WO2001074075A1 - Interface amovible de carte a puce, destinee a un boitier de decodage - Google Patents

Interface amovible de carte a puce, destinee a un boitier de decodage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001074075A1
WO2001074075A1 PCT/US2001/009674 US0109674W WO0174075A1 WO 2001074075 A1 WO2001074075 A1 WO 2001074075A1 US 0109674 W US0109674 W US 0109674W WO 0174075 A1 WO0174075 A1 WO 0174075A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
smart card
intelligent transceiver
digital signals
transceiver
intelligent
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/009674
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jun Maruo
Atsushi Kagami
Original Assignee
Sony Electronics, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sony Electronics, Inc. filed Critical Sony Electronics, Inc.
Priority to AU2001251008A priority Critical patent/AU2001251008A1/en
Publication of WO2001074075A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001074075A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
    • H04N21/4108—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices characterised by an identification number or address, e.g. local network address
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/418—External card to be used in combination with the client device, e.g. for conditional access
    • H04N21/4181—External card to be used in combination with the client device, e.g. for conditional access for conditional access
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/436—Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or one or more peripheral devices inside the home
    • H04N21/43607—Interfacing a plurality of external cards, e.g. through a DVB Common Interface [DVB-CI]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/442—Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed, the storage space available from the internal hard disk
    • H04N21/44231—Monitoring of peripheral device or external card, e.g. to detect processing problems in a handheld device or the failure of an external recording device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/462—Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
    • H04N21/4623—Processing of entitlement messages, e.g. ECM [Entitlement Control Message] or EMM [Entitlement Management Message]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/162—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing
    • H04N7/163—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing by receiver means only

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to the field of intelligent transceivers such as bi-directional set-top boxes.
  • the disclosure pertains to a modular conditional access block. More specifically, the present disclosure pertains to an intelligent transceiver design that uses a portable conditional access block (a removable smart card interface) in order to accommodate the different smart cards and different descrambling schemes used by various broadcast system operators.
  • a portable conditional access block a removable smart card interface
  • Digital broadcast systems include direct broadcast digital satellite systems, interactive World Wide Web (“Web”) access systems, and digital cable systems. Digital broadcasting provides a number of advantages to subscribers, such as variety and flexibility of programming, useful and comprehensive support services (such as detailed electronic programming guides), and superior audio and video quality.
  • Web World Wide Web
  • Digital broadcasting provides a number of advantages to subscribers, such as variety and flexibility of programming, useful and comprehensive support services (such as detailed electronic programming guides), and superior audio and video quality.
  • the Conditional Access (CA) function of a digital broadcast system allows selective access, for a fee, to premium services such as pay-per-view movies and events.
  • premium services such as pay-per-view movies and events.
  • the producers of the movies, events, etc. require that access to the premium services be controlled in order to protect their commercial interests as well as to enforce copyrights and protect copyright ownership.
  • the digital broadcast system operators also referred to as Multiple System Operators, MSOs
  • Subscribers receive digital broadcasts (including satellite, cable and Web broadcasts) via set-top boxes or other similar consumer electronic equipment located in the subscriber's home. With a bi-directional set-top box, in addition to receiving broadcasts, a subscriber can transmit messages to the MSO.
  • the subscriber uses the bi-directional set-top box (generally, a “transceiver” or “intelligent transceiver") to select a premium service, and the subscriber's selection.as well as information needed for billing purposes is transmitted to the MSO.-
  • the signal carrying the premium service, or the audio and video content within the signal is scrambled to prevent unauthorized access and use.
  • the signal is descrambled in the transceiver using a scrambling scheme that is enabled and executed using a "scramble key" and "smart card” provided by the MSO.
  • the smart card also stores the information needed for billing, and on a periodic basis (perhaps once per month) an automatic connection is made between the transceiver and the MSO so that the billing information can be transmitted to the MSO.
  • Prior Art Figure 1 A is an illustration of an exemplary prior art transceiver 110.
  • Smart card 25 is inserted into a conditional access block (also referred to as a point of deployment, not shown) which is built into transceiver 110.
  • Digital broadcast signal 70 is received by transceiver 110 and forwarded to the conditional access block, where it is descrambled using the scramble key in combination with smart card 25. Once descrambled and therefore in the clear, the digital signal may be encrypted to prevent it from being pirated. Subsequently, the digital signal is decrypted, the audio and video content are decoded and processed, and the result (output 80) is sent to, for example, a television (not shown) or similar display device.
  • Transceiver 110 receives a digital broadcast signal 70 from a digital broadcaster or content provider (e.g., an MSO).
  • Bus 5 is an internal bus for communicating electronic information between the functional blocks of transceiver 110.
  • Front-end block 10 contains at least one tuner for receiving digital broadcast signal_70.
  • Central processing unit 60 contains a processor and memory for executing and storing instructions.
  • Smart card 25 is used with the scramble key to descramble digital broadcast signal 70.
  • Smart card 25 is inserted into conditional access block 30 (or point of deployment, POD), which contains the descrambling scheme used to descramble digital broadcast signal 70.
  • conditional access block 30 also contains an encryption engine that is used to encrypt the descrambled signal.
  • A/V (audio/video) decode block 40 decrypts an encrypted signal and decodes the audio and video content provided in the signal (e.g., using AC3 Digital Dolby and/or Moving Pictures Experts Group decoding).
  • Graphics block 50 processes the audio and video information and provides the output to, for example, a display device (not shown).
  • a problem with the prior art occurs because different MSOs can use different scrambling/descrambling schemes.
  • the primary functions of the transceiver e.g., descrambling, decoding, etc.
  • a transceiver designed for one MSO may have to be different than a transceiver designed for another MSO because of a difference in the scrambling/descrambling schemes used by each.
  • a problem with the prior art can also occur because different MSOs can use different types of smart cards.
  • a transceiver designed for one MSO may have to be different than a transceiver designed for another MSO in order to accommodate different smart cards.
  • transceivers e.g., a set-top boxes
  • transceivers e.g., a set-top boxes
  • the present invention includes an apparatus and method thereof that satisfy the above needs.
  • the present invention pertains to system and method thereof for using a portable conditional access block (e.g., a removable smart card interface) in an intelligent transceiver (e.g., an intelligent set-top box).
  • the intelligent transceiver includes an in-band tuner for receiving in-band digital signals containing scrambled audio and video content.
  • the intelligent transceiver is adapted to receive different " types of removable smart card interfaces particular to the different content providers (e.g., digital broadcast system operators or Multiple System Operators).
  • a subscriber to a particular digital broadcast system couples the removable smart card interface appropriate for that system to the intelligent transceiver.
  • a smart card provided by the digital broadcast system operator is inserted into the removable smart card interface.
  • a scramble key provided by the digital broadcast system operator is used with the smart card to execute a scheme for descrambling the scrambled audio and video content.
  • the resultant digital signals are encrypted.
  • the intelligent transceiver incorporates an out-of- band tuner that receives out-of-band digital signals that include the scramble key used by the descrambling scheme. In another embodiment, the intelligent transceiver incorporates a tuner that receives, via the Internet, digital signals that include the scramble key.
  • a descrambler unit and an encryption unit are included in a functional block in the intelligent transceiver. In another embodiment, a descrambler unit and an encryption unit are included in the removable smart card interface.
  • the removable smart card interface permits ready interchangeability of the conditional access functions depending on the type of descrambling scheme and smart card used by the broadcast system operator, thus, the same intelligent transceiver design can be used with different broadcast system operators, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and consequently reducing the cost to consumers.
  • FIGURE 1A is a perspective illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a prior art intelligent transceiver.
  • FIGURE 1 B is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a prior art intelligent transceiver.
  • FIGURE 2A is a block diagram of one embodiment of an intelligent transceiver upon which embodiments of the present invention may be practiced.
  • FIGURE 2B is a block diagram of another embodiment of an intelligent transceiver upon which embodiments of the present invention may be practiced.
  • FIGURE 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an intelligent bidirectional transceiver in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGURE 4 is a perspective illustration of one embodiment of an intelligent transceiver in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGURE 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary digital broadcast system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 6 is an illustration of the frequencies associated with different types of broadcast digital signals in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 7 is a flowchart of the steps in a process for descrambling a digital signal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the present invention is described in the context of an intelligent transceiver (e.g., a set-top box) that can be used as part of a digital broadcast system. However, it is appreciated that the present invention may be utilized in other types of devices including consumer electronic devices where it may be necessary to descramble a digital signal.
  • an intelligent transceiver e.g., a set-top box
  • the present invention may be utilized in other types of devices including consumer electronic devices where it may be necessary to descramble a digital signal.
  • FIG. 2A is a block diagram of one embodiment of an intelligent transceiver 300 (e.g., a set-top box) in accordance with the present invention.
  • Intelligent transceiver 300 receives digital broadcast signal 370 from a digital broadcaster (not shown).
  • Digital broadcast signal 370 is a media signal comprising audio and video content.
  • Digital broadcast signal 370 can be delivered to intelligent transceiver 300 using any of the various mechanisms currently in use or envisioned, such as a terrestrial line (e.g., a cable system), the World Wide Web (e.g., a connection to the Internet), or a wireless transmission (e.g., a satellite broadcast).
  • a number of different digital broadcast signal formats in use or envisioned can be used, such as the Advanced Television Systems Committee (A SC) digital television format.
  • a SC Advanced Television Systems Committee
  • intelligent transceiver 300 includes front-end block 310 coupled to bus 305, conditional access block 330 coupled to front- end block 310 and bus 305, audio/video (A/V) decode block 340 coupled to conditional access block 330 and bus 305, graphics block 350 coupled to A/V decode block 340 and bus 305, and central processing unit 360 coupled to bus 305.
  • Bus 305 is an internal address/data bus for communicating digital information between the functional blocks of intelligent transceiver 300.
  • bus 305 is a high bandwidth bus, for example a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, capable of communicating A/V data between the modularized blocks 310, 330, 340, 350 and 360.
  • PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect
  • transceiver 300 utilizes a modular architecture, comprising different functional blocks, each dedicated to a specific function required to be performed by transceiver 300 (e.g., receiving and sending data signals, decrypting and decoding, and audio and visual processing).
  • point of deployment (POD) 320 is separate from but connectable to intelligent transceiver 300, and smart card 325 is plugged into POD 320.
  • Smart card 325 stores information needed by a cable system operator or digital broadcast system operator (e.g., a Multiple System Operator, MSO) in order to bill a subscriber for services used by the subscriber (for example, the viewing of a pay-per-view movie or event).
  • MSO Multiple System Operator
  • Smart card 325 also receives a scramble key provfded by the MSO to descramble digital broadcast signal 370 (if the signal is scrambled).
  • POD 320 contains a descrambler unit (not shown) that descrambles digital broadcast signal 370 using the scramble key from smart card 325.
  • POD 320 can also contain an encryption unit for encrypting digital broadcast signal 370 after it is descrambled.
  • the encryption unit uses a well-known DES ECB (Data Encryption Standard Electronic Code Book) encryption routine and a key length of 56 bits.
  • DES ECB Data Encryption Standard Electronic Code Book
  • the descrambler unit and the encryption unit are located in intelligent transceiver 300, specifically in conditional access block 330. It is appreciated that, in the embodiment in which the descramble and encryption functions are performed by POD 320 instead of conditional access block 330, conditional access block 330 can still to be present in intelligent transceiver 300 without performing those functions. Alternatively, conditional access block 330 may not be included in intelligent transceiver 300; see Figure 2B.
  • POD 320 can be inserted into and coupled with intelligent transceiver 300, as well as detached and removed from intelligent transceiver 300.
  • POD 320 provides a removable and portable smart card interface with conditional access functions for intelligent transceiver 300.
  • Intelligent transceiver 300 is adapted to receive different types of removable smart ' card interfaces particular to the different MSOs and markets, and therefore can be used with a multiplicity of different types of PODs and/or smart cards.
  • intelligent transceiver permits ready interchangeability of POD 320 depending on the descrambling scheme and smart card used by the particular MSO. Accordingly, the same intelligent transceiver design can be used with different MSOs and markets, reducing manufacturing costs and thus reducing the cost to the consumer.
  • front- end block 310 contains one or more tuners for receiving digital broadcast signal 370.
  • front-end block 310 can contain an in- band tuner (not shown) for receiving in-band digital signals via wireless transmission (e.g., a satellite broadcast) and another tuner (not shown) for receiving a cable or Internet transmission via a cable modem.
  • Front-end block 310 can also include a device (e.g., a modem) that allows a telephone or digital subscriber line (DSL) connection to be made to the World Wide Web so that a broadcast signal can be received via the Internet.
  • DSL digital subscriber line
  • front- end block 310 includes an out-of-band tuner (not shown) for receiving out-of- band digital signals.
  • front-end block 310 contains substantially all of the devices needed for bi-directional communication; therefore, the devices needed by transceiver 300 for bi-directional communication are substantially located in a single functional block.
  • the in-band digital signals typically include scrambled audio and video content; see Figure 6.
  • the scramble key used to descramble the audio and video content is provided over the Internet via the cable modem and associated tuner.
  • the scramble key is provided in the out-of-band digital signals along with other service information; see Figure 6.
  • central processing unit 360 contains a processor (not shown) for processing information and instructions.
  • Central processing unit 360 also may contain random access memory, read only memory, one or more caches, a flash memory and the like (not shown) for storing information and instructions.
  • A/V decode block 340 is an integrated circuit device comprising a functional block and a decryption engine 345 integrated therein.
  • Decryption engine 345 is integral with AA/ decode block 340 (that is, as a single integrated circuit, or "chip") and, in the present embodiment, is coupled to front-end block 310 via conditional access block 330.
  • the link between conditional access block 330 and A/V decode block 340 (specifically, decryption engine 345) is separate from bus 305; that is, there is a direct connection between conditional access block 330 and decryption engine 345 that bypasses bus 305.
  • Decryption engine 345 decrypts an encrypted signal (e.g., digital broadcast signal 370) received by A V decode block 340.
  • the output of decryption engine 345 is a decrypted digital signal that is "in the clear.”
  • the signal in the clear is decoded by A/V decode block 340.
  • A/V decode block 340 receives encrypted digital broadcast signal 370 from conditional access block 330, decrypts the signal using decryption engine 345, and decodes the video content and the audio content of digital broadcast signal 370.
  • an MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group) video decoder and an AC3 (Digital Dolby) audio decoder are used; however, it is appreciated that other video or audio decoders can be used in accordance with the present invention.
  • A/V decode block 340 is capable of handling video and audio analog signals.
  • graphics block 350 The inputs to graphics block 350 are the decoded video and audio digital signals from A/V decode block 340. In one embodiment, graphics block 350 also receives external audio and video analog inputs. Graphics block 350 processes the audio and video information and provides the output to, for example, a television set or a computer system (not shown) where it can be viewed and listened to.
  • Figure 2B is a block diagram of another embodiment of intelligent transceiver 300 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the functions of conditional access block 330 e.g., descrambling and encrypting
  • POD 320 the functions of conditional access block 330 (e.g., descrambling and encrypting) of Figure 2A are incorporated into POD 320, and so intelligent transceiver 300 does not include conditional access block 330.
  • POD 320 (e.g., a removable smart card interface) is separate from but connectable to intelligent transceiver 300. That is, POD 320 can be inserted into and coupled with intelligent transceiver 300, and POD 320 can also be detached and removed from intelligent transceiver 300. Intelligent transceiver 300 is adapted to receive different types of removable smart card interfaces, depending on the particular type of POD or smart card used by the different MSOs.
  • Smart card 325 is plugged into POD 320.
  • Smart card 325 receives a scramble key for descrambling digital broadcast signal 370.
  • POD 320 has a descrambler unit (not shown) that uses the scramble key to descramble digital broadcast signal 370.
  • POD 320 also encrypts digital broadcast signal 370 using an encryption unit (not shown).
  • POD 320 provides a removable and portable smart card interface with conditional access functions for intelligent transceiver 300.
  • Intelligent transceiver 300 is adapted to receive different types of PODs particular to the different MSOs and markets, and therefore can be used with a multiplicity of different types of PODs and/or smart cards. Accordingly, the same intelligent transceiver design can be used with different MSOs and markets, reducing manufacturing costs and thus reducing the cost to the consumer.
  • Figure 3 is a block diagram of an intelligent transceiver 400 (e.g., a bidirectional set-top box) showing additional details of the embodiments illustrated by Figures 2A and 2B.
  • Table 1 is a list of the various elements and acronyms contained in Figure 3.
  • front-end block 310 includes an integrated circuit device 405 for handling upstream and downstream digital signals (see Figure 6).
  • Front-end block 310 receives an in- band digital broadcast signal from a digital broadcaster via in-band tuner 401.
  • front-end block 310 includes a cable modem coupled to MCNS FAT tuner 403.
  • the cable modem and MCNS FAT tuner 403 can also be used for sending digital signals and information to the World Wide Web, for sending and receiving electronic mail ("e-mail"), and for exchanging information with the digital broadcast system.
  • an OOB digital broadcast signal is received via OOB tuner 402.
  • Front-end block 310 ca also include an input/output device (e.g., modem 404) that allows a telephone or digital subscriber line (DSL) connection to be made to the World Wide Web so that bi-directional communications, including e-mail, can occur over the Internet. It is appreciated that, in other embodiments, different combinations of these elements may be present.
  • modem 404 e.g., modem 404
  • DSL digital subscriber line
  • integrated circuit device 405 is Open-Cable compliant.
  • integrated circuit device 405 can demodulate a QAM in-band signal (e.g., a 64/256 QAM in-band signal, 406) and support FEC (forward error correction) specifications (e.g., FEC J.83, Annex A B).
  • the transport stream output can support both serial and parallel ports.
  • Integrated circuit device 405 and OOB tuner 402 can demodulate QPSK (407) and may be compatible with DAVIC/Digicipher 2 FEC specifications.
  • Integrated circuit device 405 can also modulate the upstream data signal to QPSK/16QAM (415) and may be capable of equalizing the FEC encoding with Starvue/MCNS/ DAVIC (408).
  • the upstream digital data signals can also be output in analog.
  • MAC controller 409 can comply with DAVIC/MCNS and has a router for outputting a signal to an external computer system through an Ethernet interface 413.
  • Integrated circuit device 405 also includes DSP 414 for use with IP (Internet Protocol) telephony. It is appreciated that, in another embodiment, the devices integrated into integrated circuit device 405 can be integrated into multiple integrated circuits within front-end block 310.
  • smart card 325 is inserted into POD 320, and intelligent transceiver 300 (specifically, conditional access block 330) contains a descrambler and encryption units (e.g., DES 490) to descramble and encrypt the digital broadcast signal.
  • smart card 325 is plugged into POD 320, and POD 320 contains descrambler and encryption units to descramble and encrypt the digital broadcast signal.
  • the encrypted digital signal is delivered to A/V decode block 340.
  • a decryption engine 345 is integrated into demultiplexer ("demux") 410.
  • Decryption engine 345 decrypts an encrypted signal (e.g., digital broadcast signal 370) received by A/V decode block 340 via conditional access block 330.
  • A/V decode block 340 includes an MPEG decoder (e.g., MP@ ML DEC block 411 ) and an audio decoder (e.g., AC-3 block 412) to decode the video and audio content of digital broadcast signal 370.
  • Graphics block 350 processes the audio and video information received from A V decode block 340.
  • Central processing unit 360 contains a processor (e.g., CPU core 430) and memory (e.g., instruction cache 420) for processing information and instructions used by intelligent transceiver 400.
  • FIG 4 is an illustration of the embodiments of intelligent transceiver 300 of Figures 2A and 2B.
  • smart card 325 is inserted into POD 320, which is inserted into slot 390.
  • Digital broadcast signal 370 is received by intelligent transceiver 300 and forwarded to POD 320, which has a descrambler unit and an encryption unit to descramble and encrypt the digital signal using a scramble key provided by smart card 325.
  • the descramble and encryption units can reside in intelligent transceiver 300 (e.g., conditional access block 330 of Figure 2A).
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram providing an overview of a digital broadcast system 365 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Audio and video content providers 385 e.g., a broadcast system operator or MSO
  • digital broadcast signal 370 can be provided using a terrestrial broadcast (e.g., a wireless broadcast), a satellite broadcast, a terrestrial line (e.g., cable), or an Internet connection.
  • Transceiver 300 includes a front-end block 310 containing devices needed for bi-directional communication. Transceiver 300 also includes other functional blocks (e.g., back end functional blocks 375) including modularized blocks 310, 330, 340, 350 and 360 ( Figures 2A and 2B).
  • the output of transceiver 300 includes audio and video information provided to display device 395 (e.g., a television set or a computer system) so that this information can be viewed or listened to.
  • display device 395 e.g., a television set or a computer system
  • FIG. 6 is an illustration of the various frequencies associated with different types of broadcast digital signals in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the frequencies in the range of approximately 5-42 MHz are known as “upstream” signals, and the frequencies in the range of approximately 54-860 MHz are known as “downstream” signals.
  • the range of frequencies from approximately 5-26 MHz are known as “out-of-band (OOB) upstream”
  • OOB output-of-band
  • the range of signals from approximately 26-42 MHz are known as “cable modem upstream.”
  • the range of frequencies from approximately 70-130 MHz are known as “out-of-band downstream.” From the perspective of intelligent transceiver 300 ( Figures 2A and 2B), an upstream signal is transmitted and a downstream signal is received.
  • the OOB upstream range is used by transceiver 300 to send payment information, for example, to the broadcast system operator or MSO.
  • the cable modem upstream range is used for communicating with the World Wide Web (the Internet), for sending e-mail, and the like.
  • the in-band downstream range is for receiving audio and video content.
  • the OOB downstream range is used for receiving electronic programming guide information and the scramble key used by conditional access block 330 to descramble a scrambled broadcast digital signal. Alternatively, the scramble key can be provided over the Internet via the cable modem.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the steps in a process 700 for descrambling a scrambled digital signal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • process 700 is implemented as program instructions that are stored in memory (e.g., instruction cache 420) and executed by a processor (e.g., CPU core 430) of intelligent transceiver 400. It is appreciated that process 700 may be utilized in other types of devices, including consumer electronic devices, where it may be necessary to descramble a digital signal.
  • the removable smart card interface (e.g., POD 320 of Figures 2A and 2B) appropriate to the MSO being used is selected.
  • POD 320 of Figures 2A and 2B the removable smart card interface
  • different types of removable smart card interfaces may be used, depending on the type of smart card and descrambling scheme used by the particular MSO.
  • POD 320 is coupled to intelligent transceiver 300 ( Figures 2A and 2B).
  • POD 320 is inserted into a slot 390 ( Figure 4) in intelligent transceiver 300.
  • POD 320 can be removed from intelligent transceiver 300, and a different removable smart card interface used instead.
  • the scramble key is received by intelligent transceiver 300 from the MSO.
  • the scramble key is received via the out-of-band tuner (OOB tuner 402 of Figure 3).
  • the scramble key is received over the Internet via a cable modem and MSNS FAT tuner 403 ( Figure 3).
  • the descrambling scheme is enabled using the scramble key and a smart card (e.g., smart card 325 of Figures 2A and 2B) appropriate to the MSO being used.
  • a smart card e.g., smart card 325 of Figures 2A and 2B
  • different types of smart cards may be used depending on the particular MSO.
  • a digital broadcast signal (e.g., digital broadcast signal 370) is received by intelligent transceiver 300.
  • digital broadcast signal 370 is received by front-end block 310.
  • digital broadcast signal 370 is scrambled but not encrypted when it is received by intelligent transceiver 300.
  • digital broadcast signal 370 is sent from front-end block 310 to POD 320.
  • POD 320 contains a descrambler unit for descrambling digital broadcast signal 370 using the scramble key and smart card 325.
  • POD 320 can also contain an encryption unit for encrypting the descrambled digital signal.
  • digital broadcast signal 370 can be descrambled and encrypted using a descrambler unit and an encryption unit residing in intelligent transceiver 300 (e.g., conditional access block 330).
  • the intelligent transceiver is adapted to receive different types of removable smart card interfaces particular to the different content providers (e.g., digital broadcast system operators or Multiple System Operators).
  • a subscriber to a particular digital broadcast system couples the removable smart card interface (e.g., POD 320) appropriate for that system to the intelligent transceiver.
  • a smart card provided by the digital broadcast system operator is inserted into the removable smart card interface.
  • a scramble key provided by the digital broadcast system operator is used with the smart card to execute a scheme for descrambling the scrambled audio and video content.
  • POD 320 can be inserted into and coupled with intelligent transceiver 300, as well as detached and removed from intelligent transceiver 300.
  • POD 320 provides a removable and portable smart card interface with conditional access functions for intelligent transceiver 300.
  • Intelligent transceiver 300 can be used with a multiplicity of different types of PODs and/or smart cards.
  • intelligent transceiver permits ready interchangeability of POD 320 depending on the descrambling scheme and smart card used by the particular MSO. Accordingly, the same intelligent transceiver design can be used with different MSOs and markets, reducing manufacturing costs and thus reducing the cost to the consumer.
  • the present invention thus provides an apparatus and method that can allow greater flexibility with regard to the design of transceivers (e.g., a set-top boxes) for different markets and for different digital broadcast system operators, thereby reducing costs to manufacturers and consumers.
  • transceivers e.g., a set-top boxes

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système et un procédé associé d'utilisation d'une unité d'accès conditionnel (par exemple une interface amovible de carte à puce), dans un émetteur/récepteur intelligent (par exemple un boîtier de décodage). Cet émetteur/récepteur est conçu pour recevoir divers types d'interfaces amovibles de carte à puce, spécifiques des divers fournisseurs de contenu (par exemple des opérateurs de systèmes de radiodiffusion numérique). Une carte à puce (325) fournie par l'opérateur d'un système de radiodiffusion numérique s'insère dans l'interface amovible (320). Une clé de brouillage fournie par ledit opérateur s'utilise avec la carte à puce, pour exécuter un schéma de désembrouillage de signaux audio et vidéo brouillés, reçus par l'émetteur/récepteur intelligent. Cette interface amovible de carte à puce permet une interchangeabilité facile de l'unité d'accès conditionnel, en fonction du schéma de désembrouillage de l'opérateur du système de radiodiffusion. Ainsi, il est possible d'utiliser une même conception d'émetteur/récepteur avec divers opérateurs de systèmes de radiodiffusion.
PCT/US2001/009674 2000-03-29 2001-03-26 Interface amovible de carte a puce, destinee a un boitier de decodage WO2001074075A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001251008A AU2001251008A1 (en) 2000-03-29 2001-03-26 Removable smart card interface for set top box

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US53860700A 2000-03-29 2000-03-29
US09/538,607 2000-03-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001074075A1 true WO2001074075A1 (fr) 2001-10-04

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AU (1) AU2001251008A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001074075A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2848043A1 (fr) * 2002-12-03 2004-06-04 Philippe Guenebaud Module, systeme et procede de traitement de signaux numeriques
WO2006042467A1 (fr) * 2004-10-22 2006-04-27 Beijing Watch Data System Co. Ltd Procede de traitement d'acces a un signal de television par cable
US8756626B2 (en) * 2005-12-22 2014-06-17 Broadcom Corporation Method and apparatus for using the host-pod interface of a digital television or other digital audio/video receiver for new services

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5828419A (en) * 1996-02-29 1998-10-27 Hughes Electronics Method and apparatus for generating television program guides utilizing icons
US5960445A (en) * 1996-04-24 1999-09-28 Sony Corporation Information processor, method of updating a program and information processing system
US6185735B1 (en) * 1996-07-17 2001-02-06 U.S. Philips Corporation Method of operating an apparatus intended to permit access to services

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5828419A (en) * 1996-02-29 1998-10-27 Hughes Electronics Method and apparatus for generating television program guides utilizing icons
US5960445A (en) * 1996-04-24 1999-09-28 Sony Corporation Information processor, method of updating a program and information processing system
US6185735B1 (en) * 1996-07-17 2001-02-06 U.S. Philips Corporation Method of operating an apparatus intended to permit access to services

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2848043A1 (fr) * 2002-12-03 2004-06-04 Philippe Guenebaud Module, systeme et procede de traitement de signaux numeriques
WO2004054258A1 (fr) * 2002-12-03 2004-06-24 Neotion Sas Module, systeme et procede de traitement de signaux numeriques
WO2006042467A1 (fr) * 2004-10-22 2006-04-27 Beijing Watch Data System Co. Ltd Procede de traitement d'acces a un signal de television par cable
US8756626B2 (en) * 2005-12-22 2014-06-17 Broadcom Corporation Method and apparatus for using the host-pod interface of a digital television or other digital audio/video receiver for new services

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2001251008A1 (en) 2001-10-08

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