GB2501096A - Television receiver which determines if a received signal is compatible with an inserted Common Interface (CI) card. - Google Patents

Television receiver which determines if a received signal is compatible with an inserted Common Interface (CI) card. Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2501096A
GB2501096A GB1206413.5A GB201206413A GB2501096A GB 2501096 A GB2501096 A GB 2501096A GB 201206413 A GB201206413 A GB 201206413A GB 2501096 A GB2501096 A GB 2501096A
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Prior art keywords
unit
tuner
signal
card
switching
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GB1206413.5A
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GB201206413D0 (en
GB2501096B (en
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Masashi Koga
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Panasonic Corp
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Panasonic Corp
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Priority to GB1206413.5A priority Critical patent/GB2501096B/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/442—Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed, the storage space available from the internal hard disk
    • H04N21/44231—Monitoring of peripheral device or external card, e.g. to detect processing problems in a handheld device or the failure of an external recording device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/418—External card to be used in combination with the client device, e.g. for conditional access
    • H04N21/4181—External card to be used in combination with the client device, e.g. for conditional access for conditional access
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/426—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/426—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof
    • H04N21/42607—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof for processing the incoming bitstream
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/426—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof
    • H04N21/42607—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof for processing the incoming bitstream
    • H04N21/4263—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof for processing the incoming bitstream involving specific tuning arrangements, e.g. two tuners
    • H04N21/42638—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof for processing the incoming bitstream involving specific tuning arrangements, e.g. two tuners involving a hybrid front-end, e.g. analog and digital tuners
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/436—Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or one or more peripheral devices inside the home
    • H04N21/43607—Interfacing a plurality of external cards, e.g. through a DVB Common Interface [DVB-CI]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/44—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream, rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs
    • H04N21/44008—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream, rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving operations for analysing video streams, e.g. detecting features or characteristics in the video stream
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/442—Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed, the storage space available from the internal hard disk
    • H04N21/44209—Monitoring of downstream path of the transmission network originating from a server, e.g. bandwidth variations of a wireless network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/61—Network physical structure; Signal processing
    • H04N21/6106—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network
    • H04N21/6112—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network involving terrestrial transmission, e.g. DVB-T
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/61—Network physical structure; Signal processing
    • H04N21/6106—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network
    • H04N21/6143—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network involving transmission via a satellite

Abstract

A television receiver 100 includes a tuner unit 130 comprising a plurality of tuners (that may include a terrestrial tuner 131 and a satellite tuner132), a tuner switching unit 135 for switching between the tuners, a Common interface (CI) unit 140 that acts as an interface to a CI card 200, a CI switching unit 141, a decoder unit 150 and a control unit 120 for controlling the tuner switching unit and the CI switching unit. The control unit controls the CI switching unit to input a signal supplied from the tuner switching unit into the CI card and then determines whether or not the signal input to the CI card is compatible with the CI card. When the signal is not compatible with the CI card, the control unit controls the CI switching unit so that the signal supplied from the tuner switching unit is input into the decoder unit (thereby bypassing the CI card.) The systems enables different types of CI cards to be used without encountering problems such as block noise.

Description

DESCRIPTION
TELEVISION RECEIVER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a television receiver which is compatible with specifications, for example, European DVB-CI and CI--, for decrypting scrambled broadcast, and which receives broadcast out of the range of the specifications of DVB-CI, and CI+.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
European television receiving systems use DVB-CI (Digital Video Broadcasting-Common Interface) as a standard for descrambling encrypted pay TV so as to be viewed and listened to. A broadcast receiver has an interface called Common Interface (hereinafter, referred to as "CI") with respect to external equipment. To this interface, a CI card called CAM (Conditional Access Module), which is supplied by a broadcaster, is connected. When transport stream (hereinafter, referred to as "TS"), which is multiplexed signal of digital broadcast is input into the CI card, the TB is descrambled in the CI card, and then the TS in which scramble has been decrypted is received by the broadcast receiver again, the television receiving system enables encrypted pay TV to be viewed and listened to.
DyE-CT is an interface format for giving a CI card to a television receiver, and connects the television receiver and the CI card to cach other by using a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) interface. The CI card includes a descrambler and a CPU (Central Processing Unit). For example, Japanese Patent Application Unexamined Publication No. 2008066764 discloses that the CPU of the television receiver transmits a PMT (CA'PMT (Program Map Table)) in which ES (Elementary Stream) information and a CA (Conditional Access) descriptor are described to the CI card in a binary format, and thereby DV13-Cl card carries out an operation of EMM (Entitlement Management Message) or ECM (Entitlement Control Message) to start cancelling the encryption automatically. Note here that the standard of DVJ3-Ct is described in EUROPEAN STANDARD EN50221 (Common Interface Specification for Conditional Access and other Digital Video Broadcasting Decoder Applications, English Version, Ref. No. EN50221: 1996E, February 1997).
Furthermore, in Europe, CI+ (Common Interface Plus V1.1) that is a next generation standard of DVB-Cl is also being introduced lately. Outlines of DVWCI and CI+ are described with reference to Figs. 12 and 13, Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing a flow of a signal between a conventional television receiver and a CI card compatible with DVB-CT, and Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing a flow of a signal between a conventional television receiver and a CI card compatible with CI+.
As shown in Fig. 12, in DVBCI, tuner unit 2830 included in conventional television receiver 2800 receives a broadcast signal, and an encrypted TB is input into Cl card 2900. The TS is decrypted by decryption unit 2910 in CI card 2900, and decoded by decoder unit 2820 in conventional television receiver 2800, and thus, a television program is displayed as a picture.
On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 13, CI+ that is a next generation standard operates as follows. Firstly, similar to the case of DVB-CI, tuner unit 2830 of conventional television receiver 2800 receives a broadcast signal, and encrypted TS is input into Cl card S compatible with Cl+ 2912. After the TS is decrypted by decryption unit 2911 in CI card compatible with Cl+ 2912, the TS is encrypted again in re-encryption unit 2920 in CI card compatible with CI+ 2912, and the re-encrypted TS is output to conventional television receiver 2800. At this time, it is confirmed whether or not CI card compatible with CI+ 2912 and conventional television receiver 2800 are compatible with the specifications of CI+. When both are compatible with the specifications of C1+, TS is decrypted again, and decoder unit 2820 of television receiver 2800 decodes the TS.
In the system of DVB-CI, we can think there is a risk of being 16 illegally used because encryption is not carried out in a route until a signal decrypted by Cl card 2900 is decoded. Meanwhile, in the system of CI+, also in a position from CI card compatible with CI+ 2912 to the decoder unit, contents are protected.
There are various specification limitations on signals to be decrypted by a CI card. In particular, the average bit rate is 58 Mbps at maximum for a CI card compatible with DVB-CI, and 96 Mbps at maximum for a CI card compatible with CI+. Furthermore, for a CI card compatible with DVB-CI, a frequency of clock at which data are transferred is defined to be 72 MHz at maximum (period is 111 ns at minimum).
Furthermore, since DVB-S2 (Digital Video Broadcasting Satellite -Second Generation) that is an European satellite broadcast standard may theoretically take a bit rate of about 120 Mbps (in a case where a symbol rate is 45 Mbaud, and a code rate is 9/10), a broadcast signal having a bit rate beyond the specifications of DVB-C! or Cli-may be introduced. When TS having such a bit rate that exceeds the 6 specifications of a CI card is input into the CI card, operation problems occur in the CI card, which may cause problems such as block noise in a conventional television receiver 2800. As to this problem, WO/2010/095434 describes a conventional television receiver in which it is determined whether the inserted CI card is a card compatible with DVBCI or a card compatible with CI+, and when the bit rate of a signal of the received satellite broadcast is not more than the maximum bit rate of the specifications of the inserted card, TS is input into CI, and when it is more than the maximum bit rate of the specifications of the inserted card, TS is input not to CI but directly to a decoder.
However, since a standard value of the bit rate of the abovementioned CI card is a minimum specific, an actual value of bit rate with which the CI card can deal may be not loss than the standard value. Furthermore, since broadcasters provide customers with pay TV service in cooperation with CI card manufacturers, they have bit rate information of the CI card compatible with pay TV service which they broadcast by themselves. Therefore, pay TV service having a bit rate beyond the standard value of the CI card may be carried out.
When such a broadcast is received by a conventional television receiver doscribed in WO/2010/095434, there may be a problem that pay TV cannot be viewed or listened to although a charge is paid to a broadcaster and a CI card or a smart card compatible with the pay TV is inserted.
Furthermore, some CI cards do not satisfy the specifications of DVB-CI or 01+. In a conventional television receiver described in WO/2010/095434, a signal path of TS is switched based on the bit rate standard described in the specifications. Therefore, when the actual value of the CI card is not more than the standard value, PS bit rate that is not less than the actual value is input into the CI card, which may cause problems such as block noise.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A television receiver of the present invention includes a tuner unit, a tuner switching unit, a CI unit, a decoder unIt, a CI switching unit and a control unit. The tuner unit includes a plurality of tuners which receive digital broadcast. The tuner switching unit switches a signal the tuner unit outputs. The CI unit is an interface with the CI card. The decoder unit decodes a signal of the received digital broadcast and outputs a picture. The Cl switching unit switches the signal supplied from the tuner switching unit to the CI unit or to the decoder unit. The control unit controls the tuner unit, the tuner switching unit and the CI switching unit.
The control unit controls the tuner switching unit and the CI switching unit to make the signal output from the tuner unit is to be input into the CI card connected to the CI unit, and an output signal from the CI card is conveyed to the decoder unit, and determines whether or not the output signal from the CI card is compatible with specifications of the CI card. Furthermore, if it is determined based on a result determined by the control unit that the signal is not compatible with the specifications, the control unit controls the CI switching unit so that the signal supplied from the tuner switching unit is to be input into the decoder unit for preventing the signal from being convoyed to the CI card connected to the CI unit.
With such a configuration, even when a pay TV signal out of the range of the specifications of DVBCI or CI+ is received, the pay TV can be viewed and listened to, and even when free broadcast i.e received and a CI card that does not satisfy the specifications of DVBCI or CII-is inserted into a television receiver, a picture with excellent quality can be displayed without a block noise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a television receiving system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the television receiving system in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a flowchart of the television receiving system when a CI card is inserted in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4A is a flowchart of the television receiving system when a channel is changed in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4B is a flowchart of the television receiving system when a channel is changed in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of another example of the television receiving system in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a conceptual thagram of a television receivIng system in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the television receiving system in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the television receiving system when a CI card is inserted in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9A is a flowchart of the television receiving system when a channel is changed in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9B is a flowchart of the teLevision receiving system when a channel is changed in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a tuner unit and a tuner switching unit of another example of a television receiving system in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a further example of a television receiving system in accordance with the second embodimcnt of the present invention.
Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing a flow of a signal between a conventional television receiver and a CI card.
Fig. 13 is a block thagram showing a flow of a signal between a conventional television receiver and a CI card compatible with CI+.
S
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to drawings.
FIRST EMBODIMENT
Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention are described with reference to drawings. In a television receiving system in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, a television receiver including a reception quality determination circuit receives a broadcast signal, and the received signal is input into the Cl card when a CI card compatible with DVWCI or CI+ is inserted into the television receiver, or when a channel of a broadcast signal is switched in a state in which a CI card is inserted into the television receiver. In a state in which the CI card carries out decryption process of a broadcast signal, it is determined whether or not a signal is correctly received by the reception quality determination circuit, and TS after the decryption process is correctly decoded by the decoder unit. In the television receiver, when it is determined that the signal is correctly received by the reception quality determination circuit and it is not correctly decoded by the decoder unit, a signal path is switched so that the signal does not enter the CI card. Fig. I is a conceptual diagram of a television receiving system in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
zo Television receiver 100 includes CI unit 140 having a PCMCIA interface into which CI card 200 is inserted. Television receiver tOO incorporates a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control unit for determining information that CI card 200 has been inserted, and determining whether or not a received signal is correctly decoded and is in a state in which a viewer can view and listen to broadcast without problems.
a Next, a circuit configuration of a television receiving system is described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the television receiving system in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in Fig. 2, television receiver 100 includes lightreceiving unit 110, CPU 120, memory unit 121, tuner unit 130, tuner switching unit (referred to as a "TNR switching unit" in the drawing) 135, CI unit 140, CI switching unit 141, decoder unit 150, and display unit 160.
Tuner unit 130 includes terrestrial tuner 181 and satellite tuner 182 as a plurality of tuners which receive a digital broadcast, as well as terrestrial reception quality determination circuit 133 and satellite reception quality determination circuit 134. Terrestrial tuner 131 receives terrestrial digital broadcast. Satellite tuner 132 receives satellite digital broadcast. In other words, tuner unit 130 has a plurality of tuners which receive digital broadcast and reception quality determination circuits for determining whether or not a signal is correctly received by each tuner. Tuner unit 130 outputs a signal of the received terrestrial digital broadcast and a signal of the satellite digital broadcast to tuner switching unit 135. Tuner switching unit 135 switches the signals output from tuner 130 by the control of CPU 120.
Light-receiving unit 110 receives user's instructions for tuning by remote control signal 170, and transmits remote control signal 170 to CPU 120.
CPU 120 detects whether or not CI card 200 is inserted to Cl unit 140, and writes information A on whether or not CI card 200 is inserted in memory unit 121. When CI card 200 is inserted, CPU 120 commands CI switching unit 141 to input a signal into CI unit 140.
When an instruction for channel switching is given from light-receiving unit 110 by remote control signal 170, CPU 120 allows tuner unit 130 (specifically, terrestrial tuner 131 or satellite tuner 132) It) which is designated by the instruction for channel switching to be tuned to a channel desired by a user. Then, CPU 120 allows tuner switching unit 135 to select a designated tuner. Furthermore, CPIJ obtains information B on the tuned channel from tuner section 130 and writes it in memory unit 121.
Then, when a broadcast signal is received by terrestrial tuner 131, CPU 120 allows terrestrial reception quality determination circuit 133 to determine whether or not the received signal is received correctly; when a broadcast signal is received by satellite tuner 132, CPU 120 allows satellite reception quality determination circuit 134 to determine whether or not the received signal is received correctly; and CPU 120 writes information C thereof in memory unit 121.
Furthermore, CPU 120 determines whether decoding is carried out correctly in decoder unit 150, and writes information D thereof in memory unit 121. Based on information A, B, C, and D, CPU 120 decides whether there is no problem with maintaining a present state in which a signal is input into CI unit 140. Then, CPU 120 issues a command to CI switching unit 141 as to which an supplied signal from ii tuner switching unit 135 is to be output to CI unit 140 or decoder unit 150. Furthermore, CPU 120 commands decoder unit 150 to output a signal that is to be displayed on display unit 160. As mentioned above, CPU 120 as a control unit controls tuner unit 130, tuner switching unit 135 and CI switching unit 141.
Memory unit 121 stores information transmitted from CPU 120, that is, information A on whether or not CI card 200 is inserted and information B on a channel tuned by terrestrial tuner 131 or satellite tuner 132. Furthermore, when a broadcast signal is received by terrestrial tuner 131, CPU 120 allows terrestrial reception quality determination circuit 133 to determine whether or not the signal is received correctly; when a broadcast signal is received by saLellite tuner 132, CPU 120 allows satellite reception quality determination circuit 134 to determine whether the signal is received correctly; and CPU 120 stores information C as to whether or not the broadcast signal is correctly received and information D as to whether or not a received signal is correctly decoded by decoder unit 150 in memory unit 121, respectively. Furthermore, whoa information necessary for processing that is carried out in CPU 120 is requested from CPU 120, memory unit 121 outputs such information to CPU 120.
Thrrestrial tuner 131 receives a terrestrial digital broadcast signal and a terrestrial analog broadcast signal, receives an instruction for tuning from CPU 120, and is tuned to a frequency instructed to tune to by the user. Then, terrestrial tuner 131 transmits TS signal of the tuned broadcast signal to tuner switching unit 135. Furthermore, terrestrial tuner 131 transmits information on the tuned broadcast signal to CPU 120. When the instruction for tuning from CPU 120 is transmitted to satellite tuner 132 mentioned below, terrestrial tuner 131 stops outputting the broadcast signal.
Furthermore, terrestrial tuner 131 may be able to receive CATV broadcast.
Satellite tuner 132 receives a satellite digital broadcast signal, receives a command for tuning from CPU 120, and is tuned to a frequency instructed to tune by the user. Then, satellite tuner 132 transmits TS signal of the tuned broadcast signal to tuner switching unit 135. Furthermore, satellite tuner 132 transmits information on the tuned broadcast signal to CPU 120. When the instruction for tuning from CPU 120 is transmitted to terrestrial tuner 131, satellite tuner 132 stops outputting the broadcast signal.
Terrestrial reception quality determination circuit 133 receives a command from CPU 120, confirms a signal state received by terrestrial tuner 131, and determines reception quality, that is, whether or not an error due to poor signal quality, fading, or the like, is mixed in TS. Then, the determination result is transmitted to CPU 120.
Similar to terrestrial reception quality determination circuit 133, satellite reception quality determination circuit 134 receives a command from CPU 120, confirms a signal state received by satellite tuner 132, and determines reception quality, that is, whether or not an error due to poor signal quality or the like is mixed in TS. Then, the determination result is transmitted to CPU 120.
Tuner switching unit 135 receives instructions from CPU 120, and selects a tuner that outputs a broadcast signal instructed by the user. Then, tuner switching unit 135 transmits a broadcast signal from the selected tuner to Ci switching unit 141.
CI unit 140 has a PCMCIA interface into which CI card 200 is input. When CI switching unit 141 receives instructions from CPU and is selected to output a signal to CI unit 140, a signal from CI switching unit 141 is input into CI card 200 that has been inserted into CI unit 140. The input single is subjected to descramble processing by Cl card 200, and then the decrypted signal is output from CI card 200, and transmitted to CI switching unit 141 again. Furthermore, when CI card 200 is inserted into CI unit 140, CI unit 140 transmits information that CI card 200 has been inserted, and information of types, versions, and the like, of CI card 200 to CPU 120.
CI switching unit 141 receives a command from CPU 120, and switches between outputting a signal, which is transmitted from tuner unit 130 and supplied from tuner switching unit 135, to CI unit 140 and outputting the signal to decoder unit 150. When CI switching unit 141 transmits a signal to CI unit 140, a signal that has been subjected to descrambling processing is transmitted back from CI unit again, and the signal is output to decoder unit 150.
Decoder unit 150 decodes a signal transmitted from CI switching unit 141, that is, a received digital broadcast signal and outputs a picture on the display. Then, decoder unit 150 transmits the decoded signal to display unit 160. Furthermore, decoder unit 150 determines whether or not decoding is carried out correctly when the decoding processing is carried out, and transmits the result to CPU 120. Note here that decoder unit 150 may have an image processing circuit not only for decoding processing but also for improving picture quality.
Display unit 160 displays the signal transmitted from decoder unit 150. Display unit 160 is, for example, a plasma display panel, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, a cathode ray tube, and the like.
An operation of a television receiving system configured as mentioned above in this embodiment is described with reference to Figs. 3, 4A, and 4B.
Fig. 3 is a flowchart of the television receiving system when a CI card is inserted in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 3, an operation flow of the television receiving system when CT card 200 is inserted into the PCMCIA interface during receiving TV signal. In Fig. 3, terrestrial tuner 131 is referred to as "TNR1" and satellite tuner 132 is referred to as "TNR2." Firstly, CPU 120 detects the insertion of Cl card 200 into Cl unit 140 having the PCMCIA interface (step SlOG), and then it changes a TS signal path to a path that passes through CI unit 140 (step silo).
Herein, CPU 120 determines whether or not a channel that is being selected by the user is a channel that is being received by terrestrial tuner 131 (step S120).
When a channel received by terrestrial tuner 131 is selected ("Yes" in step S 120), CPU 120 instructs terrestrial reception quality determination circuit 133 to carry out reception quality determination (step 5130). As a result, when it is determined that the reception quality in terrestrial tuner 131 is in a state in which TS does not include an error and a signal is correctly received ("Yes" in step siao), it is further determined whether or not a signal that has been decrypted in CI card 200 is correctly decoded by decoder unit 150 (step 8140). As a result, when the signal is correctly decoded, that is, PS within an actual value of a bit rate with which a card can deal is input into CT card 200 ("Yes" in step 8140), current signal pass is kept, that is, PS signal passes through CI unit 140 (step 8150). That is to say, Cpu 120 controls CI switching unit 141 so that a signal supplied from tuner switching unit 135 is input to CI unit 140, and a signal output form CI unit 140 is input to decoder unit 150.
On the other hand, when decoding is not carried out correctly in decoder unit 150, that is to say, PS having not less than an actual value of a bit rate with which a card can deal is input into Cl card 200 ("No" in step S140), signal path is changed to a path that does not pass through CI unit 140 (step sisi). That is to say, CPU 120 controls CI switching unit 141 so that a signal supplied from tuner switching unit 135 is input into decoder unit 150 and PS having a bit rate with which a card is not compatible is not input into CI unit 140. Furthermore, in the reception quality determination in terrestrial tuner 131, when it is determined that PS includes an error and a signal is not correctly received ("No" in step S130), signal path is changed to a path that does not pass through CI unit 140 (step S 151).
When a channel received by satellite tuner 132 is selected ("No" in step 5120), CPU 120 instructs satellite reception quality determination circuit 134 to carry out reception quality determination (step siai). As a result, when it is determined that the reception quality determination in satellite tuner 132 is in a Mate in which PS does not include an error and a signal is correctly received ("Yes" in step S131), it is further determined whether or not a signal that has been decrypted in CI card 200 is correctly decoded by decoder unit 150 (step S140). As a result, when the signal is correctly decoded, that is, TS within an actual value of a bit rate with which a card can deal is input into CI card 200 ("Yes" in step S140), current signal pass is kept, that is, TS signal passes through CI unit 140 (step S150). That is to say, Cpu 120 controls CI switching unit 141 so that a signal supplied from tuner switching unit 135 is input into CI unit 140 and a signal output from CI unit 140 is input into decoder unit 150.
On the other hand, when decoding is not carried out correctly in decoder unit 150. that is to say, TS having not, less than an actual value of a bit rate with which a card can deal is input into CI card 200 ("No" in step S140), signal path is changed to a path that does not pass through CI unit 140 (step Slol). That is to say, CPU 120 controls CI switching unit 141 so that a signal supplied from tuner switching unit 135 is input into decoder unit 150 and TS having a bit rate with which a card cannot deal is not input into CI unit 140, Furthermore, in the reception quality determination in satellite tuner 132, when it is determined that TS includes an error and a signal is not correctly received ("No" in stop Sisi), signal path is changed to a path that does not pass through CI unit 140 (step S151).
Next, Figs. 4A and 413 are flowcharts of the television receiving system when a channel is changed in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 4A and 4B show an operation flow of the television receiving system when a channel is switched during reception of digital broadcast in a state in which CI card 200 is inserted. In Figs. 4A and 413, terrestrial tuner 131 is referred to as TNR1, and satellite tuner 132 is referred to as TNR2.
Firstly, when CPU 120 detects channel switching of digital broadcast in a state in which Cl card 200 is inserted (step S201), CPU determines whether or not a channel selected by the user is a channel received by terrestrial tuner 131 (step S202). At this time, when terrestrial tuner 131 is not selected, it is meant that satellite tuner 132 is selected.
When the user selects a channel received by terrestrial tuner 131 ("Yes" in step S202), CPU 120 switches a TS signal path to a path that passes through CI unit 140 (step S210). After that, CPU 120 changes a tuning frequency of terrestrial tuner 131 to a frequency designated by the user (step S211). At this time, CPU 120 determines whether or not the channel switching selected by the user is switching from satellite tuner 132 to terrestrial tuner 131 (step S212).
When the tuner selected by user is switched from satellite tuner 132 to terrestrial tuner 131 ("Yes" in step 8212), a signal is output from terrestrial tuner 131 (step 8213). However, at this time, since tuner switching unit 135 shown in Fig. 2 still selects satellite tuner 132, in step S213, an oñtput signal reaches only before tuner switching unit 135. Thereafter, CPU 120 switches tuner switching unit 135 to terrestrial tuner 131, and controls so that a signal of terrestrial tuner 131 is input into CI switching unit 141 (step 8214). A flow from stop 8213 to step 8214 is carried out in such an order that a signal input into CI switching unit 141 is not disconnected at the time of channel switching. Furthermore, for countermeasure against radiation, a signal of satellite tuner 132 that does not output a signal to Cl switching unit 141 is stopped (step 8215). Then, CPU 120 obtains signal information after channel change from terrestrial tuner 131 (step 8230).
On the other hand, when the tuner selected by user is not switched from satellite tuner 132 to terrestrial tuner 131 ("No" in step 8212), that is to say, when terrestrial tuner 131 continues to be used, only by changing a tuning frequency of terrestrial tuner 131, a broadcast signal selected by the user is output to decoder unit 150 through CI unit 140 via Cl switching unit 141. Therefore, CPU 120 does not need to switch signal paths. Consequently, after step 8211, CPU 120 obtains signal information after channel change from terrestrial tuner 131 (step 8230).
Furthermore, when the user does not select a channel received by terrestrial tuner 131 ("No" in step 8202), that is to say, when the user selects a channel received by satellite tuner 132, CPU 120 switches a TS signal path to a path that passes through Cl unit 140 (step 8220). After that, CPU 120 changes the tuning frequency of satellite tuner 132 to a frequency designated by the user (step 8221).
At this time, it is determined whether or not the channel switching selected by the user is switching from terrestrial tuner 131 to satellite tuner 132 (step 8222).
Next, when the tuner selected by user is switched from terrestrial tuner 131 to satellite tuner 132 ("Yes" in step S222), a signal is output from satellite tuner 132 (step 8223). Thereafter, CPU switches tuner switching unit 135 to satellite tuner 132, and controls so that a signal of satellite tuner 132 is input into Cl switching unit 141 (stop S224. Furthermore, for countermeasure against radiation, a signal from terrestrial tuner 131 that does not output a signal to Cl switching unit 141 is stopped (step 8225). Then, CPU 120 obtains signal information after channel change from satellite tuner 132 (step S230).
On the other hand, when the tuner selected by user is not switched from terrestrial tuner 131 to satellite tuner 132 ("No" in step 8222), that is to say, when satellite tuner 132 continues to be used, only by changing a tuning frequency of satellite tuner 132, a broadcast signal selected by the user is output to decoder unit 150 through CI unit 140 via Cl switching unit 141. Therefore, CPU 120 does not need to switch signal paths. Thus, after step S221, CPU 120 obtains signal information after channel change from satellite tuner 132 (step 8230).
In step S230, after CPU 120 obtains signal information from the tuner, it stores signal information after channel change in memory unit 121 so that channel information that is being received can be referred to when Cl card 200 is inserted (step S240).
Herein, it is again determined whether or not the channel selected by the user is the channel received by terrestrial tuner 131 (step S250).
When the user selects the channel received by terrestrial tuner 131 ("Yes" in step S250), CPU 120 instructs terrestrial reception quality determination circuit 133 to carry out reception quality determination (step 8260). As a result, when it is determined that the reception quality determination in terrestrial tuner 131 is in a state in which TS does not include an error and a signal is correctly received ("Yes" in step 8260), it is further determined whether or not a signal that has been descrambled in Cl card 200 is correctly decoded by decoder unit 150 (step 8270). As a result, when the signal is correctly decoded ("Yes" in step S270), current signal pass is kept, that is, TS signal passes through CI unit 140 (step 8280). Then, a signal from terrestrial tuner 131 is displayed on display unit 160 (step 8290), On the other hand, when decoding is not carried out correctly in decoder unit 150 ("No" in step $270), signal path is changed to a path that does not pass through CI unit 140 (step 8281), and a signal from terrestrial tuner 131 is displayed on display section 160 (step 8290).
Furthermore, in reception quality determination in terrestrial tunor 131, it is determined that T8 includes an error and a signal is not correctly received ("No" in step 8260), signal path is changed to a path that does not pass through CI unit 140 (step 8281). Then, a signal from terrestrial tuner 131 is displayed on display unit 160 (step 8290).
On the other hand, when the user does not select the channel received by terrestrial tuner 131 ("No" in step 8250), that is to say, when the user selects a channel received by satcflite tuner 132, CPU 120 instructs satellite reception quality determination circuit 134 to carry out reception quality determination (step 8261). As a result, when it is determined that the reception quality determination in satellite tuner 132 is in a state in which TB does not include an error and a signal is correctly received ("Yes" in step 8261), it is further determined whether or not a signal that has been descrambled in CI card 200 is correctly decoded by decoder unit 150 (step 8270). As a result, when a signal is correctly decoded ("Yes" in step $270), current signal pass is kept, that is, TS signal passes through CI unit 140 (step 8280). Then, a signal from terrestrial tuner 132 is displayed on display unit 160 (step 8290).
On the other hand, when decoding is not carried out correctly in decoder unit 150 ("No" in step 8270), signal path is changed to a path that does not pass through CI unit 140 (step 8281), and a signal from satellite tuner 132 is displayed on display section 180 (step 8290).
Furthermore, in reception quality determination in satellite tuner 132, it is determined that TS includes an error and a signal is not correctly received ("No" in step S261), signal path is changed to a path that does not pass through CI unit 140 (step 8281). Then1 a signal from satellite tuner 132 is displayed on display unit 160 (step 8290).
That is to say, when CPU 120 as a control unit detects channel switching of digital broadcast, it controls so that a signal is input into decoder unit 150 via CI card 200. Then, CPU 120 determines whether or not a first tuner of the plurality of tuners, which is selected to carry out the channel switching, is in receiving operation.
Next, when the first tuner is in receiving operation, CPU 120 changes a tuning frequency of the first tuner. Furthermore, when the first tuner is not in receiving operation, CPU 120 changes a tuning frequency of a second tuner other than the first tuner. Then, CPU 120 controls so that a signal of the second tuner is supplied into tuner switching unit 135, and a signal of the first tuner is stopped.
Furthermore, as mentioned above, based on the results determined by terrestrial reception quality determination circuit 133 and satellite reception quality determination circuit 134, when the signal received by tuner unit 130 is received correctly and when it is determined that decoding is not carried out correctly, CPU 120 controls CI switching unit 141 so that a signal supplied from tuner switching unit 135 is input into decoder unit 150 for preventing the signal from being conveyed to CI card 200 connected to CI unit 140.
Therefore, since a TS signal path is automatically switched by deciding the reception quality of the received broadcast signal and deciding whether or not decoding is carried out correctly in the decoder, even when a pay TV signal beyond the specifications of DVBCI or CI+ is received, users can enjoy the pay TV.
In particular, furthermore, when this configuration is used, even when CI card 200 which does not satisfy the specifications of DyE-C! or CI+ (for DVB-CJ, an average bit rate of a signal is not more than 58 Mbps, and for CI+, a bit rate of a signal is not more than 96 Mbps) is inserted into television receiver 100, problems such as block noise can be prevented even when the user himself/herself is not required to insert and extract the CI card.
Note here that television receiver 100 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 2, includes terrestrial reception quality determination circuit 133 and satellite reception quality determination circuit 134, but they may be omitted.
Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing another example of television receiver system in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 5, television receiver lOOa in another example of a television receiver system does not include terrestrial reception quality determination circuit 133 and satellite reception quality determination circuit 134 shown in Fig. 2 in tuner unit 130a.
However, since the other components are the same as in Fig. 2, the same reference numerals are given, and the description of the configurations and operations are omitted.
In such a configuration, CPU 120 as a control unit in television receiver lOOa controls tuner switching unit 135 and CI switching unit 141 so that a signal output from tuner unit 130a is controlled to be input into CI card 200 connected to CI unit 140, conveys an output signal from CI card 200 to decoder unit 150, and determines whether or not the input signal to CI card 200 is compatible with the CI card 200 by the signal decrypted in the CI card 200. Based on a result determined by the control unit, when it is determined that the input signal to CT card 200 is not compatible with the CI card, CPU 120 may control CI switching unit 141 so that a signal supplied from tuner switching unit 135 is input into decoder unit 150 for preventing the signal from being conveyed to CI card 200 connected to Cl unit 140.
io With this configuration, even when Cl card 200 that does not satisfy the specifications of DVB-CI or CI+ is inserted into a television receiver in a state in which free broadcast is received, problems such as block noise can be prevented even when the user himselflherself is not requited to insert and extract the CI card.
SECOND EMBODIMENT
Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a television receiving system in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
According to the television receiving system in this embodiment, in a television receiver 1100 including an encryption determination circuit, when Cl card 1200 compatible with DVB-CI or C!+ is inserted into television receiver 1100 in a state in which a broadcast signal is being received, or when a channel of a broadcast signal is switched in a state in which CI card 1200 is inserted into television receiver 1100, it is determined whether or not a received signal is encrypted by the encryption determination circuit. When the received signal is encrypted, a signal path is switched so that the signal is input into Cl card 1200. When decryption process of a broadcast signal is carried out in CI card 1200 and the signal is conveyed to a decoder unit, it is determined whether or not a signal is correctly decoded by the decoder unit. When it is determined that decoding is not carried out correctly in the decoder unit, a signal path is switched so that the signal does not enter CI card 1200.
Television receiver 1100 includes CI unit 1140 having a PCMCIA interface into which CI card 1200 is inserted. Television receiver 1100 incorporates CPU as a control unit for determining information that CI card 1200 has been inserted, determining the type of inserted CI card 1200, and determining whether or not the received signal is correctly decoded and is in a state in which it can be viewed and listened to by a viewer without problems, when CI card 1200 is inserted into CI unit 1140.
Next, a circuit configuration of the television receiving system is described in detail. Fig. 7 is a block thagram showing a configuration of the television receiving system in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in Fig. 7, television receiver 1100 includes light-receiving unit 1110, CPU 1120, memory unit 1121. tuner unit 1130, tuner switching unit (which is referred to as a "TNB. switching unit" in the drawing) 1133, CI unit 1140, CI switching unit 1141, signal processing unit 1150, and display unit 1160.
Tuner unit 1130 includes terrestrial tuner 1131 and satellite tuner 1132. Terrestrial tuner 1131 receives terrestrial digital broadcast. Satellite tuner 1132 receives satellite digital broadcast.
Tuner unit 1130 receives digital broadcast, and outputs TV signals from the received terrestrial digital broadcast and satellite digital broadcast to tuner switching unit 1133. Tuner switching unit 1133 switches a signal output from tuner unit 1130.
Light-receiving unit 1110 receives user's instructions for tuning by remote control signal 1170, and transmits remote control signal 1170 to CPU 1120.
CPU 1120 detects whether or not Cl card 1200 is inserted to CI unit 1140, and writes information A, that is, information as to whether or not CI card 1200 is inserted, in memory unit 1121. When an instruction for channel switching is made from light-receiving unit 1110 by remote control signal 1170, CPU 1120 allows tuner unit 1130 (specifically, terrestrial tuner 1131 or satellite tuner 1132) which is designated by the instruction for channel switching to be tuned to a channel desired by the user. Then, CPU 1120 allows tuner switching unit 1133 to select the designated tuner. Furthermore, CPU 1120 obtains information B on the tuned channel front tuncr unit 1130, and writes it into memory unit 1121, Then, CPU 1120 allows encryption determination circuit 1152 in signal processing unit 1150 to determine whether or not a PS signal input into decoder unit 1151 is encrypted, and writes information C thereof into memory unit 1121.
Furthermore, CPU 1120 determines whether or not decoding is carried out correctly in signal processing unit 1150, and writes information D thereof into memory unit 1121. Based on the information A, B, C, and D, CPU 1120 determines whether or not a signal needs to be transmitted to CI unit 1140. Then, CPU 1120 commands Cl switching unit 1141 as to which a signal supplied from tuner switching unit 1133 is output to CI unit 1140 or decoder unit 1150. As mentioned above, CPU 1120 as a control unit controls tuner unit 1130, tuner switching unit 1133, Cl switching unit 1141 and signal processing unit 1150.
Memory unit 1121 stores information transmitted from CPU 1120, that is, information A on whether or not Cl card 1200 has been inserted, and information B on a channel that has been tuned by terrestrial tuner 1131 or satellite tuner 1132. Furthermore, CPU 1120 allows encryption determination circuit 1152 in signal processing unit 1150 to determine whether or not a TB signal that has been input into decoder unit 1151 is encrypted, and allows memory unit 1121 to store information C on whether or not the TS signal that has been input into decoder unit 1151 is encrypted and information D on whether or not a received signal is correctly decoded by signal processing unit 1150. Then, when the information necessary for processing carried out in CPU 1120 is requested from CPU 1120, memory unit 1121 outputs the requested information to CPU 1120.
Terrestrial tuner 1131 receives a terrestrial digital broadcast signal and an analog broadcast signal, receives an instruction for tuning from CPU 1120, and is tuned to a frequency instructed to tune to by the user. Then, terrestrial tuner 1131 transmits TS signal of the tuned broadcast signal to tuner switching unit 1133. Furthermore, terrestrial tuner 1131 transmits information on the tuned broadcast signal to CPU 1120. When the instruction for tuning from CPU 1120 is transmitted to satellite tuner 1132 mentioned below, terrestrial tuner 1131 stops outputting the broadcast signal. Furthermore, terrestrial tuner 1131 may be able to receive CATST broadcast.
Satellite tuner 1132 receives a satellite digital broadcast signal, receives a command for tuning from CPU 1120, and is tuned to a frequency instructed to tune to by the user. Then, satellite tuner 1132 transmits TS of the tuned broadcast signal to tuner switching unit 1133. Furthermore, satellite tuner 1132 transmits information on the tuned broadcast signal to CPU 1120. When the instruction for tuning from CPU 1120 is transmitted to terrestrial tuner 1131, satellite tuner 1132 stops outputting the broadcast signal.
Tuner switching unit 1133 receives instructions from CPU 1120, and selects a tuner of tuner unit 1130 that outputs the broadcast signal instructed by the user. Then, tuner switching unit 1133 transmits the broadcast signal from the selected tuner to CI switching unit 1141.
CI unit 1140 has a PCMCIA interface into which CI card 1200 is inserted. CI unit 1140 receives instructions from CPU 1120. When CI card 1200 is inserted into CI unit 1140, Cl unit 1140 transmits information that CI card 1200 has been inserted, information on the types and versions of CI cards 1200, and the Liko, to CPU 1120.
Then, Ci switching unit 1141 receives a command from CPU 1120, and switches between outputting a signal to CI unit 1140 and outputting the signal to decoder unit 1150. When CI switching unit 1141 is selected to transmit a signal to CI unit 1140, a signal from CI switching unit 1141 is input into CI card 1200 that has been inserted into CI unit 1140. The input signal is subjected to decrypting processing in CI card 1200, and then transmitted back to CI switching unit 1141 again. This signal is output to decoder unit 1151.
Decoder unit 1151 decodes a signal transmitted from CI switching unit 1141, and transmits the signal to display section 1160.
Furthermore, decoder unit 1151 determines whether or not decoding is carried out correctly in the decoding processing and transmits the determination result to Cpu 1120. Note here that decoder unit 1151 may have an image processing circuit not only for decrypting processing but also for improving image quality.
Encryption determination circuit 1152 receives a command from B CPU 1120, determines whether or not a signal input into decoder unit 1151 is encrypted, and transmits the determination result to CPU 1120.
Display unit 1160 displays a signal transmitted from decoder unit 1151. Examples of the display unit 1160 include a plasma display panel, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, a cathode ray tube, and the like.
An operation of the television receiving system configured as mentioned above in this embodiment is described with reference to Figs. 8, 9A and 913.
Firstly. Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the television receiving system when the CI card is inserted in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 8, an operation of the television receiving system when Cl card 1200 is inserted into a PCMCIA interface during receiving TV signal is shown.
Firstly, when CPU 1120 detects the insertion of CI card 1200 into CI unit 1140 having a PCMCIA interface (step siioi), CPU 1120 instructs encryption determination circuit 1152 to determine whether or not a signal that is being decoded by decoder unit 1151 is encrypted (step S1102). As a result, when it is determined that the signal that is being decoded is not an encrypted signal ("No" in step S1102), a TS signal path is not switched (step S 1103). That is to say, a signal follows a route that passes from CI switching unit 1141 through decoder unit 1151 without passing through CI unit 1140. When it is determined that the signal that is being decoded is an encrypted signal ("Yes" in step S1102), a TB signal path is changed to a path that passes through CI unit 1140 (step S1104). That is to say, CPU 1120 controls CI switching unit 1141 so that a signal supplied from tuner switching unit 1133 is input into CI unit 1140, and a signal output from Cl unit 1140 is input into decoder unit 1151.
Next, it is determined whether or not a signal that has been decrypted in CI card 1200 is correctly decoded by decoder unit 1151 (step 81105). As a result, when the signal is correctly decoded, that is to say, CI card 1200 that is compatible with pay TV that is being received is inserted into the television receiver, and when encryption applied to pay TV coincides with decryption process in CI card 1200 ("Yes" in step S1105), a TS signal path is maintained in a state of a present path, which passes through Cl unit 1140 (step SilOG).
On the other hand, when the signal is not correctly decoded by decoder unit 1151, that is to say, Cl card 1200 that is not compatible with pay TV that is being received is inserted into the television receiver, and when encryption applied to pay TV does not coincide with decryption process processed in CI card 1200 ("No" in step 81105), a TS signal path is switched to a path that does not pass through CI unit 1140 (step 81107). That is to say, CPU 1120 controls CI switching unit 1141 so that a signal supplied from tuner switching unit 1133 is input into decoder unit 1151.
Next, Figs. 9A and 9B are flowcharts of the television receiving system when a channel is changed in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 9A and 9B show an operation when a channel is switched during reception of digital broadcast in a state in which Cl card 1200 is inserted. Note here that in Figs. 9A to 9B, terrestrial tuner 1131 is referred to as TNR1 and satellite tuner 1132 is referred to as TNR2.
Firstly, when CPU 1120 detects channel switching of digital broadcast1 in a state in which Cl card 1200 is inserted (step S1201), CPU 1120 determines whether or not a channel selected by the user is a channel received by terrestrial tuner 1131 (step $1202). At this time, when terrestrial tuner 1131 is not selected, it is meant that satellite tuner 1132 is selected.
When the user selects the channel received by terrestrial tuner 1131 ("Yes" in step $1202), CPU 1120 switches a TS signal path to a path that does not pass through Cl unit 1140 (step S1210). Thereafter, a tuning frequency of terrestrial tuner 1131 is changed to a frequency designated by the user (step S1211). Then, it is determined whether or not the channel switching selected by the user is switching from satellite tuner 1132 to terrestrial tuner 1131 (step $1212).
When the tuner selected by user is switched from satellite tuner 1132 to terrestrial tuner 1131 ("Yes" in step $1212), a signal is output from terrestrial tuner 1131 (step $1213). However, at this time, since tuner switching unit 1133 shown in Fig. 7 still selects satellite tuner 1132, a signal output in step S1213 reaches only before tuner switching unit 1133. Thereafter, CPU 1120 switches tuner switching unit 1133 to terrestrial tuner 1131, and controls so that a signal of terrestrial tuner 1131 is input into CI switching unit 1141 (step $1214). A flow from step $1213 to step $1214 is carried out in such an order that a signal input into CI switching unit 1141 is not disconnected at the time 3 1 of channel switchixg. Furthermore, for countermeasure against radiation, a signal of satellite tuner 1132 that does not output a signal to Cl switching unit 1141 is stopped (step S1215). Then CPU 1120 obtains signal infor:mation after channel change from terrestrial tuner 1131 (step S 1230).
On the other hand, when satellite tuner 1132 is not changed to terrestrial tuner 1131 (No" in step S1212), that is to say, when terrestrial tuner 1131 continues to be used, only by changing a tuning frequency of terrestrial tuner 1131, a broadcast signal selected by the user is output to decoder unit 1151 through Cl unit 114 0 via CT switching unit 1141. Therefore, CPU 1120 does not need to switch signal paths. Consequently. after step S1211, CPU 1.120 obtains signal information after channel change from terrestrial tuner 1131 (step 51230).
Furtherni ore, when the user does not select a channel received by terrestrial tuner 1131 ("No" in step 51202), that is to say, when the user selects a channel received by satellite tuner 1132, CPU 1120 switches a TS signal path to a path that does not pass through Cl unit 1140 (step 51220). That is to say, CPU 1120 controls Cl switching unit 1141 so that a signal supplied from satellite tuner 1132 is input into decoder unit 1151. Thereafter, CPU 1120 changes the tuning frequency of satellite tuner 1132 to a frequency designated by the user (step 51221). At this time, CPU 1120 determines whether or not the channel switching selected by the user is switching from terrestrial tuner 1131 to satellite tuner 1132 (step S1222Y Next, when the tuner selected by user is switched from terrestrial tuner 1131 to satellite tuner 1132 ("Yes" in step 51222), a signal is output from satellite tuner 1132 (step S1223). CPU 1120 then switches tuner switching unit 1133 to satellite tuner 1132, and controls so that a signal of satellite tuner 1132 is input into Cl switching unit 1141 (step 51224). Furthermore, for countermeasure against radiation, a signal from terrestrial tuner 1131 that does not output a signal to CI switching unit 1141 is stopped (step 51225).
Then, CPU 1120 obtains signal information after channel change from satellite tuner 1132 (step S1230).
On the other hand, when the tuner selected by user is not switched from to terrestrial tuner 1131 to satellite tuner 1132 ("No" in step 51222), that is to say, when satellite tuner 1132 continues to he used, only by changing a tuning frequency of satellite tuner 1132, a broadcast signal selected by the user is output to decoder unit 1151 via CI switching unit 1141 without passing through Cl unit 1140.
Therefore, CPU 1120 does not need to switch signal paths. Thus, after step S1221, CPU 1120 obtains signal information after channel change from satellite tuner 1132 (step 51230).
In step 51230, after CPU 1120 obtains signal information from the tuner, it stores signal information after channel change in memory unit 1121 so that channel information that is being received can be referred to when CI card 1200 is inserted (step S 1240).
At this time, a signal after channel change passes through CI switching unit 1141, is not input into CI card 1200, and decoded by decoder unit 1151. CPU 1120 instructs encryption determination circuit 1152 to determine whether or not a signal decoded by decoder unit 1151 is encrypted (step 51250). As a result, when it is determined that a signal that is being decoded is an encrypted signal (Yes" instep S 1250), a TS signal path is switched to a path that passes through CI unit 1140 (step 81260). That is to say, CPU 1120 controLs CI switching unit 1141 so that a signal supplied from tuner switching unit 1133 is input into CI unit 1140 and a signal output from CL unit 1140 is input into decoder unit 1151.
Thereafter, it determines whether or not a signal which has been decrypted in CI card 1200 is correctly decoded by decoder unit 1151 (step 81270). As a result, when the signal is correctly decoded, that is to say, CI card 1200 that is compatible with pay TV that is being received is inserted into the television receiver, and encryption applied to pay TV coincides with decryption process carried out in CI card 1200 ("Yes" in step S1270), a TS signal path is maintained in a state of a present path, which passes through CI unit 1140 (step S 1280).
On the other hand, when a signal is not correctly decoded by is decoder unit 1151, that is to say, CI card 1200 that is not compatible with pay TV that is being received is inserted into the television receiver, and when encryption applied to pay TV does not coincide with decryption process processed in CI card 1200 ("No" in step 51270), a TS signal path is switched to a path that does not pass through CI unit 1140 (step S1281). That is to say, CPU 1120 controls CI switching unit 1141 so that a signal supplied from tuner switching unit 1133 is input into decoder unit 1151. Then, a signal from tuner unit 1130 is displayed on display section 1160 (step S1290).
On the other hand, when it is determined that a signal that is being decoded by decoder unit 1151 is not an encrypted signal ("No" in step S1250), since the user can view and listen to broadcast without carrying out decryption process in CI card 1200, a TS signal path is not switched but maintained as it is (step 51261). That is to say, a signal follows a route which passes from Cl switching unit 1141 through decoder unit 1151 without passing through CI unit 1140. Then, a signal from tuner unit 1130 is displayed on display section 1160 (step 81290).
That is to say, when CPU 1120 as a control unit detects channel switching of digital broadcast, it controls so that a signal is input into decoder unit 1151 via CI card 1200. Then, CPU 1120 determines whether or not a first tuner, which is selected to carry out the channel switching in the plurality of tuners, is being received.
Next, when the first tuner is being received, CPU 1120 changes the tuned frequency of the first tuner. Furthermore, when the first tuner is not being received, CPU 1120 changes the tuned frequency of a second tuner other than the first tuner. Then, CPU 1120 controls so that a signal of the second tuner is supplied into tuner switching unit 1133, and a signal of the first tuner is stopped.
With such a configuration, it is determined whether or not encryption is applied to a received broadcast signal, and only when encryption is applied to broadcast signal and a CI card inserted into a television receiver is compatible with pay TV; a PS signal path can be switched automatically so that a signal is input into the CI card. As a result, broadcast having not less than an actual value of a bit rate with which the CI card can deal is not continued to be input into the CI card.
Thus, even when a pay TV signal beyond the specifications of DVWCI or CI+ is received, users can enjoy a pay TV Furthermore, when this configuration is used, even when CI card 1200 that does not satisfy the specifications of DVB-Cl or CI+ (for DVB-CI, an average bit rate of a signal is not more than 58 Mbps, and for 01+, a bit rate of a signal is not more than 96 Mbps) is inserted into a television receiver, since a signal route is decided based on not a bit rate but presence or absence of encryption, a bit rate of not less than an actual value with which a card can deal is not input into CI card 1200, problems such as block noise can be prevented even when the user himself/herself is not required to insert and extract the Cl card, In this embodiment, tuner unit 1130 includes terrestrial tuner 1131 and satellite tuner 1132. However, in this embodiment., the tuner is not limited thereto. As shown in Fig. 10, tuner unit 1230 may further include at least one of CATV tuner 1233 which receives CATV digital broadcast and optical cable terminal receiver 1234 which receives digital broadcast with an optical cable in addition to terrestrial tuner 1231 which receives terrestrial digital broadcast and satellite tuner 1232 which receives satellite digital broadcast. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of tuner unit 1230 and tuner switching unit (which is referred to as a "TNR switching unit" in this drawing) 1235 of another example of a television receiver in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 10, output from each tuner included in tuner unit 1230 is supplied into tuner switching unit (which is referred to as a "TNR switching unit" in this drawing) 1235. Note here that the other configurations of the television receiver of another example, which is not shown in Fig. 10, may be equal to those in Fig. 7 and so the
description thereof is omitted.
Therefore, the television receiver of another example in this embodiment includes tuner unit 1230 which receives digital broadcast, tuner switching unit 1133 for switching a signal output from tuner unit 1230, CI unit 1140 that is an interface of Cl card 1200, decoder unit 1151 for decrypting a signal of the received digital broadcast and outputting a picture, encryption determination circuit 1152 for determining whether or not encryption is applied to a signal that is being received, CI switching unit 1141 for switching between outputting a signal output from tuner unit 1230 to CI unit 1140 and outputting the signal to decoder unit 1151, and CPU 1120 as a control unit for controlling tuner unit 1230, tuner switching unit 1133 and CI JO switching unit 1141.
When a channel of CATV tuner 1233 or optical cable terminal receiver 1234 l.a tuned, CPU 1120 controls C! switching unit 1141 so that a signal output from CATV tuner 1233 or optical cable terminal receiver 1234 is input into decoder unit 1151. Thereafter, CPU 1120 confirms whether or not encryption is applied to the signal output from CATV tuner 1233 or optical cable terminal receiver 1234. As a result, when encryption is applied to a signal, CPU 1120 controls CI switching unit 1141 so that a signal supplied from tuner switching unit 1133 is input into CI unit 1140, and a signal output from CI unit 1140 is input into decoder unit 11151. Thereafter, CPU 1120 determines whether or not a signal output from CI unit 1140 is correctly decoded by decoder unit 1151. When the signal is not correctly decoded, CPU 1120 controls Cl switching unit 1141 so that a signal supplied from tuner switching unit 1133 is input into decoder unit 1151.
On the other hand, when encryption is not applied to the signal output from CATV tuner 1233 or optical cable terminal receiver 1234.
CPU 1120 controls CI switching unit 1141 so that a signal supplied from tuner switching unit 1133 is not input into Cl card 1200 but directly input into decoder unit 1151.
In this way, with the digital receiver of another example of this embodiment, the present invention can be applied to not only terrestrial digital broadcast or satellite digital broadcast to but also digital broadcast by CATVor an optical cable.
In this embodiment, description is given mainly based on the assumption that a tuner unit receives digital broadcast. However, a television receiver may include a tuner unit or a video audio signal processing unit capable of receiving conventional analog broadcast.
Thus, not only digital broadcast but also conventional analog broadcast can be viewed and listened to.
The first embodiment shows an example of a television receiver having only a reception quality determination circuit of a tuner, and the second embodiment shows an example of a television receiver having only an encryption determination circuit. Alternatively, they may include both a reception quality determination circuit and an encryption determination circuit of a tuner. Fig. 11 is a conceptual diagram of a further example of a television receiving system in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 11, by providing terrestrial reception quality determination circuit 133 and satellite recoption quality determination circuit 134 as well as encryption determination circuit 1152, even when a CI card that does not satisfr the specifications of scrambled broadcast, for example, the minimum specification of DVWCL and CI+ is inserted into a receiver, pictures with excellent image quality can be displayed without block noise more reliably.

Claims (10)

  1. What is claimed i: 1. A television receiver comprising: a tuner unit including a plurality of tuners which receive digital S broadcast; a tuner switching unit for switching a signal the tuner unit outputs; a CI (Common Interface) unit that is an interface with a CI card; a decoder unit for decoding a signal of the received digital broadcast and outputting a picture; a CI switching unit for switching the signal supplied from the tuner switching unit, to the CI unit or to the decoder unit; and a control unit for controlling the tuner unit, the tuner switching unit and the CI switching unit, wherein the control unit controls the tuner switching unit and the CI switching unit to make the signal output from the tuner unit is to be input into the Cl card connected to the CI unit, and an output signal from the CI card is conveyed to the decoder unit, and determines by the signal decrypted from the CI card whether or not the input signal to the CI card is compatible with specifications of the CI card, and when it is determined that the signal is not compatible withthe specifications,the control unit controls the CI switching unit so that the signal supplied from the tuner switching unit is to be input into the decoder unit for preventing the signal from being conveyed to the CI card connected to the CI unit.
  2. 2. The television receiver according to claim I, wherein the plurality of tuner units include a terrestrial tuner which receives terrestrial digital broadcast, and a satellite tuner which receives satellite digital broadcast.
  3. 3. The television receiver according to claim 1 further comprising a reception quality determination circuit for determining a state of a signal received by the tuner unit, wherein the control unit allows the reception quality determination circuit to determine whether or not the signal received by the tuner unit is correctly received, and when it is determined based on the result determined by the reception quality determination circuit that the signal received by the tuner unit is correctly received and incorrectly decoded, the control unit controls the CI switching unit so that the signal supplied from the tuner switching unit is to be input into the decoder unit for preventing the signal from being conveyed to the Cl card connected to the CI unit.
  4. 4. The television receiver according to claim 1 further comprising an encryption determination circuit for determining whether or not the signal input into the decoder unit is encrypted, wherein the control unit makes the encryption determination circuit to determine whether or not a signal received by the tuner unit is encrypted, and when the signal is encrypted, the control unit controls the tuner switching unit and the Cl switching unit so that the signal output from the tuner unit is to be input into the CI card connected to the CI unit, and the output signal from the CI card is conveyed to the decoder unit, and when the signal is not decrypted, the control unit controls the Cl switching unit so that the signal supplied from the tuner switching unit is to be input into the decoder unit for preventing the signal from being conveyed to the CI card connected to the Cr unit.
  5. 8. The television receiver according to claim 4, wherein when the signal is not encrypted, the control unit controls the tuner switching unit and the CI switching unit so that the signal output from the tuner unit is to be input into the decoder unit.
  6. 6. The television receiver according to claim 3, wherein when the control unit detects an insertion of the Cl card into the CI unit, the control unit instructs the reception quality determination circuit to determine whether or not the signal that is being decoded by the decoding unit is correctly received.
  7. 7. The television receiver according to claim 4, wherein when the control unit detects an insertion of the CI card into the Cl unit, the control unit instructs the encryption determination circuit to determine whether or not the signal that is being decoded by the decoding unit is encrypted.
  8. 8. The television receiver according to claim 3, wherein when the control unit detects a channel switching of digital broadcast, the control unit controls so that the signal is input into the decoder unit via the Cl card, and determines whether or not a first tuner of the plurality of tuners, which is selected to switch the channel switching, is in receiving operation, when the first tuner is in receiving operation, the control unit changes a tuning frequency of the first tuner, and when the first tuner is not in receiving operation, the control unit changes a tuning frequency of a second tuner other than the first tuner, and allows the signal of the second tuner to be input into the zo tuner switching unit, and the signal of the first tuner to be stopped.
  9. 9. The television receiver according to claim 4, wherein when the control unit detects a channel switching of digital broadcast, the control unit controls so that the signal is input into the decoder unit via the Cl card, and determines whether or not a first tuner of the plurality of tuners, which is selected to switch the channel switching, is in receiving operation, when the first tuner is in receiving operation, the control unit changes a tuning frequency of the first tuner, and when the first tuner is not in receiving operation, the control unit changes a tuning frequency of a second tuner other than the first tuner, and allows the signal of the second tuner to be input into the tuner switching unit, and the signal of the first tuner to be stopped.
  10. 10. The television receiver according to claim 2 further comprising at least one of a CATV tuner which receives CATV digital broadcast; and an optical cable terminal receiver which receives digital broadcast via an optical cable.
GB1206413.5A 2012-04-12 2012-04-12 Television receiver Active GB2501096B (en)

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1156676A2 (en) * 2000-05-18 2001-11-21 Handan BroadInfoCom Apparatus and method for receiving multichannel signals
EP2400750A1 (en) * 2009-02-23 2011-12-28 Panasonic Corporation Television receiver

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1156676A2 (en) * 2000-05-18 2001-11-21 Handan BroadInfoCom Apparatus and method for receiving multichannel signals
EP2400750A1 (en) * 2009-02-23 2011-12-28 Panasonic Corporation Television receiver

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GB2501096B (en) 2019-01-02

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