JP2008510352A - Apparatus and method for diagnosing and processing conditions related to cable card in open cable system, open cable host apparatus, and open cable receiving apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

In an apparatus for diagnosing and processing a state related to a cable card in an open cable system, an inspection unit for inspecting the state of the cable card or the network state, a processing unit for performing processing corresponding to the state according to the state inspection result, A diagnostic and processing apparatus for a condition associated with a cable card. This allows an open cable system to diagnose the status of a cable card by attaching S / W-like processing logic for a fatal error or a clear problem to a TV or set-top box. By taking measures against crab cable cards, it is possible to reduce costs and improve the quality of service for users and service providers.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for diagnosing and processing a condition related to a cable card in an open cable system, an open cable host apparatus, and an open cable receiving apparatus.

  Currently, the broadcasting system is in a transitional period in which it changes from an analog to a digital system. With the drastic changes in the broadcasting environment, the importance of the digital broadcasting content industry is increasing day by day, and what is important is the illegality of digital broadcasting content produced by investing a huge amount of money and effort. Anti-duplication technology and subscriber authentication for this. When a built-in CAS (Conditional Access System) is hacked, there is no way to protect the operator from it, but if there is a cable card, if only the cable card is changed without high cost and difficulty even in such extreme situations , Can protect the operator from hacking. Against this background, the US has been operating the CableLab project for the next-generation digital cable broadcasting standard in the United States with CableLab for the purpose of application since 2005. Currently, the open cable system including those standards in Korea is also in Korea. Adopted as a standard for digital cable broadcasting transmission and reception matching. The open cable standard is based on MPEG (Motion Picture Expert Group) 2 which is a video standard and DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) which is a cable modem transmission standard.

  Open cable standards adopted as Korean digital cable broadcasting standards are broadly divided into hardware and software. First, the hardware includes a set top box and a POD (Point Of Deployment) device that separates the security function and the reception restriction function from the set top box. Separation of set-top boxes and POD is aimed at inducing consumer purchases and price cuts of set-top boxes by building a competitive system for production and supply of set-top boxes that is not subordinated to specific company solutions. The core of the software is the OCAP (OpenCable Application Platform) standard, which is middleware. OCAP is a standard that becomes an application production base for bidirectional services in cable broadcasting. OCAP can provide web-based services for cable broadcasting, and can support two-way services that have advanced further to viewers.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional system. As shown in FIG. 1, the system according to the related art includes a network 110, a head end 120, a host 130, and a cable card 140.

  The headend 120 represents the source for any signal carried on the downstream system, including public wave broadcast stations, satellite services, and regional microwave relays. The head end 120 and the host 130 perform A / V, OOB (Out Of Band) and DOCSIS bi-directional communication through an HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coaxial) network, and the host 130 includes a set top box or a TV, The broadcast signal is transmitted from the source to the subscriber, and is composed of electronic devices necessary for conversion. Then, the host 130 and the cable card 140 perform continuous data movement and basic protocol communication through data / address line communication, and the cable card 140 disscrambles the basic A / V stream and the scrambled stream. Added anti-duplication function for function and content protection. In addition, as the two-way service is started, the cable card can use the communication method (OOB) using the modem function of the cable card and the communication method using the DOCSIS modem while adding the function of the communication device.

  As described above, in the open cable system, the role of the cable card is indispensable, and a situation in which no service can be received due to the problem of the cable card may occur. In practice, users are not able to obtain any information, but minimal users need to know what problems have occurred and why they are unable to receive services. . In such a case, it is difficult for the user or service provider to find out the cause of the problem that caused the service to be stopped or the communication function to be stopped. Also, in most cases, it takes a lot of time to find the cause of the problem, and many inconveniences are induced such that the user cannot be provided with the service until the problem is solved.

  The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, diagnose the state of the cable card in the open cable system and perform appropriate processing, thereby inducing entry into a mode that normally operates normally, Device and method for diagnosing and processing a state related to a cable card in an open cable system for allowing a user to take appropriate measures through diagnosis of a fatal error, service interruption and network status, and open cable host device An open cable receiver is provided.

  One feature of the present invention for achieving the above object is that in an apparatus for diagnosing and processing a state related to a cable card in an open cable system, an inspection unit for inspecting the state of the cable card or the state of the network, And a processing unit that performs processing corresponding to the state according to the inspection result of the state.

  When the cable card cannot access the virtual memory of the cable card or there is an error in the card information structure (CIS) data of the cable card, the processing unit outputs an error message to the user interface. When the interval of the response time of the cable card exceeds the first critical value, the second process of outputting an error message to the user interface, and when the communication time with the outside exceeds the second critical value 3rd process to perform ping test or output error message to user interface, 4th process to output error message to user interface when not communicating with headend, problem during cable card software upgrade But If a request for the communication method of the cable card is received, a fifth process of outputting an error message to the user interface together with information indicating what version of the cable card software has been upgraded, It is desirable to include at least one of the sixth processes for outputting information about the communication method of the card to the user interface.

  The first processing is performed when the cable card cannot be accessed to the virtual memory even if the cable card is initialized three or more times, or the cable card CIS data has an error. It is desirable to output an error message to the interface.

  The second process performs a software reset or hardware reset of the cable card, and if the response time exceeds the first critical value even after the software reset or the hardware reset, an error message is displayed on the user interface. Is desirable to output.

  In the third process, it is preferable that a ping test is performed and an error message is output to the user interface when the ping test fails.

  Another feature of the present invention is that, in an open cable host device, a main circuit unit that receives a broadcast signal transmitted from a network, decodes and outputs the signal, controls the main circuit unit, and the network is transmitted through the main circuit unit. A POD interface for communicating with the POD module, and a control unit that performs a process corresponding to the state according to the state inspection result by inspecting the state of the detachable POD module or the state of the network A part.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, in an open cable receiver, a main circuit unit that receives a broadcast signal transmitted from a network, decodes and outputs the signal, and controls the main circuit unit, through the main circuit unit A host that includes a control unit that communicates with the network, inspects the state of the separable cable card or the state of the network, and performs processing corresponding to the state according to the state inspection result, and is detachably plugged into the host A cable card to be provided.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for diagnosing and processing a state related to a cable card in an open cable system, the step of checking the state of the cable card or the state of the network, and the inspection result of the state Performing a process corresponding to the state.

  The process executing step includes a step of outputting an error message to the user interface when the cable card cannot access the virtual memory or there is an error in the cable card CIS data, and the cable card response time. If the interval exceeds the predetermined threshold value, resetting the cable card software or hardware, or outputting an error message to the user interface, the external communication exceeds the second threshold value If so, perform a ping test or output an error message to the user interface; if not communicated with the headend, output an error message to the user interface; upgrade the cable card software If a problem occurs during the process of outputting an error message to the user interface with information indicating what version of the cable card software has been upgraded, and if a request for the communication method of the cable card is received, It is preferable that the method includes at least one step of outputting information about the communication method of the cable card to a user interface.

  According to the present invention, in an open cable system, the state of a cable card is diagnosed by installing S / W-like processing logic for a fatal error or a clear problem in a TV or a set-top box, and the occurrence of a problem occurs. In some cases, it is possible to reduce the cost and improve the quality of service for users and service providers by quickly taking measures against the cable card. In particular, at a step where digital bi-directional services have not yet been validated in the early stages, cable cards, TVs, and set-top boxes all take precautionary measures due to long validation times and problems that are not yet foreseen. In addition, when a fatal defect occurs, the cost can be reduced by performing diagnosis and measures for the defect.

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

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an open cable host device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the host apparatus 200 includes a tuner 1 201, a tuner 2 202, a QPSK / QAM 16 transmitter (TX) 203, a receiver (RX) 204, a dimodulator 205, a DOCSIS modem 206, and a dimultiplexer 207. , A CPU 208 and a memory 209.

  A signal received through the tuner 1 201 is demodulated through the dimodulator 205 and input to an INB (In Band) processing unit 212 of the POD module. A signal received through tuner 2 202 is input to CPU 208 through DOCSIS modem 206. The RX 204 adapts received data at a predetermined bit rate to convert it into a serial bit stream, and transmits the serial bit stream to the OOB processing unit 211 of the POD module. Such serial data is mainly used to transmit a restricted access authority management message from the cable system to the POD module. The QPSK / QAM 16 TX 203 adapts and modulates data input through the DOCSIS mode or the OOB mode at a predetermined bit rate, and transmits the modulated data. The dimultiplexer 207 receives the data processed by the INB processing unit 212 of the POD module, dimultiplexes and outputs the data.

  The CPU 208 controls each component of the host device. In particular, according to the present invention, the POD state diagnosis program 220 stored in the CPU 208 is loaded to diagnose the state of the POD module or the network. Appropriate processing is attempted, and an appropriate message is output to the user interface so as to inform the user of the current situation. The state diagnosed by the CPU 208 is roughly divided into two, one being a state relating to the cable card itself and the other being a network state. For the cable card itself, the status regarding whether the cable card cannot access the virtual memory, the cable card CIS configuration is inconsistent, or the cable card response time interval exceeds a predetermined reference value. Check the network, if communication with the outside has been interrupted for more than 30 seconds, A / V is OK, but there is no communication with the headend, if there is a problem during the cable card software upgrade, Check the status of whether there is a request for information about the communication method. After checking the state in this way, the CPU 208 performs processing appropriate to each state, or if the processing is not resolved by the processing or is a fatal error from the beginning, the state is notified to the user. Output a message to the user interface. The inspection and processing for each state will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The POD module is a detachable device and can take the form of a PC card plugged into a PCMCIA slot of the host device. Such a POD module is an updateable and replaceable device that can solve not only a signal processing function but also a security / restricted access function. As shown in FIG. 2, the POD module 210 plugged into the host device 200 includes an OOB processing unit 211, an INB processing unit 212, a CPU 213, an attribute memory 214, and a COR (Configuration Option Register) 216. Although the POD module 210 further includes other components, FIG. 2 shows only the components related to the present invention.

  The OOB processing unit 211 performs di-landing after the data stream received from the RX 204 of the host device 200 and Reed-Solomon coding, and the CPU 213 performs MAC (Media Access Control) from the data thus processed. ) Perform MAC layer protocol processing of OOB data such as reassembly and MAC header analysis.

  The INB processing unit 212 demultiplexes the MPEG2 multiprogram stream input through the jimulator 205 into the program element restream, and again multiplexes the data encrypted by the copy protection engine into the MPEG2 multiprogram stream. The data is transmitted to the host dimultiplexer 207.

  The CPU 213 controls each component of the POD module, and plays a role such as generating a secret key used in the user authentication and anti-duplication system.

  The attribute memory 214 stores CIS data. CIS 215 is one of the data structures defined by the PCMCIA specification. The cable card has the same shape as the existing PCMCIA card, and the operation method and protocol also operate based on the PCMCIA 2.0 specification. Among them, CIS has information on what kind of use each PCMCIA card is used, what manufacturing companies make, and what specifications are followed. The main information of the CIS includes information related to the power supply of the cable card (VCC, VPP), manufacturing code, module name, cable card version information, and the like.

  The COR 216 is a register that must be set to a predetermined value in order to switch the PCMCIA card to the cable card mode. The host does not write the PCMCIA card to the cable card until the SCTE_IFN (SCTE Interface ID Number) value is correctly written in the COR. Can switch to mode.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of diagnosing a POD state using an open cable host device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the system is first initialized (step 301), and then the host initializes the cable card (step 302). The initialization of the cable card includes an operation of reading the CIS data by approaching the virtual memory of the cable card and accurately writing the SCTE interface ID number in the COR of the POD module.

  Therefore, the host determines whether it is impossible to access the virtual memory of the cable card or the configuration of the CIS data is inconsistent during the initialization operation (step 303).

  The situation where the cable card cannot access the virtual memory is when the power is first connected or turned on after the power is turned off, or in the cable card slot of the TV or set-top box. It can be checked in a situation where the user arbitrarily removes and then re-enters. In each case, the cable card and the TV perform the initialization work with each other again. Of the progress steps of the initialization work, it is necessary to read the attribute memory in the cable card from the host side and read information on what kind of cable card and what type it is. In order to proceed with this process, the host must be able to access the cable card memory. That is, in the first step of the initialization process, the TV approaches the cable card memory and register immediately after the cable card is inserted into the TV. Normally, the attribute memory of about 256 to 1024 bytes is read, and the type and power supply information of the cable card is obtained from the information. If the memory access is impossible at this time, the cable card It can be determined that there is a hardware problem in itself or a cable card that does not support open cable specifications.

  In addition, CIS has information on what usage each PCMCIA card is used for, what kind of manufacturer it made, and what specifications it follows, of which cable card is open It only supports cables, and the information about this and the structure about the information must match. What is important is that PCMCIA is switched to cable card mode only after the SCTE_IFN value is correctly written to COR. If the information about this does not match, the extension from PCMCIA to the cable card is impossible, and the cable card function necessary for the DTV cannot be performed at all. Actually, the determination of CIS information is a function that enables primary classification for illegal cable cards.

  If both of the judgment results in step 303 are normal, the initialization of the cable card is completed (step 305), the access to the virtual memory of the cable card is impossible, or the data structure of the CIS does not match If YES, go to step 302 to try the cable card initialization operation again. If the cable card cannot access the virtual memory or the CIS data configuration mismatch exceeds three times, an error message is displayed on the user interface (step 304). Thus, FIG. 4A shows an example of an error message output to the user interface when the cable card cannot access the virtual memory or when the data structure of the CIS is inconsistent. The error message shown in FIG. 4A includes a content for informing that “a fatal error has occurred and the service provider should be contacted and replaced with a new cable card”.

  After completing the initialization of the cable card, the response time is inspected (step 306). The inspection for the response time interval of the cable card is determined when the initialization of the cable card is performed smoothly and the basic functions of the cable card are frequently performed. Normally, a TV is rarely turned off completely, and is a device that is turned on for a long time. The cable card always works together while the TV is turned on. In the end, cable cards and TVs also need to be processed for malfunctions when they are turned on for a long time. In this case, under the assumption that the TV has no problem, the response time for the cable card is checked through the TV. If the response time exceeds a certain time, the problem is diagnosed and processed for the cable card module. To do.

  When the response time is inspected and the response time exceeds a predetermined critical value, for example, 3 seconds, the software is reset (step 307). Software reset is called POD reset, and changes in POD attributes (the host and the POD module are initialized to the PCMCIA interface and changed to the POD interface at a predetermined time. This point is “change of POD attribute”. Whenever the host sets the RS bit of the control register. If the host sets the RS bit of the data channel and the extended channel, the POD module detects which channel the RS bit is set, and if detected, it opens the open session and transmission connection. Both are closed and the operation returns immediately after the POD attribute change occurs. Such a reset prevents changes in the routing of the MPEG data stream so that the viewer cannot recognize any problems if the A / V stream being viewed is not scrambled. Such POD reset occurs when the host detects an error in the POD module interface.

  Next, the response time is checked again (step 308). If the response time exceeds 3 seconds, the hardware is reset (step 309). The hardware reset is called a PCMCIA reset, and means that the host transmits a reset signal to the POD module. The interface returns to the PCMCIA interface that no longer routes the MPEG data stream through the POD module. Therefore, such a reset must be avoided unless there is a serious defect in the POD module or the interface between the host and the POD module.

  Next, the response time is checked again (step 310), and if the response time exceeds 3 seconds, an error message is displayed on the user interface (step 304). An example of an error message output to the user interface when the response time exceeds 3 seconds is shown in FIG. 4B. The error message shown in FIG. 4B includes content for instructing that “the operation of the cable card is unstable and that the service provider is contacted and replaced with a new cable card”.

  However, if the response time does not exceed 3 seconds in steps 306, 308, 310, the communication time is checked as the next test (step 311). If communication between the headend and the outside is interrupted for 30 seconds or more, that is, if the downstream information is cut off, a network test is performed using ping. Show the message to the user.

  If the communication time exceeds 30 seconds as a result of the communication time inspection, an error message is displayed on the user interface (step 304).

  An example of an error message displayed on the user interface when the communication time exceeds 30 seconds is shown in FIG. 4C. The error message shown in FIG. 4C indicates that “the network state is unstable and the service is provided. Content to guide "contacting the person".

  If the communication time does not exceed 30 seconds as a result of the communication time check, the network state is checked (step 312). In this case, the cable card is a bidirectional TV in which the role of the communication device is important, and communication with the headend side is interrupted. There is no problem in communication with the host side, but there is no communication with the head end. In this case, there is no problem when A / V is viewed through the host, but no support for bidirectional services such as operation of bidirectional applications or VOD service can be received. Also, some services for the scrambled channel are impossible due to the authentication problem with the headend. In this case, it is determined that there is a problem on the communication line or a problem with the communication equipment of the headend, and a telephone request to the service provider is notified through the user interface.

  Next, it is determined whether a problem has occurred during the cable card software upgrade (step 313). The firmware that enters the cable card itself may be upgraded, but when a problem occurs during the upgrade, or when there is a problem with the operation of the cable card after the upgrade. Inform the user through the user interface what version has been upgraded and show the service provider a report on the problem. That is, when a problem occurs, an error message is displayed on the user interface (step 304). An example of a message provided to the user interface if a problem occurs during the cable card software upgrade is shown in FIG. 4D. The message shown in FIG. 4D is: “Previous cable card firmware version is 00.11.00, current cable card firmware version is 00.11.01, current cable card firmware version It contains content that guides you to be unstable.

  If no problem occurs, it is determined whether an information request message about the communication method of the cable card has been received (step 314). Decisions on the two-way communication method will proceed at the request of the current cable card. In such a case, the user does not know what method he / she currently uses to communicate. However, in the case of currently supported OOB and DOCSIS, there are large differences in relation to the usage method, service level, and usage fee. On the other hand, the user needs to know accurate information about what mode of communication service he / she currently receives. Therefore, when the cable card is initialized, the user can execute a selective service by notifying the user of the contents of the communication method supported by the type of the cable card and the communication method currently serviced through a message. . If the request is received as a result of the determination, an information message about the communication method of the cable card is provided to the user interface (step 315).

  An example of the information message about the communication method of the cable card is shown in FIG. 4E. The information message shown in FIG. 4E is “the current service mode is DOCSIS and the cable card support mode is OOB / DOCSIS”. It includes content that guides you.

  Then proceed to step 306 to monitor the cable card status or network status. If the information request for the communication method of the cable card is not received, the process proceeds to step 306 as it is.

  The cable card status diagnosis and processing method as described above can also be embodied as a computer readable code on a computer readable recording medium. Computer readable recording media include all types of recording devices that can store data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, an optical data storage device, and the like. Also included are those embodied in the form of waves (eg, transmission over the Internet). Further, the computer-readable recording medium can be distributed in a computer system connected to a network, and computer-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner. A functional program, code, and code segment for implementing the cable card state diagnosis and processing method can be easily inferred by a programmer in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.

  So far, the present invention has been described with a focus on preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be embodied in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an illustrative, not a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is shown not in the above description but in the claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the present invention.

It is a block diagram of the open cable system by a prior art. 1 is a configuration diagram of an open cable host device according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a method for diagnosing a POD state in an open cable host device according to the present invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a method for diagnosing a POD state in an open cable host device according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an error message output to the user interface when the cable card cannot access the virtual memory according to the present invention or when the CIS data configuration is inconsistent. It is a figure which shows an example of the error message output to a user interface when response time exceeds 3 second by this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the error message displayed on a user interface when communication time exceeds 30 second by this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message provided to the user interface when a problem occurs during the cable card software upgrade according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the information message about the communication system of a cable card | curd by this invention.

Claims (14)

In a device that diagnoses and processes conditions related to cable cards in an open cable system,
An inspection unit for inspecting a state related to the cable card or a state related to the network;
A state diagnosis and processing apparatus related to a cable card, comprising: a processing unit that performs processing corresponding to the state based on the inspection result of the state. The processor is
A first process for outputting an error message to the user interface if the cable card cannot access the virtual memory or if there is an error in the card information structure data of the cable card;
A second process for outputting an error message to the user interface when the response time interval of the cable card exceeds the first critical value;
A third process for performing a ping test or outputting an error message to the user interface when the external communication time exceeds the second critical value;
A fourth process for outputting an error message to the user interface if communication with the headend is not possible;
A fifth process that outputs an error message to the user interface, along with information indicating what version of the cable card software has been upgraded if a problem occurs during the cable card software upgrade;
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a sixth process of outputting information about the communication method of the cable card to a user interface when a request for the communication method of the cable card is received. Diagnosis and processing device related to the described cable card. The first process includes
An error message is displayed on the user interface when the cable card cannot access the virtual memory even if the cable card is initialized three or more times or there is an error in the card information structure data of the cable card. The diagnosis and processing device for a state related to a cable card according to claim 2. The second process includes
A software reset or hardware reset of the cable card is performed, and an error message is output to the user interface when the response time exceeds the first critical value even after the software reset or the hardware reset. An apparatus for diagnosing and processing a state related to the cable card according to claim 2. The third process includes
The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a ping test is performed and an error message is output to the user interface when the ping test fails. In open cable host device,
A main circuit unit that receives, decodes and outputs a broadcast signal transmitted from the network;
Processing that controls the main circuit unit, communicates with the network through the main circuit unit, inspects a state related to the separable POD module or a state related to the network, and responds to the state by the inspection result of the state A control unit for performing
An open cable host device comprising a POD interface unit for communicating with the POD module. The controller is
A first process for outputting an error message to the user interface if the cable card cannot access the virtual memory or if there is an error in the card information structure data of the cable card;
A second process of resetting the cable card software or hardware or outputting an error message to the user interface if the cable card response time interval exceeds a predetermined critical value;
A third process for performing a ping test or outputting an error message to the user interface when the external communication time exceeds the second critical value;
A fourth process for outputting an error message to the user interface if communication with the headend is not possible;
A fifth process that outputs an error message to the user interface, along with information indicating what version of the cable card software has been upgraded if a problem occurs during the cable card software upgrade;
7. When a request for a communication method of a cable card is received, at least one of the sixth processes for outputting information about the communication method of the cable card to a user interface is executed. Open cable host device described in 1. The first process includes
An error message is displayed on the user interface when the cable card cannot access the virtual memory even if the cable card is initialized three or more times or there is an error in the card information structure data of the cable card. The open cable host device according to claim 7, wherein: The second process includes
A software reset or hardware reset of the cable card is performed, and an error message is output to the user interface when the response time exceeds the first critical value even after the software reset or the hardware reset. The open cable host device according to claim 7. The third process includes
8. The open cable host device according to claim 7, wherein a ping test is performed and an error message is output to the user interface when the ping test fails. In open cable receiver,
A main circuit unit that receives a broadcast signal transmitted from a network, decodes and outputs the signal, and controls the main circuit unit, communicates with the network through the main circuit unit, and is associated with a separable POD module or A host including a control unit that inspects a state related to the network and performs processing corresponding to the state according to the inspection result of the state;
An open cable receiving apparatus comprising: a cable card that is detachably plugged into the host. The controller is
A first process for outputting an error message to the user interface if the cable card cannot access the virtual memory or if there is an error in the card information structure data of the cable card;
A second process of performing a software reset or a hardware reset of the cable card or outputting an error message to the user interface if the cable card response time interval exceeds a predetermined critical value;
A third process for performing a ping test or outputting an error message to the user interface when the external communication time exceeds the second critical value;
A fourth process for outputting an error message to the user interface if communication with the headend is not possible;
A fifth process that outputs an error message to the user interface, along with information indicating what version of the cable card software has been upgraded if a problem occurs during the cable card software upgrade;
12. When a request for a communication method of a cable card is received, at least one of the sixth processes for outputting information about the communication method of the cable card to a user interface is executed. The open cable receiver described in 1. In a method for diagnosing and handling conditions related to cable cards in an open cable system,
Examining a condition associated with the cable card or a condition associated with the network;
Performing a process corresponding to the state based on the inspection result of the state, and diagnosing and processing a state related to the cable card. The process execution step includes:
Outputting an error message to the user interface if access to the virtual memory of the cable card is not possible or there is an error in the card information structure data of the cable card;
If the cable card response time interval exceeds a predetermined critical value, performing a cable card software reset or hardware reset or outputting an error message to the user interface;
Performing a ping test or outputting an error message to the user interface if the external communication exceeds the second critical value;
If not communicating with the headend, outputting an error message to the user interface;
Outputting an error message to the user interface with information indicating what version the cable card software has been upgraded to if a problem occurs during the cable card software upgrade;
The method of claim 13, further comprising: outputting at least one information about the communication method of the cable card to a user interface when a request for the communication method of the cable card is received. Diagnosis and processing methods related to cable cards.

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