JP4003190B2 - Set top box - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a set-top box that is connected to a television receiver and provides an additional function, and relates to a technique that is useful when one set-top box is reused in a plurality of television receivers.

  There is an apparatus called a set top box that is connected to a television receiver and provides an additional function to the television receiver. A set-top box is a device that enables viewers to watch TV by releasing scrambled pay broadcasting such as cable TV or satellite broadcasting, as well as adding functions such as video-on-demand or interactive TV to TV receivers. There are various functions such as a terminal device for online karaoke.

  Such a set-top box has an external terminal for connecting a television receiver to the back side of the device, a connector for connecting a coaxial cable from an antenna, a connector for data communication, and many other connectors. Are provided, and a predetermined cable is connected to them so that they can be used.

Conventionally, there are techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 as conventional techniques useful for connecting an electronic apparatus and another device. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for improving convenience when a plurality of removable HDDs (hard disks) are connected to or removed from a set top box. Patent Document 2 discloses a structure technique in which two electronic devices are simply connected in a manner in which they are stacked one above the other. Patent Document 3 discloses a structure technique for easily and reliably mounting a network module on a set-top box.
JP 2004-199742 A JP 2000-232277 A JP-A-10-145767

  The present inventors have examined whether convenience can be improved when a set-top box is shared by a plurality of television receivers. The conventional set-top box requires a very complicated operation when a single set-top box is reused on a plurality of televisions, for example, a living room television and a study television. That is, when moving the set-top box used on the TV in the living room and using it on the TV in the study, first remove all the cables from the set-top box connected to the TV in the living room, and then set the set-top box. Disconnect the power connector from the outlet and leave it free. Then, the set-top box is brought into the study, and a plurality of cables and a power connector are connected in the same manner, and the set-top box is finally ready for use. These operations are very complicated.

  By the way, when the user to be used is different, for example, when the grandfather's television and the children's room television use one set-top box, for example, when the grandfather uses it, the menu character display is enlarged. There is a demand to change the setting of the set top box for each use location, such as setting a viewing restriction when the child uses it.

  However, with conventional set-top boxes, the only way to meet these requirements is for the user to change the setting by operating the device each time the installation location is changed, and such processing is very troublesome. Was expected.

  In addition, the set-top box may be troublesome if a cable or the like is disconnected in the meantime, even if it is not in use, such as waiting for reception reservation for recording or downloading data. Therefore, when a plurality of users use one set-top box at different points of use, there is a problem that if there is no ingenuity, the set-top box is removed and taken away when troublesome. It was expected to occur.

  An object of the present invention is to easily attach and remove a set top box when a plurality of users use one set top box by using different television receivers. It is an object of the present invention to provide a set top box that can easily cope with a change in the setting of a box, and that is configured so that it is difficult to be automatically removed when it is difficult to remove the box without permission.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a set-top box connected to a television receiver via a cable and having a function for outputting a video signal and an audio signal to the television receiver. a device body having an electrical circuit for providing is mounted, it is detachable to the apparatus main body, and an external connector including AV connector to be connected to at least the television receiver apparatus, and the antenna connector or data communication connector, A power supply connector or a cable connection unit provided with a power cord , the apparatus body is provided with a first connector connected to an internal electric circuit, and the cable connection unit is connected to the external connector. A second connector is provided, and when the apparatus main body is attached to the cable connection unit, 1 connector and the second connector and is connected to the with external connector is electrically connected to the device body of the electrical circuit, from the connector or the cord for the power supply of the power to said apparatus body supply is a structure in which Ru been made.

  According to such means, a cable connection unit is connected in advance to each of a plurality of television receivers, so that only one device body is moved and attached to each cable connection unit. Can be shared and used while moving among a plurality of television receivers. When the set-top box is transferred from one television receiver to the other television receiver, complicated work such as insertion and removal of cables is reduced.

Preferably, the cable connection unit is provided with a setting switch composed of a plurality of switches that can change the setting and can store the setting state, and the setting contents of the setting switch are the second connector and the first connector. is sent to the apparatus main body through the door may be configured to so that function setting of the apparatus main body is made.

  According to such a means, even when it is desired to change the setting of the set top box for each television receiver, each setting can be saved with the setting switch of the cable connection unit. It can be changed to the preset contents simply by moving it and attaching it to the cable connection unit. That is, it is not necessary to perform a complicated process of changing the setting every time the user moves the object.

Preferably, a lock mechanism for coupling the apparatus main body and the cable connection unit so as not to be separated from each other and a control means for controlling operation of the lock mechanism are provided, and the control means is an operation state of the apparatus main body. Accordingly , the lock mechanism may be configured to perform control to switch between a state in which the lock can be released by a predetermined normal unlocking operation and a state in which the lock cannot be released by the normal unlocking operation. .

  According to such a configuration, in an operation state in which it is difficult to remove the apparatus main body, it is possible to automatically prevent the apparatus main body from being removed or difficult to be removed by controlling the lock mechanism.

Specifically, in the case of a set-top box that can be reserved for reception of television broadcasts, the control means locks in the normal unlock operation when the apparatus main body is waiting for reception reservation. It may be configured not to be released (for example, it is normally released by one operation of the release button to be released by two operations or long press). Similarly, when the apparatus main body is downloading firmware, the normal unlock operation may be configured not to release the lock .

  More specifically, in the case of a set-top box that receives a broadcast signal and outputs a video signal and an audio signal to a television receiver, the cable connection unit further includes an external connector connected to an antenna, A connector for supplying power or a power cord is provided, and it is preferable to be able to input a broadcast signal from the antenna and supply power to the apparatus body via the cable connection unit.

  With this configuration, the necessary cable connection and connection to the power outlet are made in advance for the cable connection unit, and then the set-top box can be used simply by attaching the main unit to the cable connection unit. I can do it.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when one set-top box is reused among a plurality of television receivers and a plurality of users, the trouble of inserting and removing the cable when moving the set-top box is reduced. It has the effect of saving.

  Also, even if you want to change the set-top box settings for each location you move and use the set-top box, you can automatically change the settings for each installation location without having to change the settings each time you move the set-top box. There is an effect that it can be applied.

  In addition, when using a set-top box between multiple users, it may be difficult to automatically take out the set-top box depending on the operating state when it is in an operating state that would be problematic if the set-top box was taken out. There is an effect that can be done.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a connection configuration between a set-top box and a plurality of television receivers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The set-top box 1 of this embodiment receives, for example, a BS (broadcast satellite) or CS (communication satellite) television broadcast and outputs a video signal or an audio signal to a cable-connected television receiver or recorder. It is a device to do. The set-top box 1 includes a plurality of cable connections for connecting in advance a device main body 10 on which an electronic circuit that provides these functions is mounted, and a plurality of cables that are detachable and externally connected to the device main body 10. It is composed of units 20 and 20.

  Cable connection units 20 and 20 are prepared for the number of television receivers W and W that use the set-top box 1, and are connected to the television receivers W and W in advance and other necessary cables are also connected. Leave it in a state.

  FIG. 2 shows a connection structure between the apparatus main body and the cable connection unit. FIG. 4A is a rear side view of the apparatus main body and a cross-sectional view of the cable connection unit separated from the apparatus main body, and FIG. FIG. 3 shows a front view of the state where the apparatus main body is mounted on the cable connection unit.

  The cable connection unit 20 has a plurality of setting switches 22 provided for setting the viewing of the set top box, an AV connector 23 for outputting a video signal and an audio signal, and a broadcast signal to be input on the back side. Various connectors as external connectors such as an antenna connector 24 and other data communication connectors (not shown) are provided. For example, the cable K1 from the television receiver W is connected to the AV connector 23, the coaxial cable K2 connected to the antenna, for example, is connected to the antenna connector 24, and predetermined cables are connected to the other connectors, respectively. It will be in the state. Further, the cable connection unit 20 is provided with a power cord 25, and the plug 25a of the power cord 25 is inserted into an outlet.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cable connection unit 20 is provided with a wiring board 26 that is connected to the AV connector 23 and the setting switch 22 by wiring. Further, an internal connector (second connector) 27 connected to the apparatus main body 10 is provided inside the cable connection unit 20, and each terminal of the internal connector 27 is connected to the AV connector 23 via the wiring board 26, setting. The switch 22 is electrically connected to other connectors and a power source.

  The antenna connector 24 is a connector having a shield structure with impedance matching, such as an F connector, from the outer end of the connector to the inner end connected to the apparatus main body 10 so as not to cause radio wave leakage. The inner end 24 b is arranged so as to be aligned with the internal connector 27.

  The cable connection unit 20 is provided with a stopper 28 such as a leaf spring that abuts against the back surface of the apparatus main body 10 to prevent excessive insertion when the apparatus main body 10 is inserted therein. Further, the tip of the stopper 28 is bent in a key shape so that a rotating member 131 of the lock mechanism 13 to be described later is locked. The stopper 28 is fixed to the casing of the cable connection unit 20 through a fixing member together with the wiring board 26.

  Further, protective plates 29, 29 that can be opened and closed in two parts are attached to the front side of the cable connection unit 20, and these protective plates 29, 29 are closed when the apparatus main body 10 is not inserted. When the inside of the apparatus is covered and the apparatus main body 10 is inserted, the protection plates 29 and 29 are opened to allow the apparatus main body 10 to enter the inside.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the side surface of the apparatus main body 10 and the side surface of the cable connection unit 20 are provided with a step D having substantially the same size and shape at the same height position. The step D is positioned in the vertical direction when inserted into the connection unit 20. Further, the step D prevents the apparatus main body 10 from being inserted upside down.

  On the back side of the apparatus main body 10, a connection connector 11 connected to the internal connector 27 of the cable connection unit 20 and a connection connector 12 connected to the inner end 24 b of the antenna connector 24 are provided as first connectors. ing.

  FIG. 4 shows a view of the connection connector 11 provided on the apparatus main body side and the internal connector 27 provided on the cable connection unit. (A-1) and (a-2) are a side view and a front view of the connection connector 11 on the apparatus main body side, and (b-1) and (b-2) are a front view and a side view of the internal connector 27. is there.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A-1 and 4A-2, the connection connector 11 of the apparatus main body 10 has an elongated flat plate-like pin 112, 112 as a terminal at the center of the frame 111 of the connection connector. It is the structure formed in many rows by opening. It may be formed in a plurality of rows.

  As shown in FIGS. 4B-1 and 4B-2, the internal connector 27 of the cable connection unit 20 has a flat plate shape as a connection terminal in a space in which the flat plate pins 112, 112. Are made of metal spring members 271, 271... Which are in contact with the pins 112, 112.

  The pins 112, 112... And the spring members 271, 271... Are slightly longer in the left-right direction (for example, 2 to 3 mm), and the connection connector 11 of the apparatus body 10 and the internal connector 27 of the cable connection unit 20 are slightly Even when inserted in the lateral direction, both terminals are securely connected.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the viewing setting switch of the cable connection unit.

  The setting switch 22 performs, for example, a display setting for large and small menu display, a setting for whether or not to restrict viewing of a specific channel or program, and a user number. By setting the user number, for example, the contents of the favorite menu displayed by pressing the favorite button on the remote controller are set to the contents corresponding to the user number.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the setting switch 22 includes a plurality of switches SW1 to SWn that output binary signals of high level or low level, and these signals are sent to the apparatus body 10 via the internal connector 27. It is supposed to be. The apparatus main body 10 is configured such that when the cable connection unit 20 is attached, the CPU of the apparatus main body 10 reads the signals of the setting switches 22 and performs control according to the signals.

  FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of a lock mechanism provided in the apparatus main body, and FIG. 7 shows a circuit block diagram for driving and controlling the lock mechanism.

  The lock mechanism 13 provided in the apparatus main body 10 includes a rotating member 131 having a flange 131a formed so as to partially protrude so as to be locked to the tip of the stopper 28 of the cable connection unit 20. It comprises a pivot 132 that pivotally supports the pivot member 131.

  In the insertion hole provided in the above-described support shaft 132 and the rotation member 131 through which the support shaft 132 is inserted, a gap is provided in a partial range, for example, by reducing the diameter of the support shaft. An electromagnetic coil 133 is fixed to the support shaft 132 in this gap portion, and a magnet 134 is fixed to the insertion hole of the rotating member 131.

  When no current is supplied to the electromagnetic coil 133, the flange 131a of the rotating member 131 is lowered downward by its own weight or the force of a spring (not shown), and the lock is released as shown in FIG. Put into a state. At this time, the stopper piece 131b provided on the rotating member 131 is caught by the casing of the apparatus main body 10, and the rotating member 131 does not enter the casing more than necessary. On the other hand, when a current is passed through the electromagnetic coil 133, the rotating member 131 is rotated by the electromagnetic action of the electromagnetic coil 133 and the magnet 134 and is raised to a position where the collar 131 a is locked to the tip of the stopper 28. It will be in the locked state like FIG.6 (b).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the electromagnetic coil 133 is connected to a CPU 41 that is a control unit that is mounted on the apparatus main body 10 and performs overall control of the set top box via a drive circuit 42. Is turned on and off to switch the state of the lock mechanism 13. Further, a release button (not shown) for releasing the lock mechanism is provided on the front side of the apparatus main body 10, and this operation signal is input to the CPU 41.

  The lock control and unlock control of the lock mechanism 13 performed by the CPU 41 are as follows. First, the lock control is performed by the CPU 41 outputting an operation control signal to the drive circuit 42 when the apparatus main body 10 is attached to the cable connection unit 20 and the main power supply of the apparatus main body 10 is turned on. Carried out. That is, when the connection connector 11 of the apparatus main body 10 and the internal connector 27 of the cable connection unit 20 are connected and power is supplied to the apparatus main body 10, the lock mechanism 13 is driven to be locked.

  FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the lock release control process executed by the CPU 41.

  The unlock control process is started by operating an unlock button provided on the apparatus main body 10. First, in step S1, a process for determining how the unlock button is pressed is performed, and the process proceeds to step S2. To do. Here, as a method of pressing the lock release button, for example, whether it was pressed only once during a short time interval (for example, 1 second), pressed twice, or pressed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds). It is determined whether it is a thing.

  In step S2, the operating state of the apparatus main body 10 is confirmed to determine whether or not reservation standby is in progress (for example, standby for recording reservation linked to the recording apparatus). If so, the process proceeds to step S4. The process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, it is determined whether or not the current operation state of the device is downloading firmware. If so, the process proceeds to step S4, and if not, the process proceeds to step S5. This firmware download is performed by connecting to a server computer using communication means in order to update the firmware of the apparatus.

  As a result, when the process proceeds to step S5 instead of waiting for reservation or downloading, the lock mechanism 13 is unlocked in this step, and this control flow is ended.

  On the other hand, if the process proceeds to step S4 depending on whether the reservation is waiting or downloading, it is determined whether the release button is pressed twice, long, or once in this step. This control flow is terminated without releasing the lock, but if it is pressed twice or for a long time, it is determined to be forcibly released, the process proceeds to step S5, the lock is released, and the control flow is terminated.

  In other words, if it is difficult to remove the device body 10 due to this unlocking control process, such as waiting for a reservation or downloading firmware, the normal unlocking operation (for example, pressing the release button once) is sufficient. The lock is not released, and control is performed so that the lock is released only in the case of a forced release operation (for example, twice or long press).

  In addition, when the lock is not released by a normal unlock operation, a display indicating that the lock cannot be performed may be performed. In addition, the lock mechanism 13 can be prevented from being locked in normal times, and the lock mechanism 13 can be locked only when it is difficult to remove the apparatus main body 10.

  As described above, according to the set-top box 1 of this embodiment, the set-top box 1 is placed between the plurality of television receivers W only by moving one apparatus body 10 and attaching it to each cable connection unit 20. Can be shared while being moved, and when the apparatus main body 10 is moved, complicated work such as insertion / removal of a cable becomes unnecessary.

  Further, a setting switch 22 for viewing setting is provided in the cable connection unit 20, and the setting contents are sent to the apparatus body 10 and reflected when the set top box 1 is used. In addition, it is possible to use a setting suitable for each user without changing the setting every time it is moved.

  In addition, since there is a lock mechanism that makes it impossible to separate the apparatus main body 10 and the cable connection unit 20, it is possible to cope with such a situation that it is difficult to remove the apparatus main body 10 when it is in an operation state that is difficult to remove.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above embodiment, the set-top box is exemplified as a set-top box having a function of viewing BS or CS television broadcasts. However, other devices that provide functions such as video-on-demand and interactive television, video and audio Any device that provides an additional function to a television receiver, such as a device that has a function of recording video, is included.

  Also, in the embodiment, no cable is connected to the apparatus body and no power cable is provided, but there are very few cables compared to the number of cables connected to the cable connection unit. Are connected to the apparatus main body, and the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, the details specifically shown such as the housing shape of the apparatus main body and the cable connection unit, the structure of the lock mechanism, the structure of the connection connector and the internal connector, and the like can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

It is a system block diagram which shows the connection structure of the set top box of embodiment of this invention, and a some television receiver. The connection structure of the apparatus main body and the cable connection unit is shown. (A) is a rear side view of the apparatus main body, a cross-sectional view of the cable connection unit separated from the apparatus main body, and (b) is a diagram of a state in which both are connected. is there. It is a front view which shows the state which attached the cable connection unit to the apparatus main body. It is the side view and front view of each of the connectors (a-1) and (a-2) provided on the apparatus main body side and the internal connectors (b-1) and (b-2) provided on the cable connection unit. It is a figure which shows the circuit structure of the viewing-and-listening setting switch of a cable connection unit. It is a figure which shows the structure of the locking mechanism provided in the apparatus main body. It is a figure which shows the circuit structure for drive-controlling a locking mechanism. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of a locking mechanism.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Set top box 10 Apparatus main body 11,12 Connection connector 13 Lock mechanism 20 Cable connection unit 22 Setting switch 23 AV connector 24 Antenna connector 25 Power cord 26 Wiring board 27 Internal connector 28 Stopper 41 CPU
42 drive circuit 131 rotating member 131a collar 131b stopper piece 132 support shaft 133 electromagnetic coil 134 magnet

Claims (6)

A set top box having a function of receiving a broadcast signal connected to a television receiver via a cable and outputting a video signal or an audio signal to the television receiver,
An apparatus main body on which an electric circuit providing the function is mounted;
An external connector that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the apparatus, is connected to a television receiver or an antenna, a connector for supplying power or a power cord, and a plurality of switches that can change the setting and store the setting state A cable connection unit provided with a setting switch consisting of
The device body is provided with a first connector connected to an internal electric circuit,
The cable connection unit is provided with a second connector connected to the external connector and the setting switch,
When the cable connection unit is attached to the apparatus main body, the first connector and the second connector are connected, whereby the external connector is electrically connected to an electric circuit inside the apparatus main body. The broadcast signal from the antenna and the power supply are made to the device main body, and the video signal and the sound signal can be output from the device main body to the television receiver. It is configured to be sent to the device body and the function settings of the device body are made ,
Furthermore, a lock mechanism for coupling the apparatus main body and the cable connection unit so as not to be separated,
Control means for controlling the operation of the locking mechanism is provided,
The control means does not release the lock by a predetermined normal unlock operation when the apparatus main body is waiting for reception reservation or when the apparatus main body is downloading firmware. A set-top box characterized by control . A set-top box connected to a television receiver via a cable and having a function for outputting a video signal and an audio signal to the television receiver;
An apparatus main body on which an electric circuit for providing the function is mounted;
A cable connection that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, and is provided with at least an AV connector connected to a television receiver , an external connector including an antenna connector or a data communication connector, and a power supply connector or power cord. With a unit,
The device body is provided with a first connector connected to an internal electric circuit,
The cable connection unit is provided with a second connector connected to the external connector,
Said apparatus said first connector and said second connector is connected when the cable connection unit is attached to the body, together with the external connector is electrically connected to the device body of the electrical circuit, wherein set-top boxes, characterized in that the connector or supplied from said power cord of the power supply to the apparatus main body of the power supply is configured so that made. The cable connection unit is provided with a setting switch composed of a plurality of switches capable of changing the setting and storing the setting state .
Claim 2 settings of the setting switch is characterized in that is sent to the apparatus main body via said first connector and said second connector function setting of the apparatus main body are configured so that made Set top box as described. A lock mechanism for coupling the apparatus main body and the cable connection unit so as not to be separated;
Control means for controlling the operation of the locking mechanism is provided,
The control means is a state in which the lock mechanism can be unlocked by a predetermined normal unlocking operation according to an operating state of the apparatus main body, and a state in which the lock cannot be released by the normal unlocking operation. The set-top box according to claim 2 or 3, wherein control for switching to and is performed . The set top box according to claim 4, wherein reception set for television broadcasting is possible,
The set-top box, wherein the control means performs control so that the lock is not released by the normal unlocking operation when the apparatus main body is waiting for reception reservation. 6. The set-top box according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the control means performs control so that the lock is not released by the normal unlocking operation when the device main body is downloading firmware. .

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