KR100970633B1 - Digital satellite broadcasting receiver and method for seeing and hearing restriction of digital satellite broadcasting receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a parental control method in a digital satellite broadcasting receiver composed of a plurality of sub-units installed in a plurality of spaces independent of one main unit. In particular, in one sub-unit, a user can view the sub-unit through a menu screen. Setting a program parental level level of each sub-unit including; transmitting the parental level information of each set sub unit to the main unit; and in the step, parental level information of each sub unit is transmitted; The main unit transmits the parental level information to the corresponding subunit, and in each subunit, the parental level information included in the program transmitted through the main unit is compared with the preset parental level information. And the parental level level included in the program. Restricting the display of the program when the parental level is exceeded, it is easy to set the parental level of each subunit, and minor children can watch inappropriate programs through the subunit installed in their room. Can be prevented in advance.

Multi, Main, Sub Unit, Parental Control

Description

Digital satellite broadcasting receiver and method for seeing and hearing restriction of digital satellite broadcasting receiver

1 is a conceptual block diagram of a digital satellite broadcast receiver according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a detailed block diagram of the main unit of Figure 1

3A and 3B illustrate examples of a parental level setting menu screen according to the present invention.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a parental level setting process according to the present invention.

5A to 5D are flowcharts showing examples of the parental control process according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

101: satellite antenna 102: LNB

103: multi-switching unit 110: main unit

111: multi-tuner section 112: multi-channel TP distribution section

113: CPU 114: modem

115: EPG DB 116: main transceiver

120: subunit

The present invention relates to a digital satellite broadcasting receiver for simultaneously tuning a multi-channel through one main unit and to simultaneously view different channels tuned in the main unit in each subunit installed in a plurality of independent spaces. In particular, the present invention relates to a viewing restriction method of restricting viewing of a specific channel or program in such a digital satellite broadcasting receiver.

In general, digital satellite broadcasting has spread rapidly to Europe, Japan, Asia, and Africa since the world's first DirecTV in 1994, and can be viewed anywhere in the world. Digital satellite broadcasting is a method of compressing video / audio / additional data and transmitting digitally through satellites in MPEG 2 standard, and is related to a wide coverage area and region which are inherent to satellites compared to other transmission media. Due to the lack of equal broadcasting quality, economics of establishing a satellite broadcasting network, and simplicity of satellite channels, it is mainly led by pay broadcasting companies.

In addition, the receiver capable of receiving the digital satellite broadcast employs a CAS (Conditional Access System) that restricts the reception so that only subscribers can receive the pay broadcast.

The CAS receives a TV program and a data service signal scrambled by a transmitting station in a receiver for pay per channel (PPC) or pay per view (PPV) other than the free and basic channel of satellite broadcasting. It is a system for managing authorized subscribers to receive service by descrambling using a smart card. Here, the PPC is a service that collects a predetermined fee for receiving a channel and is able to receive a broadcast, and the PPV is a service that calculates and charges a fee per program as a reception time. To this end, the CAS operator issues a smart card to the subscriber. The smart card is also referred to as a CAM (Conditional Access Module).

The smart card stores, for example, channel information that a user can view in the memory portion in the case of a pay channel, and usage information in the case of a PPV.

The PPV service allows a user to purchase a movie or sporting event in advance, for example. That is, the user may purchase a paid viewing program through the smart card.

Therefore, it is possible to extract the information stored in the smart card at the request of the limited reception system operator or the receiver. Also, the smart card has a decryption function that can descramble the scrambled signal. Provide the required key.

The digital satellite broadcast includes not only a program but also program guide information. The program guide information is called APG (Advanced Program Guide) in digital satellite broadcasting such as DirecTV, and EPG (Electronic Program Guide) in digital terrestrial broadcasting. The program guide information is additional data information that allows the viewer to use the TV more conveniently. The viewer can obtain information about the current broadcast program and the future broadcast program directly on the screen without a newspaper or other guide medium. .

On the other hand, as people's income levels rise and their lives get better, nowadays, it is common to have more than one television in a household. In other words, televisions are provided in living rooms, parents' rooms, and children's rooms.

However, in the related art, in order to receive a digital satellite broadcast from a plurality of televisions in a home, a satellite broadcast receiver must be installed for each TV and a smart card is issued, thereby increasing the user burden including a subscription fee. That is, one smart card is issued to one satellite broadcast receiver to limit illegal viewing of non-subscribers.

In addition, when a user purchases a pay-per-view program, for example, a movie or a sporting event using two-way communication, a modem is required. In the conventional case, since a modem must be installed in each receiver, there is a problem of increasing a user's cost burden.

Therefore, in order to solve this problem, the present applicant does not have a display device but is equipped with a modem, and installs a main unit capable of simultaneously tuning multi-channels at a specific location in a home, and each installed display device in a plurality of independent spaces. The sub unit having a digital satellite broadcasting receiver for receiving a specific channel tuned in the main unit to perform decoding and display (application number: 2003-38808, application date: 2003.06.16; hereinafter referred to as '38808') It has been filed.                         

However, in the above-mentioned satellite broadcasting, cable broadcasting, terrestrial broadcasting, etc., there may be a program that is difficult to watch by a certain layer. Especially in families with children, it is important to prevent children from watching programs that are inappropriate for children, such as violence or adult programs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a method for restricting viewing of a digital satellite broadcasting receiver, in which a subunit can set and control a viewing restriction of subunits including the same in a digital satellite broadcasting receiver such as '38808' described above. have.

Another object of the present invention is to allow one sub-unit to set a parental level of sub-units including its own and to control the parental level of each sub-unit in a main unit in a digital satellite broadcast receiver such as '38808' described above. The present invention provides a method for restricting viewing of a digital satellite broadcasting receiver.

In order to achieve the above object, a method for restricting viewing of a digital satellite broadcasting receiver according to the present invention includes a display device and a CAS unit, which includes a modem and simultaneously tunes a plurality of received channels and programs programs of the tuned channels. It is equipped with a main unit for demodulating and output, and a CAS unit installed in a separate space together with a display device and authenticating a user through a smart card, and receiving and decoding a program of a specific channel from the main unit, In the digital satellite broadcasting receiver comprising a plurality of sub-units for transmitting channel selection or purchase information to the main unit,                     

(a) setting, by a user, a program viewing restriction level of each sub unit including the sub unit through a menu screen in one sub unit;

(b) transmitting the parental level information of each set subunit to the main unit;

(c) if the parental level information of each subunit is transmitted in step (b), the main unit transmitting the parental level information to the corresponding subunit;

(d) comparing each of the sub-units with parental level information included in the program transmitted through the main unit and preset parental level information; And

(e) limiting the display of the program if the parental level included in the program exceeds a preset parental level.

In the step (a), when the user selects a parental control menu item for setting a parental control of each sub-unit of the menu screen, only a user who receives a password from the user and inputs a correct password can access the parental control menu item. It is characterized by allowing.

In the step (a), if the parental control menu item for setting the parental control of each subunit of the menu screen is accessed by a user who has authenticated the user, displaying the identifier of each subunit and the selectable parental level; And selecting a subunit identifier for viewing restriction on the display screen, and repeatedly selecting the parental level level of the subunit identifier selected in the step, thereby setting the parental level for each subunit. Characterized in that.

In the step (a), if the parental control menu item for setting the parental control of each subunit of the menu screen is accessed by a user who has authenticated the user, displaying the identifier of each subunit and the selectable parental level; And selecting at least a plurality of sub-unit identifiers of the plurality of sub-unit identifiers to be restricted to the same class level on the display screen at once, and selecting the parental level of the plurality of sub-unit identifiers selected in the step. It is characterized by.

In step (a), if the parental control menu item for setting the parental control of each subunit of the menu screen is accessed by a user who has authenticated the user, the identifier of each subunit and the selectable parental level, and all Displaying a menu item meaning 'sub unit', and selecting one parental level and a 'all sub unit' menu item on the display screen to assign the same parental level to all sub units connected to the main unit. Characterized in that it further comprises the step of setting.

In step (a), if a parental control menu item for setting a parental control of each subunit of the menu screen is accessed by a user who has been authenticated by the user, the identifier of each subunit and a selectable parental level, and a 'current' Displaying a menu item meaning 'sub-unit', and selecting a viewing restriction level level and a 'current sub-unit' menu item on the display screen to display a parental level of the sub-unit currently setting the parental level. It characterized in that it further comprises the step of setting.

The password received for accessing the parental control menu item of the menu screen may be a password of a main user that is pre-registered in the smart card inserted into the CAS unit.

The password received for accessing the parental control menu item in the menu screen may be a password of a main user previously registered in the main unit.

In the step (e), the step of receiving a password if the parental level included in the program exceeds a preset parental level, and if the correct password is determined by checking the password input in the step, decoding the program. And displaying the program on the display device, and blocking the display of the program if it is determined that the password is incorrect.

When a password is input to the sub unit, the sub unit checks whether the input password is a correct password and controls the display of the corresponding program according to the test result.

When a password is input to the sub unit, the sub unit transmits the input password to the main unit, and the main unit checks whether the transmitted password is correct and transmits the result back to the corresponding sub unit. The display of the program is controlled according to the test result of the main unit.

In step (d), the main unit tunes and demodulates a program of a specific channel at the request of a specific subunit, and then the parental level level included in the demodulated program and the parental level information preset in the subunit that requested the program. And comparing the program with the parental level when the parental level included in the program exceeds the parental level set in the sub-unit.

The step (a) may further include setting a viewing restriction on a channel of subunits including itself in one subunit and limiting viewing of the corresponding channel according to the set value.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating the configuration and operation of the embodiment of the present invention, the configuration and operation of the present invention shown in the drawings and described by it will be described as at least one embodiment, By the technical spirit of the present invention described above and its core configuration and operation is not limited.

1 is a conceptual block diagram of a digital satellite broadcasting receiver disclosed in No. 38808, in which an antenna 101 capable of receiving a digital satellite broadcast in a high frequency band and a satellite in a high frequency band received through the antenna 101 are shown in FIG. Low Noise Block (LNB) 102 for low noise amplifying a signal, a multi-switching unit 103 for dividing and outputting a plurality of satellite signals output from the LNB 102, the multi-switching unit ( A main unit 110 which receives a plurality of satellite signals output from the 103 and tunes to a channel requested by each sub unit through a multi tuner, converts them into a transport stream (TP), and then outputs them to each sub unit; And a stream of a channel requested by one of the channels tuned by the main unit 110 from the main unit 110, descrambled and decoded by being installed in an independent space. It consists of a plurality of sub-unit 120 to play.

2 is a detailed block diagram of the main unit 110, and is not provided with a display device (for example, a TV). That is, the main unit of FIG. 2 is composed of a plurality of tuners and demodulators 111a to 111d, receives the satellite RF signals output from the multi-switching unit 103, simultaneously tunes to the channels required by each sub-unit, and demodulates them. Multi-tuner unit 111 for outputting in TP form, multi-channel TP distribution unit 112, main unit for distributing TP signal output from each tuner and demodulator of the multi-tuner unit 111 to each sub-unit The central processing unit (CPU) 113, which controls the overall operation of the main unit and data communication between the main unit and each sub unit, and the TP signal of the main unit distributed by the distribution unit 112, the CPU 113 The main transceiver unit 116 receives the signal outputted through the sub-unit or outputs the signal from the sub-unit, and outputs the signal to the CPU 113 to both sides of the satellite broadcasting transmitter according to the request of the sub-unit. It is configured to include the modem 114 for performing communication.                     

Here, each tuner and demodulator of the multi-tuner unit 111 demodulates the satellite signal of the tuned channel by a quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) method and converts the demodulated signal into a TP form.

Each sub unit is a sub-integrated receiver and decoder (IRD) for receiving a TP signal transmitted from the main unit 110 and restoring an original digital video and audio signal, and for displaying a decoded video signal. For example, a TV is connected and does not have a built-in satellite tuner.

The CAS is provided in each subunit, and manages information related to user registration, authentication, and billing by using a smart card inserted in the CAS, and simultaneously descrambles scrambled data. Here, the smart card inserted into the CAS is a family smart card that can be equally applied to each sub unit, and may be issued as many as the number of sub units registered with the satellite broadcasting service provider. That is, only one ID and password may be registered in the smart card or ID and password may be registered for each subunit.

For example, if only one ID and password are registered, user ID can be authenticated by inputting the ID and password in any subunit.

If an ID and password are registered for each subunit in one smart card, the corresponding subunit must register its ID and password to receive this user authentication. In this case, security can be kept secure for each subunit.

In addition, when a sub ID and a password are registered for each sub unit in one smart card, a main ID and a password that can receive user authentication in any sub unit may also be registered. For example, the main ID and password refer to an ID and password that can be used by a parent such as a parent (hereinafter, referred to as a main user for convenience of description). That is, the sub ID and password can receive user authentication only in the corresponding sub unit, but the main ID and password can receive user authentication in all sub units. The unit may set parental locks of other subunits including itself.

In this case, the modem 114 is not installed in each subunit but is installed only in the main unit 110, and is transmitted through the modem 114 of the main unit to transmit or receive to the satellite broadcasting service provider in each subunit. . That is, the main unit 110 independently transmits purchase information of each subunit to the satellite broadcasting service provider, and transmits the result back to the corresponding subunit. Therefore, it is not necessary to install a modem for each subunit, so that the burden on the user can be reduced.

In addition, if a block capable of performing demultiplexing is added to the main unit 110, the main unit 110 parses additional data information such as program guide information through demultiplexing and stores the memory of the main unit 110 ( 115) can be a database (DB). At this time, in each sub unit, the additional data information does not have to be separately DBized. That is, when additional data information is requested from a specific sub unit, the main unit reads out only necessary information from the additional data information in the memory 115 and transmits it to the corresponding sub unit. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the program guide information stored in the DB in the memory 115 is referred to as an EPG DB. In this case, since the additional data information does not need to be separately databased in each subunit, the memory usage efficiency can be increased. As a result, the memory capacity of each subunit can be reduced, thereby reducing the user's cost burden.

Here, the main unit 110 and each sub unit 120 may be connected by wire or wirelessly. When the main unit and each sub unit are wirelessly connected, there is no need for a cable between the main unit and each sub unit, which makes it easy to install and move each sub unit. According to the present invention, the main unit and each sub unit communicate wirelessly.

In addition, any one of the plurality of subunits may set a parental lock of all subunits including itself. At this time, if a user sets a parental level for another subunit in one subunit, the subunit transmits the parental level setting value of the subunit to the main unit. The main unit transmits the setting value back to the sub unit so that the sub unit can know the setting value of the parental level for itself.

In this case, the main unit may control the parental control of the corresponding subunit according to the parental control setting value of each subunit, or each subunit may control its own parental control according to its own parental control setting value. .

In the former case, the video / audio data of the corresponding program is not output to the sub-unit in which the parental level is set in the main unit 110. In the latter case, the video / audio data of the program corresponding to its parental level setting value is not descrambled or decoded or output to the display device in each subunit.

3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu for setting a parental level in one subunit according to the present invention. That is, in any one of a plurality of subunits, a user displays a menu screen as shown in FIG. 3A by using an input device such as a remote controller, and selects a parental lock item among menu items of the menu screen. In this case, the parental level setting screen shown in FIG. 3B is displayed on the display device.

Then, the user selects a subunit to set the parental level, and selects the maximum viewable grade level of the selected subunit. In this case, a sub unit identifier for identifying each sub unit is displayed on the sub unit selection screen. Here, each of the sub unit identifiers may be set by the user or may be automatically set by the system. For example, the user may set the sub unit in the child room as the child name or the room name.

In the present invention, the parental level of the parental level selection screen is based on the grade specified in the class standard of satellite broadcasting. This is to effectively limit the viewing of each subunit by using the grade information included in the satellite broadcasting program and transmitted.                     

That is, a broadcaster divides the ratings of satellite broadcast programs into various rating levels, places them in an event information table (EIT), which is service information, and transmits them to each satellite broadcasting receiver through satellites. An example of the rating information is as follows. .

Y grade: Any child can watch.

Y7 grade: Children 7 years of age and older can watch.

Grade G: People of all ages can watch.

PG rating: Parents can watch.

14 ratings: Children under 14 are not allowed to watch.

MA grade: Not allowed to watch under 18 years old.

For example, if a MA unit is set in a sub unit, viewing of a program corresponding to 19 years or older is not possible in that sub unit.

In this case, the user may set different parental level levels for each subunit, or may set the same parental level for all subunits connected to the main unit by wire / wireless.

In addition, the user may set the parental level only to the sub-unit currently performing the parental level setting, or may set the same parental level to at least a plurality of subunits but not all subunits.

If a different parental level is set for each subunit, a process of selecting a subunit to set parental level and setting a desired parental level to the selected subunit is sequentially performed for each subunit, and then 'confirmed'. Select. At this time, if you do not want to set the parental control, select 'Cancel'.

If the same parental level is set to all sub units connected to the main unit, the same parental level may be set in the above-described process, or a menu item indicating 'all sub units' may be added to the screen of FIG. 3B. You can also set it.

In addition, when a parental level is to be set only for a subunit currently performing parental level setting, the parental level may be set after selecting the current subunit as described above, or a menu indicating 'current subunit' may be used. After the item is added to the screen of FIG. 3B described above, the desired parental level is selected, and then 'current subunit' is selected to set the parental level only for the current subunit. This case makes it easier and easier for the user to set the parental level.

On the other hand, if not all subunits but want to set the same parental level to a plurality of subunits as described above may be set sequentially for each subunit as described above, or all the subunit identifiers connected to the main unit screen of Figure 3b If the display is displayed on the screen, and a plurality of sub-units are selected at a time by using a remote controller, a desired parental level is set, and then 'OK' is input, the parental level of the plurality of sub-units can be set at once. Here, the process of selecting a plurality of subunits is known to those skilled in the art, such as a process of selecting a plurality of files at one time for copying or deleting in a computer, and will not be discussed in detail in the present invention.                     

In this case, when the user accesses the parental control menu item on the menu screen of FIG. 3A, a password may be input. Thus, the menu screen as shown in FIG. 3B is displayed only when the user inputs the correct password. This is to prevent the main user, i.e., someone other than the parent, for example, the children, from changing the level of the subunit. For example, if a main ID and password are registered in the smart card, only a user who correctly inputs the main ID and password may access the parental control menu item.

Here, the menu screen and the parental control setting screen of FIGS. 3A and 3B are exemplary embodiments and may be modified by those skilled in the art, and thus the present invention is not limited thereto.

In addition, the above-described parental level setting can be made in one subunit among a plurality of subunits, and FIG. 4 shows an example of the parental level setting process.

4 shows an example of communication between units in the process of setting the parental level for the sub unit B in the sub unit A.

That is, when the main user inserts a smart card in the sub unit A, enters an ID and password, undergoes user authentication, and sets the parental level for the sub unit B through the above-described process of FIG. 3, the sub unit A Transmits the parental level information of the set subunit B to the main unit 110. The main unit 110 stores the received parental level information of the sub-unit B and transmits it to the sub-unit B so that the sub-unit B knows the parental level information about itself. In this case, the parental level information of each set subunit may be stored in the smart card. For example, the smart card may store and store ID, password, and grade information for each subunit in a table. Then, when a specific sub unit undergoes user authentication through a smart card, it can automatically know its parental level information.

Therefore, the sub-unit B does not decode the video / audio data of the corresponding program to the display device when the grade level included in the program selected through the main unit 110 exceeds its preset viewable grade level. Do not output or do not descramble if scrambled. Therefore, viewing of the program in the sub unit B becomes impossible.

In addition, when the grade level of the program received by the sub unit B exceeds the viewable grade level preset in the sub unit B, the sub unit B receives a password from the user, whereby the user enters the correct password. You may want to watch the program only. For example, the password may be a password of the main user. That is, when the password of the main user is input in the sub unit B, even if the grade level included in the program transmitted to the sub unit B exceeds the grade level set in the sub unit B, the corresponding program can be viewed in the sub unit B.

Meanwhile, if the parental control of each subunit is controlled by the main unit 110, the main unit 110 may not transmit the parental level information of the subunit B transmitted from the subunit A to the subunit B. Instead, when the sub unit B requests a specific broadcast program to the main unit 110, the main unit 110 tunes the requested broadcast program and then the class level included in the tuned program is the sub unit B. If the grade level is set in the above, the video / audio data of the tuned program is not transmitted to the sub-unit B. Therefore, viewing of the program in the sub unit B becomes impossible.

In addition, when the rating level of the program requested in the sub unit B exceeds the viewable rating level set in the sub unit B, the main unit 110 receives the user password in the sub unit B, whereby the user receives the sub unit B. You may want to watch the program only if you enter the correct password in. In this case, the password may be the password of the main user. Similarly, when the main user's password is input through the sub-unit B, the main unit may transmit the corresponding program even if the parental level rating included in the tuned program exceeds the preset level level in the sub-unit B. The sub unit B demodulates and decodes the transmitted program and displays the same on the display device.

Further, even when the parental level of the subunit A is set in the subunit A, the subunit A may display its parental level information so that the main unit or the subunit A can control the parental level of the subunit A. Transmit to the unit 110.

As described above, the viewing restriction of each sub unit may be controlled by each sub unit or may be controlled by the main unit 110.

5 (a) to (d) show a parental control process of each of these subunits, and show examples of the parental control process of subunit B. FIG.

5 (a) shows that the parental level is not set in the sub unit B, or the rating level of a program transmitted to the sub unit B through the main unit 110 exceeds the parental level set in the sub unit B. Otherwise, the video / audio data of the corresponding program is normally output to the display device of the sub unit B.

On the other hand, when the rating level included in the program received by the sub-unit B in FIG. 5 (a) above exceeds the parental level set in the sub-unit B, the sub-unit B is the video / audio data of the received program Does not decode or output to the display device. Alternatively, when the video / audio data is scrambled, the video / audio data may be output to the display device without being descrambled. In this case, the sub unit B cannot normally watch the program.

If the main unit controls the parental control of the sub-unit B, the main unit tunes the broadcast program requested by the sub-unit B and then checks whether the class level included in the tuned program exceeds the class level of the sub-unit B. Check it. At this time, if it is determined to exceed, the main unit does not transmit the video / audio data of the tuned program to the sub-unit B. Therefore, viewing of the program in the sub unit B becomes impossible.

(B) and (c) of FIG. 5 are cases where the parental level is controlled by each subunit, and when the level of the program received in the subunit B exceeds the parental level set in the subunit B, This is the case when unit B receives the main user's password and controls viewing restriction.

In this case, (b) of FIG. 5 is a case of checking a password in the sub unit, and FIG. 5 (c) is a case of checking a password in the main unit. Here, when performing the password check in the main unit, the sub unit transmits the password input by the user to the main unit and receives the test result as a response. When performing the password check in the sub unit, the sub unit pre-selects the correct password in advance. It must be saved from the unit or smart card.

That is, (b) of FIG. 5 illustrates that when the grade level of the program transmitted to the sub unit B through the main unit exceeds the parental level set in the sub unit B, the sub unit B receives a password from the user. Check that the password entered is the correct password. If the input password is the correct password, the video / audio data of the received program is demodulated and decoded, and if scrambled, the descrambled signal is output to the display device of the sub unit B. However, if the input password is not the correct password, the video / audio data of the received program is not decoded or output to the display device, or if the video / audio data is scrambled, the output is not descrambled to the display device. . In this case, it may be displayed on the screen of the display device that the password is incorrect using the OSD.

FIG. 5C illustrates that when the grade level of the program received through the main unit to the sub unit B exceeds the parental level set in the sub unit B, the sub unit B receives a password from the user. Send the password back to the main unit. The main unit checks whether the password transmitted from the sub unit B is the correct password. Then, the test result is notified to the sub unit B again. If the password check result transmitted from the main unit is a correct password, the sub unit B demodulates and decodes the video / audio data of the received program and descrambles it if it is scrambled, and outputs it to the display unit of the sub unit B. In addition, if the test result is not the correct password, the video / audio data of the received program is not decoded or output to the display device, or if the video / audio data is scrambled, it is output to the display device without descramble. At this time, it is also possible to display that the password is incorrect on the screen using the OSD.

FIG. 5D illustrates a case in which the main unit controls viewing restriction of each sub unit, and the main unit tunes a program requested by the sub unit B through a tuner, and then the class level of the tuned program is assigned to the sub unit B. When the parental level is exceeded, the sub-unit B receives a password to control the parental level.

That is, when the sub unit B requests a specific broadcast program to the main unit, the main unit tunes the requested broadcast program and then the grade level included in the tuned program is set to the preset parental level of the sub unit B. If it is determined that the value is exceeded and the value is determined to exceed, the sub-unit B receives the user password.

The inspection of the password input by the user in the sub unit B may be performed in the sub unit B as shown in (b) of FIG. 5, or in the main unit as shown in (c) of FIG. 5.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), if the sub unit B performs the password test, the sub unit B transmits the test result to the main unit, and the main unit transmits the video / audio data of the corresponding program according to the test result. Transmit to unit B or not. Similarly, even when the password is checked by the main unit as shown in FIG. 5C, the main unit does not transmit or transmit the video / audio data of the corresponding program to the sub unit B according to the result of the inspection. That is, if it is determined that the password is correct, the main unit transmits the video / audio data of the program to the subunit B. If it is determined that the password is not correct, the main unit does not transmit the video / audio data of the program to the subunit B. .

On the other hand, the present invention can set viewing restrictions on channels as well as programs. This is because the number and types of satellite broadcasting channels vary widely, and may include adult channels. In this case, at least one specific channel may be blocked in all sub units or a sub unit designated by a user. Similarly, one subunit can set and control the viewing restriction of at least one specific channel for all subunits including itself, and the process is similar to the viewing restriction process of the program of FIGS. 3 to 5 described above. .

That is, the user may change a channel to be blocked for each sub unit differently, or may block the same channel in all sub units connected to the main unit by wire / wireless. In addition, the user may set the channel blocking only to the subunit which is currently performing the channel parental control setting, or may set up to block the same channel by selecting at least a plurality of subunits but not all subunits at once. In addition, the subchannel may control its own channel blocking according to preset channel blocking information, or the main unit may control the channel blocking of each subunit. In addition, when the transmitted channel is set as the blocking channel, a password may be received from the corresponding sub unit, and the sub unit or the main unit may perform a password check, and may receive the channel only when the correct password is used.

As described above, according to the method for restricting viewing of a digital satellite broadcasting receiver according to the present invention, a multi-channel is simultaneously tuned through one main unit, and each sub unit in a plurality of independent spaces is tuned by a specific channel in the main unit. Receives a program of a sub-unit to perform decoding and display, wherein one sub-unit sets the viewing limits of the program or channel of the sub-units including itself, and the program (or Channel) can be restricted. In particular, by setting the parental level of the program or the channel of all subunits including itself in one subunit, the parental level setting of each subunit is easy. In addition, children who are minors can be prevented from watching inappropriate programs through sub units installed in their rooms.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the embodiments, but should be defined by the claims.

Claims (10)

A digital satellite broadcast receiver comprising a main unit and a plurality of sub units, A main unit which receives a broadcast signal, transmits a broadcast signal requested by a specific subunit of the subunits to the requested subunit, and receives parental level information from a specific subunit of the subunits; A first sub unit configured to receive and display the requested broadcast signal from the main unit, and to receive viewing restriction level information of a second sub unit among the sub units from a user and output the received restriction level information to the main unit; And Receiving the parental level information output by the first sub-unit from the main unit, requesting a broadcast signal from the main unit, and if the received parental level information does not match the parental level information of the requested broadcast signal; And a second sub unit for requesting a password input from a user. The method of claim 1, And the first sub unit requests a password for allowing the user to input the parental level information and displays the parental level information. A digital satellite broadcast receiver comprising a main unit and a plurality of sub units, Receiving, by the main unit, a broadcast signal and transmitting a broadcast signal requested by a specific subunit of the subunits to the requested subunit, and receiving parental level information from a specific subunit of the subunits; A first subunit of the plurality of subunits receives and displays the requested broadcast signal from the main unit, and receives a parental level information of a second subunit of the subunits from a user and outputs it to the main unit. Making; And If the second sub-unit receives the parental level information from the main unit, requests the main unit for a broadcast signal, and if the received parental level information does not match the parental level information of the requested broadcast signal, the user And requesting a password input from the digital satellite broadcasting receiver. The method of claim 3, wherein the first sub-unit receives the parental level information of the second sub-unit among the sub-units from the user and outputs the parental level information to the main unit, Requesting a password for allowing the user to input the parental level information, and displaying the parental level information. delete delete delete delete A digital satellite broadcast receiver comprising a main unit and a plurality of sub units, A first sub unit which receives the parental level information of a second sub unit among the sub units from a user and outputs the parental level information to the main unit; A second sub unit for requesting a specific broadcast signal to the main unit; And A main unit that receives a broadcast signal and receives the parental level information output by the first sub unit, and outputs the broadcast signal when the broadcast signal requested by the second sub unit matches the received parental level information; Digital satellite broadcast receiver comprising a. In the parental control method of a digital satellite broadcast receiver comprising a main unit and a plurality of sub units, Receiving, by a first subunit of the plurality of subunits, parental control level information of a second subunit of the subunits from a user and outputting the same to the main unit; The second sub unit requesting a specific broadcast signal from the main unit; And The main unit receives a broadcast signal and receives parental level information output by the first sub unit, and when the broadcast signal requested by the second sub unit coincides with the received parental level information, outputs the broadcast signal. And outputting the viewing restriction method of the digital satellite broadcasting receiver.

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