Television receiver

Abstract

To solve the problem in which in conventional technics, separate methods are provided for selecting video contents delivered via broadcast waves and video contents delivered via communication, and viewers have to select the respective program selection methods and then play the video content.SOLUTION: The present invention is composed of a broadcasting system for transmitting broadcast programs, a distribution system for distributing video by network distribution, and a television receiver for receiving video contents by broadcast and video contents by network distribution. Broadcast program information and distribution program information are sent to the television receiver by communication through the distribution system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a television operation system composed of a broadcast system for transmitting broadcast programs, a server system for delivering video, and a receiving terminal for receiving video content by broadcast and video content by network distribution, which can easily select video content by broadcast and video content by communication.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the evolution of the network, a large number of video distribution services have been implemented. In particular, large-sized, large-screen television receivers can not only receive broadcasts as before, but also be connected to the network and play the distributed videos, enabling users to enjoy higher-quality and more immersive videos. This has become possible due to the high-speedization of the network and the improvement of the processing performance of television receivers. In the future, it is considered that the opportunities for displaying and operating various video contents provided from the network on television receivers will increase.

[0003] On the other hand, television receivers still receive video content by broadcast, and many viewers are in a situation of enjoying broadcast viewing. Therefore, from the perspective of viewers, not only the previous broadcast viewing but also the opportunities to select a large number of contents by distribution have increased.

[0004] In such a situation, viewers desire a method that allows them to more easily select their preferred content from video content delivered by broadcast or communication. However, currently, separate methods are provided for selecting video content delivered by broadcast waves and video content delivered by communication. After viewers selected each program selection method, they had to play the video content. For example, the selection of video delivery content is implemented by presenting a content selection screen from icons placed on the home screen of a TV or by dedicated buttons for dedicated delivery content. On the other hand, broadcast content is generally designed so that a receiver can select a program by activating a direct button indicating a channel on a remote control or by launching a program schedule.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Describe the selection of video content by broadcast and the current selection method of video content delivered by communication. An example of the current broadcast system is shown in FIG. 7.

[0007] In the broadcasting system 7000, the broadcast program content 7001 is compressed for video and audio by the encoder 7002 and input to the multiplex transmission unit 7003. On the other hand, the program information necessary for program selection is generated as SI (Service Information) information by the SI generation unit 7004, input to the multiplex transmission unit 7003, multiplexed with the video and audio stream, and then transmitted. The multiplexed video and audio stream is transmitted as a broadcast wave to the television receiver 7100. In the television receiver 7100, the broadcast wave is received by the reception separation unit 7103, and the multiplexed SI signal and video and audio stream are separated. The separated video and audio stream is input to the decoder 7102, and the compressed video and audio stream by the decoder 7102 is decompressed. The decoded video and audio are input to the content display unit 7101, and the video and audio are presented.

[0008] On the other hand, the separated SI signal is input to the SI processing unit 7104. After saving the program description and information necessary for program selection for each channel, it is input to the program guide screen generation unit 7105. The program guide screen generation unit 7105 generates a program guide that is easy for viewers to understand, inputs it to the content display unit 7101, and then presents it to the viewers.

[0009] The above processing is implemented by the control unit 7106 controlling each unit according to the signal output by the remote control 7107 operated by the user.

[0010] An example of a conventional program guide displayed by the method of FIG. 7 is shown in FIG. 8. In the program guide screen 8100, the channel numbers are shown in the horizontal axis direction, and the time is shown in the vertical axis direction. In the program guide screen 8100, the description information of the program indicating the content is presented. The contents 1A to 3C shown in the figure show the text representing the title of the program and its description.

[0011] The remote control 8000 has an EPG (Electric Program Guide) button for activating the program guide screen 8100, 12 numeric buttons for selecting each channel, and up, down, left, and right keys for moving the cursor to select content on the program guide screen 8100, as well as an enter key.

[0012] When the EPG button of the remote control 8000 is pressed, the program guide screen 8100 is presented on the TV screen. Then, the cursor 8101 is moved using the up, down, left, and right keys of the remote control 8000 to select a predetermined piece of content.

[0013] In the above, content is selected by activating the program guide screen 8100 through the operation of the EPG button on the remote control 8000. However, in the case of broadcasting, it is possible to directly activate it using the direct selection buttons on the remote control 8000 that indicate the numbers 1 to 12. This is implemented by mapping the channel numbers and the direct selection buttons because in broadcasting, the broadcasting station can be identified by the channel number.

[0014] Next, an embodiment of the video distribution system is shown in FIG. 9. The distribution content 9001 in the distribution system 9000 is compressed for video and audio by the encoder 9002 and input into the multiplexing distribution device 9003. On the other hand, the program information necessary for program selection is generated by the program information generation unit 9004, input into the multiplexing distribution device 9003, multiplexed into the video and audio stream, and transmitted. The multiplexed video and audio stream is transmitted through the communication path to the TV receiver 9100. In the TV receiver 9100, the receiving separation unit 9103 receives the stream transmitted through the communication path and separates the multiplexed program information and the video and audio stream. The separated video and audio stream is input into the decoder 9102, and the compressed video and audio stream by the decoder 9102 is decompressed. The decoded video and audio are input into the content display unit 9101 and the video and audio are presented.

[0015] On the one hand, the separated program information is input into the program information processing unit 9104, and the program information processing unit 9104 generates a program selection screen. At this time, different from the time of broadcast reception, an icon is presented to the viewer, or a program list screen is presented. Usually, in delivery by communication, in order to select content without the concept of time by VOD (Video On Demand), a program list is generated. The icon or the program list generated by the selection screen generation unit 9105 is input into the content display unit 9101 and presented.

[0016] The above processing is implemented by the control unit 9106 controlling each unit based on the signal output from the remote control 9107 operated by the user.

[0017] A conventional example of the selection screen of video and audio content transmitted by conventional communication is shown in FIG. 10. In the television receiver 9100 (FIG. 9), when selecting delivery content, first, a delivery source selection screen 10100 is presented. One or a plurality of icons are presented on the delivery source selection screen 10100 for each delivery source, and the delivery source is specified by selecting the icon.

[0018] Here, if it is assumed that icon 1 is selected, next, a content list 10200 which is a list of the content provided by the delivery source indicated by icon 1 is presented. Since there is no concept of time, it is presented as a list display of the content.

[0019] Here, these operations are implemented by the remote control 10000. When the viewer presses the home button of the remote control 10000, the delivery source selection screen 10100 is presented. By operating the cursor 10101 with the up, down, left, and right keys of the remote control 10000, an icon indicating a predetermined delivery source is selected. After specifying the delivery source with the determination button, the content list 10200 is displayed.

[0020] Also in the content list 10200, the desired content is selected by operating the cursor 10102 with the up, down, left, and right keys of the remote control 10000.

[0021] As described above, the content selection method is different between the case where the broadcast content is received by the television receiver 9100 and the case where the distributed content is received. Therefore, the conventional television receiver 9100 capable of receiving both the broadcast content and the distributed content has the following problems.

[0022] 1) In the case of broadcasting, the user convenience is significantly reduced because different activation methods and subsequent operation methods are used, such as using the program guide activation button, and in the case of distribution, using the home button to activate and selecting the distribution source using an icon.

[0023] 2) The broadcast content is a program guide with a time axis, and the distributed content is a list of content without a time axis, which causes confusion to the viewers.

[0024] 3) In the case of broadcast content, direct channel selection can be performed using the direct channel selection buttons (number buttons 1 to 12), but direct channel selection is not possible for distributed content.

[0025] As described above, in the television receiver 9100 that receives both the broadcast content and the distributed content, since the selection methods of the broadcast content and the distributed content are significantly different, the user convenience has been significantly impaired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0026] As a first means, In a television receiver capable of receiving broadcast wave content from a broadcast system and distributed content transmitted by communication from a distribution system, a receiving unit that receives broadcast wave content from the broadcast system, a reception separation unit that receives multiplexed program information for distribution and broadcast program information of the broadcast system, which consists of multiplexed program information, and receives the distributed content, and separates the multiplexed program information and the distributed content, a program information processing unit that separates the multiplexed program information input from the reception separation unit into broadcast program information and program information for distribution, An EPG generation unit that acquires both the distribution program information and the broadcast program information transmitted from the program information processing unit, constructs program guides for the past, present, and future, and displays them on a content display unit; A selection unit that receives the distribution content from the reception separation unit and the broadcast content from the reception unit; When the user selects a current or future program in the program guide, the selection unit selects the broadcast wave content, and when the user selects a past program in the program guide, the selection unit selects the distribution content and controls the content to be displayed on the content display unit.

[0027] As a second means: In a system that broadcasts and distributes to a television receiver that can receive broadcast content and distribution content, where past programs are distribution content and current and future programs are broadcast content for viewing, The system is composed of a broadcast system and a distribution system, The broadcast system transmits broadcast program content and program information to the distribution system, and multiplexes the program information and the broadcast program content and transmits them as a broadcast wave to the television receiver. The distribution system transmits multiplexed program information consisting of distribution program information and the broadcast program information of the broadcast system, and distribution content to the television receiver by a multiplex transmission unit.

[0028] As a third means: In a broadcast system that broadcasts a broadcast wave to a television receiver that can receive broadcast content and distribution content, where past programs are distribution content and current and future programs are broadcast content for viewing, Program selection information for selecting a broadcast program and the broadcasted broadcast program content are transmitted to a distribution system that multiplexes multiplexed program information consisting of distribution program information and the broadcast program information of the broadcast system and distribution content and transmits them to the television receiver.

[0029] As a fourth means: In a distribution system that transmits distribution content to a television receiver capable of receiving broadcast content and distribution content, where past programs are distribution content and current and future programs are broadcast content for viewing, a receiving unit that receives broadcast program information and broadcast program content that has ended broadcasting from a broadcast system, a program information multiplexing unit that multiplexes distribution program information and the broadcast program information to generate multiplexed program information, and a multiplex transmission unit that multiplexes the multiplexed program information and the distribution content and transmits it to the television receiver.

[0030] As a fifth means, in an intermediate server connected to a television receiver capable of selectively receiving video and audio content transmitted by broadcast wave and communication, in a distribution system that receives broadcast program content and broadcast program information from a broadcast system, a program database that stores program information from the distribution system, and a cross-search unit that performs a keyword search based on keywords such as program names and program performers from among the program information in response to a request from the television receiver and returns the search results to the television receiver.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Figure 1

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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments related to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present invention, broadcast content and distribution content can be selected by substantially the same operations, greatly improving the convenience for viewers.

[0033] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a first example according to the present invention. This example is composed of a distribution system 1000, a broadcast system 2000, and a television receiver 1100.

[0034] The broadcast system 2000 has an additional transmission unit 2006 and a transmission unit 2009 compared to the conventional example shown in FIG. 7. The broadcast program content stored in the broadcast program content unit 2001 in the broadcast system 2000 has its video and audio compressed by an encoder 2002 and output to a multiplex transmission unit 2003. On the other hand, the SI generation unit 2004 generates an SI signal (including program information necessary for program selection) corresponding to the broadcast content and transmits it to the multiplex transmission unit 2003. The multiplex transmission unit 2003 multiplexes the SI information and the video and audio stream and transmits (broadcasts) them as a broadcast wave. The operations up to here are the same as those in the conventional example. Here, the broadcast program content in the broadcast program content unit 2001 is transmitted to the distribution system 1000 by the transmission unit 2006 after the broadcast ends. Also, the SI signal generated by the SI generation unit 2004 is transmitted to the distribution system 1000 by the transmission unit 2009.

[0035] In the distribution system 1000, the video and audio content transmitted by the transmission unit 2006 in the broadcast system 2000 is received by the reception unit 1005 and stored as distribution content in the distribution content unit 1001. Also, the SI signal (including broadcast program information) generated by the SI generation unit 2004 is received by the reception unit 1006 and output to the program information multiplexing unit 1007.

[0036] On the other hand, in the program information processing unit 1004, distribution program information for the distribution content is generated and output to the program information multiplexing unit 1007.

[0037] In the program information multiplexing unit 1007, the distribution program information for the distribution content (broadcast program content sent from the broadcast system 2000) recorded in the distribution content unit 1001 and the broadcast program information based on the SI received from the reception unit 1006 are multiplexed, and the multiplexed program information is output to the multiplex transmission unit 1003.

[0038] In the multiplex transmission unit 1003, the multiplexed multiplex program information and the video and audio stream of the distribution content are further multiplexed and then transmitted via a communication line. Therefore, in the video and audio stream output from the multiplex transmission unit 1003, not only the program information of the distribution content but also the program information of the broadcast content is multiplexed.

[0039] Here, by the multiplex transmission unit 1003, the multiplex program information and the video and audio stream are multiplexed in a time-division manner and transmitted in a form that can always be separated by the reception separation unit 1106 of the television receiver 1100.

[0040] In the television receiver 1100, the reception separation unit 1106 receives the video and audio stream in which the above program information is multiplexed. The reception separation unit 1106 separates the program information and the video and audio stream. Here, the separated video and audio stream of the distribution content is input to the selection unit 1110.

[0041] On the one hand, the video and audio stream by broadcast wave is received by the receiving unit 1103 and input to the selection unit 1110. The selection unit 1110 switches between the video and audio from communication and the video and audio from broadcast according to the instruction of the control unit 1109, and outputs it to the decoder 1102. The decoder 1102 decompresses the compressed video and audio and outputs it to the content display unit 1101.

[0042] In the program information processing unit 1104, the multiplexed program information input from the reception separation unit 1106 is separated into broadcast program information and distribution program information. Here, the program information processing unit 1104 transfers the broadcast program information to the SI processing unit 1105.

[0043] Here, time stamp information indicating time is added to the multiplexed program information, and based on the current time information sent from the control unit 1109, the program information processing unit 1104 determines whether it is a program being broadcast, a program that has already been broadcast, or a program that has not been broadcast yet. Here, since the broadcast program information indicates the program being currently broadcast and the program that has not been broadcast yet, the program information processing unit 1104 separates the broadcast program information.

[0044] The broadcast program information is changed to a control signal for broadcast reception in the SI processing unit 1105 to control the broadcast reception. That is, it is used for the control of the receiving unit 1103. Here, the receiving unit 1103 selects a predetermined channel according to the output of the SI processing unit 1105 and the instruction of the control unit 1109, and receives a predetermined video and audio stream transmitted by broadcast.

[0045] The EPG generation unit 1107 generates program schedules for the past, present, and future based on the broadcast program information and the distribution program information sent from the program information processing unit 1104, outputs it to the content display unit 1101, and presents the program schedule to the viewer. Here, in the EPG generation unit 1107, both the distribution program information and the broadcast program information are acquired, and the content transmitted by broadcast and communication is displayed simultaneously. At this time, the program schedule in broadcast is the program being currently broadcast and the program in the future.

[0046] Next, the program guide is selected, and the operation of playing video content will be described in detail. The viewer selects favorite video content from the program guides of the past, present, and future displayed on the content display unit 1101.

[0047] First, when selecting video content in the past program guide, the viewer operates the remote controller 1108 to select a predetermined video content from the past programs. Here, when the control unit 1109 receives the control signal of the remote controller 1108 and determines the video content to be selected from the content display unit 1101, it instructs the reception separation unit 1106 to request the video content.

[0048] Here, since the video content is acquired via a communication path, for example, the request for the video content is implemented by request information such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

[0049] This request information is input from the reception separation unit 1106 to the distribution content unit 1001 of the distribution system 1000 via a communication line (network). The request information describes information for specifying the video content stored in the distribution content unit 1001. The distribution content unit 1001 outputs the video content stored in the distribution content unit 1001 corresponding to the request from the reception separation unit 1106 to the encoder 1002. Then, the distribution content corresponding to the request information and the program multiplexing information are transmitted to the television receiver 1100 by the multiplex transmission unit 1003.

[0050] When the reception separation unit 1106 receives the video stream obtained by encoding the predetermined video content, the control unit 1109 issues an instruction to the selection unit 1110 to input the video stream output from the reception separation unit 1106 to the decoder 1102, thereby playing the video content.

[0051] Next, the case of selecting video content in the current program guide will be described. The viewer operates the remote control 1108 to select a predetermined video content from the current program guide. Here, when the control unit 1109 receives the control signal of the remote control 1108 and determines the video content to be selected from the content display unit 1101, it instructs the receiving unit 1103 to select a broadcast channel. To select the currently broadcast video content, the control unit 1109 transmits a signal specifying a predetermined frequency, broadcast station, etc. that have been determined in advance to the receiving unit 1103. In the case of terrestrial digital broadcasting, channel selection is performed based on the channel selection frequency, service ID, network ID, etc. The receiving unit 1103 outputs a video stream encoding the desired broadcast video content to the selection unit 1110. The control unit 1109 gives an instruction to the selection unit 1110 to output the video stream of the receiving unit 1103 to the decoder 1102, and the video content is played back.

[0052] Next, the case of selecting video content in the future program guide will be described. The viewer operates the remote control 1108 to select a predetermined video content from the future program guide. Here, the control unit 1109 receives the control signal of the remote control 1108 and determines the video content to be selected from the content display unit 1101. Here, since the video content of the future program guide has been selected, the control unit 1109 determines that it is an unbroadcast program, and the control unit 1109 stores information specifying the broadcast station and time information in the internal memory as information for viewing reservation so that it can be started in the time zone to be broadcast in the future. Then, when the predetermined time arrives, the viewer is prompted to view by a notification such as displaying a message on the content display unit 1101 indicating that there is a viewing reservation.

[0053] An example of the program schedule displayed by the above operations is shown in FIG. 2. The horizontal axis represents the channel number, and the vertical axis represents the time. Content 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D are provided by Channel 1, Content 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D are provided by Channel 2, and Content 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F are provided by Channel 3. Here, when the current time is 12:00, Content 1B is being broadcast on Channel 1, Content 2B is being broadcast on Channel 2, and Content 3C is being broadcast on Channel 3. The content 1A, 1B, content 2A, 2B, content 3A, 3B, 3C that have already become past programs can be obtained by communication. This is implemented by transferring the content whose broadcast has ended from the broadcast system 2000 shown in FIG. 1 to the distribution system 1000. Specifically, the broadcast program content stored in the broadcast program content unit 2001 is transferred from the transmission unit 2006 through the reception unit 1005 to the distribution content unit 1001.

[0054] On the other hand, the programs after 13:00 indicate the programs scheduled for future broadcast. The information of these future programs can be obtained by transferring the SI information generated by the broadcast system 2000 shown in FIG. 1 to the distribution system 1000. Specifically, it is implemented by transferring the SI signal from the SI generation unit 2004 through the transmission unit 2009 and the reception unit 1006 to the program information multiplexing unit 1007. By the above operations, when the current time is, for example, 12:00, the programs broadcast before 12:00 can be obtained as distribution content by communication, the program at 12:00 is being broadcast, so it can be obtained by broadcast, and the programs scheduled for future broadcast can be viewed when they are broadcast in the future by reservation.

[0055] The remote control 2900 for operating this program schedule is equipped with an EPG button. By pressing the EPG button, the program schedule is presented. In this way, by simply pressing the EPG button once, the broadcast programs and the distributed programs can be displayed in a list, and the contents of broadcast and communication can be selected with an integrated operation.

[0056] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a channel-by-channel program guide according to the present invention. In this example, the viewer uses the direct selection buttons (numeric keys 1 to 12) provided on the remote control 3000 for content selection. For example, the viewer presses the direct key 1. In that case, the broadcast content being broadcast on channel 1 is presented. Further, the viewer presses the direct key 1. That is, when pressed twice in a row, the program guide screen 3100 is displayed. The program guide screen 3100 presents the programs that have been broadcast and the programs being broadcast and scheduled for broadcast. If the viewer selects content that has already been broadcast, the content is acquired by communication. When acquiring the content currently being broadcast, the content is acquired by broadcast. If the viewer selects content scheduled for broadcast, a viewing reservation is executed and the content is viewed when it is broadcast in the future.

[0057] As described above, the display of communication content by pressing the direct button twice according to the present invention enables the viewer to easily view not only the currently broadcast program but also the missed content that has already been broadcast, significantly improving the convenience for the viewer.

[0058] FIG. 4 shows an explanatory diagram of a channel-by-channel program guide according to the present invention. In FIG. 3, an example of pressing the direct key 1 twice was shown, but in FIG. 4, the cases of pressing the direct keys 2 and 3 twice each will be described.

[0059] When the direct key 2 is pressed twice, the delivered programs that have been broadcast on channel 2 are displayed. Similarly, when the direct key 3 is pressed twice, the delivered programs that have been broadcast on channel 3 are displayed. In this way, the direct keys mapped to the channels of the broadcast station can also be applied to the programs that have been broadcast, and the viewer can easily select the programs that were broadcast in the past.

[0060] In the future, the terrestrial infrastructure may become obsolete, and it may be possible to transmit broadcast content over a network. In that case, by transmitting broadcast content over the network so that it can be selected with the same direct buttons as the currently broadcast channels, viewers will be able to select the desired channel without distinguishing between broadcast and communication.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows an example of cross-search according to the present invention. The distribution system and the broadcast system shown in FIG. 5 have the same functions as the distribution system and the broadcast system shown in FIG. 1. SI information is transferred from the broadcast system to the distribution system. The distribution systems 5001, 5002, and 5003 are connected to the intermediate server 5200 via communication lines. The intermediate server 5200 is connected to the television receiver via a communication line.

[0062] The intermediate server 5200 has a program database 5300, which stores program information 5301 from the distribution system 5001, program information 5302 from the distribution system 5002, and program information 5303 from the distribution system 5003. The cross-search unit 5205 performs a keyword search based on keywords such as program names and program performers from among the program information in response to a request from the television (television receiver 1100 (FIG. 1)) side. Naturally, since the program information 5301, 5302, and 5303 are stored in the program database 5300, it is possible to perform a cross-search not only on the content distributed from the distribution systems 5001, 5002, and 5003 but also on the content broadcast from the broadcast systems 5401, 5402, and 5403.

[0063] These search results are returned to the televisions 5101 to 5106 for which the search request was made, and viewers can view the content they want to view cross-sectionally.

[0064] Next, the operation of the area control unit 5206 shown in FIG. 5 will be described in detail with reference to the same figure. In the current terrestrial digital broadcast, the viewable area of broadcast content is defined for each area. Usually, a TV receiver capable of receiving terrestrial digital broadcasts holds information for identifying the receivable broadcast stations. For example, TVs 5101, 5102, and 5103 in area 1 can view the video content broadcast within area 1, and TVs 5014 and 5015 in area 2 and TV 5106 in area 3 can view the video content broadcast in their respective areas.

[0065] On the other hand, when distributing via a network, unlike broadcasting, the same video content can be distributed to any area, and it becomes possible to view video content across areas. That is, when distributing broadcast content, it becomes difficult to impose the predetermined viewing restrictions on a specific broadcast area as realized in the current terrestrial digital broadcast. Therefore, when performing a cross-search, the area control unit 5206 controls the search for viewable video content within the area by limiting the search range to the areas where viewing is possible in each area.

[0066] TVs 5101, 5102, and 5103 notify the area control unit 5206 that they are located in area 1, TVs 5104 and 5105 notify the area control unit 5206 that they are located in area 2, and TV 5106 notifies the area control unit 5206 that it is located in area 3. Here, for this notification, information that the TV receiver 1100 already holds for identifying the receivable broadcast stations, such as information on the reception frequency, service ID, network ID, etc., can be used. Therefore, the area control unit 5206 receives the notifications from each TV, gives an instruction to the cross-search unit 5205, and restricts the search range of the cross-search for each area.

[0067] By the above operation, it becomes possible to restrict the viewable video content when distributing broadcast content, equivalent to the area where terrestrial digital broadcasts can be received.

[0068] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a program list according to the present invention. The above embodiments have shown a method of seamlessly selecting broadcasted content during broadcasting or content scheduled for broadcasting. However, in addition to broadcasted content, it is conceivable to view content not related to broadcasting. In that case, in the program selection method according to the present invention, it is conceivable to display a list of viewable content.

[0069] In the program list display 6100, viewable content 1A to 1C, content 2A to 2C, content 3A to 3C, and content 4A to 4C are presented. Here, for programs scheduled for broadcasting, broadcast marks are displayed as indicated by reference numerals 6101 and 6012 to notify viewers that they are scheduled for broadcasting.

[0070] By displaying such broadcast marks, it becomes possible to select content from an integrated program list of deliverable content and content scheduled for broadcasting. The remote control 6000 is equipped with a program list display button, and pressing this button presents the program list display 6100. Thereafter, desired content is selected using the up, down, left, and right keys and the enter button. The above operations are performed by pressing the program list button to activate the program list, but for example, the same effect can be obtained by pressing the EPG button twice. Furthermore, activation by long-pressing the EPG button facilitates the operation of viewers and improves convenience.

[0071] (Appendix 1) In a television receiver capable of receiving video and audio content transmitted by broadcast and communication and selecting the video and audio content, a broadcast system that transfers program selection information for selecting broadcast programs to a distribution system; a distribution system that transmits the program information transferred from the broadcast system to the television receiver via a communication line; a distribution system that transmits program selection information for selecting the content of the distribution system to the television receiver via a communication line; The broadcast system that transfers the already-broadcast content to the distribution system, and the distribution system that transmits the content transferred from the broadcast system to the television receiver via a communication line, A television receiver having a user interface that seamlessly selects broadcast programs and already-broadcast programs using both the program selection information transmitted from the broadcast system via the distribution system and the program selection information of the distribution system transmitted from the distribution system.

[0072] (Appendix 2) A television receiver that receives the program selection information transmitted from the broadcast system via the distribution system and the program selection information of the distribution system, displays a program list, and can select the content delivered by broadcast or communication without distinction.

[0073] (Appendix 3) A television receiver that can receive video and audio content transmitted by broadcast and communication and select the video and audio content, consisting of a broadcast system, a distribution system, The broadcast system transfers program selection information for selecting broadcast programs to the distribution system, The distribution system transmits the program information transferred from the broadcast system to the television receiver via a communication line, The distribution system transmits program selection information for selecting the content of the distribution system to the television receiver via a communication line, The broadcast system transfers already-broadcast content to the distribution system, and the distribution system transmits the content transferred from the broadcast system to the television receiver via a communication line, The television receiver realizes a user interface that seamlessly selects broadcast programs and already-broadcast programs using both the program selection information transmitted from the broadcast system via the distribution system and the program selection information of the distribution system transmitted from the distribution system. A broadcast / video and audio transmission and reception system characterized by this.

[0074] (Appendix 4) Transfer program selection information for selecting a broadcast program to a distribution system, Transfer broadcasted content to the distribution system, A broadcast system characterized by transmitting program selection information and broadcasted content to a television receiver via the distribution system.

[0075] (Appendix 5) Transmit program information transferred from the broadcast system to a television receiver via a communication line, Transmit program selection information for selecting content owned by its own system to a television receiver via a communication line, Receive broadcasted content from the broadcast system, A distribution system characterized by transmitting the content received from the broadcast system to the television receiver via a communication line.

[0076] (Appendix 6) The present invention is composed of a broadcast system for transmitting a broadcast program, a distribution system for distributing video over the network, and a television receiver for receiving video content by broadcast and video content by network distribution, and transmits broadcast program information and distribution program information to the television receiver by communication in the distribution system.

[0077] (Appendix 7) In a television receiver capable of receiving broadcast wave content from a broadcast system and distribution content transmitted by communication from a distribution system, A receiving unit for receiving the broadcast wave content from the broadcast system, A reception separation unit that receives multiplexed program information for distribution composed of the distribution program information multiplexed from the distribution system and the broadcast program information of the broadcast system and the distribution content, and separates the multiplexed program information and the distribution content, A program information processing unit that separates the multiplexed program information input from the reception separation unit into broadcast program information and distribution program information, An EPG generation unit that acquires both the distribution program information and the broadcast program information sent from the program information processing unit, constructs program guides for the past, present, and future, and displays them on the content display unit; A selection unit that receives the distribution content from the reception separation unit and the broadcast content from the reception unit; A control unit that, when the user selects a current or future program in the program guide, selects the broadcast wave content in the selection unit, and when the user selects a past program in the program guide, selects the distribution content in the selection unit and displays it on the content display unit. A television receiver having

[0078] (Appendix 8) In a system that performs broadcasting and distribution to a television receiver that can receive broadcast content and distribution content, and views past programs as distribution content and current and future programs as broadcast content, The system is composed of a broadcast system and a distribution system, The broadcast system transmits broadcast program content and program information to the distribution system, and multiplexes the program information and the broadcast program content and transmits it as a broadcast wave to the television receiver. The distribution system transmits multiplexed program information composed of distribution program information and the broadcast program information of the broadcast system, and the distribution content to the television receiver by a multiplex transmission unit. A system for performing broadcasting and distribution, characterized in that

[0079] (Appendix 9) In a broadcast system that broadcasts a broadcast wave to a television receiver that can receive broadcast content and distribution content, and views past programs as distribution content and current and future programs as broadcast content, Program selection information for selecting a broadcast program and the broadcast program content that has been broadcast are transmitted to a distribution system that multiplexes multiplexed program information composed of distribution program information and the broadcast program information of the broadcast system and the distribution content and transmits it to the television receiver. A broadcast system, characterized in that

[0080] (Appendix 10) In a distribution system that transmits distribution content to a television receiver capable of receiving broadcast content and distribution content, where past programs are distribution content and current and future programs are broadcast content for viewing. A receiving unit that receives broadcast program information and broadcast program content that has ended broadcasting from a broadcast system, A program information multiplexing unit that multiplexes distribution program information and the broadcast program information to generate multiplexed program information, A multiplex transmission unit that multiplexes the multiplexed program information and the distribution content and transmits it to the television receiver, characterized by a distribution system having the same.

[0081] (Appendix 11) In an intermediate server connected to a television receiver capable of selectively receiving video and audio content transmitted by broadcast waves and communication, in a distribution system that receives broadcast program content and broadcast program information from a broadcast system, A program database that stores program information from the distribution system, A cross-search unit that, in response to a request from the television receiver, performs a keyword search based on keywords such as program names and program performers among the program information and returns the search results to the television receiver, characterized by an intermediate server having the same.

[0082] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

[0083] In addition, the program executed in this embodiment can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium readable by a computer device such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory), flexible disk (FD), CD-R (Recordable), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc., in an installable format or an executable format. Further, the program may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Explanation of Signs

[0084] 1000…Distribution system, 1100…Television receiver, 2000…Broadcasting system

Claims

1. In a television receiver capable of receiving broadcast wave content from a broadcast system and distribution content transmitted by communication from a distribution system, a receiving unit that receives broadcast wave content from the broadcast system; a reception separation unit that receives multiplexed program information for distribution composed of the distribution program information from the distribution system and the broadcast program information of the broadcast system, and distribution content, and separates the multiplexed program information and the distribution content; a program information processing unit that separates the multiplexed program information input from the reception separation unit into broadcast program information and distribution program information; an EPG generation unit that acquires both the distribution program information and the broadcast program information transmitted from the program information processing unit, constructs program schedules for the past, present, and future, and displays them on a content display unit; a selection unit that receives the distribution content from the reception separation unit and the broadcast content from the receiving unit; a control unit that, when the user selects a current or future program in the program schedule, selects the broadcast wave content with the selection unit, and when the user selects a past program in the program schedule, selects the distribution content with the selection unit and displays it on the content display unit. A television receiver having

2. In a system for performing broadcast and distribution to a television receiver capable of receiving broadcast content and distribution content, and viewing past programs as distribution content and current and future programs as broadcast content, the system is composed of a broadcast system and a distribution system, the broadcast system transmits broadcast program content and program information to the distribution system, and multiplexes the program information and the broadcast program content and transmits it as a broadcast wave to the television receiver, the distribution system transmits multiplexed program information composed of distribution program information and the broadcast program information of the broadcast system, and distribution content to the television receiver with a multiplex transmission unit. A system for performing broadcast and distribution, characterized by

3. In a broadcast system that broadcasts a broadcast wave to a television receiver capable of receiving broadcast content and distribution content, and viewing past programs as distribution content and current and future programs as broadcast content, A broadcast system that transmits program selection information for selecting a broadcast program and broadcasted broadcast program content to a distribution system that multiplexes multiplex program information composed of distribution program information and the broadcast program information of the broadcast system and distribution content and transmits it to the television receiver.

4. In a distribution system that transmits distribution content to a television receiver that can receive broadcast content and distribution content, and watches past programs as distribution content and current and future programs as broadcast content, a receiving unit that receives broadcast program information and broadcast program content that has ended broadcasting from a broadcast system; a program information multiplexing unit that multiplexes the distribution program information and the broadcast program information to generate multiplex program information; a multiplex transmission unit that multiplexes the multiplex program information and the distribution content and transmits it to the television receiver, characterized by comprising:

5. In an intermediate server connected to a television receiver capable of selectively receiving video and audio content transmitted by broadcast waves and communication, in a distribution system that receives broadcast program content and broadcast program information from a broadcast system, a program database that stores program information from the distribution system; a cross-search unit that performs a keyword search based on keywords such as program names and program performers from among the program information in response to a request from the television receiver and returns the search results to the television receiver.

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