JP2002010229A - Catv broadcasting system and sending system for catv broadcasting programs as well as broadcasting program key opening method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make users view easily the pay retransmission service of broadcasting programs and the CATV station broadcasting service of self-made programs. SOLUTION: At a satellite broadcasting device 100, a MUX 120 conducts the multiplexing/scrambling for broadcasting signals, including the TM programs and the program key opening information, which is used for the TM programs and the CATV station self-made programs and supplied by a program key opening management means 110. After the multiplexed and scrambled signals are modulated by a modulation mean 130, the signals are sent. At a CATV broadcasting device 200, a scrambling control means 210 acquires a program key from the satellite broadcasting device 100, and controls a MUX 230 to conduct the multiplexing/scrambling for self-made programs. The multiplexed and scrambled signals are modulated into the ones for CATV broadcasting by a modulation mean 240. Further, the broadcasting signals sent by the satellite broadcasting device 100 are modulated into the ones for CATV broadcasting by a transmodulator 250, and are multiplexed with CATV self-made programs by a multiplexing means 260 to generate CATV broadcasting signal, and these signals are sent.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a CATV broadcast system, a CATV broadcast transmission system thereof, and a broadcast program unlocking method. More particularly, the present invention relates to a CATV broadcast system which provides a retransmission service for a predetermined broadcast program and a broadcast service for an independent program. The present invention relates to a CATV broadcast transmission system and a broadcast program unlocking method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, CATV (cable television, cabl
e television) providers provide retransmission services for terrestrial, BS and CS broadcasts, and broadcast services for voluntary programs that take advantage of regional characteristics.

[0003] A digital satellite broadcasting service is started, and C
ATV has also become digital, and cooperation between CATV and satellite broadcasting is increasing. A user who is a viewer can enjoy a high-quality service in CATV as well as the satellite direct reception service. One of the methods for transmitting a digital satellite service program to a CATV network is a transmodulation method. The transmodulation method uses satellite TV pay programs as they are
It is characterized in that it can be realized at low cost as a system that can be broadcast as a pay program. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a conventional CATV broadcasting system.

[0004] The CATV operator 700 has a satellite broadcast program provided by the satellite broadcast operator 800 and independent programs A, B, and C.
Is transmitted to the user 900 via the cable 500. Here, it is assumed that the satellite broadcast program and the independent programs A, B, and C are pay broadcasts and predetermined scrambling is performed.

[0005] A satellite broadcaster 800 has a satellite broadcast program locker 810 and a scrambler 820 for multiplexing and encryption. The scrambler 820 scrambles a predetermined satellite broadcast program under the control of the satellite broadcast program unlocking device 810, and
Viewers and CATV operators 700 via satellite 420
A broadcast signal is transmitted to. CATV operator 700
Multiplexes independent programs A, B, and C in a multiplexer MUX 730, and performs scramble processing. The receiving antenna 4
The satellite broadcast program received by the receiver 30 is modulated by the transmodulator 720, and multiplexed with the independent program.
0 to the user 900. The CATV independent program locker 710 is managed by the CATV operator 700. The user 900 can access the set-top box (se
A program is acquired by a t-top box (hereinafter referred to as STB) 910. Satellite broadcast program IC card 920 and CAT
The user holds the V program IC card 930, descrambles each program, and views the program.

[0006]

However, the conventional CAT
The V broadcast system has a problem that when a CATV station provides an original pay program, the CATV station also needs an unlocking device for the original program.

In the conventional CATV broadcasting system, when providing a retransmission service of a satellite broadcast program provided by a satellite broadcaster 800, a broadcast transmitted via a satellite 420 is received, and a satellite broadcast is transmitted by a transmodulator 720. Since the QPSK modulation method is converted to the 64QAM modulation method and transmitted to the user 900 via the cable 500, the pay program of the satellite broadcast can be broadcast as it is. The unlocking control of the program via the CATV is performed by the satellite broadcaster 800 as in the case of the viewer receiving the satellite directly. That is, the program is unlocked using the satellite broadcast program IC card 920. On the other hand, CATV operator 70
In the case where a self-produced program that is independently produced at 0 is provided for a fee, the unlocking control of the self-produced program is performed by the CATV business 700
Has done. That is, using the CATV program IC card 930, the key of the independent program is unlocked.

As described above, in the conventional CATV broadcasting system, even in the CATV station, an unlocking device for an original program and an IC are used.
A card is required, resulting in a very expensive system configuration. In addition, the user may have
There is a problem that the C card 920 and the CATV program IC card 930 must be managed, and the management is not easy. In addition, the STB 910 needs to support two types of IC cards, and is extremely inconvenient for the user 900.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and a rebroadcast service of a paid broadcast program and a CATV
It is an object of the present invention to provide a CATV broadcast system, a CATV broadcast transmission system thereof, and a broadcast program unlocking method capable of easily viewing a station's own program broadcasting service.

[0010]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in a CATV broadcasting system which provides a retransmission service of a predetermined broadcast program and a broadcast service of an independent program, a predetermined service for performing the retransmission service is provided. Program unlocking means for managing a program key which is an encryption key used for scrambling the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program when the retransmitted program and the independent program of the CATV broadcast are charged;
The retransmitted program, the program unlock information of the retransmitted program, and the C
Multiplexing / scramble processing means for multiplexing and scrambling a broadcast signal including program unlock information of an ATV independent program, and modulation means for modulating and transmitting an output signal of the multiplexing / scramble processing means. A broadcast device, a scramble control means for obtaining a program key used for scrambling the CATV independent program from the broadcast device and controlling scrambling, multiplexing a broadcast signal of the CATV independent program, and using the program key. Multiplexing / scramble processing means for performing scrambling processing, modulation means for modulating an output signal of the multiplexing / scramble processing means for CATV broadcasting, and a transmodulator for acquiring a transmission signal of the broadcasting device and converting the signal to CATV broadcasting When,
Multiplexing means for multiplexing and transmitting a transmission signal of the broadcasting device modulated for CATV broadcasting and a broadcasting signal of the CATV independent program, and scrambling the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program. A recording medium on which information related to unlocking a program to be unlocked is recorded;
Receiving means for acquiring the CATV broadcast signal transmitted from the V broadcasting apparatus; and program unlock information of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program included in the acquired CATV broadcast signal and program unlock information of the recording medium. There is provided a CATV broadcasting system comprising: a viewer terminal device provided with descrambling means for descrambling the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program using the same.

[0011] In the CATV broadcasting system having such a configuration, a broadcasting apparatus that performs broadcasting via a predetermined medium uses a program unlocking management means to transmit a retransmitted program provided by a CATV broadcasting station and a CATV independent program. It manages a program key, which is an encryption key for performing scramble processing, and manages opening of a program key. When transmitting a predetermined program, the multiplexing / scramble processing means multiplexes the broadcast signal including the retransmitted program, the program unlocking information of the retransmitted program, and the program unlocking information of the CATV independent program, and performs scrambling processing with a predetermined encryption key. I do. The scrambled broadcast signal is modulated and then transmitted. CA
In the TV broadcast device, the scramble control means obtains a program key used for scrambling an independent program from the broadcast device,
The multiplexing / scramble processing means is controlled to perform multiplexing and scrambling of the independent program. The multiplexed and scrambled signal is further subjected to CATV by the modulation means.
Modulated for broadcast. Further, the broadcast signal transmitted from the broadcasting device is modulated by the transmodulator for CATV broadcasting, and multiplexed with the CATV independent program by the multiplexing means.
An ATV broadcast signal is generated and transmitted. The viewer terminal device obtains in advance a recording medium in which the program unlocking related information for descrambling the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program is recorded, and receives the CATV broadcast signal by the receiving means. The descrambling means descrambles the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program by using the program unlock information of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program included in the CATV broadcast signal and the program unlocking related information of the recording medium, and enables viewing. To

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in a CATV broadcast transmission system for providing a retransmission service of a predetermined broadcast program and a broadcast service of an independent program, a predetermined retransmission program and a CATV broadcast for performing the retransmission service are provided. The resending program and CATV
Program unlock management means for managing a program key, which is an encryption key used for scrambling an independent program; a broadcast signal including the retransmitted program, program unlock information of the retransmitted program, and program unlock information of the CATV independent program; Multiplexing and scrambling processing means for multiplexing and scrambling, and a modulation means for modulating and transmitting an output signal of the multiplexing and scrambling processing means; and a CATV independent program from the broadcasting apparatus. A scramble control means for acquiring a program key used for scrambling and controlling the scrambling, and multiplexing a broadcast signal of the CATV independent program and performing a scramble process using the program key.
A scramble processing means, a modulation means for modulating an output signal of the multiplexing / scramble processing means for CATV broadcasting, a transmodulator for acquiring a transmission signal of the broadcasting device and converting it for CATV broadcasting, Multiplexing means for multiplexing and transmitting the modulated broadcast signal of the broadcasting device and the broadcast signal of the CATV independent program;
And a CATV broadcasting apparatus comprising the following.

In the CATV broadcast transmission system having such a configuration, the broadcasting device uses the program unlocking management means to control the CA.
The TV broadcast station manages a program key used for a scramble process between a retransmitted program provided by a retransmission service and a CATV independent program, and manages program unlocking. When transmitting a predetermined program, the multiplexing / scramble processing means multiplexes the broadcast signal including the retransmitted program, the program unlocking information of the retransmitted program, and the program unlocking information of the CATV independent program, and performs scramble processing with the predetermined program key. I do. The scrambled broadcast signal is modulated and then transmitted. In the CATV broadcast apparatus, the scramble control means obtains a program key used for scrambling the independent program from the broadcast apparatus and controls the multiplexing / scramble processing means to perform multiplexing and scramble processing of the independent program. The multiplexed and scrambled signal is subjected to CA
Modulated for TV broadcast. Further, the broadcast signal transmitted from the broadcasting device is modulated by the transmodulator for CATV broadcasting, multiplexed with the signal of the CATV independent program by the multiplexing means to generate a CATV broadcast signal, and transmitted.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for unlocking a broadcast program in a CATV broadcast system which provides a retransmission service of a predetermined broadcast program and a broadcast service of an independent program. The CATV is provided to a broadcaster providing a retransmission program for performing a transmission service.
A request is made to manage the unlocking of the program key used for the scramble processing of the independent program, and a predetermined recording medium storing the program unlocking information necessary for unlocking the program key of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program is stored in the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program. A procedure for giving the program to a viewer of the program, and when the broadcaster sends out the broadcast program, the key release information of the CATV independent program and, if necessary, the retransmission program and the program unlock information of the retransmission program Multiplexing and scrambling a broadcast signal including: a step of modulating and transmitting the multiplexed and scrambled broadcast signal; and a step in which the CATV broadcaster issues a program key of the CATV independent program from the broadcaster. Acquire and said CA
The TV independent program is scrambled and multiplexed by the number key, the multiplexed and scrambled CATV broadcast signal is modulated for CATV broadcast, a broadcast signal transmitted by the broadcaster is received, and the broadcast signal is received. After converting the broadcast signal of the broadcaster to the CATV,
V. a procedure for multiplexing and transmitting the independent program to the CATV broadcast signal; and a step in which the viewer sets the CATV independent program and the program unlocking information of the CATV independent program included in the CATV broadcast signal, and, if necessary, the retransmission. Program unlock information of the program and the retransmitted program, and the acquired program unlock information of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program, and the program unlocking related information of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program recorded on the recording medium. And a procedure for descrambling the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program with the use of a broadcast program unlocking method.

In the broadcast program unlocking method according to the above procedure, the CATV operator requests a broadcast operator that provides the retransmitted program in advance to manage the unlocking of the program key used for the CATV independent program. A predetermined recording medium on which program unlocking related information necessary for unlocking the program is recorded is given to the viewer who has made the contract. At the time of broadcasting, the broadcaster multiplexes and scrambles a broadcast signal containing unlocking information of the CATV independent program and, if necessary, a resending program and program unlocking information of the resending program, modulates the broadcast signal, and transmits the modulated signal. CATV operators receive this broadcast signal and
V-modulation, and CATV independent programs are scrambled using a program key obtained from a broadcaster, and multiplexed with the modulated broadcaster's broadcast signal.
It is transmitted as a TV broadcast signal. The viewer receives the CATV broadcast signal, and uses the retransmitted program included in the CATV broadcast signal, the program unlocking information of the CATV independent program, and the program unlocking related information recorded on the recording medium to transmit the retransmitted program and the CA.
Descramble the TV independent program and watch the program.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The CATV broadcast system according to the present invention includes a CATV broadcast transmission system that broadcasts a program and a user terminal device of a user who receives the broadcast. First, a CATV broadcast transmission system for transmitting a broadcast will be described. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a CATV broadcast transmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The CATV broadcast transmission system according to the present invention comprises a satellite broadcast apparatus 100 of a satellite broadcaster and a CATV broadcast system.
And a CATV broadcasting device 200 of a broadcasting company,
The CATV service provider provides a broadcast program retransmission service and an independent program broadcast service of a satellite broadcast service provider.

Satellite broadcasting apparatus 100 includes a program (transmodulation program, hereinafter referred to as a TM program) for performing conversion and retransmission service, and a program unlock management means 110 for managing a program unlock for a CATV independent program. TM
Multiplexing / scramble processing means (hereinafter referred to as MUX) 120 for multiplexing and scrambling the unlocking information of the program and the CATV independent program and the TM program;
And a modulating means 130 for modulating and transmitting the scrambled signal.

The program unlocking management means 110 receives the entrustment of the CATV broadcaster and performs unlocking management of the CATV independent program together with the program unlocking of the satellite broadcast program.
When a satellite broadcast program is transmitted, decoding information of the independent program is sent to the MUX 120, and CATV independent program decoding information is added to the broadcast signal. When transmitting a TM program, the TM program decryption information and CATV independent program decryption information are transmitted to the MUX 120, and the TM program decryption information and the CAT
V Independent program decoding information is added. MUX120 is TM
A program, TM program decoding information, and CATV independent program decoding information are input, and a multiplexed and scrambled satellite broadcast signal is output. The multiplexing / scramble processing suitably employs a processing method generally performed by satellite broadcasting. Modulating means 130 modulates the multiplexed and scrambled satellite broadcast signal by the QPSK modulation method and sends the modulated signal to transmission antenna 410.

The QPSK-modulated satellite broadcast signal is uplinked to satellite 420 by transmitting antenna 410,
Receiving antenna 430 connected to CATV broadcasting apparatus 200
Downlink to

The CATV broadcast apparatus 200 obtains a program key and performs scramble control by a scramble control means 21.
0, encoding means 221 and 22 for encoding the independent program
2, 223, multiplexing and scrambling means (hereinafter, MUX) for multiplexing and scrambling CATV independent programs
230), a modulation means 240 for performing modulation for CATV broadcasting, a transmodulator 250 for receiving satellite broadcasting and converting it for CATV broadcasting, and multiplexing a converted signal of a satellite broadcasting signal with a broadcasting signal of an independent program. Multiplexing means 260.

The scramble control means 210 acquires a program key used for the scramble processing of the CATV independent program from the satellite broadcasting device 100, and controls the scramble processing of the CATV independent program. Encoding means 221, 222, 223
Are the independent programs A, B, and C to be input, for example,
The data is encoded by the MPEG method and sent to the MUX 230.

The MUX 230 receives the encoded data streams of the independent programs A, B, and C, and performs scramble processing and multiplex processing in accordance with the scramble control means 210. The modulating means 240 modulates the multiplexed and scrambled broadcast signals of the independent programs A, B, and C in accordance with the CATV broadcast by the 64QAM modulation method, and outputs the modulated signals to the multiplexing means 260. Transmodulator 250
Converts the satellite broadcast signal input via the receiving antenna 430 for CATV broadcast, and outputs the signal to the multiplexing means 260. The multiplexing means 260 multiplexes the CATV independent program broadcast signal modulated for the CATV broadcast and the satellite broadcast signal including the TM program, the TM program decoding information, and the CATV independent program decoding information, and Send to.

Here, the conversion process of the transmodulator 250 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 shows the operation of the transmodulator according to one embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

[0027] Satellite broadcasting is a 27M
A signal modulated by the QPSK modulation method is transmitted through a transmission path in the Hz band. The transmodulator 250 receives the signal and transmits the signal in a CATV transmission band of 6 MHz. Therefore, a translator for converting the satellite broadcasting QPSK modulation system to the 64QAM modulation system and a satellite broadcasting channel for CATV are used.
In order to correspond to TV broadcast channels, a NIT (Network Information Table) conversion device related to channel selection information is provided. As a result, the satellite broadcast signal becomes CA
The signal is converted into a modulation method suitable for TV broadcasting, and the channel selection information is also converted according to CATV broadcasting. As a result,
In the case where a program of six programs is provided on a 27 MHz band transmission line of satellite broadcasting, the same six programs can be provided on a 6 MHz band transmission line of CATV broadcasting.

The CATV broadcast transmission system having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. Satellite broadcasting device 1
At 00, the program unlock management means 110 performs the program unlock management of the TM program of the own station and the program unlock management of the CATV independent program under the consignment of the CATV broadcaster. At the time of transmitting the TM program, the program unlock management means 11
From 0, TM program decoding information and CATV independent program decoding information are supplied to the MUX 120. MUX120 is TM
The program decoding information and CATV independent program decoding information are multiplexed with the broadcast signal of the TM program, scrambled, and sent to the modulating means 130. The modulating means 130 converts this to Q
The signal is modulated by the PSK modulation method, and is uplinked from the transmitting antenna 410 to the satellite 420 as a satellite broadcast signal.
The satellite broadcast signal downlinked from the satellite 420 is input to the CATV broadcast apparatus 200 via the reception antenna 430. The input satellite broadcast signal is converted by the transmodulator 250 for CATV broadcast,
It is output to 60. On the other hand, CATV independent programs A, B and C independently produced by CATV stations are encoded by the encoding means 221 and 2 respectively.
22, and are multiplexed and scrambled by the MUX 230 according to the scramble control means 210. The program key used for the scramble processing at this time is determined by the scramble control unit 210 by the satellite broadcast device 10.
Get from 0. The multiplexed and scrambled broadcast signals of the CATV independent programs A, B and C are modulated by the modulating means 2.
At 40, the signal is modulated by the 64QAM modulation method,
Output to 0. The multiplexing means 260 multiplexes the satellite broadcast signal converted for CATV broadcast and the broadcast signal of the CATV independent program, and transmits the multiplexed signal to the viewer of the CATV broadcast.

In the above description, when transmitting a TM program, the CAT
Although it is described that the program unlocking information of the V independent program is multiplexed and transmitted, the present invention is not limited to this. The program unlocking information of the CATV independent program can be sent out at the time of sending any program.

As described above, the CATV broadcaster has a CAT
By outsourcing the management of the unlocking of the V independent program to a satellite broadcaster, the satellite broadcaster can collectively process the program unlocking management, thereby simplifying the processing. Also, C
It is possible to provide an inexpensive system, such as eliminating the need to provide a program unlocking management device for performing unlocking management in the ATV broadcasting apparatus 200.

Next, a viewer terminal device for receiving a broadcast will be described. FIG. 3 shows C according to an embodiment of the present invention.
1 is a configuration diagram of a viewer terminal device of an ATV broadcasting system.
The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The set-top box 300, which is a viewer terminal device according to the present invention,
IC cards 310 and C which are connected to the ATV broadcasting apparatus 200 and are recording media on which program unlocking related information is recorded.
Receiving means 320 for receiving an ATV broadcast signal; descrambler 330 for descrambling;
A video / audio decoder 340 for decoding the audio signal.

The IC card 310 is used for the CATV broadcasting device 2
The program unlocking related information for the TM program and the CATV program transmitted via 00 is recorded. Assemble into set-top box 300, and descrambler 33 when necessary
The information recorded from 0 is read. Receiving means 3
20 is a CATV broadcasting device 200 via a cable 500
And sends it to the descrambler 330. Descrambler 330 is an IC
The program unlocking related information of the TM program and the CATV independent program recorded on the card 310 is read out, and these information and CA
The scramble of the TM program and the CATV independent program is descrambled using the TM program included in the TV broadcast signal and the program unlocking information of the CATV independent program, and a cancellation signal is output to the video / audio decoder 340. Video / audio decoder 340
Performs decoding of the descrambled signal and outputs a video / audio signal to an external device, for example, an input terminal of a television receiver.

The operation of the set-top box 300 having such a configuration will be described. TM program and CATV
IC card 31 on which the unlocking related information of the independent program is recorded
0 is acquired in advance through a CATV business. T
When watching M program or CATV independent program,
The receiving means 320 selectively receives a CATV broadcast signal transmitted from the CATV broadcast apparatus 200 via the cable 500 and outputs the signal to the descrambler 330. In the descrambler 330, the TM read from the IC card 310
Unlocking related information of programs and CATV independent programs, and CAT
The scramble of the TM program and the CATV independent program is released using the TM program and the program unlocking information of the CATV independent program included in the V broadcast signal. The descrambled signal is decoded by the video / audio decoder 340 into a video / audio signal.

As described above, one IC card 310 has T
Since the program unlocking related information of the M program and the CATV independent program is recorded, the set-top box 300
What is necessary is just to have a mechanism for reading the cards, and the structure can be simplified. In addition, the user can save the trouble of exchanging cards for each program.

Next, a method of unlocking a broadcast program in the above-described CATV broadcasting system and a flow of data between the devices will be described. FIG. 4 shows a CA according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 shows a data flow of the TV broadcasting system. 1 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The CATV service provider 201 entrusts the satellite broadcast service provider 101 to manage the program unlocking of the CATV independent program which is not included in the satellite broadcast program. The satellite broadcast company 101 sends an IC card 310 in which unlocking related information of the TM program and the CATV independent program is recorded. CAT
The V carrier 201 sends the IC card 310 sent from the satellite broadcast carrier 101 together with the set-top box 300 to the user 301 who is a CATV subscriber.

The satellite broadcasting apparatus 100 transmits a satellite broadcast signal in which the TM program, the unlocking information of the TM program, and the unlocking information of the CATV independent program are multiplexed to the satellite 420. The CATV broadcast apparatus 200 receives the satellite broadcast signal, converts the satellite broadcast signal into a signal for CATV broadcast, and scrambles the satellite broadcast signal using a program key given by the satellite broadcaster 101.
The V independent program broadcast signal is added and transmitted to the user 301. From the CATV broadcasting apparatus 200 to the set top box (STB) 300 of the user 301, the TM
Program, TM program unlock information, CATV independent program, and C
A CATV broadcast signal including the ATV independent program unlocking information is transmitted. The set-top box 300
The unlocking-related information of the TM program and the CATV independent program recorded on the C card 310 is read, and these information and CA
The scramble of the TM program and the CATV independent program is released by using the TM program and the CATV independent program unlocking information included in the TV signal, and the program is viewed.

From the satellite broadcasting apparatus 100, a TM program, T
The satellite broadcast signal in which the unlocking information of the M program and the unlocking information of the CATV independent program are multiplexed is transmitted without distinction between the direct receiver of the satellite broadcast and the receiver via the CATV. However, the receiver's IC card via CATV contains
The program unlock information of the TM program and the CATV independent program is written, but only the program (= TM program) unlock information is written to the IC card of the satellite broadcast direct receiver. Therefore, it is possible to shift from the conventional system to the CATV broadcast system of the present invention without affecting the direct receiver of the satellite broadcast.

In the above description, the CATV broadcaster provides a program for providing a retransmission service to a satellite broadcaster. However, a CATV broadcaster provides a broadcast service using another medium such as a terrestrial wave. It can also be.

The above processing functions can be realized by a computer. In this case, the processing contents of the functions that each device constituting the CATV broadcasting system should have are described in a program recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Then, by executing this program on a computer, the above processing is realized on the computer. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a magnetic recording device and a semiconductor memory. When distributing to the market, CD-ROM (Compact
The program is stored and distributed on a portable recording medium such as a disc read only memory (FD) or a floppy (registered trademark) disk, or is stored in a storage device of a computer connected via a network, and another computer is connected via the network. Can also be forwarded to When the program is executed by the computer, the program is stored in a hard disk device or the like in the computer, and is loaded into the main memory and executed.

[0040]

As described above, according to the present invention, the broadcasting device manages the program keys of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program, and manages the unlocking of the program. When transmitting a program, a broadcast signal including a retransmitted program, program unlock information of the retransmitted program, and program unlock information of the CATV independent program is multiplexed and transmitted. The CATV broadcast apparatus obtains a program key used for scrambling an independent program, multiplexes and scrambles the independent program, and modulates it for CATV broadcasting. Further, the broadcast signal transmitted by the broadcast device is modulated for CATV broadcast,
A CATV broadcast signal is generated by multiplexing with a CATV independent program and transmitted. The viewer terminal apparatus obtains in advance a recording medium in which program unlocking related information of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program is recorded, and acquires the program unlock information of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program and the recording medium when the CATV broadcast signal is acquired. Retransmitted program and CAT using program unlocking related information
Descramble the V independent program and watch it.

As described above, since the program unlocking management of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program can be collectively performed by the broadcasting device, the processing is simplified. In addition, since the recording medium for recording the program unlocking related information of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program held by the viewer can be shared, the operation of the viewer can be simplified.

In the CATV broadcast transmission system according to the present invention, the broadcasting device manages the program keys of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program, and manages the unlocking of the program. When transmitting a program, retransmitted program, program unlocking information of retransmitted program, and CAT
The broadcast signal including the program unlock information of the V independent program is multiplexed and scrambled and transmitted as a broadcast signal. CA
The TV broadcast apparatus acquires a program key used for scrambling an independent program from the broadcast apparatus, and performs multiplexing and scrambling processing. Further, the broadcast signal of the broadcasting device is modulated for CATV broadcasting, multiplexed with a CATV independent program signal, and transmitted.

As described above, since the broadcast device is requested to manage the program unlocking of the CATV independent program, it is not necessary to prepare the program unlocking device independently in the CATV broadcasting device and manage it.

In the method of unlocking a broadcast program according to the present invention,
The CATV operator requests the broadcast operator to manage the unlocking of the CATV independent program in advance, and gives the viewer a recording medium that records the program unlocking related information of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program. Broadcasting companies are responsible for retransmitted programs, retransmitted programs and CA
The broadcast signal including the program unlock information of the TV independent program is multiplexed and transmitted. The CATV operator receives the broadcast signal, modulates it for CATV broadcasting, and scrambles the CATV broadcast using the program key obtained from the broadcaster.
It multiplexes with its own program and transmits it as a CATV broadcast signal. The viewer uses the retransmitted program included in the CATV broadcast signal, the program unlocking information of the CATV independent program, and the program unlocking related information recorded on the recording medium, and the retransmitted program and the CA.
Descramble the TV independent program and watch the program.

As described above, since the program unlocking management of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program can be collectively performed by the broadcasting device, the processing is simplified. In addition, since the recording medium for recording the program unlocking related information of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program held by the viewer can be shared, the operation of the viewer can be simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a CATV broadcast transmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the operation of a transmodulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a viewer terminal device of a CATV broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a data flow of a CATV broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a conventional CATV broadcasting system.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 ... satellite broadcasting device, 110 ... program unlocking management means,
120: multiplexing / scramble processing means (MUX), 1
30 modulation means, 200 CATV broadcasting apparatus, 210 ...
Scramble control means, 221, 222, 223 ... coding means, 230 ... multiplexing / scramble processing means (MU
X), 240: modulating means, 250: transmodulator, 260: multiplexing means, 300: set-top box, 310: IC card, 320: receiving means, 330
... Descrambler, 340 ... Video / audio decoder, 4
10: transmitting antenna, 420: satellite, 430: receiving antenna, 500: cable

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/44 H04N 7/167 Z 7/08 H04L 9/00 601B 7/081 H04N 7/08 Z 7 / 16 F term (reference) 5B017 AA07 BA07 CA16 5C025 AA07 AA09 BA25 BA28 BA30 DA01 DA04 DA10 5C063 AA20 AB03 AB07 AB20 CA40 DA07 DB10 5C064 BA01 BB02 BC16 BC20 CA14 CB01 CB08 CC04 5J104 AA01 AA17 PA03 EA04 EA04

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A CATV broadcasting system that provides a retransmission service of a predetermined broadcast program and a broadcast service of an independent program.
If the broadcast independent program is charged, the resent program and CA
Program unlock management means for managing a program which is an encryption key used for scrambling a TV independent program; a broadcast signal including the resent program, program unlock information of the resent program, and program unlock information of the CATV independent program. Multiplexing and scramble processing means for multiplexing and scrambling, and a modulation means for modulating and outputting an output signal of the multiplexing and scrambling processing means; and a CATV independent program from the broadcasting apparatus. A scramble control means for acquiring a program key used for scrambling and controlling the scramble, a multiplexing / scrambling means for multiplexing a broadcast signal of the CATV independent program, and scrambling using the program key; Modulating means for modulating an output signal of a coding / scramble processing means for CATV broadcasting; To obtain the transmission signal of
A transmodulator for converting to an ATV broadcast, and a CA
Multiplexing means for multiplexing and transmitting a broadcast signal of the broadcast apparatus modulated for TV broadcast and a broadcast signal of the CATV independent program; and a scramble of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program. , A recording medium storing program unlocking related information, a receiving means for acquiring a CATV broadcast signal transmitted from the CATV broadcasting apparatus, and a retransmission program and a CATV independent program included in the acquired CATV broadcast signal. And a descrambling means for descrambling the descrambling of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program by using the program unlocking information and the program unlocking related information of the recording medium. CATV broadcasting system. 2. The CATV broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein the broadcasting device is a satellite broadcasting device that performs broadcasting via a satellite. 3. The program unlocking management means of the broadcasting device,
Further, when transmitting any broadcast program other than the retransmitted program,
Manages the program unlock information of the CATV independent program, and the multiplex scramble processing means further multiplexes and scrambles a broadcast signal containing the arbitrary broadcast program and the program unlock information of the CATV independent program. The CATV broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein: 4. A CATV broadcast transmitting system for providing a retransmission service of a predetermined broadcast program and a broadcast service of an independent program, wherein the predetermined retransmission program and the CAT perform the retransmission service.
When the independent program of V broadcast is charged, the retransmitted program and C
A program unlock management means for managing a program key, which is an encryption key used for scrambling the ATV independent program, a broadcast including the resent program, the program unlock information of the resent program, and the program unlock information of the CATV independent program. Multiplexing / scramble processing means for multiplexing and scrambling a signal;
A broadcasting device comprising: a modulation unit for modulating and outputting an output signal of the multiplexing / scramble processing unit; and obtaining a program key used for scrambling the CATV independent program from the broadcasting device to control scrambling. Scrambling control means, multiplexing / scramble processing means for multiplexing the broadcast signal of the CATV independent program and scrambling using the program key, and modulating the output signal of the multiplexing / scramble processing means for CATV broadcasting Modulating means, and acquiring a transmission signal of the broadcasting device,
A transmodulator for converting to an ATV broadcast, and a CA
A CATV broadcast apparatus comprising: a multiplexing unit that multiplexes a broadcast signal of the broadcast apparatus modulated for TV broadcast and a broadcast signal of the CATV independent program and transmits the multiplexed signal. Delivery system. 5. A method for unlocking a broadcast program of a CATV broadcasting system for providing a retransmission service of a predetermined broadcast program and a broadcast service of an independent program, wherein a CATV broadcaster provides a retransmission program for performing the retransmission service. A predetermined recording medium storing a program key unlock management related to the program key used for the scramble processing of the CATV independent program and a program unlocking information necessary for unlocking the program key of the CATV independent program. To the viewers of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program, and the broadcaster transmits the CA when transmitting the broadcast program.
A broadcast signal including the unlocking information of the TV independent program and, if necessary, the resending program and the unlocking information of the program of the resending program are multiplexed and scrambled, and the multiplexed and scrambled broadcast signal is modulated. A transmitting procedure, and the CATV broadcaster transmits the C
A program key of the ATV independent program is obtained, the CATV independent program is scrambled with the program key and multiplexed, and the multiplexed and scrambled CATV broadcast signal is converted to a CA signal.
It is modulated for TV broadcasting, receives the broadcast signal transmitted by the broadcaster, converts the broadcast signal to CATV, and multiplexes the converted broadcaster's broadcast signal with the CATV broadcast signal of the CATV independent program. The viewer sends the CTV broadcast signal to the CTV broadcast signal.
The program unlock information of the ATV independent program and the CATV independent program and, if necessary, the program unlock information of the retransmitted program and the retransmitted program, and the obtained retransmitted program and CAT
De-scrambling the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program using the program unlocking information of the V independent program and the program unlocking related information of the retransmitted program and the CATV independent program recorded on the recording medium. A method for unlocking a broadcast program.