CA2443855A1 - A pc based tv set-top box system and method of providing contents exclusively by the system - Google Patents
A pc based tv set-top box system and method of providing contents exclusively by the system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2443855A1 CA2443855A1 CA002443855A CA2443855A CA2443855A1 CA 2443855 A1 CA2443855 A1 CA 2443855A1 CA 002443855 A CA002443855 A CA 002443855A CA 2443855 A CA2443855 A CA 2443855A CA 2443855 A1 CA2443855 A1 CA 2443855A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- top box
- set top
- signal
- personal computer
- received
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
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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
- H04N21/414—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
- H04N21/4143—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance embedded in a Personal Computer [PC]
-
- 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
- H04N21/443—OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
-
- 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
-
- 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
-
- 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]
- H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
- H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
- H04N21/8166—Monomedia components thereof involving executable data, e.g. software
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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
Abstract
This invention is about a PC based set top box system to connect private site only and a method of providing contents exclusively using this system. This type of invention system is composed of PC eqipped with private browser operating software to operate set topp box to connect to particular site and register user information when installing first time, parallel communicate with set top box, ask for log in permission to server when operating order signal is received from set top box, then operate private browser and send operating permission when log in is permitted; key input device inputted by user to operate set top box; and set top box which connects TV and PC, demand for operation communicating with PC when signal from key input device is received, offering preset unique code when unique code demand signal is received from PC, and operate normally and transmit PC's video signal and audio signal to TV when operation permit signal is received from PC. Therefor, according to this invention, exclusive offering of contents is possible connected to internet site allowed by PC based TV set top box installed between PC and TV and set top box operating software installed to PC, and it is possible to not allow acess sites not allowed.
Description
A PC Based TV Set-top Box System and Method of Providing Contents Exclusively by the System j TF_(''.HNTC''AT, FTFT,T) This invention is about TV set top box using TV to connect Internet, and in detail is about PC based set tc~p box system to connect exclusive site only and method of providing contents exclusively by the system.
Recently, Internet connection using PC is common as Internet use is broad, and supply of TV set top boa is increasing gradually to use various service and l~ cont~r~ts by Internet connection through home culture center medium TV.
This type of formal TV set top box connects to specified server by built in software, and should get service through this server but designed to surf ~U Internet site freely by user by having Internet browser buLlt in as basic.
Tn addition, since current service pro,,rided th~~ouc~h Internet is structured for user to~ choose .T
contents provider, contents provider at this structure ~~5 has no choice but to be in passive position waiting for user to connect after registering at virtual site.
Therefore, at current situation where Internet users are at near saturated state, an increase in contents provider brings these market sire relatively decrease and severe competition among business providers.
Therefore, if there is a way for contents pro~Jider to provide own contents exclusively to Internet user reversing this structure, business foundation can be established surely.
nTfiC'T,CWTTRF (7F THT~'. TNiTF:NTT()N
In order to satisfy above needs, this invention has purpose to provide TV set top box system which able to connect to particular site (contents provider) only and method of providing contents exclusively usingthis system.
BT~'.~T MOTIF F(~R (''ARRYTNC (~TTT THT.'. TNVFNTT(~N
In order to achieve above purpose, this invelztion system is specially composed of following devices..~'~PC
which operating software to operate private browses and set top box is loaded, registers password and ~5 subs~~riber's information at the site connecting to
Recently, Internet connection using PC is common as Internet use is broad, and supply of TV set top boa is increasing gradually to use various service and l~ cont~r~ts by Internet connection through home culture center medium TV.
This type of formal TV set top box connects to specified server by built in software, and should get service through this server but designed to surf ~U Internet site freely by user by having Internet browser buLlt in as basic.
Tn addition, since current service pro,,rided th~~ouc~h Internet is structured for user to~ choose .T
contents provider, contents provider at this structure ~~5 has no choice but to be in passive position waiting for user to connect after registering at virtual site.
Therefore, at current situation where Internet users are at near saturated state, an increase in contents provider brings these market sire relatively decrease and severe competition among business providers.
Therefore, if there is a way for contents pro~Jider to provide own contents exclusively to Internet user reversing this structure, business foundation can be established surely.
nTfiC'T,CWTTRF (7F THT~'. TNiTF:NTT()N
In order to satisfy above needs, this invention has purpose to provide TV set top box system which able to connect to particular site (contents provider) only and method of providing contents exclusively usingthis system.
BT~'.~T MOTIF F(~R (''ARRYTNC (~TTT THT.'. TNVFNTT(~N
In order to achieve above purpose, this invelztion system is specially composed of following devices..~'~PC
which operating software to operate private browses and set top box is loaded, registers password and ~5 subs~~riber's information at the site connecting to
2 specific site at first time installation, parallel communicates with set top box and ask permission for log in to server when operating request signal is received from set top box, and then operates private browses and transmits operating permission to set top box after log in is permitted; key input device which user inputs to control set top box; and set top box which connects TV
anal above PC, requests for operation communicatiiY.ag with 1~ above PC when signal from above key input device is received, offers preset passcode when passcode request signal is received from above PC, and transmits above pc's video signal and audio signal to above TV operating normally when operating permit signal from above PC is received.
Furthermore, to achieve above goal, this invention specially includes following steps; a step to register passcode loaded at above set top box and subscriber information to site offering above contents at initial ''U installation at the system where PC and TV connected thro~~cfh set top box, PC screen is featured at abode~ TV
an~~I above PC is connected to contents exclusive site through Internet; a step set top box transmits password
anal above PC, requests for operation communicatiiY.ag with 1~ above PC when signal from above key input device is received, offers preset passcode when passcode request signal is received from above PC, and transmits above pc's video signal and audio signal to above TV operating normally when operating permit signal from above PC is received.
Furthermore, to achieve above goal, this invention specially includes following steps; a step to register passcode loaded at above set top box and subscriber information to site offering above contents at initial ''U installation at the system where PC and TV connected thro~~cfh set top box, PC screen is featured at abode~ TV
an~~I above PC is connected to contents exclusive site through Internet; a step set top box transmits password
3 and demands for operation communicating with above PC
after motion requiring signal is received from input device; a step PC transmits password and subscriber inf~~~rmation connecting to above site; a step above site compares and permits log in if received information is same with registered information; a step above PC
operates private browser, receives above site's web page, and permits operation to above set top box after 1(:i log in permission is received from above site; and a step above set top box transmits and indicates video signal and audio signal received from above PC. to TV
after operating permit signal is received.
At below, this invention' s desirable exampl.es~ will 15 be explained referencing enclosed drawings.
At drawing 1 as a configuration diagram illustrating entire network according to this inven~_ion, TV '(102) is connected to Internet (108) through TV set top box (106) and PC (130), and contents provider (140) '0 is connected to offer contents exclusively at Internet (108) according to this invention. Even though TV set .. .
toga box_ ( 106 ) interfacing TV ( 102 ) to inte~-n~ ~ ( 108 ) using PC (130) is possible to embody as one integration
after motion requiring signal is received from input device; a step PC transmits password and subscriber inf~~~rmation connecting to above site; a step above site compares and permits log in if received information is same with registered information; a step above PC
operates private browser, receives above site's web page, and permits operation to above set top box after 1(:i log in permission is received from above site; and a step above set top box transmits and indicates video signal and audio signal received from above PC. to TV
after operating permit signal is received.
At below, this invention' s desirable exampl.es~ will 15 be explained referencing enclosed drawings.
At drawing 1 as a configuration diagram illustrating entire network according to this inven~_ion, TV '(102) is connected to Internet (108) through TV set top box (106) and PC (130), and contents provider (140) '0 is connected to offer contents exclusively at Internet (108) according to this invention. Even though TV set .. .
toga box_ ( 106 ) interfacing TV ( 102 ) to inte~-n~ ~ ( 108 ) using PC (130) is possible to embody as one integration
4 tt,%he ~nhen PC (.130 ) and TV ( 102 ) are installed near by, usually it is recommended to embody main set top box (110) connected to PC (130) and server set top box (120) connected to TV (102) separately, and main set top box_ (110) and server set top box (120) are connected by cable when they are separated like this.
Referencing drawing 1, TV (102) is connected to server set top box (120), video AUX, audio 1 AUX, and audio R AUX. Furthermore, infrared sensor along with video and audio terminals are built in at server sei~ top bo.s (120), transmits operated signal to PC (130) through main set top box (110) when user operates wireless remote control, wireless keyboard, or wireless mouse in front of TV (102), and transmits video and audio signals received through main set top box (110) to TV (102) as 1s.
Main set~top box (11) as described later changes video card (132) R,G,B signal installed at PC (13) to ?0 composite video for TV, controls TV controller (1~.:3:,, of ~,.~
drawing ~) which connects or disconnects audio signal anci TV controller (113), equips micro processor (111 of drawing 2) to communicate with PC (130) and transmits
Referencing drawing 1, TV (102) is connected to server set top box (120), video AUX, audio 1 AUX, and audio R AUX. Furthermore, infrared sensor along with video and audio terminals are built in at server sei~ top bo.s (120), transmits operated signal to PC (130) through main set top box (110) when user operates wireless remote control, wireless keyboard, or wireless mouse in front of TV (102), and transmits video and audio signals received through main set top box (110) to TV (102) as 1s.
Main set~top box (11) as described later changes video card (132) R,G,B signal installed at PC (13) to ?0 composite video for TV, controls TV controller (1~.:3:,, of ~,.~
drawing ~) which connects or disconnects audio signal anci TV controller (113), equips micro processor (111 of drawing 2) to communicate with PC (130) and transmits
5 operation request to PC (13) when set top box power on signal is received through server set top box (120), transmits already inputted 'passcode' when pssscode request is received from PC (130), and makes exclusive browses (136) screen to appear on TV (102) by operating TV controller (113) at normal mode when operating permission is received from PC (130).
PC (130) which is equipped with mainboard (131), video card (132), sound card (133), hardware including pa.ra11.e1 communication port (134), set top box. operating software (135) to operate set top box_ (106), operating software (136), and exclusive browses to connect to clesignated site only through set top box (106) transmits set top box (106) passcode when Internet connection request (operation request) from set top box (106) and connects to server (142), transmits log in information (i~~r e:~ample, passcode and subscriber TD, password etc. ) Ancl requests for log in, then exclusive browses sr~reen '0 is displayed at TV (102) through set top box (106) transmitting operating consent signal to set top box (106) when log in is granted from server (142).
PC (130) which is equipped with mainboard (131), video card (132), sound card (133), hardware including pa.ra11.e1 communication port (134), set top box. operating software (135) to operate set top box_ (106), operating software (136), and exclusive browses to connect to clesignated site only through set top box (106) transmits set top box (106) passcode when Internet connection request (operation request) from set top box (106) and connects to server (142), transmits log in information (i~~r e:~ample, passcode and subscriber TD, password etc. ) Ancl requests for log in, then exclusive browses sr~reen '0 is displayed at TV (102) through set top box (106) transmitting operating consent signal to set top box (106) when log in is granted from server (142).
6 Contents provider (140) equips web server (142) and data base (144) and manages subscriber storing set top box user's passcode and user information (for e=:ample, user ID, password, address, name, SSN, contact information, etc.) at data base (144), and approves verifying passcode and user information registered at data base (144) at the time of initial registration when log in is requested from PC (13) set top box operating program (137). And it provides basic web page (drawing
7), menu and link, which can choose various contents, and provides contents selected by user. Here, additional fAe is charged when contents offered is with fee.
According to this invention like this, set top box (106) is operates only by PC (130) set top box operating software (135), set top box operating software (135) allows operation only with permission after reading password and verifying with contents provider (140) when set top box (106) operation is requested, and con~_ents 0 is provided exclusively by allowing access to selected c:;ntents provider (140) only through restricted browser (137).
According to this invention like this, set top box (106) is operates only by PC (130) set top box operating software (135), set top box operating software (135) allows operation only with permission after reading password and verifying with contents provider (140) when set top box (106) operation is requested, and con~_ents 0 is provided exclusively by allowing access to selected c:;ntents provider (140) only through restricted browser (137).
8 PCT/KR02/00638 Drawing 2 is a block diagram of illustrating set top bozo configuration according to this invention, this invention's set top box (106) is composed of micro processor (111), RS-232C driver (112), TV controller (1.13}, buffer (114), infrared sensor (121), state led (122), power QED (123), and various cable connectors (not illustratedj. Here, if set top box (109) is separated into main set top box (110) and server set top Lr~o:T (1?0), install micro processor (111), RS232C driver (1-L~'), TV controller (113), buffer (114) included in main set top box_ (110) near PC (130) and install Taideo Ate,::, audio 1 AUX, audio R AUX, infrared sensor (121), LED (122, 223) included in server set top box (1,~0) near J.5 TV (1U2) .
Re~erenc.ing to drawing 2, micro processor (111) transmits along fixed protocol connected to PC parallel port (134) as RX, TX, control signal line through RS~32C
dxiver (112), decodes this and transmits fixed format to ~U PC (130) after receiving made up signal from remote control (104) through .infrared sensor (121). And when power as on, mark power is authorized by turning on LED
(1'?3) and mark movement status at state ZED (122).
Furthermore, TV controller (113) is controlled Using reset signal and control signal.
TV controller (113) operates as 'normal mode' and 'stand by mode' according to micro processor (111) control signal. At 'normal mode', R,G,B signal (FGA out R, VGA out G, VGA out B), horizontal motor (VGA oft HB), and vertical motor signal (VGA out VB) are inputted from video card (132) through buffer (114), R,G,B video 1l1 signal converted to composite video signal is transmitted to server set top box (12) after audio signal (speaker L, speaker R) is inputted from sound ~~arci (133), and audio signal is transmitted to server set top box (120) as is. At 'stand by mode', 'video is not displayed on TV (102) by blocking video output and audio output. Moreover, when reset signal is inputted fr~~m micro processor (111), reset and operate from beginning again.
On drawing 3, as a step diagram illustrating ='0 c~~ntents providing process according to this invention, movement process between remote control (104), controlled by user and set top box (106) , PC (130) , server (140) is illustrated.
Re~erenc.ing to drawing 2, micro processor (111) transmits along fixed protocol connected to PC parallel port (134) as RX, TX, control signal line through RS~32C
dxiver (112), decodes this and transmits fixed format to ~U PC (130) after receiving made up signal from remote control (104) through .infrared sensor (121). And when power as on, mark power is authorized by turning on LED
(1'?3) and mark movement status at state ZED (122).
Furthermore, TV controller (113) is controlled Using reset signal and control signal.
TV controller (113) operates as 'normal mode' and 'stand by mode' according to micro processor (111) control signal. At 'normal mode', R,G,B signal (FGA out R, VGA out G, VGA out B), horizontal motor (VGA oft HB), and vertical motor signal (VGA out VB) are inputted from video card (132) through buffer (114), R,G,B video 1l1 signal converted to composite video signal is transmitted to server set top box (12) after audio signal (speaker L, speaker R) is inputted from sound ~~arci (133), and audio signal is transmitted to server set top box (120) as is. At 'stand by mode', 'video is not displayed on TV (102) by blocking video output and audio output. Moreover, when reset signal is inputted fr~~m micro processor (111), reset and operate from beginning again.
On drawing 3, as a step diagram illustrating ='0 c~~ntents providing process according to this invention, movement process between remote control (104), controlled by user and set top box (106) , PC (130) , server (140) is illustrated.
9 Referencing to drawing 3, after connecting set top ba:~ (105) with TV (102} and PC (130) at initial installation, install set top box operating software (135} and exclusive browser (136) to PC (130).
Subsequently, request for serial number communicating with set top box (106) through parallel communication port (134) running set top box operating software (135), then enter and register (S1-S4) serial nurnl=~er and subscriber information after logging in to ser~rer (142) after passcode is received from set top box (l0~). At this time, 'serial number' is a proper ,,ralue (for example, l2 digit} stored at eeprom .inside micro processor (111} when manufacturing set top box (106), ~5 and subscriber information is subscriber ID, password, address, name, social security number, contact point which set top box buyer (contents user} inputs to re~;~ist.er after logging into contents provider' s (140) server (142), These information stored at data base ~'0 (~.~9) provided to server (142) at initial subscription is used to manage subscr~.ber (certification and e_~cess chartte, etc. ) .
When user (subscriber) turns remote cont.rol's (104) power on to use contents after subscription is completed like this, this signal is transmitted ~tc> set top box micro processor (111) through infrared ~~sensor (1'1), and micro processor (111) decodes this and transmits operating command signal to PC (130) (S5, S6).
When operating,command signal is received from set top box (106), turn PC (130) on, execute set trop box operating software (135), and transmit serial 'number request order through parallel port (134) to set top box (106). When serial number is received from set top box (106), transmit required information for log in like this serial number, ID and password to server (142) (x7-s10) . At this time, devices to control PC power should be equipped to control PC (130) on/off through set top bo:< (106) .
When log in information is received from PC (130), server (142) transmits log in permission to PC (130) .0 verifying and if accords with stored registration inf_c~rmation at data base (144). Thus, PC (130) operates e_x:alusive browser (137) to view contents and pro~Tides operating consent signal to set top box (106).
Set top box. (106) operates TV controller (113) at norr~ual. mode after receiving operating consent signal and transmits inputted signal from PC video card (132) and sound card (133) to TV (102) (S15-S17). At this time, RGB signal of video card (132) is transmitted as converted NTSC mode composite video signal. Thus;, basic menu screen is displayed provided by contents provider (140) on TV (102).
In addition, when user watches basic menu screen of TV (102) and operates remote control's (104) menu key c>r up/down/left/right direction key, set top box (106) receives and decodes this and transmits to PC.(130). PC
(1~0) transmits this signal to server (142), soruser can ~~hoose contents wanted (S18-S23). At this time, since screen provided by exclusive browser (137) does not have address input window for web surfing different from general Internet browser, user cannot connect to sites ~~~1_her than offered by exclusive contents sites as 0 default. Since it is composed to choose menu within screen provided at server (142), complicated input device is not needed such as wireless keyboard or wireless mouse. And because one can operate easily with remote control (104) with simple keys like power key, menu key, up/down/left/right direction key, people without much knowledge with Internet or computer can use easily. Futhermore, when contents selected by user is a toll site, excess charge begins according to agreement.
When user operates remote control (104) and turns power off, set top box (106) transmits off request signal. to PC. After receivng off request signal, PC
transmits log out request signal to server (142) and off consent signal to set top box (106) , and then turys off PC (130) automatically. After off consent signal is re~~eiiled, set top box (106) converts TV controller (113) to stand by mode and blocks video signal and audio 7~~ signal.
Drawing 4 is a flow diagram illustrating steps software of main set top box executing according to this invention.
Referencing to drawing 4, when software built in ~0 mi:rro processor (111) executes after power is on, set tc~~p bc:>~ (106) processes self-diagnosis and initial step, then stand by for event occurrence (401-403). At this time, indicate movement state to user by turning on power LED indicating power on state and LED indicating movement state.
When set top box power on signal is received through infrared sensor (121) from remote control (104) during stand by, transmit operating request signal to PC
(130) (406, 407) and transmit serial number to PC (130) after code request signal from PC (130) is received (404, 405).
l_0 When operating consent signal is received during stand by, operate ~TV controller (113) using controller signal. (408, 409) and transmit off request signal to PC
(130) after set top box power off signal is received (412, 413).
Drawing 5 is a flow diagram illustrating steps software of pc set top box executing according to this 1I-1Ve11t 10n .
Referencing to drawing 5, PC set top box oper~t.ing software (135) requires serial number to set top box :~'0 (10F) at initial installation, logs in to server (142) after serial number is received, and registers entering serial number and subscriber information (501-505).
Tn7hen operating request signal is received from set top box (106) after registration is completed,. execute set top box operating software (135) after waking up and re~~uest serial number to set top box (106).
After serial number is received, connect to server (142) and request for log in transmitting log in information like serial number, subscriber ID, and p,~ssward (510-512) .
Lci When log in is granted from server (142), view contents provided by contents provider (140) by running e:zclusive browser (137), and transmit operating consent signal. to set top box (10~) (513-515).
When power off call signal is received from set 1 ~~ top boy: ( 106) , request for log out connecting to server (142) , transmit power off consent signal to set ', 'top box (10~~) and turn PC (519) off (516-519). Here, even PC
(1.>0) is turned off, basic devices to communicate with set top box (106) need to be at stand by mode.
?0 On other side, if system timer is set at fixed tine interval to prevent user to connect to different sites other than exclusive sites allowed by set top box using public Internet browser, then verify operation st:~t~_is of exclusive browser when timer interruption o~~curs and let exclusive browser to appear on screen first (520, 521).
Drawing 6 is a flow diagram illustrating steps server executes according to this invention.
Referencing to drawing 6, if optional PC (x130) is a.<
connected and is first connection, register infor~ination life serial number, subscriber personal information, ID, an<.l password at data base (144) (601, 602) .
L~hen log in is requested after registration, allow log in after verifying log in information like serial number, subscriber ID, password and if it matches previously registered information. If it does not."match, then do not allow log in (603, 604).
When log in is successful, provide basic web page to choose contents (605, 60~). Provide relevant contents when user chooses contents, and start charging fee following preset method when it is fee based (607, ~~08).
?0 Stop providing contents when log out is requested, pr~_~cess log out, and stop charging fee (609, 610).
Drawing 7, as an example of exclusive browser screen according to this invention, is an example of basic screen appearing after log in to contents pro~Jider (1~U) through set top box.
Referencing to drawing 7, contents items (DVD, VOD, my video, today's movie) movable by menu button are displayed on bottom of screen. Title that can be chosen by up/down key is displayed on right side of screen, and a screen to choose channel with left/right direction key is displayed on a section.
1.0 Like this, exclusive browser a~:cording to this invention blocks Internet surfing route and can .limit user linking other Internet sites since offering sample link set up menu only. Also, there is an advantage of operation being very simple since user can find wanted contents with direction key or menu key only at basic menu screen.
Drawing 8 is a diagram to describe filter concept of mouse and keyboard provided according to this invention. This kind of filter technology is to block ~'0 user with double monitors viewing other contents than e:~;alusive contents allowed by set top box.
Referencing to drawing 8, input/output device (80~.) like keyboard or mouse gets processed first at system's first bios (basic input output system) (802), and contents processed at bios (802) get processed again at. operating software (803) and transmitted to appropriate practical program (805). At this ~:ime, keyboard and mouse filter (804) according to this invention are located between operating system (803) and practical program (805) and block newly executed program coming over to TV domain by limiting movement of computer input device keyboard and mouse.
TNT~TT~TRTAT. APPT.T(''ARTT.TTY
As explained above, only Internet sites allowed by PC based TV set top box installed between PC and TV and set top box operating software installed at PC are linl~=ed and offered contents exclusively, and sites that are not allowed can be blocked from linking. Using this kind of feature, business stability is guaranteed providing contents exclusively to user after contents '0 provider distributes set top box at free of charge of very low cost to public. From user standpoint,~~ .since operation is very simple, user can use contents easily even without knowing how to use Internet or computer.
Furtluermore, since serial number is stored at set top l~~o=:, and serial number and user ID or password. are used together at the time of certification at server or PC, illegal usage from set top box. theft or illegal usage from software duplication can be prevented.
Subsequently, request for serial number communicating with set top box (106) through parallel communication port (134) running set top box operating software (135), then enter and register (S1-S4) serial nurnl=~er and subscriber information after logging in to ser~rer (142) after passcode is received from set top box (l0~). At this time, 'serial number' is a proper ,,ralue (for example, l2 digit} stored at eeprom .inside micro processor (111} when manufacturing set top box (106), ~5 and subscriber information is subscriber ID, password, address, name, social security number, contact point which set top box buyer (contents user} inputs to re~;~ist.er after logging into contents provider' s (140) server (142), These information stored at data base ~'0 (~.~9) provided to server (142) at initial subscription is used to manage subscr~.ber (certification and e_~cess chartte, etc. ) .
When user (subscriber) turns remote cont.rol's (104) power on to use contents after subscription is completed like this, this signal is transmitted ~tc> set top box micro processor (111) through infrared ~~sensor (1'1), and micro processor (111) decodes this and transmits operating command signal to PC (130) (S5, S6).
When operating,command signal is received from set top box (106), turn PC (130) on, execute set trop box operating software (135), and transmit serial 'number request order through parallel port (134) to set top box (106). When serial number is received from set top box (106), transmit required information for log in like this serial number, ID and password to server (142) (x7-s10) . At this time, devices to control PC power should be equipped to control PC (130) on/off through set top bo:< (106) .
When log in information is received from PC (130), server (142) transmits log in permission to PC (130) .0 verifying and if accords with stored registration inf_c~rmation at data base (144). Thus, PC (130) operates e_x:alusive browser (137) to view contents and pro~Tides operating consent signal to set top box (106).
Set top box. (106) operates TV controller (113) at norr~ual. mode after receiving operating consent signal and transmits inputted signal from PC video card (132) and sound card (133) to TV (102) (S15-S17). At this time, RGB signal of video card (132) is transmitted as converted NTSC mode composite video signal. Thus;, basic menu screen is displayed provided by contents provider (140) on TV (102).
In addition, when user watches basic menu screen of TV (102) and operates remote control's (104) menu key c>r up/down/left/right direction key, set top box (106) receives and decodes this and transmits to PC.(130). PC
(1~0) transmits this signal to server (142), soruser can ~~hoose contents wanted (S18-S23). At this time, since screen provided by exclusive browser (137) does not have address input window for web surfing different from general Internet browser, user cannot connect to sites ~~~1_her than offered by exclusive contents sites as 0 default. Since it is composed to choose menu within screen provided at server (142), complicated input device is not needed such as wireless keyboard or wireless mouse. And because one can operate easily with remote control (104) with simple keys like power key, menu key, up/down/left/right direction key, people without much knowledge with Internet or computer can use easily. Futhermore, when contents selected by user is a toll site, excess charge begins according to agreement.
When user operates remote control (104) and turns power off, set top box (106) transmits off request signal. to PC. After receivng off request signal, PC
transmits log out request signal to server (142) and off consent signal to set top box (106) , and then turys off PC (130) automatically. After off consent signal is re~~eiiled, set top box (106) converts TV controller (113) to stand by mode and blocks video signal and audio 7~~ signal.
Drawing 4 is a flow diagram illustrating steps software of main set top box executing according to this invention.
Referencing to drawing 4, when software built in ~0 mi:rro processor (111) executes after power is on, set tc~~p bc:>~ (106) processes self-diagnosis and initial step, then stand by for event occurrence (401-403). At this time, indicate movement state to user by turning on power LED indicating power on state and LED indicating movement state.
When set top box power on signal is received through infrared sensor (121) from remote control (104) during stand by, transmit operating request signal to PC
(130) (406, 407) and transmit serial number to PC (130) after code request signal from PC (130) is received (404, 405).
l_0 When operating consent signal is received during stand by, operate ~TV controller (113) using controller signal. (408, 409) and transmit off request signal to PC
(130) after set top box power off signal is received (412, 413).
Drawing 5 is a flow diagram illustrating steps software of pc set top box executing according to this 1I-1Ve11t 10n .
Referencing to drawing 5, PC set top box oper~t.ing software (135) requires serial number to set top box :~'0 (10F) at initial installation, logs in to server (142) after serial number is received, and registers entering serial number and subscriber information (501-505).
Tn7hen operating request signal is received from set top box (106) after registration is completed,. execute set top box operating software (135) after waking up and re~~uest serial number to set top box (106).
After serial number is received, connect to server (142) and request for log in transmitting log in information like serial number, subscriber ID, and p,~ssward (510-512) .
Lci When log in is granted from server (142), view contents provided by contents provider (140) by running e:zclusive browser (137), and transmit operating consent signal. to set top box (10~) (513-515).
When power off call signal is received from set 1 ~~ top boy: ( 106) , request for log out connecting to server (142) , transmit power off consent signal to set ', 'top box (10~~) and turn PC (519) off (516-519). Here, even PC
(1.>0) is turned off, basic devices to communicate with set top box (106) need to be at stand by mode.
?0 On other side, if system timer is set at fixed tine interval to prevent user to connect to different sites other than exclusive sites allowed by set top box using public Internet browser, then verify operation st:~t~_is of exclusive browser when timer interruption o~~curs and let exclusive browser to appear on screen first (520, 521).
Drawing 6 is a flow diagram illustrating steps server executes according to this invention.
Referencing to drawing 6, if optional PC (x130) is a.<
connected and is first connection, register infor~ination life serial number, subscriber personal information, ID, an<.l password at data base (144) (601, 602) .
L~hen log in is requested after registration, allow log in after verifying log in information like serial number, subscriber ID, password and if it matches previously registered information. If it does not."match, then do not allow log in (603, 604).
When log in is successful, provide basic web page to choose contents (605, 60~). Provide relevant contents when user chooses contents, and start charging fee following preset method when it is fee based (607, ~~08).
?0 Stop providing contents when log out is requested, pr~_~cess log out, and stop charging fee (609, 610).
Drawing 7, as an example of exclusive browser screen according to this invention, is an example of basic screen appearing after log in to contents pro~Jider (1~U) through set top box.
Referencing to drawing 7, contents items (DVD, VOD, my video, today's movie) movable by menu button are displayed on bottom of screen. Title that can be chosen by up/down key is displayed on right side of screen, and a screen to choose channel with left/right direction key is displayed on a section.
1.0 Like this, exclusive browser a~:cording to this invention blocks Internet surfing route and can .limit user linking other Internet sites since offering sample link set up menu only. Also, there is an advantage of operation being very simple since user can find wanted contents with direction key or menu key only at basic menu screen.
Drawing 8 is a diagram to describe filter concept of mouse and keyboard provided according to this invention. This kind of filter technology is to block ~'0 user with double monitors viewing other contents than e:~;alusive contents allowed by set top box.
Referencing to drawing 8, input/output device (80~.) like keyboard or mouse gets processed first at system's first bios (basic input output system) (802), and contents processed at bios (802) get processed again at. operating software (803) and transmitted to appropriate practical program (805). At this ~:ime, keyboard and mouse filter (804) according to this invention are located between operating system (803) and practical program (805) and block newly executed program coming over to TV domain by limiting movement of computer input device keyboard and mouse.
TNT~TT~TRTAT. APPT.T(''ARTT.TTY
As explained above, only Internet sites allowed by PC based TV set top box installed between PC and TV and set top box operating software installed at PC are linl~=ed and offered contents exclusively, and sites that are not allowed can be blocked from linking. Using this kind of feature, business stability is guaranteed providing contents exclusively to user after contents '0 provider distributes set top box at free of charge of very low cost to public. From user standpoint,~~ .since operation is very simple, user can use contents easily even without knowing how to use Internet or computer.
Furtluermore, since serial number is stored at set top l~~o=:, and serial number and user ID or password. are used together at the time of certification at server or PC, illegal usage from set top box. theft or illegal usage from software duplication can be prevented.
Claims (11)
1. PC equipped with operating software to operate exclusive browser and set top box registers aerial number and subscriber information to special site at first installation, requests for log in after operating request signal received from set top box communicating parallel with set top box, operates exclusive browser when log in is approved, and transmits operating permission to set top box, Key input device inputted by user to operate set top box; and PC based TV set top box system specially composed of set top box which links TV and above PC, requests for operation communicating with above PC after receiving signal from above key input device, provides preset serial number after receiving serial input request signal from above PC, and operates normally when operation consent signal is received from above PC and transmits personal computer's video signal and audio signal to above television.
2. From item 1, above set top box is TV controller converting R,G,B signal inputted from above personal computer's video card to composite video signal, linking or blocking audio signal inputted from above personal computer's sound card, Sensor to detect operation of above key input device;
PC based TV set top box system specially composed of micro processor which communicates through parallel port with above PC, transmits decoded signal to personal computer after receiving operating signal from above sensor, operates above TV controller at normal mode when operating consent signal is transmitted from above personal computer, and controls above TV controller to operate at stand by mode when off consent signal is received.
PC based TV set top box system specially composed of micro processor which communicates through parallel port with above PC, transmits decoded signal to personal computer after receiving operating signal from above sensor, operates above TV controller at normal mode when operating consent signal is transmitted from above personal computer, and controls above TV controller to operate at stand by mode when off consent signal is received.
3. Above set top box at item 1 is Separated to main set top box connected to computer and server set top box connected to television, main set top box and server set top box are connected by cable, Above main set top box is, Composed of TV controller which converts R,G,B
signal inputted from above personal computer's, video card to composite video signal, connects or blocks. audio signal inputted from above personal computer's sound card, and micro processor which communicates with above personal computer through parallel port, transmits decode signal to above pc when operating signal is received from sensor, operates TV controller at normal mode when operating consent signal is received from above PC, and controls above TV controller to operate at stand by mode when off consent signal is received, Above server set top box is, Sensor to detect above key input device operation, and PC based TV set top box system composed of audio and video terminal with special feature of connecting computer and television located at different location.
signal inputted from above personal computer's, video card to composite video signal, connects or blocks. audio signal inputted from above personal computer's sound card, and micro processor which communicates with above personal computer through parallel port, transmits decode signal to above pc when operating signal is received from sensor, operates TV controller at normal mode when operating consent signal is received from above PC, and controls above TV controller to operate at stand by mode when off consent signal is received, Above server set top box is, Sensor to detect above key input device operation, and PC based TV set top box system composed of audio and video terminal with special feature of connecting computer and television located at different location.
4. At item 2 or item 3, above sensor is PC based TV set top box system having infrared sensor as special feature.
5. At item 2 or item 3, above set top box is PC
based TV set top box system with special feature of having more buffer to separate and send R,G,B signal inputted from above personal computer's video card to set top box and monitor.
based TV set top box system with special feature of having more buffer to separate and send R,G,B signal inputted from above personal computer's video card to set top box and monitor.
6. At item 1, above set top box system is Pr based TV set top box system with special feature of including more contents provider sites to include server and data base, manage subscriber information linked to above personal computer and Internet, and to provide contents exclusively.
7. At item 1, above key input device is PC based TV set top box system specially composed of remote control.
8. At system where personal computer's screen is displayed at above television by connection personal computer and television through set top box, and system where above personal computer can connect to exclusive contents site through internet, Step registering serial number built in above set top box and subscriber information at above contents providing sites;
Step where set top box communicates with above personal computer after operating request signal is received from input device, transmits serial number, and request for operation;
Step where personal computer connects to above site and transmits serial number and information to log in;
Step where above site compares serial number received and registered log in information and permits log in if they match;
Step where above personal computer operates exclusive browser after receiving log in permission from above site, receives above site's web page, and operates permitting to above set top box; and Offering method contents exclusively using PC based TV
set top box system with special feature including step transmitting and indicating video signal and audio signal received from above personal computer to television.
Step where set top box communicates with above personal computer after operating request signal is received from input device, transmits serial number, and request for operation;
Step where personal computer connects to above site and transmits serial number and information to log in;
Step where above site compares serial number received and registered log in information and permits log in if they match;
Step where above personal computer operates exclusive browser after receiving log in permission from above site, receives above site's web page, and operates permitting to above set top box; and Offering method contents exclusively using PC based TV
set top box system with special feature including step transmitting and indicating video signal and audio signal received from above personal computer to television.
9. At item 8, above exclusive contents offering method is offering method contents exclusively using PC
based TV set top box system with special feature of indicating private browser to top priority order at regular time interval.
based TV set top box system with special feature of indicating private browser to top priority order at regular time interval.
10. At item 8, above serial number is special number of designated unit stored at set top box at the time of manufacturing, and above subscriber information is offering method contents exclusively using PC based TV set top box system with feature including subscriber ID and password.
11. At item 8, above private browser is exclusively contents offering method using PC based TV
set top box system which can limit user to connects to Bother sites on Internet since providing simple link set menu and can find desired contents with direction key or menu key at basic menu screen.
set top box system which can limit user to connects to Bother sites on Internet since providing simple link set menu and can find desired contents with direction key or menu key at basic menu screen.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR2001/19101 | 2001-04-10 | ||
| KR10-2001-0019101A KR100451396B1 (en) | 2001-04-10 | 2001-04-10 | TV Set Top Box Using PC |
| KR10-2002-0001543A KR100420131B1 (en) | 2001-12-13 | 2002-01-10 | A PC based TV set-top box system and Method of providing contents exclusively by the system |
| KR2002/01543 | 2002-01-10 | ||
| PCT/KR2002/000638 WO2002087238A1 (en) | 2001-04-10 | 2002-04-10 | A pc based tv set-top box system and method of providing contents exclusively by the system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2443855A1 true CA2443855A1 (en) | 2002-10-31 |
Family
ID=26638958
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002443855A Abandoned CA2443855A1 (en) | 2001-04-10 | 2002-04-10 | A pc based tv set-top box system and method of providing contents exclusively by the system |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20040123315A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2004533754A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1509570A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2443855A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2392573B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2002087238A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (19)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| CN103810411B (en) * | 2002-05-29 | 2018-01-12 | 索尼株式会社 | Information processing system |
| US20050068307A1 (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2005-03-31 | Microsoft Corporation | System, method and apparatus for a media computing device remote control |
| CN1315326C (en) * | 2004-04-14 | 2007-05-09 | 赵红刚 | Method of realizing set-top function based on software |
| US20060048188A1 (en) * | 2004-08-25 | 2006-03-02 | Thomas Poslinski | Methods and systems for logging a user off of a set-top box |
| US20060085840A1 (en) * | 2004-10-14 | 2006-04-20 | Timo Bruck | Method and apparatus for associating a client device with a hosted service |
| US20060195832A1 (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2006-08-31 | Microsoft Corporation | Modules for composing computer systems |
| JP2009520380A (en) * | 2005-12-19 | 2009-05-21 | パナソニック株式会社 | Content management system |
| JP4918350B2 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2012-04-18 | 富士通株式会社 | Information processing apparatus, power supply control method, and program |
| US20070250894A1 (en) * | 2006-04-11 | 2007-10-25 | Jeongki Kim | Digital television system using high-speed serial bus and method for controlling the same |
| CN101127756B (en) * | 2006-08-15 | 2011-01-05 | 中兴通讯股份有限公司 | Method for realizing channel switching on third party website |
| JP5324467B2 (en) * | 2006-12-20 | 2013-10-23 | トムソン ライセンシング | Visual alert system for set-top box standby mode |
| US20090320065A1 (en) * | 2008-06-23 | 2009-12-24 | Microsoft Corporation | Content selection and output |
| US20100039435A1 (en) * | 2008-08-14 | 2010-02-18 | Benq Corporation | Display capable of being connected to internet |
| CN101827252B (en) * | 2010-05-14 | 2011-09-21 | 山东泰信电子有限公司 | System and method for realizing safe internet visit by internet television terminal |
| CN102802059B (en) * | 2011-05-27 | 2016-05-25 | 华为软件技术有限公司 | The method of configuration machine top box, Apparatus and system |
| CN103856826A (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2014-06-11 | 扬智科技股份有限公司 | Video signal broadcasting method and device |
| CN103108225B (en) * | 2013-01-16 | 2016-01-20 | 青岛海信宽带多媒体技术有限公司 | The method and system of video are obtained based on Set Top Box |
| KR101594874B1 (en) | 2014-07-16 | 2016-02-17 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Electronic apparatus, external apparatus and method for controlling a power supply of external apparatus |
| US10924793B2 (en) | 2018-06-03 | 2021-02-16 | Apple Inc. | Generic streaming media device configured as set top box |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| US5983363A (en) * | 1992-11-20 | 1999-11-09 | Micron Communications, Inc. | In-sheet transceiver testing |
| US6208384B1 (en) * | 1996-07-11 | 2001-03-27 | Douglas G. Brown | Methods and systems for providing information to a television using a personal computer |
| KR200160649Y1 (en) * | 1997-06-12 | 1999-11-15 | 전주범 | Device for selectively receiving a pc video and audio signal to internet module |
| US6226642B1 (en) * | 1997-09-11 | 2001-05-01 | International Business Machines Corporation | Content modification of internet web pages for a television class display |
| US5982363A (en) * | 1997-10-24 | 1999-11-09 | General Instrument Corporation | Personal computer-based set-top converter for television services |
| US6545722B1 (en) * | 1998-01-09 | 2003-04-08 | Douglas G. Brown | Methods and systems for providing television related services via a networked personal computer |
| AU758390B2 (en) * | 1998-07-27 | 2003-03-20 | Webtv Networks, Inc. | Remote computer access |
| US6349410B1 (en) * | 1999-08-04 | 2002-02-19 | Intel Corporation | Integrating broadcast television pause and web browsing |
| US6745223B1 (en) * | 2000-01-26 | 2004-06-01 | Viaclix, Inc. | User terminal for channel-based internet network |
| US6832388B1 (en) * | 2000-05-30 | 2004-12-14 | Jordan Du Val | Personal computer used in conjunction with television to display information related to television programming |
-
2002
- 2002-04-10 GB GB0323963A patent/GB2392573B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-04-10 CA CA002443855A patent/CA2443855A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-04-10 CN CNA028080645A patent/CN1509570A/en active Pending
- 2002-04-10 WO PCT/KR2002/000638 patent/WO2002087238A1/en active Application Filing
- 2002-04-10 JP JP2002584614A patent/JP2004533754A/en active Pending
- 2002-04-10 US US10/474,407 patent/US20040123315A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2392573A (en) | 2004-03-03 |
| US20040123315A1 (en) | 2004-06-24 |
| GB2392573B (en) | 2005-06-01 |
| JP2004533754A (en) | 2004-11-04 |
| GB0323963D0 (en) | 2003-11-19 |
| CN1509570A (en) | 2004-06-30 |
| WO2002087238A1 (en) | 2002-10-31 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |