KR100319715B1 - Frame image RF transmission method for GUI - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a GUI (GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE) that transmits a graphic page unit image for a user interface using RF (RF) method, which is an analog network, and receives and digitizes it again so that the user can use it more conveniently. It relates to a frame image RF transmission method.

To this end, the present invention is to create a menu in the GEP, the first step of transmitting and storing the created menu to the FCU, and after this first step to check the user terminal (STB) communication and request menu and to check whether the communication state is good The second process, and if the communication state is good in this second process, the third process of confirming the menu transmission request and converting the data to the HFC network and checking the reception state of the user terminal (STB) after receiving the third process; A fourth step of checking whether it is completed, and if the reception is completed in the fourth step, checking the ID of the receiving user terminal (STB), setting analog data conversion, menu conversion, and synchronization, and displaying a menu on the TV receiver. Step 5 and Step 6, after checking the user terminal (STB) communication after this step 5 and checking other menu transmission request confirmation status is terminated if it is confirmed, and returns to this second process if not confirmed; In the second step, if the communication state is not good, the processing of the user terminal (STB), the process of stopping the menu transfer until the resolution is resolved, and the seventh process after the seventh process to check whether the communication state is good If the communication state is not good in the eighth step, return to the second step. If the communication state is good, the menu is transmitted after the error is resolved, the ID of the receiving user terminal (STB) is confirmed, and the analog data conversion and menu conversion are performed. And a ninth step of displaying a menu on the TV set after the synchronization is set, and checking the user terminal (STB) communication after the ninth step, checking other menu transmission request confirmation status, and ending if it is not confirmed. It consists of a tenth step of returning to the second step, and transmits the image of the frame unit to the RF network instead of the data network as in the conventional case. By using one channel jointly so that all users can use the menu together, it is possible to meet the needs of users by reducing the burden on the economic side, and it is easy to use the terminal and change the menu easily. Provide effect.

Description

Frame image RF transmission method for GUI children

The present invention relates to a method for transmitting a user interface frame image (RF) in a cable network (RF CABLE NETWORK), and in particular in the RF (RF) method, which is an analog network image of the user interface graphic page unit The present invention relates to a frame image RF transmission method for a GUI (GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE), which transmits, receives, and redigitizes it to be used by a user more conveniently.

In general, there are various types of image transmission methods, such as Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). In general, images are transmitted through a data network.

Conventional user interface technology using such a transmission method is to store all menus in the terminal and to display the menus according to the user's request.

In addition, the menu of the text type is mainly the menu of the on-screen display (OSD) type.

However, this conventional technology is not only disadvantageous in terms of economics of the terminal, there is a problem that the user can see the fixed menu is not easy to change.

Accordingly, the present invention has been proposed to solve the above-described problem of the Jongle technique, and transmits an image of a frame unit to an RF network, not a data network, and jointly uses one channel used in the RF. By using the menu, it is possible to meet the needs of the user by reducing the burden on the economic side, and also provides an image transmission method for a user interface that is easy to use the terminal and easy to change the menu. It is purpose.

The technical method of the present invention for achieving the above object is a first step of creating a menu in the GEP, transmitting and storing the created menu to the FCU, and checks the user terminal (STB) communication and the request menu after the first step And a second step of checking whether the communication state is good, and if the communication state is good in the second step, a third step of checking the menu transmission request and transmitting the data to the HFC network and checking the reception state of the user terminal (STB) after data conversion. And a fourth step of checking whether the reception is completed after the third step, and if the reception is completed in the fourth step, after confirming the ID of the receiving user terminal (STB) and setting analog data conversion, menu conversion, and synchronization. A fifth step of displaying a menu on the TV receiver; and after this fifth step, the user terminal (STB) communication is checked and another menu transmission request confirmation status is checked and confirmed. A sixth process of returning positively; and a seventh process of processing a failure of the user terminal (STB) to stop the menu transmission and confirming until the communication is canceled if the communication state is not good in the second process; Thereafter, the eighth process of checking whether the communication state is good, and if the communication state is not good in this eighth process, returns to this second process. If the communication state is good, the menu is transmitted after the error is resolved and the receiving user terminal (STB) After checking the ID and setting the analog data conversion, menu conversion and synchronization, the ninth step of displaying the menu on the TV receiver, and after this ninth step, the user terminal (STB) communication is checked and another menu transmission request confirmation status is checked. It is characterized by consisting of a tenth step of checking if the check is completed and if not confirmed, returning to the second step.

1 is a block diagram of a frame-based image transmission system to implement the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of a partial circuit configuration of FIG. 1.

(a) is a detailed block diagram of a frame control unit (FCU).

(b) is a detailed block diagram of an interface control unit (ICU).

(c) is a detailed block diagram of the set-top box (STB).

3 is a flow chart for explaining a frame-by-frame image transmission method according to the present invention.

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

1: GEP 2: FCU

3: Modulator 4: MC

5: interface control unit (ICU) 6: RF master modem

7: Headend 8: HFC Network

9: Set Top Box (STB) 10: TV Receiver

21: frame image receiving unit 22: receiving image memory

23: first controller 24: image size conversion unit

25: digital to analog converter 51: interface unit

52: second controller 53: first data transmission unit

54: second data transmitter 91: broadcast receiver

92: image analog / digital converter 93: image converter

94: synchronization matching unit 95: third controller

96: display unit

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings of the present invention will be described in detail.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a frame-based image transmission system to implement the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, an image generating and editing dedicated computer (GEP; GRAPHIC EDIT PC) 1 for generating an image to be used as a menu is received, and an image generated by the GEP 1 is received.

Frame control unit (FCU) 2 which converts the data for RF transmission into internal memory, extracts the stored image from the image corresponding to the user's request, and transmits the image data to the RF transmission network. Modulator (3) for RF modulation in the video signal band for transmission to the HFC network (8), RF communication with the set-top box (STB) (9), and RS-232 communication with other circuits to exchange information A main control unit (MCU) 4 which collectively controls each circuit unit according to the corresponding data,

When the user requests a menu image as a result of the communication with the setup box 9, the interface control unit (ICU) 5 which extracts the data and transmits the data to the FCU 2 and transfers the data to the MCU 4 as a result. And an RF master modem (6), which is an RF mode FSK (FREQUENCY SHIFT KEYING) communication modem as a communication means for controlling the whole system,

Interfacing with the head end 7 which is a rack (RACK) system which is loaded with the general broadcasting transmission equipment, the HFC network 8 which is a broadcasting and data transmission network, and the MCU 4 and the TV receiver 10. At the same time it is configured to include a STB (9) for controlling all user functions, and a TV receiver 10 that is a display equipment that the user can finally confirm the service.

FIG. 2A illustrates a detailed block diagram of the frame control unit FCU of FIG. 1.

As shown in the drawing, a frame image receiving unit 21 for receiving an image in units of frames generated by the GEP 1, an image-only memory 22 for storing the received images in units of frames, and the ICU 5 are transmitted. A first controller 23 which provides preparation and information for transmitting the user requested menu image, and the TV receiver 10 receives the image generated by the GEP 1 from the memory 22 and then receives the image. And an image size converter 24 for converting the image size into a possible image size, and a D / A converter 25 for converting an image of digital data into an analog signal.

FIG. 2B shows a detailed block diagram of the interface control unit ICU of FIG. 1.

As shown in the drawing, an interface unit 51 for interfacing to connect the MCU 4 and the second controller 52 in the rear stage and a menu request portion among user requirements transmitted from the STB 9 are selected. The FCU 2 and the RF master to transmit the second controller 52 and the data processed by the second controller 52 to the first data transmitter 53 and the second data transmitter 54, respectively. The first data transmitter 53 and the second data transmitter 54 transmit to the modem 6.

FIG. 2 (c) shows a detailed block diagram of the set top box STB of FIG. 1.

As shown in the figure, a broadcast receiver 91 for receiving general broadcasts and data transmitted from the HFC network 8 and transmitting them to an image A / D converter 92 and a third controller 95 at a later stage, and the broadcast receiver An image A / D converter 92 for converting menu image data transmitted as an analog signal through a 91 into a digital signal for screen restoration, and the digital signal output from the A / D converter 92 again. Image conversion unit 93 for converting the signal into a video signal that can be received by the TV receiver 10, and a time difference between the video signal converted by the image conversion unit 93 and the general broadcast signal. A synchronization matching unit 94 which performs a function of synchronizing synchronization so as to eliminate distortion or an afterimage phenomenon that may occur in the screen, a third controller 95 which collectively controls the operation of each circuit unit, and finally processes Done The display unit 96 is configured to display a signal through the TV receiver 10.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a frame-by-frame image transmission method according to the present invention.

As shown, a first process of creating a menu with the GEP 1 after the initial setting of the system, transmitting and storing the created menu to the FCU 2, and a user terminal (STB) 9 after the first process. A second step of checking the communication and request menu and checking whether the communication state is good; and if the communication state is good in the second step, after confirming the menu transmission request and converting the data, transmitting to the HFC network 8 and transmitting the user terminal (STB). A third process of checking the reception state of the 9), a fourth process of checking whether the reception is completed after the third process, and a reception completion state of the receiving user terminal (STB) 9 if the reception is completed in the fourth process. A fifth process of displaying a menu on the TV receiver 10 after identifying the identification code (ID), setting analog data conversion, menu conversion and synchronization, and communicating the user terminal (STB) 9 after the fifth process; Check the status of other menu transfer request If the communication is not good in the second process, and the sixth process to return to the second process if the end is not confirmed, and the menu transfer is stopped by treating as an error of the user terminal (STB) (9) A seventh process of checking until it is resolved; an eighth process of checking whether the communication state is good after the seventh process; and if the communication state is not good in the eighth process, the process returns to the second process, and the communication state is If the error is corrected, the menu is transmitted after transmitting the menu, checking the identification code (ID) of the receiving user terminal (STB) 9, setting analog data conversion, menu conversion and synchronization, and displaying the menu on the TV receiver 10. And the tenth step of checking the user terminal (STB) 9 communication after the ninth step and checking other menu transmission request confirmation status and ending if it is confirmed and returning to the second step if not confirmed. It is broken.

The operation of the present invention made as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the present invention provides a method of generating a graphic image in units of pages, a method of storing the generated image in a separate memory bank, a method of transmitting the image selected by the user, a plurality of users can be used simultaneously A method, a method of converting a received image into a TV signal and processing the same, and a method of temporally matching the TV signal with an image for a menu.

With this background, the operation of the present invention will be described in detail.

In the GEP 1, a dedicated graphics computer shown in Fig. 1, a menu graphic image is generated and stored in the FCU 2.

In the FCU 2, the image generated by the GEP 1 is received, converted into data for RF transmission, and stored in the image storage memory 22 configured therein as shown in FIG.

Image transmission converts the image of the screen unit stored in the FCU (2) to a digital / analog (D / A) signal, modulates the modulator (3), which is a general broadcast transmission device and then transmits.

In this case, the transmission channel is shared, allowing the user to select menu selections with a time difference, and the selected menu is stored in the user terminal (STB) 9 (the menu page currently viewed).

When the user selects a menu, the selected menu image is transmitted to the STB 9 through the RF master modem 6 and the HFC network 8 for transmission in RF.

In addition, the REQUEST data is transmitted to the ICU 5, and the ICU 5 transmits the menu to the FCU 2 to transmit an image.

In the image transmission, even if a plurality of users are used at the same time, since the image is transmitted in time based on the time division type and the identification code (ID) of the user terminal (STB) can be used by multiple users. In this case, since the user's transmission request signal is transmitted with a time difference, image transmission can be performed according to the order and contents.

Here, the operation of the above-described FCU (2) will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2 (a).

The frame image receiver 21 receives the image generated by the GEP 1 in units of frames and transmits the image to the first controller 23.

The memory 22 stores the received image on a frame basis under the control of the first controller 23.

The first controller 23 provides preparation and information for transmitting the user request menu image transmitted from the ICU 5.

The image size converter 24 calls the image generated by the GEP 1 from the memory 22 and converts the image to the image size that the TV receiver 10 can receive and transmits the image to the D / A converter 25.

The D / A converter 25 converts the digitalized image into analog data and transmits it to the modulator 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the modulator 3 RF modulates the image data into a band of an image signal in order to transmit the image to the HFC network 8, which is an RF network.

The MCU 4 is a main control unit, which communicates with the STB 9 through RF communication, communicates with other circuits via RS-232 communication, and controls each circuit unit according to the corresponding data.

When the user requests a menu image as a result of communication with the STB 9, the ICU 5 extracts the data and transmits the data to the FCU 2, and transmits the result to the MCU 4 as well.

The operation of the above-described ICU 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 (b).

The interface unit 51 performs interfacing to connect the MCU 4 and the second controller 52 at the rear stage.

The second controller 52 selects a menu request portion from the user's requirements transmitted from the STB 9 and transmits the selected menu request portion to the FCU 2 through the first data transmission unit 53.

The second data transmission unit 54 is connected to the RF master modem 6 to communicate with the STB 9.

The RF master modem 6 is a communication means for controlling the entire system as a modem for RF communication FSK.

The head end 7 is a rack (RACK) system in which the transmission equipment of general broadcasting is entirely loaded, and transmits the signal to the HFC network 8.

The HFC network 8 is a transmission network for broadcasting and data, and has an amplifier (not shown) for loss compensation in cable and signal distribution, and transmits the broadcasting and data to the STB 9 in an RF transmission scheme.

The operation of the STB 9 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The broadcast receiving unit 91 receives the general broadcast and the data transmitted from the HFC network 8, and separates the general broadcast and the data and transmits it to the image A / D converter 92 of the subsequent stage.

The image A / D converter 92 converts the menu image data, which is transmitted as analog data, into digital data again for screen restoration and transfers the image data to the image converter 93.

The image converting unit 93 converts the input digital data into an analog signal again, converts the signal into a video signal that can be received by the TV receiver 10, and transmits it to the synchronization matching unit 94.

The synchronizing unit 94 transmits the converted image signal to the display unit 96 by synchronizing the image synchronizer to remove the distortion or the afterimage phenomenon that may be generated by the time difference from the general broadcast signal.

The display unit 96 controls and transmits the size of video and audio signals for display on the TV receiver 10.

In the third controller 95, circuits are generated according to the respective functions of the broadcast receiving unit 91, the image A / D converter 92, the image converting unit 93, the synchronization matching unit 94, and the display unit 96. Overall control of the operation.

The TV receiver 10 is a TV receiver for general broadcast reception and performs a display operation so that a user can finally confirm a service.

The frame image RF transmission method of the present invention related to the frame-based image transmission system operated as described above will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

First, the operation of the system is initially set, and then a menu rule is created by the GEP 1, a computer dedicated to image generation and editing, and the created menu is transmitted and stored to the FCU 2.

After checking the communication status of the user terminal (STB) 9 and searching the user request menu, it checks whether the communication status is good, and if the result is good, normal routine is performed.

That is, it is confirmed whether there is a menu transfer request, the data is converted, and then transmitted to the HFC network 8.

Subsequently, after checking the reception status of the user terminal (STB) 9, it is determined whether the reception is completed, and if not, the process returns to the step of checking the reception status of the user terminal (STB) 9 again. If the status is complete, the identification code ID of the receiving user terminal (STB) 9 is checked, the received data is converted into analog data, menu conversion and synchronization setting are performed, and a menu is displayed through the TV receiver 10.

Next, the communication status of the user terminal (STB) 9 is checked, and if it is confirmed by checking whether there is another menu transmission request, the execution of the normal routine is terminated, and if it is not confirmed, the communication status is checked if it is good. Returns.

On the other hand, if the communication state is not good at the step of checking whether the communication state is good, it is regarded as abnormal and performs an abnormal (error) routine as follows.

That is, the user terminal (STB) 9 is treated as being in an error state, the menu is interrupted from transmission, continues to be checked until the error state is resolved, and then again, whether the communication state is good.

As a result of the check, if the communication state is not good, the process returns to the step of checking whether the previous communication state is good. If the communication state is good, the error state is eliminated and the identification of the receiving user terminal (STB) 9 is transmitted after transmitting the menu. After confirming the code ID, converting the received data into analog data, menu conversion and synchronization setting are performed, and a menu is displayed through the TV receiver 10.

Next, the communication status of the user terminal (STB) 9 is checked, and if it is confirmed by checking whether there is another menu transmission request, the execution of the normal routine is terminated, and if it is not confirmed, the communication status is checked if it is good. Returns.

As described above, the present invention transmits an image of a frame unit to an RF network rather than the data network as in the conventional case, so that all users can use the menu together by jointly using one channel used in the RF. By doing so, it is possible to meet the needs of the user by reducing the burden on the economic side, and there is an effect that the use of the terminal is convenient and the menu can be easily changed.

Claims (3)

In the image transmission method of the user interface, A first step of creating a menu using a GEP, and transmitting and storing the created menu to an FCU; A second step of checking a user terminal (STB) communication and request menu after the first step and checking whether a communication state is good; A third step of checking the menu transmission request and transmitting data to the HFC network and checking the reception state of the user terminal (STB) if the communication state is good in the second step; A fourth step of checking whether the reception is completed after the third step; A fifth step of displaying a menu on the TV receiver after checking the ID of the receiving user terminal (STB), setting analog data conversion, menu conversion, and synchronization if the reception is completed in the fourth step; A sixth process of checking the user terminal (STB) communication after the fifth process and checking other menu transmission request confirmation status and ending if it is confirmed and returning to this second process if not confirmed; A seventh process of stopping the menu transmission and checking until the communication is canceled if the communication state is not good in the second process; An eighth step of checking whether the communication state is good after the seventh step; If the communication state is not good in the eighth process, return to the second process, if the communication state is good, transmit the menu after solving the error, check the ID of the receiving user terminal (STB), analog data conversion, menu conversion and synchronization Setting the menu and displaying a menu on the TV set; After the ninth step checks the user terminal (STB) communication and check the other menu transmission request confirmation status is confirmed if the end of the tenth step to return to the second process if not confirmed for the child How to send frame image RF. The method according to claim 1, When the user selects a menu in the first process, the menu image is transmitted with a time difference based on the ID of the user terminal so that a plurality of users can use the menu at the same time. How to send image RF. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The menu image is transmitted in an RF method on a frame-by-frame basis, and a frame image RF transmission method for Jiayui, characterized in that the common use of one channel used in the RF.