WO1997023095A1 - Set-top-box - Google Patents

Set-top-box Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997023095A1
WO1997023095A1 PCT/EP1997/000117 EP9700117W WO9723095A1 WO 1997023095 A1 WO1997023095 A1 WO 1997023095A1 EP 9700117 W EP9700117 W EP 9700117W WO 9723095 A1 WO9723095 A1 WO 9723095A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
unit
stb
signals
isdn
top box
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP1997/000117
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Harald Orlamünder
Christian Homann
Original Assignee
Alcatel Alsthom Compagnie Generale D'electricite
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alcatel Alsthom Compagnie Generale D'electricite filed Critical Alcatel Alsthom Compagnie Generale D'electricite
Priority to JP9522527A priority Critical patent/JPH11501184A/en
Priority to EP97901007A priority patent/EP0811294A1/en
Publication of WO1997023095A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997023095A1/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H04B7/14—Relay systems
    • H04B7/15—Active relay systems
    • H04B7/185—Space-based or airborne stations; Stations for satellite systems
    • H04B7/18523—Satellite systems for providing broadcast service to terrestrial stations, i.e. broadcast satellite service
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04N21/6187—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network involving transmission via a telephone network, e.g. POTS
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q11/00—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems
    • H04Q11/04—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems for time-division multiplexing
    • H04Q11/0428—Integrated services digital network, i.e. systems for transmission of different types of digitised signals, e.g. speech, data, telecentral, television signals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/44—Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13176—Common channel signaling, CCS7
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13178—Control signals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13202—Network termination [NT]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13204—Protocols
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13209—ISDN
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13292—Time division multiplexing, TDM
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13299—Bus
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13332—Broadband, CATV, dynamic bandwidth allocation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13333—Earth satellites
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13376—Information service, downloading of information, 0800/0900 services

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a set-top box according to claim 1.
  • broadband communication systems capable of return channels are required.
  • the video and audio signals of the interactive services are e.g. transmitted in the forward channel of a hybrid broadband communication network or via a satellite connection to several subscribers.
  • Each participant has a set-top box in which the video and audio signals, etc. decompressed, decoded and decrypted.
  • each participant In order to be able to use the interactive services, each participant must be able to request the desired services from the server. This is done via a return channel.
  • the reverse channel is via an integrated service digital Network, the so-called ISDN.
  • the request signals are transmitted via an ISDN telephone system in a user information channel, the so-called B channel.
  • This has the disadvantage that during the use of the video-on-demand service, for example 90 min. for each video film, the user information channel is occupied and cannot be used, e.g. for making calls.
  • a low data rate for example 10 kbit / s, is sufficient for the transmission of the request signals. Only a small part of the 64 kbit / s of the user information channel is therefore used.
  • a particular advantage of the invention is the possibility of simultaneous use of interactive services and telephone services for subscribers to whom only one payload channel is available.
  • Another advantage of the invention is the better utilization of the signaling channel in the integrated service digital network.
  • the invention is explained below using an exemplary embodiment with the aid of FIGS. 1 and 2. Show it:
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a return channel capable broadband communication system according to the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a schematically illustrated structure of a set-top box according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a broadband communication system BK capable of return channel.
  • the back-channel-capable broadband communication system BK serves among other things interactive services such as Video-on-demand or home banking.
  • the basis for the broadband communication system BK is a cable television distribution network CATV and an integrated service digital network ISDN.
  • Television and radio programs are fed from a television and radio station TVR into the cable television distribution network CATV and transmitted to several subscriber facilities.
  • video and audio signals are fed from a server SERVER into the cable television distribution network CATV and transmitted to the participant.
  • the transmission of the subscriber's request signals which e.g. can also be used for fast forward and rewind activities, still images or booking orders via the integrated service digital network ISDN.
  • the subscriber device TN of the subscriber includes a television set TV, a set-top box STB and an infrared remote control IR.
  • the television programs and the video signals are displayed on the TV screen.
  • the set-top box STB is used to receive television and radio programs as well as video and audio signals that were transmitted via the CATV cable television network, to receive control signals from the integrated digital network ISDN, to receive infrared signals from the infrared Remote control, for the transmission of the received and processed television and radio programs, as well as the received and processed video and audio signals to the television, as well as for the transmission of request signals via the integrated service digital network ISDN.
  • the request signals are transmitted via an S n interface in a packet-switched method in a signaling channel of the integrated service digital network ISDN.
  • the signaling channel represents the return channel.
  • a switching center of the integrated services digital network ISDN receives the request signals consisting of packet data from several participants and combines them in the multiplex process so that the request signals of a group of participants, e.g. in a user information channel, which is connected, for example, as a leased line, can be transmitted from the switching center via the integrated digital network ISDN to the server SERVER.
  • FIG. 2 shows a set-top box STB of a subscriber of the broadband communication system from FIG. 1.
  • the set-top box STB contains a decoding unit DEK, a control unit CTRL, an S ⁇ interface S 0 and an infrared receiving unit IR.
  • the decoding unit DEK is connected to the cable television network CATV, the television set TV and the control unit CTRL. It is used to convert those of the received video and audio signals Participants requested to filter out, process and transmit to the TV set TV.
  • the processing includes decompression, demodulation, decoding and decryption.
  • the video and / or audio signals are compressed, for example, according to the inter / intra method, modulated according to quadrature phase modulation, coded according to the MPEG-2 method and encrypted using an asymmetrical encryption method.
  • the steps of the individual processing stages and the components required for this, as well as their interconnection, are known to the person skilled in the art.
  • the decoding unit DEK also has the interfaces and system properties of the Nokia DVB 9500 S (d-box) from the article "Set-top boxes for digital TV" from Funkschau 23/1995, page 23.
  • the S ⁇ interface S ⁇ is an interface defined in the integrated digital network ISDN with two useful information channels, the so-called B channels, each with 64 kbit / s transmission capacity and with a signaling channel, the so-called D channel, with 16 kbit / s transmission capacity.
  • the infrared receiving unit IR serves to receive the request signals sent by the infrared remote control, to convert the request signals into electrical ones and to forward the electrical request signals to the control unit CTRL.
  • the electrical request signals are fed to the microprocessor ⁇ P.
  • the identification number of the set-top box STB which is stored in the memory MEMO, and control and test bits, for example parity bits, which are calculated in the microprocessor ⁇ P, are added to the electrical request signals.
  • the resulting bit sequence is fed to the multiplexer MUX.
  • the multiplexer MUX is used in
  • Time-division multiplexing the bit sequences with the request signals and monitoring signals, which originate from the decoding unit DEK, are transmitted to the conversion unit U.
  • the monitoring signals contain, for example, information about which video film is currently being transmitted to the television set TV or whether the received signal power is sufficient for a given picture quality.
  • the conversion unit U there is a protocol conversion of the output signals of the multiplexer MUX into a packet data protocol, which can be transmitted in the packet-switched method in the signaling channel of the integrated service digital network ISDN.
  • the converted bit sequences and monitoring signals are routed via the means M and the S ⁇ interface to the switching center, where multiplexing takes place. They finally reach the server via the integrated digital network ISDN.
  • the means M is used both for sending signals in the packet data protocol and for receiving signals in the packet data protocol, which are forwarded to the conversion unit U.
  • the means M includes, for example, a dialing device, a D-channel monitoring unit, a receiver for receiving packet data and a transmitter for transmitting the request signals with the added bits and the monitoring signals via the interface S fi in a packet-switched method in a signaling channel of the integrated digital service ISDN network.
  • the means M receives control signals in the packet data protocol via the S fi interface. The control signals received are fed to the conversion unit U for protocol conversion. After the protocol has been implemented, they are transmitted to the decoding unit DEK via the microprocessor ⁇ P.
  • the control signals are used, for example, to confirm the request signals received on the SERVER server, to decrypt the requested service, to confirm the debit of bank accounts or to display the current account balance. Due to the transmission of the control signals in the integrated digital network ISDN, there is increased security against eavesdropping; compared to the transmission of the control signals via the CATV cable television distribution network. Furthermore, the transmission density in the cable television distribution network is reduced, which reduces the susceptibility to interference and thus improves the signal quality.
  • the video and audio signals are transmitted from the server to the participants via a cable television distribution network.
  • the cable television distribution network is e.g. a purely optical, purely electrical or a hybrid.
  • the video and audio signals can also be transmitted to the participants via a satellite connection, which would reduce the transmission density in the cable television distribution network.
  • control signals are transmitted from the server to the subscribers via the integrated digital network.
  • the control signals can also be transmitted in free channels of the cable television distribution network or the satellite connection.
  • the set-top box and the television are two separate devices.
  • the set-top box can also be integrated in the television, which means e.g. the supply of operating voltage for the set-top box is simplified.

Abstract

For interactive services, for example video-on-demand, a return channel must be made available to each subscriber. The video and audio signals of an interactive service are transmitted by a server (SERVER) through a cable television network (CATV) or a satellite link to the set-top-boxes (STB) of the subscribers. The return channel is part of an integrated services digital network (ISDN). The set-top-box (STB) of each subscriber has an S0 interface (S0) through which it accesses the ISDN network (ISDN). The service request signals are transmitted by the set-top-box (STB) to the server (SERVER) in a signalling channel of the ISDN network by a packet-transmission process. The set-top-box (STB) can also receive control signals from the ISDN network. Moreover, multiplexing of several signalling channels is provided in a central exchange.

Description

Set-Top-Box Set-top box
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Set-Top-Box nach Patentanspruch 1.The invention relates to a set-top box according to claim 1.
Zur Bereitstellung von interaktiven Diensten, wie z.B. Near- Video-on-demand, Video-on-demand oder Telelearning, werden rückkanalfähige Breitbandkommunikationssysteme benötigt. Die Video- und Audiosignale der interaktiven Dienste werden von einem Server z.B. im Vorwärtskanal eines hybriden Breitbandkommunikationsnetzes oder über eine Sateilitenverbindung zu mehreren Teilnehmern übertragen. Jeder Teilnehmer hat eine Set-Top-Box, in der die Video- und Audiosignale u.a. dekomprimiert, dekodiert und entschlüsselt werden. Um die interaktiven Dienste in Anspruch nehmen zu können, muß jeder Teilnehmer die Möglichkeit haben die gewünschten Dienste beim Server anzufordern. Dies erfolgt über einen Rückkanal.To provide interactive services such as Near-video-on-demand, video-on-demand or telelearning, broadband communication systems capable of return channels are required. The video and audio signals of the interactive services are e.g. transmitted in the forward channel of a hybrid broadband communication network or via a satellite connection to several subscribers. Each participant has a set-top box in which the video and audio signals, etc. decompressed, decoded and decrypted. In order to be able to use the interactive services, each participant must be able to request the desired services from the server. This is done via a return channel.
Eine Realisierungsmöglichkeit für den Rückkanal ist aus dem Artikel "Neues Konzept verbindet TV und Telefon" aus der Zeitschrift Funkschau 19/1989, Seiten 46 bis 51, bekannt. Die interaktiven Dienste werden über den Vorwärtskanal einesOne possible implementation for the return channel is known from the article "New Concept Connects TV and Telephone" from the magazine Funkschau 19/1989, pages 46 to 51. The interactive services are on the forward channel
Breitbandkommunikationsnetzes zu mehreren Teilnehmern übertragen. Der Rückwärtskanal ist über ein diensteintegrierendes digitales Netz, das sog. ISDN, realisiert. Die Übertragung der Anforderungssignale erfolgt über eine ISDN-Telefonanlage in einem Nutzinformationskanal, dem sog. B-Kanal. Dies hat den Nachteil, daß während der Inanspruchnahme des Video-on-demand Dienstes, z.B. 90 min. je Videofilm, der Nutzinformationskanal belegt ist und nicht, z.B. zum Telefonieren, genutzt werden kann. Ferner ist für die Übertragung der Anforderungssignale eine geringe Datenrate, z.B. 10 kbit/s, ausreichend. Es wird somit nur ein geringer Teil der 64 kbit/s des Nutzinformationskanals genutzt.Broadband communication network to multiple participants. The reverse channel is via an integrated service digital Network, the so-called ISDN. The request signals are transmitted via an ISDN telephone system in a user information channel, the so-called B channel. This has the disadvantage that during the use of the video-on-demand service, for example 90 min. for each video film, the user information channel is occupied and cannot be used, e.g. for making calls. Furthermore, a low data rate, for example 10 kbit / s, is sufficient for the transmission of the request signals. Only a small part of the 64 kbit / s of the user information channel is therefore used.
Des weiteren ist aus dem Artikel "Set-Top-Boxen für Digital-TV" aus der Zeitschrift Funkschau 23/1995, Seiten 22 bis 29, eine Set-Top-Box mit, u.a., einem Video-Decoder, einem Audio-Decoder, einen Prozessor, einem RAM-Speicher, RAM = Random Access Memory, und mehreren Schnittstellen, darunter eine Schnittstelle zum Verbinden der Set-Top-Box mit einer Telefonleitung.Furthermore, from the article "Set-top boxes for digital TV" from the magazine Funkschau 23/1995, pages 22 to 29, a set-top box with, among other things, a video decoder, an audio decoder, a processor, a RAM memory, RAM = Random Access Memory, and several interfaces, including an interface for connecting the set-top box with a telephone line.
Es ist Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine Vorrichtung zur Verfügung zu stellen, mittels derer ein Teilnehmer Anforderungssignale zu einem Server übertragen kann.It is an object of the invention to provide a device by means of which a subscriber can transmit request signals to a server.
Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Lehre des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen sind den abhängigen Patentansprüchen 2 bis 4 zu entnehmen.This object is achieved by the teaching of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims 2 to 4.
Ein besonderer Vorteil der Erfindung ist die Möglichkeit der gleichzeitigen Nutzung von interaktiven Diensten und Fernsprechdiensten für Teilnehmer, denen nur ein Nutzinformationskanal zur Verfügung steht.A particular advantage of the invention is the possibility of simultaneous use of interactive services and telephone services for subscribers to whom only one payload channel is available.
Ein weiterer Vorteil der Erfindung ist die bessere Ausnutzung des Signalisierungskanals im diensteintegrierenden digitalen Netz. Im folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels unter Zuhilfenahme der Figuren 1 und 2 erläutert. Es zeigen:Another advantage of the invention is the better utilization of the signaling channel in the integrated service digital network. The invention is explained below using an exemplary embodiment with the aid of FIGS. 1 and 2. Show it:
Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen rückkanalfähigen Breitbandkommunikationssystems, undFig. 1 is a schematic representation of a return channel capable broadband communication system according to the invention, and
Fig. 2 ein schematisch dargestellter Aufbau einer erfindungsgemäßen Set-Top-Box.Fig. 2 is a schematically illustrated structure of a set-top box according to the invention.
Das Ausführungsbeispiel wird nun zunächst anhand der Fig. 1 beschrieben. Fig. 1 zeigt ein rückkanalfähiges Breitbandkommunikationssystem BK. Das rückkanalfähige Breitbandkommunikationssystem BK dient u.a. dazu interaktive Dienste, wie z.B. Video-on-demand oder Homebanking, zur Verfügung zu stellen. Grundlage für das Breitbandkommunikationssystem BK ist ein Kabelfernsehvertei lnetz CATV und ein diensteintegrierendes digitales Netz ISDN. Fernseh- und Radioprogramme werden von einer Fernseh- und Radiostation TVR in das Kabelfernsehvertei lnetz CATV eingespeist und zu mehreren Teilnehmereinrichtungen übertragen. Zusätzlich werden auf Anforderung eines Teilnehmers Video- und Audiosignale von einem Server SERVER aus in das Kabelfernsehvertei lnetz CATV eingespeist und zum Teilnehmer übertragen. Die Übertragung der Anforderungssignale des Teilnehmers die z.B. auch für Vor- und Rückspulaktivitäten, Standbilder oder Buchungsaufträge genutzt werden können, erfolgt über das diensteintegrierende digitale Netz ISDN. Die Teilnehmereinrichtung TN des Teilnehmers beinhaltet dazu ein Fernsehgerat TV, eine Set-Top-Box STB und eine Infrarot-Fernbedienung IR.The exemplary embodiment will now be described first with reference to FIG. 1. 1 shows a broadband communication system BK capable of return channel. The back-channel-capable broadband communication system BK serves among other things interactive services such as Video-on-demand or home banking. The basis for the broadband communication system BK is a cable television distribution network CATV and an integrated service digital network ISDN. Television and radio programs are fed from a television and radio station TVR into the cable television distribution network CATV and transmitted to several subscriber facilities. In addition, at the request of a participant, video and audio signals are fed from a server SERVER into the cable television distribution network CATV and transmitted to the participant. The transmission of the subscriber's request signals which e.g. can also be used for fast forward and rewind activities, still images or booking orders via the integrated service digital network ISDN. The subscriber device TN of the subscriber includes a television set TV, a set-top box STB and an infrared remote control IR.
Auf dem Bildschirm des Fernsehgerätes TV werden die Fernsehprogramme sowie die Videosignale dargestellt. Die Set-Top-Box STB dient zum Empfang von Fernseh- und Radioprogrammen sowie von Video- und Audiosignalen, die über das Kabelfernsehvertei lnetz CATV übertragen wurden, zum Empfang von Steuersignalen aus dem diensteintegrierenden digitalen Netz ISDN, zum Empfang von Infrarotsignalen von der Infrarot-Fernbedienung, zur Übertragung der empfangenen und verarbeiteten Fernseh- und Radioprogramme, sowie der empfangenen und verarbeiteten Video- und Audiosignale an das Fernsehgerät, sowie zur Übertragung von Anforderungssignalen über das diensteintegrierende digitale Netz ISDN. Die Anforderungssignale werden über eine Sn-Schnittstelle im paketvermittelten Verfahren in einem Signalisierungskanal des diensteintegrierenden digitalen Netzes ISDN übertragen. Der Signalisierungskanal stellt den Rύckkanal dar.The television programs and the video signals are displayed on the TV screen. The set-top box STB is used to receive television and radio programs as well as video and audio signals that were transmitted via the CATV cable television network, to receive control signals from the integrated digital network ISDN, to receive infrared signals from the infrared Remote control, for the transmission of the received and processed television and radio programs, as well as the received and processed video and audio signals to the television, as well as for the transmission of request signals via the integrated service digital network ISDN. The request signals are transmitted via an S n interface in a packet-switched method in a signaling channel of the integrated service digital network ISDN. The signaling channel represents the return channel.
Eine Vermittlungsstelle des diensteintegrierenden digitalen Netzes ISDN empfängt die aus Paketdaten bestehenden Anforderungssignale mehrerer Teilnehmer und faßt diese im Multiplexverfahren zusammen, so daß die Anforderungssignale einer Gruppe von Teilnehmern, z.B. in einem Nutzinformationskanal, der beispielsweise als Festverbindung geschaltet ist, von der Vermittlungsstelle über das diensteintegrierende digitale Netz ISDN zum Server SERVER übertragbar sind.A switching center of the integrated services digital network ISDN receives the request signals consisting of packet data from several participants and combines them in the multiplex process so that the request signals of a group of participants, e.g. in a user information channel, which is connected, for example, as a leased line, can be transmitted from the switching center via the integrated digital network ISDN to the server SERVER.
Das Ausführungsbeispiel wird nun weiter anhand der Fig. 2 beschrieben. Fig. 2 zeigt eine Set-Top-Box STB eines Teilnehmers des Breitbandkommunikationssystems aus Fig. 1.The embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a set-top box STB of a subscriber of the broadband communication system from FIG. 1.
Die Set-Top-Box STB beinhaltet eine Dekodiereinheit DEK, eine Steuereinheit CTRL, eine S^-Schnittstelle S0 und eine Infrarotempfangseinheit IR.The set-top box STB contains a decoding unit DEK, a control unit CTRL, an S ^ interface S 0 and an infrared receiving unit IR.
Die Dekodiereinheit DEK ist mit dem Kabelfernsehvertei lnetz CATV, dem Fernsehgerät TV und der Steuereinheit CTRL verbunden. Sie dient dazu, aus den empfangenen Video- und Audiosignalen diejenigen von Teilnehmer angeforderten herauszufi ltern, zu verarbeiten und zum Fernsehgerät TV zu übertragen. Die Verarbeitung umfaßt u.a. die Dekomprimierung, Demodulierung, Dekodierung und Entschlüsselung. Die Video- und/oder Audiosignale sind z.B. nach dem Inter/intra-Verfahren komprimiert, nach der Quadraturphasenmodulation moduliert, nach dem MPEG-2-Verfahren kodiert und mit einem asymmetrischen Verschlüsselungsverfahren verschlüsselt. Die Schritte der einzelnen Verarbeitungsstufen und die dazu erforderlichen Bauelemente, sowie deren Verschaltung sind dem Fachmann bekannt. Die Dekodiereinheit DEK hat ferner die Schnittstellen und Systemeigenschaften der Nokia DVB 9500 S (d-box) aus dem Artikel "Set-Top-Boxen für Digital-TV" aus Funkschau 23/1995, Seite 23.The decoding unit DEK is connected to the cable television network CATV, the television set TV and the control unit CTRL. It is used to convert those of the received video and audio signals Participants requested to filter out, process and transmit to the TV set TV. The processing includes decompression, demodulation, decoding and decryption. The video and / or audio signals are compressed, for example, according to the inter / intra method, modulated according to quadrature phase modulation, coded according to the MPEG-2 method and encrypted using an asymmetrical encryption method. The steps of the individual processing stages and the components required for this, as well as their interconnection, are known to the person skilled in the art. The decoding unit DEK also has the interfaces and system properties of the Nokia DVB 9500 S (d-box) from the article "Set-top boxes for digital TV" from Funkschau 23/1995, page 23.
Die S^-Schnittstelle S~ ist eine im diensteintegrierenden digitalen Netz ISDN definierte Schnittstelle mit zwei Nutzinformationskanälen, den sog. B-Kanälen, mit je 64 kbit/s Übertragungskapazität und mit einem Signalisierungskanal, dem sog. D-Kanal, mit 16 kbit/s Übertragungskapazität.The S ^ interface S ~ is an interface defined in the integrated digital network ISDN with two useful information channels, the so-called B channels, each with 64 kbit / s transmission capacity and with a signaling channel, the so-called D channel, with 16 kbit / s transmission capacity.
Die Infrarotempfangseinheit IR dient zum Empfang der von der Infrarot-Fernbedienung ausgesendeten Anforderungssignale, der Umsetzung der Anforderungssignale in elektrische und der Weiterleitung der elektrischen Anforderungssignale an die Steuereinheit CTRL.The infrared receiving unit IR serves to receive the request signals sent by the infrared remote control, to convert the request signals into electrical ones and to forward the electrical request signals to the control unit CTRL.
Die Steuereinheit CTRL beinhaltet ein Mittel M zur Übertragung der Anforderungssignale über die Sn-Schnittstelle S« ins diensteintegrierende digitale Netz ISDN, eine Umsetzeinheit U zur Umsetzung von Protokollen, einen Multiplexer MUX, eine Verarbeitungseinheit, die als Mikroprozessor μP ausgeführt ist, und einen Speicher MEMO, der als RAM und als EPROM ausgeführt ist; EPROM = Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. Die elektrischen Anforderungssignale werden dem Mikroprozessor μP zugeführt. Im Mikroprozessor μP werden den elektrischen Anforderungssignalen die Kennummer der Set-Top-Box STB, die im Speicher MEMO abgespeichert ist, sowie Kontroll- und Prüfbits, z.B. Parity-Bits, die im Mikroprozessor μP berechnet werden hinzugefügt. Die so entstandene Bitfolge wird dem Multiplexer MUX zugeführt. Über den Multiplexer MUX werden imThe control unit CTRL contains a means M for transmitting the request signals via the S n interface S «into the integrated digital network ISDN, a conversion unit U for converting protocols, a multiplexer MUX, a processing unit which is designed as a microprocessor μP, and a memory MEMO, which is implemented as RAM and as EPROM; EPROM = Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. The electrical request signals are fed to the microprocessor μP. In the microprocessor μP, the identification number of the set-top box STB, which is stored in the memory MEMO, and control and test bits, for example parity bits, which are calculated in the microprocessor μP, are added to the electrical request signals. The resulting bit sequence is fed to the multiplexer MUX. The multiplexer MUX is used in
Zeitmultiplexverfahren die Bitfolgen mit den Anforderungssignalen und Überwachungssignale, die von der Dekodiereinheit DEK stammen zur Umsetzeinheit U übertragen. Die Überwachungssignale enthalten beispielsweise Informationen darüber, welcher Videofilm zur Zeit zum Fernsehgerät TV übertragen wird oder ob die empfangene Signal leistung für eine vorgegebene Bildqualität ausreichend ist. In der Umsetzeinheit U findet eine Protokollumsetzung der Ausgangssignale des Multiplexers MUX in ein Paketdatenprotokoll statt, das im paketvermittelten Verfahren im Signalisierungskanal des diensteintegrierenden digitalen Netzes ISDN übertragbar ist. Die umgesetzten Bitfolgen und Überwachungssignale werden über das Mittel M und die S^-Schnittstelle zur Vermittlungsstelle geleitet, wo eine Multiplexbildung erfolgt. Über das diensteintegrierende digitale Netz ISDN gelangen sie schließlich zum Server.Time-division multiplexing the bit sequences with the request signals and monitoring signals, which originate from the decoding unit DEK, are transmitted to the conversion unit U. The monitoring signals contain, for example, information about which video film is currently being transmitted to the television set TV or whether the received signal power is sufficient for a given picture quality. In the conversion unit U there is a protocol conversion of the output signals of the multiplexer MUX into a packet data protocol, which can be transmitted in the packet-switched method in the signaling channel of the integrated service digital network ISDN. The converted bit sequences and monitoring signals are routed via the means M and the S ^ interface to the switching center, where multiplexing takes place. They finally reach the server via the integrated digital network ISDN.
Das Mittel M dient sowohl zum Senden von Signalen im Paketdatenprotokoll, als auch zum Empfang von Signalen im Paketdatenprotokoll, die zur Umsetzeinheit U weitergeleitet werden. Das Mittel M beinhaltet dazu z.B. eine Wähleinrichtung, eine D-Kanal-Überwachungseinheit, einen Empfänger zum Empfang von Paketdaten und einen Sender zur Übertragung der Anforderungssignale mit den zugefügten Bits und der Überwachungssignale über die Schnittstelle Sfi im paketvermittelten Verfahren in einem Signalisierungskanal des diensteintegrierenden digitalen Netzes ISDN. Das Mittel M empfängt über die Sfi-Schnittstelle Steuersignale im Paketdatenprotokoll. Die empfangenen Steuersignale werden der Umsetzeinheit U zur Protokollumsetzung zugeführt. Nach erfolgter Protokollumsetzung werden sie über den Mikroprozessor μP zur Dekodiereinheit DEK übertragen. Die Steuersignale dienen z.B. dazu die am Server SERVER empfangenen Anforderungssignale zu bestätigen, die Entschlüsselung des angeforderten Dienstes zu vollziehen, als Abbuchungsbestätigungen von Bankkonten oder zur Anzeige des aktuellen Kontostandes. Aufgrund der Übertragung der Steuersignale im diensteintegrierenden digitalen Netz ISDN ist eine erhöhte Sicherheit gegen Abhören gegeben; im Vergleich zur Übertragung der Steuersignale über das Kabelfernsehvertei lnetz CATV. Des weiteren wird dadurch die Übertragungsdichte im Kabelfernsehvertei lnetz reduziert, was die Störanfälligkeit reduziert und damit die Signalqualität verbessert.The means M is used both for sending signals in the packet data protocol and for receiving signals in the packet data protocol, which are forwarded to the conversion unit U. For this purpose, the means M includes, for example, a dialing device, a D-channel monitoring unit, a receiver for receiving packet data and a transmitter for transmitting the request signals with the added bits and the monitoring signals via the interface S fi in a packet-switched method in a signaling channel of the integrated digital service ISDN network. The means M receives control signals in the packet data protocol via the S fi interface. The control signals received are fed to the conversion unit U for protocol conversion. After the protocol has been implemented, they are transmitted to the decoding unit DEK via the microprocessor μP. The control signals are used, for example, to confirm the request signals received on the SERVER server, to decrypt the requested service, to confirm the debit of bank accounts or to display the current account balance. Due to the transmission of the control signals in the integrated digital network ISDN, there is increased security against eavesdropping; compared to the transmission of the control signals via the CATV cable television distribution network. Furthermore, the transmission density in the cable television distribution network is reduced, which reduces the susceptibility to interference and thus improves the signal quality.
Beim Ausführungsbeispiel werden die Video- und Audiosignale vom Server zu den Teilnehmern über ein Kabelfernsehvertei lnetz übertragen. Das Kabelfernsehvertei lnetz ist z.B. ein rein optisches, rein elektrisches oder ein hybrides. Die Video- und Audiosignale können auch über eine Satellitenverbindung zu den Teilnehmern übertragen werden, was die Übertragungsdichte im Kabelfernsehvertei lnetz reduzieren würde.In the exemplary embodiment, the video and audio signals are transmitted from the server to the participants via a cable television distribution network. The cable television distribution network is e.g. a purely optical, purely electrical or a hybrid. The video and audio signals can also be transmitted to the participants via a satellite connection, which would reduce the transmission density in the cable television distribution network.
Im Ausführungsbeispiel werden die Steuersignale über das diensteintegrierende digitale Netz vom Server zu den Teilnehmern übertragen. Anstelle über das diensteintegrierende digitale Netz können die Steuersignale auch in freien Kanälen des Kabelfernsehvertei lnetzes oder der Satellitenverbindung übertragen werden.In the exemplary embodiment, the control signals are transmitted from the server to the subscribers via the integrated digital network. Instead of the integrated digital network, the control signals can also be transmitted in free channels of the cable television distribution network or the satellite connection.
Beim Ausführungsbeispiel sind Set-Top-Box und Fernsehgerät zwei voneinander getrennte Geräte. Die Set-Top-Box kann auch im Fernsehgerät integriert sein, wodurch sich z.B. die Betriebsspannungsbereitstellung für die Set-Top-Box vereinfacht. In the exemplary embodiment, the set-top box and the television are two separate devices. The set-top box can also be integrated in the television, which means e.g. the supply of operating voltage for the set-top box is simplified.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Set-Top-Box (STB) mit einer Dekodiereinheit (DEK) zur Dekodierung von Video- und Audiosignalen, einer Steuereinheit (CTRL) zur Übertragung von Anforderungssignalen und einer Schnittstelle (Sn) zu einem diensteintegrierenden digitalen Netz (ISDN), bei der die Steuereinheit (CTRL) mit der Dekodiereinheit (DEK) und der Schnittstelle (SQ) verbunden ist, bei der die Steuereinheit (CTRL) eine Umsetzeinheit (U) zur Umsetzung von Protokollen beinhaltet, in der das Protokoll der Anforderungssignale in ein Paketdatenprotokoll umsetzbar ist, und bei der die Steuereinheit (CTRL) ein Mittel (M) zur Übertragung der Anforderungssignale über die Schnittstelle (Sn) im paketvermittelten Verfahren in einem Signalisierungskanal des diensteintegrierenden digitalen Netzes (ISDN) beinhaltet. 1. Set-top box (STB) with a decoding unit (DEK) for decoding video and audio signals, a control unit (CTRL) for the transmission of request signals and an interface (S n ) to an integrated service digital network (ISDN) which the control unit (CTRL) is connected to the decoding unit (DEK) and the interface (S Q ), in which the control unit (CTRL) contains a conversion unit (U) for converting protocols in which the protocol of the request signals can be converted into a packet data protocol and in which the control unit (CTRL) contains a means (M) for transmitting the request signals via the interface (S n ) in a packet-switched method in a signaling channel of the integrated service digital network (ISDN).
2. Set-Top-Box (STB) nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet , daß die Set-Top-Box (STB) eine Infrarotempfangseinheit (IR) zum Empfang von Anforderungssignalen beinhaltet, daß die Steuereinheit (CTRL) eine Verarbeitungseinheit (μP) beinhaltet, und daß die Infrarotempfangseinheit (IR) über die Verarbeitungseinheit (μP) mit der Umsetzeinheit (U) verbunden ist.2. Set-top box (STB) according to claim 1, characterized in that the set-top box (STB) includes an infrared receiving unit (IR) for receiving request signals that the control unit (CTRL) contains a processing unit (μP) , and that the infrared receiving unit (IR) is connected to the converting unit (U) via the processing unit (μP).
3. Set-Top-Box (STB) nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Steuereinheit (CTRL) einen Multiplexer (MUX) beinhaltet, der der Umsetzeinheit (U) vorgeschaltet ist und über den Überwachungssignale der Dekodiereinheit (DEK) und die Anforderungssignale im Multiplexverfahren übertragbar sind.3. Set-top box (STB) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (CTRL) includes a multiplexer (MUX) which is connected upstream of the conversion unit (U) and via the monitoring signals of the decoding unit (DEK) and the request signals are multiplexed.
4. Set-Top-Box (STB) nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Mittel (M) einen Empfänger zum Empfang von Paketdaten beinhaltet, daß die empfangenen Paketdaten der Umsetzeinheit (U) zur Protokollumsetzung und anschließend der Dekodiereinheit (DEK) als Steuersignale zuführbar sind. 4. Set-top box (STB) according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (M) includes a receiver for receiving packet data, that the received packet data of the conversion unit (U) for protocol conversion and then the decoding unit (DEK) as Control signals can be supplied.
PCT/EP1997/000117 1995-12-20 1996-12-20 Set-top-box WO1997023095A1 (en)

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