KR100379255B1 - Broadcasting tuning and selected channel activation apparatus in the web use of internet set top box - Google Patents

Abstract

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a web and broadcast channel interworking device, and more particularly, to an internet set top box having an input selection function for selecting an input from each set top box and a function for tuning a broadcast channel. The present invention relates to a web and broadcast channel interworking apparatus using a network. To this end, the present invention is connected to a website providing broadcast channel information, and when selecting a broadcast channel transmits a remote control signal for controlling the set-top box corresponding to the broadcast channel through the corresponding remote control transmission and reception signal transmission line, each set Analyzes the remote control signal from the top box and transmits the corresponding remote control signal through the corresponding remote control transmission / reception signal transmission line, and outputs one set top box or one of the one or more set top boxes respectively connected to a plurality of input terminals. Internet set-top box that selects the frequency-tuned signal and outputs it to the TV, and is installed in the remote control receiving window of each set-top box. Provides a web and broadcast channel interworking apparatus using an internet set top box including a module. Thus, control over the TV is eliminated, reducing the risk for control reliability of the TV, and increasing the reliability in system operation. In addition, since the remote control transceiver module directly installed for TV control is not required, system installation is facilitated.

Description

BROADCASTING TUNING AND SELECTED CHANNEL ACTIVATION APPARATUS IN THE WEB USE OF INTERNET SET TOP BOX}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a web and broadcast channel interworking device, and more particularly, to an Internet set top box, having an input selection function for selecting an input from each set top box and a function of tuning a broadcast channel. The present invention relates to a web and broadcast channel interworking apparatus using an Internet set-top box that enables interworking with a TV when selecting a broadcast channel in a website providing broadcast channel information such as terrestrial TV broadcasting, cable TV broadcasting, and satellite TV broadcasting. .

1 is a block diagram of a web and TV channel interworking device using a conventional Internet set-top box.

As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus for interworking the web and the TV, the Internet set-top box 20 and the A / V input selecting means 10 in implementing the function of interlocking channels of each set-top box and the TV. ) And IR (infrared) transmission and reception module 30 was used.

Here, the A / V input selecting means 10 selects an output of any one of the set top boxes respectively connected to the plurality of input terminals and inputs it to the RF input terminal of the TV. The Internet set top box 20 controls the switching of the A / V input selection means 10 and outputs a remote control signal for controlling the set top box. In addition, the IR transmission / reception module 30 transmits and receives a remote control signal to the TV and each set top box through the corresponding remote control transmission / reception signal transmission line.

However, in this case, the TV has a very different position and shape of the remote control receiver for each production company, and there is a difficulty in controlling the TV because the functions for switching external inputs are different for each product.

In addition, when changing the TV channel, the difference in the time interval according to the channel change for each company product also has difficulty in controlling the TV.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, the present invention is to install an IR transceiver module in each set top box, the input selection function and the broadcast channel to select the input from each set top box in the Internet set top box It is an object of the present invention to provide a web and broadcast channel interworking apparatus using an Internet set-top box that enables interworking with a TV when selecting a broadcast channel in a website providing broadcast channel information.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a web and broadcast channel interworking apparatus using an Internet set-top box to eliminate the risk of control reliability of the TV.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention accesses a web site providing broadcast channel information, and connects the broadcast information provided by the web site with a channel of a TV or a set top box corresponding to the broadcast information. In the web and broadcast channel interworking apparatus using a web, when the broadcast channel is selected by accessing the website, the remote control signal for controlling the set-top box corresponding to the broadcast channel is transmitted through the corresponding remote control transmission and reception signal transmission line, Analyzes the remote control signal from the set top box and transmits the corresponding remote control signal through the corresponding remote control transmission / reception signal transmission line, and outputs one of the set top box outputs of any one or more set top boxes respectively connected to a plurality of input terminals. An internet set top box for selecting and outputting to a TV; Installed on the remote control receiving window of each set top box, the web and broadcast channel interworking apparatus using the Internet set top box including an IR transmission and reception module for transmitting and receiving the remote control signal to and from the Internet set-top transmission and reception signal transmission line. to provide.

The Internet set top box stores system setting data for a TV and each set top box, a remote control code for the set top box downloaded after transmitting the system setting data to a server of the website, and a web browser. Storage means; When selecting a broadcasting channel, it outputs a remote control signal for controlling the corresponding set top box, outputs a remote control code corresponding to the remote control signal inputted from each set top box to the corresponding set top box, and selects one or more set top boxes. An input selection control signal for selecting and controlling one set-top box output, a channel tuning signal for controlling the tuning means, and a center for outputting a relay driving control signal for controlling the relay driving means by sensing an operating state of the power supply and the system. Arithmetic processing means; Relay means for connecting a signal received at the antenna to an RF terminal of the TV; Relay drive means for driving said relay means in accordance with said relay drive control signal; Input signal selecting means for selecting one set top box output from among set top boxes respectively connected to a plurality of input terminals according to the input selection control signal; And tuning means for frequency tuning the RF signal output from the input selecting means.

The input signal selecting means includes first input signal selecting means for selecting one of an RF output signal of each set top box or an RF signal received from an antenna according to an input selection control signal output from the central processing unit; And second input signal selection means for selecting one of the A / V output signals of each set top box according to the input selection control signal outputted from the central processing means.

The IR transmitting and receiving module includes: IR receiving means for receiving a remote control signal of each set top box and transmitting the received remote control signal to the Internet set top box through the transmission and reception signal transmission line; It may be composed of an IR transmission means for receiving a remote control signal transmitted from the Internet set-top box through the remote control transmission and reception signal transmission line and transmits it to the set-top box.

1 is a block diagram of a web and TV channel interworking device using a conventional Internet set-top box,

2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a web and broadcast channel interworking apparatus using an internet set top box according to the present invention;

3 is a block diagram of the Internet set-top box shown in FIG.

4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the IR transceiver module illustrated in FIG. 2.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

30: IR transmitting and receiving module 31: IR receiving means

32: IR transmission means 100: Internet set top box

111: relay drive means 112: relay means

150: storage means 160: CPU

170: first input signal selection means 171: second input signal selection means

These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description.

2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a web and broadcast channel interworking apparatus using the Internet set-top box according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the present invention provides a remote controller for controlling a set top box corresponding to the broadcasting channel when the broadcasting channel is selected by accessing a website providing channel information such as terrestrial TV, cable TV broadcasting, and satellite TV broadcasting. The signal is transmitted through the corresponding remote control transmission / reception signal transmission line, the remote control signal from each set top box is analyzed, and the corresponding remote control signal is transmitted through the corresponding remote control transmission / reception signal transmission line, and one or more connected to a plurality of input terminals, respectively. Internet set-top box 100 for selecting any one of the set-top box output of the set-top box and output to the TV, and installed in the remote control receiving window of each set-top box, through the remote control transmission and reception signal transmission line It includes an IR transmission and reception module 30 for transmitting and receiving a remote control signal with the Internet set-top box.

For the convenience of explanation, the remote control receiving window will be described as an example provided in the lower left portion of each set top box, but may be installed and installed on the front or side of the set top box.

3 is a block diagram of the Internet set-top box shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 3, the Internet set-top box 100 according to the present invention includes a power supply unit 110 for supplying power, a network connection unit 120 for connecting the Internet and a network (LAN, WAN, etc.), and a user. A remote controller, a wired or wireless keyboard, a keyboard controller 130 that receives input from an operation panel (not displayed) on the front of the Internet set-top box, a remote controller receiver 140 that receives a remote controller signal, and a 3 or 4 TV. RF modulating means 190 for RF modulating the channel signal.

And, the system setting data for the TV and each set-top box, the remote control code for the set-top box downloaded after transmitting the system setting data to the server of the website, and a storage means for storing a web browser ( 150) and, when selecting a broadcasting channel, outputs a remote control signal for controlling the corresponding set top box, outputs a remote control code corresponding to the remote control signal input from each set top box to the corresponding set top box, and sets one or more sets. Input selection control signal for selecting and controlling any one set top box output of the top box, channel tuning signal for controlling the tuning means, and relay drive control signal for controlling the relay drive means by sensing the operating state of the power supply and the system. Central operation processing means for outputting the (160,161), Relay means for connecting the signal received from the antenna to the RF terminal of the TV 112, Input signal selection for selecting any one of the set top box outputs of the relay driving means 111 for driving the relay means in accordance with the relay drive control signal and the set top box respectively connected to the plurality of input terminals in accordance with the input selection control signal. Means (170,171) and tuning means (180) for frequency tuning the RF signal output from the input selection means.

According to the implementation of the storage means 150, a web mapping program and various programs for storing the same in a ROM, temporary data in the RAM, a channel mapping table that lists the broadcasting station name and the actual channel information of the region, the present It can also be configured to store the screen configuration, remote control codes and system setting data for various set top boxes in use in flash memory.

The central processing unit outputs a remote control signal for controlling the corresponding set top box when the broadcasting channel is selected, and outputs a remote control code corresponding to the remote control signal input from each set top box to the corresponding set top box, and one or more. An input selection control signal for selecting and controlling one of the set top box outputs of the set top box, a channel tuning signal for controlling the tuning means, and a relay drive control for controlling the relay driving means by sensing an operating state of the power supply and the system. CPU 160 for outputting a signal, and an audio / video processor 161 for converting an audio / video signal into a signal that can be received by the TV.

Depending on the system configuration, the audio / video processor 161 may be configured as an audio processor and a video processor, respectively.

The input signal selecting means includes a first input signal selecting means 170 for selecting one of an RF output signal of each set top box or an RF signal received from an antenna according to an input selection control signal outputted from a central computing processor; And second input signal selection means 171 for selecting one of the A / V output signals of each set top box according to the input selection control signal output from the arithmetic processing means.

The Internet set top box 100 receives an RF signal from each set top box and connects an RF connection port Q1-Q3 to the first input signal selecting unit 170 and an A / V signal from each set top box. A / V connection ports P1-P3 are connected to the second input signal selection means 171.

In addition, the Internet set-top box 100 is provided with an appropriate number of IR transceiver module connection ports so that one or more set-top boxes can be installed. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, three IR transceiver module connection ports R1-R3 are installed to connect three set top boxes to the Internet set top box 100.

The IR transceiver module 30 may be attached to the front surface of the remote control reception window of the TV and each set top box by using a double-sided tape or the like so as to completely cover the remote control receivers of each set top box. The size of the device is larger than the remote control reception window of a general device, so that the remote control reception window of the device is completely covered, and the driving power is supplied from the Internet set-top box 100.

4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the IR transceiver module illustrated in FIG. 2.

Referring to Figure 4, IR receiving means 31 for receiving the remote control signal of each set-top box and transmits to the Internet set-top box 100 through the corresponding remote control transmission and reception signal transmission line, and the Internet through the remote control transmission and reception signal transmission line It consists of an IR transmission means 32 for receiving a remote control signal transmitted from the set top box 100 and transmits it to the set top box. Here, the IR receiver 31 and the IR transmitter 32 have a structure of a general remote controller receiver and a transmitter.

In order to explain the present invention configured in this way, a user drives an Internet set-top box to access a website providing a broadcasting channel, and then displays a channel (terrestrial TV broadcasting, cable TV broadcasting, satellite TV broadcasting, etc.) on a web screen. For example, the case of selecting is as follows.

First, the user sets the initial installation of the system or changes in the system in the system setting mode provided by the Internet set top box 100, and the result is stored in the storage means 150. The system's settings include the type, manufacturer, and model of each set top box, and what set top box is connected to each input.

Next, when the user accesses a website that provides channel information such as TV, cable broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, etc. through a web browser and selects a channel, the CPU 160 determines whether the broadcasting channel is a viewable channel. Judging whether the broadcast channel is viewable is determined by the system setting data stored in the storage means 150. As a result of the determination, the remote control signal for controlling the corresponding set top box is transmitted so that the viewable channel can be interlocked.

The CPU 160 generates a remote control signal from the remote control codes of the various set top boxes stored in the storage means 150, and transmits the IR transmission means of the set top box through the corresponding IR transmission / reception module connection ports R1-R3 ( 32). The remote control signal transmitted to the IR transmitter 32 is converted into an actual IR signal and transmitted to the remote control receiver of the corresponding set top box, and the set top box operates according to the remote control signal received from the remote control receiver.

Here, the remote control codes of the various set top boxes stored in the storage means 150 are stored by downloading the necessary remote control codes from a web server that the web browser provides broadcasting channel information.

Meanwhile, the CPU 160 selects and controls any one set top box output of one or more set top boxes, in addition to transmitting a remote control signal for controlling the set top box for interworking with another set top box. A control signal for controlling the relay driving means 111 is output by detecting a selection control signal, a channel tuning signal for controlling the tuning means 180, and an operating state of a power source and a system.

The first input signal selecting means 170 selects one of an RF output signal of each set top box or an RF signal received from an antenna according to an input selection control signal output from the CPU 160 and transmits it to the tuning means 180. Output The tuning means 180 tunes the RF signal output from the first input signal selecting means 170 in accordance with the channel tuning signal and then outputs the RF signal to the audio / video processor 161.

The second input signal selecting unit 171 selects an A / V output signal of each set top box according to the input selection control signal output from the CPU 160 and outputs the A / V output signal to the audio / video processor 161.

The audio / video processor 161 receives the RF signal and the A / V signal output from the tuning means 180 and the second input signal selecting means 171 and processes the TV so that they can be received. RF signals processed to be received by the TV are output to the RF modulation means 190, and A / V signals are output to the TV, respectively.

The RF modulator 190 receives the processed signal from the audio / video processor 161 so that the TV can receive the signal, RF modulates it to three or four channels of the TV, and outputs the signal to the RF input terminal of the TV. This is to provide compatibility to users who use the RF terminal of a general TV. Thus, the user can watch the broadcast channel selected on the website on three or four channels of the TV.

The transmission of the remote control signal for controlling the set top box and the output of the input selection control signal in the above may be any one in the order.

When simply watching TV through the Internet set-top box 100, the TV channel selection (selection of a broadcast channel of the TV) with the Internet set-top box 100, the broadcast channel selection signal to the CPU 160 via the remote control receiver 140 Is input. The CPU 160 outputs the channel selection signal to the tuning means 190, and the tuning means 190 frequency-tunes the RF signal output from the first input signal selecting means 170 according to the channel tuning signal.

The frequency tuned signal to the broadcast channel selected by the user is processed by the audio / video processor 161 so that the TV can be received, and then RF modulated by the RF modulator 190 to 3 or 4 channels of the TV to the RF terminal of the TV. Is output.

And, if the power plug of the Internet set-top box 100 is not connected to the outlet, or if you want to watch TV in the power-off state that the system does not operate even when connected, the relay means 112 maintains the ON state Doing. Therefore, the RF signal received by the antenna is bypassed to the TV, and the airwaves are received by the tuner of the TV.

On the other hand, when the power plug of the Internet set-top box 100 is connected to an outlet and the user wants to watch TV while the system is operating, the CPU 160 outputs a relay driving control signal to the relay driving means 111. To turn off the relay means 112. Therefore, the RF signal received from the antenna is output to the first input signal selecting means 170 to go through the signal processing described above.

The CPU 160 senses the power input to the internet set top box 100 and the operation state of the system. When power is input to the internet set top box 100 but the system is not in operation, the CPU 160 outputs a relay driving control signal to the relay driving means 111. The relay driving means 111 turns on the relay means 112 according to the relay driving control signal. Therefore, the signal received through the antenna is output to the RF terminal of the TV.

As such, when the Internet set-top box 100 is not in a normal operation state, a state of a power failure lamp, or when the user wants to watch using only a TV receiver, the user does not have to change the signal line to connect.

Unlike the above, when the remote control signal is transmitted from the remote control of each set top box, it is received by the IR receiving means 31 of the corresponding set top box, and the CPU of the Internet set top box through the IR transmission / reception module connection ports R1-R3. Inputted to 160.

The CPU 160 analyzes this to control the Internet set-top box 100 if the remote control signal corresponds to the Internet set-top box, and if it is not the remote control signal corresponding to the Internet set-top box 100, the storage means 150. Compare to the remote control code stored in) to determine which set top box corresponds to. Then, the operation is stored and the remote control signal is sent back to the set top box so that the set top box operates.

Further, even when the user adjusts the output of the Internet set top box through keyboard or remote control adjustment, the first input signal selecting means 170 and the second input signal selecting means 171 are input selection control output from the CPU 160. The output is adjusted according to the signal.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art, which are included in the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

As described above, the present invention does not require the control of the TV by providing the Internet set top box with an input selection function for selecting an input from each set top box and a function for tuning a broadcast channel. This reduces the risk for control reliability of the TV and increases the reliability in system operation. In addition, since the remote control transceiver module directly installed for TV control is not required, system installation is facilitated.

In addition, since the Internet set-top box does not need to store information about the remote control signal of the TV, there is an advantage of simplifying the design of the Internet set-top box.

Claims (8)

A web and broadcast channel interworking apparatus using an internet set top box which accesses a web site providing broadcast channel information and links the broadcast information provided by the web site with a channel of a TV or set top box corresponding to the broadcast information. In When accessing the web site and selecting a broadcast channel, the remote control signal for controlling the set top box corresponding to the broadcast channel is transmitted through the corresponding remote control transmission / reception signal transmission line, and the remote control signal from each set top box is analyzed and Internet set top box which transmits remote control signal through the corresponding remote control transmission / reception signal transmission line and selects one of the set top box outputs of one or more set top boxes respectively connected to a plurality of input terminals and outputs it to the TV Wow; Installed on the remote control receiving window of each set top box, Web and broadcast channel interworking apparatus using an Internet set-top box including an IR transmission and reception module for transmitting and receiving the remote control signal to and from the Internet set-top transmission and reception signal transmission line. The method of claim 1, wherein the Internet set top box A system setting data for the TV and each set top box, a remote control code for the set top box downloaded after the system setting data is transmitted to the server of the website, and storing means for storing a web browser; When selecting a broadcasting channel, it outputs a remote control signal for controlling the corresponding set top box, and outputs a remote control code corresponding to the remote control signal inputted from each set top box to the corresponding set top box, and selects one or more set top boxes. An input selection control signal for selecting and controlling one set-top box output, a channel tuning signal for controlling the tuning means, and a center for outputting a relay driving control signal for controlling the relay driving means by sensing an operating state of the power supply and the system. Arithmetic processing means; Relay means for connecting a signal received at the antenna to an RF terminal of the TV; Relay drive means for driving said relay means in accordance with said relay drive control signal; Input signal selecting means for selecting one set top box output from among set top boxes respectively connected to a plurality of input terminals according to the input selection control signal; And a tuning means for frequency tuning the RF signal output from the input selecting means. The method of claim 2, wherein the input signal selecting means First input signal selecting means for selecting one of an RF output signal of each set top box or an RF signal received by the antenna according to an input selection control signal outputted from the central processing means; And a second input signal selection means for selecting one of the A / V output signals of each set top box according to the input selection control signal outputted from the central processing unit. Broadcast channel linkage. The method of claim 2, wherein the central processing means controls the Internet set top box according to the remote control signal if the signal inputted when selecting a broadcasting channel corresponds to the Internet set top box, and corresponds to the Internet set top box. If it is not a signal to the web and broadcast using the Internet set-top box, characterized in that compared to the remote control code stored in the memory means to store the operation contents in the memory means and transmit the corresponding signal to the set-top box Channel interlock. According to claim 2, wherein the central processing unit determines whether the broadcast channel selected on the website and whether the viewable channel to generate a corresponding remote control signal, Web and broadcast channel interworking using the Internet set-top box, characterized in that Device. 6. The web and broadcast channel interworking apparatus using the Internet set top box according to claim 5, wherein the determination of whether to view the broadcast channel is made based on system setting data stored in the memory means. The method of claim 2, wherein the IR transceiver module IR receiving means for receiving a remote control signal of each set top box and transmitting it to the Internet set top box through the remote control transmission and reception signal transmission line; Web and broadcast channel interworking apparatus using the Internet set-top box characterized in that it comprises an IR transmission means for receiving the remote control signal transmitted from the Internet set-top box via the remote control transmission and reception signal transmission line to the set-top box. . [8] The web and broadcast channel interworking apparatus according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the IR transmission / reception module is installed in such a size as to completely cover a remote control reception window of each set top box.