JP2004260447A - Broadcast receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a broadcast receiving apparatus capable of performing a smooth recording reservation operation even when an operation collision occurs in a recording reservation of a program.
A user profile management unit that stores a user profile for each of a plurality of users and a user profile selection unit that selects a required user profile from the plurality of user profiles are provided. The user profile selection unit 17 selects a user profile for each user, and performs a tuning operation in accordance with the attributes of each user with reference to the selected user profile.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a broadcast receiver, and more particularly, to a digital broadcast receiver having a function of managing a plurality of user profiles.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various broadcast receiving devices for creating a plurality of user profiles have been proposed.
[0003]
For example, a technique for remotely controlling a plurality of user profiles has been proposed. In this technique, access to a television program is controlled using a remote control (remote control) device, and a program control circuit is incorporated in the remote control device. This enables program access unique to the user, and each viewer is restricted from viewing only according to program control embodied in the memory of the remote control device used by the viewer.
[0004]
In other words, the conventional restriction of establishing program access can be avoided, and all users can access all of their permitted programs without being affected by restrictions of other viewers.
[0005]
The above conventional technique will be described more specifically. The conventional technique provides a method of controlling a television program using a remote control device, and the remote control device includes a user input interface, a processor, and a memory. Storing the user unique ID in the memory of the remote control device; independently storing program control data for controlling the television program in the memory of the remote control device; and storing the user unique ID and program control stored in the remote control device. Independently controlling access to the television program via the remote control device according to the data, thereby controlling the television program using the remote control device.
[0006]
Further, the method includes a step of collating the master control user ID and permitting unrestricted access to the program using the remote control device for a predetermined time interval when the collation is confirmed. According to another aspect of the method of controlling a television program, user input data requesting program viewing is compared to program control data stored in a remote control device, and if the input data matches, the user can access the program. Is rejected.
[0007]
When the user inputs an appropriate user ID and the user ID is verified and confirmed, the user can change the program control data stored in the memory of the remote control device.
[0008]
Further, independent user profile data is stored in the remote control device. The user profile data provides user customizable access to the program via the remote control device. Each user establishes a personalized viewing environment using the user profile. The remote control device has one user profile that is always valid. Alternatively, the remote control device has one or more user profiles, and the arbitrary one user profile is activated by a user who inputs a user unique ID. Here, if the input user ID matches the user ID stored in association with the user profile, the verification circuit activates the user profile corresponding to the input user ID (see Patent Document 1).
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-506069
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in a program control system in which a user profile is stored in a remote control device as in the above-described conventional technology, each user cannot know information about program recording reservation. For this reason, there has been a problem that it is difficult to efficiently cope with an operation collision when a program recording is scheduled.
[0011]
In addition, in other general prior arts, the age is often input as an item related to the program viewing restriction, but this method requires re-input of the age data every year, and the operation is troublesome. Furthermore, if the user himself / herself can input his / her own data, false data may be intentionally input in order to avoid the restriction, and there is no point in performing program viewing restriction based on age.
[0012]
The present invention has been proposed in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a broadcast receiving apparatus capable of performing a smooth recording reservation operation.
[0013]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a broadcast receiving apparatus that can save the trouble of inputting age-related data and obtain accurate age data when program viewing restriction based on age is performed.
[0014]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a broadcast receiving apparatus in which only an administrator user can input data relating to parental control.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention has the following features in order to achieve the above object.
[0016]
That is, the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes a user profile management unit that stores a user profile for each of a plurality of users, and a user profile selection unit that selects a required user profile from the plurality of user profiles. Wherein the user profile selection unit selects a user profile for each user, and performs a tuning operation in accordance with the attribute of each user with reference to the selected user profile.
[0017]
In the broadcast receiving apparatus having such a configuration, an appropriate channel selection operation can be performed for each user by referring to the user profiles set for each of a plurality of users.
[0018]
Also, the broadcast receiving device according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, includes a user profile corresponding to a specific administrator user, and only when referring to the administrator user profile, the viewing restriction of each user profile. Data can be set and changed.
[0019]
In the broadcast receiving apparatus having such a configuration, only the specific administrator user can change the setting of the data relating to the viewing restriction of each user profile, so that appropriate management of the viewing restriction can be performed.
[0020]
Also, the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, further comprises a reservation management unit that stores the recording reservation information of the program performed by the user, linked to the user profile, In the case where a plurality of recording reservations have been made to the user, it is characterized by presenting which user is performing the recording reservation operation for the program.
[0021]
Here, the presentation of the recording reservation operation is performed by, for example, a UI display unit that displays a message for the user, an electronic program guide (EPG), a receiver operation menu, and the like.
[0022]
In the broadcast receiving apparatus having such a configuration, when a collision of operations occurs in the recording reservation of a program, this is presented, whereby a smooth recording reservation operation can be performed. Further, in addition to the above configuration, the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention may further include an age automatic calculation for registering a date of birth as a part of the user profile and automatically calculating an age from the registered date of birth and the current date. Means are provided. Here, the automatic age calculation means is configured by, for example, a control unit that controls the operation of the entire broadcast receiving device.
[0023]
In the broadcast receiving apparatus having such a configuration, the age is automatically calculated by the automatic age calculating means, so that it is not necessary to input data relating to the age data, and it is possible to accurately manage the age data. .
[0024]
Further, in addition to the above configuration, the broadcast receiving device according to the present invention, even when the age of the user is added by the age automatic calculation means, the program viewing restriction is released, even if the age is reached, Until the administrator user releases the restriction, the program viewing restriction is not released.
[0025]
In the broadcast receiving apparatus having such a configuration, the determination as to whether or not to release the program viewing restriction is left to the administrator user, so that more appropriate program viewing restriction can be performed.
[0026]
Further, in addition to the above configuration, the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention may include, as a user profile of a program referred to in a state where no user is logged in, only a program for which viewing age restriction is not performed and a program for which charging is not performed. Is provided with a common user profile for viewing.
[0027]
In the broadcast receiving apparatus having such a configuration, it is possible to easily view a program for which the viewing age restriction is not performed and a program for which the charging is not performed, and the usability is further improved.
[0028]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0029]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 1, a broadcast receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an antenna unit 10 for receiving a broadcast radio wave, a tuner unit 11 for detecting the received radio wave, video data and audio data extracted from the radio wave. A video / audio output unit 12 composed of a display, a speaker, etc., which outputs after decoding, a reservation management unit 13, which stores recording reservation information of a program performed by a user, a control unit 14, which controls the operation of the entire broadcast receiving apparatus, a user A user input receiving unit 15 for receiving an input operation from the user, a UI display unit 16 for displaying a message for the user, an electronic program guide (EPG), a receiver operation menu, and the like, a user profile required from a plurality of user profiles User profile selection unit 17 for selecting a user, a user profile management unit for storing a user profile of each user And an 8.
[0031]
The operation of the broadcast receiving apparatus having the above-described configuration will be described taking a case where the broadcast receiving apparatus is capable of receiving a digital broadcast as an example.
[0032]
Digital broadcast radio waves received by the antenna unit 10 are detected by the tuner unit 11 and output to the video / audio output unit 12.
[0033]
Next, an operation when a user profile used for viewing and recording of a program is registered in the user profile management unit 18 will be described.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 2, the user profile items include a user name (ID, nickname, etc.), a password, a channel assignment to a one-touch channel selection key, and an administrator user. The items of birth date, paid broadcasting usage limit per month, and viewing time per day, which are set for each user, and total current usage of pay broadcasting automatically updated by the system, current total viewing time, There is an ID item indicating program recording reservation data performed by the user.
[0035]
The items that make up the user profile are not limited to those shown in FIG. 2, and any one of the items may be omitted or another item may be added.
[0036]
Also, when selecting a channel in a normal digital broadcast, a channel number of 3 to 5 digits is input. For this reason, a one-touch channel selection key is such that a channel number frequently viewed is assigned to a key of a certain remote controller so that a channel can be selected with only one key operation.
[0037]
The user profile is stored for one administrator user and a plurality of general users. First, the administrator user sets and registers all items of his own user profile. Next, the general user sets his / her user name, password, and assignment to the one-touch channel selection key. Subsequent changes in user name, password, and key assignment require the input of each user's own password. After the user name and password of the general user are set, the administrator user sets the date of birth, the usage limit, the viewing time, and the like of each general user. To set / change the date of birth, the usage limit, and the viewing time, it is necessary to input the password of the administrator user, and a general user cannot set / change it by himself.
[0038]
Note that the items that can be changed only by the administrator user are not limited to those described above, and one of the items may be omitted or another item may be added.
[0039]
Next, a procedure for using the user profile set as described above at the time of viewing a program will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 4, the user inputs a password via the user input receiving unit 15 at the start of use of the broadcast receiving device (step S101). The input password is passed to the user profile selection unit 17 via the control unit 14, and the user profile selection unit 17 determines a password that matches the input password in each user profile registered in the user profile management unit 18. (Step S102).
[0041]
If there is no user profile including the input password (step S102; No), the user is requested to re-enter the password (step S103). On the other hand, if there is a user profile including the input password (step S102; Yes), the system thereafter performs program viewing control with reference to the user profile (step S104).
[0042]
Here, when the user presses one of the one-touch tuning keys, tuning is performed according to the one-touch tuning key assignment information in the user profile of the user. Thus, each user can easily select a desired channel using the one-touch channel selection key.
[0043]
Also, as shown in FIG. 5, when viewing a program to which viewing age restriction is imposed by a broadcast provider (or a program or a channel in which an administrator user imposes viewing restriction on a specific general user). (Step S201), the controller 14 compares the date of birth registered in the user profile with the current date to calculate the age (Step S202), and further compares the age with the restricted age of the program (Step S203). .
[0044]
Here, when the condition imposed on the program is cleared (step S203; Yes), the program can be viewed (step S204), and when the condition is not satisfied (step S203; No). Displays a warning screen or the like on the UI display unit 16 and does not allow viewing. In this case, the program or channel that violates the age limit may not be displayed on the EPG from the beginning. The channels that can be registered in the one-touch channel selection key are also limited to those for which the user has cleared the age limit.
[0045]
When a predetermined number of days have passed from the above situation and the age restriction has been cleared, the restriction is automatically released, and the program whose viewing restriction has been set can be freely viewed. In this case, by registering the date of birth instead of the age, the operation of changing the age becomes unnecessary, and the change in the age can be reflected without delay of one day.
[0046]
Alternatively, the restriction may be released after the confirmation of the administrator user (for example, parent) is obtained. For example, suppose that a general user (for example, a child) has reached a birthday and, as a result, has been able to clear the currently imposed age limit. Here, when the administrator user logs in to the system, the control unit 14 notifies via the UI display unit 16 that the child has reached his birthday and has cleared the age limit. Then ask your parent if you want to extend the limit further. The parent can set whether to release the restriction as it is or set an extension period when extending the restriction.
[0047]
The above-described channel selection processing of a program for which the age restriction is performed can also be applied to a case where a pay program is viewed. That is, when a pay program selection operation is performed, the control unit 14 calculates an amount obtained by adding a charge of the program to the current usage amount stored in the user profile, and compares the calculated amount with the usage limit amount. I do.
[0048]
Here, if the amount is within the limit, the program can be viewed. If the amount exceeds the limit, a warning screen or the like is displayed on the UI display unit 16 and the user is not viewed.
[0049]
Regarding the viewing time, a process of accumulating the viewing time for each user and not outputting the program content when the time limit is exceeded may be performed.
[0050]
Next, a procedure when a user profile is used for a program recording reservation operation will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0051]
In this case, the EPG and reservation management unit 13 of the digital broadcast receiving apparatus uses program reservation data stored in a format as shown in FIG.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 6, when a certain user sets a recording reservation of a program via the user input receiving unit 15 (step S301), the control unit 14 stores information on the program reservation in the program stored in the reservation management unit 13. A comparison is made with the reservation information (step S302).
[0053]
Here, if another program recording reservation is not entered in the same time zone as the input program reservation (step S302; No), the program reservation registration is performed as requested by the user (step S303). On the other hand, if another program recording reservation is made in the same time zone as the input program reservation (step S302; Yes), the next channel to be recorded is compared (step S304).
[0054]
If the channels also match (step S304; Yes), the user is notified that the same program has already been reserved by another user (step S305). On the other hand, if the channels do not match (step S304; No), it is not possible to make a program reservation for a program input later. At this time, the control unit 14 extracts and displays the ID of the user who made the previous reservation (a nickname is also possible) based on the reservation registered data registered in the reservation management unit 13 and displays the “recording of user XX”. A message such as "A reservation is made" is presented (step S306).
[0055]
Subsequent processing may determine which reservation has priority in direct negotiation between users. Alternatively, the priorities of all users may be determined in advance and set as one item of the user profile, and the system may automatically replace the reservation data according to the priorities. Further, a reservation list may be displayed and confirmed before the user performs a reservation operation.
[0056]
As described above, by registering the program recording reservation data using the user profile, the user who made the predetermined reservation can be notified to other users, and as a result, the reservation desired time zones of a plurality of users overlap. Even in this case, the user to be negotiated can be specified.
[0057]
Further, following the above-described processing, the user is asked whether or not to wait for cancellation (step S307). If the user wants to wait for cancellation (step S307; Yes), a reservation request for which setting was attempted later is requested. The data is stored in the broadcast receiving apparatus main body for the time being (step S308). This reservation request data is registered with a reservation ID assigned like the cancel wait data shown in FIG. This reservation ID is written in the “cancellation data ID” column of the reservation-registered data to be canceled.
[0058]
Next, the procedure of the reservation cancel operation will be described with reference to FIG.
[0059]
As shown in FIG. 7, when the cancel operation is performed on the previous reservation after the cancel wait is performed (step S401), the control unit 14 writes the reservation ID in the “cancel wait data ID” column. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S402).
[0060]
Here, when the reservation ID is written in the “cancel waiting data ID” column (step S402; Yes), the cancel waiting data having the stored cancel waiting data ID is moved to the reservation registered data column. Then, it is registered as formal reservation data (step S403), and the original reservation data is deleted (step S404).
[0061]
As described above, when there is a change in the reservation-related data, the contents of the change and the need to notify the user are described together with the ID in the reservation ID column of the user profile. When the user who performs the operation performs a remote control operation (inputs a password), a message is transmitted to the UI display unit 16 by referring to the reservation ID column of the user profile to inform the UI display unit 16 that the reservation of the waiting data has been officially registered. indicate.
[0062]
Then, once the notification is made, the information in the reservation ID column is only the reservation ID, and the special items are deleted. In this way, it is possible to register both the data registered for reservation and the data waiting for cancellation, and furthermore, by linking the data overlapping the respective desired reservation time zones, when the program recording reservation is canceled, the waiting for cancellation is performed. The desired recording reservation data can be automatically registered as the reservation registered data.
[0063]
In addition, by linking the user profile and the program recording reservation information, when the cancel wait data is automatically registered as the reservation registered data, the user waiting for the cancel is immediately notified. Can be.
[0064]
Further, the remote controller may be provided with a log-off button or the like for stopping the user from viewing the digital broadcast program and operating the digital broadcast receiver. In this case, in a state where no user is logged in, it is only necessary to be able to view only programs without age restriction or billing and register a one-touch channel selection key. The one-touch channel selection key may be registered with a channel number that is often viewed when a family is present.
[0065]
Specifically, one common profile having the same format as the user profile shown in FIG. 2 is prepared, and the user type is common, and the user name is family. While the broadcast receiving device is used as a common user, one-touch channel selection key assignment and program recording reservation can be performed, and other user profile items cannot be set.
[0066]
By preparing such a common user profile, a program selection operation for the family can be performed without the need for anyone to log in when the family watches the program together. Further, when viewing a pay broadcast program, it may be possible to view the pay broadcast program by inputting a password of an administrator user.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
Since the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention has the above-described configuration, the following effects can be obtained.
[0068]
That is, according to the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the present invention, by preparing a user profile for each user, for example, a different one-touch channel selection key can be assigned to each user. In addition, it is possible to perform easy-to-use channel selection for each user.
[0069]
Also, among the data registered in the user profile, items relating to viewing restrictions such as age, pay broadcast usage limit, and viewing time can be set for all users only by an administrator user. Parents have complete control over their child's viewing conditions.
[0070]
Further, by linking the user profile with the program recording reservation data and registering the program recording reservation data together with the name of the user who performed the reservation operation, it is possible to cope with a case where a plurality of reservation requests are concentrated in the same time zone. It is possible to perform more convenient channel selection.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a user profile used in the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of program reservation management data used in the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for determining a user profile to be referred to by the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for viewing a program with an age restriction in the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for making a program reservation in the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for canceling a program reservation in the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 10 Antenna unit 11 Tuner unit 12 Video / audio output unit 13 Reservation management unit 14 Control unit 15 User input reception unit 16 UI display unit 17 User profile selection unit 18 User profile management unit

Claims (6)

A user profile management unit that stores a user profile for each of a plurality of users;
A user profile selection unit that selects a required user profile from the plurality of user profiles,
A broadcast receiving apparatus, wherein the user profile selecting unit selects a user profile for each user, and performs a tuning operation in accordance with an attribute of each user with reference to the selected user profile. Provide an administrator user profile corresponding to a specific administrator user,
2. The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data relating to parental level of each of the user profiles can be set and changed only when referring to the administrator user profile. 3. Linking with the user profile, comprising a reservation management unit that stores recording reservation information of the program performed by the user,
3. The broadcast reception according to claim 1, wherein when a plurality of recording reservations for different programs are made in the same time zone, which user is performing the recording reservation operation of the program is presented. 4. apparatus. 4. An automatic age calculating means for registering a date of birth as a part of the user profile and automatically calculating an age from the registered date of birth and the current date. The broadcast receiving device according to claim 1. Even if the age of the user is added by the automatic age calculating means, the program viewing restriction is not released until the administrator user releases the restriction even if the age reaches the age at which the program viewing restriction is released. The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: 2. A common user profile for viewing only a program for which viewing age restriction is not performed and a program for which charging is not performed, as a user profile referred to when no user is logged in. The broadcast receiving device according to any one of claims 5 to 5.

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