KR100472606B1 - Digital set-top box - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a digital set-top box that provides a user with high-definition video content in real time using a VDSL telephone line based on a television rather than a computer, and simultaneously performs interworking with the Internet. A plurality of analog / digital converting means for receiving and converting audio / video signals from a video input source; The audio / video signal of any one channel selected from the audio / video signals of the plurality of channels provided from the plurality of analog / digital conversion means is output through the storage signal output port, and the audio / video signal and the MPEG are decoded of the plurality of channels. Audio / video switching means for outputting an input audio / video signal through an audio / video signal output port; An MPEG encoder which receives an audio / video signal output through the storage signal output port of the audio / video switching means and encodes the MPEG signal; Storage means for storing audio / video signals encoded by the MPEG encoder and storing MPEG contents input through a VDSL line or a LAN line; Sub-control means for storing output data from the MPEG encoder and MPEG contents input through the VDSL line or LAN line to the storage means, and outputting the data stored in the storage means; Main control means for providing a control command for storing and outputting data to the storage means to the sub control means, and controlling a corresponding operation based on a remote signal from a remote controller; MPEG decoder for decoding MPEG data output from the secondary control means to the audio / video switching means; And a plurality of outputs from the audio / video switching means. Audio / video output means for outputting audio and video of the channel according to the user's selection condition under the control of the main control means, up to 25M / bps down and 12M / bps bidirectional simultaneously despite using a conventional telephone network In addition, the VDSL transmission method can be used for the real-time high-definition video service without any special phone expenses, as well as no problem in using a regular telephone.

Description

Digital set-top box

The present invention relates to a digital set-top box, and more particularly, to a digital set-top box capable of automatic reservation recording of broadcast programs and interworking with the Internet, and capable of video on demand (VOD) service. Looking at the prior art, there is a PVR (Personal Video Recorder) and Internet TV, the invention of which is Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0200629 ("TV combined Internet TV") and Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0254392 ("FIBAL" System power save devices "). Conventional personal video recorder (PVR) is a personal video recording and playback device, and has a large storage device (typically, an HDD) therein for storing recorded data, and the storage device can store high definition SD quality. But there is a lack of content.

In addition, the Internet STB is a device that enables the user to easily watch various video / audio from the Internet on a television. The Internet STB has a convenient advantage due to the increase in line speed, considering only the open parts of the Internet (ie VOD, SHOP). There is a problem in that it is difficult to see the text and the picture quality problem due to the difference in resolution so that the browser of the monitor is displayed on the television as it is.

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a user with high-definition video content in real time using a VDSL telephone line based on a television, not a computer, and simultaneously performs interworking with the Internet. The goal is to provide a digital set-top box. Making a comparison table between the present invention and the prior art is as follows. Comparison table between the present invention and the prior art Item Digital set top box TV with Internet Power Save Device in PVR System Internet connection Yes (VDSL) Yes (modem) none Record function Yes (video recording function) none has exist MPEG compression / decompression has exist none none Broadcast wave reception function has exist none has exist LAN support function has exist none none TV screen switching unit has exist none has exist Input device remote control Keyboard / mouse / remote control remote control Storage ROM, Flash Memory and HDD RAM and ROM HDD As compared with the above table, the present invention differs from the conventional PVR in that the Internet can be connected, and the device capable of recording and the built-in TV tuner are different from the conventional Internet TV set-top. In the interface part, the existing Internet TV set-top converts and displays the screen of the PC as it is, so there is a problem in image quality and text is not easy to read. The present invention has an embedded MPEG decoder / encoder and converts all screens and texts on the Internet to the TV screen and adjusts the resolution to the TV. The present invention distinguishes it from the existing Internet TV set-top in that it supports recording and playback by providing a mass storage device while supporting the specifications of the existing Internet TV set-top as it is and adjusts the screen to TV resolution. In addition, the present invention can be said to be a text-based Internet TV set-top compared to the VDSL in consideration of the transmission speed of the image and video. In addition, the present invention has its own TV tuner, which enables self-recording, whereas the existing Internet TV set-top does not have such a function. On the other hand, the present invention supports the Internet connection compared to the existing PVR can not access the Internet, and also equipped with an MPEG decoder / encoder, a larger amount of recording can be stored and played back if the same capacity and own operating system It is designed to speed up recording / storage / playback. As described above, the present invention is very difficult to be easily derived by those skilled in the art by being distinguished from conventional Internet TV set-top boxes and PVRs, and solved the disadvantages of the two prior arts and provided new functions. .

In order to achieve the above object, a digital set-top box according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of analog / digital converting means for receiving and converting audio / video signals from a plurality of audio / video input sources; The audio / video signal of any one channel selected from the audio / video signals of the plurality of channels provided from the plurality of analog / digital conversion means is output through the storage signal output port, and the audio / video signal and the MPEG are decoded of the plurality of channels. Audio / video switching means for outputting an input audio / video signal through an audio / video signal output port; An MPEG encoder which receives an audio / video signal output through the storage signal output port of the audio / video switching means and encodes the MPEG signal; Storage means for storing audio / video signals encoded by the MPEG encoder and storing MPEG contents input through a VDSL line or a LAN line; Sub-control means for storing output data from the MPEG encoder and MPEG contents input through the VDSL line or LAN line to the storage means, and outputting the data stored in the storage means; Main control means for providing a control command for storing and outputting data to the storage means to the sub control means, and controlling a corresponding operation based on a remote signal from a remote controller; MPEG decoder for decoding MPEG data output from the secondary control means to the audio / video switching means; And controlling the audio and video of the plurality of channels output from the audio / video switching means by the main control means. And audio / video output means for outputting according to a user's selection condition.

Hereinafter, a digital set top box according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram of a digital set-top box according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of audio / video input source (for example, TV tuner 5, movie camera, VTR, cable broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, CCD camera, microphone A plurality of analog / digital converting units (10, 12, 14, 16) for receiving audio / video signals from the digital camera and the like; Outputs the audio / video signal of any one channel selected from the audio / video signals of the plurality of channels provided from the plurality of analog / digital converters 10, 12, 14, and 16 through the storage signal output port Q1, Audio / video switching unit 18 for outputting audio / video signals and MPEG-decoded audio / video signals of multiple channels through audio / video signal output ports Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5 and Q6. ); An MPEG encoder 20 which receives an audio / video signal output through the storage signal output port Q1 of the audio / video switching unit 18 and encodes the MPEG signal; A storage unit 22 in the form of a hard disk drive (HDD) in which audio / video signals encoded by the MPEG encoder 20 are stored, and MPEG contents input through a VDSL line or a LAN line are stored; A sub-control unit for storing the output data from the MPEG encoder 20 and the MPEG content input via the VDSL line or the LAN line to the storage unit 22 and outputting the data stored in the storage unit 22 ( 24); The control command necessary for storing and outputting data to the storage 22 is provided to the sub controller 24, and the remote controller A main control unit 26 for controlling a corresponding operation based on a remote signal from a remote controller (not shown) received by the cone receiving unit 44; An MPEG decoder 28 for decoding MPEG data output from the sub control unit 24 to the audio / video switching unit 18; A screen generator (30) which makes a video signal of one channel a main screen and a video signal of other channels among a plurality of video signals from the audio / video switching unit (18); The contents of the 24-bit overlay memory (not shown) of RGB 8: 8: 8 are assigned to a specific color key value (ie, the color key value corresponding to the OSD character (or picture) required for the screens to be output). An OSD synthesizer 32 for implementing a graphic OSD suitable for the screen from the screen generator 30 in comparison with the above; A video output section 34 for displaying a video screen from the OSD synthesizing section 32 on a television monitor (not shown); An audio digital / analog converter 36 for analog-converting the audio signal of the active channel to the main screen provided by the audio / video switching unit 18; An audio output unit 38 for outputting audio from the audio digital / analog conversion unit 36 to the outside through a speaker of a television (not shown); RAM (40) in which the code of the operating program required for the digital set-top box of the present invention is stored; And a ROM 42 in which all programs related to driving and control of the digital set-top box of the present invention are stored.

Here, the audio / video switching unit 18, the sub control unit 24, and the OSD synthesizing unit 32 are field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are types of programmable logic chips.

The main control unit 26 and the sub control unit 24 communicate with each other via the local bus 46. The ROM 42 contains the personal information of the person using the corresponding digital set-top box. Information (eg, name, address, credit card information, ID card information, etc.) is additionally stored.

The personal information may be stored in a memory including a separate magnetic card or IC card or similar hardware to the user, and the set-top box of the present invention may be attached with a device (not shown) to access the security and billing information. It can be used as such.

In addition, in the specification of the present invention, the screen generating unit 30, the OSD synthesizing unit 32, the image output unit 34, the audio digital / analog converter 36, and the audio output unit 38, collectively, Audio and video output means for outputting audio and video of multiple channels output from the audio / video switching unit 18 according to a user's selection condition under the control of the main controller 26.

The MPEG encoder 20 has a built-in first-in-first-out (FIFO) type buffer (not shown), and the sub-control unit 24 directly accesses the buffer of the MPEG encoder 20, and the main control unit 26 ) Processes only control commands. The main control unit 26 processes only the control command and the address index for the storage unit 22, and the sub control unit 24 takes charge of the remaining large burst transmission.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the VDSL line is a telephone line, and realizes VOD through the VDSL line, and the LAN line is composed of two Internet lines as the Internet line. A network interface card (NIC) 48, 50, 52 is provided between the VDSL line and the two LAN lines and the local bus 46. The network interface cards 48, 50, and 52 are always connected to the digital set-top box and the network of the present invention. To be connected. The network interface cards 50 and 52 connected to the two Internet lines are provided with a network address translation (NAT) function to be used as a home gateway device. In other words, if the user is not in a VDSL environment, the digital set-top box of the present invention may be directly connected to an Internet line (ie, a LAN line).

In addition, the remote control receiver 44 may support an infrared communication and a wireless communication, and in the case of a wireless method, an apparatus such as an RF antenna and an oscillator is required, but by a known technology, and thus, the set-top box and the user of the present invention. It can be used as an interface and can communicate with other home appliances for home automation.

In addition, the ROM 42 of FIG. 1 includes VOIP software for enabling a digital set-top box to perform a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) function, and a slick (SLIC) to the local bus 46 to perform the VOIP function. One output end of the SUBSCRIBER LINE INTERFACE CIRCUITS 54 is connected, and the other output end of the SLIC 54 is connected to the audio / video switching unit 18.

The SLIC 54 outputs an analog audio signal input as a digital audio signal. The digital audio signal output from the output terminal of the SLIC 54 is input to the audio / video switching unit 18 and the local bus. It is also input to the main control unit 26 via 46.

The main control unit 26 stores the VOIP software stored in the ROM 42 in the RAM 40 when the digital set-top box is powered on, and then writes the VOIP software to the VOIP software. Control the VOIP function by second. Therefore, the digital set-top box of the present invention also serves as a VOIP phone. That is, the digital set-top box of the present invention has a built-in VOIP function for transmitting voice and video using IP.

In FIG. 1, an audio / video signal input from the audio / video input source (ie, a signal input through the analog / digital converters 10, 12, 14, and 16) includes an RCA input and a super video (S-video). And the audio / video signal of only one of the four input sources is stored in the storage unit 22 via the MPEG encoder 20 and the sub-control unit 24 according to the command of the main control unit 26. Stored. Since the four input sources are transmitted to the screen generator 30 in real time, the four input sources are displayed in a combination of up to three channels while displaying the stored contents.

In addition, the digital set-top box of the present invention can be selected and used in a VDSL telephone environment or a LAN environment capable of high-speed communication of up to 25 megabits per second and bidirectionally 12 megabits per second. Through updating the latest content information and necessary data is provided by the user's request. In addition, the data input through the network is stored in the storage unit 22 which is a hard disk drive (HDD) for temporal buffering so that multi-tasking can be performed smoothly, and then the data is read from the storage unit 22 and the MPEG decoder And the audio / video switching unit 18 to the screen generation unit 30.

According to the digital set-top box of the present invention configured as described above, various contents can be provided as desired through the VDSL line or the LAN line as well as the normal PVR function. Can be output.

And, by using the digital set-top box, the content VOD service for each category, the AI interactive education service, home shopping service, remote monitoring service, remote medical service, video call service, local portal service, etc. for customized education are possible. .

The PVR function is digitally recorded and played back as you watch TV, so you can pause broadcasts, search for scenes, continue viewing, skip screens, missed screens, go to live broadcasts, slow screen view, and EPG (Electronic Program Guide) provides a list of schedules and means various functions such as searching by genre and listing.

The AI interactive education service means a service that presents a predetermined test content and presents an appropriate education program according to the test result when a user (learner) selects an education from the VOD service category.

The home shopping service provides purchasing information of products (characters and affiliated products) appearing at the time of VOD screening in the form of subtitles at the same time as they appear, allowing consumers to easily purchase various products, and the automatic billing function Charging between sellers is automatic.

The remote monitoring service refers to a service that allows a user to access a site from a remote site by storing the video taken by the CCTV in a digital set-top box connected to the CCTV when the user is away from home.

The telemedicine service is able to answer questions between patients and doctors who are separated from each other by digital set-top boxes, showing each other's images and sore spots. Means a service to lock.

The video call service means a service that allows a video call with a counterpart anytime and anywhere through a sub picture (PIP).

The local portal service means a service that provides various announcements, local news, local neighborhood associations, local neighborhood associations, local restaurant information, food orders, and CCTVs within the complex.

Contents of the above-described various services are not limited thereto, but may be modified and added to some extent. For example, a home automation service or an internet phone service may be available using a digital set top box.

When the power of the digital set-top box of the present invention is turned on, the main control unit 26 reads the code for the program capable of performing the above-mentioned various services from the various information stored in the ROM 42 and stores the code in the RAM 40. Later, a corresponding service is provided based on a remote signal according to a user's remote control operation (not shown).

Next, an operation of the digital set top box according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, the operation of storing MPEG data will be described.

Audio / video signals from the television tuner 5 or various audio / video input sources are input to the respective analog / digital converters 10, 12, 14, and 16, and the respective analog / digital converters ( 10, 12, 14, and 16 input audio / video signals (analog signals) M) is converted into a digital signal and sent to the audio / video switching unit 18.

Accordingly, in the audio / video switching unit 18, the audio / video signal of one channel among the signals of four input sources input through the four analog / digital converters 10, 12, 14, and 16 (digital signal). ) Is sent to the MPEG encoder 20. The audio / video signal of one channel sent to the MPEG encoder 20 is sent by the control of the main controller 26 as the audio / video signal of the channel selected by the user. The MPEG encoder 20 encodes the input audio / video signal of one channel to the sub control unit 24, and the sub control unit 24 transmits the input MPEG data to the storage unit 22 by index. Save it. When storing the MPEG data in the storage unit 22 is completed, the sub-control unit 24 sends a signal indicating the completion of storing the MPEG data to the main control unit 26 via the local bus 46.

Here, the MPEG data stored in the storage unit 22 may be data about a broadcasting program reserved by a user, audio / video data recorded by a movie camera or a VTR, or a cable broadcasting system or satellite. It may be audio / video data provided by a broadcasting system or video data recorded by a CCD camera. The MPEG data stored in the storage unit 22 may be data of MPEG contents input through the network interface cards 50, 52, and 52 (that is, MPEG contents input through the VDSL line or the LAN line). . That is, the MPEG data stored in the storage 22 is inputted from a channel selected by the user (broadly expressed, VDSL line, LAN line, analog / digital converter 10, 12, 14, 16). Channels Mpeg data).

In this way, the MPEG data storage in the storage unit 22 is completed.

Such storage of MPEG data is performed when a user operates a remote controller (not shown) to reserve automatic recording for a broadcast program or when a user commands recording of audio / video information from an audio / video input source.

This time, the output operation of the MPEG data will be described.

The audio / video switching unit 18 transfers the video signal provided from the four analog / digital converters 10, 12, 14, and 16 and the video signal from the MPEG decoder 28 to the screen generator 30. send. At this time, the audio / video switching unit 18 sends the audio signal of the channel enabled on the active screen to the audio digital / analog converter 36.

The screen generating unit 30 receives the video signal of five channels and PIP process the four video signals are displayed on the sub-screen, and the remaining one video signal is processed as the normal screen OSD synthesizer 32 Send to). Of course, the screen output from the screen generation unit 30 may be up to five screens, but may be at least one screen, which is a remote signal transmitted by a remote control (not shown) operation according to the user's decision Determined based on

The OSD synthesizing unit 32 converts the contents of the 24-bit overlay memory (not shown) of RGB 8: 8: 8 into a specific color key value (i.e., OSD characters (or pictures) required for the screens to be output). Each image from the screen generator 30 in comparison with the corresponding color key value). The graphic OSD on the surface is implemented and sent to the image output unit 34.

Accordingly, the video output unit 34 displays the screen of each channel on which the graphic OSD is implemented on the television monitor through the television monitor.

The audio / video switching unit 18 transfers the video signal provided from the four analog / digital converters 10, 12, 14, and 16 and the video signal from the MPEG decoder 28 to the screen generator 30. When sending, the audio / video switching unit 18 simultaneously sends the audio signal of the channel enabled on the active screen (i.e., the normal screen) to the audio digital / analog converting unit 36 at the same time. Accordingly, the audio digital / analog converter 36 converts the input audio signal (which is a digital signal) to the audio output unit 38 by analog conversion. The audio output unit 38 transmits the audio signal through the speaker of the television. Outputs the audio of the channel enabled on the current active screen to the outside.

Such output operation of the MPEG data is performed when the user operates a remote controller (not shown) to command the output of the MPEG data stored in the storage unit 22.

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, despite using a conventional telephone network, a maximum down 25Mbps, two-way simultaneous 12Mbps is possible, and the VDSL transmission method does not interfere with the use of a general telephone and real-time high-definition without burdening special telephone expenses. Image service is available.

In addition, this invention is not limited only to the above-mentioned embodiment, The summary of this invention is provided. Modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope thereof, and the technical spirit to which such modifications and variations have been applied should also be regarded as belonging to the following claims.

1 is a block diagram of a digital set-top box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

5: TV tuner 10, 12, 14, 16: analog / digital converter

18: audio / video switching unit 20: MPEG encoder

22: storage unit 24: secondary control unit

26: main control unit 28: MPEG decoder

30: screen generation unit 32: OSD synthesis unit

34: video output unit 36: audio digital / analog converter

38: audio output unit 40: RAM

42: ROM 44: Remote control receiver

46: local bus 48, 50, 52: network interface card (NIC)

54: SLIC

Claims (12)

Audio / video switching means for outputting audio / video signals of input MPEG contents through audio / video signal output ports; Sub-control means for outputting MPEG contents input through the VDSL line or the LAN line; MPEG decoder for decoding MPEG data output from the secondary control means to the audio / video switching means; Main control means for providing a control command for an output operation in the sub control means to the sub control means, and controlling a corresponding operation based on a remote signal from a remote controller; And And audio / video output means for outputting audio and video of multiple channels output from the audio / video switching means according to a user's selection condition under the control of the main control means. A plurality of analog / digital converting means for receiving and converting audio / video signals from a plurality of audio / video input sources; The audio / video signal of any one channel selected from the audio / video signals of the plurality of channels provided from the plurality of analog / digital conversion means is output through the storage signal output port, and the audio / video signal and the MPEG are decoded of the plurality of channels. Input voice / video scene Audio / video switching means for outputting a call through an audio / video signal output port; An MPEG encoder which receives an audio / video signal output through the storage signal output port of the audio / video switching means and encodes the MPEG signal; Storage means for storing audio / video signals encoded by the MPEG encoder and storing MPEG contents input through a VDSL line or a LAN line; Sub-control means for storing output data from the MPEG encoder and MPEG contents input through the VDSL line or LAN line to the storage means, and outputting the data stored in the storage means; Main control means for providing a control command for storing and outputting data to the storage means to the sub control means, and controlling a corresponding operation based on a remote signal from a remote controller;  MPEG decoder for decoding MPEG data output from the secondary control means to the audio / video switching means; And And audio / video output means for outputting audio and video of multiple channels output from the audio / video switching means according to a user's selection condition under the control of the main control means. The method of claim 2, The plurality of audio / video input sources may include a television tuner, a movie camera, a VTR, a cable broadcast, a satellite broadcast, and a CCD camera. The method of claim 2, And the audio / video switching means and the sub control means are field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) which are a type of programmable logic chip. The method of claim 2, And the main control means and the sub control means communicate with each other via a local bus. The method of claim 5, SLIC (SLIC) is connected to the local bus, characterized in that the VOIP function is possible digital set-top box. The method of claim 2, And said storage means is a hard disk drive (HDD). The method of claim 2, MPEG content input through the VDSL line or LAN line is a TCP / IP interface. Digital set-top box characterized in that input by the face method. The method of claim 2, The audio / video output means may include: a screen generation unit configured to use a video signal of one channel as a main screen and a video signal of other channels among the video signals of the plurality of channels from the audio / video switching means; An OSD synthesizing unit for synthesizing OSD characters from a screen from the screen generating unit; An image output unit which outputs an image screen from the OSD synthesis unit; An audio digital / analog converter for analog converting a voice signal of an active channel to the main screen provided by the audio / video switching unit; And a voice output unit for outputting a voice from the voice digital / analog converter. The method of claim 9, And the OSD synthesizer is a field programmable gate array (FPGA), which is a type of programmable logic chip. The method of claim 9, The image output from the image output unit is a digital set-top box, characterized in that displayed on the monitor of the television. The method of claim 9, The voice output from the voice output unit is a digital set-top box, characterized in that output to the outside through the speaker of the television.