JP2004032624A - Broadcast receiving device and broadcast receiving method - Google Patents

Abstract

A conventional broadcast receiving apparatus cannot easily select a desired program because the number of displayed channels is large.
A broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes a channel number to which a searched program belongs, a broadcast date, a broadcast start time, a broadcast time length of a program, and a program category, including channel number identification information included in the program information; When the broadcast date information, the broadcast start time and the length information indicating the length of the broadcast time of the program, the corresponding number information to be extracted from the program category information are extracted, and the date and time are used as parameters to output the program selection screen, An output unit is provided for outputting a list of the channel numbers extracted by the channel number extracting unit for each program category set by the program category setting unit.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to broadcast reception, and more particularly, to display of a program table in multi-channel broadcast reception.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Recently, digitalization of television broadcasting has been promoted, as represented by BS digital broadcasting and CS digital broadcasting. The number of channels has been increasing due to a system in which video and audio are digitized, compressed, and transmitted.
[0003]
In a digital television system using such a transmission system, as described above, video and audio are digitized, compressed, and transmitted as digital data. In addition to video and audio data, currently broadcast programs and so-called program information scheduled to be broadcast in the future are also transmitted.
[0004]
The program information includes program channel identification information (channel number and name), program identification number (event_id), program title information, broadcast date information, broadcast start time and program length information, program category information, and detailed program description information. Etc. are included.
[0005]
Also, taking advantage of the characteristics of multi-channel broadcasting, broadcasting of the NVOD (near video on demano) system, in which the same program is broadcast with a slightly shifted start time on a plurality of channels, is also performed. Thus, even if the viewer misses the program he wants to watch, he can watch the program from the beginning with a short wait.
[0006]
As described above, in BS digital broadcasting and CS digital broadcasting, multi-channels are promoted and operated in various broadcasting forms. In order to allow a viewer to easily select a favorite program from many programs, various channel selection methods based on program information have been proposed.
[0007]
As one example of a channel selection method based on program information, an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) is known. This EPG function is currently installed in, for example, a BS digital broadcast receiver (broadcast receiving device) and a CS digital broadcast receiver (broadcast receiving device).
[0008]
Here, an EPG screen mounted on a conventional broadcast receiver (broadcast receiving device) will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0009]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a program table on an EPG screen displayed on a display screen of a conventional broadcast receiving apparatus for receiving digital broadcasting. Here, programs for two hours and seven channels including the current time are displayed.
[0010]
Reference numeral 51 denotes a broadcast date and time column, which indicates a broadcast date and time which is a common item in the program table. Reference numeral 51a is a month and day display, which indicates 7/2 (day). Reference numeral 51b denotes a time zone display, in which two hours of the PM 6:00 zone and the PM 7:00 zone are displayed.
[0011]
Reference numeral 52 is a channel display field. Below the date display 51a, a channel display field 52 including a channel number 52a and a channel logo 52b is provided. Further, a program title field 53 is provided below the time zone display field 51b, in which a program name is displayed for each channel and for each time zone.
[0012]
Above the broadcast start date and time column 51, there is provided a cursor display column 54 for displaying information of the program selected by the cursor 56 for selecting a program. In the cursor display column 54, a channel number 54a, a channel logo 54b, a program title 54c, a broadcast start and end time 54d of the program, and a current time 54e are displayed.
[0013]
Further, below the channel display field 52 and the program title field 53, an operation description field 55 in which operation description such as program selection is described is provided.
[0014]
That is, the conventional broadcast receiving apparatus shown in FIG. 10 uses an EPG screen displayed in a matrix with the channel number on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. Further, in the EPG screen shown in FIG. 10, the channel list is displayed in ascending order of channel number based on the program channel identification information with emphasis on channel listing.
[0015]
Also, the time axis is set on the horizontal axis so that the program organization in the time transition can be visually understood. The selection cursor 56 that moves on the matrix of the EPG screen is moved by a user operation of up, down, left, and right cursor keys provided on a remote controller for controlling the digital receiver.
[0016]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a program guide of an EPG screen displayed on a display screen of a conventional broadcast receiving apparatus for receiving digital broadcast. Here, portions having the same configuration as in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0017]
FIG. 11 shows a search result based on the program category information on the EPG screen. In this example, a search is performed for all the broadcasted channels using the program categories “Western”, “Baseball”, and “Western” as search keys, and only the channels extracted as a result are displayed on the EPG screen. it's shown.
[0018]
In the channels extracted by the search, the extracted channel numbers are displayed in ascending order of the channel number, and the program column 53a and the program column 53d display "pops best hits" searched for "Western music". , “Western music hit chart” is displayed, and “Professional baseball relay giant-Hanshin” and “Professional baseball relay Hiroshima-Chunichi” searched for “Baseball” are displayed in the program column 53b and the program column 53g. “Lost World”, “Rainman”, and “ET” searched for “foreign film” are displayed in the program column 53c, the program column 53e, and the program column 53f.
[0019]
Here, in the channel number display column 52, the channel numbers to which the respective programs belong, retrieved in the respective program categories, are displayed in numerical order.
[0020]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in receiving a multi-channel broadcast such as a BS digital broadcast or a CS digital broadcast, the provision of the EPG in the receiving device is a technique that allows a viewer to easily select a program to be viewed. However, in the conventional broadcast receiving apparatus, since the number of channels to be displayed is large, a viewer cannot easily select a desired program.
[0021]
For example, on the EPG screen of the conventional broadcast receiving apparatus described with reference to FIG. 10, since the desired program is selected while selecting the desired program, the desired program is scrolled in the vertical direction when the desired program is selected. There is a problem that the viewer has to search for it, which is very inconvenient in operation.
[0022]
Further, in the EPG screen of the conventional broadcast receiving apparatus described with reference to FIG. 11, since the channel number displayed using the program category as a search key is extracted, the program desired by the viewer is narrowed down to some extent. , The display format of the extracted channel numbers is also in the order of the channel numbers. For this reason, even if a channel in which a program corresponding to the same program category exists has a skipped channel number, it may not fit within one screen and may involve a screen scroll operation. There is also a disadvantage that the search results are hard to grasp visually.
[0023]
JP-A-11-234585 has been proposed as a conventional technique. This proposal discloses the same technology as the above-described conventional EPG. Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-94893 has been proposed. In this proposal, a technique relating to an EPG for displaying a program table based on the priority calculated for each program is disclosed. However, in both technologies, the easiness of program selection has not yet been sufficient in a practical sense.
[0024]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes: program information receiving means for receiving program information including channel number identification information, broadcast date information, broadcast start time and length of a broadcast time of a program, and program category information. Comparing the program category setting means in which the category of the program is set, the program category information received by the program information receiving means, and the program category set by the program category setting means; A program category search unit for searching for a program to be searched; a channel number, a broadcast date, a broadcast start time, and a broadcast time length of the program to which the searched program belongs; Broadcast date information, broadcast start time and length information indicating program broadcast time length, program category information Based on the channel number, the broadcast date, the broadcast start time and the length information indicating the length of the broadcast time of the program extracted by the corresponding number information extracting means. Output means for outputting the program selection screen as a parameter, displaying a list of the channel numbers extracted by the channel number extraction means for each program category set by the program category setting means. It is configured as follows.
[0025]
The broadcast receiving method according to the present invention includes a program information receiving step of receiving program information including channel number identification information, broadcast date information, broadcast start time and length of a broadcast time of a program, and program category information. A program category setting step in which a category of a program is set; a program category search step of comparing the received program category information with the set program category to search for a program corresponding to the same program category; The channel number, the broadcast date, the broadcast start time and the broadcast time length of the program to which the searched program belongs, the program category are defined by the channel number identification information, the broadcast date information, the broadcast start time and the program Applicable numbers extracted from length information indicating the length of broadcast time and program category information Information extracting step, based on the extracted channel number, broadcast date, broadcast start time and length information indicating the length of broadcast time of the program, when outputting the program selection screen with date and time as parameters, And outputting a list of the channel numbers extracted by the channel number extracting means for each program category set by the program category setting means.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital broadcast receiving system according to a broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention. Here, a BS digital broadcast receiver will be described as an example, but the present invention can be applied to a broadcast receiving apparatus equipped with a function of displaying a program guide on a display screen and selecting a program. Also, here, a description will be given using a set-top box (STB) without a built-in image receiving device (display device) as an example of a digital broadcast receiver, but the present invention is also practiced in a form in which a display device is built in a video receiver. It is possible to do.
[0027]
Reference numeral 11 denotes an antenna, reference numeral 12 denotes a digital broadcast receiving device (STB), reference numeral 13 denotes an analog television receiver (display device), and reference numeral 14 denotes a video recording / recording device (VTR device).
[0028]
The digital broadcast receiving system here includes an antenna 11, an STB 12, an analog television receiver 13, and a video recording / recording device 14. The antenna 11 receives a digital television signal transmitted from a BS digital broadcasting satellite (not shown). The digital signal includes a video signal and an audio signal as a program broadcast, and program information related to the program broadcast is superimposed.
[0029]
The program information is information on a broadcast program, and includes a channel number of the broadcast program, channel identification information indicating a channel name, program identification number (event_id) information for specifying each broadcast program, and a program indicating a program title. Title information, program broadcast date and time information indicating the broadcast date of the program, program broadcast start time information indicating the broadcast start time of the program, length information indicating the length of the broadcast time of the program, and program category information of each broadcast program are included. include.
[0030]
Then, an EPG screen described later is created (displayed) based on the program information.
The STB 12 is an STB for reproducing digital signals. The analog television receiver 13 reproduces and displays the video / audio signal reproduced by the STB 12 and converted into an analog signal. The video recording / recording device 14 records and records a television signal converted into an analog signal reproduced by the STB 12.
[0031]
The STB 12 includes a tuner 21 connected to the antenna 11, an 8PSK demodulator 22 connected to the tuner 21, an error corrector 23 connected to the 8PSK demodulator 22, and a descrambler 24 connected to the error corrector 23. , A packet separator 25 connected to the descrambler 24, a packet separation memory 26 and an MPEG decoder 27 connected to the packet separator 25, and an MPEG memory 28 connected to the MPEG decoder 27 and a video signal digital / analog conversion. (Hereinafter referred to as video D / A) 29 and audio signal digital / analog converter (hereinafter referred to as audio D / A) 30 and a display controller 31 connected between the MPEG decoder 27 and the video D / A 29. And a digital signal reproducing part consisting of: tuner 21, 8PSK A bus line 32 connected to a controller 22, an error corrector 23, a descrambler 24, a packet separator 25, an MPEG decoder 27, and a display controller 31; a CPU 33 connected to the bus line 32; a program memory 34; 35, a data memory 36 (a data memory 36a and a program reservation memory 36a), a kanji ROM 37, an input / output control 38, an IC card control 39, a modem 40, and a remote control / display panel (hereinafter referred to as a remote control) connected to the input / output control 38. A control microcomputer portion comprising a display panel 41 and a telephone line 42 connected to the modem 40;
[0032]
The outline of the digital broadcast receiving system shown in FIG. 1 is as follows. The digital television signal received by the antenna 11 and converted to the intermediate frequency is supplied to the tuner 21. Here, a channel desired by the viewer is selected and demodulated into an I / Q (In phase / Quadrature phase) signal.
[0033]
The I / Q signal is demodulated into digital data by an 8PSK demodulator 22 and supplied to an error corrector 23. The error corrector 23 performs error detection and error correction on the digital data, and supplies the demodulated digital data to the descrambler 24 as transport stream data.
[0034]
When the transmitted signal is encrypted, the descrambler 24 decrypts the transmitted signal, restores the original signal, and supplies the original signal to the packet separator 25.
[0035]
According to the packet separation procedure stored in the packet separation memory 26, the packet separator 25 converts the video data and audio data of the program transmitted from the transport stream data and various program information data accompanying the program for each packet. To separate. Here, the various program information data describes the name of the program to be broadcast, the broadcast time, and the like, and the broadcast receiving device or the like can display an EPG screen or the like by using this information.
[0036]
Each packet data separated by the packet separator 25 is supplied to the MPEG decoder 27. The MPEG decoder 27 decodes the packet data according to the procedure stored in the MPEG memory 28.
[0037]
The video signal decoded by the MPEG decoder 27 is converted from a digital signal to an analog signal by a video D / A 29, and the audio signal decoded by the MPEG decoder 27 is similarly converted from a digital signal to an analog signal by an audio D / A 30. Are output to the analog television receiver 13 and the video recorder 14.
[0038]
The video signal decoded by the MPEG decoder 27 is output to the video D / A 29 according to the display format requested by the viewer under the display control of the display controller 31.
[0039]
The control microcomputer part efficiently processes the digital signal reproduction part via the bus line 32 according to the real-time OS mounted on the CPU 33 and the processing procedure stored in the program memory 34, and also requests the viewer. This is for displaying an image of an EPG screen or a program. The work memory 35 of the control microcomputer portion stores a procedure for generating a display format for each display mode of a video displayed on the screen of the analog television receiver 13.
[0040]
The data memory 36 is a memory for storing data corresponding to the display form of the work memory 35, and the kanji ROM 37 is a memory for generating characters / numbers to be displayed on a television screen from program information included in the digital television signal. Data is stored.
[0041]
The input / output control 38 has a function of taking in the microcomputer control part into an infrared signal input via an infrared signal receiving unit 41 a provided on the remote control / display panel 41 and controlling an operation display panel provided on the STB 12. Have.
[0042]
The infrared signal is output from a remote controller (hereinafter, referred to as a remote controller) 80 (shown in FIG. 6) described later. The infrared signal output from the remote controller 80 is generated as the viewer operates the remote controller 80.
[0043]
Further, the viewer number, the decryption key, and the like, which are received by the antenna 11 and stored in the IC card 39a by the IC card control 39, are read and collated with the decryption permission condition in the transmission signal. , The decryption key is supplied to the descrambler 24.
[0044]
The modem 40 is connected to a telephone line 42 for transmitting billing information to a broadcast program provider when receiving a pay broadcast, or as a bidirectional means in a bidirectional data broadcast service.
[0045]
Here, the schematic configuration of the remote controller will be briefly described with reference to FIG.
[0046]
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a remote controller for controlling the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention.
[0047]
The remote controller 80 is provided with an infrared signal output unit 80a, a program guide (EPG) key 80b, a cursor key 80c, an enter key 80d, a color key 80e, and the like, and is operated by a viewer (user).
[0048]
Next, a description will be given of how the STB 12 creates an EPG from various pieces of program information.
[0049]
With the operation of the remote controller 80, an infrared signal of an EPG screen display command is output from the remote controller 80. When this infrared signal is received by the infrared receiving section 41a, the program table creation procedure information is loaded into the work memory 35, and various program information superimposed on each broadcast channel is loaded.
[0050]
Here, based on the program table creation procedure information and various program information taken into the work memory 35 and the character data stored in the kanji ROM 37, the analog television receiver 13 is transmitted via the MPEG decoder 27 and the display control 31. Displays an EPG screen.
[0051]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an EPG screen output from the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention and displayed on a display device.
[0052]
53a is a display example of the result of search and extraction using a specific search key (program category: Western music). 53b is a display example of the result of search and extraction with a specific search key (program category: baseball). It is an example of a display of the result of search and extraction by a specific search key (program category: Western movie).
[0053]
In this way, the displayed channels are categorized for each program category and displayed collectively. The EPG screen shown in FIG. 2 will be described later in detail.
[0054]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the EPG screen output from the broadcast receiving device according to the present invention and displayed on the display device.
[0055]
53a is a display example of the result of search and extraction using a specific search key (program category: Western music). 53b is a display example of the result of search and extraction with a specific search key (program category: baseball). It is an example of a display of the result of search and extraction by a specific search key (program category: foreign film).
[0056]
In this way, the displayed channels are categorized for each program category and displayed collectively. If the same program title exists in a program of the same category, it is displayed in chronological order. The EPG screen shown in FIG. 3 will be described later in detail.
[0057]
Here, setting of the program category in the broadcast receiving device will be described.
[0058]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining how to set a program category in the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention.
[0059]
The display screen shown in FIG. 7 is activated from a setting menu mounted on the STB 12. This display screen example shows an example of a program category setting used for searching for a broadcast program used when generating an EPG screen. In each category 70, a program category corresponding to a program category of a type used in program broadcasting is displayed. ing.
[0060]
Here, the selection cursor 72 moves in each category 70 displayed on the program category setting screen by operating the cursor key 80c of the remote controller 80.
[0061]
Here, the viewer moves the selection cursor 72 to the program category desired to be set as a search key, and presses the enter key 80d of the remote controller 80 to set the search key.
[0062]
The program category set as the search key is set and displayed as search category setting 1 (71a) in the search category setting display field 71.
[0063]
Also, by repeatedly performing the above operation, search category setting 2 and search category setting 3 are similarly set and displayed. The set search category is set and displayed in search category setting 2 (71b) and search category setting 3 (71c) in the search category setting display field 71.
[0064]
In this example, it is assumed that "Western music" is set in search category setting 1 (71a), "baseball" is set in search category setting 2 (71b), and "Western" is set in search category setting 3 (71c).
[0065]
Although FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which three search categories are set, the number of search categories to be set is not particularly limited to three, and may be three or more or three or less.
[0066]
Next, a display procedure of an example of the EPG screen display according to the present invention will be described.
[0067]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a display procedure of an example of the EPG screen display in the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention.
[0068]
When the EPG display process (start) is selected, the process proceeds to the step labeled ST1. In step ST1, a digital broadcast signal including program information is received by the antenna 11.
[0069]
Next, the process proceeds to the step marked with ST2. In step ST2, assuming that the digital broadcast signal is received, the program guide key 80b of the remote controller 80 is pressed by the viewer's operation. Accordingly, the EPG screen display processing operation is started. Next, the process proceeds to the step denoted by ST3.
[0070]
In step ST3, when the EPG screen display processing operation is started, an operation of reading a search key preset in the STB 12 is performed. The STB 12 can set a program category of the same type as the program category sent as a program broadcast as the search key. The program category setting used as a search key can be set in advance in a setting menu mounted on the STB 12. Next, the process proceeds to the step marked with ST4.
[0071]
In step ST4, a search and extraction process for the program is performed according to the search category setting read from the received digital broadcast signal. Next, the process proceeds to the step denoted by ST5.
[0072]
In step ST5, search extraction is first performed in search category setting 1 (71a) shown in FIG. 7, and if a corresponding program exists, the process proceeds to step ST6. If no such program exists, the process proceeds to step ST7.
[0073]
In step ST6, the program title information, the channel number identification information where the program exists, the broadcast start time information of the program broadcast, the length information indicating the length of the broadcast time of the program broadcast, and the program category information of the program are extracted. The data is sequentially stored as data in association with a program identification number (event_id) for specifying a program broadcast of the corresponding program, and is made into a database. When the search extraction is completed in the search category setting 1 (71a), the process proceeds to step ST7.
[0074]
In step ST7, it is determined whether or not there is another search key (program category) read in step ST3. If it is determined that there is another search key, the process returns to step ST4. By the same procedure as the above-described method, the search and extraction process of the program is executed in the next search category setting 2 (71b) and search category setting 3 (71b). When the program search for all search keys (program categories) read in step ST3 is completed, the process proceeds to step ST8.
[0075]
In step ST8, sorting is performed for each search key (program category) read in step ST3 using the program category information in the database created in step ST6. Next, the process proceeds to the step marked with ST9.
[0076]
In step ST9, an EPG screen display processing operation is performed. An EPG screen as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the analog television receiver 13 using the result sorted in step ST8.
[0077]
Here, the EPG screen displayed based on the processing of the flowchart described with reference to FIG. 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in FIGS. 10 and 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0078]
The channel display field 52 displays programs broadcast on all channels transmitted by digital broadcast signals. The search key is read in step ST3 with the program category desired by the viewer set in advance in the STB 12 as a search key. Based on the search key, the broadcast is broadcast on all channels transmitted by digital broadcast signals. A search is performed for the program to be performed. Then, the channel to which the corresponding program belongs is extracted and displayed.
[0079]
Here, the display priorities of the channel numbers displayed in the channel display column 52 are in the order in which the search keys are set in advance. That is, in this example, "Western music" is set in the search category setting 1, and "Pops best hit" and "Western music hit" are displayed in the upper two of the channel display column 52 as shown in the program column 53a. Channels 111 and 115 to which a program whose program category corresponds to "Western music" called "Chart" are displayed.
[0080]
In the channel display column 52 following the 115 channel, for the program category "baseball" set in the search category setting 2, as shown in the program column 53b, "Professional baseball relay giant-Hanshin" and "Professional baseball relay" The 113 and 514 channels to which the program category of "Hiroshima-China" belongs, that is, the program corresponding to "baseball" are displayed.
[0081]
Further, in the channel display column 52 following the 514 channel, as shown in the program column 53c, "Lost World", "Rainman", and "E" for the program category "Western" set in the search category setting 3 are displayed. .T. ”, That is, 114 channels, 116 channels, and 335 channels to which a program corresponding to“ foreign film ”belongs are displayed.
[0082]
Next, a display procedure of another display example of the EPG screen shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to a flowchart.
[0083]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a display procedure of another example of the EPG screen display in the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention.
[0084]
When the EPG display process (start) is selected, the process proceeds to the step labeled ST1. In step ST1, a digital broadcast signal including program information is received by the antenna 11.
[0085]
Next, the process proceeds to the step marked with ST2. In step ST2, assuming that the digital broadcast signal is received, the program guide key 80b of the remote controller 80 is pressed by the viewer's operation. Accordingly, the EPG screen display processing operation is started. Next, the process proceeds to the step denoted by ST3.
[0086]
In step ST3, when the EPG screen display processing operation is started, an operation of reading a search key preset in the STB 12 is performed. The STB 12 can set a program category of the same type as the program category sent as a program broadcast as the search key. The program category setting used as a search key can be set in advance in a setting menu mounted on the STB 12. Next, the process proceeds to the step marked with ST4.
[0087]
In step ST4, a search and extraction process for the program is performed according to the search category setting read from the received digital broadcast signal. Next, the process proceeds to the step denoted by ST5.
[0088]
In step ST5, search extraction is first performed in search category setting 1 (71a) shown in FIG. 7, and if a corresponding program exists, the process proceeds to step ST6. If no such program exists, the process proceeds to step ST7.
[0089]
In step ST6, the program title information, the channel number identification information where the program exists, the broadcast start time information of the program broadcast, the length information indicating the length of the broadcast time of the program broadcast, and the program category information of the program are extracted. The data is sequentially stored as data in association with a program identification number (event_id) for specifying a program broadcast of the corresponding program, and is made into a database. When the search extraction is completed in the search category setting 1 (71a), the process proceeds to step ST7.
[0090]
In step ST7, it is determined whether or not there is another search key (program category) read in step ST3. If it is determined that there is another search key, the process returns to step ST4. By the same procedure as the above-described method, the search and extraction process of the program is executed in the next search category setting 2 (71b) and search category setting 3 (71b). When the program search for all search keys (program categories) read in step ST3 is completed, the process proceeds to step ST8.
[0091]
In step ST8, sorting is performed for each search key (program category) read in step ST3 using the program category information in the database created in step ST6. Subsequently, the process proceeds to a step marked with ST8a.
[0092]
In step ST8a, a search and determination of a program having the same program title is further performed from the data sorted for each program category in step ST8. If it is determined that there is a program with the same program title, the process proceeds to a step with reference numeral ST8b. If it is determined that there is no program with the same program title (none), the process proceeds to a step with reference numeral ST8c.
[0093]
In step ST8b, the channel numbers are sorted by the same program title. Next, the process proceeds to a step denoted by reference sign ST8c.
[0094]
In step ST8c, the data is further sorted by the program start time. When displayed on the EPG screen, the channels sorted and sorted by the above processing are displayed in order with priority.
[0095]
Here, the EPG screen displayed based on the processing of the flowchart described with reference to FIG. 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0096]
Here, an example will be described in which a program with the same program title is present in a program searched in “foreign film” in search category setting 3.
[0097]
The search results for “Western” in search category setting 1 and “baseball” in search category setting 2 are the same as those in FIG. With respect to the program category "Western" in search category setting 3, the program column 53c includes channels 114, 391, and 631 in which the program "Lost World" of the same program category and the same program title exists. It is displayed in the display column 52. Here, the display order of the three channel numbers is displayed in the above-described order because the sorting process is performed in the order of the broadcast start time in step ST8c.
[0098]
As described in detail above, according to the display of the EPG screen as shown in FIG. 2, the viewer can classify desired programs in advance according to program categories and display them at the same time as the EPG screen is activated. A complicated cursor operation on the conventional EPG screen in which all channels are displayed is reduced. Also, since the displayed channels are classified and displayed for each program category, when a viewer selects a program, it is easy to compare programs of the same category, minimizing cumbersome cursor operations, and reducing program selection. Easy to do.
[0099]
Further, according to the display of the EPG screen as shown in FIG. 3, programs having the same program title are displayed collectively and in chronological order, so that the broadcast start time is not overlooked.
[0100]
Furthermore, in this EPG screen display method, even if the NVOD descriptor specified by ARIB, which is a broadcasting standard for digital broadcasting, is not operated and is not transmitted, it is possible to easily search for programs in the NVOD format. It is possible.
[0101]
Next, another embodiment according to the present invention will be described.
[0102]
8 and 9 are views for explaining another embodiment according to the present invention.
[0103]
Here, in the BS digital broadcasting, the operation is facilitated by using the color key 80e provided on the remote controller 80 assigned to the operation of the data broadcasting according to the ARIB standard.
[0104]
In other words, in each of the color keys 80e, “blue music” set in the search program category setting 1 is assigned to the blue key, and “baseball” set in the search program category setting 2 is assigned to the red key. “Foreign” set in the search program category setting 3 is assigned to the assigned green key. The operation method is displayed and explained in the operation explanation column 55 by the operation explanation 55a for each color key.
[0105]
FIG. 8 shows an example in which the blue key is selected and pressed, and a Western music program is displayed.
[0106]
FIG. 9 shows an example in which the green key is selected and pressed, and a Western movie program is displayed.
[0107]
For example, when the viewer wants to display a program corresponding to “Western” in the search category setting 3 when the EPG screen (Western music) in FIG. 8 is displayed, the viewer presses the green key of the remote controller 80 in accordance with the operation description 55a. By pressing this button, it is possible to easily switch to the EPG display screen of the channel whose program category corresponds to "Western" as shown in FIG. In the EPG screen display of the present invention, the channel extracted by the search key is displayed when the EPG screen is activated. When the yellow key is pressed, the display can be switched to the EPG screen display in the order of channel numbers.
[0108]
In this way, for example, it is possible to switch and display a program table display of a different genre, such as a Western music program and a Western picture program, by a simple operation.
[0109]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an EPG that is frequently used when a viewer selects a desired program in a broadcast (for example, a digital broadcast) performed in a multi-channel form. Further, it is possible to provide a method of displaying an EPG screen on which a channel to which a program desired by a viewer belongs among many channels is displayed.
[0110]
Further, according to the present invention, a complicated cursor operation on the conventional EPG screen can be reduced.
[0111]
Further, according to the present invention, displayed channels are classified and displayed collectively for each program category, so that when a viewer selects a program, it is possible to easily compare programs in the same category.
[0112]
Further, according to the present invention, if programs having the same program title exist in programs of the same category, they can be displayed in chronological order, so that it is easy to visually recognize the program. It is possible to prevent the user from overlooking the program start time.
[0113]
Further, according to the present invention, even when NVOD descriptor information standardized in digital broadcasting is not operated, it is possible to perform display in a format similar to the NVOD format on the EPG screen display. .
[0114]
Further, according to the present invention, even when there are many channels to which programs of the same category extracted by the search belong, for example, by using a color key or the like defined for data broadcasting operation in BS digital broadcasting, the remote control can be used. Can be easily jumped to the channel of the program category set as another search key without increasing the number of keys of the search key. Therefore, when selecting a program using the EPG screen, it is possible to reduce the complicated scroll operation by the cursor keys, which has been a problem in the past.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an EPG screen according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the EPG screen according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a display procedure of an EPG screen display according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a display procedure of an EPG screen display according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a remote controller according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a view for explaining setting of a program category according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an EPG screen of a conventional broadcast receiving device.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an EPG screen of a conventional broadcast receiving device.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 ... antenna
12 ... STB (set top box)
13 ・ ・ ・ Analog TV receiver
14. Video recorder
21 ・ ・ ・ Tuner
22 ... 8PSK demodulator
23 ・ ・ ・ Error Corrector
24 ・ ・ ・ Disc rambler
25 ... Packet separator
26 ... Packet separation memory
27 ... MPEG decoder
28 ... MPEG memory
29 ・ ・ ・ Video signal digital / analog converter
30 ... Audio signal digital / analog converter
31 Display controller
32 ・ ・ ・ Bus line
33 ... CPU
34 ... Program memory
35 ・ ・ ・ Work memory
36a: Data memory
37 ・ ・ ・ Kanji ROM
38 ・ ・ ・ Input / output control
39 ... IC card control
39a IC card
40 ・ ・ ・ Modem
41 ・ ・ ・ Remote control / display panel
42 ... telephone line
80 Remote controller
80a ・ ・ Infrared signal output section
80b ··· Program guide display key
80c cursor key
80d ... Enter key
80e color key

Claims (6)

In a broadcast receiving apparatus that receives program information and outputs a program selection screen based on the received program information,
Program information receiving means for receiving program information including channel number identification information, broadcast date information, broadcast start time and length of broadcast time of the program, and program category information;
Program category setting means for setting a category of the program;
Program category search means for comparing the program category information received by the program information receiving means with the program category set by the program category setting means, and searching for a program corresponding to the same program category;
The channel number, broadcast date, broadcast start time and broadcast time length of the program to which the searched program belongs, the program category, channel number identification information included in the program information, broadcast date information, broadcast start time and broadcast of the program Length information indicating the length of time, corresponding number information extraction means to extract from each from the program category information,
When outputting the program selection screen using the date and time as parameters based on the channel number, broadcast date, broadcast start time and length information indicating the length of broadcast time of the program extracted by the corresponding number information extracting means. Output means for displaying a list of the channel numbers extracted by the channel number extracting means for each program category set by the program category setting means, and outputting a program selection screen. Broadcast receiver. In a broadcast receiving apparatus that receives program information and outputs a program selection screen based on the received program information,
Program information receiving means for receiving program information including channel number identification information, broadcast date information, broadcast start time and length of broadcast time of the program, and program category information;
Program category setting means for setting a category of the program;
Program category search means for comparing the program category information received by the program information receiving means with the program category set by the program category setting means, and searching for a program corresponding to the same program category;
The channel number, broadcast date, broadcast start time and broadcast time length of the program to which the searched program belongs, the program category, channel number identification information included in the program information, broadcast date information, broadcast start time and broadcast of the program Length information indicating the length of time, corresponding number information extraction means to extract from each from the program category information,
The same program title search means for searching a program having the same title as the program corresponding to the same program category searched by the program category search means from the program information received by the program information receiving means,
The channel number, broadcast date, broadcast start time and broadcast time length of the program to which the searched program belongs, the program category, channel number identification information included in the program information, broadcast date information, broadcast start time and broadcast of the program Length information indicating the length of time, corresponding number information extraction means to extract from each from the program category information,
Output means for summarizing the channel numbers extracted by the corresponding number information extracting means for each of the same titles searched by the program title searching means and outputting a list display in the order of the broadcast start time of the program, and outputting a program selection screen. A broadcast receiving apparatus. When a plurality of program categories are set in the program category setting, a switch is made to switch from a program selection screen grouped for each currently output program category to a program selection screen grouped by another program category setting. The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit. A program information receiving step of receiving program information including channel number identification information, broadcast date information, broadcast start time and length of broadcast time of the program, and program information including program category information;
A program category setting step in which a program category is set;
A program category search step of comparing the received program category information with the set program category, and searching for a program corresponding to the same program category;
The channel number, broadcast date, broadcast start time and broadcast time length of the program to which the searched program belongs, the program category, channel number identification information included in the program information, broadcast date information, broadcast start time and broadcast of the program Length information indicating the length of time, a corresponding number information extraction step to be extracted from each of the program category information,
When outputting the program selection screen with the date and time as parameters based on the extracted channel number, broadcast date, broadcast start time and length information indicating the length of broadcast time of the program, the channel number extracting means An output step of summarizing and displaying a list of the channel numbers extracted by the program category setting means for each of the program categories set by the program category setting means. A program information receiving step of receiving program information including channel number identification information, broadcast date information, broadcast start time and length of broadcast time of the program, and program information including program category information;
A program category setting step in which a program category is set;
A program category search step of comparing the received program category information with the set program category, and searching for a program corresponding to the same program category;
The channel number, broadcast date, broadcast start time and broadcast time length of the program to which the searched program belongs, the program category, channel number identification information included in the program information, broadcast date information, broadcast start time and broadcast of the program Length information indicating the length of time, a corresponding number information extraction step to be extracted from each of the program category information,
The same program title search step of searching the received program information for a program having the same title as the program corresponding to the searched same program category;
The channel number, broadcast date, broadcast start time and broadcast time length of the program to which the searched program belongs, the program category, channel number identification information included in the program information, broadcast date information, broadcast start time and broadcast of the program Length information indicating the length of time, a corresponding number information extraction step to be extracted from each of the program category information,
An output step of collecting the extracted channel numbers for each of the searched same titles and displaying the list in the order of the broadcast start time of the program. When a plurality of program categories are set in the program category setting, a switch is made to switch from a program selection screen grouped for each currently output program category to a program selection screen grouped by another program category setting. The broadcast receiving method according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a step.

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