JP2000278621A - Additional data down loading control system in digital television receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To permit a user to recognize information on additional data down loading at any time by providing a means obtaining an additional data down loading schedule via a network and a means informing the user of the effect when additional data down loading can be executed. SOLUTION: An additional data down loading schedule is obtained via a network and when additional data down loading can be executed the effect is informed to a user by an information means. In the control system, a channel which can receive down loading data is selected when the user is not viewing a program and reception is started. Received data are sequentially stored in a RAM 9 and they are used for a subsequent processing. While the user views the program, a graphic processing part 10 displays that update data which can be down-loaded are in the middle of arrival at present on a screen and it is informed to the user. Then, the judgment of down loading execution/non- execution is urged to the user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a digital television receiver, and more particularly to a control system for downloading control data of a receiver via a broadcast wave.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a reception data processing circuit in a conventional CS digital television receiver. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a digital television receiver (hereinafter, referred to as "receiver"), which demodulates a signal by a demodulator 2 and separates the demodulated signal into respective element data by a DEMUX processing unit 3; A for video data and audio data
It is output after being converted into a moving image and sound by the V processing unit 4,
Other data is processed by the data processing unit 5.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a conventional data processing unit 5. Data including a program required by the CPU 8 for operation control of the receiver is stored in the nonvolatile memory 7. Further, the DEMUX processing unit 3 expands the data portion multiplexed in the demodulated signal input from the demodulator 2 into the RAM 9. When data stored in the nonvolatile memory 7 to be updated exists in the data expanded in the RAM 9, the CPU 8 updates the data by overwriting the area of the nonvolatile memory 7. .

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart at the start of the conventional data download control system.
When download of data is started, first, in S1, a table instructing download processing is received. This table describes the contents of data to be downloaded. Next, the contents of the received table are analyzed in S2. Next, in S3, the operation state of the receiver is checked to determine whether the user is currently viewing the program. If it is during viewing, the download process that hinders the user's viewing is not performed, and the process is performed at the next downloadable opportunity, and the series of processes ends in S4. If the user is not watching the program, the channel is tuned to the channel that can receive the download data in S5, and the reception is started. The received data is sequentially stored in the RAM 9 in S6, and used in subsequent processing in S7.

In such a conventional control system for additional data download, the additional data download is performed when the power of the receiver is ON and when the user is not viewing the broadcast program by the receiver. It could only be done when the data download was done. This is because it is obvious that data cannot be received when the power of the receiver is OFF, and that the data to be downloaded is not transmitted through all broadcast waves, so that the viewer cannot view the broadcast program. In some cases, it is difficult to fix the channel setting for receiving the data. For this reason, in actual operation, data download is performed mainly at night after the end of program broadcasting, and continuous broadcasting may not be performed in program scheduling.

[0006]

In the conventional additional data download control system, the user has no means for recognizing information related to the additional data download, so that the possibility of executing a stable download operation is low. In addition, in order to execute the downloading without missing a chance to download, it is necessary to always turn on the power of the apparatus and perform the stream reception, so that the receiver system is inevitably undesirable from the viewpoint of power saving.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and has as its object to provide a control system that allows a user to recognize information relating to additional data download at any time by image or voice.

[0008]

In an additional data download control system for a digital television receiver according to the present invention, means for acquiring an additional data download schedule via a network, and a message to the user when additional data download is possible. And a notifying means for notifying the user. According to the above configuration, the user can know information on additional data download at any time.

[0009] The apparatus further comprises means for acquiring an additional data download schedule via a network, and a notifying means for constantly informing the user of information on downloading of additional data. According to the above configuration, the user can always know information about additional data download.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments. Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an additional data download control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the figure, a signal demodulated by a demodulator 2 of a receiver 1 is separated as element data by a DEMUX processing unit 3 and input to a data processing unit 6, and a data portion of the separated signal is stored in a RAM 9. Is stored. The CPU 8 that controls the operation of the receiver 1 according to the program stored in the nonvolatile memory 7 includes a graphics processing unit 10
By linking with, various data are displayed on the screen of the CRT 11.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart at the start of the data download operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention. When data download is started, first, in S1, a table instructing a download process is received. This table describes the content of data to be downloaded and the download start time, and is assumed to be transmitted prior to the actual download time. Next, in step S2, the contents of the received table are analyzed.
Next, in step S8, the process is interrupted until the download start time acquired in step S2, and the process enters the wait state. When the download start time comes, it is determined in S3 whether the user is currently viewing the program.

If the user is not watching the program, S
At 5, the channel is selected to the channel that can receive the download data, and the reception is started. The received data is sequentially R in S6.
It is stored in AM9 and used in subsequent processing in S7.
If the user is watching in S3, the graphics processor 10 displays on the screen that update data that can be downloaded is arriving in S9 and notifies the user in S9, and determines whether or not to execute download. Prompt. If the user selects to execute the download in S10, the program viewing up to that point is interrupted, and download start processing is performed in S5 and S6. If the user selects non-execution of download in S10, the download processing that hinders the user's viewing is not performed, and the processing is performed at the next downloadable opportunity, and a series of processing ends in S4. I do.

According to the data download control system of the first embodiment, the necessity of transmitting the download data only in the time period in which the user is unlikely to receive the program is reduced, so that the degree of freedom in data transmission is high. A digital TV system can be configured, and the user can download the displayed download information at a convenient time, which improves convenience.

Embodiment 2 FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart at the start of a download operation of the additional data download control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. When data download is started, first, in S1, a table instructing a download process is received. This table describes the content of data to be downloaded and the download start time, and is assumed to be transmitted prior to the actual download time. Next, in step S2, the contents of the received table are analyzed. Next, in S13, the current time is compared with the download start time, and a determination is made based on the difference.

[0015] For example, if the download start time is several minutes from the current time, the start time is waited for. But,
If the start time is tens of minutes to several hours later, or considerably later, the graphics processing unit 10 displays on the screen of the CRT 11 from the graphics processing unit 10 that the download process will occur later in S14. Specifically, it is checked whether the user is currently viewing the program. If the user is watching the program, the information is checked at that time. Is displayed. The information displayed here is the content and start time of the download, indicating that the user may be prompted to make a decision not to turn off the receiver at that time or to interrupt the program viewing. I do. After the display, the process enters a wait routine for waiting for the download start time in S15.

According to the additional data download control system of the second embodiment, the need to transmit download data only in a time period in which the user is unlikely to receive a program is reduced, and the user can download the program. In such a case, the possibility of turning off the power of the receiver can be reduced, and a digital TV system having a high degree of freedom in data transmission can be configured. At the same time, since information is displayed when there is a possibility of downloading, the probability of missing the opportunity of downloading by turning off the power of the receiver can be reduced, so that power saving as a receiver can be achieved. Can be achieved.

Embodiment 3 FIG. 4 is a flowchart when the download start time of the additional data download control system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is considerably later than the present time. In FIG. 4, the processing in S1 to S13 is the same as in the second embodiment. Next, in S13, when the time until the download start time is long, the fact that the download processing will be performed later is displayed to the user on the CRT 11 on the graphics screen in S18.
The information displayed here is the content and start time of the download, indicating that the user may be prompted to make a decision not to turn off the receiver at that time or to interrupt the program viewing. However, in S19, the user is asked to determine whether to reserve the download or not. This is to determine at this point whether or not to execute the download operation.

The judgment by the user is to judge whether or not the user is not allowed to view the program at the time of the download operation and not to turn off the power using the keys of the remote control or the front panel. Become. Of course, prior to this determination, it is also conceivable to display a program table broadcast during the download execution time obtained at that time and use it as information for the user's determination. This S
If the user approves the download reservation in the judgment of 19, download reservation processing is performed in S20,
Conversely, when it is determined that the reservation for download is not made, download non-reservation processing is performed in S21. If the download reservation processing is performed in S20, the download start time is waited in S15, and then the download processing is automatically performed when the download start time arrives even if the user does not use the receiver until the download start time. Start. Further, when the download non-reservation process is performed in S21, the setting is such that the user does not enter the download process when the download start time has arrived unless the user again determines the download permission, and enters the wait state.

If it is necessary to obtain the judgment of a user other than the user who has permitted or disallowed the download operation, the CRT 11 may be used when the power is turned on after the permission or non-permission or periodically.
May be provided on a part of the screen to indicate that the settings related to the download are made, and to prompt the user to confirm the settings again. Further, after the above operation, at the time of the download start time, by displaying information as in the first embodiment, the system is configured so that the download operation can be selected more appropriately. It is possible.

According to the third embodiment, it is possible to control the data download operation even when the user does not frequently access the receiver, and it is possible to reduce the possibility of missing a download opportunity. It becomes possible. In addition, since information is displayed when there is a possibility of downloading, it is possible to reduce the probability of missing a download opportunity by turning off the power of the receiver. Becomes possible.

Embodiment 4 FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an additional data download control system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same or corresponding parts. In the figure, 12 is a battery,
The operation of the CPU 8 can be continued for a certain period of time even when the power supply from the outside is cut off. 13 is a power supply monitoring device for monitoring the state of power supplied from the outside,
It is configured to contact the CPU 8.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of the fourth embodiment when the external power supply is cut off. When the power supply monitoring device 13 of the system detects that the input power has been cut off, the CPU 8 switches the operation of the device to the input from the battery 12 and performs the subsequent operations. In FIG. 6, first, S
At 24, it is searched whether or not there is a reservation for download in a short time. If there is no reservation, the operation on the battery 12 is stopped and the operation is stopped until the next power connection. Also, if there is a download reservation, the user is informed at S25 that the download schedule is in the near future by CRT1.
1 is displayed to warn and instruct the power supply to be reconnected. As a result, when the user reconnects the power, the operation returns to the normal operation thereafter, and if the power remains off, the operation on the battery 12 is stopped and the operation is stopped until the next power connection.

By performing the operation of notifying the user when the input power is cut off in this way, it is possible to restrict the user from shutting off the power supply to the receiver. You can increase your chances of success. In addition, when there is no download reservation, the user can safely turn off the power, which can contribute to power saving.

Embodiment 5 FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of downloading data when the power supply monitoring device 13 of the system according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention finds out of power. 7, the CPU 8 switches the drive of the apparatus to the input from the battery 12, and performs the subsequent operations.
First, in S26, it is searched whether there is a download reservation at present. If there is no reservation, the operation with the battery is stopped, and the operation is stopped until the next power supply connection.

If there is a download reservation, S
At 27, for the currently reserved download, the amount of battery expected to be required for the operation until the end of the download is compared with the current remaining battery level, and the download process ends in the operating time based on the remaining battery level. If it is determined that it cannot be performed, information that is currently being downloaded and that prompts the user to immediately reconnect the power is displayed by using a graphic display in S25. If the user reconnects the power to this display, the download process can be continued using the power again. If the power supply is not reconnected, the operation on the battery is stopped as it is, and the operation is stopped until the next power supply connection.

If it is determined in step S27 that the scheduled download process can be completed sufficiently during the operation time using the current remaining battery level by comparing with the current remaining battery level, the process proceeds to step S28. The process in the battery is continued and the system enters the wait state until the download start time. At this time, the power supply to other processing units is cut off while leaving the minimum functions in the system to extend the driving time using only the battery. Can be improved.

Next, when the download start time arrives at S29, the download operation is performed on the battery 12, and
At the end of the download process, the operation of the device is stopped. Of course, at this time, it is also possible to provide a graphic display on the CRT 11 to notify the user that the download process is to be executed by the battery 12, and to prompt the user to reconnect the power.

As described above, when the input power is turned off, the download operation is performed according to the remaining amount of the battery, so that the download operation may be successful even if the user cuts off the power supply to the receiver. Can be raised. Further, when there is no download reservation, the user can safely turn off the power, which can contribute to power saving.

Embodiment 6 FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the data download operation when the power monitoring device of the system according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention detects a power failure. The sixth embodiment has a configuration in which the system is not interrupted when the operation mode is switched between the normal power supply operation mode and the battery drive operation. It is assumed that no loss occurs in the data being received even if the power switch occurs.

In FIG. 8, the CPU 8 switches the drive of the apparatus to the input from the battery 12 and performs the subsequent operations.
When the power supply monitoring device 13 detects that the input power supply has been cut off, first, in S30, it is determined whether download is being executed at that time. If not, the operation on the battery 12 is stopped as it is, and the operation is stopped until the next power connection. Also,
If the download is being executed, the time until the download of the data currently being downloaded is completed is compared with the current remaining battery level in S31, and the download process that is currently in progress is performed during the operation time using the remaining battery level. If it is determined that the download can be sufficiently completed, the process on the battery is continued in S35 as it is, and the operation of the apparatus is stopped when the download process is completed. Of course, at this time, it is also possible to provide a graphic display on the CRT 11 to notify the user that the download process is being executed by the battery and to prompt the user to reconnect the power.

If it is determined in S31 that the download process cannot be completed within the operation time based on the remaining battery power, the user is prompted to display a graphic display on the CRT 11 in S25 and immediately Alert download alert to reconnect. After this notification, it is determined in S32 whether or not the power supply has been reconnected. If the user has reconnected the power supply, the download processing using the power supply is continued again in S33, and If the reconnection is not performed, the operation is continued after the power supply is reconnected for a period in which the battery 12 can be driven, but thereafter the operation is continued.
When the driving time is over, the download operation is stopped in S34.

As described above, when the input power is cut off during the download, the user is notified of the reconnection of the input power, so that the user can be prevented from cutting off the power supply to the receiver. In addition, even in the event of a power failure, the possibility of a successful download operation can be increased.

In each of the above embodiments, the notification, display, warning, etc. of information to the user is displayed on the CRT as a graphic image. However, the same effect can be obtained by notifying the user by voice. Of course, it is needless to say that more effective information can be provided by raising the effect of appealing to the user for both use of images and sounds.

[0034]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

Since the additional data download schedule is obtained via the network and the user is informed of the additional data download when it is available, a digital TV system having a high degree of freedom in data transmission scheduling can be configured. Becomes possible.
At the same time, it is possible to save power as a receiver. In addition, it is possible to reduce the possibility of missing a download opportunity and increase the possibility of successful download operation.

Further, since the additional data download schedule is obtained via the network and the user is informed constantly about the download of the additional data, a digital TV system having a high degree of freedom in data transmission scheduling can be configured. At the same time, the possibility of a successful download operation can be increased, and power can be saved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a download control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of data download according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of data download according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of data download according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a download control system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of data download according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of data download according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of data download according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a conventional digital television receiver.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a signal transmission system of a conventional digital television receiver.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a download start operation in a conventional digital television receiver.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 digital television receiver, 2 demodulator, 3 DEM
UX processing unit, 6 data processing unit, 7 nonvolatile memory,
8 CPU, 9 RAM, 10 graphics processing unit, 11 CRT, 12 battery, 13 power supply monitoring device.

Claims (2)

[Claims] An additional data in a digital television receiver, comprising: means for acquiring an additional data download schedule via a network; and notification means for notifying a user when the additional data download is available. Download control system. 2. An additional data download in a digital television receiver, comprising: means for acquiring an additional data download schedule via a network; and notifying means for constantly informing a user of information on downloading of additional data. Control system.