KR100998900B1 - Digital satellite broadcasting receiver and method for controlling seeing and hearing time of digital satellite broadcasting receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention tunes multiple channels simultaneously through one main unit, and not only the main unit but each sub unit in a plurality of independent spaces receives a program of a specific channel tuned in the main unit to perform decoding and display. At this time, the main unit or one sub-unit may set the effective viewing time of each unit including itself, and may allow the main unit to control the viewing time of itself and each sub-unit, or may view their own in each sub-unit You can also control the time. Therefore, it is possible to prevent children from watching TV excessively. In particular, by controlling the children's viewing time even in an environment where sub-units are provided in each room, or where parents work together and go out, it is possible to prevent children from watching TV indefinitely. And by setting the effective viewing time, each sub-unit can be scheduled to be turned off or turned off, so that the children who sleep in the room where the sub unit is installed can wake up in the morning alone. You can prevent watching.

Main unit, N sub units, effective viewing time

Description

Digital satellite broadcasting receiver and method for controlling seeing and hearing time of digital satellite broadcasting receiver

1 is a conceptual block diagram of a digital satellite broadcast receiver according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a detailed block diagram of the main unit of Figure 1

3A and 3B illustrate an example of a viewing time setting menu screen according to the present invention.

4A to 4C are flowcharts showing examples of a viewing time setting process according to the present invention.

(A) and (b) of FIG. 5 show an example of a viewing time control process of the main unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the viewing time control process of FIG. 5B in more detail.

7 (a) to 7 (c) are flowcharts showing examples of controlling their own viewing time in a sub unit according to the present invention.

8A and 8B are flowcharts illustrating an example of controlling a viewing time of each sub unit in the main unit according to the present invention.                 

9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling a viewing time of each sub unit according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

101: satellite antenna 102: LNB

103: multi-switching unit 110: main unit

200: CPU 210: multi tuner unit

220: multi-channel TP distribution unit 230: A / V decoder

240: modem 250: CAS unit

260: encryption engine 270: EPG DB

280: main transceiver

The present invention provides a digital satellite broadcasting receiver for simultaneously tuning multi-channels through one main unit and simultaneously viewing different channels tuned by the main unit in each of the sub units and the main unit installed in a plurality of independent spaces. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for setting and controlling an effective viewing time for a main unit or each subunit of the digital satellite broadcast receiver.

In general, digital satellite broadcasting has spread rapidly to Europe, Japan, Asia, and Africa since the world's first DirecTV in 1994, and can be viewed anywhere in the world. Digital satellite broadcasting is a method of compressing video / audio / additional data and transmitting digitally through satellites in MPEG 2 standard, and is related to a wide coverage area and region which are inherent to satellites compared to other transmission media. Due to the lack of equal broadcasting quality, economics of establishing a satellite broadcasting network, and simplicity of satellite channels, it is mainly led by pay broadcasting companies.

In addition, the receiver capable of receiving the digital satellite broadcast employs a CAS (Conditional Access System) that restricts the reception so that only subscribers can receive the pay broadcast.

The CAS receives a TV program and a data service signal scrambled by a transmitting station in a receiver for pay per channel (PPC) or pay per view (PPV) other than the free and basic channel of satellite broadcasting. It is a system for managing authorized subscribers to receive service by descrambling using a smart card. Here, the PPC is a service that collects a predetermined fee for receiving a channel and is able to receive a broadcast, and the PPV is a service that calculates and charges a fee per program as a reception time. To this end, the CAS operator issues a smart card to the subscriber. The smart card is also referred to as a CAM (Conditional Access Module).

The smart card stores, for example, channel information that a user can view in the memory portion in the case of a pay channel, and usage information in the case of a PPV.

The PPV service allows a user to purchase a movie or sporting event in advance, for example. In other words, the user may purchase a paid viewing program through a smart card.

Therefore, it is possible to extract the information stored in the smart card at the request of the limited reception system operator or the receiver. Also, the smart card has a decryption function that can descramble the scrambled signal. Provide the required key.

The digital satellite broadcast includes not only a program but also program guide information. The program guide information is called APG (Advanced Program Guide) in digital satellite broadcasting such as DirecTV, and EPG (Electronic Program Guide) in digital terrestrial broadcasting. The program guide information is additional data information that allows the viewer to more conveniently use the TV to watch TV, and the viewer can obtain information about the current broadcast program and the future broadcast program directly on the screen without a newspaper or other guide medium. .

On the other hand, as people's income levels rise and their lives get better, nowadays, it is common to have more than one television in a household.

However, in the related art, in order to receive a digital satellite broadcast from a plurality of televisions in a home, a satellite broadcasting receiver (Integrated BReceiver &Decoder; IRD) must be installed for each TV and a smart card is issued, thereby increasing the user burden including the subscription fee. . That is, a smart card is issued with one smart card per IRD to limit illegal viewing of non-subscribers.

In addition, when a user purchases a pay-per-view program such as a movie or a sporting event through a two-way communication with a satellite broadcasting service provider, a modem is required. In the conventional case, a modem must be installed for each IRD. There was a problem.

Accordingly, in order to solve this problem, the present applicant has a display device, a CAS unit, and a modem, and installs a main unit capable of simultaneously tuning multi-channels at a specific location in a home, and is installed in a plurality of independent spaces, respectively. In a sub unit equipped with a display device, a digital satellite broadcasting receiver (application number: 2003-38879, application date: 2003.06.16; hereinafter referred to as '38879') for receiving a specific channel tuned by the main unit to perform decoding and display. Has been filed.

However, in homes with children, they have a problem that they are watching TV too much. This not only affects children's eyesight and emotions but also neglects their studies due to excessive TV watching. Because it is dominant.

In particular, as in the above-mentioned digital satellite broadcasting receiver of No. 38879, it is difficult to restrict children's viewing directly in an environment where sub-units are installed in each room or when parents go out to work in double income or go out. There is a problem that must be left unattended.

An object of the present invention is to set the effective viewing time of all units including a main unit or one subunit in a digital satellite broadcasting receiver such as '38879' described above. The present invention provides a method of controlling a viewing time of a digital satellite broadcasting receiver which enables to control a viewing time.

Another object of the present invention is to control the viewing time of each unit after the main unit or one sub-unit sets the effective viewing time of all units including itself in the digital satellite broadcasting receiver such as '38879' described above. The present invention provides a method for controlling viewing time of a digital satellite broadcast receiver.

In order to achieve the above object, a method of controlling a viewing time of a digital satellite broadcasting receiver according to the present invention includes a display device, a CAS unit, and a modem, and simultaneously tunes a plurality of received channels and then performs a program of the tuned channel. After demodulation, descrambling, and re-encrypting the main unit, and the CAS unit and the modem are not provided, each is installed in an independent space together with a display device to receive and decode and decode a specific channel program from the main unit. In the viewing time method of the digital satellite broadcasting receiver comprising a plurality of sub-units for transmitting the channel selection or purchase information input by the user to the main unit,

(a) in the main unit, a user setting an effective viewing time of the main unit and each sub-unit through a menu screen;

(b) the main unit storing valid viewing time information of each unit in a storage device and transmitting corresponding valid viewing time information to each sub unit;

(c) in the main unit, comparing the current viewing time with the effective viewing time of each unit to determine whether there is a unit that is outside the valid viewing time;

(e) if there is a unit outside the effective viewing time, and the unit is the main unit, the main unit displays a message indicating that the program is not valid viewing time without outputting the corresponding program to the display unit of the main unit;

(f) if there is a unit that deviates from the effective viewing time and the unit is a sub unit, the main unit stops transmitting the program to the corresponding sub unit, and transmits a valid viewing time deactivation message; And

(g) the sub unit receiving the valid viewing time deactivation message, displaying a message indicating that the viewing time is not valid viewing time on the display device and forcibly turning off the power of the corresponding sub unit after a predetermined time. It is done.

In the step (a), a user sets a valid viewing time of the main unit and each subunit through a menu screen in any one of a plurality of subunits, and the effective main viewing of the set main unit and each subunit is performed. The method may further include transmitting time information to the main unit.

In step (a), when a user selects a viewing time setting menu item for setting viewing time of each unit in one of the main unit or a plurality of subunits, a password is input from the user and a correct password is input. Only one user is allowed to access the viewing time setting menu item.

In the step (a), when the viewing time setting menu item for setting the effective viewing time of each unit in the menu screen is accessed by the user, the viewing time setting screen sets the identifier of each unit and the effective viewing time of the selected unit identifier. Displaying the available items, selecting a unit identifier for setting a viewing time on the viewing time setting screen, and setting an effective viewing time of the unit identifier selected in the step, for each unit. The effective viewing time is set for each unit.

The effective viewing time of the selected unit identifier may be set by selecting a start time and an end time on the viewing time setting screen.

When only the viewing start time of the selected unit identifier is set and the ending time is not set, the reservation-on of automatically turning on the power of the corresponding unit is performed at the viewing start time of each day.

If only the end time is set without setting the viewing start time of the selected unit identifier, it is characterized in that the scheduled off is automatically performed when the viewing end time is reached every day.

In the step (a), when the viewing time menu item for setting the effective viewing time of each unit in the menu screen is accessed by the user, the viewing time setting screen may set the identifier of each unit and the effective viewing time of the selected unit identifier. Displaying at least one item, selecting at least a plurality of unit identifiers for which the same viewing time is desired at the viewing time setting screen, and setting an effective viewing time of the plurality of unit identifiers selected at the step. It is characterized by being made.

In the step (a), when the viewing time menu item for setting the effective viewing time of each unit in the menu screen is accessed by the user, the identifier of each unit including the 'all units' item on the viewing time setting screen and Displaying items for setting an effective viewing time; selecting 'all units' item on the viewing time setting screen, and then setting an effective viewing time to display the same effective viewing for the main unit and all sub units connected to the main unit; It further comprises the step of setting the time.

In the step (a), when the viewing time setting menu item for setting the viewing time of each unit in the menu screen is accessed by the user, the identifier of each unit including the 'current unit' item on the viewing time setting screen and the selected unit identifier And displaying the items for setting the effective viewing time of the screen, and selecting the 'current unit' item on the viewing time setting screen, and then setting the effective viewing time of the current unit identifier. do.

The main unit periodically transmits current time information to each sub unit, and in each sub unit, the current time is out of the effective viewing time zone by comparing the current time information transmitted through the main unit with its own valid viewing time information. Determining whether the user is out of the effective viewing time, and then displaying a message indicating that the user is not receiving the program from the main unit, receiving a user input, and displaying a message on the display device that the current viewing time is not valid. The method may further include forcibly turning off the power of the corresponding sub unit after a predetermined time elapses.

In step (e), if it is determined that the current time is out of the valid viewing time of the main unit, displaying a message indicating that the display is not valid viewing time on the display unit of the main unit and requesting and inputting a main password to the user; The method may further include displaying the program normally on the display device of the main unit when the input main password is correct.

In the step (g), the sub unit receiving the valid viewing time deactivation message from the main unit displays a message indicating that the viewing time is not valid viewing time on the display device of the corresponding sub unit, and requests and inputs the user's main password. And if the input main password is correct, receiving the request program from the main unit and displaying the request program normally on the display device of the corresponding sub unit.

In the digital satellite broadcasting receiver according to the present invention, a method for controlling viewing time includes a display apparatus, a CAS unit, and a modem, and simultaneously tunes a plurality of received channels and demodulates and descrambles a program of the tuned channel, respectively. The main unit for re-encrypting and outputting, the CAS unit and the modem are not provided, but are installed in separate spaces together with the display device, and receive a program of a specific channel from the main unit, decrypt and decode the display, and select a channel input by the user. In the viewing time method of the digital satellite broadcast receiver comprising a plurality of sub-units for transmitting or purchasing information to the main unit,

(a) In the main unit or one sub unit, the user sets the effective viewing time of the main unit and each sub unit through the menu screen, and if the effective viewing time of the main unit and each sub unit is set in the sub unit, the corresponding sub unit Transmitting the set valid viewing time information to the main unit;

(b) the main unit storing valid viewing time information of each set unit in a storage device and transmitting corresponding valid viewing time information to each sub unit;

(c) periodically transmitting current time information to each sub unit in the main unit;

(d) comparing, at each sub unit, current time information transmitted through the main unit with its valid viewing time information to determine whether the current time is out of the valid viewing time zone;

(e) if it is determined in the step that the viewing time is out of the valid viewing time, then displaying a message indicating that the program received from the main unit is not outputted to the display device and does not receive a user input and the display device is not currently viewing the viewing time. ; And

and (f) forcibly turning off the power of the corresponding sub-unit after a predetermined time has elapsed.

The step (e) displays a message indicating that the display device is not valid viewing time and requests and inputs a user's main password, and if the input main password is correct, receives a request program from the main unit. And displaying the image on the display unit of the corresponding sub-unit normally.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating the configuration and operation of the embodiment of the present invention, the configuration and operation of the present invention shown in the drawings and described by it will be described as at least one embodiment, By the technical spirit of the present invention described above and its core configuration and operation is not limited.

1 is a conceptual block diagram of a digital satellite broadcasting receiver disclosed in No. 38879, in which an antenna 101 capable of receiving a digital satellite broadcast in a high frequency band and a satellite in a high frequency band received through the antenna 101 are shown in FIG. A low noise amplifier (LNB) 102 for low noise amplifying a signal, a multi switching unit 103 for dividing a plurality of satellite signals output from the LNB 102 through each path, and the multi switching The unit 103 receives a plurality of satellite signals output through each path, tunes and demodulates each channel to a channel requested by each subunit through a multi tuner, converts it into a transport stream (TP), descrambles it, and encrypts it. The main unit 110 for outputting to each sub unit and an independent space, each of which is encrypted in the channel requested by the user among the channels tuned in the main unit 110. Receives the rim from the main unit 110 is configured to decode and a plurality of sub-unit 120 to display A / V and then decoded. Each sub unit may be provided with an external memory, a VCR, a DVD, an HDD, etc., capable of storing a received program.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the main unit 110, and includes a plurality of tuners and demodulators 211 to 21n to receive satellite RF signals output through the respective paths from the multi-switching unit 103 to receive each sub. A multi-tuner unit 210 that simultaneously tunes channels required by the unit, demodulates them, and outputs them in the form of TP, and a CAS unit 250 that performs user authentication and descrambling of the main unit and each subunit using an integrated smart card. A display device (eg, outputting the TP signal output from each tuner and demodulator of the multi-tuner unit 210 to the CAS unit 250 to perform descrambling, and then connect the descrambled stream signal to the main unit (for example, TV) and a multi-channel TP distribution unit 220 for distribution to each sub unit, controlling the overall operation of the main unit, and also the main unit and satellite broadcasting service provider, and A central processing unit (CPU) 200 that controls data communication between the main unit and each sub unit, and a main unit that is descrambled and output by the multi-channel TP distribution unit 220 under the control of the CPU 200. A / V decoder 230 which receives the stream of the audio stream and separates the audio stream into the video stream, decodes the separated audio stream and the video stream using the corresponding decoding algorithm, and outputs them to the display device connected to the main unit 110 for display. An encryption engine 260 that receives a stream of each sub-unit descrambled and output by the multi-channel TP distribution unit 220 under the control of the CPU 200 and performs encryption using a predetermined encryption algorithm; The encryption engine 260 transmits the encrypted stream to each sub unit, or for user authentication transmitted from each sub unit. A main transceiver unit 270 that receives one piece of information, channel selection information, purchase information, etc., and outputs them to the CPU 200, and information for user authentication installed in the main unit 110 and transmitted from each sub unit; And a modem 240 for receiving purchase information and the like through the CPU 200 and transmitting the received information to the satellite broadcasting service provider, and receiving the relevant information from the satellite broadcasting service provider and outputting the information to the CPU 200.

Each sub unit is a sub IRD (Integrated Receiver & Decoder) that receives an encrypted stream signal transmitted from the main unit 110, decrypts it with a predetermined decryption algorithm, and restores the original digital video and audio signal. A display device (for example, a TV) for displaying the video signal is connected and does not include a satellite tuner, a modem, and a CAS. That is, the modem is not installed in each subunit but only in the main unit 110, and data communication between each subunit and the satellite broadcasting service provider is performed through the modem of the main unit 110. The main unit 110 independently transmits purchase information of each subunit to the satellite broadcasting service provider, and transmits the result back to the corresponding subunit.

Therefore, there is no need to install a modem for each subunit, so that the burden on the user can be reduced, and the configuration of each subunit is simplified.

Meanwhile, the satellite signal tuned by the main unit 110 includes program guide information (called EPG or APG) and a program of one or more channels. Therefore, the main unit 110 adds an A / V decoder 230 or a separate demultiplexer and parses and supplements additional data information such as program guide information from the tuned and demodulated TP signal to each subunit. You can also share at. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the program guide information stored in the DB is referred to as EPG DB 280.

Then, each sub unit requests additional data information, such as program guide information, to the main unit 110, and the main unit 110 only adds additional data information requested by the sub unit from the database of additional information data. Can be sent to the unit. In this case, since the additional data information does not need to be separately DBized in each subunit, the memory usage efficiency of the subunit can be increased, thereby reducing the memory capacity of each subunit, thereby reducing the user's burden. .

Here, the main unit 110 and each sub unit 120 may be connected by wire or wirelessly. When the main unit and each sub unit are wirelessly connected, there is no need for a cable between the main unit and each sub unit, which makes it easy to install, move, and add each sub unit.

Like the modem, the CAS unit 250 is also installed in the main unit 110 without being installed in each sub unit, and the smart card inserted into the CAS unit 250 is a family smart card. In this case, the satellite broadcasting service provider may provide a subscriber service such as discounting the subscription fee according to the number of sub units controlled by the main unit.

 The smart card manages information related to user registration, authentication, and billing through data communication between the main and sub units and the satellite broadcasting service provider, and stores a decryption key for descrambling scrambled data. .

In addition, only one ID and password may be registered in the smart card, or an ID and password may be registered for each main unit and each subunit.

For example, when only one ID and password are registered in the smart card, the main unit and the main unit may be authenticated by inputting the ID and password registered in the smart card only in the main unit. All subunits connected to the unit can be logged on normally. As another example, the ID and password registered in the smart card can be input from the main unit and any subunits, and the user can be authenticated through the main unit. If the user authentication is performed, the main unit and all subunits can be normally logged on. .

If an ID and password are registered for each main unit and each subunit in the integrated smart card, the corresponding subunit may receive user authentication through the main unit after inputting its ID and password. In this case, security can be kept secure for each subunit.

For example, assuming that IDs and passwords are registered for each main unit and subunit in the smart card, the ID and password inputted by the user in subunit B are transmitted to the main unit, and the main unit is transferred from the smart card of the CAS unit. The ID and password of the sub unit B are read, and if the ID and password transmitted from the sub unit B are compared and matched, the sub unit B transmits a signal indicating that user authentication has been performed. Then, the sub unit B is logged on and can be used normally.

In this case, the ID and password of the main unit may be able to receive user authentication in any sub unit as well as the main unit, for example, may be used by the parent. That is, the ID and password of a sub unit may receive user authentication only in the corresponding sub unit, but the ID and password of the main unit may receive user authentication in all sub units as well as the main unit.

If the main unit receives user authentication with the ID and password of the main unit, the user who has received the user authentication can set the effective viewing time of himself and each sub-unit in the main unit. In addition, if the sub-unit is authenticated by the user using the ID and password of the main unit, the effective viewing time of the main unit and each sub-unit may be set in the sub-unit that has been authenticated.

At this time, when the user sets the effective viewing time of himself and each subunit in the main unit, the main unit stores this, and then transmits the effective viewing time setting information of each subunit to the corresponding subunit so that the corresponding subunit can recognize the self. Allows you to see the reserved viewing and scheduled recording settings.

When the user sets the effective viewing time of each unit including the main and the self in one sub unit, the sub unit transmits the set valid viewing time information of the main and each sub unit to the main unit. Then, the main unit stores it and transmits the effective viewing time setting information of each subunit to the corresponding subunit so that the subunit can know the reserved watching or reserved recording setting value for the subunit.

In this case, the main unit may control the viewing time of the self and the corresponding subunit according to the effective viewing time setting value of each unit, or control the viewing time of the subunit according to its effective viewing time setting value in each subunit. You may.

In the former case, the main unit checks the effective viewing time set for itself and each subunit, but if the main unit is out of the effective viewing time zone, the video / audio data of the program is not output to the display unit of the main unit. Instead, a message is displayed indicating that it is not a valid viewing time. On the other hand, if one or more sub-units are out of the effective viewing time zone, transmission of the program is stopped to the corresponding sub-units, and instead, an error message is transmitted, and then the power of the sub-units is forcibly turned off after a certain time.

In the latter case, the sub-unit checks the viewing time set for itself, but if it is out of the effective viewing time zone, the program is not received from the main unit, or the display of the program received from the main unit is stopped and the effective viewing time is instead. After displaying an error message indicating that this is not the case, the power is forcibly turned off after a certain time.

3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu for setting a viewing time in a main unit or one sub unit according to the present invention. That is, in one of the subunits of the main unit or the plurality of subunits, the user displays a menu screen as shown in FIG. 3A using an input device such as a remote controller, and selects a viewing time setting item among menu items of the menu screen. In this case, the viewing time setting screen as shown in FIG. 3B is displayed on the display device.

3B illustrates an example in which a user sets values required for a viewing time on the viewing time setting screen after selecting a viewing time setting menu item of FIG. 3A.

That is, in the viewing time setting screen of FIG. 3B, the user selects a unit (that is, a main unit or at least one or more sub-units) for setting the viewing time, and selects a viewable time of the selected unit. In this case, the unit selection item displays a unit identifier for identifying each unit. Here, each unit identifier may be set by a user or automatically set by the system. For example, the user may set the sub unit in the child room as the child name or the room name.

Subsequently, the effective viewing start time and the end time are set and the confirmation key is pressed to set the viewing time of the selected unit. 3B illustrates an example in which a valid viewing time of the unit 1 identifier is set from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

In this case, the user may set different viewing times for each unit, or set an effective viewing time only for one of the main unit or any one of a plurality of subunits, and the wired / wireless connection to the main unit and the main unit. The same viewing time may be set for all connected subunits.

In addition, the user may set the viewing time only to the unit currently performing viewing time setting, or may set the same viewing time to at least a plurality of units but not all units.

If different viewing time is set for each unit, a process of selecting a unit for setting an effective viewing time and setting a desired viewing time for the selected unit may be performed for each unit, and then 'confirmation' may be selected. At this time, if you do not want to set the effective viewing time, select 'Cancel'.

If the same viewing time is to be set for the main unit and all subunits connected to the main unit, the above-described process may be set, or a menu item indicating 'all units' may be added to the unit selection item of FIG. 3B. You can also add it at once. That is, it is sufficient to select 'all units' in the unit selection item and then set the effective viewing time.

In addition, when the viewing time is to be set only for the unit currently performing viewing time setting, the effective viewing time may be set after selecting the current unit as described above, or the menu item indicating 'current unit' may be described. After the addition to the unit selection item of FIG. 3B, if the current unit is selected and the effective viewing time of the current unit is set, the viewing time can be set only for the current unit. In this case, the user can more easily and easily set the viewing time.

On the other hand, if not all units but want to set the same viewing time to a plurality of units may be set sequentially for each unit as described above, or the main unit identifier and all sub-unit identifiers connected to the main unit in a pull-down manner If the display of FIG. 3B is selected and a plurality of units are selected at a time by using a remote controller, and the effective viewing time of the selected units is set and then 'OK' is input, the effective viewing time of the plurality of units can be set at once. . Here, the process of selecting a plurality of units is known to those skilled in the art as a process of selecting a plurality of files at one time for copying or deleting in a computer, and will not be discussed in detail in the present invention.

In this case, only one effective viewing time for each unit may be set as shown in FIG. 3B, but one or more may be set according to the designer. This applies equally to the main unit and each sub unit. For example, the effective viewing time of the main unit is set from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, and the effective viewing time of the sub unit 1 is from 1 pm to 2 pm and from 6 pm to 9:30 pm It can also be set in minutes.

Meanwhile, the present invention may also perform a reservation on / off function by using the viewing time setting screen of FIG. 3B.

For example, after selecting a unit identifier on the viewing time setting screen of FIG. 3B and setting only a start time and not setting an end time, the power of the corresponding unit may be automatically turned on at the set start time. This can be used as an alarm in the morning to wake up the sleeping children in their rooms where the subunits are installed.

In addition, if the end time is set without selecting the start time after selecting the unit identifier on the viewing time setting screen of FIG. 3B, the power of the corresponding unit may be forcibly turned off at the set end time. It can also be used as a bedtime reservation feature, which can prevent children from watching TV late in their rooms with subunits.

In this case, when the user accesses the viewing time setting menu item on the menu screen of FIG. 3A, a password may be input. Therefore, the menu screen as shown in FIG. 3B is displayed only when the user inputs the correct password. This is to prevent the main user, i.e. other than the parent, for example, the children from setting an effective viewing time that the parent does not want. For example, if a main ID and a password are registered in the smart card, only the user who correctly inputs the main ID and password may access the viewing time menu item. The main ID and password may be an ID and a password of the main unit.

The configuration of the menu screen and the viewing time setting screen of FIGS. 3A and 3B is one embodiment, and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, and thus the present invention is not limited thereto.

In addition, the effective viewing time setting described above may be performed in one of the main unit and one of the plurality of subunits, and FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate an example of the viewing time setting process.

4A illustrates an example in which a user sets an effective viewing time of a main unit in the main unit. That is, the user may set the effective viewing time for the main unit by the process of FIG. 3 described above in the main unit. At this time, the user may or may not go through user authentication by inputting the main ID and password, which depends on the designer. The same applies to FIGS. 4B and 4C.

4B shows an example of communication between the main unit and the sub unit B when the user sets the effective viewing time of the sub unit B in the main unit. That is, when the user sets the effective viewing time for the sub unit B through the process of FIG. 3 described above in the main unit, the main unit stores the valid viewing time information of the set sub unit B and then transmits the information to the sub unit B. Allow unit B to know the viewing time setting information for itself.

4C shows an example of communication between units in the process of setting a viewing time for subunit B in subunit A. FIG. That is, when the main user sets the effective viewing time for the sub unit B by the process of FIG. 3 described above in the sub unit A, the sub unit A transmits the set valid viewing time information of the sub unit B to the main unit. The main unit stores the received effective viewing time setting information of the received subunit B and transmits the same to the subunit B so that the subunit B knows the viewing time setting information about itself.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the main unit stores the valid viewing time for the main unit and each sub unit, and stores the same. In this case, the effective viewing time setting information for the main unit and each sub unit may be stored in a smart card or stored in an internal storage device. For example, the ID, password, and valid viewing time setting information for each unit may be tabulated and stored in the smart card.                     

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a viewing time control process for a main unit when viewing a program through a display device of the main unit, and assumes that a viewing time is set for the main unit in the main unit or any one subunit. do.

FIG. 5A illustrates that the corresponding program requested by the user in the main unit is normally displayed on the display device of the main unit when the effective viewing time is not set in the main unit or when the current time is the valid viewing time zone set in the main unit. If it is.

FIG. 5B illustrates a case in which the current time is outside the valid viewing time zone set in the main unit, in which the main unit does not output the corresponding program to the display device and does not receive a user input, but instead is a valid viewing time. May be displayed on the display device, or when the user requests a password as shown in FIG. 5B and a correct password is input, the corresponding program may be normally displayed on the display device of the main unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operation of FIG. 5B in more detail.

That is, the main unit receives the current time information periodically included in the broadcast signal and transmitted (step 601). When the current time information is received, the main unit compares it with the effective viewing time for the preset main unit (step 602).

If it is determined that the current time is outside the valid viewing time set for the main unit, the main unit does not output the program requested by the user to the display device of the main unit (step 603). Instead, a message indicating that it is not the current valid viewing time is displayed on the display device of the main unit in OSD form (step 604).

Then, the user is requested and input a password (step 605). At this time, the input password is checked (step 606), and if it is a correct password, that is, the main password, the main unit displays the program requested by the user on the display device of the main unit normally (step 607). If not the correct password, the main unit will not accept any user input. At this time, forcibly turning off the power of the main unit may be changed by the designer.

That is, in case of forcibly turning off the power of the main unit, even if the effective viewing time is set only in the main unit, the viewing time of the program may be limited to each sub unit at once if the main unit is out of the effective viewing time zone. On the other hand, when the power of the main unit is not turned off, the display of the program is stopped on the display unit of the main unit and the user input is not received, but the program requested by each sub unit is tuned and demodulated and transmitted to each sub unit, or The processing of channel switching, purchase, and the like requested by each subunit may be normally performed.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a viewing time control method in a sub unit B in which an effective viewing time is set according to the present invention, and illustrates an example of communication with a main unit, a sub unit B, and a user.

FIG. 7A illustrates that when the effective viewing time is not set in the sub unit B or when the current sub unit B is in the effective viewing time zone, the sub unit B receives the video / audio data of the program transmitted from the main unit. After decoding, an example of normal display on the display unit of subunit B is shown. If the video / audio data of the corresponding program is encrypted and transmitted from the main unit, the sub unit B decrypts and decodes the displayed data.

In FIG. 7A, when the effective viewing time is set in the sub unit B, the main unit may control the viewing time of the sub unit B, and the sub unit B may control its viewing time. It may be.

8 is an operation flowchart illustrating a process of controlling the viewing time of each sub unit in the main unit, FIG. 8A is an operation flowchart in the main unit, and FIG. 8B is an operation flowchart in each sub unit.

That is, the main unit extracts the current time from the time information transmitted from the broadcasting station, and then compares the extracted current time with the effective viewing time of each unit (step 801) to determine whether there is a sub-unit outside the effective viewing time zone (step 801). 802).

For example, if there is a sub unit outside the effective viewing time zone in step 802 and the sub unit is a sub unit B, the main unit does not transmit the video / audio data of all programs to the sub unit B ( Step 803).

Instead, a valid viewing time deactivation message is transmitted to the sub unit B (step 804).

Sub-unit B (step 811) receiving the valid viewing time deactivation message from the main unit immediately displays a message indicating that it does not receive all user inputs and is not a valid viewing time on the display device in OSD form (step 812). ). Then, after a predetermined time (step 813), the power of the sub unit B is forcibly turned off (step 814). In this case, the power of the sub unit B may be forcibly turned off in the main unit or forcibly turned off in the sub unit B.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of controlling a viewing time of each subunit, and the main unit extracts a current time from time information transmitted from a broadcasting station and periodically transmits the extracted current time to each subunit. In addition, the main unit tunes and demodulates a channel requested by a specific subunit and transmits the demodulated channel to each subunit or the corresponding subunit (step 901).

Then, each subunit compares the current time transmitted through the main unit with the effective viewing time set for itself to determine whether it is out of the current valid viewing time zone (step 902).

As a result of the determination, if the current time is the valid viewing time zone, the program of the request channel transmitted from the main unit is received, and video / audio data of the program is normally decoded and output to the display apparatus (step 903).

If it is determined that the current time is out of the valid viewing time zone, the program of the request channel transmitted from the main unit is not received or is not output to the display apparatus even if it is received (step 904).

Instead, the display device displays a message indicating that it is not an effective viewing time in OSD form (step 905), and then forcibly turns off the power after a predetermined time (step 906) (step 907).

In this case, the sub-units outside the valid viewing time zone in FIGS. 8 and 9 may display a message indicating that the viewing time is not valid and request a password from the user. In other words, if the correct password (for example, the password of the main unit) is input, the subunit is normally decoded and displayed in the subunit despite the fact that it is not an effective viewing time zone. This is so that a main user such as a parent can watch a broadcast in each sub-unit regardless of the effective viewing time. To this end, the main password may be a password of a main unit registered in a smart card or a main password registered in a storage device of the main unit.

(B) and (c) of FIG. 7 are examples of controlling the viewing time of each subunit, and in particular, an example of controlling the viewing time by receiving a user's password from a subunit outside the effective viewing time zone as described above. It is showing.

In this case, (b) of FIG. 7 is a case where the password is checked by the sub unit, and FIG. 7 (c) is a case where the password is checked by the main unit. Here, when performing the password check in the main unit, the sub unit should transmit the password input by the user to the main unit and receive a test result. When performing the password check in the sub unit, the sub unit will input the correct password in advance. Or store it from a smart card.

That is, in FIG. 7B, the main unit transmits the video / audio data of the program requested by the sub unit B to the sub unit B, and periodically transmits current time information. The sub-unit B compares the current time transmitted from the main unit with its effective viewing time, and if it is determined that it is out of the current valid viewing time, outputs a message indicating that the sub-unit is not valid viewing time to the display device and simultaneously sends a password to the user. Ask for input.

Then, when the user enters a password, it checks whether the entered password is the correct password. If the inputted password is the correct password, the sub unit B decrypts the video / audio data of the received program, decodes it, and outputs the decoded image to the display device of the sub unit B. However, if the input password is not the correct password, the power of the sub unit B is forcibly turned off after a certain time.

In FIG. 7C, the main unit transmits the video / audio data of the program requested by the sub unit B to the sub unit B, and periodically transmits current time information. The sub-unit B compares the current time transmitted from the main unit with its effective viewing time, and if it is determined that it is out of the current valid viewing time, outputs a message indicating that the sub-unit is not valid viewing time to the display device and simultaneously sends a password to the user. Ask for input.

Then, when the user enters a password, the password is transmitted to the main unit. The main unit checks whether the password transmitted from the sub unit B is the correct password. Then, the test result is notified to the sub unit B again. When the password check result transmitted from the main unit indicates that the password is correct, the sub unit B decodes and decodes the video / audio data of the received program and outputs it to the display unit of the sub unit B. In addition, if the test result indicates that the password is not correct, the power of the sub unit B is forcibly turned off after a certain time.

7 (a) to (c) described above take sub unit B as an example, but this applies equally to all sub units. In addition, in the present invention, only the password is mentioned for convenience of description when accessing the viewing time setting menu item or when a password is input to display a program normally in a unit outside the effective viewing time, but both ID and password are inputted. Alternatively, only the ID can be input, which can be changed by the designer. The ID and password may be a password of a main unit registered in a smart card or a main ID and password previously registered in a storage device of the main unit.

As described above, according to the viewing time method of the digital satellite broadcasting receiver according to the present invention, a multi-channel is simultaneously tuned through one main unit, and not only the main unit but each sub unit in a plurality of independent spaces is provided in the main unit. Receives a program of a specific tuned channel to perform decoding and display, wherein the main unit or one subunit can set the effective viewing time of each unit including itself, and watch the self and each subunit in the main unit. You can control the time, or control each viewing time in each subunit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent children from watching TV excessively. In particular, by controlling the children's viewing time even in an environment where sub-units are provided in each room, or where parents work together and go out, it is possible to prevent children from watching TV indefinitely.

And by setting the effective viewing time, each sub-unit can be scheduled to be turned off or turned off, so that the children who sleep in the room where the sub unit is installed can wake up in the morning alone. You can prevent watching.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the embodiments, but should be defined by the claims.

Claims (10)

A digital satellite broadcast receiver comprising a main unit and a remote subunit, A sub unit requesting and displaying a transmission of a broadcast signal to the main unit; And Receiving a valid viewing time reference value for restricting broadcast viewing of the main unit and the sub unit from a user, and stopping the display of the main unit when the current viewing time of the main unit exceeds the valid viewing reference value, And a main unit which stops the transmission of the broadcast signal requested by the sub unit and cuts off the power of the sub unit when the current viewing time of the sub unit exceeds the valid viewing reference value. The method of claim 1, And the main unit receives a password for inputting the valid viewing time reference value from a user and displays the valid viewing time information. The method of claim 1, And the sub unit interrupts the request for a broadcast signal to the main unit and cuts off the power when the current viewing time exceeds a valid viewing time reference value received from the main unit. In the viewing time control method of a digital satellite broadcasting receiver comprising a main unit and a sub unit, Receiving a request for transmission of a broadcast signal from the sub unit; Transmitting a broadcast signal requested by the sub unit to the requested sub unit; Receiving and storing, from a user, an effective viewing time reference value for limiting broadcasting viewing of the main unit and the sub unit; and When the current viewing time of the main unit exceeds the valid viewing reference value, the display of the main unit is stopped, and when the current viewing time of the sub unit exceeds the valid viewing reference value, the broadcast signal requested by the sub unit And stopping transmission of the sub-unit and cutting off the power of the sub-unit. The method of claim 4, wherein Receiving and storing a valid viewing time reference value for limiting viewing of the broadcast of the main unit and the sub-unit from a user, And receiving a password for inputting the valid viewing time reference value and displaying valid viewing time information. The method of claim 4, wherein Receiving and storing a valid viewing time reference value for limiting viewing of the broadcast of the main unit and the sub-unit from a user, The valid viewing time reference value is transmitted to the sub unit, and when the current viewing time exceeds the received valid viewing time reference value, the sub unit stops transmitting a broadcast signal to the main unit and cuts off power. And watching time control method of the digital satellite broadcasting receiver. A digital satellite broadcast receiver comprising a main unit and remote subunits, A first sub unit receiving a valid viewing time reference value for limiting viewing of the broadcast of the main unit and the second sub unit from a user, and outputting the valid viewing time reference value; A main unit for receiving and storing an effective viewing time reference value output from the first sub unit, and outputting an effective viewing time reference value of the second sub unit and current viewing time information of the second sub unit; and Request transmission of a broadcast signal to the main unit, receive a valid viewing time reference value and current viewing time information output by the main unit, and a current viewing time included in the current viewing time information exceeds the valid viewing reference value And a second sub unit which stops a request for a broadcast signal to the main unit and cuts off power. The method of claim 7, wherein When the current viewing time included in the current viewing time information exceeds the valid viewing reference value, the second sub unit receives a password for allowing viewing of the broadcasting signal from a user and sends the broadcasting signal to the main unit. Digital satellite broadcast receiver on request. A viewing time control method of a digital satellite broadcasting receiver comprising a main unit and remote subunits, Receiving, by a first subunit of the subunits, a valid viewing time reference value for restricting viewing of broadcasts of the main unit and the second subunit by a user, and outputting the valid viewing time reference value; Receiving and storing the valid viewing time reference value output from the first sub unit, and outputting the valid viewing time reference value of the second sub unit and current viewing time information of the second sub unit in the main unit; and The second sub unit requests transmission of a broadcast signal to the main unit, receives a valid viewing time reference value and current viewing time information output by the main unit, and displays the current viewing time included in the current viewing time information. And stopping a request for a broadcast signal and shutting off power to the main unit when an effective viewing criterion value is exceeded. The method of claim 9, In the second sub-unit, when the current viewing time included in the current viewing time information exceeds the valid viewing reference value, the second sub unit receives a password for allowing the viewing of the broadcasting signal from a user and sends the broadcasting signal to the main unit. Requesting; the method of controlling a viewing time of a digital satellite broadcasting receiver comprising a.

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