record the specified broadcast program. .

However, a conventional Internet terminal that can automatically receive and record a desired broadcast program by selecting a specific broadcast program from program information obtained through the Internet by a user is a data communication device. It is equipped with a modem, a tuner for receiving broadcast programs, a large-capacity storage medium for recording broadcast programs (hard disk, DVD-RAM, etc.), and a high-performance function incorporating a program (broadcast) for guiding broadcast programs. A personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as a personal computer), which is generally used as a broadcast signal receiving and recording device. The broadcast receiving equipment used in this system could not even receive program information from the EPG system.

The broadcast receiving device includes a tuner that receives various radio broadcast waves, a cable broadcast signal, a television terrestrial wave, a BS satellite radio wave, a CS satellite radio wave, or a television receiver or a recording device (tape) incorporating various tuners. Recorders, etc.), and recording devices (video cassette recorders (VTRs), DVD recorders).

—However, even in such a general broadcast receiving device (receiving / recording device), the user can set (reserve) receiving or recording of a desired broadcast program by receiving the distribution of the program information from the EPG system. To do so, a dedicated broadcast program guide device that can acquire program information from the EPG system and guide the user to the program may be used, or the broadcast program guide device may be incorporated in the receiving / recording device. In this case, the broadcast program guide device itself does not need to have a function as a receiving / recording device, so that it can be realized at a lower cost than when a personal computer is used.

However, in order to obtain program information from a program information distribution device (so-called server) serving as a host of the EPG system in such a broadcast program guide device, the broadcast program guide device must be installed on the Internet in which the program information distribution device is installed. It is necessary to connect to such a network. To achieve this, a modular jack for telephone line connection and a modem for data communication must be incorporated into the broadcast program guide device, and this modular jack must be connected to a telephone line connected to the public telephone network. I have to.

For this reason, even if the above-mentioned broadcast program guide device or a receiving / recording device incorporating it is put into practical use, it is necessary to wire a telephone line to the installation location in order to actually use it. Is troublesome. In addition, when such installation work is troublesome, the The spread will not be promoted, and eventually the usage rate of EPG systems that use networks such as the Internet will decrease. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized at a lower cost as compared with a case where a personal computer is used as a terminal device of an EPG system for distributing program information using a network. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a broadcast program guide device that can be easily installed without laying out a telephone line for use, and further promote the use of an EPG system.

In the broadcast program guide device of the present invention made to achieve the above object, the program information acquisition means transmits various broadcast programs from a program information distribution device on a network connectable via a telephone line. Acquires program information for guidance. Then, based on the program information, the display control means generates a display signal for displaying a guide image indicating the broadcast content, the broadcast channel, and the broadcast time of the plurality of broadcast programs, and outputs the display signal to the display device. The guide image is displayed on the display device.

Also, the broadcast program guide device of the present invention is provided with a broadcast program input means for a user to specify a desired broadcast program in accordance with the guide image displayed on the display device by the operation of the display control means. When a user designates a desired broadcast program via the broadcast program input means, the command signal generating means generates a command signal for causing the external receiving / recording device to receive or record the broadcast program.

Therefore, according to the broadcast program guide device of the present invention, by arranging a command signal to be input to an existing receiving / recording device such as a television receiver or a VTR, the user can control the receiving / recording device. Thus, a desired broadcast program can be received or recorded. A radio telephone is built in or connected to the broadcast program guide device of the present invention, and the program information acquisition means connects a communication line with the program information distribution device via the radio telephone to thereby provide a program. Acquires program information from the information distribution device.

Therefore, when the broadcast program guide device of the present invention is installed, it is connected to a public telephone network in order to connect a communication line between the program information distribution device on the network and the program information acquisition means. There is no need to route the telephone line to connect to the device, and installation work can be performed easily.

Therefore, according to the broadcast program guide device of the present invention, the user can easily use the program information distributed by the program information distribution device without using a personal computer or the like, and furthermore, use the program information. Thus, the desired broadcast program can be received or recorded by the existing receiving / recording device. For this reason, the broadcast program guide device of the present invention becomes an extremely convenient device for a user who watches various broadcast programs, and further promotes the spread of an EPG system for distributing program information using a network. be able to.

Here, the display control means for displaying the guide image of the broadcast program may be incorporated in the broadcast program guide device itself, or may be an external device such as a television receiver with a built-in tuner or a monitor television dedicated to display. A display device may be used.

In addition, as a receiving / recording device for receiving or recording a broadcast program designated by a user, a tuner or a built-in tuner for receiving various broadcast signals transmitted wirelessly or by wire as exemplified above. TV receivers, recording devices, recording devices, etc. can be used as long as it is a commonly used broadcast receiving device. However, when an external display device displays a guide image of program information, it is displayed. A display signal is output from the control means to these broadcast receiving devices, and a guidance image is displayed on a display device via the broadcast receiving devices. You may make it display.

When the guide image of the program information is displayed on an external display device, the display control means includes, in addition to the display signal for displaying the guide image, the display screen of the display device from the image currently being displayed to the guide image. It is preferable to transmit a switching signal for switching.

In other words, television receivers and monitor televisions usually display broadcast programs being received by built-in or connected tuners, so it is necessary to display a guide image of program information on such an external display device. It is necessary to switch the display signal (in other words, the video signal) used by the display device for displaying an image to the display signal output by the display control means. This switching may be performed by the user. However, if the display control means is configured as described above, the broadcast program guide device itself can have a display screen switching function. The usability of the broadcast program guide device can be further improved.

On the other hand, the wireless telephone used by the program information acquisition means to acquire program information from the program information distribution device may be built in the broadcast program guide device itself, or may be an external telephone that can be used as an independent telephone terminal. A wireless telephone device may be used. The wireless telephone device includes a so-called mobile phone, a telephone for a PHS (Personal Handy Phone System), a cordless telephone handset, and the like.

There is no particular problem if the radio telephone is built into the broadcast program guide device. However, when using an external radio telephone device as a radio telephone, it is necessary to connect the broadcast program guide device and the radio telephone device. There is a problem that the connection work becomes troublesome. Therefore, when the broadcast program guide device is configured to acquire program information from the program information distribution device using an external wireless telephone device, it is necessary to easily connect to the wireless telephone device. The broadcast program guide device may be configured as follows. That is, the broadcast program guide device is provided with a charging stand having a mounting portion for mounting an external wireless telephone device, and the charging base is provided with a wireless telephone device mounted on the mounting portion. And a charging unit for charging a built-in battery of the wireless telephone device mounted on the mounting unit. According to this device, an external wireless telephone device can be used as a wireless telephone simply by placing the wireless telephone device on the charging stand, so that the connection between the broadcast program guide device and the wireless telephone device can be established. Can be performed very easily.

Next, as a broadcast program input means used by a user to designate a broadcast program to be received or recorded by an external receiving / recording device, an operation switch or the like provided in the main body of the broadcast program guide device is used. In this case, the user has to move to the broadcast program guide device and perform the switch operation each time a broadcast program is specified, which is inconvenient. Therefore, in order to further improve the operability of the broadcast program guide device, the broadcast program input means must be provided by a remote control device (hereinafter simply referred to as a remote control device) which is configured separately from the broadcast program guide device body. ). In other words, in this way, the user can specify a desired broadcast program without moving to the broadcast program guide device when specifying the broadcast program, thereby improving the operability of the broadcast program guide device. Can be improved.

This remote control device may be a wired type that draws out a signal line from the device body and transmits a command signal via this signal line, but is currently commonly used to operate a television receiver, VTR, etc. It is desirable to use a wireless type (specifically, an infrared type). The remote control device has not only a function of designating a broadcast program by a user, but also, for example, inputting a program information acquisition command to a program information acquisition unit or displaying the program information by an operation of a display control unit. A machine for inputting a command to switch the display content of the guidance image displayed on the device By providing the function, the operability of the broadcast program guide device can be further improved.

Next, the command signal generating means may be configured to transmit a command signal for reception / recording setting to an external reception / recording device by wire. If the terminal is not provided with a command signal input terminal, it is not possible to set the reception or recording of a desired broadcast program by transmitting the command signal. Even if the receiving / recording device is provided with a terminal for inputting a command signal, the device must be connected to an external receiving / recording device with a signal line in order to transmit the command signal by wire. Installation work is troublesome.

Therefore, regardless of the presence or absence of a terminal for command signal input, a command signal can be transmitted to various receiving / recording devices to set reception or recording of a desired broadcast program, and wiring work at the time of installation is not required. In this case, the command signal generating means may be configured as follows.

That is, at present, most of the receiving and recording devices, such as television receivers and VTRs, broadcast programs in response to radio signals transmitted by modulating light or electromagnetic waves (generally infrared light) from a dedicated remote control device. It is possible to set the reception or recording operation.

Therefore, in this broadcast program guide device, the command signal generating means is configured to transmit, as a command signal, a radio signal capable of setting the reception or recording operation of the reception-recording device, so that the existing reception / recording is performed. Most of the devices can receive or record a desired broadcast program.

Therefore, according to this broadcast program guide device, it is not necessary to connect the receiving / recording device to the external receiving / recording device with a signal line in order to transmit a command signal for receiving or recording. The installation work of the equipment can be simplified, and most of the existing receiving and recording equipment such as TV receivers and VTRs can be used. The command signal can be transmitted to any device, and the range of use of the device can be expanded as compared with the case where the command signal is transmitted by wire.

In this case, since the operation code of the receiving / recording device such as a television receiver or a VTR differs for each manufacturer or model, the command signal generating means modulates light or electromagnetic waves to generate a command signal. It is necessary to make the operation code used to perform the operation correspond to the receiving / recording device that receives or records the program information.

For this purpose, for example, an operation code used by the command signal generating means is registered in advance for each manufacturer or model, and a user can use a receiving / recording device used for receiving or recording a broadcast program. The operation code used by the command signal generation means can be determined by external designation, or the operation code that distributes the operation code for each manufacturer or model on the network A distribution device may be installed, and the broadcast program guide device may be configured to acquire a necessary operation code from the distribution device in accordance with a command from a user.

In addition, the operation of the command signal generating means is as follows. The receiving / recording device operates, for example, a broadcast channel and a broadcasting time (broadcast date / time, broadcast start / If the user has a reservation function that automatically starts reception or recording of the specified broadcast program by specifying the end time, etc., it may be set to generate a command signal for the reservation.

In addition, the receiving / recording device only switches off / on the power and switches the receiving channel (or additionally starts / stops recording / recording) as in a general television receiver or tape recorder, for example. In the case of a device that can perform the function (a device that does not have a reservation function), the operation of the command signal generation means is to monitor the broadcast time of the specified broadcast program using an internal timer, etc. Immediately before the broadcast start time, a command signal for turning on the power of the receiving / recording device and setting the receive channel (or additionally, recording and starting recording) is generated, and then the broadcast end time , The command signal for turning off the power of the receiving and recording devices (or in addition to this, recording / stopping the recording) is generated. What is necessary is just to set so that the command signal required for automatic operation may be sequentially output.

On the other hand, the broadcast program guide device of the present invention may be configured as a single broadcast program guide device by being incorporated in a dedicated housing. For example, the broadcast program guide device may be used in a receiving / recording device such as a television receiver or a VTR. By incorporating it, it may be realized as one function of the receiving / recording device.

In the case of such a configuration, the command signal generating means uses the wiring in the receiving / recording device incorporating the device and uses the receiving / recording device's receiving circuit or the recording / recording functional circuit. Since a command signal can be sent directly to the user, there is no need to generate a radio signal. Further, in this case, a function of inputting an operation signal to the broadcast program guide device by a user, such as a broadcast program input means, can be provided in the remote control device for operating the reception / recording device.

Also, the broadcast program guide device of the present invention can be realized as one function of a wireless telephone device by being incorporated in a wireless telephone device such as a mobile phone, a telephone for PHS, or a cordless telephone handset.

In this case, since the user can carry the broadcast program guide device of the present invention, for example, a plurality of receiving / recording devices installed in different places or rooms, such as a home, a work place, and an automobile, can be used. It can be operated using one broadcast program guide device.

As described above, when the broadcast program guide device of the present invention is incorporated in a wireless telephone device, the display control means displays the image as a wireless telephone device. What is necessary is just to use the display part which consists of a liquid crystal panel etc. provided in the apparatus. As described above, according to the broadcast program guide device of the present invention, the workability at the time of installation, the operability is improved, the use range is expanded, and the user can use the broadcast program guide device easily. Therefore, EPG systems using networks can be widely spread.

By the way, in order to increase the usage rate of the EPG system, as described above, in addition to providing a broadcast program guide device which is easy for the user to introduce, the quality of the program information to be provided is improved and the usage fee is increased. It is also necessary to set free or cheap. For this purpose, the above-described broadcast program guide device of the present invention may be further configured as follows.

First, in such a broadcast program guide device, in addition to the various configurations described above, a communication line is connected to an advertisement information distribution device on a network via a wireless telephone. An advertisement information acquisition unit that acquires the advertisement information from the display device, and the display control unit displays the advertisement image corresponding to the advertisement information acquired by the advertisement information acquisition unit alone for a predetermined time after the device is started. Is generated and output to the display device, and then a display signal for displaying the guide image alone or together with the advertisement image is generated and output to the display device.

In other words, conventionally, in an EPG system that uses a network such as the Internet, in order to provide program information at low cost, program information is created and distributed by receiving funding from the sponsor, and in return for the sponsor. Then, the advertisement information of the sponsor is transmitted from the advertisement information distribution device to the network terminal receiving the program information, and when the guide image of the program information is displayed on the network terminal side, the advertisement information is transmitted to the network terminal. The corresponding advertisement images are displayed at the same time.

However, in such advertisement display, users who are not interested in advertisement They just look at the news and ignore the ad. As a result, the administrator of the EPG system cannot receive a large amount of funding from the sponsor, and as a result, the quality of the distributed program information is reduced.

Therefore, in such a broadcast program guide device, the advertisement image is displayed on the display device only for a predetermined time after the device is started, and the user views the advertisement image, after the device is started. (Read) Increase the probability that EPG system managers can easily obtain funding from sponsors, thereby improving the quality of program information distributed and, consequently, increasing the use of the EPG system. We are trying to increase it.

The display of the advertisement image alone may not be performed only once after the activation of the device, but may be performed, for example, every time the user switches the display of the guidance image, or periodically at predetermined time intervals. May be performed.

Next, such a broadcast program guide device connects a communication line with an advertisement information distribution device on a network via a wireless telephone, and acquires advertisement information from the advertisement information distribution device. Advertising information acquisition means, program type input means for the user to specify a program type corresponding to the broadcast content of the broadcast program desired to be received or recorded by the receiving / recording device, and the user via the program type input means. And an advertisement type specifying means for specifying an advertisement type preferred by the user based on the program type specified by the user.

In such a broadcast program guide device, when a user specifies a program type via a program type input unit, the program information obtaining unit transmits a program information request signal to which the program type is assigned to the wireless telephone. By transmitting the program information to the program information distribution device via the program information distribution device, program information corresponding to the program type specified by the user is acquired from the program information distribution device. Further, when the advertisement type is specified by the advertisement type specifying means, the advertisement information acquiring means transmits an advertisement information request signal to which the advertisement type is added to the advertisement information distribution device via the wireless telephone. Thereby, advertisement information corresponding to the advertisement type is acquired from the advertisement information distribution device. Then, the display control means generates a display signal for displaying the advertisement image corresponding to the advertisement information acquired by the advertisement information acquisition means simultaneously or independently with the guide image, and outputs the display signal to the display device to display the advertisement signal. The device displays an advertisement image in addition to the guide image of the program information.

In other words, conventionally, in an EPG system using a network, proposed broadcast programs are classified according to types (categories) of broadcast contents such as sports, quizzes, dramas, documentaries, news, and so on. When the type of program information desired to be viewed from the network terminal side is specified, it is considered that the program information distribution apparatus transmits program information of a broadcast program corresponding to the type. Then, in such an EPG system, a user's hobbies and preferences can be identified from the type of program information specified by the user, for example, that the user likes sport. Therefore, in the above-described broadcast program guide device, the user's hobbies and preferences are determined based on the program type specified by the user when acquiring program information from the program information distribution device, and When a preferred advertisement type is specified and the advertisement information is obtained from the advertisement information distribution device, the advertisement information corresponding to the specified advertisement type is obtained.

Therefore, according to such a broadcast program guide device, when the display control means displays the advertisement image on the display device simultaneously or independently with the guide image, the advertisement image is regarded as an advertisement image of interest to the user. can do. Therefore, in the broadcast program guide device of the present invention, it is possible to increase the probability that the user will see the advertisement image, and further increase the utilization rate of the EPG system. However, in order to be able to use such a broadcast program guide device as a network terminal, it is necessary to construct an EPG system as follows. That is, the electronic program guide system (EPG system) includes a program information distribution device and an advertisement information distribution device provided on a network that can be connected via a telephone line, and each of these distribution devices via a telephone line. And a plurality of subscriber terminal devices (network terminals) for acquiring program information and advertisement information.

When receiving the program information request signal from the above-mentioned broadcast program guide device, which is one of the network terminals, the program information distribution device determines whether or not the information indicating the program type is added to the request signal. Judgment is made, if the information indicating the program type is not added, the preset general program information is transmitted to the broadcast program guide device, and if the information indicating the program type is added, the program The program information corresponding to the type is transmitted to the broadcast program guide device.

Further, when receiving the advertisement information request signal from the broadcast program guide device, which is one of the network terminals, the advertisement information distribution device determines whether the information indicating the advertisement type is added to the request signal. Judgment is made, if the information indicating the advertisement type is not added, the preset general advertisement information is transmitted to the broadcast program guide device, and if the information indicating the advertisement type is added, it corresponds to the advertisement type. And transmitting the advertisement information to the broadcast program guide device.

Therefore, in this electronic program guide system, a user can use the above-described broadcast program guide device as a network terminal to view advertisements that match his / her hobbies and preferences. However, it can provide satisfaction to users as well as sponsors who provide advertisements, and can contribute to the spread of EPG systems.

On the other hand, if the advertisement image is displayed alone or together with the guide image as described above, it may be uncomfortable for a user who does not want to see the advertisement. Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, the broadcast program guide device may be configured as follows. That is, similarly to the above-mentioned broadcast program guide device, a communication line between the broadcast program guide device and the advertisement information distribution device on the network is connected to the broadcast program guide device. An advertisement information acquisition means for acquiring advertisement information is provided, and the display control means outputs a display signal for displaying an advertisement image corresponding to the advertisement information acquired by the advertisement information acquisition means simultaneously or independently with the guide image. By generating and outputting to the display device, the display device displays an advertisement image in addition to the guide image of the program information.

However, this broadcast program guide device is further provided with an advertisement display input means for allowing a user to specify whether or not to display an advertisement image on a display device, and through the advertisement display input means. When the user permits the display of the advertisement image, the advertisement display switching means activates the advertisement information acquisition means, and conversely, when the user refuses to display the advertisement image, the advertisement display switching means The means stops the operation of the advertisement information acquiring means, and causes the display control means to generate a display signal for displaying the guide image alone.

Therefore, according to this broadcast program guide device, a user who does not want to see an advertisement can operate the advertisement display input means to reject the advertisement display, and can perform image display according to the user's preference.

In addition, this broadcast program guide device is connected to a communication line with a charge management device on the network via a wireless telephone, and is used for the charge management device via an advertisement display input means. There is provided a billing information transmitting means for setting billing discount associated with displaying an advertisement image by transmitting billing information indicating whether or not an advertisement display has been set by a user.

This means that program information is distributed to users who refuse to display advertisements for a fee, and users who allow display of advertisements can use program funds from sponsors to obtain free or free program information. By distributing the service at a discounted rate, the services that are rejected and those that allow This is in order to differentiate and allow users to select their favorite services.

According to the broadcast program guide device configured as described above, the advertisement image can be displayed only to the user who intends to view the advertisement. Can be improved. In addition, users who do not want to watch advertisements cannot receive the discount service, but they do not have to watch disgusting advertisements, so they can use the broadcast program guide device comfortably.

On the other hand, in order to use this broadcast program guide device as a network terminal, an EPG system may be constructed as follows.

That is, the electronic program guide system (EPG system) includes a program information distribution device, an advertisement information distribution device, a charge management device provided on a network connectable via a telephone line, and a distribution device for these devices. And a plurality of subscriber-side terminal devices (network terminals) that acquire program information and advertisement information via a telephone line.

Then, the usage fee management device manages the fee required to use the system for each subscriber, and when the charging information is transmitted from the above-mentioned broadcast program guide device which is one of the network terminals, the usage fee management device manages the fee. Then, based on the billing information, it provides a service to charge or discount the usage fee to the subscriber who displays the advertisement image.

Therefore, in this electronic program guide system, the user can decide whether or not to see an advertisement by himself / herself by using the above-mentioned broadcast program guide device as a network terminal. Can be used comfortably. In addition, since the system administrator can accurately identify users who do not see advertisements by using the function of the usage fee management device, the system administrator collects fees for users who do not see advertisements (or charges for users who see advertisements). Discount) etc. You can definitely do it.

The fee managed by the usage fee management device may be a subscription fee to the EPG system or an information fee charged each time a subscriber acquires program information from the program information distribution device. However, a communication fee such as a telephone charge necessary for a user to obtain program information may be used, or a combination of these may be used. Then, the usage fee management device may discount some or all of these fees to the subscriber who displays the advertisement image.

Here, the above-mentioned broadcast program guide device makes it easier to collect the operating funds of the system by raising the audience rating of the advertisement of the sponsor who provides the expenses necessary for the operation of the EPG system. It is for the purpose of improving the quality of program information to be transmitted and promoting the spread of EPG systems, but it goes without saying that the above technologies can be more effective when combined with each other. . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an STB of the first embodiment and peripheral devices thereof. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the STB.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a main routine executed for guiding a broadcast program in the STB.

FIG. 4 (a) is a flowchart showing a program reservation routine executed in STB, and FIG. 4 (b) is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt routine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a program recording routine executed in the STB.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a program search routine executed in the STB. And

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a television receiver and peripheral devices of the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a part of a main routine executed for a broadcast program guide in the television receiver of FIG. 7,

Figures 9 (a), (b), and (c) show the category-based EPG data acquisition processing and CM data acquisition processing performed by the TV set in Figure 7, and the CM data performed by the advertisement server. FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the configuration of a telephone stand used in the broadcast program guide apparatus of the third embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the main routine executed to realize the function as a PHS repeater in the telephone stand of Figs. 10 (a) and (b). BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, three embodiments (first to third embodiments) will be described as embodiments of the present invention and will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment]

Figure 1 shows an STB (set, top box) as a network terminal of an electronic program guide system (EPG system) using the Internet 50 (in other words, a broadcast program drafting device of the present invention). FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a peripheral device.

STB 2 obtains program information of various broadcast programs from an EPG server 52 as a program information distribution device provided on the Internet 50 via a telephone line (PHS communication network 54 in this embodiment). Then, based on the acquired program information, a guide image for a broadcast program guide is displayed on an external display device (in this embodiment, a television receiver). And is placed on a television receiver (hereinafter, also simply referred to as TV) 6.

Also, the STB 2 is provided with a remote control device 4 (functioning as a broadcast program input means and a program type input means in this embodiment) which is configured separately from the STB main body. The remote controller 4 is used to input various commands to the controller 2 (in other words, to operate the STB 2).

In other words, the receiver 12a for receiving the operation command signal transmitted from the transmitter 4a of the remote controller 4 and the TV 6 and its vicinity (the lower part in the figure) are provided on the front of the housing of the STB 2. Transmitter 1 as a command signal generating means for transmitting a command signal for receiving or recording a predetermined broadcast program specified by the user to remote control receivers 6a and 8a of VTR 8 installed in 4 a and are provided.

The transmitters 4a, 14a and the receivers 6a, 8a, 12a are respectively a light emitting element and a light receiving element capable of transmitting and receiving infrared light modulated by a predetermined operation code (binary signal). Many (for example, eight) light-emitting elements are incorporated in the transmitter 14a provided in the STB 2 among them. When the STB 2 is placed on the TV 6, the light emitting surface of the transmitter 14a provided on the STB 2 and the remote control receivers 6a, 8a provided on the TV 6 and VTR 8 Since the light-receiving surface of the transmitter 14a faces in the same direction, the command signal (infrared light) is transmitted radially by a number of light-emitting elements constituting the transmitter 14a, and reflected by surrounding objects. This is to ensure that one of the command signals reaches the remote control receivers 6a and 8a.

Next, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the STB 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the STB 2 is a so-called microcontroller having a CPU 20, a ROM 22, a RAM 24, and a bus line 26 connecting them. It is configured as a pygmy evening.

The bus line 26 receives the output (received light) from the receiver 12a via the corresponding interface (I / F) 12i, 14i, 16i, 18i, respectively. Signal) to restore the operation code (binary signal) transmitted from the remote control device 4. The infrared receiving unit 12 that drives the transmitter 14a to transmit the command signal 14. Image output circuit 16 that generates a display signal (video signal) for displaying a guide image for use in a broadcast program on TV 6 and outputs it from video output terminal 16a, and PHS telephone A PHS unit 18, which functions as a transmitting / receiving circuit (in other words, the wireless telephone of the present invention), is connected.

The STB 2 configured as described above operates as follows when the CPU 20 executes the program stored in the ROM 22.

In the following description, the video output terminal 16a is connected to the video input terminal of the TV 6 via a video signal transmission cable, and the display screen of the TV 6 is connected to the built-in tuner. It can be switched between an image of a broadcast program received (hereinafter referred to as a reception screen) and an image based on a video signal input to a video input terminal (hereinafter referred to as an EPG screen). A part of the RAM 24 is a backup RAM that can retain the memory contents even when the power is turned off. In this RAM area, operation codes corresponding to TV 6 and VTR 8 are stored. When the CPU 20 transmits various commands to the TV 6 or VTR 8 from the infrared transmission unit 14, the CPU 20 transmits the infrared transmission unit 1 based on the operation code in the RAM 24. A transmission command shall be output to 4.

First, the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 represents a main routine that the CPU 20 repeatedly executes after turning on the power to the STB 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, when power is supplied to STB 2, first, S 110 (S represents a step), from the infrared emitting unit 14 (specifically, the light emitting element that constitutes the transmitter 14a), turn on the TV 6 and turn its display screen to the EPG screen. A command signal is transmitted, and in S120, the image output circuit 16 outputs a video signal for initial screen display based on preset image data. As a result, the display screen of the TV 6 becomes the initial screen of the EPG.

Next, in S130, the PHS unit 18 transmits a radio signal (call signal) for connecting to the EPG server 52 on the Internet 50 via the PHS communication network 54. As a result, the communication line between the STB 2 and the EPG server 52 is connected via the PHS unit 18 and the PHS communication network 54, and in S140, the latest from the EPG server 52 Program information (hereinafter referred to as EPG data) and store it in a memory (RAM 24 in detail).

Note that the processing in S130 and S140 corresponds to the program information acquisition means of the present invention. The EPG data includes “Broadcasting station name”, “Program type (category)”, “Program name”, “Start time”, “End time”, “Performer”, “Program content” for each broadcast program to be guided. Description, "and" one program sponsor ".

Next, in S 150, based on the latest EPG data stored in the RAM 24, each broadcast program consisting of “Program name”, “Performers”, “Description of program contents”, etc. It generates program guide data to arrange and display the broadcast contents for each broadcast channel (in other words, broadcast station) in the order of the broadcast time, and generates an image of the program guide data and the operation image data for operation guidance. By outputting to the output circuit 16, a guide image including a program guide and operation guide is displayed on the display screen of the TV 6.

The processing of S150 implements the function of the display control means of the present invention. By this processing, an image for operation guidance is displayed on the right end of the display screen of the TV 6, and a program guide, which is a guide image of a broadcast program, is displayed in the remaining display area. (Refer to the display screen of TV 6 in Fig. 1). Also, in S150, the entire program guide generated from the EPG data cannot be displayed on the display screen of TV 6, so in the initial state, A part of the program table corresponding to the current date and time is displayed, and the user moves the program table by operating the cursor keys (indicated by the up, down, left, and right arrows in the figure) of the remote controller 4 while viewing the display screen. When a command is input, the program guide on the display screen is moved up, down, left, and right in accordance with the command.

On the other hand, the image for operation guidance displayed on the TV 6 is for guiding the user to the current operation state by displaying the operation state of the remote control device 4 by the user. It has an image configuration that roughly corresponds to the key arrangement.

That is, in addition to the cursor keys described above,

(1) The broadcast program of the broadcast channel currently being broadcast and selected by the user in the program guide (the information of this broadcast program is displayed at the top of the operation guide image at the right end of the display screen, and other information is displayed on the program guide. The "current program" key for displaying on the TV 6 a program that can be distinguished from the current program (for example, highlighted).

(2) A “program reservation” key for displaying the broadcast program selected by the user on the program table on the TV 6 at the broadcast time.

(3) A “recording reservation” key for recording the broadcast program selected by the user in the program table on the VTR 8 at the broadcast time.

(4) A “program greeting” key for the user to specify program type (category) to obtain program information of broadcast programs corresponding to the category from the EPG server 52 and display it on the TV 6.

(5) To make STB 2 execute services other than broadcast program guide "Service" key.

(6) “Display switch” key for switching the display screen of TV 6 from the EPG screen to the reception screen or vice versa.

(7) “Enter” key to confirm the selection when the user operates the remote controller 4 to select various commands on the display screen.

The images for operation guidance roughly correspond to these key arrangements, and the keys operated by the user are displayed on the display screen in an identifiable manner (for example, in reverse video), the current operation is performed. It is designed to show you the status. Then, the processing of S150 is executed until a signal corresponding to the key operation is input from the remote control device 4 by operating the keys other than the above-mentioned cursor key and “enter” key by the user. Then, when a command signal by the key operation is transmitted from the remote control device 4, the subsequent processes from S160 are executed.

That is, first, in S160, it is determined whether or not a command based on the operation of the "current program J key" has been input from the remote control device 4, and a command based on the operation of the "current program" key has been input. If so, the program shifts to a current program display routine (not shown). In the current program display routine, the user selects the current broadcast program of the broadcast channel currently selected on the program table by operating the cursor keys, and transmits a command to select and display the current broadcast program from the infrared transmission unit 14. This causes the TV 6 to display the image of the broadcast program.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in S160, or if the processing of the current program display routine ends, in S170, whether a command based on the operation of the “program reservation” key has been input from the remote control device 4 Determine whether or not. If a command based on the operation of the "program reservation" key has been input, the program shifts to the program reservation routine shown in FIG. 4 (a).

As shown in FIG. 4 (a), in this program reservation routine, at S310, In response to the operation of the cursor key by the user, the EPG screen display control processing for changing the broadcast program identified and displayed on the program table on the display screen is executed. The user determines whether or not a finalization command based on the operation of the J key has been input.If the finalization command has not been input, the EPG screen display control process of S3100 is executed again. Wait for the desired broadcast program to be specified.

If it is determined in S320 that the finalization command has been input, then in S330, identification is displayed on the current program table from the EPG data stored in the RAM 24. The “start time” of the broadcast program being read is read, and it is determined whether or not the current time has passed this “start time”.

In S330, if it is determined that the current time is after the "start time", the flow shifts to S340 and the broadcast program identified and displayed in the program guide (hereinafter referred to as a selected program) ) Is displayed in the first color (for example, purple color) indicating that the program is being received. At S350, the “broadcaster name” of the selected program is selected from the EPG data stored in the RAM 24. Is read from the infrared transmitting unit 14 to the TV 6 to transmit a channel selection and display command of this broadcasting station (broadcasting channel), and the process ends. By the process of S350, the selected program is displayed on the TV 6.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S330 that the current time is not after the "start time", the flow shifts to S360, where the selected program on the program guide is displayed as a second program indicating that the reception is being reserved. Display in color (for example, red). Then, in S370, the selected program is stored in the RAM 24 as a reserved program, and in S380, a program reservation flag indicating that there is a program reservation is set. Ends.

When the program reservation flag is set, the CPU 20 starts the timer interrupt routine shown in FIG. 4 (b). This timer interrupt loop The routine is a process that is periodically started at predetermined time intervals by the internal clock of the CPU 20 and is executed as follows.

That is, in the timer interrupt routine, first, in S410, it is determined whether or not the current time is the start time of the reserved program stored in the RAM 24 in S370. If the current time is not the start time, the process is terminated as it is. Conversely, if the current time is the start time, the broadcast station (broadcast channel) of the reserved program is transmitted from the infrared transmission unit 14 at S420. The TV 6 automatically receives and displays the reserved program by transmitting the channel selection and display command of, and then, in S430, deletes the information of the displayed reserved program from the RAM 24. . After the reserved program is displayed on the TV 6 and the reservation information is deleted from the RAM 24 in this manner, at S440, it is determined whether or not the reserved program is still stored in the RAM 24. Judgment is made and if the reserved program is stored, the process is terminated as it is. Conversely, if the reserved program is not stored, there is no need to start the timer interrupt routine in the future. At 50, the program reservation flag is reset, and the process ends.

Next, if a negative determination is made in S 170 of FIG. 3 or the above-described program reservation routine is terminated, a command based on the operation of the “program recording” key is issued from the remote control device 4 in S 180. It is determined whether or not is input. Then, if a command based on the operation of the “program recording” key has been input, the program recording routine shown in FIG. 5 is executed.

As shown in FIG. 5, in this program recording routine, similarly to S310 and S320 executed in the program reservation routine, first, in S510, the cursor key operation by the user is performed. In response, the EPG screen display control processing for changing the broadcast program identified and displayed on the program guide on the display screen is executed, and in S520, the determination is made based on the operation of the "Enter" key from the remote control device 4. Judge whether a command has been input or not, and if no final command has been input, Wait for the user to specify the desired broadcast program in the procedure such as executing the SPG EPG screen display control process.

Then, in S520, when it is determined that the confirmation command has been input, in S530, the selected program currently identified and displayed in the program guide is displayed in the third color representing recording reservation (for example, (Yellow), and in S540, the selected program is stored in the RAM 24 as a recorded program.

Finally, in step S550, the "program name" and "start time" of the selected program, which are data necessary for recording reservation of the VTR 8, from the EPG data stored in the RAM 24. ”And“ End time ”, and in accordance with these schedules, the codes necessary for VTR 8 recording reservation (operation codes for setting the recording channel, recording start and end times) are transmitted by infrared transmission. By outputting the signal to the unit 14, the infrared transmission unit 14 transmits a command signal for recording reservation to the VTR 8, and the process ends.

As a result, the VTR 8 starts automatically at the set recording start time, starts receiving and recording the broadcast program (recorded program) of the set recording channel, and at the recording end time. The reception and recording are automatically terminated.

Next, when a negative determination is made in S180 of FIG. 3 or when the above-described program recording routine is completed, in S190, the remote controller 4 is operated to operate the "program search" key. It is determined whether or not a command based on the input has been input. Then, if a command based on the operation of the “program search” key has been input, the program search routine shown in FIG. 6 is executed. As shown in FIG. 6, in this program search routine, in S610, the category name of each broadcast program is searched from the EPG data stored in the RAM 24, and a list (program category) Selection screen) is displayed in the display area of the program guide previously displayed on TV 6. Then, in S620, a specific force is displayed on the program category selection screen. A category selection screen display control process is performed in which the category name is displayed in an identifiable manner (for example, highlighted) and the category name to be displayed is changed according to the operation of the cursor key by the user.

Further, in S630, it is determined whether or not a decision command based on the operation of the "Enter" key has been input from remote controller 4, and if the decision command has not been entered, the category selection screen of S620 is again displayed. By shifting to the display control process, the system waits for the user to specify a desired category name.

Then, when it is determined in S630 that the confirmation command has been input, in S640, a call signal is transmitted from the PHS unit 18 so that the STB 2 and the EPG server 52 can communicate with each other. Then, in S650, a request signal for program information is transmitted to the EPG server 52 together with the category name selected above. The program information corresponding to the requested category name (hereinafter referred to as EPG data by category) is acquired and stored in RAM 24. Note that the processing of S640 and S650 corresponds to the program information acquisition means of the present invention.

Then, in S660, program guide data for guiding a broadcast program of a category name designated by the user is generated based on the acquired EPG data for each category, and the program guide data is output to the image output circuit 1. By outputting the program guide to 6, the program guide by category (EPG screen by category) is displayed in the display area of the program guide of TV 6, and the process ends.

As a result, on the display screen of the TV 6, a program table including only broadcast programs belonging to a specific category such as sports programs, quiz programs,... Is displayed. It becomes possible to select a desired broadcast program from the program table and make a reservation for reception or recording.

Next, a negative determination is made in S190 of FIG. 3, or When the program search routine ends, in S200, it is determined whether or not a command based on the operation of the "service" key has been input from the remote controller 4. If a command based on the operation of the “service” key has been input, the process proceeds to a service execution routine (not shown).

The service execution routine is, for example, to display a desired homepage on the Internet 50 on the TV 6 by using the PHS unit 18 or to execute the service on the Internet 50 registered by the user. This is a process to execute a service other than the broadcast program guide, such as reading the mail addressed to the user from the mail server and displaying it on TV 6.For example, a list of services is displayed on the display screen of TV 6. When the user selects a desired service on the display screen, a process corresponding to the service is executed, and so on.

Also, if a negative determination is made in S200 of FIG. 3 or the service execution routine ends, a command based on the operation of the "display switching" key is input from the remote control device 4 in S210. Is determined.

Then, if a command based on the operation of the “display switching” key has been input, it is determined in S220 whether or not the EPG screen is currently displayed on the TV 6, and the EPG screen is displayed. If it is displayed, in S230, an operation code for switching the display screen of TV 6 to the reception screen of the broadcast program being received by the built-in tuner of TV 6 is transmitted via infrared transmission unit. By outputting the command to 14, the display command of the receiving screen is transmitted from the infrared transmitting unit 14, and then the process proceeds to S 160. By this processing, the display screen of the TV 6 is switched from the EPG screen to the reception screen.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S220 that the TV 6 is not displaying the EPG screen, the flow shifts to S150. As a result, the TV 6 displays an EPG image based on the latest EPG data stored in the RAM 24 (for details, (A guidance image composed of a table and operation guidance) is displayed.

As described above, according to the STB 2 of the present embodiment, since the PHS unit 18 is built in, the public telephone network is required to fetch program information from the EPG server 52 on the Internet 50. There is no need to route the telephone line connected to the STB to connect to the STB, and installation is easy. Also, by connecting the video output terminal 16a to the video input terminal of TV 6 (or VTR 8), the guide image (program guide) of the broadcast program is automatically displayed on the TV 6 display screen. Therefore, the user can use the existing TV 6 to enjoy the broadcast program guide service using the EPG system.

In addition, the user can select a broadcast program to be received or recorded by simply operating the remote control while watching the guide image (more specifically, a program guide) displayed on the TV 6, and receive and reserve the selected broadcast program. The operation is extremely simple, and anyone can use it.

In particular, the STB 2 of the present embodiment can use the existing TV 6 and VTR 8 for receiving or recording a broadcast program, so that the device configuration is extremely simple compared to the case of receiving and recording using a personal computer. It can be provided at a low cost as a network terminal for an EPG system using the Internet 50. Thus, according to the STB 2 of the present embodiment, the operation is extremely simple, and it can be provided at a low cost, thereby contributing to the spread of the EPG system using the Internet 50.

[Second embodiment]

Next, FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a television receiver (TV) 60 according to a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied, and peripheral devices thereof.

The TV 60 of the present embodiment incorporates a functional circuit as a broadcast program guide device configured in substantially the same manner as the STB 2 of the first embodiment into a general television receiver, The program information can be obtained by accessing the EPG server 52 directly from the TV 60.

The difference between the functional circuit as the broadcast program guide device and the first embodiment (FIG. 2) is that the transmitter 14a provided in the infrared transmitting unit 14 is built into the front panel of the TV 60. The infrared receiving unit 12 receives a command signal for TV operation (channel switching / display switching), and transmits the received signal to the receiving / display control circuit (built-in tuner, Circuit for controlling a display circuit and the like).

Further, the TV 60 is provided with a remote control device 62 separately. The remote control device 62 has substantially the same configuration as the remote control device 4 for STB shown in FIG. The difference from 4 is that TV operations (such as switching of the receiving channel) can be performed using the cursor keys.

The broadcast program guide device incorporated in the TV 60 of the present embodiment includes an EPG server 52 as a program information distribution device, an advertisement server 56 as an advertisement information distribution device, and usage fee management. Program information is acquired from an EPG system on the Internet 50 having a charging server 58 as a device.

Therefore, in the following description, in the TV 60, of the processing executed by the CPU (not shown) constituting the functional circuit in order to realize the function as the broadcast program guide device, the TV 60 according to the first embodiment will be described. A description will be given of a portion different from the process executed by the CPU 20.

First, FIG. 8 shows a part of a main routine which is started when a display screen switching command is first input from the remote control device 62 after the power of the TV 60 is turned on, and thereafter is repeatedly executed. (A process executed in place of the processes of S110 to S150 of the main routine shown in FIG. 3) It's a trick.

As shown in FIG. 8, when this process is started, the EPG display command is first output to the reception / display control circuit built in the TV 60 at S710, so that the TV 60 The display screen of is switched from the reception screen of the broadcast program received by the built-in tuner to the EPG screen based on the video signal output by the image output circuit (similar to the image output circuit 16 shown in FIG. 2). Then, in S720, a CM display selection screen display control for outputting a video signal for displaying the CM display selection screen on the TV 60 display screen from the image output circuit is executed. The CM display selection screen is a screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to display an advertisement (CM) when displaying the EPG screen thereafter. In the state, for example, a screen indicating “selection of CM display” is displayed, and every time the user operates the cursor key of the remote controller 62, the display screen is changed to a screen indicating “selection of non-display of CM” or “CM”. Display the selection status of CM display / non-display by the user by alternately switching to the screen showing “selection of display”. Then, in S730, it is determined whether or not a decision command based on the operation of the "Enter" key has been input from remote controller 4, and if the decision command has not been input, the process returns to S720. By doing so, the system waits for the user to specify the display / non-display of the CM, and when the confirmation command is input, the flow shifts to S740. The cursor key and the enter key of the remote controller 62 operated by the user when executing the processing of S720 and S730 function as advertisement display input means.

Next, in S740, it is determined whether or not the user has selected the CM display (in other words, whether or not the user watches the CM). Move to 50. Then, in S750, a call signal is transmitted from a PHS unit (not shown) (similar to the PHS unit 18 shown in FIG. 2). Communication, a communication line is connected between the device and the charging server 58, and in S760, charging information indicating that the user views the advertisement is transmitted to the charging server 58. By doing so, of the EPG usage fees managed by the charging server 58 for each subscriber, the usage fee for the TV 60 user is set free of charge.

Then, in S770, the communication line between the device and the advertisement server 56 is connected by transmitting a call signal from a PHS unit (not shown). Then, from the advertisement server 56, a CM data for displaying the advertisement image of the sponsor of the EPG system on the display screen of the TV 60 is acquired and stored in the memory (RAM). Note that the processing of S770 and S780 corresponds to the advertisement information acquiring means of the present invention. In particular, in this embodiment, when acquiring CM data in S780, the user acquires CM data according to the user's preference from the past history of acquiring EPG data by category. The processing for this will be described later in detail. Next, when the CM data is acquired in S780, the process proceeds to S790, and the advertisement image based on the acquired CM data is displayed alone on the display screen of the TV60. Then, the flow shifts to S800. Then, in S800, similarly to S130 described above, by transmitting a call signal from a PHS unit (not shown), a communication line between the device and the EPG server 52 is connected, At S810, the EPG data is acquired from the EPG server 52 and stored in the memory (RAM) in the same manner as at S140 described above.

In S820, program table data is generated based on the EPG data stored in the RAM 24, and an advertisement image is displayed in a predetermined area of the display screen of the TV 60 based on the CM data. By generating these image data and outputting the data and the operation image data for operation guidance to an image output circuit (not shown), the program table, the advertisement image, and the Display a guide image composed of the operation guide image (EPG / CM synthesis screen: see the display screen in Fig. 7).

Note that the time from displaying the advertising image alone on the TV 60 display screen in S790 to changing the display screen to the EPG / CM composite screen in S820 (Single display of the advertising image alone) The time) is set in advance, so that the advertising effect by CM display can be improved.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S740 that the user does not see the CM, the process proceeds to S830, in which a call signal is transmitted from a PHS unit (not shown), and the device and the accounting server 5 are transmitted. By connecting the communication line to the charging server 8 and transmitting charging information indicating that the user does not see the advertisement to the charging server 58 at S840, the charging server 58 Among the EPG usage fees managed in, the usage fee for the TV 60 user is set to pay. The processing of S830 and S840 and the processing of S750 and S760 described above correspond to a billing information transmitting unit.

Then, in S850, a call signal is transmitted from a PHS unit (not shown) in the same manner as in S800, thereby connecting the communication line between the device and the EPG server 52. Then, in S860, the EPG data is acquired from the EPG server 52 and stored in the memory (RAM), as in S810 described above.

In S870, program table data is generated based on the EPG data stored in the RAM 24, and the program table data and operation image data for operation guidance are sent to an image output circuit (not shown). By outputting, a guide image (EPG screen) similar to that of the first embodiment, which includes a program guide and operation guide, is displayed on the display screen of the TV 60.

In this embodiment, the processing of S790, S820, and S870 corresponds to the display control means of the present invention. Of these processes, in the processes of S870 and S820, as in S150 of the first embodiment, in the initial state, a part of the program table corresponding to the current date and time is initially set. When the program guide is displayed by operating the cursor keys (indicated by arrows of up, down, left, and right in the figure) of the remote control device 62 while the user looks at the display screen, the program on the display screen is displayed in accordance with the instruction. Move the table up, down, left and right.

Then, the processing of S870 and S820 is performed from the remote control device 62 by the user operating the cursor keys and the keys other than the "j key" of the remote control device 62, respectively. The process is executed until a signal corresponding to the key operation is input, and when a command signal by the key operation is transmitted from the remote control device 62, as in the first embodiment, after S160 shown in FIG. Execute the processing of.

However, if a negative determination is made in S220 of FIG. 3, that is, if the display screen is the TV reception screen when the "display switching" command is input, Judge whether “CM display” is selected or not. If “CM display” is selected, move to S820, and if “CM non-display J” is selected, select S870 Move to

Next, the processing executed in S780 to acquire user-preferred CM data will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 (a), 9 (b) and 9 (c).

First, Fig. 9 (a) shows the program category specified by the user in the program search routine (see Fig. 6) executed by the user operating the "program search" key of the remote control device 62. 7 shows details of the category-based EPG data acquisition processing (partially modified from S650 in FIG. 6) of this embodiment, which is executed to acquire the category-specific EPG data.

As shown in this figure, in this embodiment, when acquiring EPG data by category from the EPG server 52, first, the EPG server 52 is used. By transmitting a program information request signal together with the category name selected by the user (S652), EPG data for each category is obtained from the EPG server 52 (S654) and stored in the memory (RAM). In addition to (S & 56), the number of times EPG data is acquired is updated for each program category of the acquired EPG data in S658.

In other words, by counting the number of times of acquiring the EPG data by category, it is possible to determine the program category that the user prefers.

When acquiring CM data from the advertisement server 56 in the above-described CM data acquisition processing (S770), as shown in FIG. Based on the number of acquisitions updated each time data is acquired, EPG data for each category with the largest number of acquisitions is extracted (S772), and the CM data is sent to the advertisement server 56 together with the extracted program categories. A request signal is transmitted (S774), and CM data is transmitted from the advertisement server 56 to receive CM data (S7756).

The advertisement server 56 determines whether or not a request signal for CM data from the network terminal has been received (S910), so that the request signal for CM data is transmitted from the network terminal. When a request signal for CM data from a network terminal is received (S910: YES), CM data corresponding to the program category assigned to the request signal is extracted (S92). 0), The extracted CM data is transmitted to the network terminal that transmitted the request signal.

Therefore, in the CM data acquisition process, the CM data corresponding to the program category specified by the user to acquire the category-specific EPG data and having the designated number of times is acquired.

As described above, the TV 60 of this embodiment is the same as the STB 2 of the first embodiment. Since it has a built-in broadcast program guide device that has the function of, the program information is fetched from the EPG server 52 on the Internet 50 and displayed, so that it can be received or recorded by the user. The selection of a desired broadcast program, the reservation for receiving the selected broadcast program and the reservation for recording can be extremely easily set. Therefore, in the TV 60 of the present embodiment, similarly to the STB 2 of the first embodiment, the user can extremely easily use the EPG system using the Internet 50, and the EPG system It can contribute to the spread.

Further, in the TV 60 of this embodiment, not only the EPG data is obtained from the EPG server 52 but also the CM data from the advertisement server 56, and the display screen includes a program guide and an advertisement image. It is possible to display the EPG / CM synthesis screen that combines the EPG and the EPG system, so that the administrator who operates the EPG system can provide high-quality program information at low cost with funding from sponsors. Become.

In addition, since the user can select whether or not to display the advertisement image on the EPG screen, the user who does not want to see the advertisement can operate the advertisement display input means and reject the advertisement display. A desired image can be displayed. In addition, since the system usage fee is discounted for users who display advertisement images (free in this embodiment), the number of users who do not see advertisements can be reduced, and moreover, advertisements can be viewed. Only for willing users

By sending CM data and displaying an advertisement image, it is possible to increase the audience rating of the advertisement and improve the advertisement effect.

Also, since the CM data sent from the advertisement server 56 corresponds to a program category that is frequently specified by the user, for example, for a user who likes a sports program, a CM of sports equipment or a sports-related facility is provided. To send data, etc., which can be used to By displaying an image, the advertising effect can be improved.

[Third embodiment]

Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, a broadcast program guide device built in the STB 2 of the first embodiment or the TV 60 of the second embodiment is replaced by a public telephone network instead of the PHS unit 18. A description will be given of a case in which a modular jack for connecting a telephone line connected to a telephone line and a modem for data communication between an external telephone line connected to the modular jack and an internal CPU are provided.

When the broadcast program guide device or STB 2 built in the TV 60 is configured in this way, the telephone line may be connected to the modular jack, but this eliminates the need to connect the telephone line. That is, the intended purpose of the present invention cannot be achieved. Therefore, in such a case, the telephone stand 32 shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and (b) is used.

As shown in Fig. 10 (a), the telephone stand 32 has a general PHS telephone 30 that can be used as a wireless phone by itself, and can be charged. It is similar to a telephone stand, and differs from the conventional telephone stand in that, in addition to an AC adapter 34 for power supply, a connection plug 36 for connecting to an external modular jack is provided. The PHS connector 3 8 (Fig. 2), which has a terminal connected to the charging terminal of the PHS telephone 30 and a terminal connected to the data communication terminal of the PHS telephone 30 10 (b))).

As shown in FIG. 10 (b), a charging circuit 39 connected to an AC adapter 34 via a power line is provided inside the telephone base 32. Through the charging terminal of the connector 38, the built-in battery of the PHS telephone 30 mounted on the mounting part can be charged, Also, inside the telephone stand 32, a so-called micro-combination centered on a CPU 40, R0M41, RAM 42, and a bus line 43 connecting them is built. The bus line 43 further includes a PHS interface (IZF) 44 for performing data communication with the PHS telephone 30 via a data communication terminal provided in the PHS connector 38, and Modem section 45 is connected.

The modem section 45 communicates with a modem incorporated in a broadcast program guide apparatus (such as a broadcast program guide apparatus incorporated in the TV 60 or STB 2) which is configured separately from the telephone stand 32. It is for performing data communication, and is connected to the above-mentioned connection plug 36 via a pseudo-exchange unit 46 functioning as a telephone line switch and a telephone line.

Then, the CPU 40 executes the program stored in advance in the R 0 M 41 to connect the telephone stand 32 to the PHS telephone 30 and an external broadcast program guide device (built-in to the TV 60). It functions as a repeater between the broadcast program guide device and STB 2).

Hereinafter, the processing executed by the CPU 40 for this purpose will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the connection plug 36 is connected to a modular jack of an external broadcast program guide device (a broadcast program guide device built in the TV 60 or STB 2).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a main routine that is repeatedly executed by the CPU 40 after the AC adapter 34 is connected to a power outlet and the telephone stand 32 is powered on. When the routine is started, first in S100, the PHS telephone 30 is placed on the telephone base 32, and the terminals of the PHS telephone 30 are connected to the respective connection terminals of the PHS connector 38. Is determined.

And, if the PHS telephone 30 is not connected, at S1010, By outputting a BUSY signal from the modem unit 45 to the external broadcast program guide device via the pseudo exchange unit 46 and the connection plug 36, the external broadcast program guide device can be sent to the external broadcast program guide device via the PHS telephone 30 EPG system. The server informs that it cannot connect to the server, and moves to S1000 again.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1000 that the PHS telephone 30 is connected, the modem unit 45 is set to the incoming call waiting state in S100, and the external The transmission data from the broadcast program guide device is received, and in S103, it is determined whether or not the modem unit 45 has received the transmission data from the external broadcast program guide device. As a result, it waits for the modem section 45 to receive data.

Then, if it is determined in S1003 that the modem section 45 has received an incoming call, then in <S1040, an incoming signal is transmitted to an external broadcast program guide device. Acquires the calling number for Internet connection transmitted from the broadcast program guide device. Also, when the calling number is obtained at S104, the PHS telephone 30 is called at S150, and the PHS telephone 30 is called at S100. Accordingly, it is determined whether or not the communication line between the PHS telephone 30 and the Internet 50 has been connected, and waits for the connection of the communication line.

If it is determined in S 1600 that the communication line between the PHS telephone 30 and the Internet 50 has been connected, the process proceeds to S 1700, and the modem section 45 and the PHS Data communication with the telephone 30 is relayed in both directions. In S 1800, it is determined whether or not the external broadcast program guide device has terminated communication with various servers on the Internet 50 and has transmitted a disconnection signal for disconnecting the telephone line. If the disconnection signal has not been transmitted, the process shifts to S1700 again to continue the relay processing by S1700 until the disconnection signal is received. Then, in S 1800, when it is determined that the disconnection signal from the external broadcast program guide device has been received, the PHS telephone 30 disconnects the communication line with the Internet 50, and again The process moves to S102.

As described above, according to the telephone stand 32 of the present embodiment, the telephone stand of the PHS telephone 30 not only functions as a general charger, but also serves as an external broadcast program drafting apparatus and the PHS telephone 30. It can also function as a repeater between them.

Therefore, if the telephone stand 32 of the present embodiment is used, even a broadcast program guide device such as a PHS unit 18 which does not have a function as a wireless telephone can be connected to the Internet without connecting a telephone line. Communication lines with various servers on the network.

As described above, three embodiments have been described as the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can take various aspects.

For example, the broadcast program guide device incorporated in the TV 60 in the second embodiment may be configured independently as a broadcast program guide device, similarly to the STB 2 of the first embodiment, or may be a VTR 8 or other device. It may be built into the reception and recording device.

In each of the above embodiments, an Internet terminal (broadcast program guide device) to which the present invention is applied has been described as being connected to the Internet 50 via the PHS communication network 54. The Internet terminal may be connected to the Internet 50 via a wireless communication network of a wireless telephone system different from PHS, such as a mobile phone or a satellite phone, or a child of a cordless telephone. Like the mobile phone, the mobile phone may be connected to the Internet 50 by using a wireless telephone for performing wireless communication with a base unit connected to the public telephone network by wire. Also, in this case, the broadcast program guide device is configured as an independent device as in ST # 2 of the first embodiment, or the function as a broadcast program guide device as in TV 60 of the second embodiment. When configuring the receiving / recording devices that have such devices, instead of incorporating a PHS unit into these devices, a corresponding communication unit for wireless communication may be incorporated. When a telephone stand that functions as a charging and relay device for a wireless telephone is used as in the third embodiment, a relay member to be incorporated into the telephone stand (the PHS connector 38 shown in FIG. 10 (b)) is used. , PHS interface 44, etc.) should be compatible with the wireless telephone used. Industrial applicability

By using the broadcast program guide device of the present invention, the user can easily use the program information distributed by the program information distribution device without using a personal computer or the like. Also, a radio telephone is built in or connected to the broadcast program guide device of the present invention. In the broadcast program guide device, a communication line with the program information distribution device is connected via the radio telephone. Then, program information is acquired from the program information distribution device. Therefore, when installing the broadcast program guide device of the present invention, a telephone line connected to a public telephone network is routed to connect a communication line to a program information distribution device on a network. There is no need to connect to a broadcast program guide device, and installation work can be performed easily.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A program information acquisition means for acquiring program information for guiding various broadcast programs from a program information distribution device on a network connectable via a telephone line;

Based on the program information acquired by the program information acquiring means, a display signal for displaying a guide image representing the broadcast content, the broadcast channel, and the broadcast time of a plurality of broadcast programs is generated and output to a display device. Display control means for displaying the guide image on a display device;

Broadcast program input means for the user to specify a desired broadcast program in accordance with the guide image displayed on the display device by the operation of the display control means, and the broadcast program input means specified by the user via the broadcast program input means. Command signal generating means for generating a command signal for receiving or recording the broadcast program received by an external receiving / recording device;

A broadcast program guide device comprising:

Having a wireless telephone built in or connected to the device body,

The broadcast program guide device, wherein the program information acquisition means connects a communication line with the program information distribution device via the wireless telephone, and acquires the program information from the program information distribution device.

2. It has a mounting part for mounting a wireless telephone device that can be used as an independent telephone terminal, and communicates with the wireless telephone device mounted on the mounting part via a signal line. And a charging unit integrating charging means for charging a built-in battery of the wireless telephone device mounted on the mounting unit,

2. The wireless telephone device is used as the wireless telephone by placing the wireless telephone device on the charging stand. 2. The broadcast program guide device according to 1.

3. The broadcast program guide device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the broadcast program input means comprises a remote control device configured separately from the device main body. .

4. The receiving / recording device is configured to be capable of setting the receiving or recording operation of a broadcast program in accordance with a radio signal transmitted by modulating light or electromagnetic waves from a dedicated remote control device. ,

The command signal generating means transmits, as the command signal, a radio signal capable of setting a reception or recording operation of the reception / recording device, thereby receiving or recording the broadcast program specified by the reception / recording device. The broadcast program guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:

5. The broadcast program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the broadcast program guide device is built in the reception / recording device, and is realized as a function of the reception / recording device. Guide device.

6. An advertisement information acquiring means for connecting a communication line with the advertisement information distribution device on the network via the wireless telephone, and acquiring advertisement information from the advertisement information distribution device,

The display control unit generates a display signal for independently displaying an advertisement image corresponding to the advertisement information acquired by the advertisement information acquisition unit for a predetermined time after the activation of the display device. A display signal for displaying the guide image alone or together with an advertisement image is generated, and the display signal is output to the display device. The broadcast program guide device according to the above.

7. An advertisement information acquisition unit that connects a communication line with the advertisement information distribution device on the network via the wireless telephone and acquires advertisement information from the advertisement information distribution device;

Program type input means for a user to specify a program type corresponding to the broadcast content of a broadcast program to be received or recorded by the receiving / recording device;

Advertisement type specifying means for specifying an advertisement type preferred by the user based on the program type specified by the user via the program type input means,

When the user specifies the program type via the program type input means, the program information obtaining means sends a program information request signal with the program type to the program information distribution device via the wireless telephone. By transmitting, program information corresponding to the program type is obtained from the program information distribution device,

When the advertisement type is identified by the advertisement type identification unit, the advertisement information acquisition unit transmits an advertisement information request signal to which the advertisement type is assigned to the advertisement information distribution device via the wireless telephone. Acquiring advertisement information corresponding to the advertisement type from the advertisement information distribution device;

The display control unit generates a display signal for displaying an advertisement image corresponding to the advertisement information acquired by the advertisement information acquisition unit simultaneously or independently with the guide image, and outputs the display signal to the display device. The broadcast program guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an advertisement image is displayed on the display device in addition to the guide image of the program information.

8. A program information distribution device and an advertisement information distribution device are provided on a network connectable via a telephone line, and the subscriber side terminal device transmits program information and advertisements from each of the distribution devices via the telephone line. By obtaining information, An electronic program guide system configured to guide program information provided with advertisement information to a subscriber,

A broadcast program guide device according to claim 7, as one of the subscriber side terminal devices,

Upon receiving the program information request signal from the broadcast program guide device, the program information distribution device determines whether or not information indicating the program type is added to the request signal, and the information indicating the program type is added. If not, it transmits preset general program information to the broadcast program guide device, and if information indicating a program type is added, the program information corresponding to the program type is transmitted to the broadcast program guide. To the device,

Upon receiving the advertisement information request signal from the broadcast program guide device, the advertisement information distribution device determines whether or not information indicating the advertisement type is added to the request signal, and the information indicating the advertisement type is added. If the advertisement information is not provided, the general advertisement information set in advance is transmitted to the broadcast program guide device. If the information indicating the advertisement type is added, the advertisement information corresponding to the advertisement type is transmitted to the broadcast program guide. An electronic program guide system for transmitting to an apparatus.

9. An advertisement information acquiring means for connecting a communication line with the advertisement information distribution device on the network via the wireless telephone, and acquiring advertisement information from the advertisement information distribution device,

The display control unit generates a display signal for displaying an advertisement image corresponding to the advertisement information acquired by the advertisement information acquisition unit simultaneously or independently with the guide image, and outputs the display signal to the display device. , The display device is configured to display an advertisement image in addition to the guide image of the program information,

A user specifies whether to display the advertisement image on the display device. Advertising display input means for

When the user permits the display of the advertisement image via the advertisement display input means, the advertisement information acquisition means is operated. When the user refuses to display the advertisement image, the advertisement is displayed. Advertisement display switching means for stopping the operation of the information acquisition means and causing the display control means to generate a display signal for displaying the guide image alone;

A communication line is connected to the usage fee management device on the network via the wireless telephone, and charging information indicating whether or not an advertisement has been set by the user via the advertisement display input means is transmitted. A billing information transmitting unit that sets a billing discount associated with the display of the advertisement image by transmitting the billing information to the usage fee management device;

The broadcast program guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

10. It has a program information distribution device and an advertisement information distribution device provided on a network connectable via a telephone line, and the subscriber side terminal device transmits program information and program information from each of the distribution devices via the telephone line. An electronic program guide system configured to guide program information provided with advertisement information to a subscriber by acquiring advertisement information,

A charge management device that manages, for each subscriber, a charge necessary for using the system on the network,

A broadcast program guide device according to claim 9 as one of the subscriber side terminal devices,

The electronic program guide, wherein the usage fee management device is free or discounts the usage fee to a subscriber who displays the advertisement image based on the charging information transmitted from the broadcast program guide device. system.