KR20050015480A - SET-TOP BOX for processing plural digital brodcasting signals simultaneously and a method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are a set top box capable of receiving a plurality of digital broadcast signals and a method of receiving the same. The set-top box capable of receiving a plurality of digital broadcast signals includes a first tuner unit for receiving a first broadcast signal through an external communication network and outputting a first digital signal through a demodulation process, and receiving a second broadcast signal through an external communication network. A second tuner unit for outputting a second demodulated signal, a first memory in which an application program for processing the first and second digital signals is stored, and an application program stored in the first memory is extracted and executed; The first main chip and the first main chip converting the first digital signal into a predetermined first output signal can communicate with each other, and by receiving and executing an application program from the first main chip, the second digital signal is converted into a predetermined first output signal. And a second main chip for converting the output signal into two. As a result, the digital broadcasting of the two channels can be received and processed, and the cost can be reduced because the application programs are shared and used.

Description

SET-TOP BOX for processing plural digital brodcasting signals simultaneously and a method

The present invention relates to a set-top box capable of receiving a plurality of cable television broadcast signals and a method for receiving the broadcast signal. More specifically, in a set-top box having two main chips, two main devices are stored using one stored application program. The present invention relates to a set top box capable of receiving a plurality of cable television broadcast signals for driving a chip, and a method of receiving the broadcast signals.

Since the official transmission of TV radio, the TV device for receiving TV radio has been spreading faster than any other media, and it has produced many broadcasting contents. In addition, it is true that the role of TV in the transmission of knowledge and information sharing can never be overlooked. However, in order to produce and transmit broadcasting programs, investment of certain facilities and capital was required at the same time, and this limitation was insufficient to catch up with the demands of various consumers.

As part of meeting these demands, an early cable television station needs specialized equipment with less investment than the existing over-the-air television station, and requires a separate device for watching cable TV in addition to the antenna for watching conventional TV. That's the Set-Top Box (STB).

1 is a block diagram of a conventional set top box. Referring to FIG. 1, the set top box 100 includes an input unit 110, a tuner unit main chip 130, a flash memory 140, and a RAM 150. The main chip 130 includes a CPU 133, a demultiplexer 135, and a decoder 138. The input unit 110 controls the channel selection of the tuner unit 120 in response to a predetermined user input, and transmits a user command such as setting an operation mode to the main chip 130. The tuner unit 110 receives the digital broadcast signal selected by the user. The flash memory 140 stores a boot loader, which is a program for initializing the set-top box, and a code of an application program for controlling the overall operation of the set-top box.

The main chip 130 is initialized by the operation of the boot loader stored in the flash memory 140, and after initialization, executes an application program to execute an application program, and the tuner unit 120 according to the application program. ) Decodes the digital broadcast signal received from the PC and outputs it to the outside. That is, the CPU 133 of the main chip 130 is booted by the boot loader, and the boot loader causes the CPU 133 to execute an application program. As a result, the CPU 133 receives the code of the application program from the flash memory 140 and loads it on the RAM 150 to execute it. When the application program is executed, the demultiplexer 135 separates the digital broadcast signal received from the tuner 120 into a video signal and an audio signal. The decoder 138 decompresses the video signal and the audio signal separated by the demultiplexer and outputs them to the outside. The display unit 200 outputs a video and audio signal received from the set top box 100.

However, since one set-top box includes one decoder and a CPU, only one digital broadcast can be received and processed. Recently, however, as a plurality of display devices are provided in homes, users are demanding various digital broadcast reception functions at the same time. Therefore, in order to receive a plurality of digital broadcasts simultaneously in a home, a plurality of set-top boxes had to be provided. However, the above-described method has a problem in that an additional cost is generated due to the installation of a set-top box requiring a separate set-top box and expertise.

In order to solve the above problems, a set-top box main chip having a plurality of decoders and a CPU has been developed, but the price is significantly higher than using a plurality of main chips having a single decoder and a CPU. Therefore, there is a problem that the practicality is poor.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of set-top boxes by configuring a plurality of main chips in one set-top box, and providing a communication function between the main chips. The present invention provides a set-top box capable of receiving a plurality of digital broadcast signals capable of efficient operation as compared to the case, and a method for receiving the broadcast signals.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a set-top box capable of receiving a plurality of digital broadcast signals may include: a first tuner unit configured to receive a first broadcast signal through an external communication network and output a first digital signal during a demodulation process; A second tuner unit for receiving a second broadcast signal through an external communication network and outputting a second demodulated signal, a first memory in which an application program for processing the first and second digital signals is stored, and the first memory By drawing out and executing the application program stored in a memory, a first main chip converting the first digital signal into a predetermined first output signal and mutual communication with the first main chip are possible, and from the first main chip And a second main chip for converting the second digital signal into a predetermined second output signal by receiving and executing the application program.

And a second boot loader program which is driven when the first power is applied, initializes the second main chip, and stores a second boot loader program for controlling the application program received from the first main chip to run on the second main chip. And a second memory, wherein the first memory is also driven when the first power is applied to initialize the first main chip, and controls to transmit the application program in the first memory to the second main chip. 1 It is a good idea to save the boot loader program.

On the other hand, it is preferable to further include a channel selection of the first and second tuner unit in response to a key input to the user, and an input unit for transmitting a user operation command to the first and second main chip.

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first main chip comprises: a first CPU for executing an application program stored in the first memory, a first demultiplexer for separating the first digital signal into a video signal and an audio signal; And a first decoding unit configured to decompress the video signal and the audio signal separated by the first demultiplexer to generate the first output signal, wherein the second main chip receives the first main chip. A second CPU for executing an application program, a second demultiplexer for separating the second digital signal into a video signal and an audio signal, and the second demultiplexer for decompressing the video signal and the audio signal separated from the second demultiplexer, respectively; And a second decoding unit generating an output signal.

In the method of receiving a plurality of digital broadcast signals in a set-top box according to the present invention, the method comprising: storing an application program for processing a digital signal, receiving a first broadcast signal through an external communication network and demodulating the first digital signal Outputting; receiving a second broadcast signal through the external communication network and outputting a second digital signal subjected to demodulation; extracting and transmitting the stored application program, and executing the extracted application program. Converting a first digital signal into a predetermined first output signal, and converting the second digital signal into a predetermined second output signal by receiving and executing the transmitted application program.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings will be described the present invention in more detail.

2 is an embodiment of a set-top box system according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, one set-top box 300 simultaneously receives and processes two channels of digital broadcast signals, and transmits them to each of the connected displays 400 and 500.

3 is a block diagram of a set top box capable of receiving a plurality of digital broadcast signals according to the present invention. Referring to the drawings, the set-top box 600 according to the present invention includes an input unit 610, a first tuner unit 620, a first main chip 630, a first flash memory 640, and a first RAM 650. ), A second tuner unit 660, a second main chip 670, a second flash memory 680, and a second RAM 690. The first main chip 620 includes a first CPU 633, a first demultiplexer 635, and a first decoder 638, and the second main chip 670 includes a second CPU 673, A second demultiplexer 675 and a second decoder 678 are included.

The input unit 610 transmits a predetermined signal in response to a user's key input to control channel selection of the first and second tuning units 620 and 660, and operates the first and second main chips 630 and 670. Pass user commands for configuration, etc. The first tuner 620 and the second tuner 660 each receive a digital broadcast signal from two channels selected by the input unit 610.

The first main chip 630 drives an application program, and processes and outputs the digital broadcast signal received from the first tuner unit 620 based on the driven application program. The first flash memory 640 performs input / output of data by the first main chip 630, and a first boot loader which is a program for initially driving the first main chip 630, and after driving. Application programs for controlling the various components of the set-top box to process digital broadcasting signal reception and processing in general are stored. The code of the application program is loaded in the first RAM 650 when the application program is executed in the first main chip 630.

That is, the first CPU 633 performs initialization such as setting a clock, a configuration, and the like on the first main chip 630 based on the first boot loader that is executed when the first power is applied. If there is a software upgrade, upgrade the application. When the first CPU 633 communicates with the second main chip 670 to confirm that the mutual communication is possible, the first CPU 633 transfers the application program code stored in the first flash memory 640 to the second main chip 670. And also loads and executes application program code into the first RAM 650.

At this time, the first main chip 630 and the second main chip 670 It is possible to communicate with each other using Universal Asynchronous Serial Receiver and Transmitter (UART) or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) -1284.

The second main chip 670 drives an application program, and processes and outputs the digital broadcast signal received from the second tuner unit 660 based on the driven application program. The boot loader is stored in the second flash memory 640. The second CPU 673 performs initialization of the second main chip 670 by a boot loader that is executed at the first power on, and receives and executes an application program from the first main chip 630. In this case, the code of the received application program is loaded into the second RAM 680 to execute the application program.

In other words, a boot loader and an application program are stored in the first flash memory 640 controlled by the first main chip 630, and the second flash memory 680 controlled by the second main chip 670. Stores only the boot loader, and the first main chip 630 transmits an application program stored in the first flash memory 640 to the second main chip, thereby sharing and using one application program.

When the application program is executed through the process described above in the first main chip 630 and the second main chip 670 according to the initial power-on, the first tuner 620 and the first main chip 630 are executed. The first processing portion consisting of the second processing portion and the second processing portion consisting of the second tuner portion 660 and the second main chip 670 separately perform the general operation of the set-top box by the application program running on each. That is, the user can separately control the first processing portion and the second processing portion, and the application programs running in the first processing portion and the second processing portion operate independently of each other in response to the control.

In detail, the digital image signal received by the first tuner unit 620 is transmitted to the first main chip 630, and controls the application program driven by the first CPU 633 in the first main chip 630. As a result, the first demultiplexer 635 separates the received digital video signal into an audio signal and a video signal. The second decoder 638 receives the separated video signal and the audio signal, decodes each signal, and outputs the video and audio signals to the first display 730.

Similarly, the digital image signal received by the second tuner unit 660 is transmitted to the second main chip 670, and control of an application program being driven by the second CPU 673 in the second main chip 670. As a result, the second demultiplexer 675 separates the received digital video signal into an audio signal and a video signal. The second decoder 678 receives the separated video signal and the audio signal, decodes each signal, and outputs the video and audio signals to the second display 760.

4 is a flowchart provided to explain a method for receiving a plurality of cable television broadcast signals in a set top box according to the present invention. According to FIG. 4, first, power is applied to the set top box (S800). When the power is applied, boot the set-top box (S900). Set-top box booting first checks the first main chip 630 and the second main chip 670 based on the hardware pin configuration (S910). In operation S920, initialization such as setting a clock and a configuration of the first main chip 630 and the second main chip 670 is performed. Then, it is checked whether there is a software upgrade of the first main chip 630 (S930). If there is a software upgrade, the application program stored in the first flash memory 640 connected to the first main chip 630 is upgraded (S940). If there is no upgrade, it is checked whether the first main chip 630 and the second main chip 670 can communicate with each other (S950). If communication is possible, the application program stored in the first flash memory 640 connected to the first main chip 630 is controlled and transmitted to the first main chip 630 (S960). In operation S970, the first main chip 630 and the second main chip 670 execute the application program stored in the first flash memory 640 and the received application program.

After the booting process as described above, the first main chip 630 and the second main chip 670 each executes an application program (S980), and simultaneously receives and receives digital broadcast signals of two channels based on the application program. The set-top box basic operation of image processing and audio processing is performed (S990).

When the application program starts to be driven on each of the first main chip 630 and the second main chip 670, the user may include a first part and a first part composed of the first tuner 620 and the first main chip 630. It is possible to individually control the second part composed of the second tuner 660 and the second main chip 670.

In addition, in the present embodiment, two main chips are configured, and a set top box capable of receiving two channels at the same time by sharing one application program is described. However, the present invention includes two or more main chips. Of course, it is also possible to share an application program on a plurality of main chips.

By the above method, since two main chips configured in one set-top box frame share one application program and use one set-top box, it is possible to receive two channels of digital broadcast signals and install a memory. Can be saved.

As described above, according to the present invention, one set-top box may be provided and then two cable television broadcasts may be simultaneously received. Compared to a conventional method using two set-top boxes, since one set-up program is shared by two set-top box main chips, cost reduction and efficient application management due to memory capacity reduction can be expected. In addition, by installing only one set-top box requiring professional installation, the user can not only facilitate installation but also reduce costs.

In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but the technical field to which the invention belongs without departing from the spirit of the invention claimed in the claims. Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or the prospect of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional set-top box,

2 is an embodiment of a set-top box system according to the present invention,

3 is a block diagram of a set top box according to the present invention, and

4 is a flowchart provided to explain a method of operating a set-top box according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

630: first main chip 633: first CPU

640: first flash memory 670: second main chip

673: second CPU 680: second flash memory

Claims (7)

A first tuner unit configured to receive a first broadcast signal through an external communication network and output a first digital signal during a demodulation process; A second tuner unit configured to receive a second broadcast signal through the external communication network and output a second digital signal that has been demodulated; A first memory in which an application program for processing first and second digital signals is stored; A first main chip converting the first digital signal into a predetermined first output signal by drawing and executing the application program stored in the first memory; And a second main chip capable of mutual communication with the first main chip, and converting a second digital signal into a predetermined second output signal by receiving and executing the application program from the first main chip. A set top box capable of receiving a plurality of digital broadcast signals. The method of claim 1, And a second boot loader program that is driven when the power is first applied to initialize the second main chip, and controls the application program received from the first main chip to be driven on the second main chip. A set top box capable of receiving a plurality of digital broadcast signals. The method of claim 1, Receiving a plurality of digital broadcast signals further comprising a channel selection of the first and second tuner unit in response to a key input to the user, and an input unit for transmitting a user operation command to the first and second main chip Available set-top box. The method of claim 1, wherein the first memory, A plurality of first boot loader programs that are driven upon initial power-up to initialize the first main chip and control to transmit the application program in the first memory to the second main chip Set-top box capable of receiving digital broadcast signals. The method of claim 1, wherein the first main chip, A first CPU executing an application program stored in the first memory; A first demultiplexer which separates the first digital signal into a video signal and an audio signal; And And a first decoder configured to decompress the video signal and the audio signal separated by the first demultiplexer to generate the first output signal. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second main chip, A second CPU executing the application program received from the first main chip; A second demultiplexer which separates the second digital signal into an image signal and an audio signal; And And a second decoder configured to generate the second output signal for decompressing the video signal and the audio signal separated by the second demultiplexer, respectively. 2. Storing an application program for processing the digital signal; Receiving a first broadcast signal through an external communication network and outputting a first digital signal subjected to a demodulation process; Receiving a second broadcast signal through the external communication network and outputting a second digital signal that has been demodulated; Extracting and transmitting the stored application program, and converting the first digital signal into a predetermined first output signal by executing the extracted application program; Receiving and executing the transmitted application program, converting the second digital signal into a predetermined second output signal; and a broadcast signal receiving method of a set-top box capable of receiving a plurality of digital broadcast signals, comprising: .