JP2009010556A - Connecting device, receiver, upload system, and line connecting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a line connecting device capable of saving the time and effort of setting for line connection by a user, a receiver, an upload system and a connecting method. <P>SOLUTION: The receiver 50 records information showing that a data stream of a pay broadcast program is received and decoded as viewing history data in a memory area 19a of an IC card 19 or the other storage device. When the viewing history data is recorded, the receiver 50 sets line connection to transmit the viewing history data to a server 80. Typically, the receiver 50 detects which terminal among terminals 13a, 14a and 15a of three connection interfaces 20 (13, 14 and 15) a line 70 is electrically (or physically) connected to by a line detecting part 16. After the detection, the receiver 50 performs connection setting of the detected connection interface 13, 14 or 15 with the line 70 corresponding to the detected connection interface. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a line connection device, a reception device, an upload system, and a line connection method used for an upload service in which a device possessed by a user transmits various types of data to a center side in, for example, television broadcasting.

  Conventionally, in pay television broadcasting (hereinafter referred to as pay broadcasting), broadcast wave data is scrambled or the data is encrypted. Therefore, when there is no viewing contract between the user and the broadcast station, the user cannot view the broadcast even if the broadcast is received by the receiving device. A person who has contracted with a broadcasting station is given a unique individual key, and the receiving device uses that individual key or a predetermined key corresponding to this individual key to release the crumble of the broadcast wave data and view the program. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  Among pay broadcasts, for example, in a PPV (Pay Per View) system charged for each program, or a PPD (Pay Per Day) system charged for each day, the receiving device changes each time the program or day ends. The user's viewing history data is transmitted to the broadcast station server via the telephone line. Thereby, the server on the broadcast station side acquires the data of the viewing history for billing.

  In digital television broadcasting, depending on programs, there are more than 10 services that allow a user to answer a quiz or vote by an input operation to the user's device. Data from the user's input operation is uploaded from the user's device to the broadcast station server via a telephone line.

Japanese Patent No. 3655372 (paragraph [0002])

  There is a possibility that various data uploaded by the user's device will use a line other than the telephone line in addition to the telephone line. In that case, when the user switches from the telephone line to another line, the device must start the setting screen and the user must change the setting, and the setting itself is considered difficult.

  In view of the circumstances as described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a line connection device, a reception device, an upload system, and a connection method that can save the user the trouble of setting for line connection.

  In order to achieve the above object, a connection device according to the present invention is a connection device that can be connected to a line connected to a server of a transmitting station that transmits broadcast content, and is connected to each of the plurality of lines that have different communication methods. A plurality of connectable connection interfaces, detection means for detecting that a corresponding line among the plurality of lines is connected to one of the plurality of connection interfaces, and upload data related to the broadcast. And outputting means for outputting the upload data to the connected line via the detected connection interface for transmission to the server.

  In the present invention, it is detected that the line is connected, and the upload data is transmitted via the detected connection interface and line, so that it is possible to save the user from setting the line connection.

  The transmitting station is a station that transmits a broadcast content, that is, a signal constituting a broadcast program or the like in a broadcast or other transmission form. The server may be any device that can receive at least upload data, but may be a device that can also transmit broadcast content data.

  In the present invention, the output means outputs at least one of reception history data of the broadcast content, data by data broadcasting, and data related to joint reception as the upload data.

  The reception history data means that a receiving device receives a television broadcast program or a radio broadcast program signal so that a user can watch the television broadcast program or listen to the radio broadcast program. This is the log data when processed to the state. The receiving device may be one device integrated with the connection device, or may be a separate device.

  Data related to joint reception is information indicating the type of a receiver when a receiver shared by a plurality of residents such as an apartment or an apartment is installed in the apartment or apartment.

  In the present invention, the plurality of connection interfaces can be connected to at least two of a mobile communication line, an IP (Internet Protocol) line, and a fixed telephone communication line as the lines.

  A receiving apparatus according to the present invention is a receiving apparatus connectable to a line connected to a server included in a transmitting station that transmits broadcast content, and a plurality of the communication means different from a receiving unit that receives the broadcast content A plurality of connection interfaces each connectable to a line; detection means for detecting that a corresponding line of the plurality of lines is connected to one of the plurality of connection interfaces; and the broadcasting In order to transmit upload data to the server, output means is provided for outputting the upload data to the connected line via the detected connection interface.

  An upload system according to the present invention is an upload system including a server included in a transmission station that transmits broadcast content, and a connection device that can be connected to a line connected to the server, and the connection device has a communication method. A plurality of connection interfaces each connectable to a plurality of different lines; detection means for detecting that a corresponding line of the plurality of lines is connected to one of the plurality of connection interfaces; Output means for outputting the upload data to the connected line via the detected connection interface in order to transmit upload data related to broadcasting to the server, and the server includes the output Receiving means for receiving the uploaded upload data.

  The line connection method according to the present invention is a connection method to a line connected to a server of a transmitting station that transmits broadcast content, and a plurality of connection interfaces that can be connected to a plurality of lines having different communication methods, respectively. Via the detected connection interface to detect that a corresponding line of the plurality of lines is connected to one of the plurality of lines and to transmit upload data related to the broadcast to the server. The upload data is output to the connected line.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to save the trouble of setting for connecting a line by a user.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an upload system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The upload system 100 includes a receiving device 50 on the user side and a server 80 in a center station 60 as a transmitting station that transmits broadcast content.

  The server 80 of the center station 60 is composed of a computer having a CPU, RAM, ROM, and other storage devices (not shown). The center station 60 is a business operator that transmits broadcast content by radio waves, for example. Broadcast content is a digitized data stream or an analog broadcast wave constituting a broadcast program. Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described in which broadcast content is a digitized data stream.

  Broadcast programs include television broadcast programs and radio broadcast programs. As the center station 60, for example, a satellite broadcasting station such as a CS (Communications Satellite) broadcasting station, a BS (Broadcasting Satellite) broadcasting station, or a broadcasting station for digital terrestrial broadcasting in the future can be considered.

  The data stream is typically compressed by the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 2 system, but is not limited to this system.

  An antenna 21 is connected to the receiving device 50, and the receiving device 50 receives a data stream based on a broadcast wave transmitted from the center station 60 via the antenna 21.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the receiving device 50.

  The receiving device 50 includes a tuner 1, a descrambler 2, a demultiplexer 3, an AV decoder 4, a video output encoder 5, an audio output encoder 6, an IC card slot 17, an IC card control unit 18, a line detection unit 16, and a plurality of lines. A connection interface 20 (13, 14, 15), a bus 7, a CPU 9, a RAM 10, a ROM 11, and a UI control unit 12 are provided.

  The tuner 1 demodulates the modulated broadcast wave signal, performs error correction, and acquires a data stream. The tuner 1 functions as a receiving unit.

  The descrambler 2 releases the scramble applied to the data stream output from the tuner 1. Typically, the descrambler 2 decrypts the encrypted scramble key included in the broadcast content data with the master key recorded in the IC card 19 installed in the IC card slot 17, and the decrypted scramble key To scramble the data stream. The master key is a unique key given to each user (each IC card 19).

  The demultiplexer 3 extracts necessary data such as an audio stream, a video stream, data by bidirectional data broadcasting, and the scramble key from the data stream output from the tuner 1 and multiplexed with audio and video.

  The AV decoder 4 generates audio data and video data by decoding the extracted audio stream and video stream in a format such as MPEG.

  The video output encoder 5 processes the video data supplied from the AV decoder 4 so as to match the display format of the display 25, and outputs the processed video data to the display 25. If the display 25 is in analog format, the video output encoder 5 also performs D / A conversion and the like.

  The audio output encoder 6 performs D / A conversion on the audio data supplied from the AV decoder 4 and outputs the audio data to the speaker 26.

  The CPU 9 controls the receiving device 50 in an integrated manner. A program necessary for the operation of the CPU 9 is stored in the ROM 11 or other storage device (not shown). The RAM 10 has an area where the program is expanded, and has a work area for the CPU 9.

  The IC card slot 17 is a slot into which the IC card 19 is attached / detached. The IC card 19 has a memory area 19a for storing information unique to the user, for example, user identification information, data constituting the master key, and other bibliographic information.

  The IC card control unit 18 stores predetermined data in the memory area 19a with the bus 7 and reads data stored in the memory area 19a.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the connection interface 20 of the receiving device 50 and the line type.

  The connection interface 20 includes, for example, a USB I / F (interface) 13 including a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal 13a, an Ethernet (registered trademark) I / F 14 including an Ethernet (registered trademark) terminal 14a, and a terminal 15a for a fixed telephone line. Including a fixed telephone line I / F 15.

  The portable terminal device 27 can be connected to the USB terminal 13 a via the USB cable 13 b, whereby the receiving device 50 can be connected to the mobile communication line 71 using the portable terminal device 27. Examples of the mobile terminal device 27 include a mobile phone and other devices capable of mobile communication.

  For example, a LAN (Local Area Network) cable 14b can be connected to the Ethernet (registered trademark) terminal 14a, whereby the receiving device 50 can be connected to the IP line 72, that is, the Internet via the LAN.

  A fixed telephone cable 15b (not shown) can be connected to the fixed telephone line terminal 15a, so that the receiving device 50 can be connected to the fixed telephone line 73.

  2 includes a USB terminal 13a, an Ethernet (registered trademark) terminal 14a, and a fixed telephone line terminal 15a, and corresponding predetermined lines 71, 72, and 73 (that is, terminals of the cables 13b, 14b, and 15b). ) Has a sensor function to detect that it is connected. Typically, the line detection unit 16 detects a difference in voltage between the terminals 13a, 14a, 15a and the terminals of the cables 13b, 14b, 15b due to energization and non-energization in the case of connection and non-connection. . However, it is not limited to such a method, and other known methods may be applied.

  Characteristic software according to the embodiment of the present invention stored in the ROM 11 (or other storage device (not shown)) includes a user viewing history (reception history) control function 31, a data broadcast processing function 32, and a communication control function. 33. A connection setting function 34 is provided.

  The viewing history control function 31 performs a process of recording the viewing history data in the memory area 19a of the IC card 19 for each broadcast content viewed by the user. The viewing history data may be stored not in the memory area 19a of the IC card 19 but in other storage devices (not shown).

  The data broadcast processing function 32 executes predetermined processing necessary for communication such as encryption for data used in data broadcasting, data related to joint reception, data related to users, attribute data, or other data. Data used in data broadcasting is data such as images and text sent from the center station, information sent to the server 80 from the receiving device 50, for example, answer information for quizzes of quiz programs, questionnaire answer information, or information on voting contents Etc. including data. However, it is not limited to these.

  Data related to joint reception is, for example, when a receiver shared by multiple residents such as an apartment or an apartment is installed in the apartment or apartment. It is data containing the information to show. The data broadcast processing function 32 is responsible for a part of the above-described demultiplexer 3, that is, a function for extracting data used in data broadcasting.

  The data related to the user is data including user registration information such as an ID for identifying the user.

  The viewing history data, data used in data broadcasting, data related to joint reception, data related to users, and the like are upload data related to broadcasting uploaded from the receiving device to the server.

  The communication control function 33 controls communication with the server 80 via various connection interfaces 20 and various lines 70.

  The connection setting function 34 performs connection settings for various lines 70. For example, in the case of the IP line 72, the connection setting of the line 70 includes an IP address setting, a LAN setting, a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) setting, and the like. In the case of the fixed telephone line 73, for example, the telephone number on the server 80 side is set. In the case of the mobile communication line 71, activation of corresponding application software possessed by the portable terminal device 27, setting of the telephone number of the server 80, or the like. However, it is not limited to these settings, and any setting necessary for connection may be used.

  The telephone number on the server 80 side may be stored in advance in the memory area 19a of the IC card 19 or another storage device, or may be a telephone number preset and stored by the user.

  Although the viewing history control function 31, the data broadcast processing function 32, the communication control function 33, and the connection setting function 34 have been described as being realized by software, hardware that realizes at least one of these functions is received. The device 50 may be provided. The line detection unit 16 and other blocks may be configured by either hardware or software.

  The UI control unit 12 receives a user operation signal from a remote controller (or other input device) (not shown) that remotely controls the receiving device 50, or an operation button provided on the operation panel of the receiving device 50. The received operation signal is received, and the received operation signal is sent to the CPU 9.

  The operation of the upload system 100 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation.

  The user designates a desired broadcast program by an input operation via the UI control unit 12 to the receiving device 50. Here, it is assumed that a scrambled pay broadcast program is selected. In this case, for example, the CPU 9 displays a viewing selection screen on the display 25 for inquiring of the user whether or not to view using a predetermined program. The viewing selection screen may include a viewing fee, a program title, and the like. The user can view the pay broadcast program by selecting to view the pay broadcast program. Typically, the receiving device 50 operates as follows.

  The CPU 9 receives the pay stream data stream of the channel designated by the user by the tuner 1 (step 101).

  The data stream of the pay broadcast program received by the tuner 1 is input to the demultiplexer 3 via the descrambler 2. The CPU 9 extracts the scramble key by the demultiplexer 3 and decrypts it with the master key stored in the memory area 19 a of the IC card 19. The CPU 9 uses the decrypted master key to release the scramble in the descrambler 2 so that the demultiplexer 3 extracts audio and video streams and other data (step 102).

  The CPU 9 uses the viewing history control function 31 to store information indicating that the pay broadcast program data stream has been received and decoded, that is, information indicating that the user has viewed, as viewing history data in the memory of the IC card 19. Recording is performed in the area 19a or other storage device (step 103). The viewing history data is recorded so as to be associated with the program ID extracted by the demultiplexer 3, for example.

  When the viewing history data is recorded, the CPU 9 performs connection setting for a line for transmitting the viewing history data to the server 80. Typically, the CPU 9 detects which of the terminals 13a, 14a, and 15a of the three connection interfaces 13, 14, and 15 is electrically (or physically) connected to the line detection unit 16. (Step 104).

  Then, the CPU 9 uses the connection setting function 34 to perform connection setting for the detected connection interface 13, 14, or 15 and the corresponding line 71, 72, or 73 (step 105). The line connection setting here is a setting that enables the receiving device 50 to transmit upload data to the server 80, and includes various settings as described above. The CPU 9 may store information related to the connection setting in the memory area 19a of the IC card 19 or other storage device.

  The CPU 9 transmits the recorded viewing history data as upload data to the server 80 via the connection interface 13, 14, or 15 that is set for connection and the corresponding line 71, 72, or 73 (step 106). . As a result, the center station 60 is charged based on the viewing history data. After the viewing history data is transmitted to the server 80, the CPU 9 deletes the viewing history data from the memory area 19a.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is detected which communication method line 71, 72, 73 is electrically connected to the receiving apparatus 50. Then, the connection setting of the line 71, 72, or 73 is automatically performed, and the upload data is transmitted through the set connection interface 13, 14, or 15, and the line 71, 72, or 73. As a result, it is possible to save the user from setting the connection of the line 70. That is, even if there are a plurality of connection interfaces 13, 14, and 15, the user simply inserts the cable 13 b, 14 b, or 15 b into one of them, and the receiving device 50 automatically performs connection settings.

  Note that steps 104 and 105 may be performed before step 101, for example, immediately after the power to the receiving device 50 is turned on. Each time viewing history data is transmitted, other upload data such as data related to joint reception may be transmitted, or other upload data may be transmitted periodically at a predetermined timing. May be.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of an upload system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  The upload system 200 includes a broadcasting station 60, a receiving device 150, and a broadcasting content transmitting station 90. The broadcast content transmitting station 90 receives the broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station, and transmits the received broadcast content data to the receiving device 150 through the IP line or other line 75. The broadcast content transmitting station 90 is typically an operator such as a cable television or a provider.

  The receiving device 150 has a mechanism that can be connected to the line 75, and has a plurality of connection interfaces 20 (13, 14, 15) as in the receiving device 50 shown in FIG. The connection interface 20 can be connected to lines 70 (71, 72, 73) having different communication methods.

  Similar to the receiving device 50, the receiving device 150 receives upload content such as viewing history data to the server 180 via the line 70 when receiving the broadcast content constituting the pay broadcast program via the line 75. Yes. Depending on the communication method, the line 75 and the line 70 may be the same communication method (for example, an IP line is used).

  Embodiments according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and other various embodiments are conceivable.

  As the above embodiment, the receiving device 50 provided with the tuner 1 is taken as an example, but a device (connection device) not provided with the tuner 1 can also be mentioned as an embodiment. In this case, the connection device includes the line detection unit 16, the plurality of connection interfaces 20, an output unit that outputs a detection result signal from the line detection unit 16 to the broadcast content reception device, and the reception device generates the upload data. In such a case, an input unit for inputting the upload data output from the receiving device and a transmission unit for transmitting the input upload data may be provided.

  In the above embodiment, three communication methods are exemplified as the line connection interface 20, but the receiving device 50 may include at least two of these communication methods. Alternatively, a communication method other than these three methods may be used.

  The example in which the Ethernet (registered trademark) I / F 14 is used when the receiving device 50 is connected to the IP line 72 has been described. However, the receiving device 50 has a PC card slot, and a LAN card is used as the PC card. A form that can be mounted in a slot is also conceivable. In this case, the LAN card type may be a type to which a LAN cable is connected or a wireless LAN type. Alternatively, such a LAN module may be connected to the receiving device 50 via the USB terminal 13a.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the upload system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a receiver. It is a figure for demonstrating the connection interface and line | wire type of a receiver. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an upload system. It is a figure which shows the structure of the upload system which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Tuner 16 ... Line | wire detection part 20 (13, 14, 15) ... Connection interface 31 ... Viewing history control function 32 ... Data broadcast processing function 33 ... Communication control function 34 ... Connection setting function 50, 150 ... Receiver 60 ... Center Station (broadcasting station)
70 (71, 72, 73) ... line 80, 180 ... server 90 ... broadcast content transmitting station 100, 200 ... upload system

Claims (6)

A connection device connectable to a line connected to a server of a transmitting station that transmits broadcast content,
A plurality of connection interfaces connectable to a plurality of lines having different communication methods;
Detecting means for detecting that a corresponding line of the plurality of lines is connected to one of the plurality of connection interfaces;
A connection device comprising: output means for outputting the upload data to the connected line via the detected connection interface in order to transmit the upload data related to the broadcast to the server. The connection device according to claim 1,
The output device outputs at least one of the broadcast content reception history data, data broadcast data, and data related to joint reception as the upload data. The connection device according to claim 1,
The plurality of connection interfaces can be connected to at least two of a mobile communication line, an IP (Internet Protocol) line, and a fixed telephone communication line as the lines. A receiving device connectable to a line connected to a server of a transmitting station that transmits broadcast content,
Receiving means for receiving the broadcast content;
A plurality of connection interfaces connectable to a plurality of lines having different communication methods;
Detecting means for detecting that a corresponding line of the plurality of lines is connected to one of the plurality of connection interfaces;
A receiving device comprising: output means for outputting the upload data to the connected line via the detected connection interface in order to transmit the upload data related to the broadcast to the server. An upload system comprising a server of a transmitting station that transmits broadcast content, and a connection device connectable to a line connected to the server,
The connecting device is
A plurality of connection interfaces connectable to a plurality of lines having different communication methods;
Detecting means for detecting that a corresponding line of the plurality of lines is connected to one of the plurality of connection interfaces;
Output means for outputting the upload data to the connected line via the detected connection interface in order to transmit the upload data related to the broadcast to the server;
The server
An upload system comprising receiving means for receiving the output upload data. A method for connecting to a line connected to a server of a transmitting station that transmits broadcast content,
Detecting that a corresponding line of the plurality of lines is connected to one of a plurality of connection interfaces connectable to the plurality of lines having different communication methods;
A line connection method for outputting the upload data to the connected line via the detected connection interface in order to transmit upload data related to the broadcast to the server.

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