KR20000047269A - Subscriber software version confirmation system and automatic software upgrade system thereby in multimedia satellite communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A subscriber software version confirmation system and an automatic software upgrade system thereby in the multimedia satellite communication system are provided to upgrade automatically in case that the latest software version provided to a subscriber and a software version the subscriber holds are not in accordance. CONSTITUTION: A set top box(4) is comprised of an RF unit(41), an MPEG-2 TS receiving unit(42), a CDMA transmitting unit(43), a processor(44), a network interface card(45), and a service information unit(46). The RF unit(41) carries out frequency down conversion and low noise amplification for a high frequency signal sent from a central station. The MPEG-2 TS receiving unit(42) demodulates an MPEG-2 TS packet received from the central station. The CDMA transmitting unit(43) executes CDMA conversion and modulation for data to be transmitted to the central station. The processor(44) controls so that a data received through the MPEG-2 TS receiving unit(42) can be transmitted to a personal computer(5). The network interface card(45) executes interfacing between the set top box(4) and the personal computer(5). The service information storage unit(46) stores service information, such as software version information. The personal computer(5) is composed of a subscriber program(51), a PNM(PC Network Monitor) program(52) and a version information storage unit(53).

Description

Subscriber software version checking system in multimedia satellite communication system and software automatic upgrade system using the same

The present invention relates to a multimedia satellite communication system. Particularly, the present invention compares the latest software version provided to a subscriber with a software version owned by the subscriber, and when the two versions are inconsistent, the subscriber can be automatically upgraded. The present invention relates to a software version checking system and an automatic software upgrade system using the same.

Recently, with increasing interest in the Internet, attempts have been made to provide Internet services or other multimedia services using satellites. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a system configuration of a multimedia satellite communication system developed and filed by the present applicant.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a central station connected to the Internet, which provides various multimedia services to a plurality of terminal stations, and performs overall network operation management and control functions, and 3 denotes a central station antenna. Although the central station 1 is not specifically illustrated in the drawings, a plurality of servers besides the Internet, for example, a multicast server, a DNS (Domain Name System) server, an E-mail server, a proxy server, It is combined with a MSP (Muitimedia Service Provider) to provide various multimedia services to subscribers.

In the drawing, reference numeral 3 is a terminal station antenna, 4 (4 _{1 to} 4n) is a set-top box as a terminal station providing multimedia service to a general subscriber, and 5 is a set-top box 4 as a user. The personal computer 6 as a terminal for executing multimedia communication through the 6) is a satellite.

In the above system, in the case of the forward link transmitted from the central station 1 to the set-top box 4, a large amount of multimedia data is transmitted at high speed to the MPEG-2 TS packet through the TDMA method, and the set-top box ( In the case of a return link from 4) to the central station 1, a CDMA system can be used to accommodate a large number of subscribers.

On the other hand, in the system, the user receives the multimedia service through the personal computer (5). That is, the user can receive the multimedia service by transmitting and receiving data to and from the central station 1 through the set-top box 4 after executing the subscriber software stored in the personal computer 5.

However, in the above-described system, when the type of service provided to the subscriber in the central station 1 is changed or added, and the service thus changed cannot be provided through the existing software, the change is made. It is necessary to upgrade the software provided in the subscriber's computer 5 in response to the service.

In view of the above circumstances, in the above system, the subscriber can upgrade the software through a broadcast method. That is, after the service operator announces a specific date and time, all service subscribers can upgrade the software at the same time by transmitting upgrade software to all set-top boxes 4 at the corresponding time.

In addition, by supplementing the broadcast method described above, the user can download the upgraded software by the unicast method so that the subscriber can use the multimedia service stably.

However, in the above system, if the service user does not know about the upgrade of the subscriber software and does not download the software, the user wants to do so because of the inconsistency between the service provided by the central station 1 and the subscriber's software. The problem of not using the service may occur.

Of course, in normal cases, service upgrades are usually provided to subscribers, so normal service users will know the software upgrade information, but if the subscriber did not read the announcement or read the announcements, Even if you do not know how to upgrade the software will not be able to upgrade the software.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a subscriber software version checking system in a multimedia satellite communication system that enables a personal computer to determine an upgrade state of software by itself.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic software upgrade system through the subscriber software version check in the multimedia satellite communication system to perform the upgrade automatically through the unicast method when the upgrade to the subscriber software is not made. .

1 is a system configuration diagram of a general multimedia satellite communication system.

2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the central station 1 according to the present invention.

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the set-top box 4 and the personal computer 5 according to the present invention.

4 shows the protocol structure between the set-top box 4 and the personal computer 5;

FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart for explaining the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3; FIG.

6 and 7 show examples of output screens provided through the personal computer 5;

**** Brief description of the main parts of the drawing ****

4: set-top box, 5: personal computer,

18: MPEG-2 TS transmitter, 22: network management system,

23: database, 24: resource and subscriber management system,

41: RF device, 42: MPEG-2 TS receiver,

43: CDMA transmitter, 44: processor,

45: network interface card, 46: service information storage unit,

51: subscriber program, 52: PNM program,

53: version information storage unit, 511: software downloading module.

In the multimedia satellite communication system according to the first aspect of the present invention for realizing the above object, the subscriber software version checking system provides a subscriber with software for using the multimedia satellite communication service to the subscriber through a multicast method or a unicast method. A multimedia satellite communication system, comprising: a database for storing version information of the software, a network management system for updating version information stored by the operator in the database, and periodically reading version information from the database. A central station having a resource and subscriber management system for transmitting it to the set-top box; A set-top box that receives and stores the software version information, and transmits the stored version information to the personal computer in response to a request message from the personal computer; Version information storage means for storing the software version information currently installed in the personal computer, and version information and version information storage means received from the set-top box by requesting version information for the set-top box when the program is initially executed. And a personal computer having a subscriber program for controlling execution of a service program based on the comparison result.

In addition, in the multimedia satellite communication system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the automatic software upgrade system through the subscriber software version check provides the subscriber with a broadcast or unicast method of the software for using the multimedia satellite communication service. A multimedia satellite communication system adapted to provide; A database for storing version information of the software, a network management system for updating version information stored in the database by an operator, and periodically reading version information from the database and transmitting it to the set-top box. A central station having a resource and subscriber management system; A set-top box that receives and stores the software version information, and transmits the stored version information to the personal computer in response to a request message from the personal computer; A version information storage means for storing the software version information currently installed in a personal computer, a software downloading module for executing software download control in a unicast manner, and a version for the set top box at the time of initial execution of the program. A personal computer having a subscriber program for requesting the information and comparing the version information received from the set-top box with the version information stored in the version information storage means and if the version information does not match. Characterized in that configured to include.

In addition, when the software download is completed by the software downloading module, the subscriber program may install and execute control of the corresponding program.

According to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the resource and subscriber management system 24 of the central station transmits currently available software version information to each set top box, and the transmitted software version information is stored in the set top box. The program is then provided to the personal computer upon initial execution of the personal computer's subscriber program. The subscriber program of the personal computer compares the version information of the software held by the personal computer with the version information received from the set-top box and executes the program only when the version information matches. In addition, when the version information does not match, the program is executed after the software download module is driven to download the latest version of the software.

Therefore, in the present invention, since the service provided by the central station and the software owned by the subscriber always match normally, it is possible to prevent service failure due to inconsistency in the service state.

In addition, in the present invention, when the service provided by the central station and the software owned by the subscriber is inconsistent, the software downloading function is automatically executed, so that even if the user does not know the upgrade status of the software, it can effectively cope with it. Will be.

Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the central station 1 in the multimedia satellite communication system according to the present invention.

In the drawing, reference numeral 10 denotes an IP switch for switching an IP packet (Internet Protocol Packet). The IP switch 10 includes a multicast server (MCS) 11, an e-mail server 12, and a web as described above. The server 14, proxy server 15, MSP 16, and router 17 are combined. In particular, the web server 14 includes subscriber software for executing multimedia satellite communication, and has a function of transmitting the software to the user in a unicast manner when the user requests it.

In the drawing, reference numeral 18 denotes an MPEG-2 TS transmitter that generates an MPEG-2 TS packet based on the transmission data input from the IP switch 10, which corresponds to the header of the transmitted Ethernet packet. PID (Packet Identifier) is assigned.

In addition, reference numeral 19 denotes, for example, QPSK modulation and frequency up-conversion of the transmission data output from the MPEG-2 TS transmitter 18 and output to the antenna 2, and the high frequency signal received from the antenna 2 is frequency. 20 is an RF device which down-converts, demodulates and outputs, and 20 denotes CDMA demodulation of received data from the set-top box 4 outputted from the RF device 19, and then generates original packet data. 10) is a CDMA receiver.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a central station processor which controls the entire apparatus of the central station 1, and also allocates a PID to the set top box 4, a transmission channel frequency and a CDMA code for transmission. Network management system for the system operator to operate and manage the entire satellite network, 25 stores the PID, frequency data and CDMA code data that can be assigned to the set-top box (4), billing information for the subscriber, etc. In addition, in particular, it is a database for storing version information of programs currently provided to subscribers.

In the drawing, reference numeral 24 denotes a resource and subscriber management system (hereinafter referred to as RMS) for managing satellite resources, subscribers, and the like, which is a version of software (program) that is currently provided to subscribers. The service information including the information is read from the database 23 and provided to the subscriber at regular intervals. The above service information is provided as a PSI / SI (Program Specification Information / Service Information) table. The PSI / SI table information from the RMS 24 is transmitted to the MPEG-2 TS transmitter 18 through the IP switch 10. When input to, the MPEG-2 TS transmitter 18 transmits the PSI / SI table information to the set top box 4 through a predetermined PID. The PID used at this time is assigned to all set top boxes 4 that can be received except for special cases.

That is, in the central station 1, for example, when new software is supplied to all the subscribers through a broadcast method, the system operator firstly has version information stored in the database 23 through the network management system 22, or the like. To update the service information. As described above, the RMS 24 periodically reads the service information by accessing the database 23 through the IP switch 10, and then forms a PSI / SI table based on the plurality of set-top boxes. (4).

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the set-top box 4 and the personal computer 5 according to the present invention.

In FIG. 3, the set-top box 4 converts the high frequency signal transmitted from the central station 1 into frequency downconverting and low noise amplification, and converts the transmission signal output from the CDMA transmitter 43 to be described later. CDMA conversion and modulation processing for RF device 41, MPEG-2 TS receiver 42 for demodulating and receiving MPEG-2 TS packet data received from central station 1, and data to be transmitted to central station 1 The transmission unit 43 controls the reception data received through the MPEG-2 TS reception unit 42 to the personal computer 5 and transmits data to be transmitted from the personal computer 5 to the central station 1 by the CDMA transmission unit ( 43) service information such as a processor 44 for controlling output, a network interface card (NIC) for executing an interface between the set-top box 4 and the personal computer 5, and software version information. Service Further included is a storage unit (46).

When the processor 44 receives the PSI / SI table information from the RMS 24 of the central station 1 through the MPEG-2 TS receiver 42, information necessary for the processor 44 is stored in the service information. While storing in the section 46, a predetermined control message is generated based on the received PSI / SI table information and transmitted to the personal computer 5. In particular, the software version information transmitted from the central station 1 is stored in the service information storage unit 46 and transmitted to the personal computer 5 at the initial information request from the personal computer 5.

Table 1 below shows the structure of the response message that the processor 44 transmits to the personal computer 6 according to the initial information request of the personal computer 5.

Structure of Initial Information Response Message Byte / bit 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 One 1 to 2 Message ID 3 Reception result 4 Failure reason code 5 Total packet count 6 Current packet number 7 Total number of service descriptors 8 to 9 Total message length 10 to 11 Service channel ID 12 to The length of the service descriptor x Service descriptor x + 1 The length of the GUI information descriptor y GUI information descriptor

As shown in Table 1, the initial information response message that the processor 44 sends to the personal computer 5 includes a message ID indicating the message type and whether the initial information request message from the personal computer 5 has been normally received. Result indicating whether or not, if the reception fails, a failure reason code indicating the cause of failure, a service descriptor including information on the currently available service name and service type and service provider, and receiving the current multimedia service. The GUI information descriptor including the software version information and software name required for the purpose is provided.

In addition, the personal computer 5 is driven under the control of the subscriber program 51 for providing the multimedia service to the user, and the user selects the multimedia service based on the output screen on the monitor screen. And a PNM (PC Network Monitor) program for providing a GUI (Graphic User Interface) screen for use, and a version information storage unit 53 for storing software version information received from the set-top box 4. ) Will be provided.

In addition, the subscriber program 51 is provided with a software downloading module 511, which is executed by the central station 1 when the program is executed by the subscriber program 51 or the user. A unicast method is used to download subscriber software. That is, when the program module is executed by the subscriber program 51 or the user, the software downloading module 511 preferentially requests a call setup from the central station 1 through the set top box 4, If the setting is made, the web server 14 is accessed through the central station 1 to request software download. When the software data is received from the web server 14, the software download is executed by overwriting the existing software data.

4 is a diagram illustrating a protocol structure for transmitting and receiving the initial information request message and the initial information response message between the set-top box 4 and the personal computer 5. In FIG. 4, the set-top box 4 has a protocol structure for reconfiguring IP datagrams by the IP protocol into Ethernet frames and also configuring data of the Ethernet frames into IP packets. In addition, the personal computer 6 reconfigures the Ethernet packet received from the set-top box 4 into an IP packet through the IP protocol, converts the IP datagram into a UDP segment through the UDP protocol, and then converts the subscriber program into a subscriber program. In the meantime, the data of the subscriber program is converted into a UDP segment, and then converted into an Ethernet frame through the IP layer and the Ethernet layer, and then transmitted to the set-top box 4. In addition, at this time, the set-top box 4 and the personal computer 5 allocates and uses a private IP address. That is, the set-top box 4 and the personal computer 5 transmit and receive control data through a point-to-point Ethernet communication technology using a UDP / IP protocol and a private IP address. .

Next, the operation of the system will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 5.

When the user executes the subscriber program 51, for example, by clicking on an icon displayed on the monitor screen of the personal computer 5, or the like, the subscriber program 51 firstly performs initial information on the set-top box 4. In addition to transmitting a request message for requesting a request message, a wait timer (not shown) is driven to determine whether a response message to the request message is received within a predetermined time (steps ST1 to ST3).

Subsequently, when the set top box 4 is in the off state or no response message is received from the set top box 4 during the counting time by the standby timer due to an abnormality on the network (steps ST3 and ST4), this is an error state. After counting the error count up, the process proceeds to the above-described step ST1 and transmits an initial information request message to the set-top box 4 again (steps ST4 and ST5).

Further, if the number of errors exceeds 3 (step ST6) due to repetitive retransmission of the request message, the subscriber program 51 is shown in FIG. 6 on a monitor (not shown) via the PNM program 52. FIG. The process is terminated after outputting the error message as described above (step ST7).

In the set-top box 4, when the initial information request message is received from the personal computer 5 through the above-described step ST1, the processor 44 reads the service information from the service information storage unit 46 in FIG. 3. After generating the response message as shown in Table 1 above, it is transmitted to the personal computer (5).

When the response message is received in step ST3 by the transmission of the initial information response message from the set-top box 4, the subscriber program 51 first releases the standby timer (step ST8) and successfully receives the data. (Step ST9). In this case, if the received data is not normally received, the process proceeds to step ST7, outputs an error message, and ends the processing. If the data is received successfully, the version information and version information included in the received initial response message The version information stored in the storage unit 53 is compared to determine whether the two pieces of information match (step ST10).

Subsequently, if it is determined in step ST10 that the versions match, then the subsequent program processing is normally performed (step ST11). That is, the subscriber program 51 determines whether there is a subsequent response message based on the initial information response message received at step ST3, receives and stores subsequent response messages, and the reception of the initial information response message ends. When the PNM program 52 is driven based on this, an initial GUI screen for the user to execute a multimedia service is generated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST10 that the versions do not match, the subscriber program 51 first generates an inquiry message for inquiring software download on the monitor via the PNM program 52. (ST13 step). When the user selects "NO", the process is terminated, while when the user selects "YES", the software download module 511 is driven to execute software download (step ST14).

In addition, although not specifically shown in the drawings, the software downloading module 511 connects to the web server 14 through the central station 1 as described above, and downloads the latest version of the software. When the download is completed, the subscriber program 51 installs the downloaded software and then drives the PNM program 52 to generate an initial GUI screen.

In other words, in the above embodiment, the RMS 24 of the central station 1 transmits the currently available software version information to each set top box 4, and the transmitted software version information is transmitted from the set top box 4 in the embodiment. The data is stored and provided to the personal computer 5 at the initial execution of the subscriber program 51 of the personal computer 5. The subscriber program of the personal computer 5 compares the version information of the software held by the personal computer 5 with the version information received from the set-top box 4, and executes the program only when the version information matches. In addition, if the version information does not match, the software downloading module 511 is driven to download the latest version of the software, and then the program is executed.

Therefore, in the above embodiment, since the service provided by the central station 1 and the software owned by the subscriber always match normally, it is possible to prevent service failure due to inconsistency in service status.

In addition, in the above embodiment, when the service provided by the central station 1 and the software owned by the subscriber are inconsistent, the software downloading function is automatically executed, so that the user does not know the upgrade status of the program. Effectively coping

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical scope of the present invention.

As described above, according to the present invention, the personal computer determines the upgrade status of the program itself, and if the upgrade of the program of the computer is not performed, the multimedia satellite communication is automatically executed through the unicast method. It is possible to realize the subscriber software version checking system and the automatic software upgrade system using the same.

Claims (3)

In a multimedia satellite communication system in which a subscriber provides software for using a multimedia satellite communication service to a subscriber through a broadcast method or a unicast method, A database for storing version information of the software, a network management system for updating version information stored in the database by an operator, and periodically reading version information from the database and transmitting it to the set-top box. A central station having a resource and subscriber management system; A set-top box that receives and stores the software version information, and transmits the stored version information to the personal computer in response to a request message from the personal computer; Version information storage means for storing the software version information currently installed in the personal computer, and version information and version information storage means received from the set-top box by requesting version information for the set-top box when the program is initially executed. And a personal computer having a subscriber program for controlling execution of a program when both version information is matched by comparing the version information stored in the subscriber information. In a multimedia satellite communication system in which a subscriber provides software for using a multimedia satellite communication service to a subscriber through a broadcast method or a unicast method, A database for storing version information of the software, a network management system for updating version information stored in the database by an operator, and periodically reading version information from the database and transmitting it to the set-top box. A central station having a resource and subscriber management system; A set-top box that receives and stores the software version information, and transmits the stored version information to the personal computer in response to a request message from the personal computer; A version information storage means for storing the software version information currently installed in a personal computer, a software downloading module for executing software download control in a unicast manner, and a version for the set top box at the time of initial execution of the program. A personal computer having a subscriber program for requesting the information and comparing the version information received from the set-top box with the version information stored in the version information storage means and if the version information does not match. Software automatic upgrade system through the subscriber software version check in the multimedia satellite communication system, characterized in that configured to include. The method of claim 2, wherein the subscriber program installs and executes a control program when the software download is completed by the software downloading module, and automatically upgrades the software through the subscriber software version check in the multimedia satellite communication system. system.