CN101340573A

CN101340573A - Host equipment for meeting with deployment point and method for processing broadcasting data

Info

Publication number: CN101340573A
Application number: CNA2008101356130A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 车尚勋
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2007-07-05
Filing date: 2008-07-07
Publication date: 2009-01-07
Anticipated expiration: 2028-07-07
Also published as: KR101461935B1; CN101340573B; KR20090003897A

Abstract

A host device interfacing with a point of deployment (POD) and a method of processing broadcast data are disclosed. Herein, an Internet Protocol (IP) physical interface unit receives an Ethernet frame including broadcast data; and a routing engine transforms the Ethernet frame to an IP packet when a destination address included in the Ethernet frame matches with an address of a pod and routs the transformed IP packet to an extended channel connected to the POD. Accordingly, it is possible to protect contents using a conditional access provided by the existing cable card and process broadcast data received on all types of transmission protocols including an IP protocol over a wired/wireless network using a channel provided for connection between the existing cable card and the host device.

Description

Carry out the main process equipment of interface and the method for handling broadcast data with the deployment point

The application requires in the rights and interests of the korean patent application No.10-2007-0067645 of submission on July 5th, 2007, and wherein this application is incorporated herein by reference, and is all stated at this as it.In addition, the application also requires in the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/952 of submission on July 30th, 2007,839 rights and interests, and this application is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of main process equipment and a kind of method of handling broadcast data, and relate in particular to a kind of main process equipment and a kind of method of handling broadcast data that is used for handling the broadcast data that transmits based on Internet Protocol (IP).

Background technology

Existing TV (TV) service provides as follows, wherein the content that is produced by broadcaster transmits by wireless radio transmission medium (for example earthwave (terrestrial wave)), cable or satellite, and spectators watch the content that is transmitted by the TV receiver, and this TV receiver can receive the content that is transmitted via the respective transmissions medium.

Yet, along with exploitation and commercialization based on the digital TV technology of digital broadcasting, different with existing analog broadcasting, except using existing transmission medium, can also use the internet that is connected to each family to offer spectators such as the various contents real-time broadcasting, content-on-demand (CoD), recreation and the news.

Use the internet to provide the example of content can comprise Internet Protocol TV (IPTV).IPTV represents to use the internet to receive various types of information services, dynamic image content and broadcasting and they is shown to user's broadcasting receiver.The internet can realize based on networks of different type, for example fiber cable network, coax network, Fiber to the home (FTTH), telephone network and wireless network.

In addition, different with general terrestrial broadcasting, use the service of internet also to have the amphicheirality, and allow spectators to watch the program of expectation when an opportunity arises at him.

Summary of the invention

Correspondingly, the present invention relates to main process equipment and a kind of method of handling broadcast data that interface is carried out in a kind of and deployment point (POD), wherein said main process equipment and method have fully been eliminated the one or more problems that cause owing to the restriction of correlation technique and defective.

An object of the present invention is to provide the main process equipment that a kind of use Internet Protocol (IP) and POD carry out interface; and a kind of method of handling broadcast data, wherein POD can use by the existing condition reception (conditional access) that has ply-yarn drill (cable card) to provide and protect the content that is transmitted.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of main process equipment that can handle the broadcast data that receives based on Ethernet protocol, and a kind of method of handling broadcast data.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of main process equipment that can handle broadcast data, and wherein this broadcast data is based on Ethernet protocol, uses to the channel that being connected between ply-yarn drill and the main process equipment arranged provides and receive.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of main process equipment, and a kind of method of handling broadcast data, this main process equipment can be changed the form of the broadcast data that receives, so that the transmission broadcast data, wherein this broadcast data is based on all types of host-host protocols (comprising the IP agreement), on the wire/radio network, by for there being ply-yarn drill to be received with the channel that provides that is connected between the main process equipment.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of main process equipment that can receive broadcast data from multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA), and a kind of method of handling broadcast data.

To partly set forth attendant advantages of the present invention, purpose and feature in the following description, and those skilled in the art can know some part of understanding attendant advantages of the present invention, purpose and feature by following description of research, perhaps can come it is understood by implementing the present invention.Target of the present invention and other advantages can be realized by the structure that particularly points out in its specification, claim and accompanying drawing and be obtained.

In order to realize these targets and other advantages, and purpose of the present invention according to generalized description and realization here, the main process equipment that interface is carried out in a kind of and deployment point (POD) comprises: Internet Protocol (IP) physical interface unit is used to receive the ethernet frame that comprises broadcast data; And routing engine, convert ethernet frame to the IP grouping when address that is used for the destination information that comprises when ethernet frame and deployment point is complementary, and the IP grouping of being changed is routed to the extended channel that links to each other with the deployment point.Here, broadcast data is at least one in order data, control data, condition reception data, digital copyright management (DRM) data and the MPEG sector data, and extended channel can be an IP stream.And destination information can be in MAC Address, IP address and the port numbers any one.

In addition, IP physical interface unit can pass through multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) reception ethernet frame.

In addition, ethernet frame can comprise ethernet header, IP grouping and Ethernet CRC.Here, routing engine can remove ethernet header and Ethernet CRC from ethernet frame, ethernet frame is converted to the IP grouping.

In addition, main process equipment also comprises: broadband interface unit is used for receiving broadcast data by cable; Demodulator is used for the broadcast data that demodulate reception arrives; And multiplexer, be used for multiplexing broadcast data, and the broadcast data after multiplexing is outputed to the mpeg data stream that links to each other with POD through demodulation.In addition, this main process equipment also comprises the IP-TS decapsulator, is used to receive the IP grouping of being changed, and is extracted in the MPEG-2TS grouping that the IP packets inner that received is carried, and the MPEG-2TS grouping of being extracted is outputed to multiplexer.Here, multiplexer divides into groups to carry out multiplexing to MPEG-2TS, and the grouping of the MPEG-2TS after multiplexing is outputed to mpeg data stream.

In another aspect of the present invention, a kind of method of handling broadcast data comprises: receive the ethernet frame that comprises broadcast data by network modem, and when the address of destination information that comprises in the ethernet frame and deployment point is complementary, convert ethernet frame to the IP grouping, and will be routed to the extended channel that links to each other with the deployment point through the ethernet frame of conversion.Here, broadcast data is at least one item in order data, control data, condition reception data, DRM data and the MEPG sector data.And destination information is at least one in MAC Address, IP address and the port numbers.And network modem can be multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA).And extended channel can be an IP stream.In addition, ethernet frame comprises ethernet header, IP grouping and Ethernet CRC.Ethernet frame being converted to the IP grouping here, comprises: remove ethernet header and Ethernet CRC from Ethernet.

It should be understood that about general description and subsequent detailed description above of the present invention all be exemplary and illustrative, and aim to provide further explanation about invention required for protection.

According to the present invention, can use to receive and protect content by the condition that has ply-yarn drill to provide.Therefore, the service provider can service condition receives and protects content, and stably to the service users request defrayment.

Owing to the broadcast data that receives based on Ethernet protocol processed in case with open wired line interface that sticks into, so service-user can be by changing or expansion have the function of ply-yarn drill to watch the program of the provider of expectation as few as possible.

Since to based on the host-host protocol (comprising the IP agreement) of any kind, by wire/radio network, use to there being the channel that provides that is connected between ply-yarn drill and the main process equipment to receive broadcast data and done processing, therefore, can be by changing as few as possible or expanding the function that ply-yarn drill is arranged and handle the broadcast data that receives based on Ethernet protocol.

Because broadcast data receives from multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA), therefore, can realize IP-based seamless link on coaxial network, and can use IP to transmit (IP over Coax) by coaxial cable.

Description of drawings

Accompanying drawing has been described one or more embodiment of the present invention, these accompanying drawings make an explanation to principle of the present invention together with the description, provide further understanding of the present invention by comprising these accompanying drawings, and accompanying drawing is integrated among the application and formation the application's a part.In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram that illustrates according to the IPTV system of the embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is the schematic block diagram that illustrates according to the broadcasting receiver of the card safe in utilization of the embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is the view that is connected that illustrates between broadcasting receiver and the external network, wherein use CMTS with the DOCSIS modulator-demodulator, via data-over-cable service interface standard (DOCSIS) network, use Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) to set up this to be connected;

Fig. 4 is the diagram that illustrates according to the embodiment of the invention, the stream that occurs on the extended channel between safety card and the main process equipment and processing;

Fig. 5 A is the schematic diagram that multicasting method is shown;

Fig. 5 B is the schematic diagram that unicast method is shown;

Fig. 6 A～6C is the schematic diagram that the DSG grouping that ethernet frame divides into groups and the ethernet frame grouping is converted to is shown;

Fig. 7 is the schematic diagram that illustrates according to the ethernet frame grouping and the IP grouping of the embodiment of the invention, and wherein the ethernet frame packet switched becomes this IP grouping, so that transmit by IP_U stream; And

Fig. 8 is a flow chart of describing the process of the data that the processing according to the embodiment of the invention receives.

Embodiment

In addition, though the term that uses among the present invention is to select from the term of generally knowing and using, but some mentioned in the present invention's description term is taken the circumstances into consideration to select by the applicant, and has narrated the detailed meanings of these terms in the relevant portion of the description here.In addition, not only need be by employed actual terms, but also need understand the present invention by the inherent meaning of each term.

Describe in detail according to broadcasting receiver of the present invention and the method for handling broadcast data referring now to accompanying drawing.

As using the internet that the example of the system of various contents is provided, Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) system can roughly be divided into server, network and broadcasting receiver (client computer).

The server of IPTV system can comprise the server with various functions, for example service discovery and selection server, streaming server, content guide information server, client information server and paying information server.

In these servers, streaming server is sent to broadcasting receiver with the Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG)-2 or the MPEG-4 encoding moving pictures data of being stored via network.As host-host protocol, real-time transport protocol (rtp) or RTP Control Protocol (RTCP) can be used.

Under the situation of using real time streaming protocol (rtsp), being reproduced in a way of moving picture stream can be controlled by network skill (trick) playing functions such as suspending, replay, stop.

Information about each content that is provided is provided the content guide information server.This content guide information has comprised the many information about content, for example with electronic program guides (EPG) information information corresponding.This content guide information server stores content guide information data, and the data of being stored are offered broadcasting receiver.

In these servers, service discovery and select server that the access information of server is provided, to be used for providing various types of content services to broadcasting receiver, for example broadcasting, content-on-demand (CoD) or recreation and information reproduction.

Network system comprises based on the network of internet and gateway.As the network based on the internet, IP-based various types of networks can be used, for example fiber cable network, coax network, Fiber to the home (FTTH), telephone network and wireless network.Usually, gateway can use such as the agreement and service quality (QoS) management of Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) and carry out data delivery, multicast management and group.

IPTV indicates broadcasting receiver, and this broadcasting receiver can receive via the data of internet transmission and to the user data are provided.Broadcasting receiver can comprise the IPTV set-top box, local network (homenet) gateway and the built-in TV of IPTV.

Hybrid IP TV system not only can provide various types of internet contents, but also various types of existing broadcasted contents can be provided.That is to say, except various types of broadcasted contents of person such as terrestrial broadcasting, wired broadcasting, satellite broadcasting or proprietary broadcasting and so on, data content perhaps non-image in the various the Internet images can be offered the user.These contents both can provide in real time, also can provide as required.

Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram that illustrates according to the IPTV system of the embodiment of the invention.

From the angle of content and service provider, the IPTV system can be divided into content supplier (CP), service provider (SP), network provider (NP) and user.

CP makes and provides various types of contents.This CP can comprise terrestrial broadcasters, wired system operator (SO) or wired multisystem operator (MSO), satellite broadcasting company and Internet Broadcast company.

SP becomes service with the content packaging that CP provides, and service is provided.For example, the SP of Fig. 1 is packaged into first terrestrial broadcasting, second terrestrial broadcasting, wired MSO broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, various Internet Broadcast service, and this service is offered the user.

As the means that are used for protecting the content that transmits in the IPTV system, can service condition receive or content protecting.Example as condition reception or content protecting can use ply-yarn drill maybe can download condition receiving system (DCAS).

By being used to provide the SP of IPTV to select card safe in utilization or DCAS.Used in broadcasting receiver under the situation of safety card or DCAS, the SP that communicates by letter with broadcasting receiver should use this system.

Fig. 2 is the schematic block diagram that illustrates according to the broadcasting receiver of the card safe in utilization of the embodiment of the invention.

The broadcasting receiver of Fig. 2 can receive all IP-based IPTV services, wired broadcasting, terrestrial broadcasting and satellite broadcasting.According to the example of execution mode, the broadcasting receiver of Fig. 2 can receive only IPTV service or wired broadcasting.In addition, according to the example of execution mode, the safety card of Fig. 2 can also be named with other terms.

The broadcasting receiver of Fig. 2 roughly is divided into main process equipment and safety card.Main process equipment comprises first broadband interface unit 202, second broadband interface unit 204, demodulator 206, multiplexer 208, demodulation multiplexer 210, decoder 212, IP physical interface unit 214, routing engine 216, IP-transmission grouping (TP) decapsulator 218, controller 222, can download CAS (DCAS) 224, digital VTR (DVR) controller 226, content-encrypt device 228, memory interface 230 and memory cell 232.Safety card 220 both can be the single current card that can only handle a stream, also can be the multithread card that can handle a plurality of streams simultaneously.For example, safety card 220 can be by having ply-yarn drill or smart card to realize.

This broadcasting receiver is the receiver of an open cable type, in this receiver, comprise condition receiving system (CAS) safety card can from body portion from.This safety card is also referred to as deployment point (POD) module, and this module is inserted in the slot of main body of broadcasting receiver or with it separates.The main body that is inserted with safety card is also referred to as main process equipment.That is to say that the combination of safety card and main process equipment is called as broadcasting receiver.

The main process equipment that is included in the broadcasting receiver of Fig. 2 is an example of being implemented by the multithread main process equipment that can handle a plurality of streams simultaneously.When main process equipment is implemented by the single current main process equipment that can only handle a stream, at this moment will walk around the multiplexer 208 and the demodulation multiplexer 210 of the main process equipment of Fig. 2, to produce ply-yarn drill MPEG grouping (CMP), multiplexing this CMP, the CMP after multiplexing is carried out demultiplexing by packet header being additional to MPEG transmission grouping.But although main process equipment is implemented as the single current main process equipment, other operations disclosed by the invention can be adopted in a like fashion and be carried out.

The example of execution mode

Network modem 200 connects external network and broadcasting receiver.For instance, can use data-over-cable service interface standard (DOCSIS) modulator-demodulator, be connected to the wireless repeater of wireless Internet, or the line relay device that is connected to wired Internet such as wired ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) (ADSL) repeater is connected to external network with broadcasting receiver.Broadcasting receiver only is exemplary with the example that is connected between the external network, and can change according to the connected mode of broadcasting receiver and external network.

Fig. 3 is the view that is connected that illustrates according between broadcasting receiver of the present invention, as to have used the DOCSIS modulator-demodulator and the external network.

At network modem 200 is under the situation about being realized by the DOCSIS modulator-demodulator, can be connected to the DOCSIS network according to broadcasting receiver of the present invention.That is to say, network modem 200 can make up Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) (DSG agency) and DSG tunnel, so that send the data broadcasting that is received via DOCSIS network subordinate top box controller (DSG server), and receive broadcast data via constructed DSG tunnel.Here, the DOCSIS network can be implemented by IP backbone, and supports ip multicast/clean culture.

Yet in order to support the ip multicast/clean culture via the DOCSIS network, the grouping that receives from CMTS (DSG agency) should convert the DSG grouping to, and this DSC grouping should be transmitted.Therefore, broadcasting receiver can not receive broadcast data by being directly connected to the external IP network.

In order to address these problems, network modem 200 can provide the function that broadcasting receiver is directly connected to the external IP network.For instance, network modem 200 can be implemented by coaxial cable multimedia data alliance (MoCA).At network modem 200 is under the situation about being implemented by MoCA, can set up on coax network and is connected IP-based network.That is to say, be under the situation about being realized by MoCA at network modem 200, can not use DOCSIS, not need to use the DOCSIS modulator-demodulator, and not need to use the CMTS that is connected to the DOCSIS modulator-demodulator by network.In addition, do not need to use the DSG tunnel of between DOCSIS modulator-demodulator and CMTS, setting up.Therefore,, can use IP to transmit, the broadcast service of fast and stable is provided for the user thus by coaxial network according to broadcasting receiver of the present invention owing on coaxial network, can set up IP-based seamless link.

First broadband interface unit 202 only be tuned to ground audio/video (A/V) broadcasting that transmits via antenna or the specific channel frequency that the cable A/V of transmission broadcasts in band via the cable that links to each other with network modem 200, and will output to demodulator 206 through tuning signal.

At this moment, because terrestrial broadcasting transmits with different transmission methods with wired broadcasting, therefore in demodulator 206, use different demodulation methods to come it is carried out demodulation.Give an example,, and come modular cable A/V broadcasting by quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) method by vestigial sideband modulation (VSB) method modulation ground A/V broadcasting.Therefore, if by first broadband interface unit, 202 tuning channel frequencys are terrestrial broadcastings, demodulator 206 uses the VSB method to come this terrestrial broadcasting of demodulation so, if and be wired broadcasting by first broadband interface unit, 202 tuning channel frequencys, demodulator 206 uses the QAM methods to come this wired broadcasting of demodulation so.

Second broadband interface unit 204 only be tuned to the specific channel frequency broadcasted of the cable A/V that in band, transmits via the cable that links to each other with network modem 200, and will output to demodulator 206 through tuning signal.

First broadband interface unit 202 and second broadband interface unit 204 can tuning different channels signal, and these signals are sent to demodulator 206.As an alternative, the different A/V streams that first broadband interface unit 202 and second broadband interface unit 204 can tuning same channels, and these signals are sent to demodulator 206.For instance, first broadband interface unit 202 can flow by tuning key frame, and second broadband interface unit 204 can tuning picture-in-picture (PIP) stream.Under digital video signal is stored in situation in the digital VTR (DVR), can use first broadband interface unit 202 and second broadband interface unit 204 to watch and record this vision signal.

Demodulator 206 carries out demodulation to the received signal, and will be sent to multiplexer 208 through the signal of demodulation.Multiplexer 208 can be multiplexing from the signal of

demodulator

206 and 218 outputs of IP-TP decapsulator, and export signal after multiplexing.Give an example, by first broadband interface unit 202 tuning and through the main video signal of demodulation and by second broadband interface unit 204 tuning and be re-used through the PIP vision signal of demodulation, and the multiplexing signal that obtains is output.According to the example of execution mode, vision signal that can multiplexing different channels perhaps also can the multiplexing demodulation signal and from the signal of IP-TP decapsulator 218 outputs.

If from the signal of multiplexer 208 outputs are terrestrial broadcasting data, this signal is output to demodulation multiplexer 210 so, if and be wired broadcasting data or IPTV broadcast data from the signal of demodulation multiplexer 208 output, this signal is output to demodulation multiplexer 210 via being installed in the safety card 220 in the slot so.Safety card 220 comprises CAS, and preventing to duplicate the higher broadcasted content of increment, and enabled condition receives, and it is also referred to as the POS module.

That is to say, if the broadcast data that receives through scrambling, safety card 220 will this broadcast data of descrambling so, and the data behind the descrambling are outputed to demodulation multiplexer 210.If safety card 220 is not installed, the A/V broadcast data from multiplexer 208 outputs will directly be outputed to demodulation multiplexer 210 so.In this case, can not therefore can't normally be watched by descrambling through the A/V broadcast data of scrambling.

210 pairs of demodulation multiplexers carry out route from the A/V broadcast data of multiplexer 208 outputs and from the A/V broadcast data of safety card 220 outputs, so that it is outputed to decoder 212 or DVR controller 226.Decoder 212 will revert to primary signal through the A/V of overcompression signal by the video/audio decoding algorithm, and export the signal that is recovered.

DVR controller 226, content-encrypt device 228, memory interface 230 and memory cell 232 are used to store the numerical data that receives or are used to reproduce the data of being stored.Under the control of controller 222,226 pairs of DVR controllers by demodulation multiplexer 210 routes, be that MPEG TS to be stored controls, perhaps to from store select the data, be about to reproduced video data, voice data and system data and control.228 pairs of content-encrypt devices are that data to be stored are encrypted and exported through ciphered data, perhaps to being decrypted and exporting data decryption through ciphered data.According to the example of execution mode, can not use encryption equipment 228.

The interface of the data I/O of memory interface 230 execution and memory cell 232, and memory cell 232 is stored the data that receive.

DCAS 224 can download and storage CAS from transmission server, and carries out the CAS function according to the appropriate CAS among the storage CAS.The data processing of controller 222 main control system equipment and the interface between main process equipment and the safety card.

IP physical interface unit 214 receives the ethernet frame grouping that will be sent to particular ip address in the signal that is received via network modem 200, and this ethernet frame grouping is sent to routing engine 216.As an alternative, IP physical interface unit receives the two-way communication data (for example sponsored program application, receiver state information, user's input or the like) from routing engine, and via network modem 200 these data is sent to external network.This particular ip address can be the IP address of main process equipment, perhaps can be the IP address of safety card.

In the broadcasting receiver of Fig. 2, can receive according to outer (OOB) message signale of IP protocol of I PTV broadcast data, video request program (VOD) signal or band via IP physical interface unit 214.In existing wired broadcasting, the OOB message that can use DOCSIS set-top box gateway (DSG) method or OOB method to receive, for example system information (SI), emergency alarm system (EAS), expanded application information table (XAIT), CAS information or various card control information.

In the broadcasting receiver of Fig. 2, can comprise DOCSIS modulator-demodulator or OOB tuner, to receive OOB message.For example, can use IP method and OOB method one of them or use IP method, DSG method and OOB method one of them receive OOB message.

One of them receives under the situation of OOB message using IP method and OOB method, and the broadcasting receiver of Fig. 2 also needs OOB tuner or demodulator.One of them receives under the situation of OOB message using IP method, DSG method and OOB method, the broadcasting receiver of Fig. 2 also needs DOCSIS modulator-demodulator, OOB tuner, is used to select the switch unit of one of DSG method and OOB method, and the demodulator that data is sent to head end according to method.

Under all operable situation of IP method, DSG method and OOB method, perhaps under the situation that IP method except that the DSG method and OOB method can be used, transmitter is selected one of said method, and will be sent to safety card 220 about the information of institute's choosing method.Safety card 220 according to about the information of transmitter institute choosing method to main process equipment notifying operation method.In this case, backwards compatibility can be solved.

In the broadcasting receiver of Fig. 2, for convenience of description, to be described below situation: use IP to receive OOB message, rather than receive OOB message by means of the OOB method of the DSG method of using the DOCSIS modulator-demodulator or use OOB tuner via IP physical interface unit 214.In this case, transmitter should use IP with the packing of OOB message, and transmits OOB message.In VOD or IPTV broadcasting, can receive the message such as CAS information with the form of grouping, this grouping for example is VOD grouping or IPTV broadcast packe.

OOB message only is exemplary, according to the example of execution mode, can add other necessary informations, perhaps can get rid of the unnecessary information in the above-mentioned information.

The grouping that routing engine 216 uses the network stack based on ICP/IP protocol to receive is routed to the grouping destination.TCP/IP network 216 support ICP/IP protocol and User Datagram Protoco (UDP) (UDP)/IP agreement the two.

Routing engine 216 is routed to IP-TP decapsulator 218 with VOD signal or the IPTV broadcast data that receives.218 couples of MPEG that receive of this IP-TP decapsulator or MPEG-2TS grouping are resolved, and will output to multiplexer 208 through the grouping of resolving.Multiplexer 208 processing has afterwards above been described.Because what use is the MPEG-2 broadcast data, therefore will receive and resolve the TP grouping in above example.Yet, under the situation that receives the broadcast data that uses other standards, can use other unit and not use the TP grouped element.Therefore, scope of the present invention is not limited to employed term in the example of execution mode.

Routing engine 216 is that the grouping of safety card 220 is sent to safety card 220 with the destination.OOB message be with safety card 220 as one of grouping of destination, it is routed engine 216 routes and is sent to safety card 220.Be routed in OOB message under the situation of safety card 220, can use second layer method for routing, the 3rd layer routing method or the 4th layer routing method that these data are sent to safety card 220.

If what use is second layer method for routing, then use medium access control (MAC) address system of the destination that is comprised in the header of the ethernet frame that receives to come route message.If what use is the 3rd layer routing method, then use the IP address system of the destination that is comprised in the IP header of the ethernet frame that receives to come route message.The use of second layer method for routing or the 3rd layer routing method can change according to the example of execution mode.If what use is the 4th layer routing method, then use the port numbers that is comprised in the UDP header of the ethernet frame that receives to come route message.If the ethernet frame that receives comprises the TCP header, then use the port numbers that is comprised in the TCP header of the ethernet frame that receives to come this message of route.The use of second layer method for routing, the 3rd layer routing method or the 4th layer routing method can change according to the example of execution mode.That is to say that second layer method for routing, the 3rd layer routing method or the 4th layer routing method can change according to the example of execution mode.

Between safety card and main process equipment, there are data channel, extended channel and in-band channel.Data channel is provided between main process equipment and the safety card and exchanges control signal, and extended channel is configured to exchange real data.Data channel and extended channel all are the cpu i/fs that is defined by swap data between main process equipment and safety card.

That is to say, safety card and transmitter communications, analyze the order that receives from transmitter, and via data channel and extended channel and the operation of carrying out when main process equipment is communicated by letter by the transmitter indication, perhaps the content that the user is imported sends to transmitter.

At this moment, in order to transmit data via extended channel, at first transmission line should be set, this transmission line is corresponding to the data type that defines between safety card and main process equipment.This transmission line is called as stream.For example, in order to transmit the MPEG sector data, MPEG section stream is set between safety card and main process equipment, then, MPEG sector data reality is transmitted via described stream.Extended channel can comprise DSG stream, IP stream and MPEG section stream.This IP stream can comprise at least one in IP unicast (IP_U) stream and ip multicast (IP_M) stream.

Be provided with in-band channel between main process equipment and safety card, so that transmit the MPEG-2 transmission grouping that comprises audio frequency, video and data, and this in-band channel is also corresponding with MPEG-TS interface in MPEG interface or the band.Mpeg data stream is arranged for transmitting via in-band channel the transmission line of data.

Fig. 4 is the view that illustrates according to the embodiment of the invention, the stream that occurs on the extended channel between safety card and the main process equipment and processing.Stream on the extended channel of Fig. 4 comprises at least one IP unicast (IP_U) stream, at least one ip multicast (IP_M) stream and six MPEG sections streams at the most.If in the main process equipment of Fig. 2, comprised built-in DOCSIS modulator-demodulator, will further comprise DSG stream so, be used for transmitting the OOB message that receives via the DOCSIS modulator-demodulator to safety card.

In Fig. 4, the OOB message grouping that receives via the IP physical interface unit of main process equipment can be sent to safety card by IP address-based method for routing.Handle by routing engine 216 execution at the route of IP address, destination.Employed grouping will be routed to application corresponding in each application of main process equipment.For instance, as the application in the main process equipment, can use multicast (MC) to use or navigation (NAV) application.

Main process equipment at Fig. 4 is sent to data under the situation of safety card, can use IP_U stream or IP_M stream, and data is sent under the situation of main process equipment at safety card, can use IP_U stream.The data that received via described stream by safety card will and be sent to respective application in the safety card by route once more.For instance, as the application in the safety card, can use CA application, MC application or RPT (IPPV (impulse pay-per-view)) report to return function) use.

In the data that received by safety card, except the data of only using in safety card, other MPEG sector data are filtered, and are routed to each application of main process equipment via MPEG section stream.For instance, as the MPEG sector data, can use SI, EAS or XAIT data.Safety card is from the extracting data MPEG sector data that receives, become complete MPEG sector data with MPEG sector data segmented configuration, and via MPEG section stream the MPEG sector data is sent to main process equipment.

IP_U stream is sent to safety card with those by the data that main process equipment uses unicast method to receive, and has the amphicheirality between main process equipment and the safety card.IP_M stream then will be sent to safety card by the data that main process equipment uses multicasting method to receive.This IP_M stream has unidirectional card direction.

Fig. 5 A and 5B are the schematic diagrames that multicasting method and unicast method are shown.In unicast method, between a transmitter of correspondence one by one and a receiver, transmit data.Give an example, in unicast method, if receiver to the server requests data, so server will according to the request data are sent to broadcasting receiver.In multicasting method, data are sent to a plurality of receivers in the particular demographic.Give an example, server can be sent to data a plurality of receivers of previous registration simultaneously.Concerning the multicast registration, can use Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP).

Receiving under the situation of OOB message, can use unicast method by emission/reception data between safety card and transmitter head end.Under the situation of using unicast method emission/reception OOB message, the OOB message that is received by main process equipment can be sent to safety card via IP_U stream.

Fig. 6 A～6C is the schematic diagram that the DSG grouping that ethernet frame divides into groups and the ethernet frame grouping is converted to is shown.

At network modem 200 is under the situation about being implemented by the DOCSIS modulator-demodulator, can receive existing wired broadcasting, and should convert the DSG grouping to by the frame that the DOCSIS modulator-demodulator receives, so that transmit by DSG stream.This be because have ply-yarn drill operate in such state-wherein expection has only the DSG grouping to transmit by DSG stream and respective packets can not enter IP_U and flows.The data of transmitting by DSG stream can comprise CA tunneling data and BT tunneling data.The CA tunneling data transmits via the CA tunnel, and is by being constituted by the data that safety card consumed the data that are sent to this safety card from head end.By contrast, the BT tunneling data is the data that transmit via the BT tunnel, and corresponding with the MPEG sector data such as SI, EAS or XAIT.After the DSG grouping being sent to safety card via DSG stream, this safety card extracts the MPEG section, divides into groups to dispose complete MPEG section by the incomplete MPEG that recombinates from the DSG grouping, and via MPEG section stream complete MPEG section is sent to main process equipment.

The DSG byte count of additional 2 bytes foremost in the DSG grouping of transmitting by DSG stream.If removing byte of header (remove_header_byes) is 0, then from the frame that the DOCSIS modulator-demodulator receives, remove Ethernet CRC, if and to remove byte of header (remove_header_byes) be 1, then from the frame that the DOCSIS modulator-demodulator receives, remove ethernet header, IP header and Ethernet CRC, if and to remove byte of header (remove_header_byes) be 42, then from the frame that the DOCSIS modulator-demodulator receives, remove ethernet header, IP header, UDP header and Ethernet CRC.Because the DSG grouping of transmitting by DSG stream is not the IP grouping, therefore, if the DSG grouping is transmitted via IP_U stream, safety card will break down so.

Fig. 7 is the schematic diagram that illustrates according to the IP grouping that ethernet frame divides into groups and the ethernet frame grouping is converted to of the embodiment of the invention, and wherein the ethernet frame packet switched being become the IP grouping is in order to transmit by IP_U stream.

At network modem 200 is under the situation about being implemented by MoCA, and IP physical interface unit 214 can receive the frame grouping from MoCA, i.e. ethernet frame.The frame grouping that is received via the IP physical interface unit 214 of Fig. 2 is sent to routing engine 216.Shown in the top of Fig. 6, IP physical interface unit 214 is sent to routing engine 216 with the ethernet frame grouping.

The ethernet frame grouping comprises: the IP header of the ethernet header of 14 bytes, 20 bytes, the UDP header of 8 bytes, UDP payload and Ethernet CRC.Transmitting under the data conditions by Transmission Control Protocol rather than udp protocol, what comprised will be TCP header and TCP payload, rather than UDP header and UDP payload.

Routing engine 216 receives the ethernet frame grouping, and it is routed to the destination-address of this grouping.At this moment, if above-mentioned OOB message be receive by unicast method and be routed to safety card, this message can be routed to safety card via IP_U stream rather than DSG stream so.

As mentioned above, main process equipment can use second layer method for routing, the 3rd layer routing method or the 4th layer routing method that OOB message is routed to safety card.In safety card, can set in advance specific MAC Address, IP address and port numbers.In second layer method for routing, the destination MAC Address that is comprised in the ethernet header for ethernet frame wherein is configured to the data of the MAC Address of safety card, and these data are sent to safety card.In the 3rd layer routing method, the IP address, destination that is comprised in the IP header for ethernet frame wherein is configured to the data of the IP address of safety card, and these data are sent to safety card.In the 3rd layer routing method, be configured to be assigned to the data of the port numbers of safety card for the port numbers that is comprised in the UDP of ethernet frame wherein or the TCP header, these data are sent to safety card.

In IP_U stream, what transmitted is to divide into groups at the IP shown in Fig. 6 bottom.This IP grouping comprises: the IP header of 20 bytes, the UDP header of 8 bytes and UDP payload.Similarly, be that what comprised will be TCP header and TCP payload, rather than UDP header and UDP payload under the situation about transmitting by Transmission Control Protocol rather than udp protocol in data.

Therefore, use the whole of second layer method for routing, the 3rd layer routing method and the 4th layer routing method, from ethernet frame divides into groups, remove ethernet header and Ethernet CRC and the IP grouped data that obtains is sent to safety card.According to data type, the IP grouping can be divided into the broadcast data packets that comprises the MPEG section, and the CA packet that comprises CA information.

Fig. 8 describes the flow chart of handling the process of the information that receives according to the embodiment of the invention.

The main process equipment of receiver receives the grouping (S600) of using IP network to transmit.Give an example, this grouping can be the IPTV broadcast packe according to Internet Protocol, the OOB message grouping that comprises scramble information or VOD grouping.

The grouping that the main process equipment of broadcasting receiver will receive is routed to destination-address.In the grouping that receives, be that the grouping of destination will be routed to security packet (S610) with the safety card.Can comprise the OOB message grouping that comprises scramble information with safety card as the example of the grouping of destination.Receiving by unicast method under the situation of OOB message grouping, main process equipment can card safe in utilization and main process equipment between the IP_U stream of extended channel of interface transmit data.

The data that the safety card analysis receives, and obtain scramble information.Broadcast data and A/V signal that safety card uses scramble information to come the descrambling main process equipment to receive, and descrambling data outputed to screen (S620).The example of broadcast data and A/V signal can comprise wired broadcasting data, IPTV broadcast data or the VOD picture signal that receives in the band.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that under the situation that does not break away from essence of the present invention or scope, can carry out various modifications and variations.Therefore, if be in about modifications and variations of the present invention within the scope of claims and equivalent thereof, the present invention will cover these modifications and variations so.

Claims

1. one kind is carried out the main process equipment of interface with deployment point (POD), and described main process equipment comprises:

Internet Protocol (IP) physical interface unit is used to receive the ethernet frame that comprises broadcast data; And

Routing engine is used for converting described ethernet frame to the IP grouping, and when the identification information of destination information that comprises in the described ethernet frame and deployment point is complementary, the IP grouping of being changed is routed to the extended channel that links to each other with described deployment point.

2. main process equipment according to claim 1, wherein, described broadcast data is at least one in order data, control data, condition reception data, digital rights management data and the MPEG sector data.

3. main process equipment according to claim 1, wherein, described IP physical interface unit receives described ethernet frame by multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA).

4. main process equipment according to claim 1, wherein, described extended channel is an IP stream.

5. main process equipment according to claim 1, wherein, described ethernet frame comprises ethernet header, IP grouping and Ethernet CRC.

6. main process equipment according to claim 5, wherein, described routing engine removes described ethernet header and described Ethernet CRC from described ethernet frame, described ethernet frame is converted to described IP grouping.

7. main process equipment according to claim 1, wherein, described destination information is any one in MAC Address and the IP address.

8, main process equipment according to claim 1, wherein, described destination information is a port numbers.

9. main process equipment according to claim 1 wherein, also comprises:

Broadband interface unit is used for receiving broadcast data by cable,

Demodulator is used for the received broadcast data of demodulation, and

Multiplexer is used for multiplexing broadcast data through demodulation, and the broadcast data after multiplexing is outputed to the mpeg data stream that is connected to described deployment point.

10. main process equipment according to claim 9 wherein, also comprises:

The IP-TS decapsulator is used to receive the IP grouping of being changed, and is extracted in the MPEG-2TS grouping of carrying in the IP grouping that is received, and the MPEG-2TS grouping of being extracted is outputed to described multiplexer.

11. main process equipment according to claim 10, wherein, the multiplexing MPEG-2TS of described multiplexer divides into groups, and the grouping of the MPEG-2TS after multiplexing is outputed to described mpeg data stream.

12. a method of handling broadcast data, described method comprises:

Receive the ethernet frame that comprises broadcast data by network modem; And

When destination information in being included in described ethernet frame and address, deployment point are complementary, convert described ethernet frame to the IP grouping, and will be routed to the extended channel that links to each other with described deployment point through the ethernet frame of conversion.

13. method according to claim 12, wherein, described broadcast data is at least one in order data, control data, condition reception data, digital rights management data and the MPEG sector data.

14. method according to claim 12, wherein, described network modem is multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA).

15. method according to claim 12, wherein, described extended channel is an IP stream.

16. method according to claim 12, wherein, described ethernet frame comprises ethernet header, IP grouping and Ethernet CRC.

17. method according to claim 16 wherein, converts described ethernet frame to the IP grouping and comprises:

From described ethernet frame, remove described ethernet header and described Ethernet CRC.

18. method according to claim 12, wherein, described destination information is any one in MAC Address and the IP address.

19. method according to claim 12, wherein, described destination information is a port numbers.