JP3313424B2 - Decoder with built-in time correction function - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a decoder used in a pay broadcasting system and the like, and more particularly, to a decoder having a time correction function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An example of a conventional pay broadcasting system is described below.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional pay broadcasting system. The transmitter 12 in FIG. 5 is the broadcast station 11 side,
The decoder 22 is on the viewing contractor 21 side. The video and audio signals supplied to the scrambler 13 are scrambled and supplied to the multiplexer 14. Data about the program (hereafter,
The program information is supplied from the program information generating device 15 to the multiplexing device 14, and the program information is multiplexed into an audio signal by the multiplexing device 14 and transmitted to the viewing contractor 21.

[0004] The transmitted signal is received by the viewing contractor 21 and supplied to the separating device 23. The received signal supplied to the separating device 23 is separated into a video / audio signal and program information, and supplied to the descrambler 24 and the program information memory 25, respectively. From the separation device 23 to the descrambler 2
The video / audio signal supplied to 4 is descrambled and output when the program is viewable. Microcomputer 3
1 is an individual information memory 2 in advance according to a contract with the broadcasting station 11.
6 is compared with data on contract information (hereinafter referred to as individual information) stored in memory 6 and the program information to determine whether the program can be viewed or not, and outputs the determination result to descrambler 24. The microcomputer 31 in the decoder 22 and the subscriber management database 16 of the broadcasting station 11 are connected to the NCU (network
It is communicably connected via a telephone line via a control unit 41.

The individual information is sent to the decoder 22 at the time of a new contract and contract renewal, and is stored in the individual information memory 26 in the decoder 22. As a method of transmitting the individual information, for example, there is a method in which the broadcast station 11 multiplexes the individual information with the audio signal and transmits the same as the program information as shown by a dotted line in the figure. In a pay broadcasting system using a telephone line, there is a method of transmitting individual information via a telephone line.

There are several methods for viewing a program in a pay broadcast using such a pay broadcast decoder. The method is different depending on the contents of a contract between the broadcasting station 11 and the viewing contractor 21. Can be categorized as follows: (1) Flat fee / Pay a fixed monthly fee,
A viewing method in which all programs on the channel can be watched freely.

(2) Pay-per-view (program) / A viewing method in which a predetermined viewing fee for a certain program is paid and only that program can be watched, there is an advantage that only the viewing fee of the program desired to be watched needs to be paid.

(3) A pay-per-view (time) / predetermined viewing fee for a certain time is determined, and a viewing fee is paid for a desired time. The advantage is that you only need to pay the viewing fee. At the time of the pay-per-view viewing contract, the user makes a setting for viewing on a terminal or the like, so that the pay-per-view control signal is transmitted to the microcomputer 3.
1 to view the program.

[0009] Among the above-mentioned methods, the flat fee can pay the viewing fee by paying a fixed monthly viewing fee by bank transfer or the like. There are various methods for paying the pay-per-view viewing fee.
For example, there is a postpaid method as shown below.

In the post-payment method, the decoder 22
Is information about the program you watched in pay-per-view (hereafter,
(Referred to as viewing information) is stored in the viewing information memory 27. The viewing information is, for example, information such as a program number of a viewed program, a unit price of the program, and the number of hours of viewing the program. The broadcasting station 11 collects the viewing information stored in the viewing information memory 27 in the decoder 22 in the subscriber management database 16 using a telephone line, and charges the viewing subscriber 21 for a viewing fee.

[0011] In the pay broadcasting system using the telephone line, the broadcasting station 11 transmits the decoder 2 via the telephone line.
When the viewing contractor 21 renews the contract while collecting the viewing information from 2, the broadcasting station 11 sends new individual information to the decoder 22. A method for performing data communication between the broadcasting station 11 and the viewing contractor 21 via a telephone line includes:
The following two operations can be considered. One is an operation of making a call from the broadcast station 11 to the viewing contractor 21 (hereinafter, referred to as a center call), which must be a no-ringing service so that a person does not accidentally pick up the receiver.
The no-ringing service is a service in which a ringer sound does not sound on a commercially available telephone and only a device that performs data communication can detect an incoming call, and is already used for automatic gas meter reading and the like. To receive the no-ringing service, the exchange of the telephone communication service company needs to support the no-ringing service.

[0012] The other one is from the viewing contractor 21 to the broadcasting station 11.
(Hereinafter referred to as terminal calling)
In areas where the telephone service provider's switch does not support the no-ringing service, this must be addressed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional pay broadcasting system in a case where there are a plurality of communication facilities (hereinafter, referred to as regional centers) of the broadcasting station 11 for communicating with the viewing contractor 21 for each region. . 6, the same components as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The contractor management database 16 is connected to the regional center 1 and the regional center 2 so that individual information and viewing information can be communicated with each other. The regional center 1 and the regional center 2 are communicably connected to the decoder 22 via a telephone line.

As described above, the communication process in which the broadcasting station 11 collects the viewing information from the decoder 22 and sends new individual information to the decoder 22 is performed periodically. Usually, such communication is performed periodically, for example, once a month.

In an area where the exchange of the telephone communication service company does not support the no-ringing service, this periodic communication is a terminal call, so it is necessary to avoid the same time as much as possible due to the problem of the number of lines. . For this reason, when the decoder 22 makes a terminal call, the broadcasting station 11 pre-determines the next call date and call time with the decoder 22, and the decoder 22 makes the terminal call when the reserved date and time come. Do.

For this reason, the decoder 22 has a calendar and a clock so that a terminal call can be made at the reserved date and time. This calendar and clock must operate even if AC power is cut off due to a power failure or the like. For this reason, the watch requires a backup battery, which has led to an increase in cost. Also,
In order to operate the clock with the correct time, there is a problem that the user himself does not become lever cry to set the correct time.

[0017]

As described above, in a conventional decoder with a built-in time correction function of a pay broadcasting system,
In order to cope with a power failure or the like, it is necessary to back up a built-in clock by using a battery or the like, which has caused an increase in cost. In addition, there is a problem that the user has to set an accurate time in order to operate the clock accurately. The present invention eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art as described above,
It is an object of the present invention to automatically correct the time without requiring backup of a battery or the like even when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, and to make a terminal call at a time when a call should be made.

[0018]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided an input terminal to which a broadcast signal in which time data is multiplexed is inputted, and a separation for separating the time data from the broadcast signal. Means, clock means for measuring time,
Compared storage means for storing time call, setting means for setting the time of the previous SL clock means, and when the time the call that the are measured in clock means, Mobile Originated in accordance with the comparison result Calling means for calling, and detecting means for detecting whether the time data is correct or incorrect, wherein the setting means sets a time when the detection result of the detecting means indicates positive, and the detection result of the detecting means is Provided is a decoder with a built-in time correction function, wherein time is not set when an error is indicated.

[0019]

Further, the detecting means captures the hour data at two different points in time, and determines whether the hour data is correct or not based on whether or not the data has advanced when the data is captured later by a time that would advance at the two points. The decoder with built-in time correction function is provided.

[0021]

In the apparatus constructed as described above, the separating means separates the input time data indicating the present time and corrects the clock incorporated in the decoder by the separated time data. Therefore, even if the power is turned off, the clock built in the decoder can be automatically corrected and an automatic call can be made.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a decoder with a built-in time correction function according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the same components as those in FIG. 5 described in the related art are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In an area where the exchange of the telephone communication service company does not support the no ringing service, the decoder 2
A terminal call is made from 2 and communicably connected to the broadcasting station 11 via a telephone line. When the broadcasting station 11 and the decoder 22 are connected via a telephone line, the viewing information is supplied from the viewing information memory 27 in the decoder 22 to the subscriber management database 16 of the broadcasting station 11 and the broadcasting station 11 New individual information from the user management database 16 to the decoder 22 is stored in the individual information memory 26, the next call date is stored in the calendar memory 28, and the call time is stored in the clock memory 29.
Respectively. Each of the individual information memory 26, the viewing information memory 27, the calendar memory 28, and the clock memory 29 is constituted by a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM.

The calendar memory 28 stores the date of the next call date, and stores the stored date in the microcomputer 3.
Supply to 1. The clock memory 29 stores the calling time of the next calling day, and stores the stored time on the microcomputer 31.
Supply to The microcomputer 31 obtains the current time by calculating the calendar and the clock by software.

Next, the operation of the microcomputer 31 in the decoder 22 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 2, when the power of the decoder 22 is turned on, the microcomputer 3
1 acquires program information and obtains the current date (step 1). Next, the microcomputer 31 calculates a difference between the current date and time obtained from the fetched program information and the current date and time calculated by the microcomputer 31 by software. Is determined (step 2). If the comparison result does not exceed the predetermined value, the clock calculated by the microcomputer 31 is determined to be correct and the process returns to step 1. If the comparison result exceeds the predetermined value, the clock calculated by the microcomputer 31 is shifted. The microcomputer 31 changes the date and time of the microcomputer 31 to the current date and time supplied from the program information (step 3). When the change is made, the process returns to step 1. Thus, the clock in the microcomputer 31 is calibrated. As described above, the current calendar and clock in the decoder can be automatically calibrated based on the date in the program information.

When the clock in the microcomputer 31 is reset due to a power failure or the like, the microcomputer 31 determines the current date and time from the program information supplied as part of the initial setting operation at power-on startup. The date and time may be read and the time may be calibrated. As an actual operation, when the power is turned on, a broadcast station transmitting program information is selected, and the current date is read from the program information of the selected broadcast station to calibrate the time. .

The microcomputer 31 is supplied with the next call date from the calendar memory 28 and the next call time from the clock memory 29. The microcomputer 31 obtains the current date obtained from the program information. The time is compared with the next call date and time supplied from the calendar memory 28 and the clock memory 29, and the result of the comparison is equal or the current call is stored in the next call. If the time is ahead of the date / time, a terminal call is made. In this way, even if the power is turned off at the date and time when the terminal should be called, the terminal can be called if the power is turned on.

As described above, even if the AC power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the microcomputer 31 automatically calibrates the calendar and time in the decoder after the power is turned on, and after the scheduled date and time of the outgoing call. , The system is not broken down, and the battery backup cost of the decoder can be reduced. Next, a decoder with a built-in time correction function according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The broadcast station 11 may not be able to broadcast accurate data as data of the date in the program information in an emergency, and may broadcast program information including an incorrect date and time. . In such a case, there is a problem if the microcomputer 31 in the decoder 22 corrects the clock in the microcomputer 31 based on the program information including the wrong date. Therefore, when the broadcast station 11 broadcasts program information including an erroneous date in an emergency or the like, for example, values that cannot actually exist (eg, month ≧ 13, day ≧ 32, hour ≧ 25, minutes ≧ 61, etc.).

Next, the operation of the microcomputer 31 in such a case will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 3, when the power of the decoder 22 is turned on, the microcomputer 31 takes in the program information and obtains the current date (step 1). Next, the microcomputer 31 determines whether or not the date in the fetched program information is a value that can actually exist (step 2). If it is determined that the value does not actually exist, the process returns to step 1, and if the value does exist, the following operation is performed. The microcomputer 31 calculates a difference between the current date and time obtained from the program information and the current date and time calculated by the microcomputer 31 by software, and determines whether the difference exceeds a predetermined value. Is determined (step 3). If the comparison result does not exceed the predetermined value, the clock calculated by the microcomputer 31 is determined to be correct and the process returns to step 1. If the comparison result exceeds the predetermined value, the clock calculated by the microcomputer 31 is shifted. Microcomputer 3
The first date is changed to the current date supplied from the program information (step 4). When the change is made, the process returns to step 1. Thus, the clock in the microcomputer 31 is calibrated.

As described above, the current calendar and clock in the decoder can be automatically calibrated based on the date in the program information. Also, if accurate data cannot be passed as the date in the program information due to the broadcasting station side, the clock in the microcomputer 31 is not corrected, so that the clock may be corrected to the wrong time. There is no. Next, a decoder with a built-in time correction function according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

Depending on the broadcasting station, accurate data may not be transmitted as the date and time in the program information, and a value that cannot actually exist (for example, date and time = all 0, etc.) There is a case where program information whose time does not advance is flowing.

Next, the operation of the microcomputer 31 in such a case will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 4, when the power of the decoder 22 is turned on, the microcomputer 31 takes in the program information and obtains the current date (step 1). Next, the microcomputer 31 takes in the program information again after 60 seconds and obtains the current date again (step 2). Next, the date and time obtained in step 1 and step 2
Is compared with the year, month, day, and time obtained in step (1) to determine whether the unit of “minute” has advanced by one minute. If the comparison has advanced by one minute, the microcomputer 31 determines whether or not the date in the fetched program information is a value that can actually exist (step 4). If it is determined that the value does not actually exist, the process returns to step 1, and if the value does exist, the following operation is performed. The microcomputer 31 calculates a difference between the current date and time obtained from the program information and the current date and time calculated by the microcomputer 31 by software, and determines whether the difference exceeds a predetermined value. Is determined (step 5). If the comparison result does not exceed the predetermined value, the clock calculated by the microcomputer 31 is determined to be correct and the process returns to step 1, and if it exceeds the predetermined value, the microcomputer 3
The microcomputer 31 determines that the clock calculated by 1 is shifted.
Is changed to the current date supplied from the program information (step 6). When the change is made, the process returns to step 1. Thus, the clock in the microcomputer 31 is calibrated.

As described above, the microcomputer 31 observes the "minute" of the date and time for a predetermined time, and if the "minute" is incremented approximately every 60 seconds during the observation, the date and time of the program information becomes Judge as correct and use it for calibration of calendar and time.

As described above, the current calendar and clock in the decoder can be automatically calibrated based on the date in the program information. Also, if accurate data cannot be passed as the date in the program information due to the broadcasting station side, the clock in the microcomputer 31 is not corrected, so that the clock may be corrected to the wrong time. There is no.

In the above description, the decoder is shown in one box. However, actually, even if a plurality of boxes are used, for example, the microcomputers for data communication control and viewing information management are provided in different boxes, the decoder is shown as a whole. The same effect can be obtained as long as it functions as one decoder.

In these embodiments, the microcomputer memory 31 and the calendar memory 28 and the clock memory 29 are connected to the microcomputer 31, however, a calendar and a clock IC that can interface with the microcomputer 31 may be used. Further, in these embodiments, the processing is performed by one microcomputer 31, but a plurality of microcomputers may share the processing. Further, in these embodiments, wireless broadcasting has been described, but wired transmission may be employed.

[0038]

According to the present invention, the clock incorporated in the decoder is corrected based on the date and time in the program information, and the terminal automatically makes a call when a call is set in advance. A terminal call can be automatically made without setting the time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a decoder with a built-in time correction function according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing one operation of the microcomputer 31.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating another operation of the microcomputer 31;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another operation of the microcomputer 31;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a conventional decoder.

FIG. 6 is another block diagram of a conventional decoder.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 broadcast station, 12 transmitter, 13 scrambler, 1
4: Multiplexer, 15: Program information generator, 16: Contractor management database, 21: Viewing subscriber, 22: Decoder, 23: Separating device, 24: Descrambler, 25: Program information memory, 26: Individual information memory Reference numeral 27: Viewing information memory 28: Calendar memory 29: Clock memory 41: Network control unit

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-4-57588 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 7/10 H04N ^7/ 16-7/173 H04N 5 / 38-5/46

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. An input terminal to which a broadcast signal in which time data is multiplexed is input, a separating means for separating the time data from the broadcast signal, a clock means for measuring time, and a memory for storing a call time. means, setting means for setting the time of the previous SL clock means, compares the time when said call said are measured in clock means, and the calling means for the terminal call in accordance with the comparison result, Detection means for detecting whether the time data is correct or incorrect, wherein the setting means sets a time when the detection result of the detection means indicates a positive value, and sets a time when the detection result of the detection means indicates an error. A decoder with a built-in time adjustment function that is not set. 2. The detecting means captures the hour data at two different points in time, and determines whether the hour data is correct based on whether the data has advanced when the data is captured later by a time that would advance at the two points. The decoder with built-in time correction function according to claim 1, wherein the detection is performed.