JP4115341B2 - Channel selector - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a remote control channel selection operation device for a digital broadcast receiver, and more particularly to a channel selection device suitable for a terrestrial digital broadcast receiver.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, as the transition from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting becomes a reality, a digital terrestrial broadcast signal is selected by a tuner, and a selected MPEG format transport stream is decoded to obtain a video / audio signal. Various types of digital broadcast receivers have been proposed.
[0003]
At this time, by shifting from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting, multiple services of 100 services or more can be realized, and the service number that is the channel selection data of the service inevitably becomes three digits or more.
[0004]
Here, FIG. 3 shows an example of a remote control (remote control transmitter) R that is generally used in such a digital broadcast receiver. In this case, the power supply of the receiver alternates every time the power key R1 is pressed. Are turned on (ON) and off (OFF). After the power is turned on, operations such as channel selection (ch selection) are performed.
[0005]
As a method of selecting a desired three-digit service number (channel number) using the remote controller R, the following three methods are generally used at present.
[0006]
(1) Enter the 3-digit input key R2 and use the numeric keys R3 from “0” to “9” in the 3-digit input box on the output screen to select the channel by directly entering the 3-digit service number. Method.
[0007]
(2) A method of selecting a channel by directly specifying a preset three-digit service number with the numeric key R3 of “0” to “9”.
[0008]
{Circle around (3)} A method of selecting a service that can be received by channel up and channel down in order with the channel up key R4 or the channel down key R5 as a starting point.
[0009]
Thus, in the digital broadcast receiver using the remote controller R, the operation when the normal digital broadcast service channel selection is performed by three-digit input, that is, the method (1) described above will be described with reference to FIG. .
[0010]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the relationship between the state of the receiver (digital broadcast receiver), the display device, and the remote control operation. Assume that the receiver initially selects 100 ch (S40). Then, at this time, 100 ch and OSD (on-screen display) are displayed on the display device (S41).
[0011]
Here, it is assumed that the user has pressed the three-digit input key R2 (S42). Then, the display device will display “ ch "is displayed on the OSD (S43), and a cursor is prompted to input a new 3-digit number.
[0012]
At this time, if the user wants to select 130 ch and inputs the numbers “1”, “3”, and “0” as indicated by 44 using the numeric keys of the numeric keypad R3 of the remote controller R, the input The number key is transmitted to the receiver side.
[0013]
As a result, the OSD is displayed on the display device with the channel name “130ch” (S45), the receiver is in a 130ch program reception state (S46), and the image is displayed on the display device.
[0014]
By the way, in a terrestrial digital broadcasting system, a specific service area may be set so that a plurality of programs having different service contents can be received under the same three-digit service number.
[0015]
At this time, when the above channel selection method (1) is used, in order to distinguish each program, it is necessary to input an additional one-digit number as a branch number after the same three-digit service number ( ARIB TR-B14 Volume 2) In this case, a 4-digit number must be entered.
[0016]
Here, when inputting such a 4-digit number, first, after the 3-digit number is sequentially input, the receiver side determines whether or not the channel selection requires a branch number. Prompt for the last digit in response.
[0017]
On the other hand, a method of selecting a channel without inputting a branch number is also conceivable. In this case, a separate key is provided so that a channel can be directly selected, and a service number and a branch number are registered beforehand. There is.
[0018]
In addition, when the user inputs a three-digit service channel number, a list of branch numbers that can be selected by this channel number is displayed on the screen, and the user can use the cursor key R6 (FIG. 3). Have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).
[0019]
Further, a method has been proposed in which the service channel number is increased or decreased using the channel up key R4 and the channel down key R5 when the user inputs the service number halfway (for example, see Patent Document 3).
[0020]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-16516
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-177387
[Patent Document 3]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-33969
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The above prior art has not been considered that the operation of the remote controller becomes complicated as the number of digits of the service number increases, and there is a problem that the burden on the user increases.
[0024]
As described above, when the transition is made from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting, multiple services of 100 services or more can be realized. For this purpose, the service number becomes three digits or more, and in the case of a service that requires a branch number, It becomes 4 digits like.
[0025]
At this time, in the case of a method of sequentially inputting a 4-digit service number using each numeric key of the numeric keypad group R3 shown in FIG. As the number of services that can be received increases, the number of numbers that must be stored accurately increases, which places a heavy burden on the user.
[0026]
On the other hand, in the case of a method in which the service number and branch number are registered in advance in a key in which a branch number is not input and a four-digit number can be directly input, selectable services are limited depending on the number of keys. Therefore, it is difficult to respond to the increase in the number of services.
[0027]
When the user inputs a three-digit service number, a list of selectable branch numbers is displayed on the screen, and when the user uses the cursor key R6 to select the list, the list displayed by the user is displayed. The operation becomes complicated because it is necessary to make a selection after reading.
[0028]
Here, when the user inputs the service number halfway, in the method of using the channel up key R4 and the channel down key R5 to increase or decrease the service channel number, the branch number is input when the branch number is selected. Since the user recognizes that it is necessary and the channel up key R4 and the channel down key R5 must be changed accordingly, the operation becomes complicated.
[0029]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a channel selection device in which service selection requiring branch numbers can be obtained by simple remote control operation.
[0030]
[Means for solving the problems]
The purpose of the above is that when a 3-digit service number is input in a channel selection device of a digital broadcast receiver that is operated by remote control corresponding to a 3-digit service number having a branch number, the service number is the branch number. Means for determining whether or not the service requires input; and means for determining a time during which the key of the third digit is depressed when the three-digit service number is input. When the service number is a service that requires the input of a branch number, and the time for which the key of the third digit is depressed is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the branch number is sequentially displayed and displayed. The service corresponding to the branch number is achieved by channel-up sequentially.
[0031]
Here, when the reception operation is stopped, a service number that requires the last selected branch number and a means for storing the branch number in the memory are provided, and when the reception operation is started, the memory The above-mentioned object can be achieved even if the channel number is sequentially increased starting from the service number and the branch number stored in the above.
[0032]
Furthermore, the above object can also be achieved by providing means for dividing and displaying the channel-up image on the screen of the display device.
[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a channel selection device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings.
[0034]
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a terrestrial digital broadcast receiver using a remote control method. In the figure, a broadcast data receiver 1 receives a terrestrial digital broadcast signal and service information data. It is supplied to the received data sorting unit 2.
[0035]
Then, the received data sorting unit 2 analyzes the input terrestrial digital broadcast signal and service information data, and supplies them to the channel selection control unit 3. At this time, the received data sorting unit 2 is provided with a branch number channel data storage unit 4 and an external memory 5, and a service number that requires a branch number and the branch number channel data storage unit 4 for the branch number. The other data is stored in the external memory 5 and can be read out whenever necessary.
[0036]
Here, the channel selection control unit 3 functions as a control unit for controlling the channel selection operation, selects a terrestrial digital broadcast signal as a tuner, and supplies the selected MPEG transport stream to the AV decoder 6 and the OSD display unit 7. At the same time, the service information acquired from the transport stream is stored in a predetermined memory.
[0037]
The AV decoder 6 decodes the MPEG transport stream to obtain a video / audio / data broadcast program, and the OSD display unit 7 adds channel selection data such as a service number to the video output signal and outputs it. do.
[0038]
Therefore, the outputs of the AV decoder 6 and the OSD display unit 7 are supplied to the display device 8 of the television receiver, so that an image is displayed.
[0039]
On the other hand, for the remote control operation by the user at this time, the remote control R described in FIG. 3 is used, the data transmitted from the remote control R by infrared rays is received by the remote control light receiving unit 9, and the received data is the remote control signal determination unit. 10 to be passed.
[0040]
When channel selection is instructed from the remote controller R, the remote control signal determination unit 10 supplies the received data to the branch number search unit 11 and the input digit number / push-down determination unit 12.
[0041]
Next, remote control operation and channel selection operation according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the relationship between the state of the receiver (digital broadcast receiver), the display device, and the remote control operation. Assume that the receiver initially selects 100 ch ( (S20) The channel selection control unit 3 causes the display device 8 to display the OSD on the OSD display unit 7 via the OSD display unit 7 (S21).
[0042]
Now, suppose that the user selects the terrestrial digital broadcast channel 130 by 3-digit input. In this case, the user first presses the 3-digit input key R2 (FIG. 3) of the remote controller R, Next, "1" and "3" are input with the numeric key R3 (S22).
[0043]
Then, the display device 8 has “13 ch "and OSD are displayed, and the cursor is prompted to input the last one-digit number (S23). Therefore, the user inputs “0” with the numeric key R3 and keeps pressing the key (S24).
[0044]
Then, the number of input digits / push-down discriminating unit 12 detects from the discrimination result of the remote control signal discriminating unit 10 that three numeric keys have been pressed here, and informs the branch number searching unit 11 of this fact.
[0045]
Therefore, the branch number search unit 11 fetches the three-digit number input at this time from the remote control signal determination unit 10 and matches it with the data given from the branch number channel data storage unit 4, and the three-digit number input at this time. It is determined whether the service number is a service that requires a branch number (S25).
[0046]
If the service requires branch number input, the OSD display unit 7 causes the display to prompt the user to input another digit (S26). At this time, if the user still keeps pressing the numeric key “0” (S 27), this is recognized by the input digit number / push-down determination unit 12.
[0047]
After that, the number of input digits / push down determination unit 12 determines the elapse of a predetermined time set in advance, and sequentially forwards the branch number for each selectable branch number every time the predetermined time elapses. At this time, the channel selection control unit 3 channel-ups the service corresponding to the branch number as a candidate so that an image of each service is displayed on the display device 8 (S28).
[0048]
At this time, the OSD display unit 7 causes the new branch numbers to be displayed in OSD sequentially from “0” (S29). Therefore, the user looks at the display device 8 and waits for the desired channel display to be obtained.
[0049]
Then, when the desired channel selection display appears, for example, when “130ch-1” is displayed on the OSD, the user releases his / her finger from the numeric key “0”. The determination unit 12 stops the sequential transfer of the branch number, and the channel selection control unit 3 stops the channel up when the channel corresponding to the branch number is selected.
[0050]
As a result, the channel number with a desired branch number, for example, “130ch-1” is displayed in the OSD display on the display device 8 (S30), and the receiver receives the 130ch-1 channel displayed in the OSD. (S31).
[0051]
Then, in this embodiment, whether or not the service with the selected 3-digit number is a service that requires the fourth digit is immediately displayed with the OSD when the third digit is entered.
[0052]
Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is not necessary to know in advance whether or not a service with a three-digit number to be selected is a service that requires the fourth digit in advance. Can enter the operation.
[0053]
Moreover, even if the service requires the 4th digit here, no special operation is required, and the branch numbers are displayed one after the other by simply pressing and holding the key that entered the 3rd digit. Each time, the images of the program corresponding to the branch number are displayed in order.
[0054]
Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to immediately enter a channel selection operation and select a necessary service without being aware of the branch number or how many services require branch numbers. .
[0055]
Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if the number of digits of the service number increases, it is not necessary to look at the list, and a desired channel number can be easily input, so that the burden on the user can be greatly reduced. it can.
[0056]
In the above embodiment, the channel number with branch number is “130 ch” and the third digit is “0”, but it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to this.
[0057]
Also, the branch numbers that are forwarded have been described for the case of 10 digits from 0 to 9, but this is not limited to 10 digits. When the number of digits is as small as 5, it is only necessary to perform forward feeding within this range.
[0058]
Here, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, a non-volatile memory is used for the branch number channel data storage unit 4 in the above-described embodiment, and when the reception operation is terminated, the last selected branch is used. There is a second embodiment in which a three-digit number of a service requiring a number and its branch number are stored.
[0059]
In the second embodiment, when the reception operation is started next, the channel is sequentially upgraded from the service stored in the nonvolatile memory of the branch number channel data storage unit 4. .
[0060]
Therefore, according to the second embodiment, when the reception operation is started, the channel received last time can always be selected as it is, and the diversification of user needs can be met.
[0061]
The OSD display unit 7 is configured such that when a service that requires a branch number is sequentially selected, the service is displayed as a divided screen for each service on the screen of the display device 8, which is the third embodiment. It can also be.
[0062]
Therefore, according to the third embodiment, since the program that can be obtained by the service based on the branch number is simultaneously displayed on the screen, it is possible to meet the diversification of needs by the user.
[0063]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is not necessary to display a list or press a key again even when selecting a branch number, so that even a service that requires a branch number can be easily selected, reducing the burden on the user. can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment in which a channel selection device according to the present invention is applied to a terrestrial digital broadcast receiver.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an external view showing an example of a general remote control transmitter.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a three-digit input operation according to the prior art.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Terrestrial digital broadcast data receiving part 2 Received data classification part 3 Channel selection control part 4 Branch number channel data preservation | save part 5 External memory 6 AV decoder 7 OSD (on-screen display) display part 8 Display apparatus 9 Light-receiving part 10 of remote control 10 Remote control Signal discrimination unit 11 Branch number search unit 12 Number of input digits / push down discrimination unit R Remote control (remote control transmission unit)

Claims (3)

In a channel selection device of a digital broadcast receiver operated by remote control corresponding to a three-digit service number with a branch number,
Means for determining whether the service number is a service requiring input of a branch number when a three-digit service number is input;
Means for determining a time during which the third digit key is depressed when the three digit service number is input;
When the three-digit service number is a service that requires the input of a branch number, and the time during which the third-digit key is pressed is equal to or longer than a predetermined time,
A channel selection apparatus for a terrestrial digital broadcast receiver, wherein the branch numbers are sequentially displayed and displayed, and services corresponding to the displayed branch numbers are sequentially channeled up. The channel selection device according to claim 1,
When the reception operation is stopped, a service number that requires the last selected branch number and a means for storing the branch number in the memory are provided.
A channel selection device, wherein when a reception operation is started, the channel selection device is configured such that the service number and the branch number stored in the memory are sequentially used as channel starting points. The channel selection device according to claim 1,
A channel selection device, comprising: means for dividing and displaying the channel-up image on the screen of the display device.

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