JP4615119B2 - TV broadcast receiver - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a television broadcast receiving apparatus that converts a received television broadcast signal into a video signal and outputs it, such as a satellite broadcast tuner. The present invention relates to a television broadcast receiver having an On Screen Display function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a set-top box equipped with a satellite broadcast tuner, for example, when selecting a desired channel from a plurality of satellite broadcast channels, in addition to directly inputting the desired channel number, a TV program display A method is generally employed in which a program guide is displayed on the screen (hereinafter referred to as on-screen display), and a desired channel is selected by moving the cursor on the screen.
[0003]
It is also possible to receive text broadcast and data broadcast signals transmitted together with the television broadcast during the display of the television program, and to display the character broadcast and the data broadcast on the screen of the television program. .
[0004]
In addition, when viewing a pay program called pay-per-view (PPV), a menu related to PPV is displayed on the screen, and a procedure for purchasing a pay program can be performed on the menu screen. Yes.
[0005]
In the on-screen display as described above, for example, when a cursor is moved or a screen is switched, a sound effect such as a pop sound is output on an audio signal and output.
[0006]
However, when recording a satellite broadcast, if the video signal or audio signal output from the set top box as described above is input to a VTR (video tape recorder) device or the like and recorded, the on-screen display is performed. The video signal and the sound signal of the decoration sound are also sent to the VTR device and are recorded together with the program broadcast.
[0007]
In order to avoid the above problems, there have been some proposals such as those disclosed in, for example, JP-A-10-224707, JP-A-10-336603, and JP-A-11-177900. Has been made.
[0008]
Among these, the digital broadcast recording setting device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-224707 is controlled so that on-screen display is not performed during reception of a recorded program broadcast in accordance with the program recording reservation of the VTR device. To do.
[0009]
Also, the digital broadcast recording setting apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-336603 is provided with two systems of video output means for converting a received television broadcast signal into a video signal and outputting the video signal, and the video signal of one system is used for recording. The on-screen display is not added, and the video signal of the other system is configured to perform on-screen display addition on demand for monitor display.
[0010]
Also, a television receiver with a built-in recording / reproducing means disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-177900 is such that a recording video signal and a TV monitor video signal are separately handled by two signal processing circuits. .
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even if the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-224707 can be easily applied to a device having a recording function, for example, a set-top box having only a tuner function is connected to a VTR device or the like. Besides, complicated control is required so that the VTR device and recording reservation information are associated with each other, and the setting operation by the user is also complicated.
[0012]
In addition, the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 10-336603 and 11-177900 requires two systems such as a TV broadcast signal decoder circuit and an NTSC (National Television System Committee standard) encoder circuit, leading to an increase in cost. Has the problem.
[0013]
An object of the present invention is to provide a function for preventing an on-screen display or a sound effect signal from being erroneously included in a signal being recorded in a television broadcast receiving apparatus that converts a received television broadcast signal into a video signal and outputs the signal. The video output means can be configured without using two systems, and the function can be set by a simple operation.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a system of video output means for converting a received television broadcast signal into a video signal and outputting it.onlyAnd a television broadcast receiver capable of overwriting and displaying the specific information during display of the television broadcast by the on-screen means capable of adding a display signal of the specific information to the video signal. Dedicated input operation means capable of prohibiting the overwriting display of specific information with one touch, and display by the on-screen means for a predetermined period even when there is a request for operation of the on-screen means based on the operation of the input operation means A control unit that does not perform the signal addition operation, and a notification unit that notifies the user that it is the overriding display prohibition setting period.The predetermined period during which the display signal adding operation is prohibited by the control means is a predetermined time and the number of operations set in advance according to the number of operations of the input operation means from the time of operation of the input operation means. Is the time required by the productThe configuration.
[0015]
According to such a means, for example, when recording a program, the user prohibits the on-screen display only by performing a simple operation, and prevents the on-screen display signal from being erroneously included in the signal being recorded. I can do it. Further, since the video output means is composed of one system, a low cost configuration can be realized. Further, the notification means can surely notify the user that the on-screen display is not performed.
[0016]
  In addition, the aboveWith this configuration, it is possible to perform simple function settings that are easy for the user to understand.
[0017]
  Further, the television broadcast receiving apparatus of the present invention has one system of video output means for converting the received television broadcast signal into a video signal and outputting it.onlyAnd a television broadcast receiver capable of overwriting and displaying the specific information during display of the television broadcast by the on-screen means capable of adding a display signal of the specific information to the video signal. An operation means for prohibiting overwriting display of specific information and an operation of adding a display signal by the on-screen means for a predetermined period even when there is an operation request for the on-screen means based on the operation of the operation means. No control means, andThe predetermined period during which the display signal adding operation is prohibited by the control means is based on the product of the predetermined time and the number of operations set in advance according to the number of operations of the operation means from when the operation means is operated. It is the required timeThe configuration.
[0018]
  According to such a means, for example, when recording a program, the user prohibits the on-screen display only by performing a simple operation, and prevents the on-screen display signal from being erroneously included in the signal being recorded. I can do it. Also, one video output meansonlyTherefore, a low-cost configuration can be realized.Furthermore, with the configuration as described above, simple function settings that are easy for the user to understand are possible.
[0019]
Desirably, the operation means may be a dedicated operation button that can be set to prohibit overwriting display with a single touch, and with such a configuration, function setting can be further facilitated.
[0020]
More preferably, an informing means for informing the user that it is the overriding display prohibition setting period may be provided. By such means, the user can be surely notified that the on-screen display is not performed.
[0021]
  Also preferablySeparating means for separating a video signal and a sound signal from a television broadcast signal;Sound effect adding means capable of adding a sound signal of a sound effect indicating an operation state to an audio signal separated from a television broadcast signalAnd withThe control means isthe aboveEven if there is an operation request of the sound effect adding means based on the operation of the operating means, it is preferable that the sound signal adding operation by the sound effect adding means is not performed for a predetermined period. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the sound effect signal from being erroneously included in the signal being recorded together with the on-screen display.
[0023]
  Further, the end timing of the predetermined period during which the display signal adding operation is prohibited by the control means is a preset break time (HH 0:00, HH: 30, etc .: HH = 0 to 24), And if the operating means is pressed during the setting of the prohibition period,Separation time for each operationYou may comprise so that it may be set to the next division | segmentation time. In general, since a broadcast program ends at a certain break time, the period setting according to the program can be easily performed by setting the on-screen display prohibition period as described above.
[0024]
In this case, the start of the predetermined period in which the display signal adding operation is prohibited by the control means can be set, for example, as the time of operation of the operation means or a break time after the operation.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a set top box according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029]
In FIG. 1, 1 is a set-top box as a television broadcast receiver, 2 is a satellite antenna, 3 is a channel selection circuit for extracting a broadcast signal of one channel from a plurality of channels, and 4 is video information and audio from the digital broadcast signal. Demodulation circuit for demodulating information, character information and program ID information for identifying a program, 5 is an error correction circuit for correcting an error of the demodulated signal, 6 is video information, audio from the demodulated data string (multiplexed data) A demultiplexing circuit 7 that separates information, character information, program ID information, and the like, stores character data, pop-on data, and the like inside, and displays data and data in the display memory 10 and the voice memory 11 according to instructions from the control circuit 8 An OSD (O) which serves as both sound effect adding means for writing audio data and performing on-screen display and on-screen means n Screen Display) circuit, 8 is a control circuit as a control means for controlling the entire apparatus, 9 is a decoding circuit for decoding video information and audio information to generate RGB video signals and audio signals, and 10 is one page Display memory for buffering image data, 11 an audio memory for storing audio data, 12 an NTSC encoder circuit for down-converting RGB signals to NTSC video signals, and 13 for converting digital audio data into analog audio signals D / A converter, 14 is an operation panel having various operation buttons, 16 is an LED as notification means for notifying the user of the OSD prohibited state, and 15 is a driver circuit thereof.
[0030]
The set top box 1 according to this embodiment includes the channel selection circuit 3, the demodulation circuit 4, the error correction circuit 5, the demultiplexing circuit 6, the decoder circuit 9, the NTSC encoder circuit 12, and the audio D / A converter 13. The received digital television broadcast signal is converted into a video signal and output by the one system of video output means, and specific information is displayed on the screen during the program broadcast by the OSD circuit 7, the display memory 10 and the audio memory 11. And an OSD (On Screen Display) function for adding a decoration sound such as a pop sound to an audio output. On-screen display using the OSD function is performed, for example, when a channel selection menu is called by operating the operation panel 14, when various setting menus are called, or when execution of character display of a program is selected. Also, decoration sounds such as pop sounds are added when the cursor is moved in various setting menus or when the menu screen is switched.
[0031]
The operation panel 14 includes various operation keys in addition to a dedicated OSD prohibit button 14a as an input operation means for forcibly stopping the OSD function and a cancel button 14b for canceling the stop of the OSD function. Note that these operation keys may be provided on the remote controller, and a key operation signal may be input from the remote controller to the set top box via infrared communication.
[0032]
The control circuit 8 includes an OSD prohibition flag indicating the OSD function prohibition state, a register in which information indicating a condition for canceling the prohibition of the OSD function is set, and the ID information of the program is switched, for example. When the timer value reaches the set time stored in a predetermined area of the register, an interrupt signal is input, and an interrupt process different from the normal process is performed based on the interrupt signal.
[0033]
The set top box 1 of this embodiment is configured as described above, and the following control processing is executed by the control circuit 8 in parallel with the video signal output processing. The operation will be described below with reference to the flowchart.
[0034]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a part of the procedure of the key input process executed by the control circuit.
[0035]
This key input process is a process repeatedly performed at short time intervals so as not to overlook key operations by the user. When the key input process is started, first, in step S1, it is determined whether or not there is a key operation. If there is no key input process, the key input process is terminated and the next key input process is started. The branching process is performed according to the key that has been performed, the control process according to each operation key is performed, and then the key input process is terminated.
[0036]
As a result of the branching process, when the OSD prohibit button 14a is pressed and the process proceeds to step S2, the program ID information added to the broadcast signal currently received in the step is acquired, and in the next step S3. The program ID information is written in a predetermined area of the register as setting information for canceling the OSD prohibition. By the writing process in step S3, the stop of the OSD function is released when the program ID information is switched in the interrupt process described later.
[0037]
Next, in step S4, “1” indicating the stop of the OSD function is written in the bit of the OSD prohibition flag in the register, and in the next step S5, a signal is output to the driver 15 to turn on the LED 16. That is, by these steps S4 and S5, the OSD function is forcibly stopped and the OSD function prohibited state is notified to the user. When the LED 16 is turned on, the key input process is terminated.
[0038]
As a result of the above branching process, when the cancel button 14b is pressed and the process proceeds to step S6, “0” indicating cancellation of prohibition of the OSD function is written in the bit of the OSD prohibition flag in the register at that step. Further, in the next step S7, a signal is output to the driver 15 to perform a process of turning off the LED 16. Through these processes, the prohibition of the OSD function is canceled and the recovery of the OSD function is notified to the user.
[0039]
Next, the process proceeds to step S8, and the program ID information written as setting information for canceling the OSD prohibition in the predetermined area of the register is deleted, and this key input process is terminated.
[0040]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of OSD subroutine processing executed by the control circuit.
[0041]
This OSD subroutine displays an on-screen display in a state where the display code for on-screen display and the audio code of the decoration sound to be added are stored in a predetermined area of the register during the key input process and the text broadcast display process. It is a subroutine that is called and executed at the timing of execution.
[0042]
When this subroutine is called, first, in step S20, it is determined whether or not the bit of the OSD prohibition flag in the register is “0”. If it is “0”, it is determined that the OSD function is not prohibited, and in order. In step S21, the display code stored in the predetermined area of the register is sent to the OSD circuit 7. In step S22, the sound code stored in the same manner is sent to the OSD circuit 7. As a result, character data and voice data corresponding to the display code and voice code are generated from the OSD circuit 7 and output to the display memory 10 and the voice memory 11. As a result, an on-screen display signal or a decoration sound signal is added to the video signal or audio signal output to the monitor or VTR device, and the on-screen display or decoration sound output is output to the program broadcast on the connected monitor. It is done by superimposing. Then, this subroutine processing is terminated and the original processing is continued.
[0043]
On the other hand, if the OSD prohibition flag is determined to be “1” in step S20, it is determined that the OSD function is prohibited, and this subroutine processing is terminated as it is.
[0044]
That is, even if an OSD function is requested during the operation of the set top box 1 by this OSD subroutine process, if the OSD prohibition flag is set to “1”, the OSD function is not forcibly activated. It is like that.
[0045]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing procedure of the interrupt processing executed by the control circuit 8.
[0046]
This interrupt processing is started based on an interrupt signal that is issued when the timer value reaches the set time stored in the predetermined area of the register or when the program ID information being received is switched. When an interrupt signal is issued, interrupt information indicating what interrupt is sent to the control circuit 8 together with the interrupt signal.
[0047]
This interrupt process is configured to perform a number of sequence processes in accordance with interrupt information after performing a save process of data used in the normal process in order to restore the interrupted normal process later. The interrupt information indicates switching of the program ID information, and switching from the program ID information stored as setting information for OSD prohibition release in step S3 in FIG. 2 to other ID information. In some cases, it is determined that the interrupt information is an OSD prohibition cancellation setting item in the branch process in step S30, and the process proceeds to the next step S31.
[0048]
When the process proceeds to step S31, first, “0” indicating the OSD function prohibition release is written in the bit of the OSD prohibition flag in the register in the step, and further, a signal is output to the driver 15 in the next step S32 to turn on the LED 16 Process to turn off. Through these processes, the prohibition of the OSD function is canceled and the recovery of the OSD function is notified to the user. Then, the process proceeds to the next step.
[0049]
In other words, the OSD prohibition button 14a is operated to stop the OSD function and the OSD function prohibition is automatically canceled when the broadcast program being watched is finished. Yes.
[0050]
As described above, according to the set-top box 1 of this embodiment, for example, when recording a program, the user stops the OSD function by simply performing a simple operation, and erroneously turns the signal being recorded on-screen. It is possible to prevent display signals from being carried. Further, since the video output system is composed of only one system, a low-cost configuration can be realized. Further, the LED 16 can surely notify the user that the on-screen display is not performed. In addition, by pressing the stop button 14b different from the OSD prohibit button 14a, the OSD function can be restored even after the OSD function stop setting is performed.
[0051]
In addition, since the timing at which the stop of the OSD function is automatically canceled by the operation of the OSD prohibit button 14a is set when the program ID information is switched, the OSD function can be easily set according to the program. Convenient and convenient.
[0052]
In this embodiment, the OSD function is stopped while the program when the OSD prohibit button 14a is pressed is being broadcast, but the OSD prohibit button 14a is continuously pressed a plurality of times. Thus, the OSD function may be stopped until the next program, the next program, and a plurality of programs thereafter.
[0053]
[Second Embodiment]
The set top box of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the setting of the OSD prohibition period by operating the OSD prohibition button 14a, and other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. Is.
[0054]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of key input processing executed by the control circuit of the set top box according to the second embodiment.
[0055]
In the set top box of this embodiment, when the OSD prohibit button 14a is pressed, the OSD function is stopped for 30 minutes after being pressed, and when the OSD prohibit button 14a is continuously pressed a plurality of times, the OSD function is stopped every time the button 14a is pressed. The period is configured to be accumulated every 30 minutes.
[0056]
That is, when it is determined in the key input process of FIG. 5 that the OSD prohibit button 14a is operated and the process proceeds to step S41, the OSD flag is checked in this step to determine whether or not the OSD prohibition is set. If the OSD prohibition flag is "0" and the OSD prohibition is not set, first, in step S43, the timer is set for 30 minutes as the OSD function stop period, and in the next step S44, the OSD prohibition flag is set. Is set to “1”. Next, in step S45, a signal is output to the driver 15 to turn on the LED 16, and the key input process is terminated.
[0057]
On the other hand, when the OSD prohibition flag is “1” in step S41 and the OSD prohibition state is determined, in step S42, for example, 30 minutes is added to the previously set timer value and reset. Thereby, every time the OSD prohibition button 14a is pressed, the OSD prohibition period is extended by, for example, 30 minutes.
[0058]
When the timer value becomes the value set in step S43 or S44 and the interrupt process of FIG. 4 is started, the interrupt information is determined as an OSD prohibition release setting item in step S30 of FIG. The process of S32 is executed, and the prohibition of OSD is canceled and the LED 16 is turned off.
[0059]
According to the set top box of this embodiment, the OSD function can be stopped and the period thereof can be set, for example, in units of 30 minutes by operating the OSD prohibition button 14a. It becomes possible.
[0060]
The OSD function stop period is not set in predetermined time units. For example, the OSD function is set at a preset break time (HH 00 minutes, HH 30 minutes, etc .: HH = 0 to 24). It can also be configured to be automatically restored. Further, the OSD prohibition button 14a may be configured to be set longer for each delimiter time by pressing the OSD prohibition button 14a a plurality of times.
[0061]
In addition, the OSD function is provided with a display which can easily display the remaining time by displaying the remaining time by displaying the length of the stop period of the OSD function in the color of the LED 16 or by displaying the light emission color of the LED 16 or the number display or meter display. You may make it notify a user of the remaining time to stop.
[0062]
[Third Embodiment]
The set top box of the third embodiment is configured such that a recording start signal notifying the start of recording and a recording end signal notifying the end of recording are input from the VTR device connected to the set top box, In accordance with these recording start signals and recording end signals, the OSD function prohibition setting and its cancellation setting are performed.
[0063]
The set-top box of this embodiment is configured such that when a recording start signal or a recording end signal is input, an interrupt signal is output to the control circuit 8 and the control circuit 8 executes interrupt processing.
[0064]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a part of the processing procedure of the interrupt processing executed by the control circuit of the set top box according to the third embodiment.
[0065]
This interrupt process is configured to perform a number of sequence processes according to interrupt information after performing a save process of data used in the normal process in order to interrupt the normal process and restore it later. Then, when the interrupt information indicates the recording start signal input, the process proceeds to step S62 in the branch process of step S61, and sequentially indicates “1” indicating the prohibition of the OSD function in the bit of the OSD prohibition flag in the register. Further, in the next step S63, a signal is output to the driver 15 to turn on the LED 16. Through these processes, the OSD function prohibition setting is performed and the user is notified that the OSD function is stopped.
[0066]
If the interrupt information indicates a recording end signal input, the process proceeds to step S65 in the branching process of step S64, and “0” indicating the OSD function prohibition release is sequentially displayed in the bit of the OSD prohibition flag in the register. ", And a signal is output to the driver 15 in the next step S32 to turn off the LED 16. Through these processes, the prohibition of the OSD function is canceled and the recovery of the OSD function is notified to the user.
[0067]
According to the set top box of this embodiment, the OSD function can be automatically stopped during recording in conjunction with the VTR device. In this embodiment, both prohibition and prohibition of the OSD function are set by a signal from the VTR device. However, the prohibition of the OSD function is set by the OSD prohibit button 14a, and the prohibition of the OSD function is canceled. Alternatively, it may be performed by a recording end signal from the VTR device.
[0068]
The present invention is not limited to the first to third embodiments. For example, in the embodiment, prohibition of the OSD function is controlled by the control circuit giving or not giving an instruction such as on-screen display to the OSD circuit according to the setting value of the OSD prohibition flag. The OSD function inhibition control may be performed by controlling the OSD circuit to be active or inactive, or the OSD function inhibition control may be performed by blocking or passing the output signal of the OSD circuit. In addition, the details specifically shown in the embodiments can be variously changed.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, for example, when recording a program, the user prohibits the on-screen display only by a simple operation, and the on-screen display signal is not erroneously included in the signal being recorded. You can do that. Further, since the video output means is composed of one system, a low cost configuration can be realized. Further, there is an effect that it is possible to reliably notify the user that the on-screen display is not performed by the notification means.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a set top box according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of key input processing executed by the control circuit of the set top box.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of OSD processing executed by the control circuit of the set top box.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of interrupt processing executed by the control circuit of the set top box.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of key input processing executed by the control circuit of the set top box according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of interrupt processing executed by the control circuit of the set top box according to the third embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Set top box
2 Satellite antenna
3 Tuning circuit
4 Demodulator circuit
5 Error correction circuit
6 Demultiplexing circuit
7 OSD circuit
8 Control circuit
9 Decoding circuit
10 Display memory
12 NTSC encoder circuit
13 D / A converter
14 Operation panel
14a OSD prohibit button
14b Stop button
16 LED (notification means)

Claims (6)

There is provided only one system of video output means for converting the received television broadcast signal into a video signal and outputting the same, and on-screen means capable of adding a display signal of specific information to the video signal. In a television broadcast receiver capable of overwriting and displaying specific information during display of
Dedicated input operation means that can prohibit overwriting display of the specific information with one touch;
Control means for preventing display signal addition operation by the on-screen means for a predetermined period even when there is an operation request for the on-screen means based on the operation of the input operation means;
Informing means for informing the user that it is a prohibited setting period of overwriting display;
The predetermined period during which the display signal adding operation is prohibited by the control means is a predetermined time and the number of operations set in advance according to the number of operations of the input operation means from the time of operation of the input operation means. television broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim time der Rukoto obtained by the product of the. There is provided only one system of video output means for converting the received television broadcast signal into a video signal and outputting the same, and on-screen means capable of adding a display signal of specific information to the video signal. In a television broadcast receiver capable of overwriting and displaying specific information during display of
Operation means for prohibiting overwriting display of the specific information;
Control means for preventing the display signal from being added by the on-screen means for a predetermined period even when there is an operation request for the on-screen means based on the operation of the operation means;
The predetermined period during which the display signal adding operation is prohibited by the control means is a predetermined time and the number of operations set in advance according to the number of operations of the operation means from the time of operation of the operation means. television broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim time der Rukoto obtained by the product. 3. The television broadcast receiver according to claim 2, wherein the operation means is a dedicated operation button that can be set to prohibit overwriting display with a single touch. 4. The television broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user that it is an overriding display prohibition setting period. Separating means for separating a video signal and a sound signal from the television broadcast signal;
And a sound effect adding means addable sound signal of the sound effect indicating the operation status to the audio signal separated from the television broadcast signal,
Said control means is configured not to perform the addition operation of the sound signal by a predetermined period of time the sound effect adding means, even if there is an operation request of the sound effect adding means based on the operation of the operation means has been The television broadcast receiver according to claim 2 , wherein the television broadcast receiver is provided. The end timing of the predetermined period during which the display signal adding operation is prohibited by the control means is a preset separation time, and if the operation means is operated a plurality of times in succession, it is separated at each operation. time television broadcast receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that it is set to the next delimiter time.

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