KR100700060B1 - Method and system for upgrading package level for digital broadcasting - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a package upgrade system and method for digital broadcasting, and more particularly, to enable a digital broadcast subscriber to easily upgrade a package using an input device such as a remote controller, to configure and manage a broadcast process and broadcast information. A broadcast management unit 100 transmitting service package information to control a package upgrade service; A broadcast information management unit 200 receiving the service package information and adding the service package information to a shortform virtual channel table (SVCT); A subscriber management unit 300 for managing subscriber management and billing information for subscribers; Using the service package information received from the broadcast information management unit 200, generates rating information (ECM information) for the broadcast program, and generates subscriber qualification information (EMM information) from the subscriber management unit 300 An authentication system 400; A transmission and reception unit 500 connected to the broadcast information management unit 200 and the subscriber management unit 300 to transmit and receive broadcast information and the ECM information and the EMM information; Receiving the broadcast information to allow the subscriber to receive the program, when the subscriber moves to a channel that does not have the right to receive notification that the service package upgrade is required, the subscriber to the service package using the input device In the case of performing the upgrade function, the host 600 is configured to perform the EPG program 610 to modify the information of the authentication system 400, thereby increasing the utilization of digital broadcasting, billing, etc. To solve the problem.

Digital Broadcast, Package, Upgrade, Host, EPG.

Description

Package upgrade system and method thereof for digital broadcasting {Method and system for upgrading package level for digital broadcasting}

1 is a block diagram showing an example of a general digital broadcasting system;

2 is a head end side of a package upgrade system for digital broadcasting of the present invention.

       A block diagram showing the configuration,

3 is a host side of a package upgrade system for digital broadcasting of the present invention.

       A block diagram showing the configuration,

4 is a head end side of a package upgrade system for digital broadcasting of the present invention.

       Flowchart,

5 is a host side of a package upgrade system for digital broadcasting of the present invention.

       Flowchart.

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

100: broadcasting management unit 200: broadcasting information management unit

300: subscriber management unit 400: authentication system

500: transceiver 600: host

The present invention relates to a package upgrade system and method for digital broadcasting, and more particularly, to a package upgrade that can be easily upgraded by a subscriber using an input device such as a remote controller when moving to a channel to which a digital broadcast subscriber does not subscribe. A package upgrade system and method are provided.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a general digital broadcasting system. In general, a digital broadcasting system is generally classified into a head end 10 and a host 20, and the head end 10 includes audio, video, and data. Encoder system 11, subscriber management system (SMS) 12, broadcast management system 13 and the like.

In addition, the host 20 transmits and receives a broadcast signal and data from the headend 10, the subscriber authentication system 30 analyzes the reception restriction data received from the host 20 to the subscriber's own Control to receive only channels included in the package.

In general, digital broadcasting provides a package of channels that a subscriber can receive. Such a service is called a package service. Such a package service is usually paid for a bundle of channels having the same characteristics, the reception of a particular channel according to the package of the subscriber is made by the subscriber authentication system (30).

Such a subscriber authentication system is also called a CAS (Conditional Access System), and performs a subscriber authentication, copy protection, and reception restriction function by a smart card 31 that is inserted.

As described above, in such a digital broadcasting system, a subscriber purchases a specific package for a fee and uses a service, and limits a channel that can be viewed according to the type of package. And it is made by the subscriber authentication system 30, the subscriber information authenticated in the subscriber authentication system 30 is made in conjunction with the subscriber management system 12 of the head end (10).

In the case of the conventional digital cable and digital satellite broadcasting, if the subscriber wants to upgrade the package to expand the desired channel or improve other services after the initial subscription, the package is upgraded through a telephone order to a call center. shall.

However, when requesting a package upgrade by telephone order through the call center as described above, there is a disadvantage that you have to wait until processing the Subscriber Management System (SMS) for this call center order.

In addition, in the case of similar overseas functions, the package upgrade pop-up window is displayed when moving to a channel that the subscriber does not subscribe to, but the subscriber upgrades the package because there is no package information and price information on which package the selected channel belongs to. It may not be possible, and even if the subscriber upgrades to simply upgrade to the top-level package, problems may occur during post-settlement.

As a result, due to the cumbersomeness of the above described package upgrade, there is a problem in that subscribers are moved to a higher package so that the use and efficiency of broadcasting are reduced.

The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned shortcomings, and when the subscriber wants to upgrade the package, it is easy to move to a higher package without the inconvenience of calling the call center or delaying the upgrade process. The present invention aims to provide a package upgrade system and method for digital broadcasting that can increase utilization and solve problems such as price settlement.

The present invention comprises a broadcast management unit for configuring and managing a broadcast process and broadcast information, and transmitting a service package information to control a package upgrade service; A broadcast information management unit which receives the service package information and adds it to a Shortform Virtual Channel Table (SVCT); A subscriber management unit that manages subscriber management and billing information for subscribers; An authentication system for generating rating information (ECM information) for the broadcast program transmitted using the service package information received from the broadcasting information management unit, and generating subscriber entitlement information (EMM information) from the subscriber management unit; A transmission and reception unit connected to the broadcast information management unit and the subscriber management unit to transmit and receive broadcast information and the ECM information and the EMM information; Receiving the broadcast information to allow the subscriber to receive the program, when the subscriber moves to a channel that does not have the right to receive notification that the service package upgrade is required, the subscriber to the service package using the input device In the case of performing the upgrade function, it is achieved by including a host executing an EPG program to modify the information of the authentication system.

As a method of using the system of the present invention as described above, the present invention informs the subscriber that the subscriber should upgrade the service through the channel guide program when the subscriber of the digital broadcast moves to a channel not subscribed through channel guide and direct channel access. A first step of querying this; A second step of displaying a package name subscribed to by the subscriber and information of a package to be upgraded when the subscriber requests an upgrade in response to the query through an input device; When the subscriber authenticates through a specific authentication step, it is achieved by including a third step of recording the package upgrade information for the subscriber to the smart card of the authentication system, so that the subscriber can immediately watch the channel.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the head end side configuration of the package upgrade system for digital broadcasting of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the host side structure of the package upgrade system for digital broadcasting of the present invention. A broadcast management unit 100 configured to manage process and broadcast information, and to control a package upgrade service by transmitting service package information; A broadcast information management unit 200 receiving the service package information and adding the service package information to a shortform virtual channel table (SVCT); A subscriber management unit 300 for managing subscriber management and billing information for subscribers; Using the service package information received from the broadcast information management unit 200, generates rating information (ECM information) for the broadcast program, and generates subscriber qualification information (EMM information) from the subscriber management unit 300 An authentication system 400; A transmission and reception unit 500 connected to the broadcast information management unit 200 and the subscriber management unit 300 to transmit and receive broadcast information and the ECM information and the EMM information; Receiving the broadcast information to allow the subscriber to receive the program, when the subscriber moves to a channel that does not have the right to receive notification that the service package upgrade is required, the subscriber to the service package using the input device In the case of performing an upgrade function, the technical feature is that it comprises a host 600 that performs the EPG program 610 to modify the information of the authentication system 400.

That is, the system of the present invention informs the subscriber that a package upgrade is necessary when the subscriber moves to a channel without receiving permission, and enables the subscriber to immediately watch the program by enabling the package upgrade through a remote controller or other input device. will be.

The host 600 basically includes a receiver such as a set-top box and a subscriber television system for receiving broadcasts, and the EPG program 610 of the host 600 in the present system. ) Compares the ECM information and the EMM information received from the transceiver 500 through a receiver 620 consisting of a smart card 621 and a CA program 622 and the like. Determine the lowest level package needed to watch the channel and notify the subscriber.

The EPG program 610 forms a top layer, and the signal coming into the receiver 620 may be used by the EPG program 610 through middleware 630 installed in a receiver such as a set-top box. do.

As described above, the package upgrade system of the present invention does not allow the subscriber to purchase the highest grade package unconditionally, but conveniently purchases the minimum grade package that can watch the corresponding channel by using an input device such as a remote controller. To upgrade.

For example, if a package has four levels: Basic, Silver, Gold, and Premium, and the subscriber has purchased a Basic package, but the channel to which the subscriber has moved is a channel that requires a rating of Silver or higher, the subscriber may request a package upgrade. In this case, the EPG program 610 of the host 600 analyzes the ECM information and the EMM information, promotes the silver package, and informs the detailed information such as the price of the silver package.

At this time, when the subscriber performs the package upgrade through the authentication process, the information of the modified authentication system 400 is transmitted to the subscriber management unit 300 through a return path (not shown), and the subscriber management unit ( In 300, the upgrade is completed by modifying the database to the corresponding package subscriber and sending an EMM information processing request to the authentication system 400.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ECM information transmitted through the authentication system 400 is transferred to the host 600 through the multiplexer 510.

In some cases, between the subscriber management unit 300 and the broadcasting management unit 100, devices for services such as digital broadcasting, VOD (Video on Demand), data broadcasting, etc., interlocked by the broadcasting management unit 100, and the subscriber management unit. A support system (not shown) supporting services, billing interworking, and overflow resulting therefrom may be further configured.

Steps for the subscriber to perform a package upgrade in the host 600 is configured as follows.

That is, when the subscriber of the digital broadcast moves to a channel not subscribed through the channel guide (EPG) and the direct channel access (DCA), the service should be upgraded through the channel guide program (EPG program) 610. Informing and inquiring about the subscriber; A second step of displaying a package name subscribed to by the subscriber and information of a package to be upgraded when the subscriber requests an upgrade in response to the query through an input device; When the subscriber authenticates through a specific authentication step, the third party to record the package upgrade information for the subscriber to the smart card (621) of the authentication system 400, so that the subscriber can watch the channel immediately It is configured to include a step.

The specific flow generated in the host 600 is as follows.

First, when a subscriber moves to an unsubscribed channel through the channel guide (EPG program: 610) and DCA (Direct Channel Access), a popup indicating that the service is not subscribed and a service package upgrade is required to watch the channel (POP- UP) window on the subscriber's television or other monitor.

At this time, if the subscriber inputs to upgrade the package, for example, pressing a confirmation button with a remote controller, a pop-up window pops up to display the current subscriber's subscribed package name and the package name and amount to be upgraded.

Then, when the subscriber presses the OK button, a password input window appears. If the password set by the subscriber is correct, the package upgrade is performed immediately. From this point, the subscriber can immediately watch the requested service.

Then, the package upgrade information is recorded in the subscriber's smart card 621, and immediately sends the package upgrade information to the EMMG (Entitlement Management Message Generator: 410) of the authentication system through the return path.

The EMMG 410 transmits the received package upgrade information to the subscriber management unit 300, and the subscriber management unit 300 analyzes the package upgrade information to modify the database as a subscriber to the corresponding package subscriber, and corresponds to the authentication system 400. Send an EMM (Entitlement Management message) processing request command.

Then, the EMMG 410 of the authentication system 400 processes the command received from the subscriber management unit 300 and transmits the EMM information to the corresponding subscriber, thereby completing the service package upgrade process.

4 is a flowchart of a headend side of a package upgrade system for digital broadcasting of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a host side of a package upgrade system for digital broadcasting of the present invention. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. The operation and effects of the following are as follows.

As described above, the system related to the present invention includes a broadcast management unit 100, a broadcast information management unit 200, a subscriber management unit 300, an authentication system 400 (conditional access system (CAS)), a transceiver 500, and an EPG. It is composed of a host 600 in which the program 610 is performed, the interworking between the systems in detail as follows.

1. Linkage between the broadcast management unit 100 and the broadcast information management unit 200

The broadcast management unit 100 of the present invention transmits service package upgrade related data to the broadcast information management unit 200, and the broadcast information management unit 200 processes the received data to describe a general descriptor of a short form virtual channel table (SVCT). A subscriber descriptor is added to the common descriptor area and transmitted.

2. Interworking of the broadcasting management unit 100 and the subscriber management unit 300

The broadcast management unit 100 transmits the same data transmitted to the broadcast information management unit 200 to the subscriber management unit 300.

3. Interworking with the broadcasting management unit 100 and the authentication system 400

The broadcast management unit 100 transmits data for package upgrade to the authentication system 400 using the 20xx CA template defined by the authentication system 400 for the package upgrade service of the present invention. The authentication system 400 stores the contents of the received CA template in an Entitlement Control Message (ECM) and transmits it in an Entitlement Control Message Generator (ECMG). The data of the ECMG 410 is delivered to the host 600 through the multiplexer 510.

4. Interworking between the authentication system 400 and the subscriber management unit 300

The package upgrade processing data received from the EMMG 420 of the authentication system 400 is transmitted to the subscriber management unit 300, and the subscriber management unit 300 performs settlement and subscriber response service using the received broadcast data and EMM information. .

5. Interworking of the broadcasting information management unit 200 and the EPG program 610

The EPG program 610 installed in the host 600 divides the contents of the package descriptor in the SVCT table transmitted from the broadcast information management unit 200 and the service package upgrade information transmitted to the ECMG 410 by reference ID. Perform the service package upgrade function.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the information of the SVCT table is transmitted to the EPG program 610 through the Extended API rather than the normal OCAP API.

6. Integration of the authentication system 400 and the EPG program (610)

The EPG program 610 hangs only the matching ID of the reference ID list received from the authentication system 400 and the service package upgrade package descriptor, and determines the minimum level package among them and informs the subscriber of the minimum package upgrade information and amount. Displays a pop-up window.

Then, the authentication system 400 stores the package information corresponding to the reference ID determined to be the minimum package in the smart card 621, and immediately informs that the service package has been upgraded.

The above embodiment is an example for explaining the technical idea of the present invention in detail, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above drawings and embodiments.

In the present invention as described above, if the subscriber wants to upgrade the package, it is possible to increase the utilization of digital broadcasting by facilitating the movement to a higher package without the inconvenience of calling the call center or delaying the upgrade process. There is an effect that can solve problems such as bill settlement.

Claims (6)

A broadcast management unit for configuring and managing a broadcast process and broadcast information, and controlling a package upgrade service by transmitting service package information; A broadcast information management unit which receives the service package information and adds it to a Shortform Virtual Channel Table (SVCT); A subscriber management unit that manages subscriber management and billing information for subscribers; An authentication system for generating rating information (ECM information) for the broadcast program transmitted using the service package information received from the broadcasting information management unit, and generating subscriber entitlement information (EMM information) from the subscriber management unit; A transmission and reception unit connected to the broadcast information management unit and the subscriber management unit to transmit and receive broadcast information and the ECM information and the EMM information; Receiving the broadcast information to allow the subscriber to receive the program, when the subscriber moves to a channel that does not have the right to receive notification that the service package upgrade is required, the subscriber to the service package using the input device When performing the upgrade function, the EPG program for modifying the information of the authentication system is performed, but the lowest level necessary for watching the corresponding channel of the subscriber by comparing the ECM information and the EMM information received from the transceiver unit Including a host to determine the package of, to notify the subscriber, A package upgrade system for a digital broadcast, characterized in that a subscriber can immediately view a corresponding program through a package upgrade through an input device. delete The method of claim 1, wherein the modified authentication system information is transmitted to the subscriber management unit through a return path, and the subscriber management unit modifies the database to the corresponding package subscriber and transmits an EMM information processing request to the authentication system. Package upgrade system for digital broadcasting. In the method using the system of claim 1, When the subscriber of the digital broadcast moves to a channel not subscribed through the channel guide and the direct channel access, informing the subscriber that the service should be upgraded through the channel guide program and inquiring about it; A second step of displaying a package name subscribed to by the subscriber and information of a package to be upgraded when the subscriber requests an upgrade in response to the query through an input device; And a third step of recording the package upgrade information for the subscriber in the smart card of the authentication system when the subscriber authenticates through a specific authentication step so that the subscriber can immediately watch the channel. Package upgrade method of digital broadcasting. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the package upgrade information for the subscriber recorded in the smart card of the third step is transferred to the subscriber management unit through a return path, and the subscriber management unit modifies the database to the corresponding package subscriber to the authentication system. And a fourth step of transmitting the EMM information processing request. The package information of claim 4, wherein the package information to be upgraded in the second step is compared with the ECM information and the EMM information to determine a package of the lowest level that can receive the corresponding program, and the package and the rate information of the lowest level. The package upgrade method of claim 1, characterized by notifying by displaying a pop-up window including a subscriber to the display device.

Images