TV 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 distributing videos, and a receiving terminal for receiving video content by broadcast and video content by network distribution, and capable of easily selecting video content by broadcast and video content by communication.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the evolution of the network, many 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, so that users can enjoy higher-quality and 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 are increasing.

[0004] In this situation, viewers want a way to more easily select their preferred content from video content delivered via broadcast or communication. However, currently, separate methods are provided for selecting video content delivered via broadcast waves and video content delivered via communication, and viewers have to select the appropriate program selection method before playing the video content. For example, the selection of video content is done by displaying a content selection screen from an icon on the TV's home screen or by using a dedicated button for the content being delivered. On the other hand, broadcast content is generally designed so that receivers select programs by using direct buttons on the remote control to indicate channels or by activating the program guide. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Terrestrial Digital Television Broadcasting Operational Regulations ARIB TR-B14 Part 4 [Non-Patent Document 2] Terrestrial Digital Television Broadcasting PSI / SI Operating Regulations [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] This section explains the current methods for selecting video content for broadcast and video content for distribution via telecommunications. Figure 7 shows an example of a current broadcasting system.

[0007] In the broadcast system 7000, the broadcast program content 7001 is compressed by the encoder 7002 and input to the multiplex transmission unit 7003. Meanwhile, 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 into the video and audio stream, and transmitted. The multiplexed video and audio stream is transmitted as a broadcast wave to the television receiver 7100. In the television receiver 7100, the reception separation unit 7103 receives the broadcast wave and separates the multiplexed SI signal and the video and audio stream. The separated video and audio stream is input to the decoder 7102, and the compressed video and audio stream is decompressed by the decoder 7102. The decoded video and audio is input to the content display unit 7101, and the video and audio are presented.

[0008] Meanwhile, the separated SI signals are input to the SI processing unit 7104, where they store program descriptions and information necessary for program selection for each channel, and are then 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 processes are carried out by the control unit 7106 controlling each part based on signals output by the user's remote control 7107.

[0010] Figure 8 shows an example of a conventional program guide displayed using the method shown in Figure 7. In the program guide screen 8100, the horizontal axis indicates the channel number, and the vertical axis indicates the time. The program guide screen 8100 also displays program description information that shows the content of the program. Contents 1A to 3C shown in the figure represent the program title and text describing it.

[0011] The 8000 remote control has an EPG (Electric Program Guide) button to activate the 8100 program guide screen, number buttons from 1 to 12 to select each channel, and up, down, left, and right keys to move the cursor for selecting content on the 8100 program guide screen, as well as an OK key.

[0012] Pressing the EPG button on the 8000 remote control will display the program guide screen 8100 on the TV screen. Then, use the up, down, left, and right keys on the 8000 remote control to move the cursor 8101 and select the desired content.

[0013] In the above examples, content was selected by activating the program guide screen 8100 using the EPG button on the 8000 remote control. However, for broadcasts, it is possible to directly activate the program guide using the direct selection buttons on the 8000 remote control, which are numbered from 1 to 12. This is because, in broadcasts, the broadcasting station can be identified by the channel number, and this is achieved by mapping the channel number to the direct selection button.

[0014] Next, Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the video distribution system. The distribution content 9001 in the distribution system 9000 is compressed by the encoder 9002 and input to the multiplex distribution device 9003. Meanwhile, program information necessary for program selection is generated by the program information generation unit 9004, input to the multiplex distribution device 9003, multiplexed into the video and audio stream, and transmitted. The multiplexed video and audio stream is transmitted to the television receiver 9100 via the communication channel. In the television receiver 9100, the reception separation unit 9103 receives the stream transmitted via the communication channel and separates the multiplexed program information and the video and audio stream. The separated video and audio stream is input to the decoder 9102, and the compressed video and audio stream is decompressed by the decoder 9102. The decoded video and audio is input to the content display unit 9101, and the video and audio are presented.

[0015] Meanwhile, the separated program information is input to the program information processing unit 9104, which generates a program selection screen. Unlike when receiving broadcasts, at this time, icons or a list of programs are presented to the viewer. Normally, in distribution via communication, content selection is performed without a time concept using VOD (Video On Demand), so a list of programs is generated. The icons or program list generated by the selection screen generation unit 9105 are input to the content display unit 9101 and displayed.

[0016] The above processes are carried out by the control unit 9106 controlling each part based on the signals output from the remote control 9107 operated by the user.

[0017] Figure 10 shows a conventional example of a selection screen for video and audio content transmitted via conventional communication. The television receiver 9100 (Figure 9) first presents a source selection screen 10100 when selecting streaming content. The source selection screen 10100 displays one or more icons for each source, and the source is identified by selecting an icon.

[0018] If you select Icon 1 here, the next step is to display Content List 10200, which is a list of content provided by the distributor indicated by Icon 1. Since there is no concept of time, it is presented as a list of content.

[0019] These operations are performed using the remote control 10000. When the viewer presses the home button on the remote control 10000, the source selection screen 10100 is displayed. The viewer uses the up, down, left, and right keys on the remote control 10000 to operate the cursor 10101 and select the icon representing the desired source. After identifying the source with the OK button, the content list 10200 is displayed.

[0020] In the content list 10200, you can select the desired content by operating the cursor 10102 using the up, down, left, and right keys on 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 had the following problems.

[0022] 1) In the case of broadcasting, the program guide start button is used, and in the case of distribution, the home button is used to start and an icon for selecting the distribution source is used. Since the starting methods and subsequent operation methods are different, the user convenience is greatly reduced.

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

[0024] 3) In the case of broadcast content, direct channel selection can be performed by the direct channel selection buttons (the numeric buttons of 1 to 12), but direct channel selection cannot be performed 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] Broadcast wave content from the broadcast system and transmitted by communication from the distribution system be In a television receiver capable of receiving distributed content, 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 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, Transmitted from the aforementioned program information processing unit be An EPG generation unit acquires both the aforementioned distribution program information and the aforementioned broadcast program information, constructs a program guide for the past, present, and future, and displays it on the content display unit. A selection unit that receives the distributed content from the receiving separation unit and the broadcast content from the receiving unit, Equipped with, The EPG generation unit is characterized by displaying the broadcast content and the distributed content on the same screen, allowing for selection. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment based on the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a program guide based on the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a channel-specific program guide based on the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the channel-specific program schedule based on the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a cross-sectional search based on the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a program list based on the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a conventional broadcasting system. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a conventional TV program guide. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a conventional internet distribution system. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a conventional content selection screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Embodiments related to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the present invention, broadcast content and distributed content can be selected with substantially the same operation, thereby greatly improving the convenience of viewers.

[0033] (First embodiment) Figure 1 shows a first embodiment based on the present invention. This embodiment consists of a distribution system 1000, a broadcasting system 2000, and a television receiver 1100.

[0034] The broadcast system 2000 has two additional components compared to the conventional embodiment shown in Figure 7: a transmission unit 2006 and a transmission unit 2009. The broadcast program content stored in the broadcast program content unit 2001 of the broadcast system 2000 is compressed by the encoder 2002 and output to the multiplex transmission unit 2003. Meanwhile, 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 streams and transmits (broadcasts) it as a broadcast wave. The operation up to this point is the same as in the conventional example. After the broadcast ends, the broadcast program content in the broadcast program content unit 2001 is transmitted to the distribution system 1000 by the transmission unit 2006. The SI signal generated by the SI generation unit 2004 is also 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. In addition, 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] Meanwhile, the program information processing unit 1004 generates distribution program information for the distribution content and outputs it to the program information multiplexing unit 1007.

[0037] The program information multiplexing unit 1007 multiplexes the program information for distribution content (broadcast program content sent from the broadcast system 2000) recorded in the distribution content unit 1001 with the program information for broadcast based on the SI received from the receiving unit 1006, and outputs the multiplexed program information to the multiplexing transmission unit 1003.

[0038] The multiplex transmission unit 1003 further multiplexes the multiplexed program information and the video and audio streams of the distributed content before transmitting them via the communication line. Therefore, the video and audio streams output from the multiplex transmission unit 1003 contain not only the program information of the distributed content but also the program information of the broadcast content.

[0039] Here, the multiplexed program information and video / audio streams are multiplexed by the multiplex transmission unit 1003 using time-division multiplexing and transmitted in a form that can always be separated by the receiving / separating unit 1106 of the television receiver 1100.

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

[0041] On the other hand, the video and audio stream from the broadcast wave is received by the receiving unit 1103 and input to the selection unit 1110. The selection unit 1110 switches between video and audio from the communication source and video and audio from the broadcast source according to the instructions 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] The program information processing unit 1104 separates the multiplexed program information input from the reception separation unit 1106 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, the multiplex program information is accompanied by timestamp information indicating the time, and the program information processing unit 1104 determines whether the program is currently being broadcast, has already been broadcast, or has not yet been broadcast based on the current time information transmitted from the control unit 1109. Here, since the broadcast program information indicates programs that are currently being broadcast and programs that have not yet been broadcast, the program information processing unit 1104 separates the broadcast program information.

[0044] The broadcast program information is converted into broadcast reception control signals by the SI processing unit 1105, which then controls the broadcast reception. In other words, it is used to control the receiving unit 1103. Here, the receiving unit 1103 selects a predetermined channel based on the output of the SI processing unit 1105 and the instructions of the control unit 1109, and receives a predetermined video and audio stream transmitted via broadcast.

[0045] The EPG generation unit 1107 generates past, present, and future program schedules based on broadcast program information and distribution program information transmitted from the program information processing unit 1104, outputs them to the content display unit 1101, and presents the program schedule to the viewer. Here, the EPG generation unit 1107 acquires both distribution program information and broadcast program information and simultaneously displays content transmitted via broadcast and communication. In this case, the broadcast program schedule includes programs currently being broadcast and future programs.

[0046] Next, we will explain in detail how to select a program guide and how video content will be played. Viewers can select their preferred video content from the past, present, and future program schedules displayed on the content display unit 1101.

[0047] First, when selecting video content from the past program guide, the viewer operates the remote control 1108 to select the desired video content from the past programs. At this point, the control unit 1109 receives the control signal from the remote control 1108, determines the video content to be selected from the content display unit 1101, and instructs the reception separation unit 1106 to request the video content.

[0048] Here, since video content is obtained via a communication channel, requests for video content are made using request information such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

[0049] This request information is input from the receiving / separating unit 1106 to the distribution content unit 1001 of the distribution system 1000 via a communication line (network). The request information contains information that identifies 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 that corresponds to the request from the receiving / separating unit 1106 to the encoder 1002. Then, the distribution content corresponding to the request information and program multiplexing information are transmitted to the television receiver 1100 by the multiplexing transmission unit 1003.

[0050] When the receiving / separating unit 1106 receives a video stream encoded with predetermined video content, the control unit 1109 instructs the selection unit 1110 to input the video stream output from the receiving / separating unit 1106 to the decoder 1102, thereby playing the video content.

[0051] Next, we will explain how to select video content from the current program guide. The viewer operates the remote control 1108 to select a predetermined video content from the current program guide. Here, the control unit 1109 receives the control signal from the remote control 1108, determines the video content to be selected from the content display unit 1101, and instructs the receiving unit 1103 to select the broadcast channel. In order to select the currently broadcasting video content, the control unit 1109 transmits a signal to the receiving unit 1103 that specifies a predetermined frequency, broadcasting station, etc. In the case of terrestrial digital broadcasting, channel selection is performed using the selection frequency, service ID, network ID, etc. The receiving unit 1103 outputs a video stream encoded with the desired broadcasting video content to the selection unit 1110. The control unit 1109 instructs the selection unit 1110 to output the video stream from the receiving unit 1103 to the decoder 1102, and the video content is played.

[0052] Next, we will explain the case where video content is selected from the future program guide. The viewer operates the remote control 1108 and selects a predetermined video content from the future program guide. Here, the control unit 1109 receives the control signal from the remote control 1108 and determines the video content to be selected from the content display unit 1101. At this point, since video content from the future program guide has been selected, the control unit 1109 determines that it is an unbroadcasted program, and saves information identifying the broadcasting station and time information in its internal memory as viewing reservation information so that it can be activated at the time it will be broadcast in the future. Then, when the predetermined time arrives, the control unit 1109 prompts the viewer to watch by notifying them that a viewing reservation exists, such as by displaying a message on the content display unit 1101.

[0053] Figure 2 shows an example of the program guide displayed by the above operation. The horizontal axis shows the channel number, and the vertical axis shows the time. Channel 1 provides content 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D; Channel 2 provides content 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D; and Channel 3 provides content 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, and 3F. Here, assuming the current time is 12:00, channel 1 is broadcasting content 1B, channel 2 is broadcasting content 2B, and channel 3 is broadcasting content 3C. Content 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, and 3C, which are now past programs, can be obtained via communication. This is done by transferring the completed broadcast content from the broadcast system 2000 to the distribution system 1000, as shown in Figure 1. 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, programs scheduled for broadcast after 13:00 are programs that will be broadcast in the future. This information about future programs is obtained by transferring SI information generated by the broadcast system 2000 shown in Figure 1 to the distribution system 1000. Specifically, this is done by transferring SI signals from the SI generation unit 2004 to the program information multiplexing unit 1007 via the transmission unit 2009 and the reception unit 1006. Through this operation, if the current time is, for example, 12:00, programs broadcast before 12:00 are acquired as distribution content via communication, the 12:00 program is acquired via broadcast because it is currently being broadcast, and programs scheduled for future broadcast can be viewed when they are broadcast in the future by making a viewing reservation.

[0055] The 2900 remote control, which is used to operate this program guide, is equipped with an EPG button. Pressing the EPG button displays the program guide. In this way, by simply pressing the EPG button once, a list of broadcast and streamed programs can be displayed, and broadcast and streaming content can be selected with integrated operation.

[0056] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a channel-specific program guide based on the present invention. In this example, the viewer uses the direct selection buttons (number keys 1 to 12) on the remote control 3000 to select content. For example, the viewer presses direct key 1. In this case, the broadcast content currently airing on channel 1 is displayed. The viewer then presses direct key 1 again. That is, if the viewer presses it twice in a row, the program guide screen 3100 is displayed. The program guide screen 3100 displays programs that have already aired, as well as programs that are currently airing and scheduled to air. If the viewer selects content that has already aired, the content is acquired via communication. If the viewer selects content that is currently airing, the content is acquired via broadcast. If the viewer selects content that is scheduled to air, a viewing reservation is made, and the viewer will watch it when it is aired in the future.

[0057] As described above, the display of communication content by pressing the direct button twice according to the present invention allows viewers to easily watch not only currently airing programs but also previously aired missed content, significantly improving viewer convenience.

[0058] Figure 4 shows an explanatory diagram of the channel-specific program guide based on the present invention. While Figure 3 shows an example where direct key 1 is pressed twice, Figure 4 explains the case where direct key 2 and direct key 3 are each pressed twice.

[0059] Pressing Direct Key 2 twice will display previously aired programs offered on Channel 2. Similarly, pressing Direct Key 3 twice will display previously aired programs offered on Channel 3. In this way, direct keys mapped to broadcasting stations can also be applied to previously aired content, making it easy for viewers to select programs that have been broadcast in the past.

[0060] In the future, as terrestrial broadcasting infrastructure ages, there is a possibility that broadcast content will be transmitted over a network. In that case, by transmitting broadcast content over the network in a way that allows viewers to select their desired channel using direct buttons similar to those used for currently broadcast channels, viewers will be able to select their desired channel without having to distinguish between broadcast and network.

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

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

[0063] These search results are returned to TVs 5101-5106 that made the search request, allowing viewers to watch the content they want across different channels.

[0064] Next, the operation of the regional control unit 5206 shown in Figure 5 will be explained in detail using the same figure. In current terrestrial digital broadcasting, the areas in which broadcast content can be viewed are defined for each region. Typically, television receivers capable of receiving terrestrial digital broadcasts have information that identifies the broadcasting stations they can receive. For example, televisions 5101, 5102, and 5103 in Area 1 can view video content broadcast within Area 1, and televisions 5014 and 5015 in Area 2, and television 5106 in Area 3 can view video content broadcast in their respective areas.

[0065] On the other hand, when distributing content over a network, unlike broadcasting, the same video content can be distributed to any area, and video content can be viewed across different areas. In other words, when distributing broadcast content, it becomes difficult to impose predetermined viewing restrictions on specific broadcast areas, as is currently possible with terrestrial digital broadcasting. Therefore, when performing a cross-regional search, the regional control unit 5206 controls the search for video content viewable within an area by limiting the search range to the areas viewable in each respective area.

[0066] Televisions 5101, 5102, and 5103 notify the regional control unit 5206 that they are located in area 1, televisions 5104 and 5105 notify the regional control unit 5206 that they are located in area 2, and television 5106 notifies the regional control unit 5206 that it is located in area 3. Here, this notification can use information that identifies receivable broadcasting stations that the television receiver 1100 has in advance, such as information such as reception frequency, service ID, and network ID. Therefore, the regional control unit 5206 receives notifications from each television and instructs the cross-search unit 5205 to restrict the search range of the cross-search for each area.

[0067] Through the above operations, it becomes possible to restrict the viewable video content when broadcast content is distributed to an area equivalent to that where terrestrial digital broadcasting can be received.

[0068] Figure 6 shows an example of a program list based on the present invention. The above examples demonstrate a method for seamlessly selecting broadcast content from currently airing or scheduled broadcast content. However, there may be cases where viewers want to watch content unrelated to broadcasting, in addition to broadcast content. In such cases, the program selection method according to the present invention could display a list of viewable content.

[0069] The program list display 6100 shows viewable content 1A-1C, content 2A-2C, content 3A-3C, and content 4A-4C. Programs scheduled to be broadcast are marked with a broadcast symbol, as shown in symbols 6101 and 6012, to notify viewers that they are scheduled to be broadcast.

[0070] By displaying this broadcast mark, users can select content from an integrated program list that includes both available and scheduled broadcast content. The 6000 remote control has a program list display button, and pressing this button displays the program list 6100. After that, users can select the desired content using the up, down, left, right keys or the select button. The above operation was performed by activating the program list by pressing the program list button, but the same effect can be achieved by, for example, pressing the EPG button twice. Furthermore, activating the program list by long-pressing the EPG button makes it easier for viewers to operate and improves convenience.

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

[0072] (Note 2) A television receiver that receives program selection information transmitted from a broadcasting system via a distribution system and program selection information held by the distribution system, displays a program list, and allows selection of content distributed via broadcast or communication without distinction.

[0073] (Note 3) It consists of a television receiver capable of receiving and selecting video and audio content transmitted via broadcast waves and communications, a broadcasting system, and a distribution system. The broadcasting system transfers program selection information for selecting broadcast programs to the distribution system. The distribution system transmits the program information transferred from the broadcasting system to the television receiver via a communication line. The distribution system transmits program selection information for selecting content from the distribution system to the television receiver via a communication line. The broadcasting system transfers the broadcasted content to the distribution system, and the distribution system transmits the content transferred from the broadcasting system to the television receiver via a communication line. A broadcast / video / audio transmission and reception system characterized in that the television receiver realizes a user interface that seamlessly selects broadcast programs and previously broadcast programs using both program selection information transmitted from the broadcast system via the distribution system and program selection information held by the distribution system transmitted from the distribution system.

[0074] (Note 4) Program selection information for selecting broadcast programs is transferred to the distribution system. The broadcasted content is transferred to the distribution system. A broadcasting system characterized by transmitting program selection information and broadcast content to television receivers via a distribution system.

[0075] (Note 5) The program information transferred from the broadcasting system is transmitted to the television receiver via a communication line. The system transmits program selection information for selecting content from its own system to a television receiver via a communication line. Receive previously broadcasted content from the broadcasting system. A distribution system characterized by transmitting the content received from the broadcasting system to the television receiver via a communication line.

[0076] (Note 6) The present invention comprises a broadcasting system that transmits broadcast programs, a distribution system that distributes video over the internet, and a television receiver that receives video content from broadcasts and video content from internet distribution. The distribution system sends broadcast program information and distribution program information to the television receiver via communication.

[0077] (Note 7) In a television receiver capable of receiving broadcast wave content from a broadcasting system and distributed content transmitted via communication from a distribution system, A receiving unit that receives broadcast wave content from the aforementioned broadcasting system, Multiplexed program information consisting of distribution program information multiplexed from the distribution system and broadcast program information from the broadcast system, and a receiving and separating unit that receives 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 aforementioned receiving and separating unit into broadcast program information and distribution program information, An EPG generation unit acquires both the distribution program information and the broadcast program information transmitted from the program information processing unit, constructs a program guide for the past, present, and future, and displays it on the content display unit. A selection unit that receives the distributed content from the receiving separation unit and the broadcast content from the receiving unit, A television receiver having a control unit that, when the user selects a current or future program from the program guide, selects the broadcast content in the selection unit, and when the user selects a past program from the program guide, selects the distributed content in the selection unit and displays it in the content display unit.

[0078] (Note 8) In a system that broadcasts and distributes content to a television receiver capable of receiving both broadcast and distributed content, where past programs are viewed as distributed content and current and future programs are viewed as broadcast content, The aforementioned system consists of a broadcasting system and a distribution system. The broadcasting system transmits broadcast program content and program information to the distribution system, and also multiplexes the program information and broadcast program content and transmits them as a broadcast wave to the television receiver. The distribution system is a broadcasting and distribution system characterized by transmitting multiplexed program information consisting of distribution program information and broadcast program information of the broadcasting system, and distribution content to the television receiver via a multiplexed transmission unit.

[0079] (Note 9) In a broadcasting system that broadcasts broadcast waves to a television receiver capable of receiving both broadcast and streaming content, where past programs are viewed as streaming content and current and future programs as broadcast content, A broadcasting system characterized by transmitting program selection information for selecting broadcast programs and broadcast program content to a television receiver, which multiplexes multiplexed program information consisting of program information for distribution and broadcast program information of the broadcasting system with distribution content.

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

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

[0082] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

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

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

Claims

1. In a television receiver capable of receiving broadcast wave content from a broadcasting system and distributed content transmitted via communication from a distribution system, A receiving unit that receives broadcast wave content from the aforementioned broadcasting system, Multiplexed program information consisting of distribution program information multiplexed from the distribution system and broadcast program information from the broadcast system, and a receiving and separating unit that receives 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 aforementioned receiving and separating unit into broadcast program information and distribution program information, An EPG generation unit acquires both the distribution program information and the broadcast program information transmitted from the program information processing unit, constructs a program schedule for the past, present, and future, and displays it on the content display unit. A selection unit that receives the distribution content from the receiving separation unit and the broadcast wave content from the receiving unit, The system includes a control unit that performs the following functions: a function that enables the selection of broadcast wave content when a predetermined direct selection button on a remote control for selecting content is pressed a first predetermined number of times; and a function that enables the selection of distributed content when the direct selection button is pressed a second predetermined number of times different from the first predetermined number of times. The television receiver is characterized in that the EPG generation unit displays the broadcast wave content and the distributed content on the same screen, allowing for selection.

2. The television receiver according to Claim 1, characterized in that the control unit performs a function to enable the selection of broadcast wave content when the direct selection button is pressed once, and a function to enable the selection of distributed content when the direct selection button is pressed twice.

3. The television receiver according to claim 2, wherein when the control unit performs a function that enables the selection of the distribution content when the direct selection button is pressed twice, the control unit enables the selection of the distribution content for the operated channel when the direct selection button mapped to a broadcast station channel is pressed twice.

4. The television receiver according to claim 2, wherein the control unit allows the user interface to seamlessly select between the broadcast wave content and the distributed content, and allows the user to select the scheduled broadcast content by marking it as scheduled broadcast content, and when the scheduled broadcast content is selected, it executes a viewing reservation.

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