CN1314046A - Database for use in method and apparatus for displaying television programs and related text - Google Patents

Abstract

A database consisting of inventive data structures comprising a static area (300) and dynamic area (301) is used to facilitate the creation of electronic program guides when used with a television program schedule system. The database is periodically updated with television program schedule information and is interrogated by a schedule system in order to create program guides.

Description

The database that in the method and apparatus of display of television programmes and related text, uses

The present invention relates to TV domain, more particularly, relate to database by using program schedule system on TV screen, to use in the display of television programmes information.

TV program schedule system (for example system that discloses in patent application serial numbers 08/475,395) allows the user to select by using the visual inquiry television-viewing of program guide.In these systems, TV program information be stored in one with electronic memory that television receiver links to each other in.Database be used to organize with the store electrons memory in TV program information.

According to the present invention, the TV program schedule data are received at interval from the vertical blank of TV signal, and are analyzed and be stored in the database.This database comprises a static zones and is used for not being subjected to the frequent information that changes; And a dynamic area is used for the often information of change.

In each district, information stores is in data structure, and it makes the TV program schedule system can explain and analyze this information.Data structure is designed to help search fast and displays program information.These data structures also are designed to reduce the electronic memory space and improve the efficient that searches data.

This system helps creating the method that various information show to database sort with for the user.In current embodiment, these search, sort and demonstration comprises: the program guide that shows the schedule information of fixed time or channel; To the main classes guide of class program demonstration schedule information, these program categories have film, physical culture, children's performance etc.; To the subclass guide of subclass program demonstration schedule information, promptly under main classes " film ", its subclass may be drama, action movie, comedy etc.; Record queue, it helps arranging to write down and show the programme contribution that will write down; Title guide with title rather than time or station displays program information; When wishing to watch or write down the program of two conflicts, the user shows conflict solution about the information of time or channel conflict; And when inquiry and show will play " other time " characteristic of selected program.

This database also comprises channel map, and it is used for the southern sequence number of TV frequency is linked with the data that channel and station call letters are provided.This database also comprises channel and forbids characteristic, and it allows the user to seal demonstration to a certain channel or some channel program information.

By the data channel that provides of appointment is provided, this database is periodically updated, then program guide that the operator is selected, the TV program information that can obtain upgrading.In another embodiment, each channel supplier can upgrade the timetable data about the TV programme that occurs independently on that channel.

Shown that in the accompanying drawings attempt realizes concrete best mode embodiment of the present invention, these accompanying drawings are:

Fig. 1 is electronic memory figure, demonstrates the static zones and the dynamic area of memory.

Fig. 2 shows performance packet data structure.

Fig. 3 shows the fragment of performance packet data structure.

Fig. 4 represents the time list data structure of setting up in advance that comprises in this database static zones.

Fig. 5 represents the fragment of performance information bag data structure.

Fig. 6 represents the channel map data structure that comprises in this database static zones.

Fig. 7 represents the array of controls data structure that comprises in this database static zones.

Fig. 8 represents the call letters graph data structure that comprises in this database static zones.

Fig. 9 represents the record queue data structure that comprises in this database static zones.

Figure 10 is the figure by the download package of this database reception.

Figure 11 is the table of explanation by the memory precedence scheme of this data base manipulation.

Figure 12 representative is by the memory bitmap of this data base manipulation.

Figure 13 is the schematic block diagram of a television receiver, and this television receiver has an electronic television program guide of including the principle of the invention in.

Figure 14 is the fixed time program guide that is produced by the principle of the invention.

Figure 15 is the specified channel program guide that is produced by the principle of the invention.

Figure 16 is the title guide that is produced by the principle of the invention.

Figure 17 searches the title guide by what the principle of the invention produced by letter.

Figure 18 is the program category guide that is produced by the principle of the invention.

Figure 19 is the download package figure that is received by this database.

Figure 20 is the bag figure by this database storage.

In following embodiment of the present invention, the common identical parts of reference number representative.If the characteristics of all embodiment are attached in the individual system, then these parts can be shared and finish all functions of the embodiment that describes.

It is 08/475,395 application that Figure 13 to 15 takes from sequence number.With reference to Figure 13,TV signal source 10 as terrestrial antenna or cable, is linked TV tuner 11.The output oftuner 11 is the intermediate-freuqncy signals that contain after the modulation of video and audio-frequency electricvisual information.Tuner 11 is linked visual detector (PICTURE DET) 13 and voice detector (SOUND DET) 14 by intermediate frequency amplifier (IF AMP) 12, and they produce base band video and audio signal respectively.Audio signal is coupled toloud speaker 16 by sound intensifier (SOUND AMP).Vision signal is coupled to an input ofswitch 18 by video amplifier (not shown).Voice detector 14 andvisual detector 13 are linked the Voice ﹠ Video input of videocassette recorders (VCR) 17 respectively.(the another kind of practice is if use internal tuner and the demodulator circuit ofVCR 17, then can directly linkTV signal source 10 the RF input of VCR17.) output of VCR17 links another input of switch 18.An input of traditional picture-in-picture (PIP) integrated circuit (IC)chip 19 is linked in the output ofswitch 18, the television receiver of screen (not shown) or the video inputs of monitor (TV) 20 are linked in the output ofPIP chip 19.

The updatable data storehouse that all can obtain the program contents timetable of channel for predetermined amount of time (for example a day or a week) is stored in thetime table memory 22 by electronics.Thereby these program contents generally include, and the title, program of each program are described, this week which day, zero-time, the program length of this day and send this program can be in thesource 10 channels that receive.In one embodiment of the invention, cycle memory time of program contents is different to each guide, and this depends on priority and preference that the beholder determines.For example, the needed information of demonstration TISPG and CSPG may be stored one or two day by broken, and the needed information of demonstration TSPG may be stored a week or longer.This database can be by upgrading with the continuous data link of known manner in the vertical blank interval (VBI) of a television channel of television receiver broadcasting.The another kind of practice is that this database can be by pulling outmemory 22 and replacing it to have the memory that upgrades theback database.Memory 22 links to each other withmicroprocessor 24, and it is programmed the operation with control institute tracing device.The operation sequence thatmicroprocessor 24 uses is stored in the read-only memory (ROM) 26.Beholder's input unit 28 (preferably remote I R (infrared ray) controller form) andmicroprocessor 24 couplings are to provide the order from thebeholder.Video processor 30 andmicroprocessor 24 couplings.When the beholder wished to see the TV programme catalogue,microprocessor 24 accessed the part in program schedule data storehouse and it is coupled tovideo processor 30 frommemory 22, and program contents is formatted for demonstration there.Preferably, canned data is the bitmap of the thing that shows ontelevision receiver 20 screens in video processor 30.Video processor 30 is linked another input of PIP chip 19.Preferably, beholder'sinput unit 28 movescontrol microprocessor 24 by the vernier ontelevision receiver 20 screens.For this purpose,microprocessor 24 andvideo processor 30 all are coupled to a slider position register 32.(the another kind of practice is that the beholder can be chosen in the data entries that shows on the screen by key in the Code Number that is assigned to data entries in beholder'sinput unit 28.)microprocessor 24 also withtuner 11 coupling with channel change, select with playback/record with the VCR17 coupling and open/stop, with switch 18 couplings selecting one of its input, and with 19 couplings of PIP chip with selection PIP mode of operation.

The some forms that in Figure 14,15,16,17 and 18, shown electronic program guides.Each form has abackground area 40 and one to overlap at the PIP in screen upper left corner window 42.Real time, (for example 6:15p.m.) was presented at thesubarea 42a of PIP window 42.Background area 42 has a sign andmessage notifying district 43 at the top of screen, has program to describedistrict 44 in the screen upper right corner adjacent withPIP window 42, isPgmtime list area 46 below 42 and 44 districts.Program is described zero-time and the length (duration) thatdistrict 44 comprises the program of describing.But beholder's vertical moving vernier is given me a little one of program contents that shows in the clear zone 46.Vernier 48 backgrounds of being lighted have identical color or shade with the background that program is described district 44.In every kind of form, the TV programme complete image and the current time of current real-time broadcasting are displayed onpip window 42, and the audio-frequency unit of the TV programme that shows inpip window 42 is by the audio system playback of monitor 20.The information that shows indistrict 43,44 and 46 is according to format change.

In Figure 14, indistrict 46, show a fixed time program guide, it is included in the program contents that following time (being 8:00p.m.) of an appointment will broadcast.The beholder can for example select the time of the program contents that will show with the time interval half an hour.The selected following time (being 8:00p.m.) of distinguishing in 46 program contents that shows is displayed among the subarea 43a indistrict 43.

Be displayed in thedistrict 44 in the concise and to the point description of distinguishing the program contents of lighting in 46 by vernier 48.The current program that is broadcasted still is presented in thepip window 42, and thesign 49 that identifies current program with channel name, channel and channel header is presented atpip window 42 and distinguishes between 46, and the color of its background or shade are different fromvernier 48.

In Figure 15, indistrict 46, show a specified channel program guide, it comprises the program contents that will broadcast on the specified channel.All program contents to selected channel (being FOX channel 7) are displayed ondistrict 46, from the program of current broadcast to fixed time section (for example 24 hours) or until the future broadcast program at next day end.It is the time that there are row indistrict 46, and row are program titles; Each row indistrict 46 is represented an independent program contents.The moving realtime graphic that inpip window 42, shows current television program.If vernier is also lighted preceding program, then indistrict 44, show the concise and to the point program of current program is described.If vernier is lighted another program contents, as shown in Figure 4, then indistrict 44, show the concise and to the point program description of being lighted program, and insign 49, identify current program by time and title.

In Figure 16, indistrict 46, show a title guide, it comprises the program contents that is broadcasted of classifying and selecting by title.All programs in memory are presented in thedistrict 46 with title, from alphabetical A, until zed, are the title with numeral or symbol beginning then.It is the time that there are row indistrict 46, and it is program titles that row are arranged; The independent program contents of each row representative in district 46.The moving realtime graphic of current television program is presented in the pip window 42.If vernier is also lighted current program, then indistrict 44, show the concise and to the point program of current program is described.If vernier is lighted another program contents, as shown in Figure 4, then indistrict 44, show the concise and to the point program description of being lighted program, and insign 49, identify current program by time and title.

In Figure 17, indistrict 46, show a title guide, it comprises the joint of selecting by first alphabetic sort in the program title that is broadcasted and saves the order catalogue.The title bar of all programs that begin with the selected letter of user in memory is in district 46.In this was given an example, the user selected letter ' M ' for showing.It is the time that there are row indistrict 46, and it is program titles that row are arranged; The independent program contents of each row representative in district 46.The moving realtime graphic of current television program is presented in the pip window 42.If vernier is also lighted current program, show indistrict 44 that then the concise and to the point program of current program is described.If vernier is lighted another program contents, as shown in Figure 4, then indistrict 44, show the concise and to the point program description of being lighted program, and insign 49, identify current program by time and title.

In Figure 18, indistrict 46, show a program classification guide, it comprises the program contents corresponding with selecting classification.The title bar of all programs corresponding with this classification is indistrict 46 in memory.It is the time that there are row indistrict 46, and it is program titles that row are arranged; The independent program contents of each row representative in district 46.The moving realtime graphic of current television program is presented in the pip window 42.If vernier is also lighted current program, show indistrict 44 that then the concise and to the point program of current program is described.If vernier is lighted another program contents, as shown in Figure 4, then indistrict 44, show the concise and to the point program description of being lighted program, and insign 49, identify current program by time and title.

Whole four districts in thebackground 40 are formatted in video processor 30.Video processor 30 storage space corresponding withpip window 42 region on screen are in blank; Though promptly overlap on thebackground area 40 any information thatpip window 42 can topped background area 40.Utilize beholder'sinput unit 28 on/following arrow, the beholder can vertical moving vernier with the catalogue of one of current display of television programmes of showing in the clear zone 46.Preferably, for reducing the delay of display program timetable, all program contents of specific screens form all are stored in thevideo processor 30, even only show their part at synchronization.When vernier reached 46 top, district or bottom catalogue,microprocessor 24 accessed other program contents for being presented on the screen oftelevision receiver 20 fromvideo processor 30.

Preferably, description has two-stage the level of detail to program.In other words, the first order detailed content of program description such as above-mentioned being presented in the district 44.When needs are more detailed, the second level detailed content that beholder'sinput device 28 is described with display program.The two kinds of selections that show to second level detailed content.As a kind of selection, second level detailed content can replace the first order detailed content in the district 44.The benefit of doing like this is that the beholder can continue to see program contents when showing the more detailed content of describing about this program.Select as another kind, second level detailed content can replace the program contents in the district 46.The benefit of doing like this is can obtain the space bigger than the first order to go to show second level detailed content.

In this most preferred embodiment, a TV program schedule system (" timetable system ") contains a database and is used to be stored as the establishment program guide and realizes that the user asks needed full detail.This database storage is in the memory that can be visited by the timetable systematic microprocessor.

This database contains a static zones and a dynamic area.The table that static zones contains plurality of fixed is used to store the data that are not subjected to frequent change, as the call letters of each institute's receiving channels.Dynamic area is used to store the data by frequent updating, as actual list of television programmes data.It is for different database manipulations that memory partition is become static zones and dynamic area, and (static or dynamically) addressing separately because each memory block causes less address size and searches faster.Subregion also allows effective storage management, because have only dynamic area 301 need be cut off.

Fig. 1 describes the TV program schedule database.Time list, channel map, memory diagram and records series that static zones 300 comprises call letters figure, sets up in advance.Below these structures will be described in more detail.Dynamic area 301 is used to store the TV program schedule data that fall in one seven skylight opening.These data are taked the form of performance information bag (SIP).These structures are also described hereinafter in more detail.

In current embodiment, this database is only stored the SIP when the day before yesterday, next day, and any SIP that contains next seven days classified information.The processing speed that this has the method for the storage selected to reduce required memory and increased the timetable system.In another embodiment, this database can be extended to the program schedule data that comprises other days.Certainly, the fate of programs stored timetable data will influence the size of required memory and the processing speed of timetable system.

Data in the television schedule database are stored in the data structure.Data structure makes the timetable system can explain the wherein data of storage.The size that the plurality of data structure is fixing, they reside in static zones 300.The size of other data structures is variable, and they reside in dynamic area 301.Fixing data structure comprises: the time list of Jian Liing, channel map, array of controls, call letters figure, memory diagram and record queue in advance.Changeable data structure comprises the performance information bag.

The performance information bag

The performance information bag is the variable length data structure that contains the actual TV program schedule data.Each performance information bag comprises four hours pieces to the specified channel TV programme.The size of performance information bag is variable, because the number of performing in the piece at any four hours will depend on the duration of each solo.For example four hours piece may comprise: performance in 8 and a half hours, and 2 performance in 2 hours, 4 performance in 1 hour, two hours film and performance in 4 and a half hours, or the like.

Fig. 2 describes a performance information bag.A performance information includes several general data fields, and they represent whole bag.These fields are: amount of memory-be used to need to determine how many storage space to store this performance information bag; Control date-be used for determining it is which day that this SIP comprises data; Program category-be used to point out the classification of the inner program of SIP, if there is classification; Program title first letter that first letter (FLPT) of program title-be used for points out that this SIP comprises.

It after general data the specific data that falls into each performance of this four hours pieces.For given performance bypiece 314 representatives, have following field in the performance information bag: multiple performance attribute field-be used for determines whether this performance is last performance of this bag, and perhaps this is performed and follows other performance afterwards in this four hours pieces; The skew that zero-time field-comprise is counted from this four hours piece zero-times, this skew are added on four hours piece zero-times to determine the zero-time of this performance; The time that extensively connects of duration field-this performance of appointment; Program category-contain information relevant for show type, for example, this performance may be a physical culture incident, a news program, or a film; Program subclass-contain information relevant for show type, for example this performance may be dramatic (subclass) film (classification); The CC field determines whether this performance has been coupled with detailed captions; Stereo field-determine whether this performance is with stereophonic broadcasting; Added field-this is that this field can comprise other information (i.e. the classification of this performance) about this performance, uses when that information becomes standard technically for the extra field of expansion.Can comprise multiple other information to each performance in another embodiment.

Be the field of representing program title after these fields, the short of main description-this program described the longer description of secondary description-this program and VCR+PLUSCODE (VCR+ extracode).Each is represented by two independent fields in these clauses and subclauses, a length that contains specified entry, and as length for heading, another contains these clauses and subclauses itself, as title.Length field is used for determining what bytes the back has constitute this data clauses and subclauses.For example, if secondary description field is 40 bytes, then the timetable system will know that 40 following bytes comprise secondary description.

It after these information the performance trailer field.The performance trailer field is used to point out that the information of that particular show could leaves it at that.The performance information bag can contain the information of one or more performance, and what are performed to depend in this four hours pieces broadcasting.There are a plurality of performance by 315 and 316 representatives.

The structure of performance information bag provides some unique properties of storage data.Length for heading, main length, secondary description length and these fields of VCR+PLUSCODE length described can be expanded when its value can not be placed in the byte too greatly.For example, with reference to figure 3, if secondary description length greater than 255 (maximum length values that in a byte, can store), this length byte is made as 255 (maximums).Length byte is made as maximum shows that a back byte also is a length byte, and these two bytes should be added up to determine the length of secondary description.By this way, the performance information bag can be used for dynamically allocation space to be adapted to longer description or longer title.

The performance trailer field allows to be used for more such data are included in the performance information bag, and these data are not read by the current version of timetable system but may be by later version utilization.And for example shown in Figure 2, after the VCR+PLUSCODE field, the field of two no specific datas is arranged.This is possible be read but current untreated data by timetable system future version.When handling the performance packets of information, the timetable system will abandon these data till it reads a performance trailer field.Before finding a performance trailer field, the timetable system will can not begin to handle the data of a new performance.This characteristic allows the same data of a different time table system of visit of timetable system, and that different timetable system may comprise other information beyond title, the description etc.

The time list of Jian Liing in advance

The time list of Jian Liing is used for each channel of timetable system is determined the position of TV program information in advance.Television program schedule information is by using the pointer location, and it comprises the address of the performance information bag of storing in the memory.Each pointed contains a performance information bag of four hours pieces of timetable data.The time list of Jian Liing comprises 42 pointers to each channel in advance, so can visit 7 days program schedule datas.Store timetable data in further embodiments, therefore should comprise corresponding more pointer number in the time list of setting up in advance more than 7 days.

Fig. 4 shows the time list that this is set up in advance.This time list of setting up in advance is time and channel network.An assigned address in static zones 300 is endowed each airtime and channel.Specifically, four hours airtimes piece is specified by the alphabetical A-AO of base, and appointment-they comprise theset 313 of 42 pointers of each channel in the timetable system to broadcasting channel by footnote 1-N.Each pointer wherein contains the data of four hours pieces of TV programme corresponding to a performance information bag.For example, in Fig. 4, pointer E1 corresponding on 1 channel fromafternoon 4 toafternoon 8 program data.12 pointers are represented 48 hours programme informations (24 hours was next day in order to work as the day before yesterday in 24 hours).

With reference to figure 4, A2 is used for representing the program data that is associated with timetable system second channel to AO2.Each pointer contains an address, and it is the address of variable length performance packets of information in dynamic area 301 of containing the actual TV program data.When searching the television schedule data of appointment, this time list of setting up is in advance at first checked to obtain suitable pointer by the timetable system, and the place of specified data storage is gone in the address of finding in that pointer then.For example, television programme data betweenafternoon 8 toafternoon 12 of second channel in the timetable system if desired, then the timetable system performance information that will use address among the pointer F2 to determine to contain corresponding data wraps in the position in the dynamic area 301.

In a word, the address of the performance information bag of given TV programme is stored in an airtime of giving that program in the static zones 300 and a position of broadcasting channel, and for example the performance packets of information address of the program that will broadcast on second channel betweenafternoon 8 toafternoon 12 is stored in position F2.

Channel map

This database also contains a channel map, is arranged in static zones 300.The channel map of describing in Fig. 6 links TV programme supplier channel and inner channel.For example, in Fig. 6,channel 7 is endowedinner channel 1, andchannel 11 is endowed inner channel 3.Channel map is used to set up the program guide show time scale and knows supplier's channel.

Array of controls

This database also comprises a fixing array of controls, is arranged in static zones 300.Array of controls is used for sign by the timetable system and is forbidden channel displayed by the user.This array of controls is shown in Fig. 7.To each channel, if this channel will be shown, then display field 320 is by set, if this channel will forbid that then display field 320 is by reset.With reference to figure 7,channel 1,2,4,5 will be shown in program guide, andchannel 3 will be under an embargo.

Also have a field to be used for extra " adding " information to each channel.This field allows to increase other functions by user's control, for example time period of forbidding showing a channel of appointment in the future version of timetable system.

Call letters figure

This database also contains a call letters figure, is positioned at static zones 300.The call letters that call letters figure handle is corresponding with a TV supplier and this inside guide channel link are got up.For example, in Fig. 8, call letters KABC is linked ininner channel 1, and letter w WOR is linked in inner channel 2.Call letters figure is used for identifying supplier's channel call letters for showing at program guide.

Record queue

User's request of the following program of stored record in record queue.Record queue is the fixed length kilsyth basalt that 12 clauses and subclauses are arranged, and is arranged in static zones 300.Record is arranged and is presented among Fig. 9.

Each clauses and subclauses in the formation comprise and will broadcast the channel and the performance zero-time of this performance.This record structure arranged be make program on time between the sequence arrangement of sequence.In other words, first clauses and subclauses in tabulation will be broadcasted to such an extent that want Zao than any other clauses and subclauses, so analogize.This structure has been eliminated to finding out the necessity of the necessary query note formation of next program that will write down.

Data transmit

The television schedule data are sent to this database from the vertical blank interval (VBI) of data set provider channel continuously.For time of reception table data, television set must be tuned to this data set provider channel.For example, if the data set provider channel is achannel 7, then can time of reception before the table data this television set must be tuned to channel 7.The timetable system attempts everyday 4 times to receive data from supplier's channel.

Because the user may see another channel when data download is attempted by the timetable system, in the effort of once downloading, to try 4 times to guarantee that this database receives complete data set.Download to attempt in 24 hours everyinterval 6 hours for these 4 times once, be provided at have in these processes in attempting high probability one user will can not make television set be tuned to another channel.For example, download to attempt and to take place inmidnights 12 point, themornings 6 point, 12 noon and 6 pm.It is unlikely that someone is seeing TV in these 4 times.

In another embodiment, can individually carry out the timetable Data Update to each channel.Each channel supplier can provide timetable to upgrade in the VBI of that channel signal.When the user selected one to supply channel displayed, VBI and time of reception table that the timetable system can address inquires on this channel upgraded.

Before downloading the first time of this day, whole dynamic area 301 is wiped.This total data of wiping the performance that assurance broadcasted is fully removed from the timetable system.All television programme data all are to send in download package and receive.Download package comprises a schedule information and a stature section, contains path data in the head section, and the timetable system of making can determine how to store the content of this bag.

Figure 10 shows a download package.This bag is with a head section beginning that contains bag ID numbers 302, is used for that this bag is different from other bags, header section and also comprises byte number 303 and piece several 304 for this ID number.These values are used for determining the size of bag.

Header section heel performance information bag (SIP) head section.Each performance information is surrounded by a performance information header section in this bag.SIP head section contains: guide numbers 305, and it specifies the inside channel of data in this packets of information; Channel ID306, it specifies the source of data in this performance information bag; And timeslice 307, be used to specify object time of data in this performance information bag.After SIP head section, be performance information bag 308.

A performance information bag 308 is extracted from download package and is temporarily stored in the memory once receiving.Contain in this performance information bag a control date field be used for determining these data be when which the time, a guide channel field is specified the inside channel of these data, and a program category is used to specify to comprise which program category in this bag.

Before new performance information bag of storage, to test to determine whether the inside channel in this performance information bag can be for channel displayed corresponding to one.If this SIP is outside system's window on the 17th, perhaps do not enable channel displayed for one, then this bag is abandoned.

Before new performance information bag of storage, to test to determine whether this SIP has exceeded whole program contents windows on the 2nd and the program that contains corresponding to predetermine class.If then this SIP is rewritten before storage, to include only those programs corresponding to predetermine class.This step is shown in Figure 19 and Figure 20.All unmatched program categories are abandoned.If this performance information bag is in outside current 2 days windows and does not comprise program sort information, then this performance information bag is abandoned.

Every other SIP must fall into whole program contents windows on the 2nd and store as follows: SIP write memory position 301.Pointer in predetermined time list data structure is updated to point out where corresponding SIP is stored in.

The timetable system contains a memory prioritization schemes and is used for using effectively available storage space.This scheme is shown among Figure 11.The key of this prioritization schemes is selected for the channel displayed number.If the operator has selected 29 or be less than 29 channels for showing, title, the first order that then falls into all programs of window on the 2nd described and the second level is described and all is stored.

If the user has selected 30 above channels for demonstration, but is less than 39 channels, then will will be stored in all performances of broadcasting on the same day, comprise title, the first order and second level description.Yet will only store title and first order description for all performance of broadcasting in second day.Their title will be only stored in the program category performance.If the operator has selected to surpass 40 channels for showing, then only store title.

Storage management

This database comprises a memory bitmap so that follow the trail of the part of current maintenance program data in the dynamic area 301, these parts be different from the program log memory those be used to store the free space part of new program data.Memory bitmap is divided into memory the piece of 32 bytes.Every by the bit representation in the memory bitmap.

Memory bit is illustrated in Figure 12.In Figure 31 0 each is represented one 32 block of bytes in the memory." 1 " ofposition 311 on the throne is illustrated in that piece and has stored program data.312 " 0 " represents that piece is a free space in the position.In the time will storing new data, can search by memory bitmap, supply the storage data with the free space position of locating sufficient amount.After determining the position, data are stored, and there have " 0 " of respective numbers to become " 1 " in memory bitmap to be occupied to point out those memory locations.

For example, with reference to Figure 12, if the data that receiveneed 10 memory blocks, then the timetable system with the swept memory bitmap and storage in space by position 0-7 in therow 3 and the position 0-1 representative in the row 4.In memory bitmap these position will be changed to 1 then.

The timetable system can also periodically resequence to memory, thereby free space can be combined continuously.For example, with reference to Figure 12, beginning in by the piece ofrow 0meta 2 representative and the data that finish in the piece byposition 1 representative in therow 1 will slip over the piece by 3 representatives ofrow 0 meta.This will remove " 0 " gap in the row 0.Repeating this process by memory diagram will make all free spaces be combined to the end of memory.

As previously mentioned, the full detail in dynamic area 301 will be removed once every day.This process has guaranteed that database does not contain the data ofspending 1 always.The timetable system can also number defined by cut removes the data about the performance of having broadcasted according to this.By searching the performance catalogue in the dynamic area 301, identifying the performance that zero-time betides the current time, thereby finish this cut-out.Data about these performance that identify are removed from database, collect the rubbish routine for one and will obtain to contain the memory of these old performances by the suitable position that changes in the memory bitmap.

The timetable system can also remove the data about the channel that has been cancelled.For example, if the operator can not show a channel, then any program schedule data about that channel can be deleted by the timetable system.Collect the rubbish routine then and will obtain the storage space that performance represented by deleted channel.If the operator will select that channel for showing once more, then before the next update cycle this timetable system not about the data of that channel.

Database processing

Except using Catalog Search and syntactic analysis function to carry out traditional database processing, the timetable system also obtains some is searched searching sooner of type by the index bit that use is placed in the SIP header section.In the present embodiment, exist the qualification authentication bit field to be used for first letter (one of 26-each field) of program category (2 byte), program subtype (2 byte) and program title, as shown in Figure 2.For example, Fig. 5 shows the head section of a SIP bag, and this SIP comprises program category " MOVIE (film) ", subclass " ACT10N (action movie) ", and title is " ZORRO (Zuro) ".SIP hereto, the position that is mapped to " MOVIE " 500 in the program category field is changed to " 1 ", and the position that is mapped to " ACTION " 501 in the program subclass field is set to " 1 ", and the position that is mapped to " Z " in the FLPT is set to " 1 ".

For the SIP that contains a plurality of programs, use " OR (or) " function that all programs among the SIP suitably are provided with a plurality of positions.For example, if a SIP contains 3 programs, i.e. ZORRO, Magnum PI and Monty Python, then program first letter shift is " 1 " to " Z " and " M ", and every other position is made as " 0 ".

When relating to the searching an of bit field, the timetable system at first verify in the SIP head section corresponding positions whether with search the criterion coupling.If satisfy criterion, then this network analysis is from the data of SIP, if do not satisfy criterion, and whole that SIP that skips of this system then.The SIP number that this method will be analyzed by restriction has reduced the time of searching.

By the interaction between following each routine database of descriptions and the TV program schedule system.

1. the user asks a fixed time program guide (TISPG), and the current time isafternoon 7 points.

When the user asks a TISPG when obtaining the information about the current TV show of broadcasting, (afternoon 7 points) are at first read the current time by this system from a microprocessor clock.Then the timetable system determine with the time list of setting up in advance shown in Figure 4 in corresponding pointer of current time.Because the current time isafternoon 7 points, the timetable system will check the five fingers pin to each channel (this pointer corresponding to afternoon toafternoon 8 points) at 4, and these channels are: channel 1-E1, and channel 2-E2, channel 3-E3 ..., channel N-EN.

For each pointer, the timetable system visits corresponding performance information bag, sees Fig. 2.The timetable system is added to the zero-time of four hours pieces (afternoon 4 points) in the time migration of each performance in the performance information bag, to determine the current performance of broadcasting on that channel.From the performance information bag, retrieve information then about this performance.Retrieved message comprises title, main description, secondary description and VCR+PLUSCODE.

Also use inner channel that channel map is indexed, see Fig. 6.Specifically, use channel to select to supply in the guide assigned source channel ID of demonstration: channel 1-7, channel 2-6, channel 3-11 ..., channel n-172.Inner channel also is used for call letters figure is indexed, and sees Fig. 7.Specifically, use channel to pull out station identifying call letters letter and show in the guide: channel 1-KABC, channel 2-WWOR ..., channel 3-KTVR.All information from the performance information bag, channel map and call letters figure are used to create formative line of text, show in the guide.

2. the user asks a specified channel program guide (CSPG), and the current channel of watching is achannel 6, and the current time isafternoon 3 points.

When the user asks a CSPG obtaining about (for example channel 6) at the appointed time (forexample afternoon 3 points) when broadcasting the information of the TV show that maybe will broadcast on specified channel, the timetable system determines the channel corresponding with being shown channel by addressing inquires to a system variable.Example hereto, channel is a channel 2.Then, (afternoon 3 points) are read the current time from the microprocessor clock by the timetable system.The timetable system determines in the time list (see figure 4) of setting up in advance the selected inner channel pointer corresponding with the current time.Because the current time isafternoon 3 points, and selected inside channel ischannel 1, so the 4th pointer (this pointer is corresponding to 4 points from the 12 noon to the afternoon) will be sought by the timetable system in second group of pointer.This pointer is the D2 (see figure 4).

Then, the timetable system visits corresponding performance information bag (see figure 2) to pointer D2.The timetable system four hours the piece zero-time (12 noon) be added in the time migration of each performance in the performance information bag, to determine current performance in broadcasting.Then, from the performance information bag, retrieve the information of this performance.Retrieved message comprises title, main description, secondary description and VCR+PLUSCODE.The data of all performance that after selected performance, take place of pointing to by D2 in the timetable system retrieval performance packets of information.The information of all performance of being pointed to by pointer E2-L2 in the packets of information is performed in retrieval then.

Inner channel also is used for channel map is indexed, and sees Fig. 6.Specifically, inner channel is used for pulling out assigned sourcechannel ID channel 6 and shows for guides.Inner channel also is used for call letters figure is indexed, and sees Fig. 7.Specifically, inner channel is used for pulling out station identifying call letters letter w WOR and shows for guide.All information from the performance information bag, channel map and call letters figure are used to create formative line of text, show in the guide.

3. the user asks a program classification guide (PCG), and selected classification is " MOVIE (film) ", and the current time is 10:30 in the morning.

When the user asks a PCG obtaining when broadcasting the information of the TV show in the appointment classification that maybe will broadcast, (10:30 in the morning) at first reads the current time from microprocessor clock in the timetable system.The timetable system determines those guides corresponding with the current time in the time list (see figure 4) of setting up in advance then.Because the current time is 10:30 in the morning, the 3rd pointer (this pointer is corresponding to the data of 8.00am to 12.00 pm) of each channel will be sought by the timetable system: channel 1-C1, and channel 2-C2, channel 3-C3 ..., channel N-CN.

For each pointer, the timetable system visits corresponding performance information bag, sees Fig. 3.The timetable system verifies classification position in each SIP head section to determine whether comprise a classification (film) in this SIP.If in this SIP, comprise one " film ", then the timetable system four hours the piece zero-time (point in the mornings 8) be added in the time migration of each performance in this performance information bag to determine the current performance of broadcasting on that channel.If current performance is " film ", then from this performance information bag, retrieve information about this performance.Retrieved message comprises title, main description, secondary description and VCR+PLUSCODE.

The timetable system increases thecurrent time 5 minutes (10:35) and this SIP bag is repeated said process then.Clock increases by 5 minutes again and repeats this process, is in the end of this four hours pieces, i.e. 12 noon until clock.The timetable system visits all remaining pointer: D1-DN in a similar manner then, E1-EN ..., AO1-AON, and to containing all performance extraction relevant informations of classification " film ".

4. the operator asks all title guides (TG) with the program title of letter " Z " beginning, and the current time is 10:30 in the morning.

When the user ask a TG with obtain about broadcast maybe will broadcast with the information of the TV show of specifying beginning of letter the time, (10:30 in the morning) at first reads the current time from microprocessor clock in the timetable system.The timetable system determines those pointers corresponding with the current time in the time list (see figure 4) of setting up in advance then.Because the current time is 10:30 in the morning, the 3rd pointer (this pointer is corresponding to the data of 8.00am to 12.00 pm) of each channel will be sought by the timetable system: channel 1-C1, and channel 2-C2, channel 3-C3 ..., channel N-CN.

For each pointer, the timetable system visits corresponding performance information bag, sees Fig. 2.The timetable system verifies the corresponding position of each SIP Duan Zhongyu program title first letter (FLPT), to determine whether to exist coupling.If a performance contains " Z ", then the timetable system four hours the piece zero-time (point in the mornings 8) be added in the time migration of each performance in this performance information bag to determine the current performance of broadcasting on that channel.If current performance then retrieves the information about this performance with " Z " beginning from this performance information bag.Retrieved message comprises title, main description, secondary description and VCR+PLUSCODE.

The timetable system increases thecurrent time 5 minutes (10:35) and this SIP bag is repeated said process then.Clock increases by 5 minutes again and repeats this process, is in the end of this four hours pieces, i.e. 12 noon until clock.The timetable system visits all remaining pointer: D1-DN in a similar manner then, E1-EN ..., AO1-AON, and to containing all performance extraction relevant informations (*) of classification " film ".

Does 5. the user ask a selected program ZOPRO " when also to have " (WE) to show (promptly also to broadcast ZORRO when?), the current time is 10:30 in the morning.

When the user asks a WE when obtaining the information about a selected TV show, (10:30 in the morning) at first reads the current time from microprocessor clock in the timetable system.The timetable system determines those pointers corresponding with the current time in the time list (see figure 4) of setting up in advance then.Because the morning current time 10:30, the 3rd pointer (this pointer is corresponding to the data of 8.00am to 12.00 pm) of each channel will be sought by the timetable system: channel 1-C1, channel 2-C2, channel 3-C3 ..., channel N-CN.

For each pointer, the timetable system visits corresponding performance information bag, sees Fig. 2.The timetable system will compare to determine whether to exist coupling from the FLPT position of selected program and the FLPT position of this SIP head section.If there is coupling, timetable system sense data and should perform title and compare with selecting to perform from SIP then.

Clock increases by 5 minutes and also repeats this process, is in the end of this four hours pieces, i.e. 12 noon until clock.The timetable system visits all remaining pointer: D1-DN in a similar manner then, E1-EN ..., AO1-AON, and show all couplings, comprise the channel of this performance and the date and the time of broadcasting.

Forbid channel

Array of controls (Fig. 7) provides the ability of sealing for channel displayed.Seal a channel and can forbid that this channel shows in a timetable system, so this channel will not be the part of TISPG, CSPG or CG.

As the user selected one not during channel displayed, the show label in array of controls is by reset.When the user of timetable system asked a program guide to show, this timetable system at first verified array of controls and then carries out the processing of the time list of foundation in advance.If by reset then that channel is not carried out any other processing, and the timetable system continues next channel to this array of controls of a specified channel.If the user will select that channel for show that then the timetable system comes into force this change when creating a program guide next time again in processing thereafter.

Array of controls also can be used for the data of the selected channel of forbidden storage.For example, a TV program schedule system will verify this array of controls before the data of storage specified channel.If this array of controls contains " 0 " to a specified channel then will not store the data corresponding with this channel.Note that the channel demonstration that can be under an embargo like that as described above, but not necessarily seal storage.

Record

When the user selected a program for record, the timetable system deposited the zero-time of the channel of selected program and program in record queue, sees Fig. 9.The program zero-time is the skew that comprises in the performance information bag to be added to calculated on the piece zero-time in corresponding four hours.

When increasing new clauses and subclauses, record queue is formation in chronological order just.This ordering helps periodically registering the record order of zero-time to determine that the next one will be carried out of first performance in the formation.The address of formation can easily be visited, because it is stored in static zones 300.After a performance was recorded, the next one performance in the formation moved on to the starting position of formation.

Claims (3)

1. the method for a display of television programmes information comprises the steps:

Store electrons performance guide information in electronic memory comprises title, zero-time and the regional channel name of each TV programme;

Storage one channel map in electronic memory, it links channel name and this machine channel;

Select on the specific screen guide for showing;

Retrieval requested electronic program guides (EPG) information to show guide on the selected screen, comprises title, zero-time and regional channel name from electronic memory;

Retrieve this machine channel from electronic memory, it links with each the regional channel name that retrieves from electronic memory;

As guide on the selected screen, show the title, zero-time, regional channel name and this machine channel that retrieve.

2. the method for claim 1 also comprises: transmit the step of EPG information in the VBI of the broadcast singal of this regional broadcast, the step of storage EPG information comprises downloads the broadcast singal EPG information that is sent from VBI.

3. the method for claim 2, also comprise: the step that in the VBI of broadcast singal, sends the channel map of a plurality of geographic areas, the storing step of the channel map that channel name and this machine channel are linked comprises from VBI download channels figure, and it can be applicable to the step display that we finish.

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