JPH09275551A - Broadcast receiver, broadcast reception method, broadcast transmitter, broadcast transmission method, broadcast transmitter/receiver and broadcast transmission reception method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow the broadcast system to make a receiver execute surely at once control information sent by a center station. SOLUTION: In the case of allowing a receiver 5 to execute a prescribed processing, a center station 1 sends a command code taking any value of 0 to 254 while increasing the value by '1'. The receiver 5 stores a storage code taking any of 0 to 254 similarly and compares the received command code with the stored code so as to discriminate whether or not the command code has already been executed. When the command code is not yet executed (the command code differs from the stored code), the processing corresponding to the command code is executed and the stored code is updated by the command code.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a broadcast receiving apparatus, a broadcast receiving method, a broadcast transmitting apparatus, a broadcast transmitting method, a broadcast transmitting / receiving apparatus, and a broadcast transmitting / receiving method, and more particularly, a transmitting side transmits control information to a receiving side. However, the present invention relates to a broadcast receiving apparatus, a broadcast receiving method, a broadcast transmitting apparatus, a broadcast transmitting method, a broadcast transmitting / receiving apparatus, and a broadcast transmitting / receiving method in which the receiving side executes processing corresponding to this control information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in pay broadcasting, in addition to program information including video, audio, and other information, individual information addressed to each viewer is superimposed on broadcast radio waves and transmitted.

The individual information is contract information indicating a contract form of each viewer (for example, information indicating a channel with which a contract is made), or a transmitting side (center station side) is predetermined for each receiving device of each viewer. Control information (for example, information for descramble control of a program of a newly contracted channel) and the like.

When the center station sends control information for the purpose of causing the receiving device to perform a predetermined process, it cannot be expected that the power of the receiving device is always in the "ON" state. Further, when the transmission status of the transmission path is poor, it is assumed that the transmitted control information is not accurately transmitted to the receiving side.

Therefore, in order to reliably transmit the control information to the receiving side when the power source of the receiving device is in the "OFF" state, the conventional transmitting device controls the certain number of times at a predetermined time. It was configured to send information.

[0006]

In such a broadcasting system, when control information (for example, control information for changing a personal identification number) that requires processing to be executed only once is transmitted, Since this control information is transmitted a fixed number of times after a predetermined time as described above, if the power of the receiving device is "ON", the receiving device
Each time the control information is received, the process is executed, which causes a problem that the process is executed multiple times.

In order to solve such a problem, once the receiving device executes the control information, some information indicating that the control information has been executed may be transmitted to the center station.

However, in many cases, the means for transmitting information from the receiving device side to the center station side is a telephone line (public network). The line on the center station side is used, for example, to collect information about billing from each receiving device, and the line is often congested. Therefore, the information transmitted by the receiving device (control information is received In order for the center station to surely receive (information indicating that), the center station needs to lay more lines, which causes a problem that new cost is generated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and is to ensure that the control information transmitted from the transmitting side is executed on the receiving side.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a broadcast receiving apparatus, wherein a receiving means for receiving control information sent from a transmitting side and whether or not the control information received by the receiving means is valid. By the determination means for determining whether
When it is determined that the control information is valid, an execution unit that executes a predetermined process corresponding to the control information is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a broadcast receiving method, which comprises a receiving step of receiving control information sent from a transmitting side,
A determining step of determining whether the control information received by the receiving step is valid, and an executing step of executing a predetermined process corresponding to the control information when the determining step determines that the control information is valid And is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the broadcast transmitting apparatus transmits an updating means for updating the value of the instruction code and an instruction code updated by the updating means when the receiving side is to execute a predetermined process. And a transmitting means for performing the same.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a broadcast transmitting method, wherein when a receiving side is to execute a predetermined process, an updating step of updating a value of a command code and a command code updated by the updating step are transmitted. And a transmitting step to perform.

According to another aspect of the broadcast transmitter / receiver of the present invention, the transmitting side updates the command code corresponding to the process when the receiving side executes a predetermined process, and the command updated by the updating means. The receiving side includes a transmitting means for transmitting the code, the receiving side receives the command code transmitted from the transmitting side, a storing means for storing the command code corresponding to the executed process as a holding code, and a receiving means. The command code received by the comparison means and the holding code stored in the storage means, and a judging means for judging whether the command code is valid or not according to the comparison result, and the command code is valid by the judging means. If it is determined that the processing is executed, an execution unit that executes processing corresponding to the command code is provided.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the broadcast transmitting / receiving method, the transmitting side updates the value of the command code corresponding to the processing when the receiving side executes the predetermined processing, and the updating step updates the value. A transmitting step for transmitting the command code, the receiving side is transmitted from the transmitting side, a receiving step for receiving the command code, a storing step for storing the command code corresponding to the executed process as a holding code, The command code received by the receiving step is compared with the holding code stored in the storing step, and a judging step for judging whether or not the command code is valid according to the comparison result, and the command code by the judging step Is determined to be valid, an execution step for executing a process corresponding to the command code is provided.

In the broadcast receiving apparatus according to the first aspect, the receiving means receives the control information sent from the transmitting side, and the judging means determines whether the control information received by the receiving means is valid or not. If the determination means determines that the control information is valid, the execution means executes a predetermined process corresponding to the control information. For example, if control information that is required to be executed only once is repeatedly transmitted from the transmitting side, whether the receiving means receives this control information and the determining means has already executed this control information. If it is not executed (if it is valid), the execution means executes the control information.

In the broadcast receiving method according to claim 4, the receiving step receives the control information sent from the transmitting side, and the determining step determines whether or not the control information received by the receiving step is valid. By the judgment step,
When it is determined that the control information is valid, the execution step executes a predetermined process corresponding to the control information. For example, if control information that is required to be executed only once is repeatedly transmitted from the transmission side, whether the receiving step receives this control information and the determining step has already executed this control information. If it is valid (if it is valid), the execution step executes the control information.

In the broadcast transmitting device according to the fifth aspect, when the receiving side is to execute a predetermined process,
The updating means updates the value of the command code, and the transmitting means transmits the command code updated by the updating means. For example, when causing the receiving side to execute a predetermined process, the updating unit updates the command code, and the transmitting unit transmits the updated command code.

In the broadcast transmitting method according to claim 7, when the receiving side is to execute a predetermined process,
The updating step updates the value of the command code, and the transmitting step transmits the command code updated by the updating step. For example, when causing the receiving side to execute a predetermined process, the updating step updates the command code, and the sending step transmits the updated command code.

In the broadcast transmitting / receiving apparatus according to the eighth aspect, when the transmitting side causes the receiving side to execute a predetermined process, the updating means updates the command code corresponding to the processing, and the updating means updates the command code. The transmitting means transmits the command code, the receiving means receives the command code transmitted from the transmitting side by the receiving means, and the storing means stores the command code corresponding to the executed processing as the holding code, and the receiving means The received command code is compared with the holding code stored in the storage means, and the determination means determines whether or not the command code is valid according to the comparison result, and the determination means determines that the command code is valid. When it is determined, the execution means executes the process corresponding to the command code. For example, when the receiving side is caused to execute the predetermined process only once, the transmitting side updates the value of the command code by the updating means and transmits the value by the transmitting means. On the receiving side, when the command means sent is received by the receiving means and the command code is compared with the holding code stored in the storage means, when the judging means judges that these values are different, In the above, the executing means executes the process corresponding to the command code, and after the execution, the value of the memory code stored in the memory means is updated by the value of the command code.

In the broadcast transmitting / receiving method according to claim 9, when the transmitting side causes the receiving side to execute a predetermined process, the updating step updates the value of the command code corresponding to the process, and the updating step updates the value. The sending step sends the command code that was sent, the receiving side is sent from the sending side,
The command step is received by the receiving step, the storage step stores the command code corresponding to the executed process as a holding code, and the command code received by the receiving step,
Compare the holding code stored in the storing step,
The determination step determines whether or not the command code is valid according to the comparison result, and when the determination step determines that the command code is valid, the execution step executes the process corresponding to the command code. For example, when the receiving side is caused to execute the predetermined process only once, the transmitting side updates the value of the command code in the updating step and transmits it in the transmitting step. The receiving side receives the command code sent by the receiving step and compares the command code with the holding code stored in the storing step to determine whether the judging step determines that these values are different. The execution step executes the process corresponding to the command code, and after the execution, the value of the memory code stored in the memory step is updated by the value of the command code.

[0022]

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a scramble broadcasting system (pay broadcasting system) to which the present invention is applied. In this scramble broadcasting system, for example, program data including video, audio, and other information is digitized, scrambled, and transmitted.

The center station 1 scrambles a program, adds individual information to the program, and then transmits it as a radio wave by an antenna (parabolic antenna) 2. This radio wave is received by a receiving side antenna (parabolic antenna) 4 via a satellite (broadcasting satellite or communication satellite) 3 and supplied to a receiving device 5. The receiving device 5 extracts the individual information from the received signal supplied from the antenna 4 (reception means, receiving step), then descrambles the program, and displays the obtained information on a monitor or a speaker. (Neither is shown). Further, the receiving device 5 is configured to execute a process corresponding to the control information included in the individual information extracted from the received signal.

The public network 6 is used when the viewing history of the program viewed by each viewer is transmitted from the receiving device 5 to the center station 1 periodically or when necessary. Upon receiving the viewing history transmitted from the receiving device 5, the center station 1 performs billing processing, audience rating calculation processing, and the like based on the information.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a more detailed configuration example of the center station 1 shown in FIG. Video, audio, and other data forming the program are input to the encoder 11 (encoders 11A to 11E) and digitized. Under the control of the program control system 12, the encoder 11 also performs a compression process (for example, MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) on the digitized data.
2 according to the standard), other necessary processing (for example, different processing depending on whether the audio mode is stereo mode or bilingual mode, or whether there is an independent sound) Different treatments)
The data is output to the multiplexer 15 (hereinafter, the data output from the encoder 11 is called program data).

In this embodiment, the encoder 11 is
Since it is composed of five encoders 11A to 11E, it is possible to simultaneously supply programs for five channels to the multiplexer 15. However, the number of encoders 11 is not limited to five, and may be one or a plurality of five or more.

On the other hand, in the viewing information collection processing system 22, the processing circuit 25 reads the individual key from the individual key storage section 24 and supplies it to the scramble control system 13. Here, the individual key is a key peculiar to the receiving device 5 owned by each viewer who subscribes to the receiving contract, and therefore, the individual key storage unit 24 stores the individual keys for all the receiving devices 5 to which the receiving contract is applied. Has been done.

Further, when the modem 21 receives a contract request from the viewer via the public network 6, the request is supplied to the viewing information collection processing system 22. In that case, in the viewing information collection processing system 22, the contract information generation unit 23 generates the contract information in response to the contract request from the viewer, which is also the scramble control system 1.
3 is supplied. Here, the contract request includes information such as a contract type to be a flat type or a pay-per-view type, and when the contract type is a flat type, information such as which channel to subscribe for viewing. The contract information generation unit 23 converts such information into contract information in a predetermined format.

In the scramble control system 13, individual information is generated according to the contract form of each receiving device 5, and is supplied to the multiplexer 15. When new contract information is supplied from the viewing information collection processing system 22, this individual information is updated according to the contract information. Further, in the scramble control system 13, a work key for encrypting the scramble key is generated and output to the related information sending device 14. At the same time, this work key is encrypted using the individual key supplied from the viewing information collection processing system 22, is included in the above-mentioned individual information, and is supplied to the multiplexer 15.

As shown in FIG. 5B, which will be described later, the individual information includes contract information (contract information) and control information for causing each receiving device 5 to execute a predetermined process. There is. The contract information includes, in addition to the above-mentioned information, a decoder identification number for identifying each receiving device 5, an upload time indicating a time at which each receiving device 5 should transmit the viewing history to the center station 1, and a destination of the viewing history. In the case of transmitting the telephone number and viewing history of the center station 1, the number of re-calls (the number of retries) and the re-call interval (retry interval) when the line connection with the center station 1 fails. ), A contracted program indicating a contracted program, and a contracted channel indicating a contracted channel.

On the other hand, the control information is generated by the control information generation unit 26 (update means, update step) of the viewing information collection processing system 22 and includes parental control data (command code) described later. This parental control data is prepared for each receiving device 5 one by one, and is stored in the parental control data storage unit 27.

In the related information transmitting device 14, a scramble key for scrambling the program is generated,
It is supplied to the scrambler 16. At the same time, the scramble key is encrypted by using the work key supplied from the scramble control system 13 and included in the common information (program information) that is information associated with each program. In addition to the work key from the scramble control system 13, a program number as a unique number for identifying the program processed by the encoder 11 and the degree of each program for adults are shown to the related information sending device 14. The parental level is supplied from the program control system 12. The related information sending device 14 also determines the program number and the parental level.
Add to common information.

The program number includes information for identifying the broadcasting station (center station 1 in this embodiment) that broadcasts the program corresponding to the program, and the program is video, audio, or data. Information for identifying which of the above is included is included as necessary. Furthermore, the parental level is composed of, for example, four levels, level 1 to level 4, and is respectively a "general program,""quasi-generalprogram,""quasi-adultprogram," and "adult program."
Is shown.

The multiplexer 15 stores the program data from the encoder 11, the individual information from the scramble control system 13, and the common information from the related information transmitting device 14,
Time division multiplexing is performed, and the multiplexed data is output to the scrambler 16 in the form of packets. Scrambler 16
Among the multiplexed data from the multiplexer 15, the program data portion is scrambled by using the scramble key supplied from the related information transmitting device 14 and output to the error correction unit 17.

The error correction section 17 adds an error correction code to the output of the scrambler 16 and supplies it to the modulator 18. The modulator 18 outputs the output of the error correction unit 17 to, for example,
Phase modulation (for example, 4-phase modulation) is performed, and the resulting modulation signal is output to the up converter 19. The up converter 19 up-converts the frequency of the modulation signal to a predetermined frequency and outputs the frequency to the power amplifier 20.
The power amplifier 20 amplifies the power of the modulated signal output from the up converter 19, and supplies the amplified power to the antenna 2 (transmitting means, transmitting step). The antenna 2 radiates a signal from the up converter 19, and this signal is transmitted to the receiving side via the satellite 3.

The processing circuit 25 constituting the viewing information collection processing system 22 controls reading / writing of data from / to the individual key storage section 24 and the viewing information storage section 28, and also uploads included in the above-mentioned individual information. Generation processing of time, telephone number of center station 1, number of retries, retry interval, contracted program, contracted channel, etc.
The reception process of the viewing history transmitted from each receiving device 5 is performed. In addition, the viewing information storage unit 28 that constitutes the viewing information collection processing system 22 stores the viewing history transmitted from the receiving device 5 via the public network 6.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a packet format of individual information and common information (hereinafter collectively referred to as related information) output from the multiplexer 15. In this embodiment, the multiplexer 15 is, for example, MPEG.
A packet (transport packet) conforming to the standard 2 is output. That is, one packet is composed of, for example, 188 bytes as shown in FIG. 3, the first 4 bytes (32 bits) of which are a header, and the remaining 184 bytes are a data portion.

The header contains the sync byte, packet ID, and other information. That is, in the header, from the beginning, an 8-bit synchronization byte, three 1-bit information,
A 13-bit packet ID, two pieces of 2-bit information, and one piece of 4-bit information are sequentially arranged. Information for synchronization on the receiving side is arranged in the synchronization byte, and the type of information included in the packet is included in the packet ID (for example, program, program information, or related information).
Information that plays the role of a tag for identifying is arranged. The packet containing the program data output from the multiplexer 15 has the same format as the packet shown in FIG. 3, and when the packet contains the program data, the information for identifying it is the header. It is placed in the packet ID.

Here, in the MPEG2 standard, the transport stream is defined as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7A, the transport stream (MPEG_transport_stream ()) is composed of transport packets (transport_packet ()), and the details thereof are defined as shown in FIG. In addition, in FIG. 7B, sync_byte to continuity_co
Up to unter represents the definition of the header.

In the data section (see FIG. 3), the above-mentioned information is appropriately arranged. That is, when the packet includes common information, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the data section includes a scramble key (encrypted using a work key), a program number, a parental level, and Information about other programs is arranged. Further, when the packet includes individual information, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the data section includes contract information regarding a contract and control information for causing each receiving device 5 to execute a predetermined process. ing. The contract information includes a decoder identification number, a work key (encrypted using an individual key), an upload time, a telephone number of the center station 1, and other information (for example, the number of retries, retry intervals, contract programs, and contracts). Information such as channels) is placed. The control information is composed of parental control data and the like.

Next, FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an example of a detailed configuration of the receiving device 5.

The receiving device 5 includes a tuner 30 and a decoder 4.
0 and a security module 50. The tuner 30 includes a demodulator 31 and an error correction unit 32, and the decoder 40 includes a separation circuit 41, a descrambler 44, a transmission control unit 45, and a modem 4.
8, input device 49, control unit 60 (execution means, execution steps, update means), and EEPROM (Electric Erasa)
ble Programmable ReadOnly Memory) 62. The security module 50 also includes a decryptor 42, a control unit 43 (determination unit, determination step, execution unit, execution step), memories 51 to 55, and E.
It is composed of an EPROM 56 (storage means). The security module 50 can be attached to and detached from the receiving device 5, so that it can be replaced as needed. Further, the security module 50 is designed to be provided only to the contractor who has a reception contract.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of the control unit 43 and the control unit 60. As shown in this figure, the control units 43 and 60 are provided with a CPU (Central Processi).
ng Unit) 71, ROM (Read Only Memory) 72, R
It is composed of an AM (Random Access Memory) 73 and an interface 74.

The radio wave transmitted from the center station 1 via the satellite 3 is received by the antenna 4, converted to a predetermined intermediate frequency (hereinafter referred to as an IF signal), and supplied to the tuner 30. In the tuner 30, the demodulator 31 down-converts the IF signal from the antenna 4 and performs other necessary processing, and then demodulates a signal of a predetermined channel. Then, the demodulated signal is subjected to error correction processing by the error correction unit 32, and the decoder 40
Supplied to

In the decoder 40, the output (packet) from the error correction unit 32 is input to the separation circuit 41. The separation circuit 41 identifies whether the packet output from the error correction unit 32 is a packet containing program data or a packet containing related information by referring to its header (packet ID). If the packet output from the error correction unit 32 includes program data, the packet is supplied to the descrambler 44.

When the packet output from the error correction unit 32 is a packet containing related information, the separation circuit 4
1 sends the packet to the control unit 43 via the control unit 60.
To supply.

Control unit 43 of security module 50
Is a packet of related information supplied from the control unit 60,
When the packet is the individual information, the decoder ID unique to the receiving device 5 is read from the memory 51, and the decoder I
D is compared with the decoder identification number included in the individual information.

Then, the control unit 43 outputs the individual information to the decoder 42 only when the decoder ID and the decoder identification number match. That is, the individual information is output to the decoder 42 only when the individual information is to be used by the receiving device 5.

When the decoder 42 receives the input of the individual information, it reads the master key from the memory 53. here,
This master key is stored in the individual key storage unit 24 of the center station 1.
It corresponds to the individual key stored in. Therefore, according to the master key, the encrypted work key included in the individual information can be decrypted.

Further, the decryptor 42 decrypts the work key included in the individual information by using the master key read from the memory 53, outputs the work key to the memory 52 to store the decrypted work key, and the control included in the individual information. Information is supplied to the control unit 43. The control unit 43 receives information (decoder control information) such as a scramble key included in the common information from the control unit 6.
Supply 0.

When the viewer desires to view a program, he or she selects the program desired to be viewed by operating the input device 49. When the input device 49 is operated, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is output to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 reads this operation signal into the CPU 71 via the interface 74.

FIG. 8 shows the CPU 71 of the control unit 60 at this time.
5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the. When the CPU 71 of the control unit 60 receives the operation signal indicating that the program is viewed, in step S1, the EE
A parental level stored in the PROM 62 (hereinafter referred to as a holding parental level) is read. Then, in step S2, the parental level of the program to be viewed (hereinafter referred to as program parental level) supplied from the control unit 60 is read.

In the following step S3, the CPU 71 of the control unit 60 determines whether or not the value of the held parental level is equal to or higher than the value of the program parental level. When it is determined that the value of the holding parental level is smaller than the value of the program parental level (NO), the process proceeds to step S4,
A message for instructing the input of the personal identification number is displayed on a monitor (not shown), and the viewer is prompted to input the personal identification number. And
In step S5, the entered personal identification number and EEP
The personal identification number stored in the ROM 62 (personal identification number registered in advance by the viewer) is compared to determine whether the input personal identification number is correct. As a result, when the CPU 71 determines that the personal identification number is correct (YES), the process proceeds to step S6.

Further, in step S3, the value of the holding parental level is equal to or higher than the program parental level (Y
If ES) is determined, step S4 and step S4
The process of 5 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step S6.

In step 6, the CPU of the control unit 60
71 sends a control command to the control unit 43, and the memory 5
Read the work key from 2. The control unit 43 uses the work key to decrypt the encrypted scramble key included in the common information supplied from the control unit 60, and supplies the decrypted scramble key to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 outputs this scramble key to the descrambler 44. The descrambler 44 descrambles the program data supplied from the separation circuit 41 using this scramble key. The descrambled program data is output to a circuit (not shown), subjected to necessary processing (for example, MPEG decoding processing) therein, and then displayed on a monitor or output from a speaker. That is, the program can be viewed.

When it is determined in step S5 that the personal identification number is incorrect (NO), step S6
The process of is skipped and the process ends. Therefore, in this case, since the descramble processing is not performed, the program cannot be viewed.

For example, the holding parental level is "3"
If the program parental level is any of “1” (general program), “2” (quasi general program), and “3” (quasi adult program), In step S3, it is determined to be "YES", the process proceeds to step S6, and descrambling is started, so that the program can be viewed.

When the holding parental level is "3", the program parental level is "4" (adult program).
In the case of, it is determined as "NO" in step S3, and the process proceeds to step S4. If it is determined that the personal identification number input in step S4 is correct, the process proceeds to step S6, and the desired program can be viewed. If it is determined that the input personal identification number is incorrect, the process is terminated, and the desired program cannot be viewed.

By performing such processing, for example, when the viewer's family includes a child, the parent pre-registers the parental level and the personal identification number, and the personal identification number is kept secret to the child. By doing so, it is possible to prevent children from showing programs that are highly obscene or have many violent scenes.

After the descrambler 44 starts the descrambling process, it means that the descrambled program ends or, in some cases, the viewer stops viewing the program from the input device 49. When a predetermined input is made, the control unit 60 stops the supply of the scramble key. This will stop the descramble,
The program becomes unviewable.

When the descrambler 44 starts the descramble processing, the control section 43 extracts the program number of the descrambled program from the common information and supplies it to the memory 54 as viewing information. To memorize.
Every time the viewer operates the input device 49 to view the program, the above-described processing is performed, whereby the history of the program viewed by the viewer, that is, the viewing history is stored in the memory 54.
It will be stored in the form of a list of program numbers.

The viewing history stored in the memory 54 as described above is periodically transmitted to the center station 1 based on the upload time stored in the memory 55. That is,
At the time stored in the memory 55, the control unit 43
Reads the viewing history stored in the memory 54,
It is supplied to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 supplies the supplied viewing history to the transmission control unit 45 and causes it to be transmitted to the center station 1 side via the modem 48 and the public network 6. As a result, the center station 1 charges each viewer a service usage fee based on the viewing history.

Next, the processing in the case where it becomes necessary to change the personal identification number will be described.

When the personal identification number is changed for some reason (for example, when the child knows the personal identification number), the viewer first requests the center station 1 to change the personal identification number by telephone or letter. I will contact you. Then, the control information generation unit 26 of the center station 1 changes the value of the parental control data (command code) to make the receiving device 5 execute the process of changing the parental level, and validates this data. .

Since this parental control data is included in the individual information, it is supplied to the receiving device 5 every time the individual information is transmitted.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a format of parental control data. As shown in this figure, the parental control data has a data length of 8 bits, and possible values are "00h" (= 0) to "FFh" (= 255). Here, "h" after the number or the alphabet indicates that the value before it is represented by a hexadecimal number. When the parental control data is "FFh", this means that this data is invalid, and the initial value is "00h".

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the instruction valid range of the parental control data. As shown in this figure, the parental control data has a value of 0 to 254, is added to the individual information, and is transmitted from the center station 1. The receiving device 5 stores a holding code, which will be described later, and determines whether the sent parental control data is valid or not based on the mutual relationship between the holding code and the value of the parental control data.

That is, the receiving device 5 determines that the parental control data is valid when the value of the parental control data is (the value of the holding code + 1) to (the value of the holding code + 127), and , If it is outside that, it is determined to be invalid. Now, assuming that the value of the holding code held in the receiving device 5 is "0" (in the case shown in FIG. 10), the value of the parental control data falls within the range of "1" to "127". If it is present, it is valid, and if it is "0" or "128" to "254", it is invalid.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the processing when the center station 1 validates the parental control data. When the viewer requests the change of the personal identification number, the control information generation unit 26 reads the current parental control data of the viewer who made the request from the parental control data storage unit 27 in step S10. . Subsequently, the control information generation unit 26 determines in step S11 whether the parental control data is "254".

The parental control data is "25
If it is determined to be 4 "(YES), step S1
2, the parental control data is initialized to "0", and the process proceeds to step S14. Step S11
In, parental control data is "254"
If not (NO), the process proceeds to step S13, the parental control data is incremented by "1" (valid), and the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the control information generation unit 26 outputs the parental control data to the parental control data storage unit 27 and updates the previous parental control data with this value.

In the following step S15, the control information generation unit 26 supplies the parental control data as control information to the scramble control system 13 and ends the processing. As a result, the individual information including the parental control data having the new value is transmitted from the antenna 2.

Incidentally, step S1 of this flowchart
1, the parental control data is "25
It is determined whether or not it is "4", and if it is "254",
In step S12, the process of setting the parental control data to "0" is performed because "255" is invalid data.
When incrementing from "254" by "1",
It is set to "0".

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when the receiving device 5 receives parental control data. This process is executed when the receiving device 5 receives the parental control data (that is, when the individual information is received).

The individual information including the parental control data transmitted from the center station 1 is received by the antenna 4 of the receiving device 5, demodulated by the tuner 30, and then separated from the program data by the separation circuit 41 to be controlled. Part 6
It is supplied to the control unit 43 via 0. The control unit 43 supplies the input individual information to the decoder 42. Decoder 42
Extracts parental control data from this individual information and supplies it to the control unit 43.

The CPU 71 of the control section 43 executes step S2.
0, parental control data is acquired from the decoder 42, and further, in step S21, EEP
The holding code stored in the ROM 56 is read. Then, in step S22, it is determined whether or not the value of the parental control data and the value of the holding code are equal.

In the processing of step S22, when it is determined that the value of the parental control data and the value of the holding code are equal (YES), this means that the parental control data is invalid (center station). Since the value has not been changed on the No. 1 side), the processing ends (END). When it is determined that the value of the parental control data and the value of the holding code are not equal (NO) (when the parental control data may have been changed), the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the value of the parental control data is larger than the value of the holding code, and
It is determined whether or not the value obtained by subtracting the value of the holding code from the value of the parental control data is "127" or less. As a result, the value of the parental control data is larger than the value of the holding code, and the value obtained by subtracting the value of the holding code from the value of the parental control data is
If it is determined to be “127” or less (YES),
The process of step S24 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S25. In addition, the value of the parental control data is less than or equal to the value of the holding code, or the value obtained by subtracting the value of the holding code from the value of the parental control data is
If it is determined to be larger than “127” (NO),
Proceed to step S24.

In step S24, the value of the parental control data is smaller than the value of the holding code,
Further, it is determined whether or not the value obtained by subtracting the value of the parental control data from the value of the holding code is "128" or more. As a result, it is determined that the value of the parental control data is smaller than the value of the holding code, and the value obtained by subtracting the value of the parental control data from the value of the holding code is “128” or more (YES). Proceeds to step S25. Further, when it is determined that the value of the parental control data is greater than or equal to the value of the holding code, or the value obtained by subtracting the value of the parental control data from the value of the holding code is smaller than “128” (NO). Ends the process because the parental control data is invalid (END).

The processing in steps S23 and S24 is performed to determine whether the value of the parental control data is within the instruction valid range shown in FIG. Details of these processes will be described later.

If "YES" is determined in step S23 or step S24, step S25
Is performed. In step S25, the CPU 71 of the control unit 43 sends a control command to the control unit 60 to clear the previous personal identification number stored in the EEPROM 62, and also outputs parental control data to the EEPROM 56, which holds the code. Memorize as. Then, in step S26, the control unit 43 sends the control code to the control unit 60. As a result, the control unit 60 causes the monitor to display a message instructing to input a new personal identification number. Then, when the viewer inputs a new personal identification number from the input device 49, the personal identification number is output to the EEPROM 62 and stored therein, and then the processing is terminated.

For example, the value of the parental control data stored in the parental control data storage unit 27 of the center station 1 is "0", and similarly,
It is assumed that the value of the holding code stored in the EEPROM 56 of the receiving device 5 is "0". In this state, when the viewer requests the center station 1 to change the personal identification number, the control information generation unit 26 causes the control information generation unit 26 to perform step S10 in FIG.
At, the parental control data of the requesting viewer is read from the parental control data storage unit 27. Since the value of the read parental control data is “0” and not “254”, it is determined to be “NO” in step S11 and step S1
Proceed to 3. Then, in step S13, the parental control data is incremented, resulting in "1". Then, in step S14, it is transmitted to the receiving side.

In the receiving device 5, the parental control data added to the individual information and sent is extracted by the decoder 42 and supplied to the control unit 43. In step S20, the CPU 71 of the control unit 43 acquires parental control data from the decoder 42.
In the following step S21, the CPU 71 of the control unit 43
Reads the holding code stored in the EEPROM 56. In the next step S22, the value (= 1) of the parental control data and the value (= 0) of the holding code are different, so that a "NO" determination is made and the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the value (= 1) of the parental control data is equal to the value (=) of the holding code.
0) and a value obtained by subtracting the value of the holding code from the value of the parental control data (= 1 (= 1-
0)) is smaller than “127”, the determination is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S25. And EEPROM
The secret code stored in 62 is cleared, and the parental control data is stored in the EEPROM as a retention code.
After being stored in 56, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, a new password is entered and the EEPROM
62 will be stored.

In the center station 1, the power of the receiving device 5 is "OF".
This parental control data is repeatedly transmitted after a predetermined time so that the processing is surely executed, assuming that it is in the state of "F". Even after the personal identification number is updated, the receiving device 5 repeatedly receives the parental control data.

However, after executing the process once,
Since the value of the holding code stored in the EEPROM 56 is the same value (= 1) as the parental control data sent from the transmitting side by the processing of step S25, the same parental control data is received again. In this case, since it is determined to be “YES” (the value of the parental control data is equal to the value of the holding code) in the process of step S22, the process of changing the personal identification number (steps S24 and S25) is executed again. There is no such thing.

Further, if the viewer inadvertently turns off the power supply of the receiving device 5 after making a request for changing the personal identification number, the holding code stored in the EEPROM 56 is not updated (previously). It remains the value). However, as described above, the center station 1 has the individual information and
Since the parental control data is repeatedly transmitted, when the power of the receiving device 5 is turned on, the changing process is executed. And
Even in that case, the process is executed only once.

As described above, according to the above-mentioned embodiment, even if the center station 1 repeatedly transmits the parental control data, the receiving device 5 can be surely executed to change the personal identification number once. Further, even when the power of the receiving device 5 is in the “OFF” state, the process of changing the personal identification number can be executed once as soon as the power is turned on.

By the way, the parental control data stored in the parental control data storage unit 27 of the center station 1 and the holding code stored in the EEPROM 56 of the receiving device 5 are controlled to be equal in the normal case. However, if for some reason these values become different (eg EEPROM
If the stored contents of 56 are erased), normal control cannot be performed.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart for explaining an example of a process capable of changing the personal identification number even in such a case. This flowchart shows the processing executed by the center station 1, and the processing on the receiving device 5 side will be described later with reference to FIG.

The processing shown in FIG. 13 is executed when the viewer requests the change of the personal identification number. When this process is executed, in step S40, the control information generation unit 26 reads out the parental control data of the viewer who made the request from the parental control data storage unit 27. Then, the process proceeds to step S41, the parental control data is incremented by "1", and the process proceeds to step S42.

The sending process of step S42 is a subroutine, the details of which are shown in FIG. When this process is executed, it is determined in step S60 whether the parental control data is larger than "255" or the parental control data is equal to "255". If it is determined that the parental control data is larger than "255" or the parental control data is equal to "255" (YES), the process proceeds to step S61. If it is determined that the parental control data is smaller than "255", the process of step S61 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S62.

In step S61, "255" is subtracted from the value of the parental control data. The reason for performing such processing is that the parental control data is set to any of the values 0 to 254 as shown in FIG.
This is to return to this range by subtracting "255".

In a succeeding step S62, the parental control data is output to the parental control data storage unit 27, and the value of the previous parental control data is updated by this value.

Then, in step S63, the scramble control system 13 scrambles the parental control data.
And returns to the original processing (step S43 of FIG. 13). As a result, the parental control data is sent from the antenna 2 as individual information.

When the sending process of step S42 is completed,
It proceeds to step S43. In step S43, it is checked whether or not there is a telephone or the like from the viewer for notifying that the personal identification number has not been changed for a predetermined period (for example, one week), and if not, the change process ends (YES. )
Then, the processing ends. Further, when the viewer informs that the personal identification number has not been changed during the predetermined period (NO), the process proceeds to step S44.

Now, assuming that the value of the holding code is "0" and the value of the parental control data is "127", when the processing of steps S40 to S42 is executed, the parental control data is executed. Value is “128” (= 127 + 1), and this value is stored in the parental control data storage unit 27 and transmitted to the receiving device 5.

In this case, the effective range of instruction of the parental control data is (value of holding code +
1) to (holding code value +127), the instruction valid range is 1 (= 0 + 1) to 127 (= 0 + 127).
, And the parental control data becomes invalid.
Therefore, in this case, since the process of changing the personal identification number is not executed in the receiving device 5, the viewer will contact the center station 1 again (“N” in step S43).
O ").

If it is determined in step S43 that the changing process is not completed (NO), the process proceeds to step S44. In step S44, the control information generation unit 26
Reads the parental control data from the parental control data storage unit 27 again, adds "127" to this value, and proceeds to the processing of step S45. Then, the parental control data to which "127" has been added is transmitted again. Note that the process of step S45 is the same as the process of step S42 (the process of FIG. 14), and the details thereof have been outlined and therefore omitted.

In the following step S46, step S43
Similarly to the case of (3), it is determined whether or not the telephone contact from the viewer is made for a predetermined period (for example, one week). As a result, if it is determined that the change process is completed (YES) without any contact from the viewer, the process is completed. If the contact is made within the predetermined period (NO), the process proceeds to step S47.

As described above, the value of the holding code is
Since it is “0” and the value of the parental control data stored in the parental control data storage unit 27 is “128”, the process of changing the personal identification number has not been executed, so “S” in step S43. N
It is determined to be "O", and the process proceeds to step S44. Step S4
In 4, the value of the parental control data is "12.
7 ”is added, and as a result, the value of the parental control data becomes“ 0 ”(128 + 127 = 255 → 0). However, since this value“ 0 ”is not within the valid range of instructions (1 to 127). , The process of changing the personal identification number is not executed in this case either, and "NO" in the step S46.
Then, the process proceeds to step S47.

In step S47, the parental control data is read from the parental control data storage unit 27, "1" is added to the value, and the process proceeds to step S48. In step S48, the parental control data to which "1" is added is stored in the parental control data storage unit 27 and is added to the individual information and transmitted.

Now, as a result of the processing in step S44, the value of the parental control data is "0",
As described above, this value is not included in the instruction effective range, so that the viewer again makes a call or the like (“NO” in step S46). Then, step S4
In step 7, "1" is added to the parental control data, and as a result, the value of the parental control data becomes "1" (= 0 + 1), which is within the valid instruction range (1 to 127). In 5, the process of changing the personal identification number is executed.

In the above embodiment, the possible values of the parental control data are "0" to "25".
4 "and the effective range is" retention code value + 1 "to" retention code value + 127 ".
In the process of 41, even when the parental control data is not valid, “127” is added in step S44, and further, step S47.
In this case, since "1" is added and "128" is added in total, any value of the parental control data can be included in the effective range according to the processing of FIG.

Next, an example of the processing executed by the receiving device 5 corresponding to the processing on the side of the center station 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The operation of this process has already been described, so only the main part will be described.

The processing shown in this figure is performed even when the value of the parental control data and the value of the holding code are greatly different from each other or when the value of the parental control data is smaller than the value of the holding code. It is designed to accurately determine whether the data is valid. That is, the former is a case where the value of the parental control data is “128” and the value of the holding code is “1”, and the latter is the case where the value of the parental control data is, for example. This is a case where the value is "0" and the value of the holding code is "254". In this case, since the parental control data is valid for both the former and the latter, the process of FIG. 12 must determine that these values are valid, but even in such a case, the process is accurate. The operation will be described below.

Steps S22 to S of this process
24 determines whether or not the value of the parental control data is within the instruction valid range. That is, when the value of the parental control data is equal to the value of the holding code (when the parental control data has not been changed on the side of the center station 1), the parental control data is invalid, so "YES" in step S22. Is determined, and the process ends.

If "NO" is determined in the step S22, the process proceeds to a step S23. In this step, if the value of parental control data is larger than the value of retention code (parental control data>
Retention code) is targeted. For example, as described above, this is a case where the value of the holding code is "1" and the value of the parental control data is "128". In such a case, the instruction valid range of the value of the parental control data is "2" (= 1 + 1) to "12".
Since it is 8 ″ (= 1 + 127), the value obtained by subtracting the value of the holding code from the value of the parental control data is
Since it is "127" and this value is "127" or less, this parental control data is determined to be valid.

If "YES" is determined in the step S23, the process proceeds to a step S25 and "N".
If it is determined to be "O", the process proceeds to step S24.

In step S24, the case where the value of the parental control data is smaller than the value of the holding code (parental control data <holding code) is targeted. For example, as described above, this is the case where the value of the holding code is "254" and the value of the parental control data is "0". In such a case, the effective range for instructing the value of the parental control data is
“0” (254 + 1 = 255 → 0) to “126” (2
54 + 127 = 381 → 126), the value obtained by subtracting the value of parental control data (= 0) from the value of the holding code (= 254) is “254”, which is “1”.
Since it is 28 "or more, this parental control data is determined to be valid.

If "YES" is determined in step S24 or step S25 (when the parental control data is valid), the personal identification number is updated and the holding code is obtained by the processing in steps S25 and S26. Is updated with the value of the parental control data.

According to the above embodiment, the value of the parental control data stored in the parental control data storage unit 27 of the center station 1 and the E of the receiving device 5 are set.
Even if the value of the holding code stored in the EPROM 56 is significantly different for some reason, it is possible to accurately determine "valid" or "invalid", and
By transmitting the parental control data three times at the maximum, the receiving device 5 can be caused to execute the process of changing the personal identification number.

In the above embodiment, the possible values of the parental control data are "0" to "25".
4 "and the instruction valid range is (holding code + 1) to (holding code + 127). Next, a general case will be described.

That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the range of possible values of the parental control data is set to "0" to "N", and the instruction valid range of the parental control data is set to (holding code + 1) to ( Hold code +
M). In this case, if the value of the holding code is "0", the effective range of instruction of the parental control data is "1" to "M".

In this case, the value "M" is added to the parental control data in order to make the value of the arbitrary parental control data valid (the value within the designated valid range). If it is not valid, the repeated value “M” is added, and the parental control data can be rendered valid with the minimum number of times.

At this time, the number of times the value "M" is added varies depending on the value of the parental control data. The maximum number of times the value "M" is added is X, and the invalid value of the parental control data ( For example, in the process of step S42 of FIG. 13, the value corresponding to the invalid parental control data) is set to C, and the value N,
When M has the following relationship, the change in the value X and the value of the parental control data is as follows.

(A) In the case of N <2M X = 1 Change in value of parental control data C C + M

(B) When N ≧ 2M (Ba) When the remainder of (N−M + 1) / M is “0” X = (N−M + 1) / M Change in value of parental control data C C + M C + 2M ・ ・ C + X ・ M

(B-b) When the remainder of (N-M + 1) / M is a value other than "0" X = INT ((N-M + 1) / M) +1 (where INT () is in parentheses) Change of value of parental control data C C + M C + 2M .. C + INT ((N-M + 1) / M) .M C + N-M + 1

For example, in the case of the embodiment described above (0≤N≤
254, M = 127) is N = 2M (254 = 2.12)
7), and the remainder of (N−M + 1) / M is “1” ((2
54-127 + 1) / 127 = 1 remainder 1),
This corresponds to the case (Bb). In this case, for example, C
= 128 (value after "1" is added in step S41) and the value of the holding code is "0", the change in the value of the parental control data transmitted from the center station 1 is as follows. become that way. C = 128 C + M = 128 + (127) = 255 → 0 C + N-M + 1 = 128 + (254-127 + 1) = 1
28 + 128 = 256 → 1

That is, in the first transmission (corresponding to step S42), the value "128" obtained by adding "1" to the parental control data (= 127) stored in the parental control data storage unit 27. "(=
C) is transmitted. Then, when the viewer informs that the process of changing the personal identification number has not been executed, in the second transmission (corresponding to step S45), the value "0" obtained by adding "127" to the parental control data. Is sent. Furthermore, in the third transmission (corresponding to step S48), the parental control data is set to "1" (in the second transmission, "12" is set).
Since "7" has already been added, "128" for C
Is added to the parental control data, a value "1" obtained by adding "1" to the parental control data is transmitted. At this time, since the value "1" of the transmitted parental control data is within the valid range of the instruction of the value "0" of the holding code, the process of changing the personal identification number is executed.

In this case, the processing recovery instruction value shown in FIG.
The value “+127” added to the parental control data at the second transmission and the value “+128” added to the parental control data at the third transmission.

Although M = 127 in the embodiment described above, if M = 128 or more is set, X = 1 (= INT
Since (N−M + 1) / M + 1), all invalid values C can be included in the instruction valid range by two transmissions including the first transmission.

In the embodiment described above, the parental control data having a length of 8 bits is used, and the maximum value is "255".
Although (= FFh) is an invalid value (that is, N = 25
4), which may be a valid value (ie N = 25)
5). In that case, when "1" is added to the maximum value "255", the calculation result becomes "0", so that, for example, the processing of steps S11 to S13 in FIG. 11 can be omitted, and the processing can be simplified. You can

When setting the values of N, M, etc., the optimum values may be determined for each system by referring to the general examples described above.

Further, various methods other than those described above are conceivable. The point is that the parental control data has a valid range and an invalid range, and the receiving device 5 validates the parental control data. If so, the process may be executed, and after execution, the parental control data may be stored as a holding code. Also, if the values of the parental control data and the holding code are significantly different, the value of the parental control data may be changed to perform processing so that it falls within the effective range.
Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

FIG. 16 shows a process in the case where the holding parental level needs to be changed for some reason (for example, a child has grown up). This processing is executed by the control unit 60 of the decoder 40 when the viewer makes a predetermined input from the input device 49.

At step S100, CPU 71 of control unit 60 causes the monitor to display a message instructing the user to enter the personal identification number. When the viewer operates the input device 49 to input the personal identification number, the process proceeds to step S101. In step S101, C
The PU 71 reads the registered personal identification number from the EEPROM 62, and proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, it is determined whether or not the input personal identification number is equal to the registered personal identification number, and as a result, the input personal identification number is not equal to the registered personal identification number (NO. If it is determined that the input personal identification number is equal to the registered personal identification number (YES), the process proceeds to step S103.

In step S103, the CPU 71 of the control unit 60 displays a message instructing to input a new holding parental level on the monitor. Then, when the viewer inputs a new holding parental level by operating the input device 49, step S10
Proceed to 4. In step S104, the input holding parental level is output to the EEPROM 62, and as a result, the previous value is updated by this value.

According to such processing, the holding parental level can be changed.

By the way, in the above embodiment, the center station 1
The processing in which the receiving device 5 changes the personal identification number based on the parental control data sent from the above has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to such processing, and the transmission from the center station 1 is performed. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to other control information executed by the receiving device 5.

Further, in the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the scramble broadcasting system for transmitting the digitized information after being subjected to the scramble process, but the present invention is a broadcast for transmitting without the scramble process. It is also applicable to the system. Further, the present invention can be applied to not only a system for transmitting information by a digital signal but also a system for transmitting information by an analog signal.

Further, in the present embodiment, via the satellite line,
Although information such as programs is transmitted, for example, CA
It is also possible to transmit via a TV network or other transmission paths.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the format of the packet output from the multiplexer 15 is based on the MPEG2 system, but the format of this packet is not limited to this.

Further, in the above embodiment, the personal identification number is changed as soon as the receiving device 5 receives valid parental control data. However, when valid parental control data is received, the value of the holding parental level is changed to "4" (a value that allows all programs to be viewed without inputting a personal identification number),
The viewer may input the password again on another occasion.

[0137]

According to the broadcast receiving apparatus of the first aspect and the broadcast receiving method of the fourth aspect, the control information transmitted from the transmitting side is received, and whether the received control information is valid or not. If it is determined that the control information is valid, a predetermined process corresponding to the control information is executed. Therefore, the control information that is required to be executed only once is transmitted. Even if it is sent from the side, the processing can be surely executed.

According to the broadcast transmitting apparatus described in claim 5 and the broadcast transmitting method described in claim 7, the value of the command code is updated when the receiving side is to execute a predetermined process. Since the command code is transmitted, when the receiving side executes the predetermined process only once, even if the receiving side is in the "OFF" state, the power is kept in the "ON" state. As a result, the process can be executed only once.

According to the broadcast transmitting / receiving apparatus of the eighth aspect and the broadcast transmitting / receiving method of the ninth aspect, when the transmitting side causes the receiving side to execute a predetermined process, the transmitting side transmits a command code corresponding to this process. After updating the value and sending, the receiving side
Receives the command code transmitted from the sending side, compares the command code with the holding code that indicates whether the command code has been executed, determines whether the command code is valid, and determines that the command code is valid If so, the process corresponding to this command code is executed. Therefore, the transmitting side can not only cause the receiving side to reliably execute the desired process, but also the receiving side executes the command code unnecessarily. Can be prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a scramble broadcasting system (pay broadcasting system) to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a center station 1 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a packet format.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a transport stream and transport packets.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing packets of common information and individual information.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of a receiving device 5 in FIG.

7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of control units 43 and 60 in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the receiving device shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a format of parental control data.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an instruction valid range of parental control data.

11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of transmitting parental control data executed by the center station 1 shown in FIG.

12 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the process for changing the personal identification number, which is executed by the receiving device 5 shown in FIG.

13 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a process of transmitting parental control data executed by the center station 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for realizing the sending process (subroutine) shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing parental control data in which the maximum value is N and the instruction effective range width is M.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for changing a holding parental level.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 antennas (transmission unit, transmission step), 4 antennas (reception unit, reception step), 26 control information generation unit (update unit, update step), control unit 43 (determination unit, determination step, execution unit, execution step), 56
EEPROM (storage means), 60 control unit (execution means, execution steps, update means)

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A receiving means for receiving control information sent from a transmitting side, a judging means for judging whether the control information received by the receiving means is valid, and the judging means. A broadcast receiving apparatus, comprising: an execution unit that executes a predetermined process corresponding to the control information when it is determined that the control information is valid. 2. The control information includes a command code whose value is updated on the transmission side when the execution unit is caused to execute the process, and the control code of the executed control information is Storage means for storing as a holding code; and updating means for updating the holding code stored in the storage means when the executing means executes the processing, and the determining means includes the receiving means. 7. The command code received by the storage device is compared with the holding code stored in the storage unit, and whether the command code is valid or not is determined according to the comparison result. 1
The broadcast receiving device according to. 3. The command code and the holding code each have a value of 0 to N (N is an integer of 1 or more), and the value of the command code is 1 added to the holding code. 3. The determination means determines that the command code is valid when the value is within a range from a value to a value obtained by adding an integer M (0 ≦ M ≦ N). Broadcast receiver. 4. A receiving step of receiving control information sent from a transmitting side, a determining step of determining whether the control information received by the receiving step is valid, and the control step of performing the control by the determining step. And a step of executing a predetermined process corresponding to the control information when the information is determined to be valid. 5. An update means for updating the value of the command code when the receiving side is to execute a predetermined process, and a transmitting means for transmitting the command code updated by the update means. A broadcast transmitter characterized by the following. 6. The receiving side includes a holding code for determining whether or not the command code is valid, and the command code and the holding code are 0, respectively.
To N (N is an integer of 1 or more), and the value of the command code is from the value obtained by adding 1 to the holding code to the value obtained by adding an integer M (0 ≦ M ≦ N). If it is within the range of, the receiving side determines that the command code is valid, the updating means, if the predetermined processing corresponding to the command code is not executed on the receiving side, the command code 6. The broadcast transmitting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the transmitting unit transmits the command code updated by the updating unit. 7. A method comprising: an updating step of updating a command code when the receiving side is to execute a predetermined process; and a transmitting step of transmitting the command code updated by the updating step. Broadcast transmission method. 8. The transmitting side, when causing the receiving side to execute a predetermined process, updating means for updating a command code corresponding to the processing, and transmitting means for transmitting the command code updated by the updating means. The receiving side includes a receiving unit that receives the command code transmitted from the transmitting side, a storage unit that stores the command code corresponding to the executed process as a holding code, and the receiving unit The received instruction code and the holding code stored in the storage means are compared, and the determination means determines whether or not the instruction code is valid according to the comparison result; A broadcast transmitting / receiving apparatus comprising: an executing unit that executes a process corresponding to the command code when the command code is determined to be valid. 9. The transmitting side, when causing the receiving side to execute a predetermined process, transmits an updating step of updating the value of a command code corresponding to the process, and the command code updated by the updating step. A receiving step of receiving the command code transmitted from the transmitting side, a storing step of storing the command code corresponding to the executed process as a holding code, and the receiving step. A determination step of comparing the command code received by the step and the holding code stored in the storage step, and determining whether or not the command code is valid according to the comparison result; And a step of executing a process corresponding to the command code when the command code is determined to be valid by the step. Broadcast receiving method characterized by and.