CN1254092C

CN1254092C - System and method for displaying a summary menu of stored user profiles

Info

Publication number: CN1254092C
Application number: CNB028056698A
Authority: CN
Inventors: C·R·约翰逊; A·E·斯图尔特; M·A·基菲尔; D·W·兰达尔
Original assignee: RCA Licensing Corp
Current assignee: Thomson Licensing SAS; RCA Licensing Corp
Priority date: 2001-02-28
Filing date: 2002-02-28
Publication date: 2006-04-26
Anticipated expiration: 2022-02-28
Also published as: WO2002069630A3; EP1436985A2; MXPA03007736A; JP2004529540A; KR20030078940A; WO2002069630A2; KR100869532B1; JP4880189B2; CN1502206A

Abstract

A method for controlling viewing of television programs comprising storing user profile records comprising fields having values in a memory; providing a user interface having a list of the stored user profile records; and upon user command, displaying a stored user profile record in summary form in the user interface. Preferably, the user command comprises highlighting a stored user profile record in the list, resulting in the values of the highlighted stored user profile record being displayed in summary form in the user interface.

Description

The system and method that shows the summary menu of stored user profile

Invention field

The present invention relates to the field that father and mother control television system, relate in particular to editor, produce and the system and method that shows relevant therewith user profiles (profi1e).

Background of invention

Because the progress of cable TV, direct satellite system and other TV program broadcasting system, the televiewer has a large amount of programs to select.Owing to reasons such as content, violence, language, nudes, manyly in these programs all be not suitable for children or minor spectators watch.Therefore, there are children or teenage spectators' father and mother can wish that these programs are not seen by specific spectators in the family.

Except forbidding some program, father and mother can wish to watch the custom of TV to carry out extra restriction to children, comprising: (1) allows niche audience at weekend or watch TV how long on ordinary days; (2) niche audience is to each program or can spend every month the expense on the pay-per-view TV programme what are; (3) whether niche audience should visit certain specific channel; And (4) at weekend or on ordinary days niche audience can watch the hourage of satellite television programming.Because father and mother can not always supervise children and/or teenage spectators in the family, therefore developed complicated system and helped father and mother and realize their desirable control.

Many electronic program guides (EPG) systems that all use in this type systematic comprise their hardware, software and download and storage capacity.EPG shows on a kind of interactively screen, is equivalent to the list of television programmes that can see on local newspaper or publication.EPG can provide the nearly 20 kinds of different kinds of information about each program in the time that it limited.In a typical EPG system, the electronics main frame is used to store the record corresponding to the TV programme that is about in the time limit at EPG broadcast.It is unique program identification data that each record comprises for a specific TV programme that is about to broadcast.These program identification data can comprise program title, time started, concluding time, duration, classification, remaining time, content, price, theme, exercise question, performer, author, operating room, awards, keyword, issuing date, director and brief introduction.By deleting the program recording that has before transmitted and As time goes on increasing the soon new record of the TV programme of broadcast of EPG in the time limit, these records can periodically be upgraded.

At United States Patent (USP) 5,515, in 106, Chaney has described the necessary packet structure of realization EPG system.The design of this packet structure can send to receiving system such as TV to channel information (as channel name, catchword, channel, type etc.) and the program identification information (as content, title, classification, protagonist, time, price etc.) relevant with program from the supplier in program guide data storehouse effectively.

Parental control system usually is combined in the EPG system, and they use identical hardware, software and the storage EPG program recording that makes things convenient for father and mother to control.These systems utilize the notion of user profiles and make father and mother control and become possibility.In the parental control system that uses user profiles, father and mother set up user profiles for niche audience.When setting a specific user profile, father and mother can set up the user's relevant with this user profiles television-viewing restriction.It is to be stipulated by the restriction that father and mother set in this specific user profile that this user watches the scope of TV.In these systems, in order to watch TV, the user must " login " user for being set.Therefore, in order to carry out various restriction, parental control system will be programmed, and to carry out the restriction relevant with this user profiles, not only can seal some program or channel, and can follow the tracks of and write down the statistical information that this user watches TV.Parental control system is analyzed the enforcement that current ability of depositing the EPG record data of program can partly help above-mentioned target.

In existing parental control system, if system owner's (being father and mother) selects a new profile to carry out all possible restriction, he or she will have to produce a plurality of settings so, comprise: the restriction of setting up movie ratings restriction, tv parental guidelines restriction, DSLVFV content; Determine whether to allow view content also not carry out the program of classification; Set up the cost restriction of each incident and every month cost restriction; The maximum duration of setting up weekend or can watching program on ordinary days; Set up weekend or can watch the hourage of satellite radio television program on ordinary days; And the channel list (will surpass 200 channels at present) that determines whether to forbid or to allow some specific channel of visit in order to foundation.

Be applicable to the user interface that produces new user profiles by visit, system owner can produce a new user profiles.The user interface that is used to produce new user profiles generally includes a plurality of users button is set.In case select a user that button is set, then the corresponding screen of button be set and be displayed on the user interface with this user.Each user is provided with button and has a relative independent screen.Each screen has and the above-mentioned relevant one or more data entry fields of one of restriction of watching.By input variable in these fields, system owner can set the watch restriction relevant with these fields.In case system owner visits desirable restriction screen and in the data field of hope input value, he or she just can be saved in user profiles in the nonvolatile storage of this locality so.

But system owner is in some or all the setting set in the stored user profile of desired modifications again subsequently.If system owner determines that he or she is modified in any setting of setting in the stored user profile, then the owner of system will visit the user interface that is used to edit the stored user profile.There is a user name tabulation at this interface, corresponding one of them the stored user profile of each name.In order to estimate the setting that whether needs to revise a specific user, system owner must know the Set For Current of this specific user profile.But in existing parental control system, it is exactly to select with the corresponding name of this user profiles and at each the restriction screen (as mentioned above) relevant with this profile of visit subsequently that system owner watches the unique channel of stored user profile setting.Therefore, in order to determine whether to need to revise specific setting, system owner must take much time and visit each restriction screen.And system owner usually can find that after having visited these restriction screens the Set For Current on these screens does not need to change.This has equaled to waste system owner's time and efforts.

In addition, user profiles also can be stored user's personal settings, as identity, this guide of used default guide how to be classified, colored settings, translucent setting, animation setting, the setting of reading setting and whether starting or not starting " help " information.The generation of these attributes of user profiles and edit mode are similar to the generation and the edit mode of father and mother's control setting.Therefore, the same with editor father and mother's control setting, equally also there is the problem of losing time in editor's personal settings.Therefore need can quick check stored user profile setting, comprise father and mother's control setting and personal settings.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is intended to solve these and other above-mentioned problem, and a scheme of the present invention is a kind of method of watching TV programme that is used to control, and comprises step: storing user profile record in memory, and this record comprises the field with numerical value; The user interface of the tabulation with stored user profile record is provided; And according to user command, then the form with summary shows the user profile record of being deposited on user interface.

User command is highlighted demonstration stored user profile record in this tabulation preferably, thereby is created in the numerical value of the stored user profile record of the highlighted demonstration that shows with the summary form on the user interface.

In addition, this method preferably also comprises step: according to second user command, then visit second user interface, to be used to edit the value of the stored user profile record that is shown.

These fields can be one or more father and mother's control fields.One or more father and mother's control fields preferably can be to select from classification restriction, viewing time restriction, costs constraints, user profiles lock-out state and the qualification group that channel constituted.These fields also can be one or more personal settings fields.It preferably can be to select from the group that default guide, guide classification, color schemes, translucent, animation, reading of data and information help to be constituted that a people or a plurality of people are provided with field.

User profile record shows on user interface with the form of summary that preferably its form is at the other demonstration of the title numerical value corresponding to field.

In another scheme, the present invention a kind ofly is used for control and watches the TV Festival destination device, comprising: the memory that is used for storing user profile record; User interface is used to show the tabulation of stored user profile record and the summary of the Set For Current that the stored user profile writes down; The device that is used for inputting user command; In case and user input commands wherein, then the summary of the Set For Current of stored user profile record is displayed on the user interface.

User command is highlighted demonstration stored user profile record in this tabulation preferably, thereby is created in the summary of Set For Current of the stored user profile record of the highlighted demonstration that shows on the user interface.

In addition, this device preferably also comprises and is used for being chosen in the stored user profile record that user interface summarizes and visits second user interface to revise the device that the stored user profile corresponding with selected user profile name writes down.In this embodiment, second user interface preferably includes the device of preserving the user profile record of revising in memory.

At last, this device preferably also comprises processor device, is used to receive user command; From memory, obtain stored user profile record and produce corresponding display information with the summary form; Reception stored user profile writes down and it is made amendment; And a user profiles of revising is stored in the memory.

The accompanying drawing summary

Figure 1 shows that according to the present invention can the process user order and the schematic representation of apparatus of explicit user interface screen.

But Figure 2 shows that the schematic diagram of the device for processing digital video of according to the present invention process user order and explicit user interface screen.

Fig. 3 is the schematic diagram of the particular of device shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 shows that the figured display module of user interface with the prior art that is used to select the stored user profile that to edit.

Figure 5 shows that and have the figured display module that is used to the user interface of editing the stored user profile or producing new user profiles.

Figure 6 shows that figured display module with the user interface that is used for the stored user profile that selection will be edited according to the present invention.

Figure 7 shows that with simplified form and show the method flow diagram that the stored user profile is provided with.

Detailed Description Of The Invention

In order to understand the present invention, how the interpre(ta)tive system owner produces with the compiles user profile and is very important in detail.

Figure 5 shows that display module 11, comprise viewing area 18, the explicit user interface 500 therein.Display module 11 links to each other with an electronics main frame, and this electronics main frame has nonvolatile storage, microprocessor and relevant input command module (not shown).User interface 500 can be used for producing new user profiles or edit the user profiles of storing as record of having set up in nonvolatile storage.

User interface 500 comprises title button 501, duplicate button 502, channel list button 503, classification limit button 504, viewing time button 505, costs constraints button 506 and locking user button 507 are set.User interface 500 also comprises controlled area 508.When any one button 501-507 of the highlighted demonstration of the owner of system, appear at controlled area 508 with the corresponding screen of the button of highlighted demonstration.Each screen has the field that can accept by the owner of system input value.The numerical value of being imported in these fields by the owner of system has constituted the various settings/restriction of the user profiles that is produced: comprise user ID, movie ratings restriction, tv parental guidelines restriction; Whether allow to watch its content also not carry out the program of classification; The costs constraints of each incident and every month costs constraints; Weekend or the maximum duration that can watch program on ordinary days; Weekend or can watch the hourage of satellite radio television program on ordinary days; Be used to determine whether to forbid or to allow the channel list of some specific channel of visit; And whether lock user profiles.

When the owner of system finished the input of data in these fields after, he or she was with can be numerical value/be provided as user profile record to be saved in the nonvolatile storage.The storage user profile record comprise with can set watch the restriction corresponding a plurality of fields.It in each field the correlation values of with user interface 500 reciprocations the time, importing by the owner of system.

In case user profile record is stored in the nonvolatile storage, login will be subjected to the restriction of the restrictive condition set up as the user relevant with this user profiles on television system.But system owner also may determine him or she to want to revise/edit some that set up in later time in user profiles and watch restriction.

Figure 4 shows that the interface that is used for selecting the prior art of the user profiles of having set up that will edit according to the method for prior art.Display module 11 comprises the viewing area 18 with user interface 400.System owner is by starting the calling party interface 400 in order to the option (as starting this option by select or press button in the input command module in a different user interface) of the user profiles of editing current foundation.User interface 400 comprises user profiles edit cell 401-405.Each user profiles edit cell 401-405 comprises as mentioned above the title as the user profiles of the previous generation of recorded and stored in nonvolatile storage.Equally, user profiles edit cell 401-405 forms the tabulation of all user profile record of having deposited that formerly produced by the owner of system effectively.

If system owner knows the setting of his or she desired modifications specific user profile, then highlighted demonstration of the owner of this system and selection and the corresponding user profiles edit cell of stored user profile 401-405.In case selected a discrete cell 401-05, then the user interface of Fig. 5 is displayed on the display module 11.Visit the shown user interface of Fig. 5 simultaneously with the owner of system, microprocessor obtains to be associated with the respective field of the screen that relates to button 501-507 (Fig. 5) with the corresponding user profile record of selected unit 401-405 and the record value of preserving.Therefore, in case the owner of system visits one of the screen relevant with button 501-507 (Fig. 4), then these fields comprise the numerical value of formerly being imported at user profiles by the owner of system.These numerical value can be encoded and preserve subsequently, and its mode is similar to the above-mentioned processing that is used to produce new user profiles.

But, when using the interface of prior art shown in Figure 4, if owing to the uncertain explicit value that he or she imports in these fields of the owner of system be can not determine his or she whether some value of desired modifications user profiles, then the owner of system must visit the interface of Fig. 4, the user profiles that selection will be edited, the visit Fig. 5 the interface and subsequently the visit with the generation this user profiles each relevant screen of restriction.System owner has only the storing value (being the user profiles setting) that just can browse to specific user profile in this way.This need take a large amount of time and efforts of the owner of system.This problem can solve by the present invention who hereinafter goes through.

Figure 1 shows that the schematic diagram of an apparatus according to the invention, this device is used for the user interface screen of process user order, displayed map 5-6 and carries out the search of the program-guide record of depositing.This device can treatment of simulated ntsc television signal, can handle internet information again.Device shown in Figure 1 has first input 1100 of the TV signal RF_IN that is used to receive under the RF frequency, and second input 1102 that is used to receive base-band television signal VIDEO_IN.Signal RF_IN can be by providing such as antenna or the such signal source of wired system, and signal VIDEO_IN can be by providing such as video cassette recorder (VCR).Tuner 1105 and IF processor 1130 are operated in a conventional manner, are used for tuning reconciliation and stealthily substitute and be contained in the particular television signal of signal RF_IN.IF processor 1130 produces expression by the baseband video signal VIDEO of the video frequency program of tuning TV signal part.IF processor 1130 also produces base-band audio signal, and this signal and the coupling of Audio Processing part (not shown in figure 1) are so that make further Audio Processing.Although Fig. 1 is expressed as baseband signal to input 1102, television receiver can comprise second tuner and the IF processor that is similar to

unit

1105 and 1130, is used for producing second baseband video signal by signal RF_IN or the 2nd RF signal source.

System shown in Figure 1 also comprises master microprocessor (mP) 1110, is used to control the parts of television receiver, as tuner 1105, picture-in-picture processing unit 1140, video signal preprocessor 1155 and StarSight ^TMData processing module 1160.At this, various devices represented in term " microprocessor ", includes but not limited to microprocessor, microcomputer, microcontroller and controller.The I that microprocessor 1110 is known by use ²The serial data bus I of C serial data bus agreement ²C BUS sends and reception is ordered and data are come control system.Specifically, by the order that the response user provides by IR remote controller 1125 and IR receiver 1122, the central processing unit (CPU) 1112 in the mP1110 is carried out the control program that is kept in the memory, and memory can be EEPROM1127 shown in Figure 1.For example, the startup of " CHANNEL UP " feature on the remote controller 1125 makes CPU1112 pass through I to " changing channel " order with channel data ²C BUS sends to tuner 1105.Thus, tuner 1105 tuning next channel in channel scan list.Another example that is stored in the control program among the EEPROM1127 is the software according to operation shown in the execution graph 5-6 of the present invention and 7 (block diagram form) that will be described below.

Master microprocessor 1110 is also controlled the operation of communications interface unit 1113, uploads ability with download message to provide at the Internet.Communications interface unit 1113 comprises the modulator-demodulator that is connected with the Internet Service Provider through telephone wire or catv line.Except receiving television broadcasting program, this communication capacity allows system shown in Figure 1 that e-mail capability and the feature relevant with the Internet are provided, as network browsing.

CPU1112 is contained in function in the mP1110 by 1119 controlling packet of the bus among the mP1110.Particularly, CPU1112 control assistance data processor 1115 and screen are gone up and are shown (OSD) processor 1117.Assistance data processor 1115 is extracted auxiliary data from vision signal PIPV, as StarSight ^TMData.

The StarSight of program guide data information is provided with a kind of known format ^TMData only receive on a specific TV channel usually, and necessary tuning this channel of television receiver is to extract StarSight ^TMData.In order to prevent to extract StarSight ^TMThe normal use of interfering TV receiver during data, CPU1112 only when television receiver is not worked (as 2:00 AM) just tuning this specific channel start StarSight ^TMThe extraction of data.At this moment, CPU1112 configuration decoder 1115 is so that from being used as StarSight ^TMThe such horizontal line of the 16th row of data is extracted auxiliary data at interval.CPU1112 controls from decoder 1115 through I ²C BUS is to StarSight ^TMThe StarSight that extracts of module 1160 ^TMThe transmission of data.The processor format of this inside modules is also stored in the memory of these data in this module.By responding the StarSight that is started ^TMEPG shows (pressing particular key on the remote controller 125 as the user), CPU1112 formative EPG video data from StarSight ^TMModule 1160 is through I ²C BUS is sent to osd processor 1117.

Osd processor 1117 is operated in a conventional manner, to produce R, G and B vision signal OSD_RGB, when this vision signal and the coupling of display unit (not shown), will produce the display image of expression information displayed on screen, and this will be described according to Fig. 5-7 subsequently.Osd processor 1117 also produces control signal Fast-Switch (FSW), and this signal is used to be controlled at screen and goes up when showing the quick conversion of signal OSD_RGB insertion system video output signals.Therefore, when the user starts will be in the of the present invention various user interface screen of describing subsequently the time, osd processor 1117 produce expression previous in memory 1127 the corresponding signal OSD_RGB of the information displayed on screen of storage or programming.For example, when the user started EPG by pressing particular switch on the remote controller 1125, CPU1112 started processor 1117.In response, processor 1117 produces the signal OSD_RGB of the previous as mentioned above program guide data information of storing and extracting of expression in memory.Processor 1117 also produces the signal FSW when expression shows EPG.

Video signal preprocessor (VSP) 1155 is carried out traditional vision signal processing capacity, handles as brightness and colourity.The output signal that is produced by VSP1155 is fit to and the display unit coupling that produces display image, as picture tube or LCD (not shown in figure 1).VSP1155 also is included in the signal that when comprising figure and/or text in the display image osd processor 1117 is produced and is coupled to the high-speed switch in outputting video signal path.This high-speed switch is by the control signal FSW control of will videotex and/or producing at the osd processor 1117 of master microprocessor 1110 during figure.

The input signal of VSP1155 is the signal PIPV that is exported by picture-in-picture (PIP) processor 1140.When the user started the PIP pattern, signal PIPV was illustrated in the big picture (big image) that has wherein inserted a little picture (little image).When not starting the PIP pattern, signal PIPV only represents big image, does not promptly comprise little picture signal in signal PIPV.PIP processor 1140 uses and is included in the feature in the unit 1140 and described function, unit 1140 are provided in a conventional manner can be video switch, analog-digital converter (ADC), RAM and D-A converter (DAC).

As mentioned above, be included in the video data of EPG in showing and produce, and respond quick switching signal FSW by VSP1155 and be comprised in the output signal by osd processor 1117.When controller 1110 detects EPG and show to start, for example when the user presses the suitable key of on the remote controller 1125 one, controller 1110 will make osd processor 1117 by use from StarSight ^TMThe information such as program guide data of module 1100 produces EPG and shows.Controller 1110 makes VSP1155 combine EPG video data and video signal from osd processor 1117 by response message FSW, comprises the demonstration of EPG with generation.EPG can take the whole of viewing area or a part wherein.

When EPG showed startup, controller 1110 was carried out the EPG control program that is stored among the EEPROM1127.This control program monitors the position of the finger URL in the EPG demonstration, as cursor and/or highlighted demonstration.User use a teleswitch the direction on 1125 and the position of options button control finger URL.In addition, this system can comprise mouse.Controller 1110 detects the startup of choice device, as the button of clicking the mouse, and the current cursor position information of EPG data evaluation that combination shows is to determine desirable function, as tuning specific program.Controller 1110 starts the control action relevant with selected feature subsequently.

Processing and demonstration according to program guide of the present invention can use the combination of software and hardware to carry out.For example, with reference to figure 1, the demonstration of EPG can be by carrying out such as the software in the such memory of EEPROM1127.The pushbutton enable EPG relevant with EPG that the user presses on the remote controller 1125 will make CPU1112 carry out the EPG software program.As producing the part that EPG shows, CPU1112 is access EPG data and figure also, and these data and figure can be through I ²C BUS stores StarSight into ^TMIn the module 1160.Under the control of memory EPG software program, CPU1112 starts osd processor 1117 in EEPROM1127, and this processor turns to the EPG data format form that is suitable for producing the OSD that represents EPG data and figure.The osd data that osd processor 1117 produces is through holding wire OSD_RGB and video signal preprocessor (VSP) 1155 couplings.High-speed switch among the VSP1155 is coupled to the output of VSP1155 at following EPG osd data of the control of signal FSW.That is to say that the software program of being carried out by CPU1112 determines when demonstration EPG data (for example, which part of this demonstration) and signal FSW is set at suitable state, so that this high-speed switch is coupled to this output to the EPG data.

The example embodiment of the feature of described system shown in Figure 1 so far comprises: the ST9296 microprocessor by SGS-Thomson Microelectronics produces is used to the feature that provides relevant with Mp1110; By the M65616 picture-in-picture processor that Mitsubishi produces, be used to provide the described basic PIP function relevant with PIP processor 1140; And, be used to provide the function of VSP1155 by the LA7612 video signal preprocessor that Sanyo produces.

Figure 2 shows that another example according to device of the present invention, this device can the process user order, the user interface screen of displayed map 5-6 and carry out the search of the program-guide record of depositing.As described below, device shown in Figure 2 is a mpeg compatible system, is used to receive the mpeg encoded transport stream of expression broadcast TV program.But the system shown in Fig. 2 is an example.User interface system described here also is applicable to the digital signal processing device of other type, comprises non-mpeg compatible system, relates to the encoded data stream of other type.For example, other device comprises digital video disk (DVD) system and mpeg program stream, and computer and TV functions are combined the system that is called " PCTV ".In addition, although following system is described to handle broadcast TV program, this is an example.Term " program " is used to represent the packing data of arbitrary form, as phone information, computer program, internet data or other communication information.

In a word, in video receiver system shown in Figure 2, handle by antenna 10 receptions and by unit 15 with the carrier wave of video data modulation.Consequent digital output signal is by demodulator 20 demodulation and by decoder 30 decodings.The output of decoder 30 is handled from the order of remote controller 125 by response by transfer system 25.System 25 provides packed data output so that store, further decode or communicate by letter with other device.

Video and

audio decoder

85 and 80 are decoded respectively from the output of packed data to be provided for showing of system 25.FPDP 75 provides the interface of using to the signal post such as the packed data of other such device of computer or high definition TV (HDTV) receiver from system 25.Storage device 90 stores the packed data from system 25 in the storage medium 105 into.Device 90 retrievals of under replay mode, also supporting from the packed data of storage medium 105, so that the processing of system 25, decoding, or with other device communication or be stored on the different storage medium (for the reason of simplifying accompanying drawing and not shown).

In Fig. 2, the carrier wave of the video data modulation that receives with antenna 10 is converted into digital form and is handled by input processor 15.Processor 15 comprises radio frequency (RF) tuner and intermediate frequency (IF) frequency mixer and amplifying stage, to be used for the incoming video signal down converted making it be fit to be for further processing to lower frequency band.Consequent digital output signal is by demodulator 20 demodulation and by decoder 30 decodings.The output of decoder 30 is for further processing by transfer system 25.

The multiplexer of service detectors 33 (mux) 37 is through the output of selector 35 Rcv decoders 30, and perhaps the output of decoder 30 is for further processing by descrambling unit 40.Descrambling unit 40 can be a removable unit, as smart card according to ISO 7816 and NRSS (national renewable safety standard) committee's standard (at EIA Draft Document IS-679, the removable conditional access system of the NRSS that defines among the ProjectPN-3639).Selector 35 detect can insert can compatible descrambling card existence, and have only when this card is inserted in the video receiver unit and just the output of unit 40 offered multiplexer 37.Otherwise selector 35 offers multiplexer 37 to the output of decoder 30.But insert plug-in card and then allow the additional charge program channel of unit 40 descramblings, and provide additional program service to spectators.Should be pointed out that in a preferred embodiment the interface that NRSS unit 40 and intelligent card unit 130 (intelligent card unit 130 subsequent discussions) are shared same system 25 like this, once then can only insert one of NRSS card or smart card.But, interface also can be set respectively to allow operation repetitive.

The form that offers the data of multiplexer 37 from selector 35 is the packing transmitting data stream such as the mpeg compatible of definition mpeg system standard the 2.4th joint, and these data comprise the data content of performance guide information and one or more program channels.Each packet that comprises particular program channel is discerned by Packet Identifier (PID).This transport stream comprises that program specific information (PSI) is used to discern PID and makes up each packet, comprises the content of all program channels of packetized datastream with recovery.Under the control of system controller 115, transmission system 25 obtains from Internet Service Provider's input transport stream and the comparison performance guide information from storage device 90 or through communications interface unit 116.Comprise in the particular program channel that each packet of performance guide information perhaps discerned by their Packet Identifier (PID) that comprises header message.As mentioned above, the program introduction that is included in the performance guide information can comprise the difference description aspect that relates to a program, as title, protagonist, classification etc.

The user interface that is combined in the video receiver shown in Figure 2 can allow the user pass through showing on the screen that the desirable feature of selection starts various feature on (OSD) menu.The OSD menu can comprise aforesaid electronic program guides (EPG) and further feature discussed below.

The data that are illustrated in the information that shows in the OSD menu are produced by showing (OSD) information, the performance guide information of being deposited and/or the program guide and the text/graphics information that receive through input signal as mentioned above on the screen that responds the expression text/graphics of being deposited by system controller 115, it is based on the typical control program shown in Fig. 5-7, and will discuss hereinafter.Software control procedure can be stored in (not shown) in the embedding memory of system controller 115.

The user uses a teleswitch 125, and (or other choice device, as mouse) can be selected in the OSD menu item, as the program of selecting to see, the program (as record) that will deposit, the type and the storage mode of storage medium.System controller 115 uses the selection information that provides through interface 120 to come configuration-system 25, with the program of selecting to be used to store and show, and produces the PSI that is suitable for selected storage device and medium.Numerical value by the control register within the

element

45,47,50,55,65 and 95 in the system 25 is set through data/address bus also utilizes control signal C to select signal paths, these elements in controller 115 configuration-systems 25 through

multiplexer

37 and 110.

By responsive control signal C, the transport stream that multiplexer 37 is selected from unit 35 perhaps under replay mode, is selected to flow from storage device 90 data retrieved through memory interface 95.Usually, in non-replay operations, comprise that the user selects the packet of the program watched to utilize their PIP to discern by selected cell 45.If the encryption indicator in the header data of selected program bag represents that packet is encrypted, then unit 45 offers decrypting device 50 to packet.Otherwise unit 45 provides the unencrypted packet to transmission decoder 55.Similarly, comprise that the user selects the packet of the program stored to utilize their PID to discern by selected cell 47.Unit 47 provides encrypted packets to decrypting device 50 according to bag stem encryption indicator information, perhaps the clear data bag is offered multiplexer 110.

Decipher

40 and 50 function can be by carrying out with the single removable smart card of NRSS operating such.This method is that all functions relevant with fail safe are all placed a removable unit, also can change this card at an easy rate if the service supplier determines to change encryption technology, perhaps allows to change at an easy rate safety system, the service different as descrambling.

Unit

45 and 47 adopts PIP detection filter devices, and the PID of the input packet that it provides multiplexer 37 and the pid value that is contained in advance by controller 115 in the control register of

unit

45 and 47 are complementary.The PID of prepackage is used in

unit

47 and 45, wants stored packet and wants decoded so that the packet of video image to be provided with identification.The PID of prepackage is stored in the check table of unit 45 and 47.The PID check table is the memory that is mapped to the key list of

unit

45 and 47, and

unit

45 and 47 is associated these keys with the PID of each prepackage.Storage Mapping PID and key check table allow

unit

45 and 47 to be complementary comprising the encrypted packets of pre-installing PID and the association key that allows their deciphering.The clear data bag does not have

association key.Unit

45 and 47 both provided the packet that is identified, and provided their relevant keys to decipher 50 again.PID check table in the unit 45 also is the memory that is mapped to the purpose table, and its is complementary comprising the packet of pre-installing PID and the corresponding purpose buffer position in the datagram buffer 60.These keys purpose buffer position address relevant with the program of selecting to watch with the user or store is pre-loaded in

unit

45 and 47 with the PID of controller 115 appointments.Key is produced by the password that extracts from input traffic by the smart card system 130 of ISO7816-3 compatibility.The generation of key has been passed through the determined client's mandate of the coded message in the input traffic and/or has been contained in advance and can insert smart card itself central (interface and the signal structure of the file ISO7816-3 of International Standards Organization definition smart card system in 1989).

The packet that

unit

45 and 47 provides uses such as the encryption technology of federal information standard (FIPS) announcement 46, the 74 and 81 defined data encryption standards (DES) that provide in the technical information service of country of Department of Commerce and encrypts.Unit 50 is suitable for the decryption technology of selected cryptographic algorithm by application and utilizes

unit

45 and 47 corresponding secret key that provided are come the packet of decrypt encrypted.Comprise and show and to be provided to decoder 55 from the decrypted data packet of unit 50 with from the clear data bag of unit 45 with program.Comprise that storage is provided to multiplexer 110 with program from the decrypted data packet of unit 50 with from the clear data bag of unit 45.

Unit 60 comprise four can be by the datagram buffer of controller 115 accesses.The data that the designated preservation controller of one of them buffer 115 uses, and in addition three designated preservations of buffer by

application apparatus

75,80 and 85 employed packets.Controller 115 and application interface 70 accesses are stored in packet in four buffers in the unit 60 by buffer control unit 65 controls.Unit 45 provides the purpose mark of each packet of being discerned by unit 45 so that decoding to unit 65.These marks represent to be identified the destination locations of packet in unit 60, and are stored in the storage inside table by control unit 65.Control unit 65 according to first in first out (FIFO) principle determine be stored in buffer 60 in the relevant a series of read-write pointers of packet.The write pointer that combines with target label allows to store in order on the next empty position in the purpose buffer suitable in unit 60 packet that is identified from unit 45 or 50.Read pointer allows in used suitable purpose buffer of the controller 115 from unit 60 and the application interface 70 sense data bag in order.

Offering the unencryption of decoder 55 and decrypted data packet by

unit

45 and 50 comprises by mpeg system standard 2.4.3.2 and saves defined transmission stem.Decoder 55 determines by this transmission stem whether unencryption and decrypted data packet comprise self adaptation field (each mpeg system standard).This self adaptation field comprises timing information, comprises allowing the timer reference of programs (PCR) that content data packets is synchronous and decode.In case receive the timing information bag, promptly comprise the packet of self adaptation field, by system break is set, decoder 55 is signaled controller 115 packets through an interrupting device and is received.In addition, decoder 55 changes the timing data bag purpose mark in the unit 65 and provides this packet to unit 60.By changing the purpose mark of unit 65, the timing information bag that unit 65 provides decoder 55 is transferred in the unit 60 and specifies on the buffer positions of preserving controller 115 used data, rather than is kept on the application buffer position.

In case receive the system break that decoder 55 is set, then controller 115 reads timing information and PCR value, and is stored in the internal storage.Continuously the PCR value of timing information bag is used for the master clock (27MHz) of regulating system 25 by controller 115.The PCR-based in the time interval between the reception of the continuous timing data bag that produces by controller 115 and be used to the master clock of regulating system 25 based on the difference between the estimation of master clock.Controller 115 is realized this purpose by resulting time being estimated the input control voltage that difference is used to regulate the voltage controlled oscillator that produces master clock.Controller 115 is reseted system break after timing information is stored into internal storage.

Be provided to the appointment application apparatus buffer of bag buffer 60 from decoder 55 by unit 65 from

unit

45 and 50 packets that comprise programme content (comprising audio frequency, video, captions and other information) that receive by decoder 55.Application controls unit 70 is retrieved audio frequency, video, captions and other data in order and these data is offered

application corresponding device

75,80 and 85 from the appointment buffer of buffer 60.These application apparatus comprise Voice ﹠

Video decoder

80 and 85 and high-speed data port 75.For example, the corresponding bag data of composite program guide that produce with above-mentioned controller 115 can be sent to Video Decoder 85, are suitable for video signal displayed on the monitor (not shown) that connects Video Decoder 85 to be formatted as.In addition, for instance, FPDP 75 can be used for providing high-speed data to computer, as computer program.In addition, port 75 can be used for data are outputed to the HDTV decoder, to show and selected program or the corresponding image of program guide.

The packet that comprises PSI information is by unit 45 identifications and be used to the buffer that is used for controller 115 in the unit 60.The

PSI packet

45,50 and 55 is sent to this buffer by unit 65 through the unit, and its mode is similar at the described processing of the packet that comprises programme content.Controller 115 is read PSI from unit 60, and is stored in the internal storage.

Controller 115 also passes through the PSI (CPSI) that the PSI that stored produces compression, and this CPSI is attached in the data flow of packing, stores on the optional storage medium being fit to.Identification of data packets and orientation are managed by controller 115 combining units 45 and unit 47PID, purpose and key check table, and the type of action of control unit 65 as previously mentioned.

In addition, controller 115 is coupled to communications interface unit 116, and this unit is operated in the mode that is similar to interface unit 1113 shown in Figure 1.That is to say that unit 116 provides at the Internet and uploads ability with download message.Communications interface unit 116 comprises through telephone wire or is connected to Internet Service Provider's modulator-demodulator through catv line.Except receiving television broadcasting program, this communication capacity allows system shown in Figure 2 that e-mail function and Internet-related feature are provided, as network browsing.

Fig. 3 is the particular of electronic equipment shown in Figure 2, and in above-detailed.Fig. 3 represents the set-top box of satellite receiver, and design of Thomson Consumer electronics, inc. and production by the U.S. Indianapolis of Indiana State are used to receive the DIRECTV that is provided by Hughes Electronics ^TMSatellite service.

As shown in Figure 3, set-top box has tuner 301, but it receives in the scope of 950-1450Mhz and tuning applied satellite RF signal from satellite antenna 317.Tuning analog signal outputs to link module 302 and is for further processing.Link module 302 is responsible for the further processing of the analog tuner signal I_out and the Q_out of self-tuner 301, comprise the filtering and the adjusting of analog signal, and analog signal is to the conversion of digital output signal, DATA.Link module 302 is implemented as integrated circuit (IC).Link module IC is produced by French SGS-ThomsonMicroelectronics of Grenoble company, and the sequence number of part is ST15339-610.

The data flow that is suitable for packing that can be discerned and handle by delivery unit 303 from the numeral output of link module 302 constitutes.The data flow that goes through in conjunction with Fig. 2 comprises program guide data information and DIRECTV ^TMThe data content of one or more program channels of satellite broadcast service.As mentioned above, program guide data comprises the information relevant with program category (as having only audio frequency, having only video etc.), as indicated by " classification " type.

The function of delivery unit 303 is the same with the function of transfer system 25 shown in Figure 2, and has carried out discussion.As mentioned above, delivery unit 303 is handled the data flow of packing according to the Packet Identifier (PID) that is included in the header message.Processed data flow is formatted as the Voice ﹠ Video packet of the compression of mpeg compatible subsequently, and is coupled to mpeg decoder 304 to be for further processing.

Delivery unit 303 is by senior risc microcontroller (ARM) 315 controls, and it is based on the microprocessor of RISC.Arm processor 315 is carried out the Control Software that is kept among the ROM308.The canonical dissection of this software can be the control program shown in Fig. 5-6, and it is according to a scheme process user interface command of the present invention and show osd information, and this will discuss hereinafter.

Delivery unit 303 is implemented with integrated circuit usually.For example, a preferred embodiment is the IC that SGS-Thomson Microelectronics produces, and part sequence number is ST15273-810 or 15103-65C.

Compressed audio and video packets from the mpeg compatible of delivery unit 303 are sent to mpeg decoder 304.This mpeg decoder decoding is from the mpeg data stream of the compression of delivery unit 303.Decoder 304 is exported applicable audio stream subsequently, and audio stream can be for further processing by audio frequency D-A converter (DAC) 305, thereby digital audio-frequency data is converted to simulated sound.Decoder 304 is also to the applicable digital of digital video data of NTSC encoder 306 outputs, the Pixel Information of its presentation video.NTSC encoder 306 also is treated to this video data the analog video signal of NTSC compatibility subsequently, and like this, video image just can show on the ntsc television screen of routine.Above-mentioned mpeg decoder is implemented with integrated circuit usually.A typical embodiment is the mpeg decoder IC that SGS-Thomson Microelectronics produces, and part sequence number is ST13520.

Osd processor 320 is included in the mpeg processor 304.Osd processor 320 is deposited reading of data the SDRAM316 of osd information from comprising.Osd information is corresponding to bitmap OSD graphic/text image.Osd processor can change the color and/or the translucence of each pixel of OSD image under the control of ARM microprocessor 315.

Under the control of ARM microprocessor 315, osd processor also can be responsible for producing program guide.In this example embodiment, ask to produce the guide demonstration in case detect the user, ARM microprocessor 315 is just handled the program guide data information that is obtained from the data flow that performance guide information supplier provides, and guidance data information is formatted as and " grid guide " corresponding OSD pixel data.Be forwarded to subsequently from the OSD pixel data of delivery unit 303 in the osd processor 320 of mpeg audio/Video Decoder 304 to be used to produce the guide image.

Low speed data port 330 is used to be connected to the IR-Blaster (not shown), is used to control the VCR recorded program.As mentioned above, IR-Blaster is equivalent to the remote-control simulated device of VCR able to programme by satellite receiver control shown in Figure 3 substantially.It is positioned at the front of the VCR distance sensor that has VCR, and according to the timing screen message of user's input, under the control of satellite receiver, in the suitable time, it sends the order such as " ON " and " RECORD ".

The additional corresponding functional block of Fig. 3 comprises modulator-demodulator 307, and this modulator-demodulator is used for access internet corresponding to communications interface unit shown in Figure 2 116.Conditional access module (CAM) 309 is used to provide conditional access information corresponding to the NRSS decrypting device 130 shown in Fig. 2.Wideband data module 310 corresponding high-speed data ports 75 shown in Figure 2 are used to provide high-speed data to HDTV decoder or computer.Keyboard/IR receiver module 312 correspondences Remote Control Interface 120 shown in Figure 2 is used to receive the user control command from user control unit 314.Numeral AV bus module 313 corresponding I/O port ones 00 shown in Figure 2 are used to be connected to external device (ED), as VCR or DVD player.

Figure 7 shows that the high level flow chart according to typical control program of the present invention, it can be carried out by any one device shown in Fig. 1-3, is perhaps carried out by other control device of suitably programming arbitrarily of electronics main frame.At this, term " electronics main frame " is not limited to television receiver or personal computer, but can comprise their assembly (as PCTV), cable television converter box, audiovisual material register (as VCR), satellite television and/or data-signal converter, the program guide receiving element etc. of suitably configuration, and needn't consider whether to be attached in television receiver or the personal computer, also needn't consider whether be outside the connection.Be appreciated that the processing that is embodied can implement in hardware, software or the combination of the two in typical control program.Those of ordinary skills are appreciated that according to the present invention by flow chart and following description, will provide identical substantially feature and advantage by described any one system of Fig. 1-3 or other performed control program of electronics main frame of suitably programming.Therefore, for fear of complicated, will only control program shown in Figure 7 be described below according to the interface shown in exemplary hardware embodiment shown in Figure 2 and Fig. 5 and 6.

Under the control of system controller 115, application interface 70 can produce the user interface shown in Fig. 5 and 6.Fig. 5 and 6 user interface preferably produce (start the particular key on the remote controller 125 or select as the owner of system) by the specific interface that response is started on another user interface.By responding this startup, system controller 115 sends user interface data to application interface 70.Application interface 70 outputs to Video Decoder to corresponding display information subsequently, to be used for showing (Fig. 4) on display module 11.

The step 700 of system controller 115 execution graphs 7, storage comprises the user profiles of the field with numerical value in nonvolatile storage.User profile record is that the details that how to produce and how it stores in the nonvolatile storage is explained in reference to figure 5 described discussion.Therefore, will repeat no more here.

Fig. 6 represents the interface of the previous user profiles that has produced that selection will be edited according to the present invention.Display module 11 comprises the viewing area 18 with user interface 600.User interface 600 comprises user profiles coding unit 601-606, summary menu screen 607, help button 608 and return push-button 609.Each user profiles coding unit 601-606 comprises the title as the user profiles of the previous generation of recorded and stored in nonvolatile storage.User profiles edit cell 601-606 forms the tabulation of all user profile record of having deposited that formerly produced by the owner of system effectively.Therefore, the step 710 of Fig. 7 provides the user interface of the tabulation with stored user profile record.

When using a teleswitch one of 125 highlighted explicit user profile coding unit 601-606, system controller 115 is programmed to obtain from the relevant user profile record of unit 601-606 nonvolatile storage and highlighted demonstration.The step 720 of Fig. 7 obtains the user profile record of selected storage from nonvolatile storage.After the user profile record that obtains selected storage from nonvolatile storage, system controller 115 obtains to be stored in the value in the field that writes down with channel table, classification restriction, viewing time, costs constraints, selected user profile that title is relevant with the user profiles lock-out state.Like this, system controller 115 is finished the step 730 of Fig. 7.

System controller 115 shows the numerical value (step 740 of Fig. 7) of retrieval subsequently with concise and to the point form in summary menu screen 607.Particularly, these data are displayed on and store by the corresponding title of field of numerical value in summary menu screen 607.

By using the user interface of Fig. 6, system owner only makes the summary of user profiles setting the setting of the user profiles of having set occur just can browsing by one of highlighted display unit 601-606.Therefore, but whether the owner of system rapid evaluation needs to revise the setting of any one user profiles.System owner needn't visit the user interface (and wherein each of visit screen is set) subsequently of Fig. 5, and this must do when so assessing in prior art.

Although the above summary of describing the father and mother's control setting that provides user profiles that relates to of the present invention shows that the present invention is not limited to general introduction and shows father and mother's controlling value.The present invention can be used for showing and summarizing the user profiles value of any type, and combination arbitrarily.For example, the present invention can be used for summarizing the personal settings of setting at user profiles, how to classify, colored settings, translucent setting, animation setting, reads setting and whether start or do not start " help " information as identity, the guide of the default guide that will use.The generation of personal settings, editor and storage mode are similar to father and mother's control setting.

And the present invention who summarizes the user profiles of being stored in summary menu is not limited to be used to edit those user interfaces of the user profiles of having set.The present invention can implement on any user interface that has the previous user profiles tabulation that produces.Therefore, the discussion of front only disclosure and description example embodiment of the present invention.One with ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that under the situation that does not deviate from spirit of the present invention or inner characteristic that the present invention can embody with other any specific forms.Therefore, of the present invention open just schematic, and be not the scope of the present invention that will be limited in defined in the following claim.

Claims

1. one kind is used for method that watching of TV programme controlled, comprises the steps:

User profile record is stored in the memory, and described user profile record comprises the field with numerical value;

The user interface of the tabulation with the user profile record of being stored is provided; And

User command is made response, a user profile record in the user profile record of on described user interface, being stored with the form demonstration of summary;

The user profile record of wherein, being stored adopts following form to show that with the form of summary in described form, described numerical value is shown as with the title of described field correspondence adjacent on described user interface.

2. the method for claim 1, wherein said user command comprises: a user profile record in the user profile record of being stored in the described tabulation of highlighted demonstration, thus make the numerical value of the user profile record of being stored of described highlighted demonstration be presented on the described user interface with the summary form.

3. the method for claim 1 comprises: second user command made response, visit second user interface, to edit the numerical value of the shown user profile record of being stored.

4. the method for claim 1, wherein these fields comprise one or more father and mother's control fields.

5. method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said one or more father and mother's control fields are selected from by classification restriction, viewing time restriction, costs constraints, user profiles lock-out state and the group that channel constituted that is under an embargo and can watches.

6. the method for claim 1, wherein these fields comprise one or more personal settings fields.

7. method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said one or more personal settings fields are selected from by default guide, guide classification, color scheme, translucent, animation, extraction and information and help the group that constituted.

8. TV signal receiving apparatus comprises:

Be used to a plurality of individual consumers to store the memory of corresponding a plurality of user profile record;

The processor device that is used to make user interface to be shown with first and second portion, described first comprises and the corresponding a plurality of unit of being stored of a plurality of user profile record; With

Wherein said processor device is presented in the second portion of described user interface the summary of the Set For Current of a user profile record in the user profile record of being stored in response to select the user command of a unit in the described unit in the first of described user interface.

9. TV signal receiving apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said user command comprises: a unit in the first of described user interface in the described unit of highlighted demonstration, thereby make with the summary of Set For Current of the corresponding user profile record of storing in unit of highlighted demonstration be displayed in the second portion of described user interface.

10. TV signal receiving apparatus as claimed in claim 8 also comprises: be used for being chosen in the user profile record of being stored that the second portion of described user interface summarizes and visit second user interface to revise the device of selected user profile record of being stored.

11. as the TV signal receiving apparatus of claim 10, wherein second user interface comprises: the device that is used for the user profile record of being revised is kept at described memory.