JP2008067082A - Broadcasting system, receiving apparatus, and broadcasting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a broadcasting system by which one user can remote-control the other user's receiving apparatus on behalf of the other user between users existing in places separated from each other, and also to provide a receiving apparatus used for the system. <P>SOLUTION: The broadcasting system comprises: a broadcasting apparatus 1 for cable TV for transmitting broadcast signal; and a plurality of receiving apparatuses 10-(n×10) for receiving broadcast signal, decoding the signal into video signal and voice signal, and outputting them to TV. The respective receiving apparatuses 10-(n×10) transmit the remote control signal for requesting the permission of remote control of another receiving apparatus to the broadcasting apparatus 1 when the remote control of another receiving apparatus except itself is requested from the outside. The broadcasting apparatus 1 specifies another receiving apparatus after receiving the remote control signal and transmits the remote control signal to the specified receiving apparatus. The receiving apparatus accepts the remote control by the receiving apparatus which has transmitted the remote control signal when receiving the remote control signal and accepting the remote control. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a broadcasting system used for television broadcasting such as cable television, and a receiving apparatus and a broadcasting apparatus used therefor.

  In recent years, the needs of viewers who watch television broadcasts are diversified. For this reason, cable televisions (hereinafter referred to as “CATV: Common Antenna Television”) that provide a large number of channels according to various needs are attracting attention, and the number of subscribers is increasing year by year.

  CATV is performed as follows (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). First, the CATV station receives terrestrial broadcasting, CS broadcasting, BS broadcasting, and the like. Next, the CATV station retransmits the received signal to the contract user's home in the service area. A receiving device called a set top box (hereinafter referred to as “STB”) is arranged at the user's home, and a signal from the CATV is received by the STB.

  Next, the STB restores the received broadcast signal into a video signal and an audio signal, and outputs them to a television receiver (TV) connected to the STB. Also, a program is selected from a number of channels (terrestrial / CS / BS) provided by CATV by the user's operation of the STB remote controller. As a result, the user can enjoy the selected program via the television receiver.

Furthermore, in recent years, CATV has provided an interactive service that enables transmission and reception between a user and a CATV station. According to the interactive service, the user provides services such as PPV (Pay Per View) for which a charge is charged only for a program that has been viewed, and VOD (Video On Demand) for distributing video in response to a user request. Can receive. Further, according to the interactive service, the CATV station can perform audience rating surveys and total questionnaires from viewers.
International Publication No. 2003/045059 Pamphlet

  However, the number of buttons on the STB remote controller has increased due to such both services and the increase in the number of channels, and the operation has become very complicated. For this reason, a remote controller is difficult to use for a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the device (for example, an elderly person), and viewing a desired program is difficult. This also prevents a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the device from joining.

  Also, cable television stations provide user support by allowing users to make inquiries by telephone or e-mail, but such user support is not sufficient for users who are unfamiliar with the operation of equipment. Users who are unfamiliar with the operation of the device, especially elderly people, want the user who is used to the operation of the device to operate the remote controller on their behalf.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and between users who are away from each other, a broadcasting system in which one can remotely control the other receiving device instead of the other, a receiving device and a broadcasting device used therefor Is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, a broadcasting system according to the present invention includes a broadcasting device that transmits a broadcasting signal, and a plurality of receiving the broadcasting signal, restoring the video signal and the audio signal, and outputting them to a television receiver. Each of the plurality of receiving devices, when remote operation for another receiving device other than the receiving device is requested from the outside, the remote receiving device A remote operation signal for permission is transmitted to the broadcasting device, and when the broadcasting device receives the remote operation signal, the broadcasting device identifies the other receiving device and directs the identified other receiving device to the identified receiving device. When the remote operation signal is transmitted and the other receiving device receives the remote operation signal and accepts the remote operation, the remote operation signal is received by the receiving device that transmitted the remote operation signal. And wherein the engineered that.

  In order to achieve the above object, a receiving apparatus according to the present invention is a receiving apparatus that receives a broadcast signal transmitted by a broadcast apparatus, receives the broadcast signal, and restores the broadcast signal to a video signal and an audio signal. A remote control processing unit, and the remote control processing unit is externally required for remote operation of another receiving device for receiving the broadcast signal of the broadcasting device. A remote operation signal for requesting permission for remote operation from the other receiving device is transmitted to the broadcasting device, and the other receiving device remotely operates the receiving device to transmit the remote device. If the remote control signal is transmitted to the receiver and the broadcast device transmits the remote control signal to the receiver, the other receiver is pre-registered in the receiver. The remote operation by the other receiving device is accepted, and the video receiving unit, when the remote operation processing unit accepts the remote operation by the other receiving device, according to the instruction of the other receiving device, It is characterized by operation.

  Furthermore, in order to achieve the above object, a broadcasting apparatus according to the present invention is a broadcasting apparatus that transmits a broadcast signal to a plurality of receiving apparatuses, and any of the plurality of receiving apparatuses is different from the receiving apparatus. In order to remotely operate the receiving device, when transmitting a remote operation signal for requesting permission for remote operation to the other receiving device, the other receiving device is selected from the remote operation signal. It is determined whether the combination of the receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal and the other receiving device is registered in advance in the broadcasting device, and only when the combination is registered in the other receiving device The remote operation signal is transmitted to the mobile phone.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a master-slave relationship is established between one receiving device and another receiving device. Therefore, one user can operate the receiving apparatus of the other user instead of the other user between users who are away from each other. For this reason, for example, even a person unfamiliar with the operation of the device can surely view the desired program by channel switching or viewing reservation by a person familiar with the operation of the device.

  The broadcast system according to the present invention includes a broadcast apparatus that transmits a broadcast signal, and a plurality of reception apparatuses that receive the broadcast signal, restore the video signal and the audio signal, and output the video signal and the audio signal to a television receiver. Each of the plurality of receiving devices, when remote operation for another receiving device other than the receiving device is requested from the outside, a remote operation signal for requesting permission for remote operation from the other receiving device, When transmitting to the broadcast device, the broadcast device receives the remote operation signal, specifies the other receiving device, transmits the remote operation signal to the specified another receiving device, Another receiving device receives the remote operation signal and, when receiving the remote operation, is remotely operated by the receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal. .

  In the broadcasting system of the present invention, the broadcasting device determines whether or not the combination of the receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal and the other receiving device is a combination registered in advance in the broadcasting device. It is preferable that the remote control signal is transmitted to the other receiving device only when the remote control signal is transmitted. According to this aspect, it is possible to further improve the security of the remotely operated receiving device.

  The broadcasting system according to the present invention may be configured such that the other receiving device accepts the remote operation when the remote operation signal is transmitted from a previously registered receiving device. According to this aspect, the remote operation is performed only by another user who is approved by the user of the receiving device that is remotely operated.

  In the broadcasting system according to the present invention, when the other receiving device receives the remote operation signal and accepts the remote operation, status information specifying its own state is transmitted via the broadcasting device. Then, when the remote control signal is transmitted to the receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal and the status information is received, the other receiving device receives the television image on the basis of the status information. It is preferable that the same signal as the video signal and the audio signal output to the device is output to the television receiver connected to the receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal. According to this aspect, it is possible to improve operability in the receiving device that performs remote operation.

  Furthermore, in the broadcasting system according to the present invention, examples of the remote operation that is required to be permitted by the receiving apparatus that has transmitted the remote operation signal include channel switching and program viewing reservation. The status information includes at least one of a channel selected by the other receiving device, a channel viewable by the other receiving device, and a channel reserved for viewing by the other receiving device. It is good to be specific.

  The receiving device according to the present invention is a receiving device that receives a broadcast signal transmitted by a broadcasting device, receives the broadcast signal, restores the signal to a video signal and an audio signal, and outputs the video signal and an audio signal to a television receiver. A video receiving unit; and a remote operation processing unit, wherein the remote operation processing unit is configured to receive the other reception when remote operation for another receiving device that receives the broadcast signal of the broadcasting device is requested from the outside. A remote operation signal for requesting permission for remote operation from the device is transmitted to the broadcasting device, and the other receiving device transmits the remote operation signal to the broadcasting device in order to remotely operate the receiving device. And when the broadcasting device transmits the remote control signal to the receiving device, on the condition that the other receiving device is registered in advance in the receiving device. Receiving a remote operation, the image receiver, if the remote operation unit accepts the remote operation using the another receiver, in accordance with an instruction of the further receiving device, characterized in that it operates.

  Furthermore, the broadcasting device in the present invention is a broadcasting device that transmits a broadcast signal to a plurality of receiving devices, so that any one of the plurality of receiving devices remotely operates another receiving device other than the receiving device. In the case of transmitting a remote operation signal for requesting permission for remote operation to the other receiving device, the other receiving device is identified from the remote operation signal, and the remote operation signal is It is determined whether or not the combination of the transmitted receiving device and the other receiving device is registered in advance in the broadcasting device, and the remote operation signal is transmitted to the other receiving device only when the combination is registered. It is characterized by doing.

(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a broadcasting system, a receiving device, and a broadcasting device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, configurations of a broadcasting system, a receiving device, and a broadcasting device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcasting system, a receiving device, and a broadcasting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of commands generated internally when the receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment performs remote operation. FIG. 2A illustrates internal commands generated by the control unit. 2 (b) indicates a parent-child communication command generated by the remote operation processing unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command generated internally when the receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment is remotely operated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the broadcasting system includes a broadcasting device 1 that transmits a broadcast signal, and a plurality of receiving devices 10 (n × 10). In the present embodiment, the broadcasting device 1 is a CATV broadcasting device. In addition, the receiving device 10 to the receiving device (n × 10) are CATV STBs (Set Top Box) and are arranged in the homes of the users (1) to (n) who are contracted with the CATV station ( n: any integer). In the present embodiment, the number of receiving devices that receive broadcast signals from one broadcasting device 1 is not particularly limited.

  The broadcast device 1 includes a data transmission / reception unit 2 and a broadcast signal transmission unit 3. The broadcast signal sending unit 3 is also provided in a conventional broadcasting device, receives terrestrial broadcasting, CS broadcasting, BS broadcasting, etc., and sends the received broadcasting signal to the receiving devices 10 to (n × 10). The receiving devices 10 to (n × 10) are provided with a video receiving unit as in the case of a conventional STB. The video receiving unit receives the broadcast signal sent from the broadcast signal sending unit 3 of the broadcasting device 1, restores it to the video signal and the audio signal, and receives the television receivers of the users (1) to (n). (Hereinafter referred to as “TV”).

  In the example of FIG. 1, the video receiving unit and the TV are illustrated only with respect to the receiving devices 10 and 20. Reference numeral 17 denotes a video receiving unit of the receiving apparatus 10, and 18 denotes a TV connected to the receiving apparatus 10. Reference numeral 27 denotes a video receiving unit of the receiving device 20, and reference numeral 28 denotes a TV connected to the receiving device 20.

  As described above, the broadcasting system of the present invention includes the broadcasting device 1 and the receiving devices 10 to (n × 10), and can distribute various contents to users as in the conventional CATV system. However, in the present invention, unlike the prior art, a master-slave relationship can be established between receiving devices, and a user of one receiving device can remotely control the receiving device of another user.

  That is, each of the receiving devices 10 to (n × 10), when remote operation for another receiving device other than itself is requested from the outside, a remote operation signal for requesting permission for remote operation from the other receiving device is obtained, Transmit to the broadcasting device 1. The remote operation signal includes information for specifying another receiving device to be a target for remote operation. When receiving the remote operation signal, the broadcasting device 1 specifies another receiving device from the remote operation signal. Further, the broadcasting device 1 transmits a remote operation signal to another specified receiving device. When the remote operation signal is received by the receiving device to be remotely operated and the remote operation is accepted, the receiving device to be remotely operated is remotely operated by the receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal; Become.

  The configuration of the receiving device 10 and the receiving device 20 will be specifically described with reference to the example. As shown in FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, in addition to the video receiving unit 17, the receiving device 10 includes a control unit 12, a remote operation processing unit 13, a data modulation unit 14, a data demodulation unit 15, And a memory 16. Similarly, the receiving device 20 includes a control unit 22, a remote operation processing unit 23, a data modulation unit 24, a data demodulation unit 25, and a memory 26 in addition to the video reception unit 27. Reference numerals 11 and 21 denote input devices (remote controllers) for the user to operate the receiving device.

  Each unit of the receiving device 10 and each unit of the receiving device 20 have the same function, and both are the same device. Therefore, the receiving device 20 can be remotely operated by the receiving device 10, or the receiving device 10 can be remotely operated by the receiving device 20.

  However, in the broadcasting system according to the present embodiment, in order to ensure security, the remote receiving device (master device) and the remotely operated receiving device (child device) are registered in advance. There is a need. In addition, the registration stores the STB identifier of the master unit (master) and the STB identifier of the slave unit (slave) in advance in the memory of the master unit, the memory of the slave unit, and the memory (not shown) of the broadcasting device. Can be done.

  In the present embodiment, receiving device 10 is registered as a parent device, and receiving device 20 is registered as a child device. All or part of the receiving devices other than the receiving devices 10 and 20 are the same devices as the receiving devices 10 and 20. Therefore, any of the receiving devices other than the receiving devices 10 and 20 may be registered as a parent device or a child device.

  Here, the function of each unit of the receiving device when the receiving device is registered as a parent device will be described based on the receiving device 10. In the receiving device 10, when the user (1) requests a remote operation for another receiving device (receiving device 20) other than the receiving device 10 via the input device 11, the control unit 12 displays FIG. An internal command shown is generated and input to the remote operation processing unit 13.

  When an internal command is input from the control unit 12, the remote operation processing unit 13 generates a parent-child communication command shown in FIG. Specifically, the remote operation processing unit 13 accesses the memory 16 and reads out from the memory 16 the STB identifier of the receiving device 10 (master unit) serving as the transmission source and the STB identifier of the receiving device 20 serving as the transmission destination. These are added to the internal command.

  In the internal command in FIG. 2A and the parent-child communication command in FIG. 2B, the “remote operation command” specifies the type of remote operation. Examples of the type of remote operation include EPG (Electric Program Guide) display, channel change, viewing reservation, and remote operation start or end instruction.

  Further, the remote operation processing unit 13 inputs the generated parent-child communication command (see FIG. 2B) to the data modulation unit 14, causes the data modulation unit 14 to generate a remote operation signal, and further transmits this to the broadcasting device 1. To send to. Specifically, when a parent-child communication command is input, the data modulation unit 14 generates an RF signal that specifies information included in the parent-child communication command, and transmits the RF signal to the broadcasting device 1. This RF signal becomes a remote operation signal for requesting permission of remote operation to the receiving device 20 (slave device).

  Note that when the user (1) instructs the channel change instead of the remote operation by the input device 11, the control unit 12 generates an internal command for specifying the selected channel. When the user (1) makes a viewing reservation, the control unit 12 generates an internal command for specifying the selected channel when the reservation date / time is reached. When the control unit 12 inputs the internal command to the video receiving unit 17, the video receiving unit 17 extracts the broadcast signal of the channel specified by the internal command, and restores the extracted broadcast signal to the video signal and the audio signal. This is output to the TV 18.

  Further, the remote operation signal transmitted from the receiving device 10 serving as the parent device is received by the data transmitting / receiving unit 2 of the broadcasting device 1. When the data transmission / reception unit 2 receives the remote operation signal, the data transmission / reception unit 2 extracts the STB identifier of the transmission destination and the transmission source from the remote operation signal, and specifies the parent device and the child device. Further, in the present embodiment, in order to ensure security by the broadcasting device 1, the data transmitting / receiving unit 2 includes the receiving device 10 in which the extracted STB identifier is registered in advance in a memory (not shown) of the broadcasting device 1. It is determined whether or not it is the receiving device 20. The data transmission / reception unit 2 transmits a remote operation signal to the slave unit (reception device 20) only when the determination result indicates that the reception device 10 and the reception device 20 are registered.

  Next, the function of each part of the receiving device when the receiving device is registered as a slave will be described based on the receiving device 20. In the receiving device 20 (child device), the data demodulator 25 demodulates the remote operation signal transmitted from the broadcasting device 1 to generate demodulated data. The demodulated data is the original parent-child communication command. The obtained demodulated data (parent-child communication command) is input to the remote operation processing unit 23.

  In the present embodiment, in order to ensure security by the slave unit, the remote operation processing unit 23 extracts the STB identifier of the transmission destination and the transmission source from the obtained parent-child communication command. Further, the remote operation processing unit 23 accesses the memory 26 and determines whether or not the extracted STB identifiers are the receiving device 10 and the receiving device 20 registered in the memory 26 in advance. As a result of the determination, the remote operation processing unit 23 accepts the remote operation only when the receiving device 10 and the receiving device 20 are registered.

  Then, after the remote operation processing unit 23 determines to accept the remote operation, when an instruction is given from the receiving device 10 serving as the master unit, the control unit 22 responds to the instruction from the receiving device 10 and the video receiving unit 27. To work. Specifically, when the user (1) of the receiving device 10 makes a channel change or viewing reservation in the receiving device 10, the control unit 22 also sends a video signal and an audio signal to the video receiving unit 27 accordingly. Are restored and output to the TV 28 is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the remote operation processing unit 23 transmits status information specifying the state of the receiving device 20 to the receiving device 10 via the broadcasting device 1 after determining to accept the remote operation. You can also In this case, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates a parent-child communication command shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the parent-child communication command generated by the remote operation processing unit 23 includes information on a channel (program) currently being viewed by the receiving device 20, information on a channel (program) that can be viewed, and current viewing reservation. The status information includes information on the channel (program) being used.

  These pieces of information are stored in the memory 26. Further, the information type in EX1 to EX3 in FIG. 3 specifies which information is the data. The network ID (NWID) of the channel in EX1 in FIG. 3 specifies the type of broadcasting such as BS broadcasting or terrestrial digital broadcasting. Similarly, the service ID (SID) of the channel specifies a specific channel of each broadcast such as BS Hi-Vision. Furthermore, the reservation index number in EX3 in FIG. 3 is an identification number assigned to each viewing reservation. When there are a plurality of viewing reservations, there are a plurality of data sets indicated by EX3 in FIG.

  Further, the remote operation processing unit 23 inputs a parent-child communication command including status information to the data modulation unit 24, causes the data modulation unit 24 to generate an RF signal (status information signal), and transmits this to the broadcasting device 1. . Then, when receiving the status information signal, the broadcasting apparatus 1 also extracts the STB identifier of the transmission destination and the transmission source for ensuring security, and determines whether or not the extracted STB identifier is registered in advance. If registered, the broadcasting device 1 transmits a status information signal to the receiving device 10.

  Further, in the receiving device 10, the status information signal is demodulated by the data demodulator 15 and returned to the original parent-child communication information command. The parent-child communication command including the status information is input to the remote operation processing unit 13 of the receiving device 10. Then, the remote operation processing unit 13 generates an internal command (see FIG. 2A) and inputs it to the control unit 12.

  For example, when the status information includes information on the channel currently being viewed by the receiving device 20, the control unit 12 specifies this channel. Then, the control unit 12 causes the video reception unit 17 to generate a video signal and an audio signal of the specified channel and output them to the TV 18. As a result, the video displayed by the TV 28 connected to the receiving device 20 is displayed on the TV 18 connected to the receiving device 10, so that the remote operation by the user (1) is facilitated.

  In the present embodiment, the remote operation processing unit 23 can also refuse to accept a remote operation, for example, according to an instruction from the user (2) of the receiving device 20. In this case, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates a parent-child communication command indicating that remote operation is not permitted, instead of the parent-child communication command including status information. The parent-child communication command indicating that the remote operation is not permitted is modulated by the data modulation unit 24, and a remote operation non-permission signal is generated. Further, the remote operation non-permission signal is also transmitted to the receiving device 10 via the broadcasting device 1. When receiving the remote operation non-permission signal, the receiving device 10 notifies the user (1) of that.

  Here, the flow of processing performed in the broadcasting system in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, FIGS. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the master unit in the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the broadcasting apparatus in the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the slave unit in the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by the parent device and the child device from the start to the end of the remote operation, and FIGS. 7A to 7D show a series of main screens. ing.

  First, the flow of processing in the receiving apparatus 10 serving as a parent device will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 4, first, when a signal is input from the input device 11, the control unit 12 of the reception device 10 determines whether the signal is an instruction for remote operation (step S <b> 101). Specifically, the control unit 12 extracts a code from the signal transmitted by the input device 11, and determines whether or not it is a code that instructs remote operation. When a remote operation instruction is not input, the control unit 12 enters a standby state for the remote operation.

  On the other hand, when an instruction for remote operation is given (see the left diagram of FIG. 7A), the control unit 12 notifies the start of the remote operation to the slave unit, so an internal command (see FIG. 2A). Is input to the remote operation processing unit 13. Then, the remote operation processing unit 13 specifies a transmission source and a transmission destination, generates a parent-child communication command (see FIG. 2B), and inputs this to the data modulation unit 14 (step S102). Subsequently, the data modulation unit 14 modulates the parent-child communication command into an RF signal to generate a remote operation signal, and transmits it to the broadcasting device 1 (step S103). Furthermore, the broadcasting device 1 transmits the received signal to the receiving device 20 serving as a slave unit. The processing in the broadcasting device 1 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  After transmitting the remote operation signal to the broadcasting device 1 in step S103, the remote operation processing unit 13 determines whether a signal from another receiving device is received via the broadcasting device 1 (step S104). If not received, the remote operation processing unit 13 enters a standby state. In the present embodiment, the control unit 12 causes the video receiving unit 17 to display that communication with the slave unit is not established when no signal is received from the broadcasting device 1 for a certain period of time in the standby state. It can also be set as an aspect.

  On the other hand, when receiving a signal from another receiving device, the remote control processing unit 13 causes the data demodulating unit 15 to demodulate the received signal (step S105). Then, the remote operation processing unit 13 determines whether or not the transmission source is appropriate based on the demodulated data (parent-child communication command), that is, the transmission source is the receiving device 20 (child device) registered in the memory 16. Is determined (step S106).

  If the result of determination in step S106 is that the transmission source is not the receiving device 20, the remote operation processing unit 13 discards the demodulated data (step S107) and enters a standby state. On the other hand, when the transmission source is the receiving device 20, the remote operation processing unit 13 determines whether the received signal is a status information signal or a remote operation non-permission signal (step S108). Specifically, since the demodulated data obtained in step S105 is a parent-child communication command generated by the receiving device 20, the remote operation processing unit 13 extracts the remote operation command and makes a determination based thereon.

  As a result of the determination, if the received signal is neither a status information signal nor a remote operation non-permission signal, a standby state is entered. On the other hand, when the received signal is either the status information signal or the remote operation non-permission signal, the remote operation processing unit 13 further determines whether the received signal is a status information signal (step S109).

  At this time, if the received signal is not a status information signal (a remote operation non-permission signal), the remote operation processing unit 13 generates an internal command indicating that remote operation is not possible and inputs this to the control unit 12. . Further, the control unit 12 displays on the TV 18 that remote operation is not permitted (step S110), and then ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the received signal is a status information signal, the remote operation processing unit 13 generates an internal command including status information. When this internal command is input to the control unit 12, the control unit 12 executes a remote operation transmission mode (S111). Specifically, the control unit 12 causes the video reception unit 17 to display that the remote operation has been started (see the left diagram in FIG. 7B). Furthermore, the control unit 12 extracts the NWID and SID (see FIG. 3), and identifies the channel being viewed on the receiving device 20 from these. Then, the control unit 12 instructs the video reception unit 17 to select the specified channel.

  Next, the control unit 12 accepts a remote operation by the user (1) via the input device 11 and executes the accepted remote operation (step S112). Examples of the remote operation include channel change and viewing reservation. Step S112 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Thereafter, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the end of the remote operation is instructed via the input device 11 (step S113). When the end is not instructed from the user (1) via the input device 11, the control unit 12 executes step S112 again. When the end is instructed, the control unit 12 ends the process (FIG. 7 ( c) Refer to the left figure and FIG. 7 (d) left figure).

  Although not shown in FIG. 4, when the end is instructed from the user (1) via the input device 11, the control unit 12 generates an internal command indicating that and remotely transmits the command. Input to the operation processing unit 13. Further, a parent-child communication command is generated by the remote operation processing unit 13, a modulation to an RF signal is performed by the data modulation unit 14, and an RF signal is transmitted to the broadcasting device 1. Further, a signal for instructing termination is transmitted to the slave unit via the broadcasting device 1.

  Next, the flow of processing in the broadcasting device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, first, when receiving a signal transmitted from the receiving device, the data transmitting / receiving unit 2 of the broadcasting device 1 demodulates the received signal to generate an original parent-child communication command (step S1). . Then, the data transmitting / receiving unit 2 extracts the transmission destination STB identifier and the transmission source STB identifier from the parent-child communication command obtained in step S1 in order to identify the transmission destination reception device and the transmission source reception device (step S2). ).

  Next, the data transmitter / receiver 2 determines whether or not the receiving device as the transmission destination and the receiving device as the transmission source are appropriate (step S3). Specifically, the data transmission / reception unit 2 accesses a memory (not shown) provided in the broadcasting device 1, and a combination of the transmission destination STB identifier and the transmission source STB identifier extracted in step S2 is registered in advance. Determine whether or not.

  As a result of the determination, if the combination of the transmission destination STB identifier and the transmission source STB identifier extracted in step S2 is not registered in advance, the data transmitting / receiving unit 2 determines that the parent / child communication command obtained in step S1 is not appropriate. Is discarded (step S4). Thereafter, the data transmitter / receiver 2 enters a standby state.

  On the other hand, if the combination is registered in advance, the data transmitting / receiving unit 2 transmits a signal to the receiving device that is the transmission destination as appropriate (step S5), and ends the process. For example, when the signal received in step S1 is the signal transmitted in step S103 shown in FIG. 4, the transmission source STB identifier indicates the reception device 10, and the transmission destination STB identifier indicates the reception device 20. The data transmitting / receiving unit 2 determines that it is appropriate. The signal is transmitted by remodulating the parent-child communication command obtained in step S1 and transmitting the RF signal obtained by the modulation.

  Thus, when the broadcasting device 1 executes steps S1 to S5, the signal transmitted by one receiving device is transmitted to the other receiving device via the broadcasting device 1. Further, as described above, according to broadcasting apparatus 1 in the present embodiment, since transmission / reception of signals is not permitted between receiving apparatuses that are not registered in advance, security is ensured.

  Next, the flow of processing in the receiving device 20 serving as a slave will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, when a signal transmitted by another receiving device is transmitted to the receiving device 20 via the broadcasting device 1, the data demodulating unit 25 receives and demodulates the signal (step S201). . Next, the remote operation processing unit 23 determines whether or not the transmission source is appropriate based on the demodulated data, that is, whether or not the transmission source is the receiving device 10 (master device) registered in the memory 26. (Step S202).

  If the result of determination in step S202 is that the transmission source is not the receiving device 10, the remote operation processing unit 23 discards the demodulated data (step S203) and enters a standby state. On the other hand, when the transmission source is the receiving device 10, the remote operation processing unit 23 further determines whether or not the received signal is a remote operation signal based on the demodulated data (parent-child communication command) ( Step S204).

  As a result of the determination in step S204, if it is not a remote operation signal, the remote operation processing unit 23 enters a standby state in the same manner as after execution of step S203. On the other hand, in the case of a remote operation signal, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates an internal command from the demodulated data and inputs it to the control unit 22. Then, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the remote operation can be accepted, for example, whether or not the user (2) instructs to reject the remote operation (step S205).

  If the result of determination in step S205 is that acceptance of remote operation is rejected, the control unit 22 generates an internal command indicating that and inputs it to the remote operation processing unit 23. Then, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates a parent-child communication command indicating that the remote operation is not permitted (step S206). When step S206 is executed, the data modulation unit 24 modulates the parent-child communication command generated in step S206, generates a remote operation non-permission signal, and transmits it to the broadcast apparatus 1 (step S207). Thereafter, the processing in the receiving device 20 ends.

  On the other hand, when the acceptance of the remote operation is not rejected, the control unit 22 executes the remote operation reception mode (step S208). Specifically, the control unit 22 is in a state where it does not accept an input from the input device 21, and the use of the input device 21 is substantially prohibited (FIG. 7A right diagram and FIG. 7B right diagram). reference). Next, the control unit 22 accesses the memory 26 to acquire status information (step S209), further generates an internal command including the status information, and inputs this to the remote operation processing unit 23. Then, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates a parent-child communication command including status information based on this internal command (step S210).

  Thereafter, the data modulation unit 24 modulates the parent-child communication command generated in step S210 to generate a status information signal, and transmits the status information signal to the receiving device 10 (parent device) via the broadcasting device 1 (step S210). S211). When step S211 is executed, in the receiving device 10, step S112 (remote operation) shown in FIG. 4 is executed. Thereafter, the control unit 22 operates according to the instruction of the control unit 12 of the receiving apparatus 10 (see the right diagram in FIG. 7C and the right diagram in FIG. 7D), and is in a remotely operated state (step S212). . Step S212 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the end of the remote operation is instructed by the receiving device 10 (step S213). The control unit 22 executes Step S212 again when the end is not instructed, and ends the process when the end is instructed.

  Although not shown in FIG. 6, when the user (1) instructs the end of the remote operation, as described above, the signal for instructing the end is transmitted from the receiving device 10 to the broadcasting device 1. Then, it is transmitted from the broadcasting device 1 to the receiving device 20. In the receiving device 20, the signal for instructing the termination is demodulated by the data demodulating unit 25, an internal command is generated by the remote operation processing unit 23, and input to the control unit 22. Based on the internal command, the control unit 22 determines whether the end of the remote operation is instructed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user (1) who is away from the user (2) can replace the user (2) with the user (2) via his / her receiving device 10. The receiving device 20 can be remotely operated. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, even if the user (2) is not familiar with the operation of the device, the user (1) can view the desired program with the assistance of the user (1). can do.

  Next, an example of changing the channel selected by the slave unit by the master unit, which is one specific example of remote control, will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the channel change instruction by the user is performed by an operation on the EPG after the EPG is displayed. For this reason, EPG display processing is first performed before the channel change.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed in the master unit when the channel is changed. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the slave unit when the channel is changed. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the parent device and the child device from the start to the end of the channel change, and FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (d) show a series of main screens. ing.

  First, the processing in step S112 (see FIG. 4) performed by the parent device for channel change will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, after the step S111 shown in FIG. 4 is completed, when the user (1) inputs an EPG display operation using the input device 11 (see the left figure in FIG. 10 (a)), the control unit 12 The input is accepted (step S121).

  Next, when receiving the input, the control unit 12 generates an internal command for instructing the slave unit to display the EPG, and inputs this to the remote operation processing unit 13. Then, the remote operation processing unit 13 generates a parent-child communication command (see FIG. 2B) in order to instruct the slave unit to display the EPG, and inputs this to the data modulation unit 14 (step S122). Subsequently, the data modulation unit 14 modulates the parent-child communication command into an RF signal to generate a remote operation signal, and transmits it to the broadcasting device 1 (step S123). Further, the broadcasting device 1 transmits the received signal to the receiving device 20.

  Also in this case, the broadcasting device 1 executes the same process as the process shown in FIG. Steps S122 and S123 are the same steps as S102 and S103 shown in FIG. 4, respectively.

  Next, after transmitting a remote operation signal to the broadcasting device 1 in step S123, the remote operation processing unit 13 determines whether or not a signal from another receiving device has been received, as in step S104 shown in FIG. (Step S124). If not received, the remote operation processing unit 13 enters a standby state.

  On the other hand, if it is received, similarly to steps S105 and S106 shown in FIG. 4, demodulation by the data demodulator 15 (step S125) and determination of whether the transmission source by the remote operation processor 13 is appropriate (step S126). ) Is performed. If it is determined in step S126 that the transmission source is inappropriate, the demodulated data is discarded (step S127).

  Next, when it is determined in step S126 that the transmission source is appropriate, the remote operation processing unit 13 determines whether or not the received signal is a signal (EPG display completion signal) for notifying completion of EPG display. Determination is made (step S128). Specifically, as in step S108 shown in FIG. 4, the remote operation processing unit 13 extracts the code of the remote operation command from the demodulated data (parent-child communication command) obtained in step S125, and determines based on the extracted code. To do.

  If the result of determination is that the received signal is not an EPG display completion signal, a standby state is entered. On the other hand, when the received signal is an EPG display completion signal, the remote operation processing unit 13 generates an internal command indicating that the EPG display is completed in the slave unit, and inputs this to the control unit 12. In this case, the control unit 12 also displays the EPG in the parent device (step S129).

  Specifically, the control unit 12 extracts information specifying the EPG from the memory 16 and inputs this information to the video reception unit 17. The video receiving unit 17 generates a video signal based on the input information, inputs the video signal to the TV 18, and displays the EPG on the TV 18 (see the left diagram in FIG. 10B). The information specifying the EPG is transmitted from the broadcast signal sending unit 3 of the broadcast device 1 together with the broadcast signal, received, and then stored in the memory 16 of the reception device 10.

  Next, when the user (1) inputs a channel selection operation using the input device 11, the control unit 12 receives the input (step S130). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, the channel is selected by the user selecting one of a plurality of programs displayed on the EPG with the cursor on the screen. Further, as shown in FIG. 10C, the program description of the selected program is displayed on the screen.

  Thereafter, the control unit 12 generates an internal command to instruct the slave unit to select the channel input in step S <b> 130, and inputs this to the remote operation processing unit 13. Further, similarly to step S122, the remote operation processing unit 13 generates a parent-child communication command from the input internal command, and inputs this to the data modulation unit 14 (step S131). At this time, the control unit 12 causes the video reception unit 17 to switch channels so that the selected program is displayed, and causes the TV 18 to display the selected program.

  Subsequently, as in step S123, the data modulation unit 14 modulates the parent-child communication command into an RF signal to generate a remote operation signal, and transmits this to the broadcasting device 1 (step S132). Furthermore, also in this case, the broadcasting device 1 transmits the received signal to the receiving device 20.

  Next, after execution of step S132, the receiving apparatus 10 determines whether or not a signal has been received (step S133), data demodulation (step S134), and whether or not the transmission source is appropriate (step S135). In this case, the data is discarded (step S136). The processing from step S133 to S135 is the same as the processing from step S124 to S127.

  Next, when it is determined in step S135 that the transmission source is appropriate, the remote operation processing unit 13 receives the reception signal as a signal (channel selection completion signal) that the reception device 20 notifies the completion of channel selection. Whether or not (step S137). Also in step S137, as in step S128, the remote operation processing unit 13 extracts the code of the remote operation command from the demodulated data, and makes a determination based on the extracted code.

  If the result of determination is that the received signal is not a channel selection completion signal, the processing is executed again from step S133. On the other hand, when the received signal is a channel selection completion signal, the control unit 12 ends the channel change process (see the left diagram in FIG. 10D).

  Next, the processing in step S212 (see FIG. 6) performed in the slave unit for channel change will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, when a signal transmitted from another receiving device is transmitted to the receiving device 20 via the broadcasting device 1, the data demodulating unit 25 demodulates the signal (step S221). Next, the remote operation processing unit 23 determines whether or not the transmission source is appropriate based on the demodulated data (step S222).

  If the result of determination in step S222 is that the transmission source is not the receiving device 10, the remote operation processing unit 23 discards the demodulated data (step S223) and enters a standby state. Steps S221 to S223 are the same as steps S201 to S203 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the transmission source is the receiving device 10, the remote operation processing unit 23 determines whether the received signal is a remote operation signal instructing display of EPG based on the demodulated data (parent-child communication command). (Step S224). Note that such a determination is made in step S224 because, in the present embodiment, it is necessary to first display the EPG before changing the channel.

  As a result of the determination, when the received signal is not a remote operation signal for instructing display of the EPG, the remote operation processing unit 23 enters a standby state. On the other hand, when the received signal is a remote operation signal for instructing display of EPG, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates an internal command for instructing display of EPG and inputs this to the control unit 22. And the control part 22 displays EPG on the image | video receiving part 27 (step S225).

  Specifically, the control unit 22 extracts information for specifying the EPG from the memory 26 and inputs the information to the video reception unit 27 as in step S129 shown in FIG. The video receiver 27 generates a video signal based on the input information, and displays the EPG on the TV 28 (see the right figure in FIG. 10B).

  Next, when confirming the display of the EPG, the control unit 22 generates an internal command indicating completion of the display of the EPG, and inputs this to the remote operation processing unit 23. Then, based on this internal command, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates a parent-child communication command indicating completion of EPG display (step S226). Thereafter, the data modulation unit 24 modulates the parent-child communication command generated in step S226, generates an EPG display completion signal, and transmits it to the broadcasting device 1 (step S227).

  In this case as well, the broadcasting device 1 performs the same processing as the processing shown in FIG. 5 described above, and transmits the received signal to the receiving device 10. Thereby, in the receiving apparatus 10, step S129 shown in FIG. 8 is executed.

  Next, after transmitting the EPG display completion signal in step S227, the remote operation processing unit 23 determines whether or not a signal from another receiving device has been received (step S228). If not received, the remote operation processing unit 23 enters a standby state.

  On the other hand, if it is received, similarly to steps S221 and S222, demodulation by the data demodulator 25 (step S229) and determination of whether the transmission source is appropriate by the remote operation processor 13 are performed (step S230). Furthermore, when it is determined in step S230 that the transmission source is inappropriate, the demodulated data is discarded as in step S223 (step S231).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S230 that the transmission source is appropriate, the remote operation processing unit 23 is a remote operation signal instructing channel selection based on the demodulated data (parent-child communication command). Whether or not (step S232).

  If the result of determination in step S232 is that the received signal is a remote operation signal for instructing channel selection, the remote operation processing unit 23 specifies the channel specified by the parent-child communication command, and further includes an internal command including this Is input to the control unit 22. When this internal command is input, the control unit 22 causes the video reception unit 27 to switch channels and displays the program of the selected channel on the TV 28 (step S234).

  Next, when confirming the switching of the channel, the control unit 22 generates an internal command indicating completion of channel selection, and inputs this to the remote operation processing unit 23. Then, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates a parent-child communication command indicating completion of channel selection based on the internal command (step S235).

  Thereafter, the data modulation unit 24 modulates the parent-child communication command generated in step S235, generates a channel selection completion signal, and transmits it to the broadcasting device 1 (step S236). After executing step S236, the control unit 22 ends the channel change process (see the right figure in FIG. 10D). Also in this case, the broadcasting device 1 performs the same processing as the processing shown in FIG. 5 described above, and transmits the received signal to the receiving device 10.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S232 is that the remote operation signal does not instruct channel selection, the remote operation processing unit 23 further determines whether or not the received signal is a remote operation signal instructing viewing reservation. (Step S233).

  Further, if the result of determination in step S233 is that the received signal is a remote operation signal that instructs viewing reservation, processing shown in FIG. 12 described later is executed. On the other hand, when the received signal is not a remote operation signal for instructing viewing reservation, the remote operation processing unit 23 enters a standby state, and step S228 is executed again.

  Subsequently, another example of remote operation, which is an example in which a parent device is reserved for viewing by a parent device, will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that viewing reservation is also performed by an operation on the EPG after an EPG (Electric Program Guide) is displayed, as in the case of channel change. For this reason, EPG display processing is first performed before viewing reservation.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the parent device at the time of viewing reservation. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the slave unit at the time of viewing reservation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the parent device and the child device from the start to the end of the viewing reservation, and FIGS. 13A to 13D show a series of main screens. ing.

  First, the processing in step S112 (see FIG. 4) performed by the parent device for viewing reservation will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, first, in the receiving apparatus 10, an EPG display process is performed (step S141). By step S141, the EPG is displayed on both the receiving device 10 and the receiving device 20 (see FIGS. 13A and 13B). Note that step S141 includes all the processes from step S121 to step S129 shown in FIG.

  Next, when the user (1) inputs an operation for selecting a program to be reserved for viewing using the input device 11, the control unit 12 receives the input (step S142). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), the user selects one of a plurality of programs displayed on the EPG with the cursor on the screen, as in the case of changing the channel, for selecting a program to be reserved for viewing. Done by selecting in. Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 13C, the program description of the selected program is displayed on the screen.

  However, while the EPG shown in FIG. 10B displays only programs that can be viewed at the current time, the EPG shown in FIG. 13B also displays programs that can be viewed within a week from now. ing.

  Next, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the time from the start to the end of the program input in step S142 overlaps the time from the start to the end of the program that has already been reserved for viewing ( Step S143). Specifically, the control unit 12 extracts the start time and end time of the program reserved for viewing in the receiving device 20 from the status information signal (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) already transmitted by the receiving device 20. Then, this is compared with the start time and end time of the program input in step S142.

  As a result of the determination, if there is an overlap, the control unit 12 sends an instruction to the video receiving unit 17 to display a warning that the reservation is duplicated on the TV 18, and further executes step S142 again. On the other hand, if there is no overlap as a result of the determination, the control unit 12 generates an internal command for instructing the slave unit to reserve viewing of the program selected in step S142, and inputs this to the remote operation processing unit 13. . The internal command includes information for specifying the channel (NWID and SID), start time and end time of the program reserved for viewing.

  Then, the remote operation processing unit 13 generates a parent-child communication command based on the input internal command, and inputs this to the data modulation unit 14 (step S145). Subsequently, the data modulation unit 14 modulates the parent-child communication command into an RF signal to generate a remote operation signal, and transmits it to the broadcasting device 1 (step S146). Further, the broadcasting device 1 transmits the received signal to the receiving device 20.

  Also in this case, the broadcasting device 1 executes the same process as the process shown in FIG. Steps S145 and S146 are the same steps as S102 and S103 shown in FIG. 4, respectively.

  Next, after transmitting a remote operation signal to the broadcasting device 1 in step S146, the remote operation processing unit 13 determines whether or not a signal from another receiving device has been received, similarly to step S104 shown in FIG. (Step S147). If not received, the remote operation processing unit 13 enters a standby state.

  On the other hand, if received, similarly to steps S105 and S106 shown in FIG. 4, demodulation by the data demodulator 15 (step S148) and determination of whether the transmission source by the remote operation processing unit 13 is appropriate (step S149). ) Is performed. If it is determined in step S149 that the transmission source is inappropriate, the demodulated data is discarded (step S150).

  Next, when it is determined in step S149 that the transmission source is appropriate, the remote operation processing unit 13 has a received signal as a signal (viewing reservation completion signal) for notifying completion of the viewing reservation in the receiving device 20. Whether or not (step S151). Specifically, as in step S108 shown in FIG. 4, the remote operation processing unit 13 extracts the code of the remote operation command from the demodulated data (parent-child communication command) obtained in step S148, and makes a determination based thereon. To do.

  If the result of determination is that the received signal is not a viewing reservation completion signal, a standby state is entered. On the other hand, when the received signal is a viewing reservation completion signal, the remote operation processing unit 13 generates an internal command indicating that the viewing reservation is completed in the slave unit, and inputs this to the control unit 12. In this case, the control unit 12 ends the viewing reservation process (see the left diagram in FIG. 13D).

  Next, the processing in step S212 (see FIG. 6) performed in the slave unit for viewing reservation will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in step S146 of FIG. 11, when receiving apparatus 10 (master unit) instructs viewing reservation, it receives a remote operation signal for instructing viewing reservation via broadcasting apparatus 1, receiving apparatus 20 (child device). To the machine). In this case, in step S233 of FIG. 9, the remote operation processing unit 23 of the receiving device 20 determines that the receiving device 10 has instructed viewing reservation.

  When the remote operation processing unit 23 makes such a determination, viewing reservation processing is performed in the receiving device 20 as shown in FIG. 12 (step S241). Specifically, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates an internal command specifying the program reserved for viewing from the demodulated data (parent-child communication command) obtained in step S229 shown in FIG. 9, and controls this. Input to the unit 22. Further, the control unit 22 stores the input internal command in the memory 26.

  Thereafter, the control unit 22 generates an internal command for notifying the parent machine of completion of the viewing reservation, and inputs this to the remote operation processing unit 23. Then, based on this internal command, the remote operation processing unit 23 generates a parent-child communication command indicating completion of viewing reservation (step S242).

  Thereafter, the data modulation unit 24 modulates the parent-child communication command generated in step S242, generates a viewing reservation completion signal, and transmits it to the broadcasting device 1 (step S243). After executing step S243, the control unit 22 sends an instruction to the video reception unit 27 to display on the TV 28 that the viewing reservation has been made, and then ends the viewing reservation process (see the right figure in FIG. 13 (d)). Also in this case, the broadcasting device 1 performs the same processing as the processing shown in FIG. 5 described above, and transmits the received signal to the receiving device 10.

  When the start time reserved for viewing is reached, the control unit 22 accesses the memory 26 to extract the channel reserved for viewing, instructs the video reception unit 27 to display the program of the extracted channel, and displays it on the TV 28. Let it be done. Thereafter, when the end time comes, the control unit 22 sends an instruction to the video receiving unit 27 to stop the display of the program.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, both the parent device and the child device display the same screen. Channel change and viewing reservation are performed on the EPG. For this reason, the user of the child device can confirm the remote operation, and can safely delegate the operation to the user of the parent device.

  In this embodiment, an example in which a broadcasting system is used for CATV is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied without exception as long as it is a broadcasting system in which bidirectional communication is performed between a broadcast general station and a user's receiving device.

  According to the broadcasting system, the receiving device, and the broadcasting device of the present invention, one user can receive the other's assistance among users at remote locations. Therefore, according to the present invention, even a user unfamiliar with the operation of the device can view a desired program or make a viewing reservation. The broadcasting system, receiving device, and broadcasting device in the present invention have industrial applicability.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcasting system, a receiving device, and a broadcasting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of commands generated internally when the receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment performs remote operation. FIG. 2A illustrates internal commands generated by the control unit. 2 (b) indicates a parent-child communication command generated by the remote operation processing unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command generated internally when the receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment is remotely operated. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the master unit in the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the broadcasting apparatus in the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the slave unit in the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed by the parent device and the child device from the start to the end of the remote operation, and FIGS. 7A to 7D show a series of main screens. ing. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed in the master unit when the channel is changed. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the slave unit when the channel is changed. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the parent device and the child device from the start to the end of the channel change, and FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (d) show a series of main screens. ing. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed in the parent device at the time of viewing reservation. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed by the slave unit at the time of viewing reservation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the parent device and the child device from the start to the end of the viewing reservation, and FIGS. 13A to 13D show a series of main screens. ing.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Broadcast apparatus 2 Data transmission / reception part 3 Broadcast signal transmission part 10, 20, 30, 40, ... (nx10) Reception apparatus (STB)
11, 21 Input device 12, 22 Control unit 13, 23 Remote operation processing unit 14, 24 Data modulation unit 15, 25 Data demodulation unit 16, 26 Memory

Claims (8)

A broadcasting system comprising: a broadcasting device that transmits a broadcasting signal; and a plurality of receiving devices that receive the broadcasting signal, restore the video signal and the audio signal, and output the signals to a television receiver.
Each of the plurality of receiving devices, when remote operation for another receiving device other than the receiving device is requested from the outside, sends a remote operation signal to the broadcasting device for requesting permission for remote operation from the other receiving device. Send to
When the broadcast device receives the remote operation signal, the broadcast device identifies the other reception device, transmits the remote operation signal to the identified other reception device,
The broadcasting system, wherein the another receiving device receives the remote operation signal and, when accepting the remote operation, is remotely operated by the receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal.   The broadcasting device determines whether the combination of the receiving device that transmitted the remote operation signal and the other receiving device is a combination registered in advance in the broadcasting device, and only when the combination is registered The broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein the remote control signal is transmitted to another receiving device.   The broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein the another receiving device accepts the remote operation when the remote operation signal is transmitted from a receiving device registered in advance in the receiving device. The other receiving device receives the remote operation signal and, when accepting the remote operation, transmits the remote operation signal via the broadcasting device with status information specifying its own state. To the receiving device,
When the receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal receives the status information, based on the status information, the other receiving device outputs the same signal as the video signal and the audio signal output to the television receiver, The broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein the broadcasting system outputs the remote operation signal to a television receiver connected to the receiving device.   The broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein the remote operation requested for permission by the receiving device that has transmitted the remote operation signal is at least one of channel switching and program viewing reservation.   The status information specifies at least one of a channel selected by the other receiving device, a channel viewable by the other receiving device, and a channel reserved for viewing by the other receiving device. The broadcasting system according to claim 4. A receiving device for receiving a broadcast signal transmitted by a broadcasting device,
A video receiving unit that receives the broadcast signal, restores it to a video signal and an audio signal, and outputs it to a television receiver, and a remote operation processing unit,
The remote operation processing unit is
When remote operation of another receiving device for receiving the broadcast signal of the broadcasting device is requested from the outside, a remote operation signal for requesting permission for remote operation from the other receiving device is directed to the broadcasting device. Send
If the other receiving device transmits the remote operation signal to the broadcasting device to remotely operate the receiving device, and the broadcasting device transmits the remote operation signal to the receiving device, the other receiving device Accepting remote operation by the other receiving device, provided that the device is pre-registered in the receiving device,
The video receiving unit operates in accordance with an instruction from the other receiving device when the remote operation processing unit accepts a remote operation by the other receiving device. A broadcasting device that transmits broadcast signals to a plurality of receiving devices,
Remote operation signal for requesting permission of remote operation from the other receiving device to the broadcasting device in order for any of the plurality of receiving devices to remotely operate another receiving device other than the receiving device When sending
Identify the other receiving device from the remote operation signal, determine whether the combination of the receiving device that transmitted the remote operation signal and the other receiving device is registered in advance in the broadcasting device, and is registered The broadcasting apparatus characterized by transmitting the remote operation signal to the other receiving apparatus only when the broadcasting apparatus is present.

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