KR20020031626A - Viewing restriction method of a satellite broadcasting system using an area code - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A method of restricting watching of a satellite broadcast using an area code is provided to restrict watching of a satellite broadcasting program using an area code of a viewer, such as zip code or telephone number. CONSTITUTION: Subscriber information including an area code identifying the area of each satellite broadcast subscriber is recorded in a smart card and the smart card is issued to each subscriber. When a satellite broadcasting program provider requests restriction on watching program for a specific area(S201), a satellite broadcasting transmission system generates a control word signal to scramble satellite broadcasting program data(S203), and creates an entitlement control message(ECM) stream including the control word signal and watching restriction area code and an entitlement management message(EMM) stream including watching authority information(S205). The scrambled satellite broadcasting program data, ECM stream and EMM stream are multiplexed to be transmitted through a broadcasting satellite(S207). A satellite broadcasting receiver descrambles a multiplexed satellite broadcasting signal sent from the broadcasting satellite into the scrambled satellite broadcasting program data, ECM stream and EMM stream(S209). The watching restriction area code is extracted from the ECM stream and compared with the area code of the subscriber recorded in the smart card(S213). When the area codes accord with each other, watching the broadcasting program is restricted(S215).

Description

Viewing method of satellite broadcasting using area code {VIEWING RESTRICTION METHOD OF A SATELLITE BROADCASTING SYSTEM USING AN AREA CODE}

The present invention relates to a parental control function in a satellite broadcasting system, and in particular, a method for restricting viewing of satellite broadcasting using an area code that can restrict viewing of a satellite broadcasting program using a region code such as a postal code or a telephone number of a viewer. It is about.

As is well known, satellite broadcasting transmits a broadcast signal from a ground station (broadcasting earth station) using a broadcasting satellite floating in a stationary orbit about 36,000 kilometers above the equator, and can be received directly from the satellite receiving antenna in each home. This broadcasting system is a broadcasting system in which the selection range of information is greatly expanded compared to the conventional terrestrial or cable broadcasting system. In addition, the satellite broadcasting receiver used for the satellite broadcasting receives the bit stream provided from the satellite, processes the broadcast signal of the selected channel, and then provides it to a display device (for example, a monitor or TV).

In addition, in the general satellite broadcasting receiver that receives the satellite broadcasting signal, it is possible to limit the viewing of a certain channel to a specific user, the viewing restriction function for the pay broadcasting program, and the viewing restriction function according to the grade of the program. to provide.

On the other hand, in order to watch such a satellite broadcast, the user applies for a service to a satellite broadcaster that provides a satellite broadcast service. Typically, when a user first receives a satellite broadcast contract, the user submits his personal information to the satellite broadcaster. In this case, the personal information described may include a subscriber's name, postal code and address, telephone number, social security number, and the like.

If the subscriber's satellite broadcasting system uses the area code to distinguish the subscriber's area of residence such as zip code or phone number, the subscriber can restrict the viewing of satellite broadcasting in a specific region or, conversely, make it available only in a specific region. If possible, more diverse satellite broadcasting systems will be able to be implemented.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and in the satellite broadcasting reception system, by using a region code such as the zip code and the telephone number of the viewer, the satellite broadcasting program is restricted or specified for a certain satellite broadcasting program. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method of restricting the viewing of satellite broadcasting using a region code that allows viewing only in a region.

The present invention according to an embodiment for achieving the above object,

In the satellite broadcasting system using a subscriber's region code to limit the viewing of the broadcast program for a specific region,

A first step of recording subscriber information including a region code for distinguishing regions of each satellite broadcasting subscriber to a smart card and issuing to each subscriber;

When local viewing restrictions are required from a program provider supplying a satellite broadcasting program, a satellite broadcasting transmission system that outputs a satellite broadcasting signal generates a CW (Control Word) signal to scramble the satellite broadcasting program data, and the CW signal And a second step of generating an Entitlement Control Message (ECM) stream including a viewing restriction region code and an Entitlement Management Message (EMM) stream including viewing authority information.

A third step of multiplexing the scrambled satellite broadcast program data with the ECM stream and the EMM stream through a broadcast satellite;

A fourth step of demultiplexing the multiplexed satellite broadcast signal transmitted from the broadcast satellite into the scrambled satellite broadcast program data and the ECM stream and the EMM stream in the satellite broadcast receiver; And

A fifth step of extracting the parental control area code from the ECM stream and comparing the area code with the subscriber's area code recorded in the smart card, and performing the parental control for the broadcast program when the area codes match; Provides a method for viewing and watching satellite broadcasting using a region code including a.

The present invention according to another embodiment for achieving the above object,

In the satellite broadcasting system using a subscriber's area code to limit the viewing so that the viewing of the satellite broadcasting program only in a specific region,

A first step of recording subscriber information including a region code for distinguishing regions of each satellite broadcasting subscriber to a smart card and issuing to each subscriber;

When a broadcast service for a specific region is requested from a program provider supplying satellite broadcasting programs, a satellite broadcasting transmission system that emits satellite broadcasting signals generates a CW (Control Word) signal to scrambling satellite broadcasting program data. A second step of generating an Entitlement Control Message (ECM) stream including the CW signal and a viewable region code and an Entitlement Management Message (EMM) stream including viewing authority information;

A third step of multiplexing the scrambled satellite broadcast program data with the ECM stream and the EMM stream through a broadcast satellite;

A fourth step of demultiplexing the multiplexed satellite broadcast signal transmitted from the broadcast satellite into the scrambled satellite broadcast program data and the ECM stream and the EMM stream in the satellite broadcast receiver; And

The viewable area code is extracted from the ECM stream and compared with the area code of the subscriber recorded on the smart card. When the area codes match, the scramble is performed using the CW signal included in the ECM stream. It provides a satellite broadcasting viewing restriction method using a region code comprising a fifth step of enabling viewing of the satellite broadcasting program by descrambling the satellite broadcasting program data.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an overall system suitable for applying a method for restricting viewing of satellite broadcasting using a region code according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing a parental control method of a satellite broadcasting system using a region code according to the present invention through each component shown in FIG. 1.

<Description of Symbols for Major Parts of Drawings>

100: satellite broadcasting transmission system 110: control unit

120: scrambler 130: first encryption unit

140: subscriber management system 150: subscriber authentication system

160: second encryption unit 170: multiplexing device

180: return channel processor 200: satellite broadcasting receiver

210: demultiplexer 220: smart card

230: descrambler 240: modem

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail an embodiment according to the present invention.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an overall system suitable for applying a parental control function using a region code according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The controller 110, the scrambler 120, and the first encryption are shown. Satellite broadcasting transmission system consisting of a unit 130, Subscriber Management System (140), Subscriber Authentication Processor (150), Second Encryption Unit (160), Multiplexing Device (170), and Return Channel Processor (180). And a satellite broadcasting receiver 200 composed of a demultiplexer 210, a smart card 220, a descrambler 230, and a modem 240.

First, each component of the satellite broadcasting transmission system 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The controller 110 controls various control signals and CW (Control Word) related to the transmission of the satellite broadcasting signal based on the operator's operation. Means means for generating a signal, wherein the CW signal is used for scrambling and encrypting satellite broadcast program data (audio data and video data, etc.), and the scrambled satellite broadcast program signal in the satellite broadcast receiver 200. It is also used in the decoding process. That is, the scrambler 120 performs scrambling on the satellite broadcast program data provided from the satellite broadcast program provider based on the CW signal from the controller 110.

In addition, the controller 110 generates a program parameter for a broadcasting program to perform viewing restrictions for each region, that is, ON / OFF of the viewing restriction feature for each region, viewing restriction or viewable region code, and the like. 130).

In addition, the first encryption unit 130 encrypts the CW signal provided from the control unit 110, synthesizes program parameters therein, generates an ECM (Entitlement Control Message) stream, and transmits the same to the multiplexing device 170, which will be described later. do.

On the other hand, the subscriber management system 140 is a system for receiving and storing information on a plurality of subscribers (viewers) who applied for satellite broadcasting reception and storing it in an internal database (not shown). The subscriber authentication processor 150 transmits the data to the second encryption unit 160.

In addition, the subscriber authentication processor 150 performs authentication processing for a plurality of satellite broadcasting subscribers based on the subscriber information from the subscriber management system 140 described above, and receives a viewing authority management message from the subscriber management system 140. The second encryption unit 160 receives the viewing authority information of each subscriber based on the subscriber information from the subscriber authentication processor 150 and generates an Entitlement Management Message (EMM) stream. do.

The multiplexing device 170 may include the satellite broadcasting program data scrambled through the scrambler 120, the ECM stream input through the first encryption unit 130, and the EMM stream input through the second encryption unit 160. Multiplexing outputs a satellite broadcasting signal in the form of a bit stream. Then, the multiplexed satellite broadcast signal output through the multiplexing device 170 is transmitted to the broadcast satellite through a transmission means (for example, a transmission antenna, etc.) not shown, and again the broadcast satellite transmits the satellite broadcast transmission system ( The broadcast signal transmitted from 100 is transmitted to the satellite broadcasting receiver 200 of each subscriber.

Meanwhile, the return channel processor 180 included in the satellite broadcasting transmission system 100 receives the viewing information on the broadcast program watched by the satellite broadcasting receiver 200 from the satellite broadcasting receiver 200. Receives and transmits to the subscriber management system 140.

On the other hand, the satellite broadcasting receiver 200 shown in Figure 1 is a means for receiving and displaying a satellite broadcast signal provided from each of the subscriber's home and transmitted from the broadcast satellite (not shown) through a predetermined signal processing process. The demultiplexer 210 included in the satellite broadcasting receiver 200 receives a satellite broadcasting signal (bit stream) received through a broadcast signal receiving means (for example, a satellite receiving antenna and a tuning means) not shown. Demultiplexing separates the scrambled satellite program data, the ECM stream, and the EMM stream.

In addition, the smart card 220 is typically supplied to each satellite broadcasting subscriber from the satellite broadcasting service provider, that is, the satellite broadcasting transmission system 100 in order to perform the charging process for the viewing restriction of the satellite broadcasting program and the paying broadcasting program. As a means mounted on the satellite broadcasting receiver 200, information (subscriber's name, address, zip code, telephone number, etc.) of the subscriber (viewer) is provided through internal memory means (for example, flash memory, etc.), not shown. Information about the subscriber's viewing rights and viewing history. In addition, the smart card 220 controls the descrambler 230 by receiving the ECM stream and the EMM stream separated from the demultiplexer 210 described above to determine whether the subscriber can view the broadcast program selected by the subscriber.

Accordingly, the descrambler 230 descrambles the scrambled broadcast signal provided from the demultiplexer 210 based on the control signal (CW signal) of the smart card 230, thereby eliminating signal processing means (not shown). For example, a monitor, a speaker, etc.) can be output through a subscriber so that they can watch satellite broadcast programs.

In detail, in order to watch a scrambled program of digital satellite broadcasting in the satellite broadcasting receiver 200, an EMM stream is first extracted by using a PID (Packet IDentifier) assigned to a CAT (Conditional Access Table) defined in the MPEG standard. Then, the program-related ECM in the ECM stream is extracted using the PIDs assigned to the subscriber's EMM stream and the PMT (Program Map Table). The smart card 220 determines whether viewing is possible by comparing the viewing restriction information of the ECM stream associated with the broadcast program selected by the subscriber (viewer) with the viewing qualification information (subscriber information) previously stored in the smart card 220 which will be described later. Done.

Meanwhile, the modem 240 included in the satellite broadcasting receiver 200 may transmit information to the return channel processor 180 of the satellite broadcasting transmission system 100, that is, the subscriber using the satellite broadcasting receiver 200. The viewing information on the watched broadcast program is transmitted to the return channel processor 180 through a public switched telephone network (PSTN) (not shown).

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing a parental control method of a satellite broadcasting system using a region code according to the present invention through each component shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. It will be described in detail as follows.

First, the process from step S201 to step S207 shown in FIG. 2 is a process performed by the satellite broadcasting transmission system 100 shown in FIG. 1, and the process from step S209 to step S217. Is a process performed in the satellite broadcasting receiver 200.

Referring to FIG. 2, in general, a subscriber of a satellite broadcasting in a viewing contract with a satellite broadcasting company or a satellite broadcasting transmission system 100 in order to receive and watch a satellite broadcasting signal may have its own address, telephone number, Subscriber information including postal code, social security number, etc. is submitted to the satellite broadcasting transmission system 200 side, and the satellite broadcasting transmission system 200 side transmits the subscriber information to the storage means (not shown) in the smart card 220. Record and pay to satellite broadcasting subscriber.

With this process, when the smart card 220 for satellite broadcasting is supplied to a satellite broadcasting subscriber, if a local viewing restriction for a specific program is required from a program provider who manufactures and supplies a satellite broadcasting program ( Step S201), the control unit 110 of the satellite broadcasting transmission system 100 generates a CW signal for performing the scrambling for the program by the operator's operation to provide to the scrambler 120 and the first encryption unit 130 Then, a program parameter including a viewable area code or a viewing restriction area code is generated and transmitted to the first encryption unit 130 (step S203).

Therefore, the scrambler 120 scrambles the broadcast program based on the CW signal generated from the control unit 110, and the first encryption unit 130 encrypts the CW signal and then generates an ECM stream including program parameters. Done. In addition, the subscriber management system 140 of the satellite broadcasting transmission system 100 generates the subscriber's viewing authority information for the corresponding program and transmits it to the second encryption unit 160 via the subscriber authentication processor 150. The second encryption unit 160 encrypts this viewing authority information to generate an EMM stream (step S205).

The multiplexing device 170 in the satellite broadcasting transmission system 100 may include scrambled satellite broadcasting program data (audio data and video data, etc.) provided through the scrambler 120, and an ECM stream provided from the first encryption unit 130. 2, the EMM stream received from the encryption unit 160 is multiplexed and transmitted to a broadcast satellite (not shown) (step S207).

Meanwhile, the satellite broadcast receiver 200 receives the multiplexed satellite broadcast signal transmitted through the broadcast satellite through a satellite antenna (not shown) and transmits the same to the demultiplexer 210. The demultiplexer 210 transmits the multiplexed satellite signal. Analyze CAT and PMT from multiplexed satellite broadcasting signals to extract PIDs of EMM and ECM, and then use the respective PIDs to demultiplex EMM stream, ECM stream, and scrambled satellite broadcasting program data for the corresponding program. (Step S209). In this case, the EMM stream and the ECM stream are provided from the demultiplexer 210 to the smart card 220, and the scrambled satellite broadcast program data is provided to the descrambler 230.

After each of these processes, the multiplexed satellite broadcasting signal transmitted from the satellite broadcasting transmission system 100 is demultiplexed into scrambled satellite broadcasting program data, ECM stream, and EMM stream, and then the smart card 220 is demultiplexed. The parental control information from the ECM stream provided from 210 is analyzed (step S211), and it is compared with the subscriber information previously stored in the internal storage means to determine whether the corresponding program can be viewed. For example, the smart card 220 uses the internal decryption means (not shown) of the subscriber who previously stored the parental control area code (the area code of the phone number or the country code or the postal code) included in the ECM stream. If the viewable region code that matches the region code or the region code included in the ECM stream does not match the region code of the subscriber (step S213), the scrambled satellite broadcasting program data is output as it is without descrambling, thereby watching the broadcasting program. It is limited (step S215).

On the contrary, when the parental control region code included in the ECM stream does not match the subscriber's region code previously stored or the viewable region code included in the ECM stream matches the subscriber's region code, the smart card 220 The decoded CW signal in the ECM stream is provided to the descrambler 230, and the descrambler 230 descrambles the scrambled broadcast signal based on the CW signal so that the subscriber can normally watch the corresponding program ( Step S217).

As described above, according to the present invention, the satellite broadcasting system restricts the viewing of satellite broadcasting in a specific region by using an area code for identifying the subscriber's region, such as a postal code or a telephone number, or vice versa. This has the effect of enabling it, and thereby has the effect of implementing the additional functions of more diverse satellite broadcasting system.

In addition, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed for the purpose of illustration, those skilled in the art will be able to various modifications, changes, additions, etc. within the spirit and scope of the present invention, such modifications and changes should be considered to belong to the following claims. something to do.

Claims (4)

In the satellite broadcasting system using a subscriber's region code to limit the viewing of the broadcast program for a specific region, A first step of recording subscriber information including a region code for distinguishing regions of each satellite broadcasting subscriber to a smart card and issuing to each subscriber; When local viewing restrictions are required from a program provider supplying a satellite broadcasting program, a satellite broadcasting transmission system that outputs a satellite broadcasting signal generates a CW (Control Word) signal to scramble the satellite broadcasting program data, and the CW signal And a second step of generating an Entitlement Control Message (ECM) stream including a viewing restriction region code and an Entitlement Management Message (EMM) stream including viewing authority information. A third step of multiplexing the scrambled satellite broadcast program data with the ECM stream and the EMM stream through a broadcast satellite; A fourth step of demultiplexing the multiplexed satellite broadcast signal transmitted from the broadcast satellite into the scrambled satellite broadcast program data and the ECM stream and the EMM stream in the satellite broadcast receiver; And A fifth step of extracting the parental control area code from the ECM stream and comparing the area code with the subscriber's area code recorded in the smart card, and performing the parental control for the broadcast program when the area codes match; Viewing method of satellite broadcasting using the area code including. The method of claim 1, The area code is Viewing method of satellite broadcasting using the area code, characterized in that the phone number or postal code to distinguish the area of each subscriber. In the satellite broadcasting system using a subscriber's area code to limit the viewing so that the viewing of the satellite broadcasting program only in a specific region, A first step of recording subscriber information including a region code for distinguishing regions of each satellite broadcasting subscriber to a smart card and issuing to each subscriber; When a broadcast service for a specific region is requested from a program provider supplying satellite broadcasting programs, a satellite broadcasting transmission system that emits satellite broadcasting signals generates a CW (Control Word) signal to scrambling satellite broadcasting program data. A second step of generating an Entitlement Control Message (ECM) stream including the CW signal and a viewable region code and an Entitlement Management Message (EMM) stream including viewing authority information; A third step of multiplexing the scrambled satellite broadcast program data with the ECM stream and the EMM stream through a broadcast satellite; A fourth step of demultiplexing the multiplexed satellite broadcast signal transmitted from the broadcast satellite into the scrambled satellite broadcast program data and the ECM stream and the EMM stream in the satellite broadcast receiver; And The viewable area code is extracted from the ECM stream and compared with the area code of the subscriber recorded on the smart card. When the area codes match, the scramble is performed using the CW signal included in the ECM stream. And a fifth step of enabling viewing of the satellite broadcasting program by descrambling the satellite broadcasting program data. The method of claim 3, wherein The area code is Viewing method of satellite broadcasting using the area code, characterized in that the phone number or postal code to distinguish the area of each subscriber.