Television receiver, system, broadcast system, distribution system, intermediate server

Abstract

The present application relates to a television receiver, a system, a broadcasting system, a distribution system, an intermediate server. In the prior art, in order to select a video content based on a broadcast wave and a video content distributed through communication, various methods are provided, and a viewer needs to play a video content after selecting each program selection method. The present application is configured of a broadcasting system that transmits a broadcast program, a distribution system that distributes a video through a network, and a television receiver that receives a video content based on a broadcast and a video content based on a network distribution, and in the distribution system, broadcast program information and distribution program information are transmitted to the television receiver through communication.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-121884, filed on July 29, 2022, entitled "Television Receiver, System, Broadcasting System, Publishing System, Intermediate Server", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to a television operating system, which comprises a broadcasting system for transmitting broadcast programs, a server system for publishing video content, and receiving terminals for receiving broadcast-based video content and network-published video content, and is capable of easily selecting between broadcast-based video content and communication-based video content. Background Technology

[0004] In the past, with the development of the internet, various live video publishing services began to be implemented. In particular, large-screen television receivers not only received broadcasts as before but also connected to the internet, allowing users to enjoy higher-quality, immersive visuals by playing published live videos. This was achieved through the increasing speed of the internet and the improved processing power of television receivers. It is foreseeable that in the future, the opportunities to display and operate various video content provided by the internet on television receivers will further increase.

[0005] On the other hand, television receivers still receive broadcast-based video content, and many viewers are enjoying broadcast viewing. Therefore, for viewers, the opportunity to choose from multiple content options has increased, in addition to the traditional broadcast viewing.

[0006] In this situation, viewers expect a more convenient way to select desired content from video content broadcast or communicated. However, various methods are now available for selecting broadcast-based and communication-based video content, requiring viewers to select each method before playback. For example, selecting broadcast content can be done by displaying a selection screen based on icons on the TV's home screen, or by using dedicated buttons for the content. On the other hand, for broadcast content, TV receivers are typically designed to select programs by activating a channel selection button or program guide on the remote control.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Non-patent literature

[0009] Non-Patent Document 1: Terrestrial Digital Television Broadcasting Application Regulations ARIB TR-B14 Part 4

[0010] Non-Patent Document 2: Regulations for the Application of PSI / SI in Terrestrial Digital Television Broadcasting Summary of the Invention

[0011] This paper explains the selection of broadcast-based video content and the current selection methods for video content published via communication. An example of a current broadcast system is shown below. Figure 7 .

[0012] In the broadcast system 7000, the broadcast program content 7001 is compressed by the encoder 7002 (audio and audio) and input to the multiplexing transmission unit 7003. Meanwhile, the program selection information required is generated as SI (Service Information) information by the SI generation unit 7004, input to the multiplexing transmission unit 7003, and multiplexed into the audio and video stream for transmission. The multiplexed audio and video stream is transmitted as a broadcast wave to the television receiver 7100. In the television receiver 7100, the broadcast wave is received by the receiving separation unit 7103, which separates the multiplexed SI signal and the audio and video stream. The separated audio and video stream is input to the decoder 7102, where the compressed audio and video stream is expanded. The decoded audio and video is input to the content display unit 7101 and displayed.

[0013] On the other hand, the separated SI signals are input to the SI processing unit 7104, where program descriptions and information required for program selection are saved for each channel, and then input to the program schedule display generation unit 7105. In the program schedule display generation unit 7105, a program schedule that is easy for the viewer to understand is generated and then input to the content display unit 7101 and displayed to the viewer.

[0014] The above processing is carried out by the control unit 7106 controlling each part according to the signal output by the remote control 7107 operated by the user.

[0015] Will pass Figure 7 The method shows an example of an existing program schedule. Figure 8 In the program guide screen 8100, the channel number is displayed on the horizontal axis, and the time is displayed on the vertical axis. The program guide screen 8100 also shows descriptive information for the programs. Contents 1A to 3C in the figure represent the program titles and their descriptions.

[0016] The remote control 8000 has an EPG (Electric Program Guide) button for activating the program guide screen 8100, number buttons 1 to 12 for selecting channels, and up, down, left, and right arrow keys for moving the cursor to select content on the program guide screen 8100, as well as an OK button.

[0017] When the EPG button on remote control 8000 is pressed, the program guide screen 8100 is displayed on the TV screen. Then, use the up, down, left, and right keys on remote control 8000 to move the cursor 8101 and select the desired content.

[0018] While the program guide screen 8100 is activated and content is selected via the EPG button on the remote control 8000, in broadcast mode, it can be activated directly using the direct selection buttons on the remote control 8000 that represent numbers 1 to 12. This is because in broadcasting, the broadcasting station can be identified based on the channel number, and this is achieved by mapping the channel number to the direct selection button.

[0019] Next, an embodiment of the video publishing system will be shown. Figure 9 In the publishing system 9000, the published content 9001 is compressed by the encoder 9002 into video and audio, and then input to the multiplexing publishing device 9003. Meanwhile, the program information generation unit 9004 generates program information required for program selection and inputs it to the multiplexing publishing device 9003, where it is multiplexed onto the video and audio streams and transmitted. The multiplexed video and audio streams are transmitted to the television receiver 9100 via a communication path. In the television receiver 9100, the stream transmitted via the communication path is received by the receiving separation unit 9103, which separates the multiplexed program information and the video and audio streams. The separated video and audio streams are input to the decoder 9102, where the compressed video and audio streams are expanded. The decoded video and audio are input to the content display unit 9101 and displayed.

[0020] On the other hand, the separated program information is input to the program information processing unit 9104, which generates a program selection screen. At this time, unlike during broadcast reception, an icon or a program overview screen is displayed to the viewer. Typically, in communication-based broadcasting, since content selection is performed via VOD (Video On Demand) without a time frame, a program overview is generated. The icon or program overview generated by the selection screen generation unit 9105 is input to the content display unit 9101 and displayed.

[0021] The above processing can be implemented by the control unit 9106 controlling each part based on the signal output by the remote control 9107 operated by the user.

[0022] Figure 10 This illustrates a conventional example of selecting screens for video and audio content transmitted in existing communications. In a television receiver 9100 ( Figure 9In the context of selecting content to publish, the first screen displayed is the publisher selection screen 10100. On the publisher selection screen 10100, one or more icons are displayed for each publisher; the publisher is selected by choosing an icon.

[0023] Here, assuming icon 1 is selected, the following is an overview of the content provided by the publishing source indicated by icon 1, i.e., content overview 10200. Since there is no concept of time, it is displayed as an overview of the content.

[0024] Here, these operations are performed by remote control 10000. When the viewer presses the home button on remote control 10000, the source selection screen 10100 is displayed. The viewer uses the up, down, left, and right keys on remote control 10000 to manipulate the cursor 10101, thereby selecting the icon representing the specified source. After specifying the source by pressing the OK button, a content overview 10200 is displayed.

[0025] In the content overview 10200, the cursor 10102 can be operated using the up, down, left, and right keys of the remote control 10000 to select the desired content.

[0026] As described above, the content selection method differs depending on whether broadcast content is received or published content is received via the television receiver 9100. Therefore, the following issues exist in the television receiver 9100, which can receive both existing broadcast content and published content.

[0027] 1) Due to the different launch methods and subsequent operation methods, such as using the program schedule launch button in broadcasting, using the home button in publishing, and using the icon for selecting the publishing source, user convenience is greatly reduced.

[0028] 2) The broadcast content is a program schedule with a timeline, while the published content is a list of content without a timeline, which causes confusion for viewers.

[0029] 3) In broadcast content, although channel selection can be achieved directly using the direct channel selection buttons (number buttons 1 to 12), channel selection cannot be achieved directly in the published content.

[0030] As mentioned above, in the television receiver 9100 that receives both broadcast content and published content, the selection methods for broadcast content and published content are significantly different, which seriously impairs user convenience.

[0031] As a first approach: a television receiver capable of receiving broadcast content from a broadcasting system and broadcast content transmitted via communication from a publishing system, the television receiver comprising: a receiving unit that receives broadcast content from the broadcasting system; a receiving separation unit that receives the broadcast content and multiplexed program information consisting of multiplexed program information for publication from the publishing system and broadcast program information from the broadcasting system, and separates the multiplexed program information and the broadcast content; and a program information processing unit that separates the multiplexed program information input through the receiving separation unit into broadcast program information and broadcast program information; EP The G generation unit acquires both the program information for publication and the program information for broadcast sent by the program information processing unit, constructs a past, current, and future program schedule, and displays it on the content display unit; the selection unit receives the published content from the receiving separation unit and the broadcast content from the receiving unit; and the control unit performs the following control: when the user selects a current or future program in the program schedule, the broadcast content is selected in the selection unit; when the user selects a past program in the program schedule, the published content is selected in the selection unit and displayed on the content display unit.

[0032] As a second approach: a system that broadcasts and publishes content to a television receiver, the television receiver being able to receive broadcast content and published content, past programs being viewed through published content, and current and future programs being viewed through broadcast content. The system comprises a broadcasting system and a publishing system. The broadcasting system sends broadcast program content and program information to the publishing system, and multiplexes the program information and broadcast program content as a broadcast wave to the television receiver. The publishing system, through a multiplexing transmission unit, sends published content and multiplexed program information, consisting of published program information and broadcast program information from the broadcasting system, to the television receiver.

[0033] As a third approach: a broadcasting system that broadcasts a broadcast wave to a television receiver, which can receive broadcast content and published content. Past programs are viewed through published content, while current and future programs are viewed through broadcast content. The broadcasting system sends program selection information for selecting broadcast programs and broadcast program content to a publishing system. The publishing system multiplexes program information consisting of published program information and broadcast program information from the broadcasting system, as well as the published content, and then sends it to the television receiver.

[0034] As a fourth approach: a publishing system that sends published content to a television receiver, the television receiver being able to receive broadcast content and published content, past programs being viewed through published content, and current and future programs being viewed through broadcast content, wherein the publishing system comprises: a receiving unit that receives broadcast program information and broadcast program content that has ended from a broadcast system; a program information multiplexing unit that multiplexes the published program information and the broadcast program information to generate multiplexed program information; and a multiplexing sending unit that multiplexes the multiplexed program information and the published content and sends them to the television receiver.

[0035] As a fifth approach: an intermediate server connected to a publishing system and a television receiver via a communication line, wherein the publishing system receives broadcast program content and broadcast program information from the broadcasting system, and the television receiver is capable of selectively receiving audio and video content transmitted via broadcast waves and communication, wherein the intermediate server has: a program database storing program information from the publishing system; and a horizontal retrieval unit that, based on a request from the television receiver, performs keyword retrieval from the program information based on keywords such as program name and program performers, and returns the retrieval results to the television receiver. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 These are diagrams illustrating a first embodiment based on this application;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the program schedule based on this application;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the various channel program schedules based on this application;

[0039] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram of the program schedules for each channel based on this application;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of lateral retrieval based on this application;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a program overview based on this application;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an existing broadcast system;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of an existing program schedule;

[0044] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an existing web publishing system;

[0045] Figure 10 This is an example image showing the existing content selection screen.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0047] 1000… Publishing system, 1100… Television receiver, 2000… Broadcasting system. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The embodiments related to this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this application, broadcast content and published content can be selected through essentially the same operations, thereby significantly improving the convenience for viewers.

[0049] (First Implementation)

[0050] Figure 1 This describes a first embodiment based on the present application. This embodiment consists of a publishing system 1000, a broadcasting system 2000, and a television receiver 1100.

[0051] Broadcast System 2000 Figure 7 Based on the existing embodiment shown, a transmission unit 2006 and a transmission unit 2009 are added. The broadcast program content of the broadcast program content unit 2001 stored in the broadcast system 2000 is compressed by the encoder 2002 and output to the multiplexing transmission unit 2003. Meanwhile, in the SI generation unit 2004, an SI signal corresponding to the broadcast content (containing program information required for program selection) is generated and sent to the multiplexing transmission unit 2003. The multiplexing transmission unit 2003 multiplexes the SI information and the video / audio stream and transmits it as a broadcast wave (broadcast). The operation up to this point is the same as in the existing example. Here, the broadcast program content of the broadcast program content unit 2001 is sent to the publishing system 1000 via the transmission unit 2006 after the broadcast ends. Furthermore, the SI signal generated by the SI generation unit 2004 is sent to the publishing system 1000 via the transmission unit 2009.

[0052] In the publishing system 1000, the receiving unit 1005 receives the video and audio content transmitted by the transmitting unit 2006 in the broadcasting system 2000 and stores it as publishing content in the publishing content unit 1001. In addition, the receiving unit 1006 receives the SI signal (containing broadcast program information) generated by the SI generation unit 2004 and outputs it to the program information multiplexing unit 1007.

[0053] On the other hand, in the program information processing unit 1004, program information for publishing content is generated and output to the program information reuse unit 1007.

[0054] In the program information multiplexing unit 1007, the program information for broadcasting (broadcast program content sent from the broadcasting system 2000) recorded in the broadcast content unit 1001 and the program information for broadcasting based on SI received from the receiving unit 1006 are multiplexed, and the multiplexed program information is output to the multiplexing transmission unit 1003.

[0055] In the multiplexing transmission unit 1003, the multiplexed program information and the video and audio streams of the broadcast content are further multiplexed and then transmitted via a communication line. Therefore, the video and audio streams output by the multiplexing transmission unit 1003 not only reuse the program information of the broadcast content, but also reuse the program information of the broadcast content.

[0056] Here, multiplexed program information and video / audio streams are multiplexed in a time-division manner by the multiplexing transmission unit 1003, and are always transmitted in a manner that can be separated by the receiving separation unit 1106 of the television receiver 1100.

[0057] In the television receiver 1100, the video and audio streams multiplexed with the aforementioned program information are received via the receiving separation unit 1106. The receiving separation unit 1106 separates the program information and the video and audio streams. Here, the separated video and audio streams of the published content are input to the selection unit 1110.

[0058] On the other hand, the receiving unit 1103 receives the video and audio stream based on the broadcast wave and inputs it to the selection unit 1110. The selection unit 1110 switches between the video and audio from the communication and the video and audio from the broadcast according to the instruction of the control unit 1109, and outputs it to the decoder 1102. The decoder 1102 expands the compressed video and audio and outputs it to the content display unit 1101.

[0059] In the program information processing unit 1104, the input multiplexed program information is separated into broadcast program information and release program information by the receiving and separating unit 1106. Here, the program information processing unit 1104 transmits the broadcast program information to the SI processing unit 1105.

[0060] Here, the multiplexed program information includes a timestamp indicating the current time. Based on the current time information sent by the control unit 1109, the program information processing unit 1104 determines whether it is a program currently being broadcast, a program that has already been broadcast, or a program that has not yet been broadcast. Here, since the broadcast program information indicates both currently broadcast programs and programs that have not yet been broadcast, the broadcast program information is separated by the program information processing unit 1104.

[0061] Broadcast program information is converted into broadcast reception control signals by the SI processing unit 1105, thereby controlling broadcast reception. That is, it is used for the control of the receiving unit 1103. Here, the receiving unit 1103 receives the output of the SI processing unit 1105 and the specified video and audio stream transmitted via broadcast by selecting a specified channel according to the instructions of the control unit 1109.

[0062] The EPG generation unit 1107 generates past, current, and future program schedules based on the broadcast program information and release program information sent through the program information processing unit 1104, and outputs them to the content display unit 1101 to display the program schedules to the viewer. Here, the EPG generation unit 1107 acquires both the release program information and the broadcast program information, and simultaneously displays the content sent via broadcast and communication. At this time, the broadcast program schedule includes the programs currently being broadcast and future programs.

[0063] Next, the actions of selecting the program list and playing video content will be explained in detail. The viewer selects their preferred video content from the past, present, and future program lists displayed on the content display unit 1101.

[0064] First, when selecting video content from the past program list, the viewer operates the remote control 1108 to select the specified video content from the past programs. Here, the control unit 1109 receives the control signal from the remote control 1108, determines the video content selected from the content display unit 1101, and instructs the receiving separation unit 1106 to request the video content.

[0065] Here, since video content is obtained through a communication path, requests for video content are made through request information such as URLs (Uniform Resource Locators).

[0066] The request information is input from the receiver separation unit 1106 to the content distribution unit 1001 of the distribution system 1000 via a communication line (network). The request information contains information specifying the video content to be stored in the content distribution unit 1001. The content distribution unit 1001 outputs the video content stored in the content distribution unit 1001 corresponding to the request from the receiver separation unit 1106 to the encoder 1002. Furthermore, the content distribution corresponding to the request information and program multiplexing information are transmitted to the television receiver 1100 via the multiplexing transmission unit 1003.

[0067] When the receiving separation unit 1106 receives a video stream that has been encoded with the specified video content, the control unit 1109 issues an instruction to the selection unit 1110 to input the video stream output from the receiving separation unit 1106 into the decoder 1102, thereby playing the video content.

[0068] Next, the process of selecting video content from the current program list will be explained. The viewer operates the remote control 1108 to select the desired video content from the current program list. Here, the control unit 1109 receives the control signal from the remote control 1108, determines the video content selected from the content display unit 1101, and instructs the receiving unit 1103 to select the broadcast channel. Since the currently broadcast video content is selected, the control unit 1109 sends a predetermined frequency and a signal for specifying the broadcasting station to the receiving unit 1103. In the case of terrestrial digital broadcasting, channel selection is performed using the selection frequency, service ID, network ID, etc. The receiving unit 1103 outputs a video stream encoded with the desired broadcast video content to the selection unit 1110. The control unit 1109 instructs the selection unit 1110 to output the video stream from the receiving unit 1103 to the decoder 1102 to play the video content.

[0069] Next, the process of selecting video content from the future program schedule will be explained. The viewer operates the remote control 1108 to select a desired video content from the future program schedule. Here, the control unit 1109 receives the control signal from the remote control 1108 and confirms the video content selected from the content display unit 1101. Since video content from the future program schedule has been selected, the control unit 1109 determines that it is a program that has not yet been broadcast. The control unit 1109 stores the information for the designated broadcasting station and time information in its internal memory as information for reserving viewing during the scheduled broadcast time. Then, when the designated time arrives, the viewer is notified of the viewing reservation and urged to watch by displaying a message on the content display unit 1101.

[0070] An example of a program schedule displayed through the above actions is shown below. Figure 2 The horizontal axis represents channel numbers, and the vertical axis represents time. Content 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are provided through channel 1; content 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are provided through channel 2; and content 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, and 3F are provided through channel 3. Here, with the current time set to 12:00, content 1B is played on channel 1, content 2B is played on channel 2, and content 3C is played on channel 3. Past episodes (contents 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, and 3C) can be retrieved via communication. This can be achieved through... Figure 1 The method shown involves transmitting the content of a completed broadcast from the broadcasting system 2000 to the publishing system 1000. Specifically, the broadcast program content stored in the broadcast program content unit 2001 is transmitted from the transmitting unit 2006 to the publishing content unit 1001 via the receiving unit 1005.

[0071] On the other hand, programs after 13:00 indicate scheduled future broadcasts. Information about these future programs will be provided through... Figure 1 The SI information generated in the broadcast system 2000 is obtained by transmitting it to the publishing system 1000. Specifically, this is achieved by transmitting the SI signal from the SI generation unit 2004 to the program information multiplexing unit 1007 via the transmitting unit 2009 and the receiving unit 1006. Through the above operations, if the current time is, for example, 12:00, programs broadcast before 12:00 are obtained as published content through communication. Since the program at 12:00 is being broadcast, it is obtained through broadcast. Programs scheduled to be broadcast in the future can be viewed at future broadcast times by making a viewing reservation.

[0072] The remote control 2900, which operates this program guide, is equipped with an EPG button. Pressing the EPG button displays the program guide. In this way, by pressing the EPG button once, broadcast programs and announced programs can be displayed at a glance, and various broadcast and communication content can be selected through a unified operation.

[0073] Figure 3 This illustrates an embodiment of the channel program schedule based on this application. In this example, the viewer uses the direct selection buttons (number keys 1-12) configured on the remote control 3000 to select content. For example, the viewer presses the direct selection button 1. At this time, the broadcast content currently being broadcast on channel 1 is displayed. Further, the viewer presses the direct selection button 1 again. That is, pressing it twice consecutively displays the program schedule screen 3100. The program schedule screen 3100 displays programs that have finished broadcasting, programs currently broadcasting, and programs scheduled for broadcast. When the viewer selects content that has finished broadcasting, the content is obtained via communication. When obtaining content currently broadcasting, the content is obtained via broadcast. When selecting content scheduled for broadcast, a viewing reservation is executed, and the viewer will watch the program at a future broadcast time.

[0074] As described above, the present application involves displaying communication content by pressing the quick select button twice. This allows viewers to easily watch not only the currently broadcast program but also missed content that has already been broadcast, thereby greatly improving the convenience for viewers.

[0075] Figure 4 An explanatory diagram showing the program schedules for each channel based on this application. Although in Figure 3 The example shown is pressing the Direct Key 1 twice, but... Figure 4 The text explains the scenarios of pressing Direct Key 2 and Direct Key 3 twice.

[0076] Pressing Direct Key 2 twice displays the completed broadcast program available on Channel 2. Similarly, pressing Direct Key 3 twice displays the completed broadcast program available on Channel 3. In this way, the direct keys mapped to the radio station's channels can be applied to completed broadcast content, allowing viewers to easily select previously broadcast programs.

[0077] In the future, as terrestrial wave infrastructure ages, broadcast content may be transmitted via the internet. In this case, broadcast content could be sent over the internet in a way that allows viewers to select their desired channel using the same quick-select buttons as the current broadcast, so that viewers don't need to distinguish between broadcast and communication.

[0078] Figure 5 This describes an embodiment of a lateral search based on this application. Figure 5 The publishing and broadcasting systems shown have the same characteristics as... Figure 1 The publishing system and broadcasting system shown have the same functions. Information from the broadcasting system is transmitted to the publishing system. Publishing systems 5001, 5002, and 5003 are connected to intermediate server 5200 via communication lines. Intermediate server 5200 is connected to a television receiver via a communication line.

[0079] The intermediate server 5200 has a program database 5300, which stores program information 5301 from the publishing system 5001, program information 5302 from the publishing system 5002, and program information 5303 from the publishing system 5003. The horizontal retrieval unit 5205 retrieves information from the television (television receiver 1100)... Figure 1 The system performs keyword searches on program information based on program names, performers, and other keywords. Since program database 5300 stores program information 5301, 5302, and 5303, it also performs horizontal searches on content published by publishing systems 5001, 5002, and 5003, as well as content broadcast by broadcast systems 5401, 5402, and 5403.

[0080] These search results are returned to TVs 5101-5106 that have been searched, allowing viewers to watch the content they want horizontally.

[0081] Next, regarding Figure 5The operation of the area control unit 5206 shown will be explained. In current terrestrial digital broadcasting, each area is designated as a region where broadcast content can be viewed. Typically, television receivers capable of receiving terrestrial digital broadcasts hold information specifying the broadcasting stations that can be received. For example, televisions 5101, 5102, and 5103 in area 1 can receive video content broadcast within area 1, and televisions 5014 and 5015 in area 2 and television 5106 in area 3 can receive video content broadcast in their respective areas.

[0082] On the other hand, unlike broadcasting, when broadcasting via the network, the same video content can be broadcast in any region, allowing for cross-regional viewing. That is, when broadcasting content, it is difficult to implement viewing restrictions within designated broadcast areas, as is currently achieved with terrestrial digital broadcasting. Therefore, when conducting horizontal searches, the regional control unit 5206 limits the search scope to the areas that can be viewed within each region, thereby controlling the retrieval of video content that can be viewed within that region.

[0083] Televisions 5101, 5102, and 5103 notify the regional control unit 5206 of matters located in area 1; televisions 5104 and 5105 notify the regional control unit 5206 of matters located in area 2; and television 5106 notify the regional control unit 5206 of matters located in area 3. Here, the notification may use information pre-held by the television receiver 1100, such as the receiving frequency, service ID, and network ID, to specify the broadcasting stations that can be received. Therefore, the regional control unit 5206 receives the notifications from each television and issues an instruction to the horizontal search unit 5205 to limit the search scope of the horizontal search according to each area.

[0084] By taking the above actions, similar to the areas that can be received via terrestrial digital broadcasting, it is possible to restrict the video content that can be viewed when broadcast content is being broadcast.

[0085] Figure 6 The above embodiments illustrate a program list based on this application. The embodiments above demonstrate a method for seamlessly selecting content from a completed broadcast or a scheduled broadcast. However, in addition to the completed broadcast content, the possibility of watching content unrelated to the broadcast is also considered. In this case, the program selection method based on this application takes into account the display of viewable content.

[0086] The program list display 6100 shows available content 1A-1C, content 2A-2C, content 3A-3C, and content 4A-4C. Here, scheduled broadcast programs are marked with a broadcast symbol as shown by symbols 6101 and 6012, informing viewers that it is a scheduled broadcast.

[0087] By displaying such broadcast markers, viewers can select available content and scheduled broadcasts through a unified program overview. The remote control 6000 includes a program overview display button; pressing this button displays the program overview 6100. Viewers can then select desired content using the up, down, left, right keys and the OK button. While pressing the program overview button activates the program overview, pressing the EPG button twice achieves the same effect. Furthermore, activating the program overview by holding down the EPG button for an extended period is easier and more convenient for viewers.

[0088] A television receiver is capable of receiving and selecting video and audio content transmitted via broadcast waves and communication. The receiver includes a broadcasting system that transmits program selection information for selecting broadcast programs to a publishing system; a publishing system that transmits the program information transmitted via the broadcasting system to the television receiver via a communication line; a publishing system that transmits program selection information for selecting content, which it also possesses, to the television receiver via a communication line; a broadcasting system that transmits completed broadcast content to the publishing system; and a publishing system that transmits the content transmitted via the broadcasting system to the television receiver via a communication line. A user interface seamlessly selects broadcast programs and completed broadcast programs using both the program selection information transmitted from the broadcasting system via the publishing system and the program selection information possessed by the publishing system, which it also uses.

[0089] A television receiver receives program selection information transmitted from a broadcasting system via a publishing system, and displays a program list, enabling it to select content broadcast or communicated without distinction.

[0090] A broadcast / video audio transceiver system comprises a television receiver capable of receiving and selecting video and audio content transmitted via broadcast waves and communication, a broadcasting system, and a publishing system. The broadcasting system transmits program selection information for selecting broadcast programs to the publishing system. The publishing system transmits the program information transmitted through the broadcasting system to the television receiver via a communication line. The publishing system also transmits its own program selection information for selecting content to the television receiver via the communication line. The broadcasting system then transmits the broadcast content to the publishing system, which in turn transmits the content transmitted through the broadcasting system to the television receiver via the communication line. The television receiver uses both the program selection information transmitted from the broadcasting system via the publishing system and the program selection information from the publishing system to achieve a seamless user interface for selecting broadcast programs.

[0091] A broadcasting system transmits program selection information for selecting broadcast programs to a publishing system, transmits completed broadcast content to the publishing system, and then sends the program selection information and completed broadcast content to a television receiver via the publishing system.

[0092] A publishing system transmits program information transmitted through a broadcast system to a television receiver via a communication line, transmits program selection information for selecting content available in the system to the television receiver via a communication line, receives broadcast content through the broadcast system, and transmits the content received through the broadcast system to the television receiver via a communication line.

[0093] This application comprises a broadcasting system for transmitting broadcast programs, a publishing system for publishing video content over the network, and a television receiver for receiving broadcast-based video content and network-based video content. The publishing system transmits broadcast program information and publishing program information to the television receiver via communication.

[0094] A television receiver capable of receiving broadcast content from a broadcasting system and published content transmitted via communication from a publishing system, comprising: a receiving unit that receives broadcast content from the broadcasting system; a receiving separation unit that receives multiplexed program information (composed of multiplexed publishing program information from the publishing system and broadcast program information from the broadcasting system) and published content, and separates the multiplexed program information and published content; a program information processing unit that separates the multiplexed program information input through the receiving separation unit into broadcast program information and published program information; an EPG generation unit that acquires both the published program information and the broadcast program information transmitted through the program information processing unit, constructs a past, current, and future program list, and displays it in a content display unit; a selection unit that receives the published content from the receiving separation unit and the broadcast content from the receiving unit; and a control unit that performs the following control: when the user selects a current or future program in the program list, selects the broadcast content in the selection unit; when the user selects a past program in the program list, selects the published content in the selection unit, and displays it in the content display unit.

[0095] A system for broadcasting and publishing to a television receiver, the television receiver being able to receive broadcast content and published content, and to watch past programs through the published content, and to watch current and future programs through the broadcast content, the system comprising a broadcasting system and a publishing system, the broadcasting system sending broadcast program content and program information to the publishing system, and multiplexing the program information and broadcast program content as a broadcast wave and sending it to the television receiver, the publishing system sending the multiplexed program information, consisting of the publishing program information and the broadcast program information of the broadcasting system, and the published content to the television receiver through a multiplexing transmission unit.

[0096] A broadcasting system broadcasts a broadcast wave to a television receiver, which can receive broadcast content and published content, and watch past programs through the published content and watch current and future programs through the broadcast content. The system sends program selection information for selecting broadcast programs and broadcast program content to a publishing system, which multiplexes multiplexed program information consisting of published program information and broadcast program information of the broadcasting system, as well as the published content, and sends it to the television receiver.

[0097] A publishing system sends published content to a television receiver, the television receiver being able to receive broadcast content and published content, and to watch past programs through the published content and to watch current and future programs through the broadcast content. The publishing system comprises: a receiving unit that receives broadcast program information and broadcast program content at the end of broadcast from a broadcast system; a program information multiplexing unit that multiplexes the published program information and the broadcast program information to generate multiplexed program information; and a multiplexing transmitting unit that multiplexes the multiplexed program information and the published content and transmits them to the television receiver.

[0098] An intermediate server is connected via a communication line to a publishing system that receives broadcast program content and broadcast program information from a broadcasting system, and to a television receiver. The television receiver is capable of selectively receiving audio and video content transmitted via broadcast waves and communication. The intermediate server includes: a program database that stores program information from the publishing system; and a horizontal retrieval unit that, based on a request from the television receiver, performs keyword retrieval in the program information using keywords such as program name and performers, and returns the retrieval results to the television receiver.

[0099] While several embodiments of this application have been described, these embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the application. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the application. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the application, and also within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0100] Furthermore, the program executed in this embodiment is an installable or executable file that can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory), flexible disk (FD), CD-R (Recordable Disc), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Additionally, the program can also be provided or distributed via networks such as the Internet.

Claims

1. A television receiver capable of receiving broadcast content from a broadcasting system and published content transmitted via a communication network from a publishing system, wherein, The television receiver has: The receiving unit receives broadcast wave content from the broadcasting system; the receiving unit receives video and audio streams based on the broadcast waves and inputs them to the selection unit; The receiving and separating unit receives, via the communication network, the published content and the multiplexed program information generated by the publishing system by multiplexing the published program information and the broadcast program information obtained from the broadcast system, and separates the multiplexed program information and the published content. Multiplexed program information and video / audio streams are multiplexed in a time-division manner by the multiplexing transmission unit and are always transmitted in a manner that can be separated by the receiving decoupling unit of the television receiver; The program information processing unit separates the multiplexed program information input through the receiving and separating unit into broadcast program information and release program information; The EPG generation unit obtains the program information for publication and the program information for broadcast sent by the program information processing unit, and generates a unified program schedule based on the program information for publication and the program information for broadcast. The program schedule integrates current and future programs from the broadcast system and past programs from the publication system according to the timeline. The selection unit receives the published content from the receiving separation unit and the broadcast content from the receiving unit; and according to the instruction of the control unit, switches the video and audio from the communication and the video and audio from the broadcast, and outputs them to the decoder, which expands the compressed video and audio and outputs them to the content display unit. as well as The control unit performs the following control: when the user selects current and future programs in the program list, it selects the broadcast content in the selection unit; when the user selects past programs in the program list, it selects the published content received from the communication network in the selection unit and displays it in the content display unit.

2. A system for broadcasting and publishing to a television receiver, the television receiver being capable of receiving broadcast content and published content, wherein past programs are viewed through published content, and current and future programs are viewed through broadcast content, wherein... The system consists of a broadcasting system and a publishing system. The broadcasting system sends the broadcast program content and broadcast program information to the publishing system, and reuses the program information and broadcast program content as a broadcast wave to the television receiver. The publishing system transmits published content and multiplexed program information to the television receiver via a multiplexing transmitter through a communication network. This multiplexing transmitter generates multiplexed program information by multiplexing published program information with broadcast program information obtained from the broadcast system. The multiplexed program information and audio / video streams are time-division multiplexed by the multiplexing transmitter and are always transmitted in a manner that allows for separation by the receiving decoupling unit of the television receiver. The television receiver generates a unified program list based on the multiplexed program information. This program list integrates current and future programs from the broadcast system and past programs from the publishing system along a timeline. Based on the user's selection of program times in this program list, the system decides whether to receive current and future programs from the broadcast wave or past programs from the communication network.

3. A broadcasting system that broadcasts a broadcast wave to a television receiver, the television receiver being able to receive the broadcast wave content and published content transmitted via a communication network from a publishing system, wherein past programs are viewed through the published content, and current and future programs are viewed through the broadcast wave content, wherein... The broadcasting system sends program selection information for selecting broadcast programs and broadcast program content for completing the broadcast to the publishing system. The publishing system reuses the program information for publishing and the broadcast program information obtained from the broadcasting system to generate reused program information and reused publishing content, and then sends it to the television receiver so that the television receiver can generate a unified program list based on the reused program information. This program list integrates current and future programs from the broadcasting system and past programs from the publishing system according to the timeline. Based on the user's selection of program times in the program schedule, it is determined whether to receive current and future programs in the program schedule from the broadcast wave, or to receive past programs in the program schedule from the communication network. The multiplexed program information and video / audio streams are time-division multiplexed by the multiplexing transmission unit and are always transmitted in a manner that allows them to be separated by the receiving separation unit of the television receiver.

4. A publishing system that transmits published content to a television receiver via a communication network, the television receiver being able to receive broadcast content from a broadcasting system and published content transmitted via the communication network from the publishing system, wherein past programs are viewed through the published content, and current and future programs are viewed through the broadcast content, wherein... The publishing system has the following features: The receiving unit receives broadcast program information and broadcast program content that has ended from the broadcast system. The program information reuse department reuses the program information for publication and the program information for broadcast to generate reused program information; as well as The multiplexing transmission unit multiplexes the multiplexed program information and the published content and sends them to the television receiver so that the television receiver can generate a unified program list based on the multiplexed program information. This program list integrates current and future programs from the broadcasting system and past programs from the publishing system in a timeline. Based on the user's selection of program times in the program schedule, it is determined whether to receive current and future programs in the program schedule from the broadcast wave, or to receive past programs in the program schedule from the communication network. The multiplexed program information and video / audio streams are time-division multiplexed by the multiplexing transmission unit and are always transmitted in a manner that allows them to be separated by the receiving separation unit of the television receiver.

5. An intermediate server connected to a publishing system and a television receiver via a communication line, wherein the publishing system receives broadcast program content and broadcast program information from a broadcasting system, and the television receiver is capable of selectively receiving audio and video content transmitted via broadcast waves and a communication network, wherein... The intermediate server has: A program database that stores program information from the publishing system; as well as The horizontal retrieval unit performs a keyword search based on program names, performers, and other keywords from the program information according to a request from the television receiver, and returns the search results to the television receiver. The television receiver receives the published content and the multiplexed program information sent by the publishing system, which is generated by multiplexing the published program information and the broadcast program information obtained from the broadcast system. Based on the published program information and the broadcast program information, a unified program list is generated. This program list integrates current and future programs from the broadcast system and past programs from the publishing system according to the timeline. Based on the user's selection of program times in the program schedule, it is determined whether to receive current and future programs in the program schedule from the broadcast wave, or to receive past programs in the program schedule from the communication network. The intermediate server has a program database; since the program database stores program information, it can perform a horizontal search not only on content published by the publishing system, but also on content broadcast by the broadcasting system. The regional control unit receives notifications from each television receiver and issues instructions to the horizontal search unit to limit the search scope of the horizontal search according to each region.

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