Digital broadcast receiver
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023008396
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-01-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-24
AI Technical Summary
Conventional digital broadcast receiving devices allow users to view certain broadcasts, such as commercial broadcasts, without user control, despite encryption by broadcasters, lacking means for users to refuse viewing unwanted content.
A digital broadcast receiving device equipped with control, selection, demultiplexing, and storage means allows users to input preferences, discard unwanted broadcasts, and store reception refusal information, ensuring only desired content is output.
Enables users to receive broadcasts that match their preferences, enhancing convenience by allowing selective viewing based on user-defined criteria.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a digital broadcast receiving device. [Background technology]
[0002] Broadcasting stations of terrestrial digital broadcasting and satellite digital broadcasting encrypt and transmit information of broadcast content so that only specific users (such as users who have paid a viewing fee) can view the broadcast content. Therefore, digital broadcasting receiving devices that receive terrestrial digital broadcasting and satellite digital broadcasting require a technology for decrypting the encrypted broadcast content information. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that enables decryption only by receiving devices that support rights protection of broadcast content. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-221935 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In addition, conventional digital broadcast receivers are designed with a decoding technology that allows users to watch some broadcast stations (such as commercial broadcasts) at all times. In other words, conventional digital broadcast receivers always allow users to watch broadcasts from some broadcast stations, such as commercial broadcasts.
[0005] In this way, in terrestrial digital broadcasting and satellite digital broadcasting, the broadcasting station can decide whether or not the user can view the content by encrypting the information of the broadcast content, but the user cannot decide whether or not the user can view the content. In other words, there is no way for a user to refuse to view a broadcast that can be viewed at any time, such as a commercial broadcast.
[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to improve user convenience by enabling a user to receive only broadcasts that match his or her preferences. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a digital broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: A digital broadcast receiving device that receives multiplexed broadcast information related to digital broadcasts transmitted from a digital broadcast transmitting device, comprising: A control means for controlling an output of the digital broadcasting; a selection means for acquiring the broadcast information and outputting the broadcast information based on a result determined by the control means; an input means for inputting an instruction from a user; Equipped with The control means determining whether or not to output the digital broadcast based on the instruction input by the user via the input means; The selection means is When the control means determines not to output the digital broadcast, it discards the broadcast information.
[0008] Also, a multiplexing / demultiplexing means for separating the broadcast information into at least program specific information and program arrangement information, the input unit receives the instruction to refuse to receive a predetermined digital broadcast by the user, The control means Identifying broadcast content of the digital broadcast based on at least one of the program identification information and the program sequence information separated by the multiplexing / demultiplexing means; It may be determined whether or not to output the digital broadcast, based on broadcast content information relating to the identified broadcast content and reception refusal information relating to the instruction to refuse reception.
[0009] The input unit receives the instruction to refuse reception of a predetermined broadcast content, a predetermined time period, a predetermined genre, or a predetermined broadcast station by the user, The broadcast content information is a name of the broadcast content, a time period during which the broadcast content is broadcast, a genre of the broadcast content, or a broadcast station that broadcasts the broadcast content, The reception refusal information may be the name of the predetermined broadcast content, the predetermined time period, the predetermined genre, or the predetermined broadcast station.
[0010] Also, a storage means for storing the reception refusal information is provided, The control means The reception refusal information stored in the storage means may be referenced to determine whether or not to output the digital broadcast.
[0011] The storage means may be configured so that the stored reception refusal information cannot be rewritten. Effect of the Invention
[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to receive only broadcasts that match the user's preferences, thereby improving user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a digital broadcast transmission / reception method according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the digital broadcast receiving device according to this embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation for deciding to reject reception on the display of the digital broadcast receiving device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the reception refusal determination process performed by the digital broadcast receiving device according to this embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the packet output determination process performed by the digital broadcast receiving device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the packet selection process performed by the digital broadcast receiving device according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a method for receiving digital broadcasts by a digital broadcast receiving device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a method for transmitting and receiving digital broadcasts according to this embodiment. In the method for transmitting and receiving digital broadcasts, a broadcast wave W is transmitted from a transmitting station 2, and a plurality of buildings 1 each receive the broadcast wave W. The broadcast wave W is, for example, a radio wave of terrestrial digital broadcasting, but is not limited to this. The broadcast wave W may be, for example, a radio wave of satellite broadcasting or the like, and may be either wireless or wired.
[0015] The transmitting station 2 is a facility that transmits digital broadcasts as broadcast waves W. The transmitting station 2, for example, acquires digital broadcasts from a plurality of broadcast stations and transmits them as broadcast waves W. A broadcast station is a broadcaster that broadcasts digital broadcast contents (broadcast programs) free of charge or for a fee. The transmitting station 2 includes, for example, a digital broadcast transmitting device 20.
[0016] The digital broadcast transmitting device 20 encodes, packetizes, multiplexes, and transmits digital broadcast content such as video and audio. The digital broadcast transmitting device 20 generates, for example, transport stream packets (hereinafter referred to as "TS packets") related to digital broadcast. For example, the digital broadcast transmitting device 20 generates TS packets by multiplexing one or more of elementary streams such as video and audio converted into digital data, data related to broadcast content, program specific information, and service information. A TS packet is an example of broadcast information. A series of TS packets constitutes a transport stream. A transport stream is capable of handling multiple broadcast contents.
[0017] The program specific information is information that indicates which broadcast content an elementary stream belongs to among multiple broadcast contents included in a transport stream. Program sequence information includes, for example, a Program Association Table (PAT), a Program Map Table (PMT), a Network Information Table (NIT), and a Conditional Access Table (CAT).
[0018] Program sequence information is information about broadcast content, information about time, etc. Program sequence information is, for example, information about broadcast content such as the name of the broadcast content and broadcast date and time, information about the broadcast station that airs the broadcast content such as broadcast station identification information and series information, information about the transmitting network such as channel number and modulation method, etc. Specifically, program sequence information includes, for example, a Service Description Table (SDT), an Event Information Table (EIT), a Broadcaster Information Table (BIT), a Network Information Table (NIT), and a Time Offset Table (TOT). The program sequence information is used to display in an electronic program guide.
[0019] The digital broadcast transmitting device 20 encrypts the TS packets using, for example, a conditional access system (CAS: Conditional Access System).The digital broadcast transmitting device 20 then converts the encrypted TS packets into a broadcast wave W and transmits it. The specific method of the conditional access system will be described later.
[0020] The building 1 is a structure equipped with a digital broadcast receiving device 10 and an antenna 12. The building 1 is, for example, a house, but is not limited to this. The building 1 may be, for example, a hotel, a school, a hospital, or any other structure that can be equipped with the digital broadcast receiving device 10 and the antenna 12.
[0021] Digital broadcast receiving device 10 receives TS packets transmitted from digital broadcast transmitting device 20. Digital broadcast receiving device 10 is connected to antenna 12. Digital broadcast receiving device 10, for example, acquires broadcast waves W received by antenna 12, and acquires TS packets transmitted from digital broadcast transmitting device 20. Then, digital broadcast receiving device 10 outputs broadcast content in a format that can be viewed by the user based on the TS packets. Antenna 12 receives broadcast waves W transmitted from digital broadcast transmitting device 20. Antenna 12 outputs the received broadcast waves W to digital broadcast receiving device 10.
[0022] Next, a functional configuration of a digital broadcast receiving device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the digital broadcast receiving device 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the digital broadcast receiving device 10 includes a receiving means 100, a descrambling means 110, a multiplexing / demultiplexing means 120, a selecting means 130, a video / audio decoding means 140, a video display means 150, an audio output means 160, a control means 170, a storage means 180, and an input means 190.
[0023] The receiving means 100 receives a broadcast wave W. For example, the receiving means 100 acquires the broadcast wave W transmitted from the digital broadcast transmitting device 20 via the antenna 12. Then, the receiving means 100 converts, for example, the acquired broadcast wave W into a TS packet. For example, the receiving means 100 adjusts the receiving frequency based on an instruction from the control means 170 described later, and acquires a specific broadcast wave W. Then, the receiving means 100 converts the acquired specific broadcast wave W into a TS packet. The receiving means 100 outputs the converted TS packet to the descrambling means 110.
[0024] The descrambling means 110 decrypts the encrypted TS packets. The descrambling means 110 decrypts the encrypted TS packets using, for example, a conditional access system. The descrambling means 110 outputs the decrypted TS packets to the demultiplexing means 120.
[0025] Here, the conditional access method will be explained. First, the digital broadcast transmitting device 20 encrypts the TS packets using a scrambling key. Next, the digital broadcast transmitting device 20 encrypts the scrambling key using a work key to generate an ECM (Entitlement Control Message). Next, the digital broadcast transmitting device 20 encrypts the work key using a master key to generate an EMM (Entitlement Management Message). After that, the digital broadcast transmitting device 20 transmits the encrypted TS packets, ECM, and EMM.
[0026] The descrambling means 110 of the digital broadcast receiving device 10 acquires and decrypts the encrypted TS packets, ECMs, and EMMs. Here, the digital broadcast receiving device 10 includes an IC card reader (not shown) into which an IC card having a security module such as a master key written therein can be inserted and removed. The IC card reader is connected to the descrambling means 110 and the control means 170 described later. For example, the descrambling means 110 acquires information on the master key written in the inserted IC card using the IC card reader. Then, the descrambling means 110 decrypts the EMMs using the master key and extracts a work key. Thereafter, the descrambling means 110 decrypts the ECMs using the extracted work key and extracts a scrambling key. Thereafter, the descrambling means 110 decrypts the encrypted TS packets using the scrambling key. Note that, as a specific method of the conditional access method, for example, a method disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4174326 or the like can be applied.
[0027] The demultiplexing means 120 demultiplexes the received TS packets. For example, the demultiplexing means 120 demultiplexes the TS packets decoded by the descrambling means 110 into at least video and audio converted into digital data, data related to broadcast contents, program specific information, and program sequence information. The demultiplexing means 120 outputs the separated video and audio converted into digital data, data related to broadcast contents, program specific information, and program sequence information to the selection means 130 or the control means 170.
[0028] The selection means 130 acquires the TS packets separated by the demultiplexing means 120, and identifies the digital broadcast of the broadcast station selected by the user. The selection means 130 acquires, for example, video and audio converted into digital data, data related to the broadcast content, program identification information, program sequence information, and the like from the demultiplexing means 120. Then, the selection means 130 identifies the video data, audio data, or data related to the broadcast content of the digital broadcast of the broadcast station selected by the user, based on at least one of the program identification information or program sequence information separated by the demultiplexing means 120, for example.
[0029] For example, when a user wants to watch a digital broadcast from a certain broadcast station, the user operates input means 190, which will be described later, to select that broadcast station. Then, based on the service ID of the broadcast station selected by the user and the PID (packet ID) included in the program specification information or program arrangement information of the TS packet, selection means 130 identifies the video data, audio data, or data related to the broadcast content of the digital broadcast from the broadcast station selected by the user. The service ID is a number assigned to all broadcast stations so that they are not duplicated among broadcast stations. The PID is a number added to the packet header of the TS packet in order to identify the content included in the TS packet.
[0030] Furthermore, the selection means 130 acquires TS packets from the demultiplexing means 120, and outputs the acquired TS packets to the video and audio decoding means 140 described later based on the result of a determination made by the control means 170 described later. When the control means 170 determines to output the received digital broadcast, the selection means 130 outputs the acquired TS packets to the video and audio decoding means 140. For example, when the control means 170 determines to output the received digital broadcast, the selection means 130 outputs video data, audio data, or data related to the broadcast content of the digital broadcast of the broadcast station selected by the user to the video and audio decoding means 140.
[0031] Furthermore, when the control means 170 determines not to output the received digital broadcast, the selection means 130 does not output the acquired TS packets to the video / audio decoding means 140 and discards the acquired TS packets. For example, when the control means 170 determines not to output the received digital broadcast, the selection means 130 discards the acquired TS packets without outputting to the video / audio decoding means 140 the video data, audio data, or data related to the broadcast content of the digital broadcast of the broadcast station selected by the user.
[0032] The video / audio decoding means 140 decodes video and audio based on the acquired TS packets. For example, the video / audio decoding means 140 decodes the video and audio converted into digital data from the TS packets output from the selection means 130 into video and audio signals. The video / audio decoding means 140 outputs the decoded video signal to the video display means 150, and outputs the decoded audio signal to the audio output means 160.
[0033] The video display means 150 includes a display 150a. The video display means 150 is, for example, a monitor, but is not limited thereto. For example, the video display means 150 may be a smartphone, a car navigation system, a projector, or the like. The video display means 150 displays video on the display 150a in a format that allows the user to view broadcast content. The video display means 150 obtains a video signal from the video / audio decoding means 140, for example. Then, the video display means 150 converts the video signal into a predetermined format and displays it on the display 150a.
[0034] The audio output means 160 is, for example, a speaker. The audio output means 160 outputs audio in a format that allows the user to view the broadcast content. The audio output means 160 obtains an audio signal from, for example, the video / audio decoding means 140. Then, the audio output means 160 converts the audio signal into a predetermined format and outputs it.
[0035] The control means 170 controls the output of digital broadcasting. The control means 170 is, for example, but not limited to, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control means 170 may be, for example, an arithmetic processing device configured with other microprocessors. The control means 170 may also be configured with one or more CPUs. The control means 170 executes programs stored in the storage means 180 (described later) or other storage media, thereby causing the digital broadcasting receiving device 10 to perform various processes.
[0036] The control means 170 is connected to the receiving means 100, the descrambling means 110, the demultiplexing means 120, the selecting means 130, the video / audio decoding means 140, the storage means 180 (described later), and the input means 190. The control means 170 may also be connected to, for example, the Internet (not shown).
[0037] For example, when the user selects a broadcast station that he / she wishes to view, by input means 190 described later, control means 170 specifies a receiving frequency and outputs an instruction to receiving means 100 so that broadcast waves W including the digital broadcast of the broadcast station can be received. Also, control means 170 acquires a master key from the broadcast station, for example, via the Internet, and outputs the master key to descrambling means 110 or an IC card as appropriate. Also, when the user selects a broadcast station that he / she wishes to view, by input means 190 described later, control means 170 specifies a service ID of the broadcast station and outputs it to selection means 130.
[0038] Furthermore, the control means 170 acquires program identification information and program sequence information from the demultiplexing means 120, for example. Then, the control means 170 specifies the broadcast content of the digital broadcast of the broadcast station selected by the user, based on at least one of the program identification information or the program sequence information separated by the demultiplexing means 120, for example. For example, the control means 170 specifies the broadcast content of the digital broadcast of the broadcast station selected by the user, based on the service ID of the broadcast station selected by the user and the PID included in the program identification information or the program sequence information. Then, the control means 170 also specifies broadcast content information related to the broadcast content of the digital broadcast of the broadcast station selected by the user, for example. The broadcast content information is, for example, information such as the name of the broadcast content, the time period during which the broadcast content is broadcast, the genre of the broadcast content, or the broadcast station broadcasting the broadcast content, but is not limited thereto. The broadcast content information may be, for example, individual identification information for the broadcast content, broadcast station identification information, or the like. The genre of the broadcast content is a classification related to the content of the digital broadcast, such as a news program, a drama program, or a variety program. The control means 170 identifies the name of the broadcast content, the time period during which the broadcast content is broadcast, the genre of the broadcast content, or the broadcast station that broadcasts the broadcast content, based on, for example, the program identification information or the program arrangement information.
[0039] For example, the transmitting station 2 multiplexes a broadcast content called "Program a" from "Broadcast Station A" with multiple other broadcast contents and transmits the multiplexed broadcast content as a TS packet. The digital broadcast receiving device 10 then receives the TS packet. The digital broadcast receiving device 10 processes the TS packet through the receiving means 100, the descrambling means 110, and the demultiplexing means 120 in that order, and separates the TS packet into program identification information and program sequence information. The separated program identification information and program sequence information are then output to the control means 170. The control means 170 acquires the service ID of "Broadcast Station A" selected by the user's operation of the input means 190, which will be described later, and the PID included in the program identification information and program sequence information acquired by the demultiplexing means 120. The control means 170 then uses the acquired PID and service ID to refer to each table included in the program identification information or program sequence information, and identifies the broadcast content called "Program a". In addition, the control means 170 identifies broadcast content information, such as the name of "Program A," the broadcast time of "Program A" (e.g., 18:00 to 19:00), the genre of "Program A" (e.g., news program), and the broadcast station of the broadcast content "Program A" (e.g., Broadcast Station A), based on the program identification information or program arrangement information.
[0040] Furthermore, the control means 170 determines whether or not to output a digital broadcast based on, for example, broadcast content information specified based on the PID or service ID and reception refusal information related to an instruction to refuse reception input by a user. The instruction to refuse reception is an instruction given by a user to refuse reception of a specific digital broadcast by operating the input means 190 described later. The specific digital broadcast is a digital broadcast designated by the user to be refused reception. The reception refusal information is information used to refuse reception of a specific digital broadcast. The reception refusal information is, for example, information such as the name of the broadcast content of the specific digital broadcast, the time period during which the specific digital broadcast is broadcast, the genre of the specific digital broadcast, or the broadcast station broadcasting the specific digital broadcast, but is not limited thereto. The reception refusal information may be, for example, individual identification information of the broadcast content of the specific digital broadcast, broadcast station identification information of the specific digital broadcast, or the like.
[0041] When there is a digital broadcast that the user does not want to view, the user can refuse to receive the digital broadcast by operating the input means 190 described later and inputting an instruction to refuse to receive the digital broadcast. For example, when there is a broadcast content of a digital broadcast that the user does not want to view, the user operates the input means 190 and inputs an instruction to refuse to receive the broadcast content of the digital broadcast. Note that, for example, when refusing to receive a digital broadcast, the user can not only specify the broadcast content of the digital broadcast, but also specify the time period during which the digital broadcast is broadcast, the genre of the digital broadcast, and the broadcast station that broadcasts the digital broadcast. The control means 170 then acquires the instruction and uses the instruction to determine whether or not to output the digital broadcast.
[0042] First, the control means 170 identifies the broadcast content and broadcast content information of the digital broadcast of the broadcast station selected by the user based on at least one of the program identification information and the program arrangement information. After that, the control means 170 refers to a reception authorization table stored in the storage means 180 described later, in which reception refusal information is input. Then, the control means 170 compares the broadcast content information with the reception refusal information, and determines whether or not to output the digital broadcast. For example, the control means 170 compares the name of the broadcast content, the time period during which the broadcast content is broadcast, the genre of the broadcast content, or the broadcast station broadcasting the broadcast content, identified based on the PID or service ID, with the name of the broadcast content, the predetermined time period, the predetermined genre, or the predetermined broadcast station of the predetermined digital broadcast designated as reception refusal by the user, and determines whether or not to output the digital broadcast.
[0043] Then, when the broadcast content information of the digital broadcast matches the reception refusal information stored in the reception authorization table, the control means 170 determines that the broadcast content of the digital broadcast is refused reception. Then, the control means 170 outputs a determination to the selection means 130 that the received digital broadcast will not be output. On the other hand, when the broadcast content information of the digital broadcast does not match the reception refusal information stored in the reception authorization table, the control means 170 determines that the broadcast content of the digital broadcast is receivable. Then, the control means 170 outputs a determination to the selection means 130 that the received digital broadcast will be output.
[0044] For example, the control means 170 determines that the broadcast content of the digital broadcast is refused when the name of the broadcast content, which is the broadcast content information of the digital broadcast, matches the name of the broadcast content of the predetermined digital broadcast, which is the reception refusal information stored in the reception authorization table. Also, for example, the control means 170 determines that the broadcast content of the digital broadcast is refused when the time period during which the broadcast content, which is the broadcast content information of the digital broadcast, is broadcast matches the predetermined time period, which is the reception refusal information stored in the reception authorization table. Also, for example, the control means 170 determines that the broadcast content of the digital broadcast is refused when the genre of the broadcast content, which is the broadcast content information of the digital broadcast, matches the predetermined genre, which is the reception refusal information stored in the reception authorization table. Also, for example, the control means 170 determines that the broadcast content of the digital broadcast is refused when the broadcast station that broadcasts the broadcast content, which is the broadcast content information of the digital broadcast, matches the predetermined broadcast station, which is the reception refusal information stored in the reception authorization table.
[0045] Furthermore, the control means 170 controls, for example, the timing at which the video signal and audio signal decoded by the video / audio decoding means 140 are output to the video display means 150 or the audio output means 160 .
[0046] Furthermore, the control means 170 receives, for example, an instruction regarding reception refusal input by the user from the input means 190 described later, and identifies the content of the instruction as reception refusal information. Then, the control means 170 stores, for example, the identified reception refusal information in the storage means 180 described later. For example, when there is broadcast content that the user wishes to reject, the user performs an operation to determine reception refusal using the input means 190, and determines the broadcast content that the user wishes to reject. Then, the control means 170 receives information regarding the operation to determine reception refusal from the input means 190, and identifies the name of the broadcast content to be rejected that has been determined by the operation to determine reception refusal. Then, the control means 170 stores the identified name of the broadcast content to be rejected in the storage means 180 as broadcast content of a predetermined digital broadcast.
[0047] Also, for example, if there is a time period during which a digital broadcast that the user wishes to reject is broadcast, the user performs an operation to reject the reception using input means 190, and determines the time period during which the digital broadcast that the user wishes to reject is broadcast. Then, control means 170 receives information regarding the operation to reject the reception from input means 190, and identifies the time period during which the digital broadcast that the user wishes to reject is broadcast, as determined by the operation to reject the reception. Then, control means 170 stores the identified time period during which the digital broadcast that the user wishes to reject is broadcast in storage means 180 as a predetermined time period.
[0048] Also, for example, if there is a genre of digital broadcasting that the user wishes to reject, the user performs an operation to reject reception using input means 190 to determine the genre of digital broadcasting that the user wishes to reject. Then, control means 170 receives information regarding the operation to reject reception from input means 190, and identifies the genre of digital broadcasting to be rejected that has been determined by the operation to reject reception. Then, control means 170 stores the identified genre of digital broadcasting to be rejected in storage means 180 as a predetermined genre.
[0049] Also, for example, if there is a broadcast station that broadcasts a digital broadcast that the user wishes to reject, the user performs an operation of rejection using input means 190 to determine the broadcast station that broadcasts the digital broadcast that the user wishes to reject. Then, control means 170 receives information related to the operation of rejection from input means 190, and identifies the broadcast station that broadcasts the digital broadcast that the user wishes to reject, which has been determined by the operation of rejection. Then, control means 170 stores the identified broadcast station that broadcasts the digital broadcast that the user wishes to reject in storage means 180 as a predetermined broadcast station.
[0050] The storage means 180 is, for example, a general storage medium such as a semiconductor memory. The storage means 180 stores reception refusal information. For example, the storage means 180 stores the name of the predetermined broadcast content, the predetermined time slot, the predetermined genre, or the predetermined broadcast station designated by the user as reception refusal. The storage means 180 also stores a reception authorization table. The reception authorization table is a table that stores the name of the predetermined broadcast content, the predetermined time slot, the predetermined genre, or the predetermined broadcast station that the user refuses to receive. For example, when the user operates the input means 190 to refuse to receive the predetermined broadcast content, the predetermined time slot, the predetermined genre, or the predetermined broadcast station, the control means 170 receives an operation of reception refusal decision from the input means 190. Then, the control means 170 stores the name of the predetermined broadcast content, the predetermined time slot, the predetermined genre, or the predetermined broadcast station that the user refuses to receive in the reception authorization table of the storage means 180.
[0051] Also, the storage means 180, for example, does not allow the rewriting of pre-stored reception refusal information. For example, when a user performs an operation to decide reception refusal and the name of a specific broadcast content to be refused, a specific time period, a specific genre, or a specific broadcast station is stored in the reception authorization table, the storage means 180 protects the name of the specific broadcast content to be refused, the specific time period, the specific genre, or the specific broadcast station from being rewritten, changed, or tampered with.
[0052] An instruction from a user is input to the input means 190. The input means 190 is, for example, a remote control, but is not limited to this. For example, the input means 190 may be an operation button or the like provided on the housing of the digital broadcast receiving device 10. The input means 190 is provided with, for example, number buttons for selecting a broadcast station, a cross button for selecting a setting change, a decision button for deciding the setting change, and the like.
[0053] For example, when the user presses a number button, a cross button, or a decision button, the input means 190 outputs an instruction of the pressed button to the control means 170. For example, when the user wants to change the broadcast station to be viewed, the user presses the number button to which the user's desired broadcast station is set. In other words, when the user wants to change the broadcast station to be viewed, the input means 190 receives an instruction to change the broadcast station to be viewed, that is, the user presses a program button. Then, the input means 190 outputs information of the pressed number button to the control means 170, regarding it as an instruction to change the broadcast station to be input by the user.
[0054] Also, for example, if the user wishes to refuse to receive digital broadcasts, the user performs a reception refusal decision operation using the input means 190 to determine the broadcast content, time period, genre, or broadcast station that the user wishes to refuse to receive. In other words, if the user wishes to refuse to receive digital broadcasts of a specific broadcast content, a specific time period, a specific genre, or a specific broadcast station, the input means 190 inputs an instruction to refuse to receive broadcast content of a specific digital broadcast, a specific time period, a specific genre, or a specific broadcast station, which is an operation to decide reception refusal. Then, the input means 190 outputs information related to the reception refusal decision operation to the control means 170, regarding the input of an instruction to refuse to receive the specific broadcast content, a specific time period, a specific genre, or a specific broadcast station.
[0055] Here, a series of operations for deciding to reject reception will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation for deciding to reject reception on the display 150a of the digital broadcast receiving device 10 according to this embodiment. Here, a case where a user wants to reject reception of digital broadcasts from a specific broadcast station will be described. Note that the items that a user can reject reception of are not limited to broadcast stations, and it goes without saying that reception can be rejected by items such as broadcast content, time period, and genre.
[0056] First, when there is a broadcast station that the user wishes to block, the user operates the input means 190 to display a reception refusal setting screen on the display 150a. This operation is called a "reception refusal setting screen display operation." For example, as shown in Fig. 3(a), the reception refusal setting screen is a screen on which the text "Select a broadcast station to block broadcast reception from" is displayed at the top of the display 150a, the broadcast station name is displayed on the left side of the display 150a, a selection box for selecting reception or refusal associated with each broadcast station is displayed on the right side of the display 150a, and a decision box for deciding the selection is displayed on the bottom right of the display 150a.
[0057] When the reception refusal setting screen is displayed on the display 150a, the user can select a broadcast station by pressing the up button or the down button of the cross button of the input means 190. In FIG. 3(b), the background of the broadcast station name "Broadcast Station A" and the selection box associated with the broadcast station is displayed in yellow (indicated by hatching in the figure), indicating that "Broadcast Station A" is selected. In this state, when the user presses the right button or the left button of the cross button of the input means 190, the selection box of "Broadcast Station A" switches from "Receive" to "Reject" as shown in FIG. 3(c). Note that in FIG. 3(c), the reception refusal setting has not yet been changed, and the state is a provisional setting process. The operation of pressing the right button or the left button of the accept button of the input means 190 to switch the display of the selection box is called a "reception refusal setting change operation."
[0058] For a broadcast station that the user wishes to reject, the user switches the selection box associated with that broadcast station from "receive" to "reject," and then selects the decision box and presses the decision button of the input means 190, as shown in FIG. 3(d). The operation of selecting the decision box on this reception refusal setting screen and pressing the decision button of the input means 190 is called a "reception refusal decision operation." Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3(e), the display on the display 150a switches from the reception refusal setting screen to a reception refusal decision screen. The reception refusal decision screen is a screen for reconfirming the decision to change the reception refusal setting, and displays the text "Are you sure you want to reject reception?" in the upper middle section of the display 150a, and "Yes" and "No" boxes in the lower middle section of the display 150a. While the reception refusal decision screen is displayed on display 150a, if the user selects the “Yes” box and presses the decision button on input means 190, the reception refusal decision operation is completed, and the message “Reception refusal completed” is displayed on display 150a, as shown in FIG. 3(f).
[0059] Next, a process flow of the reception refusal determination process by the digital broadcast receiving device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the reception refusal determination process by the digital broadcast receiving device 10 according to the present embodiment.
[0060] 4, first, the control means 170 receives an instruction input by the user using the input means 190 (S100). Then, the control means 170 determines whether or not the setting screen flag is on (S102). The setting screen flag is a flag that indicates whether or not the reception rejection setting screen is displayed on the display 150a.
[0061] As a result, when it is determined that the setting screen flag is not on (NO in S102), the control means 170 determines whether or not the instruction input by the user is a reception refusal setting screen display operation (S104). As a result, when it is determined that the instruction input by the user is not a reception refusal setting screen display operation (NO in S104), the digital broadcast receiving device 10 ends the reception refusal determination process. Also, when it is determined that the instruction input by the user is a reception refusal setting screen display operation (YES in S104), the control means 170 switches the setting screen flag from off to on (S106). Thereafter, the control means 170 outputs an instruction to the video / audio decoding means 140 to display the reception refusal setting screen on the display 150a. Then, the video / audio decoding means 140 decodes the reception refusal setting screen and outputs it to the video display means 150. Then, the video display means 150 displays the reception refusal setting screen on the display 150a (S108). Thereafter, the digital broadcast receiving device 10 ends the reception refusal determination process.
[0062] In step S102, when it is determined that the setting screen flag is on (YES in S102), the control means 170 determines whether the instruction input by the user is an operation to change the reception refusal setting (S110). As a result, when it is determined that the instruction input by the user is an operation to change the reception refusal setting (YES in S110), the control means 170 performs a temporary reception refusal setting process (S112). Thereafter, the digital broadcast receiving device 10 ends the reception refusal determination process.
[0063] The temporary reception refusal setting process is a temporary setting process for refusing to receive a predetermined broadcast content, a predetermined time period, a predetermined genre, or a predetermined broadcast station. The temporary reception refusal setting process is, for example, a process performed from FIG. 3(b) to FIG. 3(c). For example, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the temporary reception refusal setting process is a process for switching the display of the selection box for "A broadcast station" on the display 150a from "receive" to "reject" when the user presses the right button or the left button of the cross button of the input means 190 while "A broadcast station" is selected. At the same time, the control means 170 stores the reception setting for "A broadcast station" as "receive reject" in a volatile memory (not shown) or the like for temporarily storing data. The memory stored in the volatile memory is erased, for example, when the setting screen flag is turned off.
[0064] Returning to Fig. 4, when it is determined in step S110 that the instruction input by the user is not a reception refusal setting change operation (NO in S110), the control means 170 determines whether or not the instruction input by the user is a reception refusal decision operation (S114). As a result, when it is determined that the instruction input by the user is not a reception refusal decision operation (NO in S114), the digital broadcast receiving device 10 ends the reception refusal decision process. Also, when it is determined that the instruction input by the user is a reception refusal decision operation (YES in S114), the control means 170 performs the reception refusal decision process (S116).
[0065] The reception refusal determination process is a process of setting a predetermined broadcast content, a predetermined time period, a predetermined genre, or a predetermined broadcast station to be refusal to receive. The reception refusal setting process is a process performed, for example, from FIG. 3(d) to FIG. 3(f). For example, as shown in FIG. 3(d), the reception refusal determination process switches the screen of the display 150a from the reception refusal setting screen to the reception refusal determination screen as shown in FIG. 3(e) when the user selects the decision box and presses the decision button of the input means 190. After that, when the user selects the "Yes" box on the reception refusal determination screen, a screen as shown in FIG. 3(f) is displayed saying "Reception refusal has been completed." When the user selects the "No" box, the screen is switched back to the reception refusal setting screen. Also, when the user selects the "Yes" box on the reception refusal determination screen, the control means 170 stores the data stored in the volatile memory that was temporarily set in the storage means 180. That is, the control means 170 stores in the reception authority table of the storage means 180 the broadcast stations that have been provisionally set by the user as “reception refusal”.
[0066] Thereafter, the control means 170 switches the setting screen flag from ON to OFF (S118), and the digital broadcast receiving device 10 then ends the reception refusal determination process.
[0067] Next, a process flow of the packet output determination process by the digital broadcast receiving device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the packet output determination process by the digital broadcast receiving device 10 according to the present embodiment.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 5, first, the control means 170 acquires program identification information and program sequence information of digital broadcasting from the multiplexing / demultiplexing means 120 (S200). Next, the control means 170 specifies the service ID of the broadcast station selected by the user, which is input from the input means 190 (S202). After that, the control means 170 specifies the broadcast content of the broadcast station selected by the user and the broadcast content information of the broadcast content (S204). For example, the control means 170 specifies the broadcast content of the broadcast station selected by the user based on the service ID of the broadcast station selected by the user and the PID included in the program identification information and the program sequence information. Then, the control means 170 specifies the broadcast content information of the specified broadcast content based on the program identification information and the program sequence information.
[0069] Then, the control means 170 judges whether the broadcast content identified in step S204 is refused reception (S206). For example, the control means 170 refers to the reception authority table and judges whether the broadcast content information of the broadcast content identified in step S204 matches the reception refusal information stored in the reception authority table.
[0070] As a result, if it is determined that the broadcast content identified in step S204 is not rejected (NO in S206), digital broadcast receiving device 10 ends the packet output determination process. If it is determined that the broadcast content identified in step S204 is rejected (YES in S206), control means 170 outputs an instruction to select means 130 to discard the TS packets of the digital broadcast (S208). Thereafter, digital broadcast receiving device 10 ends the packet output determination process.
[0071] Next, a process flow of packet selection processing by the digital broadcast receiving device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the packet selection processing by the digital broadcast receiving device 10 according to the present embodiment.
[0072] As shown in Fig. 6, first, the selection means 130 acquires TS packets (S300). For example, the selection means 130 acquires video and audio converted into digital data, data related to broadcast content, program identification information, program sequence information, and the like from the multiplexing / demultiplexing means 120. Then, the selection means 130 acquires the service ID of the broadcast station selected by the user from the control means 170 (S302). After that, the selection means 130 identifies the broadcast content of the received digital broadcast (S304). For example, the selection means 130 identifies the broadcast content of the received digital broadcast based on the service ID of the broadcast station selected by the user and the program identification information or program sequence information separated from the TS packets.
[0073] Then, the selection means 130 judges whether or not an instruction to discard the TS packet has been acquired from the control means 170 (S306).
[0074] As a result, if the selection means 130 has acquired an instruction to discard the TS packets (YES in S306), the selection means 130 discards the TS packets of the digital broadcast (S308). Then, the digital broadcast receiving device 10 ends the packet selection process. On the other hand, if the selection means 130 has not acquired an instruction to discard the TS packets (NO in S306), the selection means 130 outputs the TS packets of the digital broadcast to the video / audio decoding means 140 (S310). For example, the selection means 130 outputs, from the acquired TS packets, video data, audio data, or data related to the broadcast contents of the digital broadcast of the broadcast station selected by the user to the video / audio decoding means 140. Then, the digital broadcast receiving device 10 ends the packet selection process.
[0075] As described above, when a user wishes to block a particular broadcast content, time period, genre, or broadcast station, the digital broadcast receiving device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention determines whether or not to discard the TS packets of the received digital broadcast based on an instruction input by the user. This allows the user to block the digital broadcast that the user wishes to block. In other words, the digital broadcast receiving device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention allows the user to receive only broadcast stations that match the user's preferences, improving user convenience.
[0076] Furthermore, in the digital broadcast receiving device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the name, time period, genre, or broadcast station of the broadcast content that the user wishes to block is stored in a reception authority table in the storage means 180. This allows the user to register in advance the digital broadcasts that the user wishes to block, improving user convenience. Also, by storing the information in the reception authority table, the block on reception of digital broadcasts can be realized more reliably.
[0077] In addition, in the digital broadcast receiving device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, information once stored in the reception authorization table cannot be rewritten. This makes it possible to objectively prove that a user is refusing to receive a specific broadcast content, time period, genre, or broadcast station.
[0078] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can think of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such examples also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.
[0079] For example, in the above embodiment, an example of transmitting and receiving encrypted TS packets using broadcast waves W has been described as a method of transmitting and receiving digital broadcasts, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The method of transmitting and receiving digital broadcasts may be, for example, transmitting and receiving Internet Protocol packets (hereinafter referred to as "IP packets") including encrypted TS packets using the Internet. In this case, the receiving means 100 of the digital broadcast receiving device 10 may be connected to the Internet to receive the IP packets. Furthermore, the digital broadcast receiving device 10 may be provided with a separate IP packet receiving means, which may be connected to the Internet to receive the IP packets.
[0080] In the above embodiment, the transmitting station 2 is described as including the digital broadcast transmitting device 20, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The digital broadcast transmitting device 20 may be provided in the facilities of a broadcasting station, for example. In this case, the broadcasting station transmits a broadcast wave W to the transmitting station 2 wirelessly or via a wire.
[0081] In addition, the digital broadcast receiving device 10 in the above embodiment has been described as being installed inside the building 1, but is not limited to this example. The digital broadcast receiving device 10 may be installed in a moving housing such as an automobile, a train, or an airplane.
[0082] Also, the digital broadcast receiving device 10 of the above embodiment has been described as including the video display means 150 and the audio output means 160, but is not limited to this example. The video display means 150 and the audio output means 160 may be separate from the digital broadcast receiving device 10 and may be an independent separate device. In this case, the video / audio decoding means 140 of the digital broadcast receiving device 10 outputs the decoded video signal and audio signal to the independent separate device.
[0083] In addition, the storage means 180 in the above embodiment has been described as being such that the reception refusal information stored in advance cannot be rewritten, but is not limited to such an example. The storage means 180 may be such that the reception refusal information stored in advance can be rewritten. Furthermore, the storage means 180 may store reception refusal information by allowing the user to select one of two settings, that is, a setting that allows the reception refusal information stored in advance to be rewritten, and a setting that prevents the reception refusal information stored in advance from being rewritten. [Explanation of symbols]
[0084] 10 Digital broadcasting receiver 12 Antenna 20 Digital broadcasting transmitter 120 Demultiplexing means 130 Selection Method 170 Control Means 180 Memory means 190 Input Method
Claims
1. A digital broadcast receiving device that receives multiplexed broadcast information related to digital broadcasts transmitted from a digital broadcast transmitting device, comprising: a control means for controlling the output of the digital broadcast; a selection means for acquiring the broadcast information and outputting the broadcast information based on the result determined by the control means; Equipped with The control means determining whether to output the digital broadcast based on reception refusal information, which is at least one of information regarding a user instruction and pre-stored information; The selection means The digital broadcast receiving device discards the broadcast information when the control means determines not to output the digital broadcast.
2. a demultiplexing means for separating the broadcast information into at least program specific information and program sequence information; The control means Identifying broadcast content of the digital broadcast based on at least one of the program identification information and the program sequence information separated by the demultiplexing means; The digital broadcast receiving device according to claim 1 , wherein the device determines whether or not to output the digital broadcast based on broadcast content information relating to the identified broadcast content and the reception refusal information relating to reception refusal.
3. The broadcast content information is information about the name of the broadcast content, the time period during which the broadcast content is broadcast, the genre of the broadcast content, or the broadcast station that broadcasts the broadcast content, 3. The digital broadcast receiving device according to claim 2, wherein the reception refusal information is information for refusing reception of a predetermined broadcast content name, a predetermined time period, a predetermined genre, or a predetermined broadcast station.
4. a storage means for storing the reception refusal information; The control means 4. The digital broadcast receiving device according to claim 2, wherein the reception refusal information stored in the storage means is referenced to determine whether or not to output the digital broadcast.
5. 5. The digital broadcast receiving device according to claim 4, wherein said storage means makes it impossible to rewrite said reception refusal information stored therein.