JPS61127288A - Chargeable television system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To realize the paper view method easily with simple constitution by providing a user terminal with a memory and transmitting unit time information from a center to the user terminal at intervals of a unit time and counting the looking and listening time on basis of this unit time information and storing the counted time. CONSTITUTION:When down stream data DDAT calls a user terminal 20 in the individual calling mode and status control STSC includes looking and listening permission time information TIME, a control circuit 23 in the user terminal 20 stores this information TIME in a memory 27 having a counter constitution. When a reception switch is turned on, the control circuit 23 updates time information of the memory 27 to a value, which is obtained by subtracting the unit time from the time stored till then, each time when index IDX of down stream data DDATA indicates the unit time mode. Time information stored in the memory 27 is displayed on a display device 28.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a pay television system, and in particular, C.
ATV (cable television)
sTV (subscription television)
This system is suitable for use in managing users' viewing time in systems such as Yahoo!

[Conventional technology]

CATV and S'l'V are pay television systems that allow desired users to receive video signals of specific programs and charge those users for the amount they watch.
is in operation.

- Conventionally, as a billing method in this pay television system, a method has been used in which a contract is made for the contents of programs that can be viewed in advance for each predetermined period (for example, one month) in units of channel, program, and time.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

However, according to this method, even if DZUZA does not watch the contracted program content at all, or if it stops watching partway through, the fee will be withdrawn for the unwatched portion, so there will be no charge. It cannot be said that the system is sufficiently valid.

Therefore, we have developed a method of charging users for the programs they actually watch (pay per view).
method) is being considered. However, this method is still impractical because the broadcasting center collects all viewing time information from users and creates and manages billing data within the broadcasting center, which requires a huge amount of equipment. Ta.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and proposes a pay television system that can easily implement a pay-per-view method with a simple configuration.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a memory n for managing viewing time is provided in addition to the television receiver, and the broadcasting center 10 has a viewable memory n representing the available viewing time. The time information TIME is sent to the user's television receiver (9) and charges are made according to the available viewing time, and the unit time information UNIT is sent to all the television receivers 20 for each unit time. When the available viewing time information TIME arrives, John receiver loads the available viewing time into Memo+727, and when the unit time information UNIT arrives while receiving the video signal VDI, he loads the available viewing time stored in Memo IJ Z7. is updated by subtracting a predetermined time, and the video signal MDI can be received while the storage time remains.

[Effect]

In the memory 27 provided in the television receiver I, available viewing time information TIME, which is the total time frame information of the time during which the television receiver I can receive the video signal VD1, that is, the user can view the video signal, is stored from the broadcasting center 10. given and remembered.

While the user is viewing an image based on the video signal VDI, when the unit time information UNIT sent by the center 10 every unit time arrives at the television receiver, the storage time of the memo IJ 27 is the unit time or its number. Updated at the doubled time. When the storage time reaches O, it becomes impossible for the television receiver 9 to receive the video signal vD1.

Furthermore, the broadcasting center 10 charges fees based on the viewable time information TIME.

In this way, a pay-per-view method in which a fee is charged according to the viewing time can be realized with a simple configuration.

〔Example〕

An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a CATVK will be described below in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, numeral 10 indicates a broadcasting center on the transmitting side, and numeral 10 indicates an arbitrary television receiver (hereinafter referred to as a user terminal) on the receiving side. Broadcasting center 10
transmits signals in one direction to the user terminal (this is called one uni-instem).

In the broadcasting center 10, a scrambler 12 scrambles a video signal VDI from a video source 11 based on a scrambling command SCR from a system controller 13 that controls the entire system, and provides a scrambled video signal VD2 to a modulation circuit 14. . Modulation circuit 1
4 modulates this scrambled video signal VD2 to obtain a video RF signal VRF, and transmits it to the user terminal via the mixing/branching filter 15 and the line blade.In the user terminal 20, the video receiving circuit n A video RF signal VRF is received via a wave transmitter 21.

The video reception circuit n has a tuner and a video demodulation circuit, and C
A scrambled video signal VD2, which is tuned and demodulated in accordance with a tuning signal SEL from a control circuit having a PU configuration, is applied to a descrambler.

Discramble Plus is a scrambled video signal “VD2”
is descrambled to obtain a video signal VDI, and this video signal VDI is displayed on the television monitor 5.

The broadcast center 10 also transmits downstream data DDATA in addition to the video signal to the user terminal m.

In the broadcast center 10, the seven stem controller 13 forms downstream data DDATA and sends it to the F S
K (frequency 5hift keying
) to the modulation circuit 16. The modulation port 1316 at F8 performs FSK modulation on the downstream data DDATA,
The modulated signal FSK is then given to the user terminal 20 via the mixing/branching filter 15 and the line Shu.

Here, the FSK modulation signal FSK is the video RF signal VRF
Dedicated channels with different °C frequency bands are assigned to each.

In the user terminal 20, the F'SK demodulation circuit 26 is provided with the FSX modulated signal FSK via the mixer/demultiplexer 21. The FSX demodulation circuit section demodulates downstream data DDATA from the FSK modulation signal FSK and provides it to the control circuit.

The downstream data DDAT has the format shown in FIG. First, a start frame SF is provided for synchronization. Next, there is an individual call mode in which the user terminals are called individually for each user, a simultaneous call mode in which the user terminals are called all at once, or a unit time UN I T (
For example, an index IDX is provided that takes one of the unit time modes that appear every 10 minutes.

Next, an address ADR8 for specifying the user, that is, the user terminal I, is provided, followed by a reception control RCP that encodes the contents of the contract between the user and the center.
C is inserted. Subsequently, a status control (5TSC) is provided that includes viewing prohibition information that instructs viewing prohibition for the stolen user terminal 4, and viewing available time information TIME that specifies viewing time for the stolen user terminal 4, and finally, a status control (5TSC) for checking is provided. A check code C1 (K is provided.

Address ADR8, reception control RCPC
, status control 5TSC is index ID
It is valid only when X represents individual call mode.

When the downstream data DI) ATA calls its own user terminal in the individual call mode and the status control 5TSCK viewing time information TIME is included, the control circuit in the user terminal 20 outputs the viewing time information. TIME is stored in the memory 27 having a counter configuration.

The control circuit uses index I of downstream data DDATA when the reception switch is turned on.
Every time DX indicates the unit time mode, the time information in the memory n is updated to a value obtained by subtracting the unit time from the previously stored time. The display device A displays the time information stored in the memo IJ 27.

When the storage time information in the memory H is OK, the control circuit n sends out a prohibition command STP to prohibit the descrambling operation of the descramble plus even if the reception switch is turned on, so that the video signal MDI is displayed on the monitor 5. prohibited. Alternatively, a signal from a built-in character generator is given to the video receiving circuit n to display that the charge is insufficient.

Here, if the available viewing time information TIME is included in the downstream data DDATA, this is a case where the user's desired viewing time is set by the system controller 13. At this time, the charging system 17 is configured to create a bill or the like based on the available viewing time information TIMEK.

In the system shown in FIG. 1, the user transmits the desired viewing time to the broadcasting center 10 in advance by means of communication outside the system, such as a telephone. This desired viewing time is available at Center IO
When set by K, the control circuit 23 of the user terminal of that user, the FSK modulation circuit 16, the mixing branching filter 15, the line blade, the mixing branching filter 21, the FSK demodulation circuit, and the downstream data DDAT in individual call mode on that route.
A is given. In the control circuit, the available viewing time information TIMF2 included in the downstream data DDATAK is extracted and stored in the memory 27. At this time, the billing system 17 creates a bill according to the available viewing time information TIME.

When the user turns on the reception switch, the video source 11
The video signal VDI sent from the scrambler 12,
The modulation circuit 14, the mixer/brancher 15, the mixer/brancher 21, the video reception circuit n, and the descrambler award are given to the television monitor 5 and displayed.

This control circuit n monitors the mode of index IDX of downstream data DDATA,
Each time the mode changes to the unit time mode, the storage time information in the memory 27 is decremented by the unit time UNIT.

After that, when the user turns off the reception switch, if there is time remaining in the memory time information in the memo IJ 27, the user can re-enter the broadcast center IOK without being able to say the desired viewing time.
You can watch immediately by turning off the reception switch.

For example, if the user transmits the desired viewing time as 180 minutes and then additionally views the video, the mode becomes approximately 3 times unit time mode and the stored content of the memory I becomes information representing 150 minutes. The user recognizes the remaining time through the display device, and can freely view the remaining 150 minutes without newly transmitting the desired viewing time.

When the remaining time of memory n reaches O, even if the reception switch is turned on, a prohibition command STP is given to the descrambler, and the scrambled video signal VDI is displayed as is on the television monitor δ, or the charge is insufficient. is displayed.

Further, the display device 28) C remaining time rOJ is displayed, and the user recognizes that the available viewing time TIME has ended.

In this case, if the user wishes to continue viewing the program, he or she may request the desired viewing time from the center again.

According to the system shown in Figure 1, although it is a pay-in-advance system, it is equivalent to being charged according to the actual viewing time, and it is equivalent to being charged for the content of the program that is not viewed. Can be prevented. Therefore, the user can turn off the reception switch even in the middle of a program without thinking about the charge, and can greatly improve discretion in viewing time.

Further, according to the system shown in FIG. 1, the Qiperview method is realized by a simple configuration in which the memory n is provided in the user terminal.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a two-way system (a system in which signals can be exchanged between a broadcast center and user terminals). In FIG. 3, parts that are the same as those in FIG.
K (phase 5-hift keying) f keying circuit 4 performs PSK modulation on a carrier wave of a frequency exclusively assigned according to upstream data UDATAK arriving from the control circuit O, and mixes and demultiplexes PSK signal PSK to the line. It is sent to the broadcasting center 10 via the broadcasting center.

A PSK demodulation circuit 19 in the center 10 demodulates the PSK modulated signal PSK and outputs upstream data UDAT.
A is obtained and given to the system controller 13.

Here, the upstream data UDATA has the data format shown in FIG. 4, and compared to the downstream data DDATA, the reception control RC
P (there is no 415 minutes, and status control 5
The difference is that TSCKa includes the number of channels listened to and memory time information MM of Mesosun.

Billing in the system of FIG. 3 is done as follows.

The user only has to turn on the reception switch at any time when he or she wishes to view the program. When the reception switch is turned on, the video signal VDI sent out by the video source 11 is scrambled, and the path of the modulation circuit 14, mixer/brancher 15, line side, mixer/brancher 21, video receiving circuit n, and descrambler blade is scrambled. The image is then sent to the television monitor 25 for display.

During the period when C is being received, the control circuit B is the FSK switching circuit 16, multiplexer/demultiplexer 15, line: 30, and multiplexer/demultiplexer 21.
, monitors whether the mode of the index child ↓DX of the downstream data DDATA given through the path of the FSK demodulation circuit 26 is in the unit time mode, and each time it becomes the unit time mode, the unit time UNIT is set in the storage time of the memory n.
is accumulated to update the memory time information MM.

When the receiving switch is turned off, the table inactivity on the monitor δ stops, and at the same time, the updating operation of the memo IJ 27 also stops.

At a predetermined time, the system controller 13 sequentially polls each user terminal via the downstream data DDATA. In addition, in the case of a 2-way system,
Downstream data DDATA17) Status control STC)'! , including command data to transfer data from the user terminal.

In response to this polling, the user terminal transfers the storage time information Mhi of the memory n as part of the upstream data UDATA to the PSK modulation circuit 4, the mixing/branching filter 21, and the four wire I.
, the mixing/branching filter 15, and the PSK demodulation circuit 19 to the system controller 13 of the center 10. The system controller 13 extracts this storage time information MM and gives it to the billing system 17. A corresponding bill is immediately issued to the billing system 17.

Control circuit β in user terminal is memo IJ
Immediately after transferring the memory time information MM of 27, the memo IJ
27 is restored to its initial value.

As described above, according to the system shown in FIG. 3, memory is stored on the user terminal side. The pay-per-view method can be realized by a simple configuration in which unit time information UNIT is sent from the seven-day terminal 10 to the user terminal 20 every unit time.

Note that in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3 described above, downstream data DDATAff: the FSK modulation circuit 16, the FSK demodulation circuit, etc. were shown to be transmitted on a dedicated channel, but the present invention The present invention is not limited to this and can be widely applied. For example, as shown by the dashed arrow in FIGS. 1 and 3, the scrambler 12 receives downstream data DDA.
TA may be applied and transmitted while being superimposed on the vertical blanking period of the scrambled video signal VD2, and even in this case, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the grade of the video signal VDI sent from the video source 11 is the same between channels, but the present invention can also be applied to a case where the grade is different between channels. For example, when receiving a video signal VDI of a high grade channel, each time unit time information arrives, unit time UNI
A time several times T may be subtracted or added. Also, a memory n may be provided for each channel of a different grade, or a memory may be provided by contracting to allow channels to be selectively selected for each grade. It is also possible to implement n with one piece.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the present invention, a memory is provided in the user terminal, unit time information is sent from the center to the user terminal for each unit time, and viewing time is counted and stored based on this unit time information trap. As a result, it is possible to obtain a pay television system that can easily implement a pay-per-view method with a simple configuration.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a pay television system according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a pay television system according to the present invention.
3 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the pond of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a route map showing the format of downstream data DDATA transmitted from user terminal I to user terminal I. FIG. 10 is a route map showing the format of upstream data UDATA transmitted to 10. FIG. 10...Broadcast center, 11...Video source, 12
... scrambler, 13.-system controller,
14... Modulation circuit, 16... FSK modulation circuit, 17
...billing system, addition...user terminal (television receiver), n...video receiving circuit, B...control circuit, Sae...discrambler, 5...television monitor, A... ...FSK demodulation circuit, I...memory, TIME...viewable time information, UNIT...
Unit time information.

Claims (1)

[Claims] In a pay television system in which a broadcasting center enables the television receiver of a desired user to receive a video signal of a desired program and charges the user a fee for the amount viewed, A memory for managing viewing time is provided, and the broadcast center sends available viewing time information representing the available viewing time to each user's television receiver, charges according to the available viewing time, and charges for each unit of time. unit time information is sent to all of the television receivers, and each television receiver loads the available viewing time into the memory when the available viewing time information arrives, and also loads the available viewing time into the memory while receiving the video signal. A pay television system characterized in that when the unit time information arrives, the storage time stored in the memory is updated by subtracting a predetermined time, and the video signal can be received while the storage time remains. .