KR20060005831A - Settop box which is able to do user authentification and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a set-top box and a user authentication method capable of user authentication.

In the user authentication method of the set-top box according to an embodiment of the present invention, the user requesting user authentication when selecting a menu related to a personal use environment, loading the personal data of the authenticated user after the user authentication, the loading And setting the usage environment of the user according to the personal data.

In addition, the present invention provides a set-top box capable of user authentication according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Set Top Box, User Authentication

Description

Set-top box which is able to do user authentification and method

1 is a flowchart of changing a viewable list of a conventional digital broadcast set-top box.

2 is a block diagram of a set-top box capable of user authentication according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a detailed block diagram of the user authentication module 170 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a user authentication method of a set-top box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a detailed flowchart of step S230 of receiving an authentication means of a user according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is an OSD screen including a user authentication menu according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 to 9 are user authentication OSD screens according to an embodiment of the present invention.

10 to 11 are administrator mode OSD screens according to an embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a new user mode OSD screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.                 

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

100: set-top box 130: transmission module

135: receiving module 140: demultiplexer

150: decoding module 160: composite control module

170: user authentication module 172: first storage module

174: second storage module 176: user authentication control module

180: key input module 185: key command receiving module

190: display device

The present invention relates to a set-top box and a user authentication method capable of user authentication.

In general, unlike analog broadcasting, in digital broadcasting, various kinds of information such as a television program, a video on demand (VOD), and the like that are broadcasted by the viewer can be obtained together. This is not only data related to video and audio constituting a broadcast program in the broadcasting station (hereinafter referred to as 'video / audio data'), but also data related to various information related to the broadcast program and VOD (hereinafter referred to as 'information data'). ) Together. Viewers can watch digital broadcasts such as digital TV set-top boxes and televisions having a function of receiving and playing digital broadcast signals, or televisions with built-in set-top boxes.

Recently, a thorough security is required in a device that transmits or stores a lot of information such as a computer. In the future, the digital broadcasting set-top box will have additional functions such as the Internet, and its ability to improve information security will be essential. In particular, in the case of digital broadcasting, harmful channels are rapidly increasing, and the necessity of accurate user recognition is required even in cases of access to such harmful channels and restriction of viewing of programs by adolescents.

In addition, the set-top box for digital broadcasting requires a different channel or digital broadcasting environment, for example, standard volume state, image state, sound effects, etc., due to different ages and preferences.

1 is a flowchart of changing a viewable list of a conventional digital broadcast set-top box.

Referring to FIG. 1, when the digital television is turned on, a basic setting mode is executed (S10). Normally, the default mode will show the broadcast before the digital television is turned off. If the user wants to change the list of viewable broadcast programs (hereinafter, 'viewable list'), the viewable list change OSD screen is brought up using a key matrix located on the remote control key or the set-top box (S20), and an authentication means is input. (S30). The authentication means mainly enters an ID and a password. Thereafter, when the viewable list is changed (S40), the digital broadcasting can be viewed according to the changed list (S50). After watching the broadcast program according to the changed viewable list, in order to return to the original viewable list, it is necessary to bring up the viewable list change OSD screen (S60). In addition, the authentication means can be re-entered (S70), and the viewable list can be returned to its original state (S80).

Therefore, in the case of a conventional digital broadcasting set-top box, individuals with different preferences use the same start channel, favorite, and viewable list. In addition, there is an inconvenience, such as cumbersome to change once the age restriction level is set.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a set-top box and a user authentication method capable of user authentication.

The technical problem of the present invention is not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to achieve the above object, the user authentication method of the set-top box according to an embodiment of the present invention, the user requesting a user authentication when selecting a menu associated with a personal use environment, the personal data of the authenticated user after the user authentication The step of loading, setting the use environment of the user according to the loaded personal data.

Meanwhile, in order to achieve the above object, a set-top box capable of authenticating a user according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a receiving module for receiving a digital broadcast signal and a demultiplexer for extracting a broadcast signal of a channel selected by a user from the received broadcast signal. A decoding module for decoding the extracted broadcast signal in a predetermined manner; requesting user authentication when selecting a menu related to a personal use environment; loading personal data of the authenticated user after the user authentication; A user authentication module for setting a use environment of a corresponding user according to data, and a complex control module for selectively providing a decoded broadcast signal to a display device according to the use environment of the user.

Other specific details of the invention are included in the detailed description and drawings.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various forms. 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.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 is a block diagram of a set-top box capable of user authentication according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the transmission server 120 of the broadcasting station receives the video / audio data 110 and the information data 115 and transmits them to the transmission module 130. The transmission module 130 generates a digital broadcast signal in the form of a bit stream in a packet unit through digital modulation of a predetermined method, and transmits the digital broadcast signal to the set-top box 100 for digital broadcasting, and the reception module 135 of the set-top box 100. Through the digital broadcast signal in the form of a bit stream on a packet basis is received. The receiving module 135 also functions as tuning and demodulation. At this time, the demultiplexer 140 extracts a broadcast signal of a channel selected by the viewer from the received broadcast signal, and the video / audio data 110 of the extracted broadcast signal is an example of a standard method of digital TV for compressing video and audio. For example, the video / audio decoding module is decoded in a moving picture export group phase 2 (MPEG2) scheme, and the information data 115 is decoded in the information decoding module for decoding the information data. The compression method can be modified within the recognition range of those skilled in the art, such as MPEG4 and H.264. The two decoding modules may be separately configured as described above or may be configured as one as illustrated in FIG. 2. The composite control module 160 synthesizes the decoded video / audio data and the information data to perform graphic processing and display them on a display device 190 such as a monitor, an LCD, or a PDP of a television.

On the other hand, there is a key input module 180 of the remote control and key metrics for adjusting the state of the set-top box, the key command receiving module 185 receives a key input to the user authentication module 170 or a complex control To module 160. The user authentication module 170 requests user authentication when a user wants to use personally, receives user's authentication means according to the user authentication request, loads personal data of the user, and loads the personal data of the corresponding user. According to the user's preferences. In addition, the user authentication related data is provided to the complex control module 170. The operation related to user authentication is mainly performed through the user's direct key input or through the OSD screen. Accordingly, the user authentication module 170 may optionally provide OSD data for generating an OSD screen to the composite control module 160.

The complex control module 160 overlays OSD data related to user authentication, decoded video / audio data, information data, etc. on one screen and provides the same to the display device 190. The complex control module 160 extracts partial image data of the portion where the OSD data is to be located from the entire image data, and overlays the extracted partial image data on the original image data again. Again, the OSD data is overlaid on the overlaid raw image data, and as a result, the final image data overlaid on the OSD data is provided to the display apparatus 190.

However, the term "module" used in the present embodiment refers to software or a hardware component such as an FPGA or an ASIC, and the module performs certain roles. 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.

3 is a detailed block diagram of the user authentication module 170 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the user authentication module includes a first storage module 172, a second storage module 174, and a user authentication control module 176. The first storage module 172 mainly consists of a ROM, and a storage area is allocated to each user. Each user's storage area stores a user's authentication means, a set start channel, a set favorite, a viewable list, a VOD purchase list, and a message that arrives at the user. Of course, the first storage module 172 may not be allocated a storage area for each user, and may be modified within a range that can be recognized by those skilled in the art.

The second storage module 174 is mainly composed of RAM, and when the user authentication control module 176 receives a signal that a user attempts to authenticate, the first storage module 174 loads authentication means of registered users in the first storage module 172. It plays a role. In addition, when a signal indicating that user authentication has been confirmed is provided, the first storage module 174 may load and store data of an authenticated user.

The user authentication control module 176 requests authentication of a user by using an OSD screen, and when a user inputs an authentication means through the key command receiving module 185, a pre-registered user loaded in the second storage module 174. Check who the user is compared to their authentication method. If it is determined that the user is not a registered user, an OSD screen for requesting new user registration may be provided to the complex control module 160. In addition, when the user is confirmed, the personal use environment may be set using the personal data of the authenticated user, or the data arrived at the authenticated user may be provided to the complex control module 160. (Hereinafter, all data related to user authentication provided to the composite control module 160 is referred to as 'user authentication data.')

When the administrator inputs the authentication means and confirms that the administrator is an administrator, a usage environment is set according to the individual data of the administrator. However, the administrator can load or view other users' personal data or modify it. In addition, the locking device may be locked so that the other user's personal data modified by the administrator cannot be modified by the other user. Through this, it is possible to limit and manage the viewable list so that the youth user cannot access the harmful channel.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a user authentication method of a set-top box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the digital television is turned on, the basic setting mode is executed (S210). Normally, the default mode will show the broadcast before the digital television is turned off. When a menu key is input through the key input module 180 for personal use, user authentication is required (S220). The user enters an authentication means (S230), and confirms who the user is. The authentication means is mainly an ID and a password, and it is also possible to determine who the user is using only the four-digit unique number. When it is determined who the user is, the personal data of the user is loaded from the first storage module 172 and stored in the second storage module 174 (S240), and the user's usage environment is set according to each individual data. It is made (S250).

For example, let's describe the process of setting a user's "Favorites." If the user wants to bookmark the channel of the digital television being watched, the user can call up the OSD screen and present a 4-digit unique number to authenticate the user and set a personal favorite.

On the other hand, the user may select the favorite menu first without selecting the user authentication menu. The set-top box does not record the user's choices directly in favorites, but first asks whether it should be the default or for personal use. If the user selects the default, the channel is stored in the favorites viewable by all users who can use the set-top box. On the other hand, if the user selects personal use, user authentication is required. When the user authentication is completed by presenting a 4-digit unique number, the user is directly saved in the user's favorite even if the user does not bring up the favorite menu again. This process is not limited to favorites, but can be applied to all menus related to the user's usage environment.

5 is a detailed flowchart of step S230 of receiving an authentication means of a user according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, if user authentication is requested through an OSD screen (S220), first, an authentication means of the user is provided (S231). Thereafter, the authentication means of the registered users are loaded from the first storage module 172 and stored in the second storage module 174 (S232). It is determined whether the provided authentication means and the authentication means of the registered users match. If there is an authentication means of a pre-registered user matching the provided authentication means, the process proceeds directly to step S240 of loading personal data of the user. On the other hand, if there is no matching means for authenticating the registered user, the OSD screen requesting new user registration is displayed (S236). The authentication means of the new user is registered, and the storage area of the new user is allocated to the first storage module 172 (S238). In the case of a new user, since there is no data stored in the first storage module 172, the step S240 of loading personal data of the user may be omitted.

Through this user authentication, each user who uses the set-top box can set a different usage environment. As a result, individuals can use a start channel, a favorite configuration, and a viewable list according to their tastes. In addition, once the age limit rating on the viewable list is set once, there is no inconvenience to change the rating every time. In addition, it can be used as a communication method, such as leaving a message or a letter to other registered users through the set-top box.

The advantages of such user authentication can be further emphasized through the drawings to be described below. Hereinafter, an OSD screen including a user authentication menu (FIG. 6), a user authentication OSD screen (FIGS. 7 to 9), an administrator mode OSD screen (FIGS. 10 to 11), and a new user registration OSD screen (FIG. 12) will be described in detail. do.

6 is an OSD screen including a user authentication menu according to an embodiment of the present invention.                     

Referring to FIG. 6, as a OSD screen on which a user displays a menu screen through a key input module 180, a menu 310 for selecting a TV view, a TV schedule, a VOD, and the like, and user authentication for personal use. The menu 320 is located. When the user authentication menu 320 is selected, an OSD screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed.

7 to 9 are user authentication OSD screens according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 7, the user selectable menu may include a user mode 330, an administrator mode 340, a new user registration mode 350, and the like. When the user mode 330 is selected, an OSD screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. For user authentication, an authentication means must be entered. However, as an authentication means, a 4-digit unique number may be input and re-entered (332), and a method of inputting an ID and a password may be used. However, key metrics or remote control keys located in the set-top box are limited in the number of characters that can be used, so it is desirable to use numbers for both ID and password.

If the input of the authentication means coincides with the authentication means of the registered user, the OSD screen of the matched user is displayed. In Figure 9 it can be seen that the OSD screen of the first son of the family is displayed. That is, the start channel setting menu, the favorite menu, the viewable list view menu, the VOD purchase list menu, the arrival message confirmation menu, and the like are located (334).

The user can set the start channel of the user's environment, or can save the channel that he / she mainly views among the plurality of channels that are digitally broadcasted as a favorite. You can also check what your watchlist is set by your administrator.                     

Digital broadcasting may show a movie that a user wants to watch through VOD (Video on Demand). Businesses that transmit digital broadcasts often sell movies that can be shown through VOD. You can check the list of movies you have purchased by selecting the 'VOD Purchase List' menu or the list you have saved before purchasing the movie you want to watch. Can be.

In addition, since the set-top box is used separately for each individual, various simple messages can be left to other users. In addition, it may be possible to connect to the Internet and receive and check an email or a message instead. You can check the messages that have arrived at each individual by selecting "Check arrival messages."

10 to 11 are administrator mode OSD screens according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the 'administrator mode' is selected in FIG. 7, the OSD screen as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. As in the user mode, the authentication is performed by inputting a unique number (342). In the manager mode, as shown in FIG. 11, a viewable list of other users may be set or a plurality of user lists may be set. Passwords of the administrator and other users may be managed (344).

12 is a new user mode OSD screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

If the 'new user mode' is selected in FIG. 7, the OSD screen as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. It can be seen that an ID and a unique number are required as authentication means. ID input can be selected and new user registration is completed by re-entering a unique number. Of course, it may be possible to enter new personal data of a new user.

The present invention can be embodied as computer readable codes on a computer readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, hard disk, floppy disk, flash memory, optical data storage device, and also carrier wave (for example, transmission over the Internet). It also includes the implementation in the form of. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

The above described embodiments are to be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the following claims rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and the equivalent concept are included in the scope of the present invention. Should be interpreted.

According to the present invention, different user environments can be set for each user through user authentication. As a result, individuals can use a start channel, a favorite configuration, and a viewable list according to their tastes. In addition, once the age limit rating on the viewable list is set once, there is no inconvenience to change the rating every time. In addition, it can be used as a communication method, such as leaving a message or a letter to other registered users through the set-top box.

Claims (8)

(a) requesting user authentication when a user selects a menu related to a personal use environment; (b) loading personalized data of the authenticated user after the user authentication; And (c) a user authentication method of a set-top box that outputs a digital broadcast signal, including setting a use environment of a corresponding user according to the loaded individual data. The method of claim 1, wherein the authentication in step (b) outputs a digital broadcast signal using a unique number for each user. The method of claim 1, further comprising recording a usage environment associated with the selected menu in the loaded personal data. The method of claim 1, wherein the personal data of step (b) is at least one of start channel setting data, favorite list data, viewable list data, product purchase list data used when using an interactive service, and message data provided to the user. User authentication method of set-top box that outputs digital broadcasting signal. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) (b1) determining whether the provided authentication means is consistent with authentication means of pre-registered users; (b2) requesting a new user registration if the determination result of step (b1) does not match; (b3) The user authentication method of the set-top box for outputting a digital broadcast signal comprising the step of receiving a new user registration, in accordance with the request of step (b2). A receiving module for receiving a digital broadcast signal; A demultiplexer for extracting a broadcast signal of a channel selected by a user from the received broadcast signal; A decoding module for decoding the extracted broadcast signal in a predetermined manner; A user authentication module for requesting user authentication when selecting a menu related to a personal use environment, loading personal data of the authenticated user after the user authentication, and setting a user environment according to the loaded personal data; And And a composite control module for selectively providing a decoded broadcast signal to a display device according to the user's usage environment. The method of claim 6, wherein the user authentication module A first storage module for storing authentication means and personal data of pre-registered users; A second storage module for loading and storing authentication means and personal data of pre-registered users of the first storage module; If the user wants to use personally, user authentication is required, and upon receiving the user's authentication means according to the user authentication request, it is determined whether or not the authentication means of the registered users stored in the second storage module are matched. Set-top box including a user authentication control module for setting the personal use environment according to the user's personal data. The set top box of claim 6, wherein the user authentication module records a usage environment associated with the selected menu in the loaded personal data.

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