KR100976195B1 - Data service system and method for providing of digital cable broadcasting service and multimedia service through dynamic channel assignment in cable modem receiving multi channel - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are a data service system through channel assignment of a cable modem receiving multiple channels, a digital cable broadcasting service providing method, and a multimedia data service providing method using the same. The data service system through channel assignment includes a transmission / reception module for performing data communication with a cable modem and a broadcast channel or multimedia for receiving a digital cable broadcast signal from a predetermined channel among a plurality of channels of the cable modem used for providing an Internet service. A viewer module including a channel control module configured to generate a channel allocation request message for allocating a media channel for data reception and to transmit the received data to the cable modem, and to output the data received from the cable modem to a screen; And a channel tuning module for requesting a cable modem termination system (CMTS) to allocate a predetermined channel among the plurality of channels of the cable modem to the broadcast channel or the media channel according to a channel allocation request message of the channel control module. And a cable modem including a channel transmission module for receiving the channel allocation request message of a control module and providing the data to a transmission / reception module.

Cable Modem, Data Over Service Cable Interface Specification (DOCSIS), Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS)

Description

Data service system through channel assignment of cable modem receiving multiple channels, method of providing digital cable broadcasting service and providing multimedia data service using same in cable modem receiving multi channel}

The present invention relates to a data service system through channel assignment of a cable modem receiving a multi-channel, a method for providing a digital cable broadcasting service and a method for providing a multimedia data service using the same, through communication between a module installed in a subscriber's computer and a cable modem. Regarding a data service system through a channel assignment for allocating a predetermined channel among the channels allocated to the cable modem as a channel for providing a digital cable broadcasting service or a multimedia data service, a method for providing a digital cable broadcasting service and a method for providing a multimedia data service using the same will be.

Hybrid Fiber Cable (HFC) transmission network includes multimedia data including two-way supplementary services such as video and audio broadcasting service through cable broadcasting, video on demand (VOD) service, and cable internet service through cable mode termination system (CMTS). Can provide services. In addition, it is a structure that can accommodate a variety of converged services in combination with cable Internet and Internet telephony. The technology and standards applied to the domestic cable sector are applying CableLabs technology, a cable research institute in the United States, and cable lab has a close technology development system with cable broadcasting companies. And standardization work is underway. Recently, the company has been providing high-speed cable Internet service to domestic subscribers by applying DOCSIS (Data Over Service Cable Interface Specification), a successful project of CableLab. In DOCSIS, which is a data transmission protocol in an HFC network, downstream uses a time division multiplexing (TDM) scheme and an upstream uses a time division multiple access (TDMA) scheme, respectively, based on time slots. Has a structure to control the modem. Therefore, QoS can be applied to VoIP or delay sensitive multimedia data in the DOCSIS layer.

On the other hand, HFC network-based Internet services have been recognized as low-speed services compared to competing services based on Ethernet MAC due to bandwidth limitations.However, as CMTS applying channel bonding technology of DOCSIS 3.0 is commercialized, Some limitations have been overcome. In addition, considering the introduction of DOCSIS 3.0 and flexible extensibility in the future, M-CMTS Core and EQAM (Edge Quadruple Amplitude Modulation) are separated from the existing CMTS type, Integrated CMTS, that is, all modules of CMTS operate in one object. ), The DOCSIS Timing Server, etc., were divided and configured.

1 shows the structure of a conventional DOCSIS transmission system.

The DOCSIS 3.0 standard defines elements that are important for wideband-based ALL-IP in cable networks, and extends up and down bandwidth through channel-bonding. The existing DOCSIS 2.0 supports up to 42Mbps downlink and up to 30Mbps upstream by using uplink and downlink 1 channel. In DOCSIS 3.0, however, each channel is combined in the modem to use multiple channels at the same time, enabling bandwidth expansion, and is based on four channel bonding at least up and down. In addition, by expanding the number of bonding channels, the bandwidth can be extended by about 42 Mbps * N channels in the downward direction and 30 Mbps * N channels in the upward direction. To this end, the mechanisms for data distribution transmission and recombination for each bonding channel are defined as main contents.

As shown in Fig. 1, in using the Internet service on the PC 14, all channels of the cable modem 12 (e.g., DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem) are used for the Internet service. That is, the subscriber can use the Internet service through the cable modem 12 based on four-channel bonding.

The cable modem 12 is connected to the PC 14 so that all channels are available only as an Internet service. Therefore, in order for subscribers to watch digital cable broadcasting, it is necessary to install a TV receiving card in a PC or to establish a separate line and equipment such as a set-top box (STB), which requires a lot of trouble and cost. For reference, in the frequency use path for a network that accommodates both a distribution center and an ISP, the 5 to 42/65 MHz band is used for the uplink, and the downlink is for the digital cable broadcasting signal. Broadcast channels are allocated to the bands of 450 to 450 MHz and 552 to 750 MHz. The 450 to 552 MHz band is used for the Internet service.

Accordingly, there is a need to extend a function of a conventional cable modem so that a predetermined channel among a plurality of channels can be dynamically allocated as a channel for viewing a digital cable broadcast, thereby providing a subscriber with an improved service.

The present invention provides a method for receiving a multi-channel for allocating a predetermined channel among channels allocated to a cable modem as a channel for providing a digital cable broadcasting service and / or a multimedia data service through communication between a module installed in a subscriber's computer and a cable modem. It is an object of the present invention to provide a data service system through a channel assignment of a cable modem, a method of providing a digital cable broadcasting service and a method of providing a multimedia data service using the same.

In addition, the present invention provides a conventional Internet service to some channels in one cable modem connected to the HFC network, and provides a digital cable broadcasting service and a multimedia data service to some of the channels, the Internet as one subscriber terminal Its purpose is to simultaneously provide services, digital cable broadcasting services and multimedia data services.

 Another object of the present invention is to provide a high quality digital cable broadcasting service and a multimedia data service by separating a channel for providing an Internet service from a same terminal and a channel for providing a cable broadcasting service and a multimedia data service. .

In addition, according to the present invention, some channels of the cable modem operate with the CMTS for Internet service, and some other channels may be statically allocated as a broadcast channel for providing a digital cable broadcast service. Its purpose is to dynamically allocate some channels of the cable modem to broadcast or media channels at the beginning and end of viewing to provide efficient channel usage.

In order to achieve the above object, the data service system through the channel assignment according to an embodiment of the present invention is a transmission and reception module for performing data communication with the cable modem, and a predetermined number of channels of the cable modem used for providing the Internet service A channel control module for generating a channel allocation request message for allocating a channel to a broadcasting channel for receiving a digital cable broadcast signal or a media channel for receiving multimedia data and transmitting the generated channel allocation request message to the cable modem; A viewer module including an output module to output to the viewer; And a channel tuning module for requesting a cable modem termination system (CMTS) to allocate a predetermined channel among the plurality of channels of the cable modem to the broadcast channel or the media channel according to a channel allocation request message of the channel control module. And a cable modem including a channel transmission module for receiving the channel allocation request message of a control module and providing the data to a transmission / reception module.
In addition, the channel transmission module receives a digital cable broadcast signal of a channel selected by the subscriber through the broadcast channel to a broadcasting station and transmits the multimedia data selected by the subscriber through the media channel. It receives from the server and transmits to the transmission and reception module.

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In addition, when the subscriber finishes watching the digital cable broadcasting or the multimedia data, the channel tuning module transmits a channel recovery request message corresponding to the termination of the viewing to the CMTS, and the CMTS is allocated to the broadcasting channel or the media channel. It is characterized by recovering the channel to be used as a channel for providing the original Internet service.

Preferably, the CMTS is characterized in that the communication equipment using the DOCSIS (Data Over Service Cable Interface Specification) protocol.

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In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing a digital cable broadcasting service through channel allocation, comprising: receiving, by a cable modem, a channel allocation request message for receiving a digital cable broadcast signal from a viewer module installed in a personal computer (PC) of a subscriber; Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS), which is a communication device that uses a Data Over Service Cable Interface Specification (DOCSIS) protocol to allocate a predetermined channel among a plurality of channels to a broadcast channel according to a channel allocation request message of the viewer module where the cable modem is received. Requesting channel allocation; Receiving, by the cable modem, a digital cable broadcast signal from a broadcast station through a predetermined channel allocated to a broadcast channel among the plurality of channels; And transmitting, by the cable modem, the digital cable broadcast signal to the viewer module.

In addition, when the subscriber terminates watching the digital cable broadcasting, the cable modem receives a termination message according to the termination of the viewing from the viewer module and the cable modem requests the channel recovery according to the termination of the viewing to the CMTS according to the termination message. And transmitting a message to restore the channel allocated to the broadcast channel to use the channel for providing the original Internet service.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing a multimedia data service through channel assignment, comprising: receiving, by a cable modem, a channel allocation request message for receiving multimedia data from a viewer module installed in a subscriber's personal computer; Cable Modem Termination (CMTS), which is a communication device that uses a Data Over Service Cable Interface Specification (DOCSIS) protocol to allocate a predetermined channel among a plurality of channels to a media channel according to the channel allocation request message of the viewer module in which the cable modem is received. Requesting channel allocation to the system); Receiving, by the cable modem, multimedia data selected by the subscriber module from the media server through the media channel; And transmitting, by the cable modem, the multimedia data to the viewer module.

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The cable modem may further include receiving, by the cable modem, a termination message corresponding to the termination of the viewing from the viewer module when the subscriber finishes watching the multimedia data; And transmitting, by the cable modem, the channel recovery request message according to the termination of the viewing to the CMTS according to the termination message to restore the channel allocated to the media channel to be used as a channel for providing an original Internet service. It is characterized by.

According to a data service system through a channel allocation of a cable modem for receiving a multi-channel of the present invention, a digital cable broadcasting service providing method and a multimedia data service providing method using the same, the following advantages are provided.

First, in one cable modem connected to the HFC network, some channels provide a conventional Internet service, and some channels provide a digital cable broadcasting service and / or a multimedia data service. There is an advantage that can simultaneously provide services, digital cable broadcasting services and multimedia data services.

Second, through the communication between the module and the cable modem installed in the subscriber's computer there is an advantage that the subscriber computer can provide high-definition cable broadcasting and multimedia data services without additional equipment.

Third, there is an advantage that the existing cable broadcasting service can be provided to the subscriber's computer through the terminal of the cable modem and the IP set-top box without changing the equipment and network of the broadcasting station of the service provider.

Fourth, some channels of the cable modem operate with the CMTS for Internet service, and some other channels may be allocated statically as a broadcasting channel for providing a digital cable broadcasting service. It also has the advantage of providing efficient channel usage by dynamically assigning some channels of the cable modem to broadcast or media channels upon startup and shutdown.

Fifth, since the Internet network and a separate cable broadcasting channel are used, it is possible to provide a high quality video service, thereby providing additional Euro service.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various forms, and only the embodiments of the present invention make the disclosure of the present invention complete and the general knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

2 is a conceptual diagram of a digital cable broadcasting service through channel allocation using a cable modem according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, a media server 26 for providing a multimedia data service in an HFC network, communication equipment using (operation) the EQAM 24 which is a physical device connecting the backbone network and the HFC network and the DOCSIS protocol. CMTS 22 is linked to the subscriber station (for example, cable modem 500 or set-top box) through the HFC network. Here, the CMTS 22 may be configured by integrating the downlink QAM devices, uplink PHY and MAC function modules. The cable modem 500 provides a digital cable broadcasting service, an Internet service, and a multimedia data service to a PC 100 through a predetermined channel. The HFC network 20 is a mixture of fiber and coaxial cable, and has excellent bi-directional characteristics, and the HFC network transmits data using optical cables from a broadcasting station to a long distance, and coaxial from an optical fiber station to a subscriber. Cables are commonly used. Here, the existing cable network may be used in addition to the HFC network.

The cable modem 500 provides an Internet service to the PC 100 in which the web browser 30 is installed through an assigned channel. In addition, the PC 100 is provided with a viewer module 300 for viewing digital cable broadcasting, so that digital cable broadcasting can be viewed through a predetermined channel of the cable modem 500. As such, the cable modem 500 may be allocated a channel for providing a multimedia data service and / or a digital cable broadcasting service, which has not existed in the past, and reconfigures the channel through the agent module 400 according to a subscriber's request. Assignment) is possible. That is, while all four channels (channel # 1 to channel # 4) are used as channels for providing Internet service, a predetermined channel (for example, channel # 4) is a broadcast channel for viewing digital cable broadcasting at the request of a subscriber. It can be assigned to. In addition, while a predetermined channel is used as a broadcast channel for receiving a digital cable broadcast signal, when a subscriber finishes watching the digital cable broadcast, it may be allocated to a channel for providing Internet service. For reference, the cable modem 500 and the PC 100 may be connected to a LAN to perform data transmission and reception through an IP packet.

3 and 4 will be described more organically.

3 is a block diagram of a viewer module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The PC 100 may request the cable modem 500 to dynamically allocate a channel through the viewer module 300. That is, when a subscriber using the Internet service wants to watch digital cable broadcasting, the viewer module 300 may request the cable modem 500 to allocate a channel for viewing digital cable broadcasting. Here, not limited to the PC 100, a mobile communication terminal and various other electronic equipment capable of Internet service and digital cable broadcasting service may be configured to replace the PC 100, of course. In addition, static allocation may be used rather than dynamic allocation at the request of the subscriber. That is, some of the four channels of the cable modem 500 may be previously allocated to the broadcasting channel for the digital cable broadcasting service, and another portion of the four channels of the cable modem 500 may be allocated to the media channel for receiving the multimedia data. In this case, the cable modem 500 receives the digital cable broadcast signal and the multimedia data through the assigned broadcast channel and the media channel and provides the same to the viewer module 300. If the channel is statically allocated, the cable modem 500 does not need to request channel allocation to the CMTS. The subscriber receives the multimedia data according to the broadcast and content of the channel selected by the viewer module 300 as the predetermined channel. Will be provided to Hereinafter, the case of dynamic allocation will be mainly described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 3, the viewer module 300 includes a transmission / reception module 310, a channel control module 320, and an output module 330.

The transmission / reception module 310 performs data communication with the agent module 400 installed in the cable modem 500. The agent module 400 may be implemented as a cable modem 500 or included in the cable modem 400, and a detailed configuration thereof will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. Hereinafter, the agent module 400 will be described as being implemented with a cable modem 500.

The channel control module 320 generates a channel allocation request message according to the digital cable broadcasting while using the Internet service and transmits the generated channel allocation request message to the cable modem 500 through the transmission / reception module 310. That is, when the subscriber selects a predetermined channel for viewing digital cable broadcasting in the viewer module 300 running on the PC 100, the channel allocation request message is generated through the channel control module 320 to the cable modem 500. Is sent. In general, when the viewer module 300 (application) is executed, a channel allocation request message for automatically watching digital cable broadcasting is generated and transmitted to the cable modem 500, and the digital cable received by the cable modem 500 from the broadcasting station is provided. The broadcast signal is received and output to the screen. In addition, when the subscriber finishes watching the digital cable broadcast, the channel control module 320 generates a termination message and transmits the termination message to the cable modem 500.

Further, in another embodiment, the subscriber requests a channel allocation request message (hereinafter referred to as Video On Demand) for requesting multimedia (eg, video) data besides digital cable broadcasting through the channel control module 320. Also called a request message). For example, when a subscriber selects a video to be watched by the viewer module 300 running on the PC 100 and requests a multimedia data service for the video, the channel control module 320 requests a channel allocation. A message (VOD request message) is generated and transmitted to the cable modem 500, and the cable modem 500 receives and outputs multimedia data received from the media server 26. As described above, the subscribers deviate from the conventional method of receiving the broadcast program in the existing public network broadcasting or cable TV, thereby enabling the interactive service in which the subscriber can use the desired contents at the desired time. In addition, the subscriber may perform functions such as play, stop, stop, fast forward, and fast reverse on the received multimedia data.

The output module 330 outputs the digital cable broadcast signal and the multimedia data received from the cable modem 500 on the screen.

Hereinafter, the agent module 400 installed in the cable modem 500 communicating with the viewer module 300 will be described in more detail.

4 is a block diagram of an agent module for channel allocation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the agent module 400 includes a channel transmission module 410 and a channel tuning module 420. The agent module 400 may be implemented by being included in the cable modem 500 or the cable modem 500.

The channel transmission module 410 performs data communication with the viewer module 300. In detail, the channel transmission module 410 communicates with the transmission / reception module 310 of the viewer module 300, and transmits a channel allocation request message or an end message for allocating a broadcast channel and a media channel from the transmission / reception module 310. The digital cable broadcast signal and the multimedia data are transmitted to the viewer module 300 through the allocated broadcast channel and the media channel. In addition, the channel transmission module 410 receives and transmits the digital cable broadcast signal or stops transmitting the digital cable broadcast signal to the viewer module 300 when the subscriber changes the channel or performs an operation such as stopping. . The digital cable broadcast signal and multimedia data may be converted into an IP or Ethernet packet by the channel transmission module 410 and transmitted. For example, MPEG data may be converted into IP or Ethernet packets and transmitted.

The channel tuning module 420 allocates a predetermined channel among channels used as an Internet service according to the channel allocation request message received from the viewer module 300 as a broadcasting channel for receiving a digital cable broadcast signal or a media channel for receiving multimedia data. do. To this end, the channel tuning module 420 transmits a request message for allocating a broadcast channel or a media channel to the CMTS 22 and requests that a predetermined channel among channels used as an Internet service is allocated as a broadcast channel or a media channel. . For example, if four channels are used, some of the channels are composed of a broadcasting channel for receiving a digital cable broadcast signal, another part of the channels is composed of a media channel for providing a multimedia data service, and the other channels are Internet services. Can be used as a channel for provision. In detail, a predetermined channel may be allocated as a DOCSIS channel for providing an Internet service, and a predetermined channel may be allocated as a transport stream (MPEG2-TS) channel for providing a digital cable broadcasting service. The CMTS may allocate a predetermined channel to a broadcast channel and a media channel according to a request of the channel tuning module 420, and such channel allocation may be performed by the CMTS or through the channel tuning module 420.

On the other hand, when the subscriber finishes watching the digital cable broadcast, the channel tuning module 420 receives an end message according to the termination of the viewing from the viewer module 300 and uses the Internet allocated to the broadcast channel or the media channel again. Can be assigned to a channel. To this end, the channel tuning module 420 transmits a channel recovery request message upon termination of viewing to the CMTS, and the CMTS recovers the channel assigned to the broadcast channel or the media channel to be used as a channel for providing an original Internet service. do.

Accordingly, some channels of the cable modem are dynamically allocated to the broadcast or media channel according to the subscriber's digital cable broadcast and multimedia data service start and end to provide efficient channel usage. In addition, one cable modem connected to the HFC network provides a conventional Internet service on some channels, and provides a digital cable broadcasting service and / or a multimedia data service on some channels, thereby providing the Internet as one subscriber terminal. Service, digital cable broadcasting service and multimedia data service can be simultaneously provided. In addition, communication between the module installed in the subscriber's computer and the cable modem enables the subscriber computer to provide high-definition cable broadcasting and multimedia data services without additional equipment. In addition, since the Internet network and a separate cable broadcasting channel are used, a high-definition video service can be provided, thereby providing additional euro service.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a digital cable broadcast service through channel allocation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

While the user uses the Internet service through the PC 100, the user operates the application for viewing the digital cable broadcast to watch the digital cable broadcast. Here, the application may be implemented by the viewer module 300 described above, of course, in addition to the PC 100 may be used a variety of electronic equipment that can be provided with Internet and broadcast services.

First, when the subscriber (or user) operates the viewer module 300 to watch digital cable broadcasting, a channel allocation request message for viewing digital cable broadcasting is generated and transmitted to the cable modem 500 (S501). Here, while the viewer module 300 operates, a channel allocation request message for viewing a digital cable broadcast is generated and transmitted to the cable modem 500. In this case, the subscriber may separately click a predetermined button to transmit a channel assignment request message for viewing digital cable broadcasting. However, in general, when the application is run, the received digital cable broadcast is broadcasted on the screen.

Next, the cable modem 500 requests a channel allocation for receiving a digital cable broadcast signal to CMTS, which is a communication device using DOCSIS (Data Over Service Cable Interface Specification) protocol (S511). Thereafter, the CMTS allocates a broadcast channel for viewing a digital cable broadcast at the request of the cable modem 500.

In addition, the cable modem 500 receives a digital cable broadcast signal from a broadcast station through the allocated broadcast channel and transmits it to the viewer module 300 (S521).

Next, the viewer module 300 receives the corresponding digital cable broadcast signal and outputs it to the screen (S531).

On the other hand, when the subscriber has finished watching the digital cable broadcast, an end message corresponding thereto is generated and transmitted to the cable modem 500 (S541).

Next, the cable modem 500 makes a channel recovery request (transmission of a channel recovery request message) to the CMTS according to the termination message according to the end of viewing, and the CMTS allocates the broadcast channel as a channel for providing the Internet service again (S551). ).

Then, the cable modem 500 operates (channel bonding) all of the existing assigned channels to provide the Internet service (S561). Accordingly, it is possible to use the channels more efficiently according to the dynamic channel allocation to provide fast and various services to the subscribers. For reference, in the case of changing and stopping the viewing channel instead of ending the broadcasting viewing, the allocated broadcasting channel may be used as it is, and thus the cable modem 500 does not need to request for channel recovery to the CMTS.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a multimedia data service through channel allocation according to another embodiment of the present invention.

First, the subscriber selects predetermined content from a list of contents (eg, a video) provided by the viewer module 300 (S601).

Then, a request channel allocation request message for receiving multimedia data for the corresponding content is generated and transmitted to the cable modem 500 (S611).

Next, the cable modem 500 requests a channel allocation for receiving multimedia data to CMTS, which is a communication device using DOCSIS (Data Over Service Cable Interface Specification) protocol (S621). To this end, the cable modem 500 communicates with the CMTS and allocates a predetermined channel as a media channel for receiving multimedia data through the CMTS.

Next, the media server 26 searches for the content selected by the subscriber module 300 and transmits the content to the cable modem 300 (S631). Media server 26 may be implemented on the headend side. The headend converts the broadcast signal of each channel received by the receiving antenna into an intermediate frequency, adjusts the video and audio levels, reconverts it to an ultra-high frequency form, and then mixes and transmits each signal to the relay transmission network. Device.

Then, the cable modem 500 provides the content (multimedia data) received from the media server 26 to the viewer module 300 through the media channel (S641). Here, the cable modem 500 converts the data received from the media server 26 into IP or Ethernet packets and provides them to the viewer module 300.

Thereafter, the viewer module 300 plays the content requested by the subscriber on the screen (S651).

As described above, through the communication between the module installed in the subscriber's computer and the cable modem, a predetermined channel among the channels allocated to the cable modem is dynamically allocated to a channel for providing a digital cable broadcasting service or a multimedia data service. It will be possible to effectively increase the utilization of the cable modem used for the purpose. On the other hand, in addition to the method of dynamic allocation, as described above, a method of static channel allocation may be used in which some of the channels of the cable modem are fixed in advance for digital cable broadcasting service and multimedia data service. In addition, a channel for providing a digital cable broadcasting service and a multimedia data service is allocated independently of a channel for providing an Internet service, so that even if the cable modem is connected to the Internet offline, the digital cable broadcasting is performed through the allocated channel. The service or multimedia data service may be provided to the subscriber.

Each component illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be configured as a kind of 'module'. The 'module' refers to a hardware component such as software or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the module plays a role. However, modules are not meant to be limited to software or hardware. A module may be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute one or more processors. The functionality provided by the components and modules may be combined into a smaller number of components and modules or further separated into additional components and modules.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may implement the present invention in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features thereof. I can understand that. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive.

1 is a structure of a conventional DOCSIS transmission system.

2 is a conceptual diagram of a digital cable broadcasting service through channel assignment using a cable modem according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram of a viewer module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram of an agent module for channel allocation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a digital cable broadcasting service through channel allocation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a multimedia data service through channel allocation according to another embodiment of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols on main parts of the drawings>

100: PC 300: Viewer Module

310: transmit and receive module 320: channel control module

330: output module 400: agent module

410: channel transmission module 420: channel tuning module

500: cable modem

Claims (9)

Allocating a transmission / reception module for performing data communication with a cable modem and a plurality of channels of the cable modem used for providing an Internet service as a broadcasting channel for receiving a digital cable broadcast signal or a media channel for receiving multimedia data. A viewer module including a channel control module configured to generate a channel allocation request message for transmission to the cable modem, and an output module to output data received from the cable modem to a screen; And A channel tuning module for requesting a cable modem termination system (CMTS) to allocate a predetermined channel among a plurality of channels of the cable modem to the broadcast channel or the media channel according to a channel allocation request message of the channel control module; And a cable modem including a channel transmission module for receiving a channel allocation request message of a module and providing the data to a transmission / reception module. The method of claim 1, The channel transmitting module receives a digital cable broadcasting signal of a channel selected by a subscriber through the broadcasting channel at a broadcasting station and transmits the digital cable broadcasting signal to the transmitting / receiving module, and the channel transmitting module transmits multimedia data selected by the subscriber from the media server through the media channel. Receiving and transmitting to the transmitting and receiving module, Data service system through the channel assignment. 3. The method of claim 2, When the subscriber finishes watching the digital cable broadcasting or the multimedia data, the channel tuning module transmits a channel recovery request message according to the termination of the viewing of the digital cable broadcasting or the multimedia data to the CMTS, and the CMTS transmits the broadcasting channel or the broadcasting channel. And recovering the channel allocated to the media channel to be used as a channel for providing an original Internet service. The method of claim 3, wherein The CMTS is a communication device using a DOCSIS (Data Over Service Cable Interface Specification) protocol, data service system through the channel assignment. The digital cable broadcast signal transmitted through at least one channel for providing an Internet service, at least one channel for receiving a digital cable broadcast signal or multimedia data, and a channel for receiving the digital cable broadcast signal or multimedia data; or A cable modem including a channel transmission module for converting multimedia data into IP or Ethernet packets and transmitting the multimedia data; And a viewer module including a transmission / reception module for performing data communication with the cable modem and an output module for outputting data received through the transmission / reception module to a screen. Receiving, by the cable modem, a channel assignment request message for receiving a digital cable broadcast signal from a viewer module installed in a subscriber's personal computer; Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS), which is a communication device that uses a Data Over Service Cable Interface Specification (DOCSIS) protocol to allocate a predetermined channel among a plurality of channels to a broadcast channel according to a channel allocation request message of the viewer module where the cable modem is received. Requesting channel allocation; Receiving, by the cable modem, a digital cable broadcast signal from a broadcast station through a predetermined channel allocated to a broadcast channel among the plurality of channels; And And transmitting, by the cable modem, the digital cable broadcast signal to the viewer module. The method of claim 6, Receiving, by the cable modem, a termination message according to the termination of the viewing from the viewer module when the subscriber finishes watching the digital cable broadcasting; And In response to the termination message received from the viewer module, the cable modem transmits a channel recovery request message according to the termination of viewing to the CMTS to restore the channel allocated to the broadcasting channel and to use the channel for providing the original Internet service. Method of providing a digital cable broadcast service through the channel assignment, characterized in that it comprises a. Receiving, by the cable modem, a channel assignment request message for receiving multimedia data from a viewer module installed in a subscriber's personal computer (PC); Cable Modem Termination (CMTS), which is a communication device that uses a Data Over Service Cable Interface Specification (DOCSIS) protocol to allocate a predetermined channel among a plurality of channels to a media channel according to the channel allocation request message of the viewer module in which the cable modem is received. Requesting channel allocation to the system); Receiving, by the cable modem, multimedia data selected by the subscriber module from the media server through the media channel; And And transmitting, by the cable modem, the multimedia data to the viewer module. The method of claim 8, Receiving, by the cable modem, a termination message according to the termination of the viewing from the viewer module when the subscriber finishes watching the multimedia data; And And transmitting, by the cable modem, the channel recovery request message according to the termination of the viewing to the CMTS according to the termination message to restore the channel allocated to the media channel to be used as a channel for providing an original Internet service. Characterized in that, the multimedia data service providing method through channel assignment.

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