KR20050121474A - Method and apparatus for displaying digital broadcasting information in stand-by mode of digital settop box - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for outputting digital broadcasting information in a standby mode of a digital set-top box is provided. A method of outputting digital broadcast information in a standby mode of a digital set-top box according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: receiving a broadcast signal and an external control signal, and the received signal when the control signal is a signal indicating that the standby mode And extracting the data from the data and transmitting the extracted data to a video output unit.

Description

Method and apparatus for displaying digital broadcasting information in stand-by mode of digital set-top box

Recently, with the development of digital technology, broadcasting is also entering the era of rapid digital broadcasting in order of satellite broadcasting, cable broadcasting and terrestrial broadcasting. Satellite broadcasting can be configured in a relatively simple network and can receive hundreds of digital broadcast channels at home. The influence of satellite broadcasting is accelerating the transition to cable broadcasting.

Cable broadcasting has a problem that it takes time and enormous expenses to build a new network, but it has more advantages than satellite broadcasting in two-way. Terrestrial broadcasting is being converted steadily as much budget is put into digital conversion, but it will be slower than satellite or cable.

With digital broadcasting, consumers' demand for service diversification is growing rapidly. To meet the demands of these consumers, digital broadcast receivers are now emerging as the cutting edge of the high-tech broadcast digital era, and the wave of digitalization is growing in domestic broadcasting. However, in order to produce and transmit broadcasting programs, investment of certain facilities and capital was required at the same time, and this limitation was insufficient to catch up with the demands of various consumers.

As part of meeting this demand, early cable television stations need specialized equipment for watching TV as well as an antenna for watching TV when they launch specialized programs with less investment than conventional over-the-air TV stations. That's the Set-Top Box (STB). The set-top box classified as the first generation made it possible to watch various cable TV channels, but could only serve as a unidirectional one-way receiving relay.

In order to use digital broadcasting, which has been spotlighted for better image quality, sound quality, and hundreds of channel capacities, a receiver called a digital set-top box (STB) is required to receive the broadcasting. Digital set-top boxes, which are classified as the second generation, not only have a function of placing on a TV set, but their own roles become clearer like other home appliances, and various functions and additional services can be operated.

A digital set-top box is a receiver that can receive digital broadcasting (satellite, cable, terrestrial) and receives digital broadcasting (video / audio) signals in the form of compressed MPEG-2 and transmits them to display devices such as TVs. It is a kind. A digital set-top box is a kind of signal conversion device installed in a home for digital broadcast reception.

MPEG-2 is a standard for digital storage media, networks, communications, and broadcasting. It is compatible with video compression and movie contents, and becomes the video compression standard for DVD. It is a video compression standard for digital TV, satellite broadcasting, and digital cable broadcasting.

Most digital broadcast reception is possible by connecting a digital set-top box to an existing TV. Initially simple digital set-top boxes for receiving digital satellite, cable, and terrestrial broadcasts will eventually evolve into home multimedia platforms and serve as high-performance broadcasts, interactive broadcasts, Internet access and personal storage devices. do.

High-performance broadcasts have partial interactive features, such as program guides, games, and weather forecasts. Interactive broadcasts are currently being used to provide new applications such as pay-per-view, pay-per-view, remote shopping, remote games, remote banking, quizzes, and interactive advertising. Convergence of broadcasting and communications is currently underway, and digital set-top boxes will become one of the most common devices for accessing the Internet in the future. Recently, as the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is installed inside the set-top box, people are changing the way they watch TV. The desired program is stored in the HDD inside the set-top box so that people can watch the broadcast they want at any time. In addition, even if the TV program stops watching when something happens while watching a TV program, Time Shifting can be continued from the point where the program is stopped at a desired time thereafter. Within a short time, home electronics will be networked like offices, which are called home networks, and digital set-top boxes can evolve into multimedia home servers that play a central role in this home network era.

The functions provided by the set-top box are not limited to viewing the broadcast. Accordingly, the set-top box includes a function of processing various data signals received through broadcast signals or information for viewing a broadcast. Meanwhile, in addition to the on mode for viewing, the set-top box has a standby mode that performs various functions for the on mode. This is called a stand-by mode. In the standby mode, the set-top box outputs a black image (black video) on the display, so that the display does not seem to operate. However, if only the same signal is sent to the display, the performance of the display device may be degraded.

In the past, a function of a screen saver showing a built-in screen in a digital TV or set-top box has been proposed. However, these embedded screens are difficult to update. Simple screensavers also have the disadvantage of not providing any information to the user. Accordingly, there is a need for a method and apparatus for providing digital broadcast information to a display in a standby mode.

An object of the present invention is to output information received through a digital broadcast signal when the set-top box is in the standby mode.

Another technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to be able to deliver information other than the black screen in the conventional standby mode through the above information output.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

The present invention relates to a set top box, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for outputting digital broadcast information in a standby mode of a digital set top box.

A method of outputting digital broadcast information in a standby mode of a digital set-top box includes receiving a broadcast signal and an external control signal, extracting data from the received broadcast signal when the control signal is a signal indicating that the standby mode is used; And transmitting the extracted data to the video output unit.

Briefly summarized terms used in the present specification are as follows.

Standby mode (Standby mode)

In the case of a set-top box (STB), there are an off-mode, an on-mode, and a standby mode, which is a standby mode. In the off mode, power is not supplied to most devices of the set-top box, and the on mode is a state in which video and sound can be viewed through the set-top box. The standby mode is an intermediate state between the off mode and the on mode, and performs most functions of the set top box, but does not output a broadcast. Thus, the screen appears to be turned off to the user, but in standby mode, it transmits black video and outputs nothing on the screen. The standby mode used in the present specification means a standby mode for viewing.

-Operation signal and control signal

The operation signal refers to a signal for operating the set-top box by a remote control or a timer, and the control signal refers to a signal transmitted and received for controlling devices of the set-top box. When an operation signal is received through the remote control, the controlling device transmits the signal to the corresponding device, wherein the transmitted signal becomes the control signal. According to the set-top box, the operation signal may be converted into a control signal and transmitted, or the operation signal may be transmitted as a control signal without conversion. This may vary depending on the implementation of the set-top box.

1 is a state diagram showing a change of state according to the operation of the set-top box. Set-top boxes are composed of three states (modes). In the off mode 11, most of the devices in the set top box are not supplied with power. In the off mode, the set-top box operates by an internal scheduler, a timer, and an operation signal receiver according to an implementation. When operating the set-top box in this state, the set-top box enters the standby mode (stand-by mode, Stand-by mode) (21). Upon entering standby mode, the set-top box supplies power to each unpowered component and checks the status of each device. In addition, an electronic program guide (EPG) and a job for receiving an audio or video signal are received. Upon completion of the power supply and state check, the controller enters the on mode 31 for viewing AV (Audio / Video). Depending on the configuration of the set-top box, an operation signal from the outside may be further required when switching from the standby mode 21 to the on mode 31. In the on mode 31, the AV can be switched back to the standby mode 21 during the viewing to stop the viewing. In the standby mode 21, the viewer does not provide video or audio information, but performs invisible tasks such as receiving the aforementioned electronic program guide. Therefore, there is no AV signal in the standby mode 21, but the conventional set-top box causes the black screen to be displayed by making the video signal Black Video.

The standby mode 21 is a kind of standby state for the set top box to operate. The signal received by the set-top box includes an electronic program guide (EPG) or other data signals in addition to the audio and video signals. Receiving these signals allows the set-top box to function as a multimedia data receiver, rather than simply a receiver for audio and video signals. Therefore, in the standby mode, except that there is no output of audio and video signals, other components must perform operations such as receiving and processing data.

Many of the information processed in the standby mode includes information required by the user. This information is processed internally, and outputting only black images on the display does not fully utilize the functions of the set-top box. Accordingly, there is a need for a method and apparatus for reprocessing various pieces of information received through a set-top box so that a user can check the information in a standby mode.

2 is a flowchart of a method for showing information received through a broadcast signal in a standby mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Step S202 is a step of entering the standby mode. As shown in the state diagram of FIG. 1, the entry into the standby mode is not shown in FIG. 1 when the user operates the set-top box in the power-off state, or enters the standby mode while operating the set-top box. The operation may be performed by switching to the standby mode by a timer preset by the user. When switching to the standby mode, the set-top box first examines whether there is setting information on what information should be output to the display in the standby mode (S204). It may be stored in a specific memory within the set-top box, or may be set up in a device that extracts and reprocesses data for output. If there is no such setting information, there is no information to output, thus performing normal standby mode. However, if there is set information, the process of outputting data should be performed according to the set information. According to the set information, it is checked what information is to be displayed (S206). Digital broadcasting is not just about transmitting audiovisual multimedia information such as voice and video. The broadcast information is carried in the digital broadcast stream, and the aforementioned EPG and time information are also carried. Traffic data (TMC), weather and securities, travel, exchange rate information, and broadcasting station information are provided through separate data channels. Therefore, a calendar or stock information using data or time data for a broadcast program can be output. The implementation may vary depending on the type of information added to the broadcast signal. If it is confirmed in step S206 which data to output, the process of extracting the data to be output from the broadcast signal is continued (S208). Since the extracted data is raw data for time or program, this data cannot be output as it is. Therefore, it is necessary to process the raw data into a form suitable for output. This processing depends on the nature of the data to be output, and the output format of the raw data can be stored in the setting information. In the case of a broadcast program, the output format of the EPG is possible, and the time information can be implemented in the form of a calendar. In addition, securities information or weather information can also be processed into a form suitable for the nature of each information (S210). The processed data is transmitted to the output unit and can be viewed by the user through the display device (S212).

3 is a block diagram showing the structure of a set-top box according to an embodiment of the present invention. The term '~ part' used in this embodiment, that is, '~ module' means a hardware component such as software, FPGA or ASIC, and the module performs certain functions. However, modules are not meant to be limited to software or hardware. The module may be configured to be in an addressable storage medium and may be configured to play one or more processors. Thus, as an example, a module may include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, and processes, functions, properties, procedures, subroutines. , Segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided within the components and modules may be combined into a smaller number of components and modules or further separated into additional components and modules.

The operation signal receiver 141 is a part for receiving a signal input from a remote control or a button of an external panel to give a command to operate or turn off the set-top box.

The tuner 101 receives a video (video), audio (audio) signal and data input through a satellite, terrestrial or cable, and transmits it to the demodulator 103.

The demodulator 113 samples the input analog signal and converts it into a digital signal. The converted digital signal may be transmitted to the demultiplexer 117 through the descrambler 115 or directly to the demultiplexer 117.

The descrambler 115 performs a process of releasing scramble which is usually performed in pay broadcasting by key information obtained through an IC card (not shown) or the like. Scrambled means converting or mixing signals, and scrambled signals cannot be viewed without a descrambler.

The demultiplexer 117 refers to a kind of filter, which extracts a signal for a channel selected by a user. By this operation, a specific signal that the user wants to watch is extracted from the signals of the various channels coming through the tuner and input to the video / audio decoder 131. The video / audio decoder 131 re-decodes the video or audio signal encoded in the extracted signal. The video / audio decoder 131 performs decoding using the memory 137 because it requires a lot of computation and storage space to decode the video and audio. The memory 137 may be of a type such as random access memory (RAM) capable of reading and writing. This signal is converted into analog signal through digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) (not shown), etc., or it is converted by the image processing unit to match the image processing signal such as NTSC and PAL, It is converted into an analog signal and sent out.

The central processing unit (CPU) 151 performs information exchange, processing, and control of each part.

The data processor 300 receives data information extracted through the demultiplexer 117 and outputs the data information in the standby mode. When the control signal indicating that the standby mode is received from the CPU 151, the process illustrated in FIG. When the data to be output in the standby mode is generated through this process, it is transmitted to the output signal combiner 133, and the output signal combiner 133 converts the received output data into a broadcast output signal and outputs the AV output unit 135. ) The AV output unit 135 is connected to an AV input unit (not shown) of the external display unit to transmit a video / audio signal.

4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the data processor 300 of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The data processor largely includes a data signal receiver 310, a setting information storage processor 320, a data extractor 330, a data processor 340, a control signal receiver 350, an output data transmitter 360, and a controller 390. ).

The control signal receiving unit 350 receives a control signal informing the data processing unit 300 of the standby mode from the outside. The control signal receiver 305 notifies the start or the end of the standby mode so that the data processor 300 processes the data and outputs the data or stops the output. The control signal receiver 350 receives a control signal for setting information of the data processor in addition to the signal related to the standby mode.

The data signal receiver 310 receives a data signal that is not an image or an audio signal existing in the broadcast signal. The information provided by this signal varies as described above with the EPG, time, weather, and the like.

The setting information storage processor 320 is a part for storing information about the data to be output from the data processor 300, an output method, and other setting information about the output. The output method refers to the format and format to be output to the display. The other setting information may include information on whether the data processing unit 300 processes data when entering the standby mode, whether to output data after a certain time, or setting a time when the data processing unit 300 does not operate even in the standby mode. Do. In addition, depending on the nature of the data to be output, if the program information is displayed, it may include information on whether to output based on the broadcast station or based on time. When outputting a calendar, it is possible to designate an anniversary, an appointment, or the like, and output the anniversary and appointment date on a calendar screen output in the standby mode. In addition, in the case of securities information is set such as to output only the item of interest.

The data extractor 330 extracts data set by the configuration information storage processor 320. Since the signal received through the data signal receiver 310 may receive a plurality of pieces of information encoded in one signal, it is necessary to extract necessary information from them.

The data processor 340 processes the data extracted by the data extractor 330 according to the output format set by the configuration information storage processor 320.

The output data transmitter 360 transmits the output data generated through the data processor 340. The output data is transmitted to the output signal combiner 133 of FIG. 3, converted into an output signal, and output to the display through the AV output unit.

The control unit 390 exchanges information between the components. For example, a signal may be provided to each device so as to read information in the setting information storage processing unit or receive a control signal informing the standby mode from the outside to perform a task for processing data. In addition, the user performs the task of modifying or newly setting the configuration information from the outside.

5 is an exemplary view showing an operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5A illustrates an example of electronic program guide data added to a broadcast signal.

In (a), the broadcast information of a specific broadcast station is shown. In addition, the broadcast time of a specific time zone or a start time of a broadcast program set by a user may be displayed.

5B illustrates an example of extracting time information from a received broadcast signal and showing a calendar of today's date. Since the broadcast signal includes time information, this data can be shown in the form of a calendar according to a preset form. In addition to the above-described form, if there is information on a specific date, for example, a birthday or an appointment, such information may be stored, and a specific display may be displayed on the date while outputting it in the form of a calendar. (b) shows that the current date is 15 days and there is a schedule on the 24th.

In addition to the example of FIG. 5, the information that can be output through the display in the standby mode through the set top box is various. Therefore, the information that can be output in the standby mode may include all information desired by the user, such as weather information, securities, and exchange rate, in addition to the EPG and calendar illustrated in FIG. 5. Embodiments of the present invention include an exemplary case of outputting the processed data extracted from the broadcast signal received by the set-top box in the standby mode.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. In the present specification, as the standby mode, the power supply to the device for amplifying and outputting an image or audio signal, such as a video amplifier, is cut off. The examples presented above are exemplary and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims, which will be described later rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts are included in the scope of the invention. Should be interpreted as

By implementing the present invention, it is possible to output digital broadcast information on a display screen in a standby mode.

In addition, it is possible to provide visual beauty by outputting broadcast information on a display screen that was receiving a black image.

1 is a state diagram showing a change of state according to the operation of the set-top box.

2 is a flowchart of a method for showing information received through a broadcast signal in a standby mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram showing the structure of a set-top box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the data processor 300 of FIG. 3.

5 is an exemplary view showing an operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

151: central processing unit (CPU) 300: data processing unit

900: operation signal receiver 1000: set-top box

Claims (9)

Receiving a broadcast signal and an external control signal; Extracting data from the received broadcast signal when the control signal is a signal indicative of a standby mode; And A method of outputting digital broadcast information in a standby mode of a digital set-top box comprising transmitting the extracted data to a video output unit. The method of claim 1, Prior to the step of extracting the data, Reviewing information of a setting information storage processing unit which sets information on the data to be extracted; The extracted data is a method of outputting digital broadcast information in the standby mode of the digital set-top box which is the data processed according to the format defined by the setting information storage processing unit The method of claim 2, The extracted data is information on the current time, The format defined by the setting information storage processor outputs digital broadcasting information in a standby mode of a digital set-top box, which is a calendar format. The method of claim 2, The extracted data is a method of outputting digital broadcast information in the standby mode of the digital set-top box which is an electronic program guide A broadcast signal receiver for receiving a broadcast signal; An operation signal receiver for receiving an operation signal for operating the set top box from the outside; A data processor for extracting data from a broadcast signal and generating output data when the manipulation signal is a signal for informing a transition to a standby mode; And Set-top box including an output signal combining unit for converting the output data generated by the data processing unit to an image signal and transmitting to the display unit The method of claim 5, The data processing unit A control signal receiver for receiving a control signal; A data extracting unit extracting data from the received broadcast signal when the received control signal is a signal indicating that the standby mode is selected; A data processing unit for processing the extracted data; And Set-top box including an output data transmitter for transmitting the processed data The method of claim 6, The data processing unit, The data extracting unit further includes a setting information storage processor configured to set information necessary for extracting data. The data processing unit is a set-top box for processing the extracted data according to the format defined by the setting information storage processing unit The method of claim 6, The extracted data is information on the current time, The format defined by the configuration information storage processor is a calendar set-top box The method of claim 6, The extracted data is an electronic program guide set-top box