WO2001049031A1 - Intelligent transceiving method, device and system - Google Patents
Intelligent transceiving method, device and system Download PDFInfo
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- WO2001049031A1 WO2001049031A1 PCT/US2000/034518 US0034518W WO0149031A1 WO 2001049031 A1 WO2001049031 A1 WO 2001049031A1 US 0034518 W US0034518 W US 0034518W WO 0149031 A1 WO0149031 A1 WO 0149031A1
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- cable modem
- broadcast system
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Classifications
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- 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
- H04N21/44—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream, rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs
- H04N21/4405—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream, rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving video stream decryption
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- 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
- H04N21/4622—Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet
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- 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
- H04N21/4367—Establishing a secure communication between the client and a peripheral device or smart card
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- 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
- H04N21/47—End-user applications
- H04N21/472—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
- H04N21/47211—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for requesting pay-per-view content
-
- 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
- H04N21/47—End-user applications
- H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
- H04N21/4782—Web browsing, e.g. WebTV
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- 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]
- H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client
- H04N21/61—Network physical structure; Signal processing
- H04N21/6106—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network
- H04N21/6118—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network involving cable transmission, e.g. using a cable modem
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- 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]
- H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client
- H04N21/61—Network physical structure; Signal processing
- H04N21/6156—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network
- H04N21/6168—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network involving cable transmission, e.g. using a cable modem
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- 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]
- H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client
- H04N21/63—Control signaling related to video distribution between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients or between remote clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing
- H04N21/633—Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client
- H04N21/6332—Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client directed to client
- H04N21/6334—Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client directed to client for authorisation, e.g. by transmitting a key
- H04N21/63345—Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client directed to client for authorisation, e.g. by transmitting a key by transmitting keys
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- 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]
- H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client
- H04N21/65—Transmission of management data between client and server
- H04N21/658—Transmission by the client directed to the server
- H04N21/6582—Data stored in the client, e.g. viewing habits, hardware capabilities, credit card number
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
- H04N7/161—Constructional details of the subscriber equipment
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- 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
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
- H04N7/167—Systems rendering the television signal unintelligible and subsequently intelligible
- H04N7/1675—Providing digital key or authorisation information for generation or regeneration of the scrambling sequence
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
- H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
- H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications
- H04N7/17318—Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to the field of intelligent transceivers such as set-top boxes, in particular bi-directional set-top boxes. More specifically, the present disclosure pertains to a modular set-top box architecture in which the devices needed for bi-directional communication are substantially located in a single functional block. In one embodiment there is described an improved internet set-top box having an in-band tuner and cable modem.
- Digital broadcast systems include direct broadcast digital satellite systems, interactive World Wide 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. Subscribers receive broadcast digital signals via set-top boxes or other similar consumer electronic equipment (generally, a "transceiver") located in the subscriber's home. In an intelligent set-top box, information and instructions associated with receiving and processing digital broadcast signals are stored in a memory unit of the set-top box and executed by a processor. With a bidirectional set-top box, in addition to receiving broadcast signals, a subscriber can transmit messages to the digital broadcast system operator (also referred to as a Multiple System Operator, MSO).
- MSO Multiple System Operator
- a subscriber can select a premium service offered by the MSO, such as a pay-per-view event or movie, and the subscriber's selection as well as information needed for billing purposes are transmitted to the MSO.
- a "smart card” 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.
- MSOs typically broadcast a scrambled signal. The signal is descrambled in the transceiver using a "scramble key" provided by the MSO.
- a set-top box performs a number of functions associated with processing a broadcast digital signal.
- the digital signal received by the set-top box is scrambled, and the signal is descrambled by the set-top box before further processing occurs.
- the descrambled signal is then encrypted within the set-top box in order to prevent unauthorized duplication and use ("pirating") of the descrambled signal. Once the encrypted signal is at a more secure location within the set-top box, it is decrypted for further processing.
- the digital signal is typically in a compressed data format such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) for video signals and/or Dolby AC3 for audio signals, and so the decrypted signal is decoded (uncompressed) by the set-top box.
- MPEG Motion Picture Experts Group
- the audio content and video content contained in the digital signal are processed so that it can be viewed and/or listened to by the subscriber using, for example, a television set.
- Prior Art Figure 1 is an illustration of the various frequencies associated with different types of broadcast signals.
- 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. From the perspective of a set-top box, an upstream signal is transmitted and a downstream signal is received.
- 5-26 MHz are known as “out-of-band (OOB) upstream,” and the range of signals from approximately 26-42 MHz are known as “cable modem upstream.” Within the downstream range, the range of frequencies from approximately 70-130 MHz are known as “out-of-band downstream.”
- OOB output-of-band
- the OOB upstream range is used by the set-top box to send billing information, for example, to the broadcast system operator or MSO.
- the cable modem upstream range is used by the set-top box for communicating with the World Wide Web, for sending e-mail, and the like.
- the in-band downstream range is used by the set-top box for receiving audio and video content.
- the OOB downstream range is used by the set-top box for receiving service information (e.g., electronic programming guide information, EPG) and for receiving the scramble key used by the set-top box to descramble a scrambled broadcast digital signal.
- An EPG typically provides information such as the names of programs, the time and channel associated with each program, and extended text tables with information regarding the subject matter of the program, actors' names, and the like.
- An EPG generally is formatted as a table, with channels along one axis of the table, times along the other axis, and the name of the program at the intersection of the time and channel.
- the in-band downstream range is used for carrying both analog and digital audio and video (A/V) content.
- A/V analog and digital audio and video
- the bandwidth of the in-band downstream range is too narrow to accommodate the service information and scramble key in addition to the analog and digital A/V content.
- the OOB downstream range is used to carry the service information and scramble key.
- Prior Art Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the architecture of a typical broadcast system 200.
- a V content for broadcast system 200 is provided by A/V content provider 230.
- the A/V content is provided in the in-band downstream range to the many set-top boxes in broadcast system 200 (e.g., set-top boxes 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d and 250e).
- broadcast system 200 may utilize a terrestrial broadcast (e.g., a wireless broadcast) or a terrestrial line (e.g., cable).
- EPG server 210 provides the service information and scramble key for broadcast system 200, although there may be a different source for this information in other implementations.
- the service information and scramble key are forwarded to out-of-band modulator 220 and then broadcast in the OOB downstream range to set-top boxes 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d and 250e.
- Set-top boxes 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d and 250e may also be communicatively coupled to the Internet via Internet router 240. Communication with the Internet typically uses Internet Protocol (IP).
- IP Internet Protocol
- Prior Art Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an intelligent transceiver (e.g., set-top box 250a) used in broadcast system 200 of Figure 2.
- Central processing unit (CPU) 330 contains a processor and memory (not shown) for processing information and instructions used by set-top box 250a.
- set-top box 250a includes an in- band tuner 305 for receiving the in-band downstream signals from A/V content provider 230.
- In-band tuner 305 typically receives fixed frequency broadcast channels.
- the in-band downstream signal is demodulated by demodulator 310, then forwarded to A/V decoder 315 for decoding, as described above. From A/V decoder 315, the decoded signal is sent to a graphics block (not shown) for processing so that it can be displayed and/or listened to.
- set-top box 250a also includes an out-of-band tuner 320 for receiving the out-of-band downstream signal containing the scramble key and service information (SI).
- the out-of- band downstream signal is demodulated by modulator/demodulator 325.
- the scramble key can be applied to the in-band downstream signal to descramble that signal and retrieve the A/V content (when the in-band downstream signal is scrambled, e.g., for a pay-per-view movie or event).
- the service information (if compressed) is decoded by A/V decoder 315, then sent to a graphics block for processing so that the electronic programming guide can be displayed.
- Messages from set-top box 250a such as a selection of a pay-per-view movie or event and the associated billing information, is modulated using modulator/demodulator 325 and sent to the MSO in the out-of-band upstream range.
- Set-top box 250a further includes cable modem 340 to receive the IP data signals (e.g., data packets) retrieved from the Internet and also to send IP data signals to the Internet, including electronic mail.
- Cable modem 340 typically can also receive in-band signals for non-broadcast information (e.g., variable frequency broadcast channels controlled by the MSO).
- a disadvantage of broadcast system 200 is that it requires the use of in- band signals, out-of-band signals, and IP signals in order to send A/V content, service information, a scramble key, electronic mail, etc. Accordingly, it is necessary for a set-top box (e.g., set-top box 250) to include an in-band tuner 305, an out-of-band tuner 320, and a cable modem 340. As a result, additional complexity is introduced into broadcast system 200 and set-top box 250.
- an apparatus and/or method that can reduce the costs of a set-top box and a broadcast system, in particular with regard to supporting the use of in-band signals, out-of-band signals and Internet Protocol (IP) data packets.
- IP Internet Protocol
- an apparatus and/or method that can address the above need and that can continue to provide the audio/video content, service information, scramble key, and Internet access currently provided by the in-band signals, out-of-band signals and Internet Protocol data packets.
- the present invention includes an apparatus and method thereof that satisfy the above needs.
- the present invention pertains to an apparatus and method thereof for communicating a scramble key (for descrambling scrambled digital signals) and service information (such as that used in an electronic programming guide) to an intelligent transceiver (e.g., a set-top box) using a bi-directional digital broadcasting system (e.g., satellite systems, interactive World Wide Web access systems, and digital cable systems).
- the intelligent transceiver includes an in- band tuner adapted to receive from the digital broadcast system in-band digital signals comprising audio content and video content.
- the intelligent transceiver also includes a second tuner adapted to receive a scramble key over the World Wide Web via a cable modem.
- the in-band digital signals received by the in-band tuner also contain service information (including electronic programming guide information).
- the digital signals received by the second tuner via the cable modem also contain service information (including electronic programming guide information).
- the scramble key is sent over the World Wide Web and is received by the intelligent transceiver using a cable modem.
- the service information (including electronic programming guide information) is sent either with the in-band signal or over the World Wide Web and is received via the in-band tuner or the cable modem, respectively.
- the digital signals sent over the World Wide Web are communicated using Internet Protocol.
- an authentication signal is sent via the cable modem to indicate that a valid intelligent transceiver authorized to receive the scramble key is connected to the digital broadcast system.
- billing information (pertaining to a subscriber's use of a premium service such as a pay-per-view movie or event, for example) is sent via the cable modem to the digital broadcast system operator.
- the cable modem can also be used for Internet access and to send and receive electronic mail. Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, it is not necessary for the broadcast system to use out-of-band signals to send service information and a scramble key. Consequently, the intelligent transceiver does not require an out-of-band tuner and demodulator to receive the service information and scramble key, and so these devices can be omitted from the intelligent transceiver.
- broadcast systems can be simplified, thereby reducing costs.
- the manufacture of the intelligent transceiver is facilitated and the cost of the intelligent transceiver can be reduced.
- FIGURE 1 is an illustration of the frequencies associated with different types of broadcast signals used in the prior art.
- FIGURE 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary prior art broadcast system.
- FIGURE 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary intelligent transceiver (e.g., a set-top box) that can be used to receive broadcast signals from the broadcast system of Figure 2.
- exemplary intelligent transceiver e.g., a set-top box
- FIGURE 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary digital broadcast system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGURE 5A is a block diagram of one embodiment of an intelligent transceiver upon which embodiments of the present invention may be practiced.
- FIGURE 5B is a block diagram of another embodiment of an intelligent bidirectional transceiver upon which embodiments of the present invention may be practiced.
- FIGURE 6 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an intelligent bidirectional transceiver in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGURE 7 is a block diagram providing further details of the embodiments of the intelligent transceiver of Figures 5A and 5B in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGURE 8 is a flowchart of the steps in a process for transmitting and receiving digital signals using an intelligent bi-directional transceiver in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG 4 is a block diagram providing an overview of bi-directional digital broadcast system 400 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- Broadcast system 400 includes a plurality of intelligent transceivers; in the present embodiment, the intelligent transceivers are set-top boxes (e.g., set-top boxes 450a, 450b, 450c, 450d and 450e). However, it is appreciated that the present invention may be utilized with other intelligent transceivers, such as computer systems.
- Audio/video (A/V) content for broadcast system 400 is provided by A/V content provider 430 (e.g., a broadcast system operator or Multiple System Operator, MSO).
- A/V content provider 430 e.g., a broadcast system operator or Multiple System Operator, MSO.
- A/V content provider 430 may utilize a terrestrial broadcast (e.g., a wireless broadcast), a terrestrial line (e.g., cable), a satellite broadcast, or an Internet connection over the World Wide Web (not shown).
- the A/V content is provided in the in-band downstream range to the set-top boxes in broadcast system 400 (e.g., set-top boxes 450a, 450b, 450c, 450d and 450e).
- set-top boxes 450a, 450b, 450c, 450d and
- connection to the Internet may be a wireless connection, a connection over a telephone line, a connection over a cable, or the like.
- communication with the Internet uses Internet Protocol (IP).
- IP Internet Protocol
- EPG server 410 provides the service information (including information to generate an EPG as well as EPG updates) for broadcast system 400.
- the service information and updates are sent over the World Wide Web (e.g., the Internet) to set-top boxes 450a, 450b, 450c, 450d and 450e via Internet router 440.
- the service information is communicated using IP data packets.
- the service information and updates are provided by A/V content provider 430 using the in-band downstream signal. Accordingly, one portion of the in-band downstream frequency range is used for service information, and another portion is used for A/V content. For example, frequencies above approximately 600 MHz can be used for service information, and frequencies below approximately 600 MHz can be used for A/V content. Furthermore, for each subscriber, a particular frequency can be specified and used to provide personalized service information.
- the scramble key (e.g., for descrambling a scrambled broadcast digital signal) is provided by Subscriber Management System (SMS) server 460.
- the scramble key is sent over the World Wide Web (e.g., the Internet) to set-top boxes 450a, 450b, 450c, 450d and 450e via Internet router 440.
- the scramble key is communicated using IP data packets.
- the scramble key as well as the service information are provided by a single server computer system via the Internet.
- the scramble key is sent from broadcast system 400 to set-top boxes 450a, 450b, 450c, 450d and 450e over the Internet (World Wide Web) using IP data packets.
- the service information and updates are also sent over the Internet using IP data packets.
- the service information and updates are sent using in-band downstream digital signals. A/V content is also sent using in-band downstream digital signals. Therefore, the present invention eliminates the need to use out-of-band signals to send service information and the scramble key from broadcast system 400 to set-top boxes 450a, 450b, 450c, 450d and 450e.
- set-top box designs can also be simplified by removing the out-of-band tuner, further reducing consumer costs by reducing development and manufacturing costs for the set-top box manufacturer.
- FIG. 5A is a block diagram of one embodiment of an intelligent bidirectional transceiver 450 (e.g., a set-top box) upon which embodiments of the present invention may be practiced.
- transceiver 450 includes front-end block 510 coupled to bus 505, conditional access block 530 coupled to front-end block 510 and bus 505, audio/video (A/V) decode block 540 coupled to conditional access block 530 and bus 505, graphics block 550 coupled to A/V decode block 540 and bus 505, and central processing unit 560 coupled to bus 505.
- A/V decode block 540 audio/video
- graphics block 550 coupled to A/V decode block 540 and bus 505
- central processing unit 560 coupled to bus 505.
- Conditional access block 530 also referred to as a point of deployment (POD) or an interface card, is adapted to receive smart card 525.
- Bus 505 is an internal address/data bus for communicating digital information between the functional blocks of transceiver 450.
- bus 505 is a high bandwidth bus, for example a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, capable of communicating A/V data between the modularized blocks 510, 530, 540, 550 and 560.
- PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect
- Transceiver 450 receives digital broadcast signal 570 from a digital broadcast system (e.g., broadcast system 400 of Figure 4).
- transceiver 450 can transmit messages to the digital broadcast system operator (e.g., an MSO). For example, when a subscriber selects a premium service offered by the MSO, such as a pay-per-view event or movie, the subscriber's selection and any billing information can be transmitted to the MSO. Transceiver 450 can also be used for Internet communications, electronic mail ("e-mail"), and the like.
- MSO digital broadcast system operator
- digital broadcast signal 570 is a media signal comprising audio and video content.
- Digital broadcast signal 570 can be delivered to transceiver 450 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 (ATSC) digital television format.
- ATSC Advanced Television Systems Committee
- front-end block 510 contains an in-band tuner (not shown) for receiving an in-band transmission from the digital broadcast system (e.g., broadcast system 400 of Figure 4).
- Front-end block 510 also includes a second tuner (e.g., a Multiple Cable Network System Forward Application Tuner, not shown) coupled to a cable modem or similar device (not shown) for sending and receiving information to and from the World Wide Web, for sending and receiving e-mail, and for exchanging information with the digital broadcast system. Additional information is provided in conjunction with Figure 6 and Figure 7.
- transceiver 450 receives A/V content via the in-band transmission using the in-band tuner.
- transceiver 450 receives service information and the scramble key via the World Wide Web (e.g., the Internet) using the second tuner.
- World Wide Web e.g., the Internet
- one portion of the in-band downstream range is used for service information, and another portion is used for A/V content.
- frequencies above approximately 600 MHz can be used for service information, and frequencies below approximately 600 MHz can be used for A/V content.
- a particular frequency can be specified and used to provide personalized service information.
- an authentication signal is sent from front-end block 510 (specifically, via the cable modem) to the MSO to indicate that a valid set- top box is connected to broadcast system 400. That is, the authentication signal is used to indicate that intelligent transceiver 450 is the correct and authorized recipient of the scramble key, thereby discouraging theft of the scramble key at the cable modem outlet.
- transceiver 450 receives service information via the in-band transmission using the in-band tuner, instead of over the World Wide Web using the cable modem and the second tuner.
- front-end block 510 also includes 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 bi-directional communications, including e-mail, can occur over the Internet.
- a device e.g., a modem
- DSL digital subscriber line
- the service information and the scramble key are not received by transceiver 450 from broadcast system 400 ( Figure 4) in an out-of-band signal, and thus the out-of-band signal is not necessary.
- the scramble key is received by transceiver 450 from broadcast system 400 over the Internet (World Wide Web).
- the service information is also received by transceiver 450 from broadcast system 400 over the Internet.
- the service information is received by transceiver 450 in an in-band downstream digital signal sent from broadcast system 400.
- A/V content is also received in an in-band downstream digital signal.
- central processing unit 560 contains a processor (not shown) for processing information and instructions.
- Central processing unit 560 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.
- Smart card 525 stores information needed by a cable system operator or digital broadcast system operator (e.g., an MSO) to bill a subscriber for services used by the subscriber (for example, the viewing of a pay-per-view movie or event).
- MSO digital broadcast system operator
- smart card 525 also implements the scramble key provided by the MSO that is used to descramble digital broadcast signal 570 (if the signal is scrambled).
- smart card 525 is inserted into conditional access block 530; however, it is appreciated that in other embodiments smart card 525 may be coupled in a different manner to transceiver 450 (for example, it may be inserted into either front-end block 510 or A/V decode block 540).
- conditional access block 530 descrambles digital broadcast signal 570.
- conditional access block 530 contains an encryption engine (not shown) that encrypts digital broadcast signal 570.
- the encryption engine 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
- A/V decode block 540 includes a decryption engine (not shown) for decrypting an encrypted digital broadcast signal 570.
- the decryption engine may be incorporated elsewhere in transceiver 450, downstream of the encryption engine.
- the output of the decryption engine is a decrypted digital signal that is "in the clear.”
- the signal in the clear is decoded by A/V decode block 540.
- A/V decode block 540 decodes the video content and the audio content of digital broadcast signal 570 using an MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group) video decoder and an AC3 (Digital Dolby) audio decoder; however, it is appreciated that other video or audio decoders can be used in accordance with the present invention.
- a V decode block 540 is capable of handling video and audio analog signals.
- graphics block 550 The inputs to graphics block 550 are the decoded video and audio digital signals from A/V decode block 540. In one embodiment, graphics block 550 also receives external audio and video analog inputs. Graphics block 550 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.
- FIG. 5B is a block diagram of another embodiment of transceiver 450 upon which embodiments of the present invention may be practiced.
- point of deployment (POD) 520 is separate from conditional access block 530, and smart card 525 is plugged into POD 520 instead of conditional access block 530.
- Smart card 525 implements the scramble key for descrambling digital broadcast signal 570, and this key is used by POD 520 to descramble digital broadcast signal 570.
- POD 520 also encrypts digital broadcast signal 570 using an encryption engine (not shown).
- conditional access block 530 can still exist in transceiver 450.
- FIG 6 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an intelligent bidirectional transceiver (specifically, front-end block 510) in accordance with the present invention.
- Central processing unit (CPU) 560 contains a processor and memory (not shown) for processing information and instructions used by transceiver 450 ( Figures 5A and 5B).
- front-end block 510 includes an in-band tuner 605 for receiving the in-band downstream signals from A/V content provider 430.
- the in-band downstream signal is demodulated by demodulator 610, then forwarded to A/V decode block 540 for decoding.
- A/V decode block 540 the decoded signal is sent to a graphics block (e.g., graphics block 550 of Figures 5A and 5B) for processing so that it can be displayed and/or listened to.
- front-end block 510 also includes cable modem 640 and a second tuner 650 (e.g., a Multiple Cable Network System Forward Application Tuner) for sending and receiving information to and from the World Wide Web, for sending and receiving e-mail, and for exchanging information with the digital broadcast system (e.g., service information to generate and update an EPG, billing information pertaining to premium services such as pay-per-view movies and events, etc.).
- a second tuner 650 e.g., a Multiple Cable Network System Forward Application Tuner
- the digital broadcast system e.g., service information to generate and update an EPG, billing information pertaining to premium services such as pay-per-view movies and events, etc.
- transceiver 450 receives A/V content via the in-band signals using in-band tuner 605, and service information and the scramble key via the World Wide Web (e.g., the Internet) using cable modem 640 and second tuner 650.
- transceiver 450 receives service information via the in-band signals using in-band tuner 605, instead of over the World Wide Web.
- the scramble key can be applied to the in-band downstream signal containing the A/V content to descramble that signal and retrieve the A/V content (when the in-band downstream signal is scrambled, such as for a pay- per-view movie or event).
- the service information (if compressed) is decoded by A/V decode block 540, then sent to graphics block 550 ( Figures 5A and 5B) for processing so that the electronic programming guide can be displayed using a television or computer system, for example.
- Messages from transceiver 450 such as a selection of a pay-per-view movie or event and the associated billing information, are sent to the MSO via cable modem 640.
- an authentication signal is sent from cable modem 640 to the MSO to indicate that a valid set-top box is connected to broadcast system 400 ( Figure 4). That is, the authentication signal is used to indicate that intelligent transceiver 450 ( Figures 5A and 5B) is the correct and authorized recipient of the scramble key, thereby discouraging theft of the scramble key at the outlet of cable modem 640.
- Figure 7 is a block diagram of an intelligent transceiver 450 (e.g., a bi- directional set-top box) showing additional details of the embodiments illustrated by Figures 5A and 5B.
- Table 1 is a list of the various elements and acronyms contained in Figure 7.
- front-end block 510 receives a scrambled digital broadcast signal (e.g., digital broadcast signal 570).
- Front-end block 510 includes in-band tuner 605, and cable modem 640 and second tuner 650.
- In-band tuner 605 is utilized for receiving in-band digital signals containing AA/ content.
- cable modem 640 and second tuner 650 are utilized for receiving the scramble key from the Internet.
- cable modem 640 and second tuner 650 also are used to receive service information (EPG information) via the Internet.
- the service information is instead received by in-band tuner 605.
- Smart card 525 implements the scramble key that is used to descramble a scrambled digital broadcast signal. It is appreciated that Figure 7 shows, in a combined form, both of the embodiments illustrated by Figures 5A and 5B.
- smart card 525 is inserted into interface card 530, and interface card 530 descrambles and encrypts the digital broadcast signal.
- smart card 525 is plugged into POD 520. In this latter embodiment, the descrambling and encrypting functions are performed in POD 520, and so these functions are bypassed in interface card 530.
- the encrypted digital signal is delivered to A/V decode block 540 via conditional access block 530.
- a decryption engine (not shown) is integrated into demultiplexer ("demux") 710.
- the decryption engine decrypts an encrypted signal (e.g., digital broadcast signal 570) received by A/V decode block 540 via conditional access block 530.
- A/V decode block 540 includes an MPEG decoder (e.g., MP@ML DEC block 711) and an audio decoder (e.g., AC-3 block 712) to decode the video and audio content of digital broadcast signal 570.
- Graphics block 550 processes the audio and video information received from A/V decode block 540.
- Central processing unit 560 contains a processor (e.g., CPU core 730) and memory (e.g., instruction cache 720) for processing information and instructions used by intelligent transceiver 450.
- FIG 8 is a flowchart of the steps in a process 800 for sending and receiving digital signals over a bi-directional digital broadcast system (e.g., system 400 of Figure 4) using an intelligent transceiver (e.g., transceiver 450 of Figures 5A, 5B and 7) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- process 800 is implemented as program instructions that are stored in memory and executed by a processor (e.g., CPU core 630 of Figure 6) of transceiver 450. It is appreciated that process 800 may be utilized in devices other than transceiver 450.
- in-band digital signals containing audio/video content are transmitted from broadcast system 400 ( Figure 4) and received by transceiver 450 via in-band tuner 605 ( Figure 6).
- the signal can then be demodulated, decoded and processed so that it can be displayed and/or listened to using a television set, a computer system, or the like.
- a scramble key is transmitted by broadcast system 400 and received by transceiver 450 via cable modem 640 and second tuner 650 ( Figure 6).
- the scramble key is communicated over the World Wide Web using Internet Protocol.
- the scramble key can used by transceiver 450 to descramble a scrambled digital signal, such as the in-band digital signal containing A/V content, when that signal is scrambled.
- service information (such as information used to generate and update an electronic programming guide) can be transmitted by broadcast system 400 either using in-band digital signals or over the Internet using, for example, Internet Protocol.
- step 830 if the service information is transmitted over the Internet, then it is received by transceiver 450 via cable modem 640 and second tuner 650 ( Figure 6).
- the service information can be decoded (if it is compressed), then processed so that it can be displayed using a television set, a computer system, or the like.
- step 840 if the service information is transmitted in an in-band digital signal, then it is received by transceiver 450 via in-band tuner 605 ( Figure 6).
- the service information can be decoded (if it is compressed), then processed so that it can be displayed using a television set, a computer system, or the like.
- an out-of-band signal is not used to send the service information (EPG information) and the scramble key from broadcast system 400 to set-top boxes 450a, 450b, 450c, 450d and 450e ( Figure 4).
- the scramble key is sent from broadcast system 400 over the Internet (World Wide Web).
- the service information is also sent over the Internet.
- the service information is sent using in-band downstream digital signals.
- A/V content is also sent using in-band downstream digital signals.
- the present invention provides an apparatus and method thereof that can reduce the costs of a set-top box and a broadcast system, in particular those costs associated with supporting the use of in-band signals, out-of-band signals and IP data packets, while continuing to provide the audio/video content, service information, scramble key, and Internet access currently provided by the in-band signals, out-of-band signals and IP data packets.
- the preferred embodiment of the present invention improved Internet set-top box having an in-band tuner and cable modem, is thus described. While the present invention has been described in particular embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention should not be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed according to the below claims.
Abstract
Description
Claims
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JP2001549015A JP2003518879A (en) | 1999-12-29 | 2000-12-19 | Intelligent transmitting / receiving method, intelligent transmitting / receiving device and intelligent transmitting / receiving system |
AU22794/01A AU2279401A (en) | 1999-12-29 | 2000-12-19 | Intelligent transceiving method, device and system |
EP00986582A EP1245112A4 (en) | 1999-12-29 | 2000-12-19 | Intelligent transceiving method, device and system |
KR1020027008538A KR100788629B1 (en) | 1999-12-29 | 2000-12-19 | Intelligent transceiving method, device and system |
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CA2393630A1 (en) | 2001-07-05 |
AU2279401A (en) | 2001-07-09 |
KR20030013365A (en) | 2003-02-14 |
US6757909B1 (en) | 2004-06-29 |
JP2003518879A (en) | 2003-06-10 |
EP1245112A1 (en) | 2002-10-02 |
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