JP3575666B2 - Audiovisual equipment and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an audiovisual device connected by a communication control bus such as a serial bus and a control method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In a video tape recorder (hereinafter, referred to as a VTR) that records and reproduces a video signal in an analog signal form, a dedicated signal processing circuit is provided for each of different television signal systems such as the NTSC system and the PAL system, and each of the television sets is provided. Generally, video signals are recorded and reproduced by a signal system.
[0003]
For example, when a video signal of the PAL system is to be recorded by an NTSC VTR, a servo circuit cannot lock to an input signal, and a problem such as a picture flowing occurs, so that normal recording cannot be performed.
[0004]
Recently, however, the digitization of signal processing in video equipment has been advanced, and the future direction has been proposed in which a general-purpose media processor is used as hardware and the signal processing of video signals is processed by software using a program. ing.
[0005]
As described above, in the case where the signal processing is performed by software using a program, it may be possible to process a signal that could not be processed by updating the software even after purchasing the device. Further, it is conceivable that software for updating a function is transmitted by digital broadcasting from a broadcasting station, and the internal software can be updated with the transmitted software so that the device can be upgraded.
[0006]
On the other hand, digital broadcasts, which are expected to develop in the future, and digital VTRs for recording and reproducing the signals, have been processed based on MPEG4, which is currently being standardized, and new compression methods such as fractal and wavelet. Is expected to increase as a data broadcast, and flexible response to input signals is desired.
[0007]
Further, as for the connection between devices, a digital interface represented by IEEE 1394 has been proposed, and if this is used, various data such as control signals as well as digitized video and audio data can be transmitted in the same manner. It is possible to transmit on the line.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Here, when software for upgrading a device connected to the IEEE 1394 is transmitted from a broadcasting station by digital broadcasting and the device is upgraded by updating the software, the user is required to use or purchase the software. Must be paid to the broadcasting station in some form, but no specific system has been built for charging software transmitted in this way.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the audiovisual device according to the present invention is:
By connecting one or a plurality of connection apparatuses through a de Ijitaru transmission path, in addition to at least one signal of the video signal and audio signal are audiovisual capable of transmitting control signals in both directions,
In addition to at least one of the signal of the video signal and audio signal, and an interface for transmitting and receiving between the pre SL connected apparatus a control signal,
Information storage means for storing device information and function information related to the connected device;
Control means for controlling transmission and reception of signals with the connected device,
Communication means recognition means for recognizing communication means provided in the connection device or the audiovisual device,
Among the connected devices, when the software is updated in a device that performs signal processing by software, the update device is specified in accordance with a software update notification transmitted from the updated update device, Information updating means for updating the function information stored in the information storage means,
In response to the software update notification transmitted from the update device, by controlling the communication means recognized by the communication means recognition means, through the notification means, to update the software of the update device Characterized in that such information is transmitted to a predetermined organization,
Further, the software updated in the update device is software that can be executed only when a password corresponding to the software is supplied,
The information storage unit stores ID information of each connected device, in addition to device information and function information related to the connected device,
When software is updated in the update device, the communication unit is controlled so that ID information of the update device is transmitted to the predetermined organization together with information on the software update,
The password encrypted using the ID information is transmitted from the predetermined organization as an encrypted password, and when the encrypted password is received, the encrypted password is transmitted to the update device. It is a feature.
[0010]
Further, the control method of the audiovisual equipment according to the present invention,
By connecting via a de Ijitaru transmission path with one or more connected devices, in addition to at least one signal of the video signal and audio signal, control signals to a control method for audiovisual transmittable bidirectionally ,
The audiovisual device stores device information and function information related to the connected device, and recognizes a communication unit included in the connected device or the audiovisual device.
When the software is updated in a device that performs signal processing with software, the connected device receives a software update notification transmitted from the updated device that has been updated.
Specifying the update device in response to the received software update notification, and updating the stored function information,
In response to receiving the software update notification transmitted from the update device, by controlling the communication unit, transmits information on software update of the update device to a predetermined organization via the notification unit. It is characterized by doing
Further, the software updated in the update device is software that can be executed only when a password corresponding to the software is supplied,
The audiovisual device stores, in addition to the device information and function information related to the connected device, ID information of each connected device,
When software is updated in the update device, the communication unit is controlled so that ID information of the update device is transmitted to the predetermined organization together with information on the software update,
The password encrypted using the ID information is transmitted from the predetermined organization as an encrypted password, and when the encrypted password is received, the encrypted password is transmitted to the update device. It is a feature.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a video and audio device according to the present invention and a control method thereof, and is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of video and audio devices are connected by a serial bus conforming to IEEE 1394 (hereinafter, referred to as IEEE 1394). It is.
In FIG. 1, a set-top box (hereinafter, referred to as STB) 10, a digital tape recorder (hereinafter, referred to as digital VTR) 20, and a display device (hereinafter, referred to as TV) 30 are connected by IEEE1394. An example is shown.
[0012]
First, from the STB 10, a high frequency signal of a digital broadcast received by an antenna (not shown) enters through an RF input terminal, and a receiving circuit 11 including a frequency conversion circuit, a demodulation circuit, and an error correction circuit transmits a bit stream. Output a signal.
[0013]
This bit stream signal is input to the signal processing unit 12, where a signal of a desired program is selected. The signal processing unit 12 decodes a compressed signal encoded and transmitted by a compression method such as MPEG2, and outputs a video / audio signal converted to an analog signal form from the D / A converter 13. You.
[0014]
The compressed signal of the desired program selected by the signal processing unit 12 is further subjected to predetermined processing such as encryption by the signal processing unit 12, and thereafter, is subjected to digital processing in accordance with the signal specifications of IEEE 1394 via the digital interface 14. Output to VTR 20.
[0015]
In the STB 10, a microcomputer 15 is connected to the digital interface 14 by a bus, and a memory 16 for temporarily storing processing data in the signal processing unit 12, and device information of devices connected to the IEEE 1394 as described later. And a non-volatile memory 17 for storing data relating to function information, a human interface (HMI) 18 such as an operation panel, and a modem 19 for transmitting viewing information and the like of the STB 10 or other devices connected by IEEE 1394 via a telephone line. Are also connected, and bidirectional signal exchange is appropriately performed via this bus.
[0016]
Next, the digital VTR 20 will be described. The compressed signal input from the STB 10 via the digital interface 21 is subjected to signal processing in the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 22 to prepare it into a predetermined format suitable for signal recording on a recording medium. After that, it is recorded on a recording medium via the recording / reproducing amplifier 23.
[0017]
The signal reproduced from the recording medium via the recording / reproducing amplifier 23 at the time of reproduction is subjected to signal processing reverse to the processing performed at the time of recording at the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 22, and a signal conforming to the signal specification of IEEE 1394 is obtained. It is output to the display device 30 via the digital interface 21.
[0018]
The output signal of the recording / reproducing signal processing unit 22 is subjected to compression decoding by the signal processing unit 24, and then the D / A converter 25 outputs a video / audio signal converted to an analog signal form. Is done.
[0019]
In the digital VTR 20, similarly to the configuration of the STB 10, a microcomputer 26 is connected to the digital interface 21 via a bus, and a memory 27 for temporarily storing processing data, a nonvolatile memory 28 for storing data, A human interface (HMI) 29 such as a panel is also connected, and bidirectional signal exchange is appropriately performed.
[0020]
Next, a description will be given of the TV 30. A compressed signal coming from the STB 10 or the digital VTR 20 via the digital interface 31 is subjected to compression decoding in the signal processing unit 32, and then converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 33. Converted to signal form.
[0021]
Then, the video signal converted into the analog signal form is input to a display driver 34 and displayed on a display panel 35 such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or a cathode ray tube. The display driver 34 also receives a video signal of the NTSC system or the like coming from an analog input terminal, and the TV 30 is configured to be able to display the video signal in the analog signal format.
[0022]
Similarly, in the TV 30, the microcomputer 36, the memory 37, the nonvolatile memory 38, and the human interface (HMI) 39 are connected to the digital interface 31 via a bus, and bidirectional signal exchange is appropriately performed. .
[0023]
As described above, by connecting the STB 10, the digital VTR 20, and the TV 30 with the IEEE1394, the digital broadcast coming from the RF input terminal of the STB 10 can be recorded by the digital VTR 20, and the digital broadcast can be watched on the TV 30. Or it becomes possible.
[0024]
Next, a description will be given of connected device information created inside a center device which is the center of these systems when each of these audiovisual devices is connected to IEEE1394. At this time, one of the video and audio devices connected by IEEE 1394 is set as a center device which is the center of the entire system. Here, description will be made assuming that the STB 10 is set as a center device. .
[0025]
When the STB 10 is set as a center device, other devices (here, the digital VTR 20 and the TV 30) except the STB 10 transmit their own device information and function information stored therein to the center device (STB 10). Send out. That is, after the own device information and function information stored in the non-volatile memory 28 of the digital VTR 20 and the own device information and function information stored in the non-volatile memory 38 of the TV 30 are read, the STB 10 respectively reads the information. The list is sent to the non-volatile memory 17 in the STB 10 as shown in FIG.
[0026]
Each device sends its own device information and function information when it is connected to IEEE 1394 for the first time. However, when the center device is not set, the sending of such information is suspended. When the center device is set, the center device sends data declaring that it is the center device to other devices, and each device except the center device receives its data and then receives its own device information. And the function information to the center device. Whenever the center device is changed, device information and function information are sent to the new center device, and a list is created.
[0027]
In the list shown in FIG. 2, the device information and function information of each device, that is, the types of the compressed signal that can be decoded by each device and the type of the compressed signal that can be converted by each device are described. The TV 30 can decode the MPEG1 and MPEG2 compressed signals, while the digital VTR adds the DV signal (a digital video signal method used in a camera-integrated video tape recorder, etc.) in addition to the compressed signals. It is shown that signal decoding can also be performed.
[0028]
Regarding the types of compressed signals that can be converted by each device, the STB 10 can convert compressed signals from MPEG1 to MPEG2, and the digital VTR 20 can convert MPEG2 to DV, DV to MPEG2, MPEG1 to analog NTSC, and MPEG2 to analog. It is shown that the conversion to the NTSC is possible, and the TV 30 cannot convert the compressed signal.
[0029]
Now, it is assumed that, for example, MPEG4 is standardized as a new compression method, and broadcasting of a program compressed by MPEG4 has started as data broadcasting from a broadcasting station. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, none of the STB 10, the digital VTR 20, and the TV 30 can decode the MPEG4 compressed signal, so that this system cannot view the program compressed by MPEG4. .
[0030]
However, for example, since the signal processing unit of each device is configured by a general-purpose media processor in which processing of a video signal is performed by software, processing is performed by changing only software for operating the processor. Processing of signals that could not be performed becomes possible.
[0031]
The software is changed, for example, by transmitting data constituting new software through digital data broadcasting, receiving the transmitted data by the STB 10, and distributing the data to the digital VTR 20 or the TV 30 through IEEE1394. Then, the digital VTR 20 or the TV 30 receiving the transmission data updates the software in its own signal processing unit.
[0032]
Here, a case where the software to be updated is software for operating a media processor in the digital VTR 20 (hereinafter, also referred to as update data) will be described as an example.
When update data of the digital VTR 20 is input to the STB 10, the STB 10 detects a flag in the header of the input update data, and automatically detects that the input data is update data of the digital VTR 20.
[0033]
If the user has previously recognized from the program guide or the like that the update data of the digital VTR 20 will be transmitted via data broadcasting, the update data may be supplied to the digital VTR 20 by a manual operation using a remote controller or the like. .
[0034]
Then, the digital VTR 20 detects that the header portion of the input data is in a predetermined mode, thereby identifying that the data is its own update data. Then, the updated data is written to the signal processing unit 24, and when the microcomputer 26 recognizes that the writing is completed, the function information stored in the nonvolatile memory 28 is updated.
[0035]
As described above, when the version of its own program is upgraded, the digital VTR 20 uses the digital VTR 20 separately from the current system in order to first update its own function information stored in the nonvolatile memory 28. In this case, the latest function information of the digital VTR 20 can be quickly checked even when the center device in the current system is changed.
[0036]
When the digital VTR 20 completes the update of the function information in the nonvolatile memory 28, the digital VTR 20 communicates with the STB 10 via the IEEE 1394, and sends data indicating the contents of the updated function and data notifying that the version upgrade of the program has been completed to the STB 10. And send it out.
[0037]
The STB 10 identifies that the data is the function information of the digital VTR 20 from the mode of the header part of the data input from the digital VTR 20, rewrites the data in the list stored in the nonvolatile memory 17, and An external charging service (charging center, broadcasting station, etc.) is notified via the modem 19 that the digital VTR 20 has been upgraded. Then, the billing institution receiving this can collect the fee for the version-up software at this time as a part of the fee for using the digital broadcasting at a later date.
[0038]
When the STB 10 notifies the billing agency via the modem 19 that the version of the digital VTR 20 has been upgraded, control is performed so that information such as the manufacturer, model number, and serial number of the digital VTR 10 is also transmitted. May be.
[0039]
As described above, when information such as the manufacturer, model number, and serial number of the digital VTR 20 is also transmitted, for example, when a re-revised version of the program of the digital VTR 10 is transmitted through data broadcasting at a later date, the previous version is updated. Only the executed digital VTR 10 can be controlled so that it can be upgraded without charge.
[0040]
When the version upgrade program transmitted is data shared among a plurality of devices connected to the IEEE 1394, such as the digital VTR 20 and the TV 30, the user can select which device via the human interface. It is possible to specify whether or not to upgrade the version. It is possible to upgrade only a specific device or all devices corresponding to the shared data.
[0041]
In the above description, the version upgrade of the device is immediately completed if the version upgrade data transmitted by the data broadcast is stored in the non-volatile memory. May be controlled so that version upgrade cannot be performed unless is input.
[0042]
An example in which a password from a billing agency gives permission to upgrade the digital VTR 20 will be described below.
When the digital VTR 20 transmits a signal indicating that the storage of the upgrade data of the digital VTR 20 has been completed, and information such as the manufacturer of the digital VTR 20, the model number, and the serial number, the STB 10 receiving the signal transmits the external charging via the modem 19. Information indicating that data storage is completed and information such as the manufacturer, model number, and serial number of the upgraded device are sent to the handling organization.
[0043]
Note that information such as the manufacturer, model number, and serial number of the digital VTR 20 can be stored in the nonvolatile memory 17 of the STB 10 in advance. In this case, the digital VTR 20 There is no need to send the information again, and the STB 10 can send these pieces of information read from the nonvolatile memory 17 via the modem 19.
[0044]
The charging center having received the information returns the password information encrypted with a key depending on the serial number of the digital VTR 20 to the STB 10 via a telephone line or a predetermined channel of digital broadcasting. The transmitted password information is sent to the digital VTR 20.
[0045]
Upon receiving this, the digital VTR 20 releases the encryption of the encrypted password information based on its own serial number or the like, so that the upgraded function can be used for the first time.
[0046]
When such encryption processing is performed, it is possible to prevent the third party from intercepting the version upgrade data or illegally copying the received data. That is, even if the version-up data stored in the signal processing unit 24 of the digital VTR 20 and the password information from the accounting agency are illegally obtained, the password information is encrypted based on the serial number of the specific device. Even if an attempt is made to use a function in which such data is illegally copied and upgraded to a device having a serial number different from this serial number, the encryption cannot be released.
[0047]
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the modem 19 is provided in the STB 10 as the center device has been described. However, the TV 30 may be provided with a modem, for example. When the TV 30 is provided with a modem as described above, the STB 10 as the center device recognizes in advance that the modem is connected to the TV 30, and receives data notifying that the version upgrade has been completed from the digital VTR 20. Then, the STB 10 rewrites the data in the list stored in the non-volatile memory 17 and controls to notify the billing agency via the modem provided in the TV 30.
[0048]
Also, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a modem that converts a digital signal to an analog signal notifies a billing institution via a telephone line, but communication means to the billing institution uses another transmission path. It does not matter. If the transmission path supports digital signal transmission, there is no need to use a modem, and other data conversion means may be used.
[0049]
Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which the information such as the serial number of the digital VTR 20 is transmitted as it is to the billing institution has been described, but the information such as the serial number transmitted to the billing institution is also encrypted and transmitted. Is desirable.
[0050]
Also, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which permission was given to use the function in which the password was upgraded after storing the version-up data. Conversely, the version-up data was stored after the password or the like gave permission. Control may be performed.
[0051]
Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the STB 10 is set as the center device has been described. However, another device connected to the IEEE 1394, that is, the digital VTR 20 or the TV 30 may be set as the center device. Here, an example in which communication between devices is performed using IEEE 1394 is shown, but a transmission path based on another standard such as SCSI or USB may be used. Further, the connected device may be an audio system such as an audio tuner, an MD recorder, and an amplifier.
[0052]
In addition, it is not always necessary for the upgrade to be directly linked to the billing.For example, by paying a predetermined amount in the form of a contract fee when purchasing the device, the upgrade can be performed free of charge. The password may be used to confirm that the device is a device for which a maintenance contract has been made.
[0053]
Furthermore, the version upgrade may be performed free of charge by the device manufacturer, and a serial number or the like may be transmitted so that history information for maintenance can be managed collectively.
【The invention's effect】
According to the audiovisual apparatus and the control method thereof according to the present invention, when the software of some of the apparatuses connected to the digital transmission path is upgraded, the information is reliably transmitted to a billing agency or the like. Therefore, there is an effect that there is no trouble in a procedure for paying a software usage fee due to a software version upgrade.
[0054]
Further, when the encrypted password returned from the billing agency gives permission to use the updated software, it is possible to prevent illegal copying of the software for upgrading.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a video and audio device and a control method thereof according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a list showing device information and function information of each device connected to a digital transmission path.
[Explanation of symbols]
10. Set-top box (STB)
11 receiving circuits 12, 24, 32 ... signal processing units 13, 25, 33 ... D / A converters 14, 21, 31 ... digital interfaces 15, 26, 36 ... microcomputers 16, 27, 37 ... memories 17, 28, 38 nonvolatile memory 18, 29, 39 human interface (HMI)
19 Modem 20 Digital tape recorder (digital VTR)
22 recording / reproducing signal processing unit 23 recording / reproducing amplifier 30 display device (TV)
34 display driver 35 display panel

Claims (4)

By connecting one or a plurality of connection apparatuses through a de Ijitaru transmission path, in addition to at least one signal of the video signal and audio signal are audiovisual capable of transmitting control signals in both directions,
In addition to at least one of the signal of the video signal and audio signal, and an interface for transmitting and receiving between the pre SL connected apparatus a control signal,
Information storage means for storing device information and function information related to the connected device;
Control means for controlling transmission and reception of signals with the connected device,
Communication means recognition means for recognizing communication means provided in the connection device or the audiovisual device,
Among the connected devices, when the software is updated in a device that performs signal processing by software, the update device is specified in accordance with a software update notification transmitted from the updated update device, Information updating means for updating the function information stored in the information storage means,
In response to the software update notification transmitted from the update device, by controlling the communication means recognized by the communication means recognition means, through the notification means, to update the software of the update device An audiovisual apparatus characterized by transmitting such information to a predetermined organization . The software updated in the update device is software that can be executed only when a password corresponding to the software is supplied,
The information storage unit stores ID information of each connected device, in addition to device information and function information related to the connected device,
When software is updated in the update device, the communication unit is controlled so that ID information of the update device is transmitted to the predetermined organization together with information on the software update,
The password encrypted using the ID information is transmitted from the predetermined organization as an encrypted password, and when the encrypted password is received, the encrypted password is transmitted to the update device. The audiovisual apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: By connecting via a de Ijitaru transmission path with one or more connected devices, in addition to at least one signal of the video signal and audio signal, control signals to a control method for audiovisual transmittable bidirectionally ,
The audiovisual device stores device information and function information related to the connected device, and recognizes a communication unit included in the connected device or the audiovisual device.
When the software is updated in a device that performs signal processing with software, the connected device receives a software update notification transmitted from the updated device that has been updated.
Specifying the update device in response to the received software update notification, and updating the stored function information,
In response to receiving the software update notification transmitted from the update device, by controlling the communication unit, transmits information on software update of the update device to a predetermined organization via the notification unit. A method for controlling an audiovisual device, characterized in that: The software updated in the update device is software that can be executed only when a password corresponding to the software is supplied,
The audiovisual device stores, in addition to the device information and function information related to the connected device, ID information of each connected device,
Wherein when the software update has been performed in the update device, together with information relating to the software update, Gyoshi control said communication means so that the ID information of the update device is transmitted to the predetermined engine,
The password encrypted using the ID information is transmitted from the predetermined organization as an encrypted password, and when the encrypted password is received, the encrypted password is transmitted to the update device. The method for controlling an audiovisual device according to claim 3.

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