KR20010000453A - Settop box and settop box control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A set-top-box system with multi function and a control method of the same are provided to simultaneously perform DVD player and PC functions and convert the function between DVD player and PC. CONSTITUTION: A set-top-box system with multi function comprises a remote controller(200) and a set-top-box(300) which receiving RF signals from the remote controller and outputting video/audio signals after performed DVD player or PC functions corresponding to a selected function. The set-top-box(300) comprises a DVD player module(310), a PC module(320), an RF signal receiver(330) and a function selector(340). The DVD player module(310) comprises an MPEG board(312) and a D/A converter(314). The MPEG board(312) decodes the compression data in a DVD to output digital video/audio signals. The function selector(340) is switched by a function selection signal to receive video/audio signals from one of the modules(310,320).

Description

Set-top box system having a multi-function and its control method {Settop box and settop box control method}

The present invention relates to a multi-function set-top box system and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a set-top box system and a control method for simultaneously performing at least a DVD player function and a PC function. will be.

The Internet, which originated from the Arpanet, which was developed to share information related to the US Department of Defense's military research, is now a huge and efficient media and medium for providing information and communications to numerous computer networks around the world.

When the general user wants to use the information storage medium and the Internet, which is an information providing medium, it is possible not only through a computer, that is, a personal computer (PC), but also to a familiar television (hereinafter referred to as TV), which is already distributed in one or more households. You can easily enjoy by connecting only a telephone line and a Set-Top-Box. Such a TV is called an Internet TV.

In other words, the Internet TV is connected to the Internet through a set-top box that acts as an internet connection relay between a TV and a mobile phone, a web phone, which is a kind of Internet information terminal.

Here, the set-top box may connect not only an Internet connection through a TV but also a PC to output a PC driving video signal and an audio signal accordingly.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, a set-top box device and an operation for outputting a signal according to PC driving through a TV will be described as follows.

1 is a block diagram of a set-top box device for outputting a signal according to the PC drive through the TV.

As shown in FIG. 1, the set-top box 100 includes a network interface unit 102, a data converter unit 104, a video output unit 106, an audio output unit 108, and a PC interface unit 110. do.

That is, the set top box 100 is connected to the network by a transmission medium such as a telephone line or an optical cable through the network interface unit 102 and receives network data from the connected network.

The network interface unit 102 outputs input network data to the data conversion unit 104, and the data conversion unit 104 converts the network data by decoding to output video data and audio data.

The video output unit 106 in the set-top box 100 converts the data-converted video data into an analog form and applies it to a TV receiver, and the audio output unit 108 converts the data-converted audio data into an analog form and amplifies it. To the speaker.

In addition, the set-top box 100 connects the PC 122 having the set-top box interface unit 120 through the PC interface unit 110 and sets the video signal and the audio signal output according to the PC driving. Can be configured to output through a TV receiver and a speaker connected to the video output unit 106 and the audio output unit 108.

That is, the PC interface unit 110 in the set-top box 100 receives a video signal and an audio signal according to the driving of the PC 122, and receives the input video signal and the audio signal from the video output unit 106 and the audio output unit ( 108).

The video output unit 106 and the audio output unit 108 output a video signal and an audio signal according to the driving of the PC 122 through the TV receiver and the speaker.

The set-top box device operated with the above-described configuration is only a device that outputs a video signal and an audio signal through a TV receiver and a speaker by connecting a PC composed of individual devices through an interface.

Therefore, there is a problem that does not satisfy the desire of modern people who want a device that performs a plurality of functions by a single device more easily.

In addition, in order to perform a plurality of functions, a device having each function, for example, a PC or a DVD (Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc) player, etc. must be purchased separately, so there is a problem in that the cost is large.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a set-top box system having a multi-function capable of simultaneously performing a DVD player function and a PC function, and a control method thereof.

In addition, another object of the present invention to provide a set-top box system having a multi-function capable of switching the DVD player and PC functions by the remote control and a control method thereof.

1 is a block diagram of a set-top box device for outputting a signal according to the PC drive through the TV.

2 is a schematic structural block diagram of a multi-top set-top box system according to the present invention.

3 is a view showing the configuration of the remote control of FIG.

4 is a diagram showing an operation state according to the DVD player function selection.

5 is a diagram showing an operation state according to PC function selection.

6 is a flowchart for performing control of a multi-function set-top box system according to the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for main parts of drawing>

200: remote control 300: set-top box

310: DVD player module 320: PC module

330: wireless signal receiving unit 340: function selection unit

350: video output unit 360: audio output unit

370: TV screen 380: Speaker

The present invention for achieving the above object is a remote control having a function selection key unit having at least a DVD player function selection key and a PC function selection key, a multi-function operation key unit for performing a function according to a function selected from the function selection key unit, respectively Function selection unit for selectively outputting the function operation signal according to the selection signal, DVD player module performing the DVD player function according to the optional function operation signal of the function selection unit, and performing the PC function according to the optional function operation signal of the function selection unit. It is characterized in that it provides a set-top box system having a multi-function consisting of a set-top box consisting of a PC module and a DVD player module or a signal output unit for outputting a video signal and an audio signal according to the operation of the PC module.

Another feature of the present invention is a control method of a set-top box system having at least a DVD player function and a PC function, the method comprising: receiving a DVD player function or PC function selection signal, receiving a set-top box power signal, selecting an input function The present invention provides a control method of a set-top box system having a multi-function including performing a function corresponding to a signal, and outputting a video signal and an audio signal according to the function to an external connection device to the set-top box.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a multi-function set-top box system and a control method thereof according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a set-top box system having a multi-function according to the present invention, Figure 3 is a view showing the configuration of the remote control of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the set-top box system having a multi-function includes a remote controller 200 for outputting a wireless signal for selecting a DVD player function or a PC function selected by a user, and a wireless signal for selecting a function from the remote controller 200. And a set top box 300 for performing a DVD player or PC function corresponding to the selected function and then outputting the video signal and the audio signal to the connected external output device.

Here, the set-top box 300 is a DVD player module 310 that plays back the recorded data of the DVD and outputs a video signal and an audio signal, and general computer functions such as arithmetic, word, and numerical calculations and PC communication through a predetermined network. It consists of a PC module 320 for performing.

At this time, the DVD player module 310 decodes the compressed data recorded on the mounted DVD for playback, and outputs the digital video signal and the digital audio signal from the MPEG board unit 312 and the MPEG board unit 312. And a D / A converter 314 for analog converting any one of the output digital audio signals.

In addition, the set-top box 300 is switched by a function selection signal received through a wireless signal receiver 330 and a wireless signal receiver 330 for receiving a wireless signal for selecting a function transmitted from the remote controller 200 And a function selector 340 that receives the video and audio signals from either the DVD player module 310 or the PC module 320 and outputs the received video and audio signals.

At this time, the set-top box 300 is a video for processing the signal output from the DVD player module 310 or PC module 320 through the function selection unit 340 to display on an external device, for example, the TV screen 370 The output unit 350 and the function selector 340 amplify an audio signal output from the DVD player module 310 or the PC module 320 to convert the analog signal according to the form of an external device, for example, the speaker 380. And an audio output unit 360 for outputting a digital audio signal. Here, the audio output unit 360 outputs a digital audio signal when the speaker for the digital Dolby system is connected, and outputs an analog converted audio signal when the general speaker is connected.

In addition, although the TV is an example of an external device connected to the video output unit 350, it may be configured to include various display devices such as a PC monitor and a TFT LCD screen.

The configuration of the remote controller 200 for outputting a DVD player function or a PC function selection signal will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3 as follows.

Referring to FIG. 3, a function selection key unit 410 having a plurality of function selection buttons for power and function selection of the set-top box 300 is configured in the upper area of the front surface of the remote controller 200, and the function selection key unit 410 is provided. The TV operation selection key unit 420 for channel selection and volume control of an external device such as a connected TV is configured in a region below a predetermined interval on the front of the remote controller 200.

In addition, the front center region of the remote control 200 is configured with a direction key according to the PC function and a PC operation selection key unit 430 for detailed PC operation, and the DVD operation for selecting a DVD operation for the DVD player operation in the lower front region of the remote control 200. The key portion 440 is configured.

Here, the function selection key unit 410 may include a power key 411 for outputting a power signal to the set top box 300, a TV key 412 for TV function selection, a DVD key 413 for DVD player function selection, PC key 414 for PC function selection and cable TV 415 for cable function selection.

In addition, the TV operation selection key unit 420 includes a number key 421 of 1 to 0 for channel selection, a volume control key 422 for volume control, and a channel change key 423 for stepwise changing of a channel. .

In addition, the PC operation selection key unit 430 may include a direction key 431 for moving a cursor, a PC operating program, for example, a window execution key 432 for executing a window, and a menu key for displaying an entire menu. 433, an escape key (ESC) 434 for releasing the executed command, and a sub title key 435 for displaying a sub menu.

Also, the DVD operation selection key unit 440 includes a playback operation key 441, an operation stop key 442, a fast forward operation key 443, a rewind operation key 444, and the like for DVD playback.

As described above, the remote controller 200 is a button selected by the function selected by the TV key 412, DVD key 413, PC key 414, CATV key 415, etc. of the function selection key unit 410. Pulse values occur differently.

In addition, the present invention can be configured to include a wireless keyboard or a wireless mouse for signal input for operating the PC according to the PC function selection, the wireless signal receiver 330 of the set-top box 300 is a wireless keyboard or wireless mouse Obviously, it is configured to receive a signal according to.

Referring to the operation of the set-top box system having a multi-function according to the present invention configured as described above are as follows.

When the user presses any one function selection key in the function selection key unit 410 of the remote controller 200 to select any one of a plurality of functions performed by the set-top box 300, the remote controller 200 accordingly Outputs a function selection signal of type

For example, when the user presses the DVD key 413 to perform the DVD player function by the set-top box 300, the remote controller 200 outputs a DVD player function selection signal according to the user's input button. Meanwhile, when the user presses the PC key 414 to perform a PC function, the remote controller 200 outputs a PC function selection signal.

At this time, the remote control unit 200 outputs a power signal of the set-top box 300 according to the selection of the power key 411 by the user after selecting a predetermined function selection key of the function selection key unit 410.

The set top box 300 is turned on by receiving a power signal through the wireless signal receiver 330.

The wireless signal receiver 330 receives a DVD function selection signal or a PC function selection signal in the form of a wireless signal output from the remote controller 200, and outputs a function selection signal according to the function selection unit 340.

The function selector 340 selectively turns on the operation state of the DVD player module 310 or the PC module 320 according to the function selection signal output from the wireless signal receiver 330. Here, the function selection unit 340 is configured in the form of a switch that is switched in accordance with the input signal is selectively selected according to the function selection signal output from the wireless signal receiving unit 330 DVD player module 310 or PC module 320 Switch on.

The DVD player module 310 or the PC module 320 is selectively operated by the function selector 340, and outputs the video and audio signals according to the video output unit 350 and the audio output unit 360. .

Here, a detailed operation according to the selection of the DVD player function or the PC function will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

4 is a diagram illustrating an operation state according to a DVD player function selection.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the operation of the set-top box system having a multi-function according to the selection of the DVD player function will be described. First, the DVD key 413 and the power key 411 of the remote controller 200 are pressed by a certain user. The remote controller 200 outputs the set top box 300 power signal and the DVD player function selection signal.

The wireless signal receiver 330 of the set-top box 300 receives a DVD player function selection signal from the remote controller 200 and outputs the DVD player selection signal to the function selection unit 340.

The function selector 340 switches on the DVD player module 310 by the DVD player selection signal output from the wireless signal receiver 330.

The DVD player module 310 starts driving the DVD player according to a switch-on operation to play the inserted DVD, and outputs the video output unit 350 and the audio output through the function selector 340 according to the video signal and the audio signal. Output to the unit 360.

The video output unit 350 displays an image according to DVD recording data reproduction through an external device connected to the set-top box, that is, the TV screen 370, and the audio output unit 360 is output from the DVD player module 310. The audio signal is amplified to output an audio signal according to DVD playback through an external device connected to the set top box 300, that is, a speaker 380.

In this case, the audio signal output from the DVD player module 310 selectively outputs an analog audio signal and a digital audio signal according to the type of a speaker connected to the audio output unit 360.

On the other hand, the operation of the set-top box system having a multi-function to perform a PC function according to the selection of the PC key 414 of the remote control 200 by the user will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

5 is a diagram illustrating an operating state according to PC function selection.

Referring to FIG. 5, first, when a certain user presses the PC key 414 of the remote controller 200 and presses the power key 411, the remote controller 200 outputs a PC function selection signal and a power signal in the form of a wireless signal. .

The set-top box 300 receives a power signal transmitted from the remote controller 200 through the wireless signal receiver 330, and accordingly, the power state is turned on, and the wireless signal receiver 330 selects the input PC function selection signal. Output to the unit 340.

The function selector 340 switches on the PC module 320 according to the PC function select signal output from the wireless signal receiver 330.

The PC module 320 outputs a video signal and an audio signal according to the PC function execution to the video output unit 350 and the audio output unit 360 according to the switch-on operation of the function selector 340.

The video output unit 350 displays an image according to driving of the PC through an external device connected to the set top box 300, that is, the TV screen 370, and the audio output unit 360 is output from the PC module 320. The amplified audio signal outputs an audio signal according to a PC driving through an external device connected to the set top box 300, that is, a speaker 380.

At this time, the audio signal output from the PC module 320 selectively outputs an analog audio signal or a digital audio signal according to the type of a speaker connected to the audio output unit 360.

In addition, since the wireless signal receiver 330 may be configured to receive a signal from a wireless keyboard or a wireless mouse in addition to the wireless signal from the remote controller 200, the PC module 320 may perform the wireless signal receiver during the PC function. A PC function is performed according to a wireless signal input from a wireless keyboard or a wireless mouse through 330.

Meanwhile, when the user selects the CATV key 415 or the TV key 412 of the remote controller 200, a general TV that outputs a video signal and an audio signal of a broadcast signal received through a predetermined network through a TV screen and a speaker. The operation of is performed.

A method for controlling a multi-function set-top box system according to the present invention configured and operated as described above will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

6 is a flowchart for performing control of a multi-function set-top box system according to the present invention.

First, as a certain user selects one function key among a plurality of function selection keys in the remote controller 200 configured as shown in FIG. 3, and then selects a power key 411, the remote controller 200 generates power signals and functions in the form of wireless signals. The selection signal is output (S600).

Subsequently, the set-top box 300 is turned on by a power signal transmitted from the remote controller 200 through the wireless signal receiver 330 (S602), and the DVD player module 310 or by the function selection signal transmitted. Selectively switch on the PC module 320.

When the user selects the DVD key 413 to select the DVD player function in step S600 (S604), the DVD player module 310 is switched on by the function selecting unit 340 (S606). The video signal and the audio signal according to the player function are output to the video output unit 350 and the audio output unit 360, respectively (S608).

Here, the video output unit 350 displays the video signal according to the DVD player function through the connected TV screen 370, and the audio output unit 360 amplifies the audio signal and outputs it through the speaker 380. .

That is, when the DVD player function selection signal is input to the function selector 340 while the PC module 320 is switched on, the DVD player module 310 is switched on to the video signal from the PC module 320. The audio signal is cut off, and the video signal and the audio signal according to the operation of the DVD player module 310 are output to the video output unit 350 and the audio output unit 360.

On the other hand, when the user selects the PC key 414 to select the PC function in the above step (S600), the PC module 320 is switched on as the PC function selection signal is output from the remote control 200 (S610) The video signal and the audio signal according to the PC function are output to the video output unit 350 and the audio output unit 360, respectively (S612).

Here, the video output unit 350 displays a video signal on the connected TV screen as the PC function is performed, and the audio output unit 360 amplifies the audio signal and outputs it through the connected speaker.

That is, when the PC function selection signal is input to the function selector 340 while the DVD player module 310 is turned on, the function selector 340 is switched on to the PC module 320 and the DVD player module 310. The video signal and the audio signal are blocked, and the video signal and the audio signal according to the operation of the PC module 320 are output to the video output unit 350 and the audio output unit 360.

In this case, the output audio signal is configured to selectively output an analog audio signal or a digital audio signal.

The set-top box system having a multi-function and a control method thereof according to the present invention configured and operated as described above may include a video signal and an audio signal according to a TV or CATV signal configured in a remote controller in addition to the above-described DVD player function or PC function. Can be output through the TV and speakers connected to.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a set-top box system having a multi-function and a control method thereof include a DVD module for performing a DVD player function and a PC module for performing a PC function in a set-top box, and according to a function selection signal by a remote controller. The PC module is selectively operated to selectively output video and audio signals accordingly.

Therefore, the present invention can perform the DVD player function and the PC function by the set-top box configured with the DVD module and the PC module, thereby reducing the cost loss of purchasing each device separately.

Although the above has been described with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will be able to vary the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. It will be appreciated that modifications and variations can be made.

Claims (10)

A function selector for selecting a digital video / audio playback function or a PC function according to a function selection signal input from an external device; An MPEG board unit for decoding and outputting the digital video / audio signal according to the selection of the digital video / audio playback function; The video / audio output unit outputs the decoded digital video / audio signal to the outside according to the performance of the PC function. Set-top box system having a multi-function configured to include. The method of claim 1, The wireless signal output unit A function selection key section having at least a DVD player function selection key and a PC function selection key; Multiple function operation key unit for performing a function according to the function selected in the function selection key unit Set-top box system having a multi-function configured to include. The method of claim 2, The function selection key unit further comprises a TV function selection key and a cable TV function selection key. The method of claim 2, The function operation key unit A DVD operation key unit for performing an operation according to the DVD function selection key; A PC operation key unit for performing an operation according to the PC function selection key; A TV operation key unit for performing an operation according to the TV function selection key; Cable TV operation key unit for performing an operation according to the cable TV function selection key Set-top box system having a multi-function configured to include. The method of claim 2, And the wireless signal output unit has a multi-function in which only a corresponding operation key is selectively operated according to the function selection signal. The method of claim 1, The set top box is A function selection unit for selectively outputting a function operation signal according to the function selection signal; A DVD player module configured to perform a DVD player function according to an optional function operation signal of the function selector; A PC module which performs a PC function according to an optional function operation signal of the function selector; Signal output unit for outputting a video signal and an audio signal according to the operation of the DVD player module or the PC module Set-top box system having a multi-function configured to include. The method of claim 6, And the function selector is configured to selectively operate the DVD player module or the PC module according to the function selection signal according to a switching operation. The method of claim 6, The DVD player module An MPEG board unit for decoding the DVD recording data and outputting a digital video signal and a plurality of digital audio signals accordingly; D / A conversion unit for converting any one of the digital audio signal output from the MPEG board unit Set-top box system having a multi-function configured to include. In the control method of a multi-function set-top box system, Receiving a plurality of function selection signals including at least a DVD player function or a PC function; Outputting an operation signal for performing any one of a plurality of functions of the set-top box according to the input function selection signal; Outputting a video signal and an audio signal by performing a function according to the operation signal to an external device connected to the set-top box system; Set-top box system control method having a multi-function comprising a. A control method of a set-top box system having at least a DVD player function and a PC function, Receiving the DVD player function or PC function selection signal; Receiving the set top box power signal; Performing a function corresponding to the input function selection signal; Outputting a video signal and an audio signal according to the function execution to the set top box external connection device; Control method of a set-top box system having a multi-function comprising a.