WO2005050469A1

WO2005050469A1 - A method of online-vote system use of digital set-top box and smart card

Info

Publication number: WO2005050469A1
Application number: PCT/KR2004/000006
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sang-Duck Kim
Original assignee: Huwell Broadband Service Inc
Priority date: 2003-11-21
Filing date: 2004-01-05
Publication date: 2005-06-02
Also published as: KR100485136B1

Abstract

There is provided an online electronic vote system and a method thereof using a smart card in connection with a digital set-top box, in which a real time vote is performed through a screen of television connected to the digital set-top box and the result of the vote can be analyzed in real time. The present invention also relates to an online electronic vote system and a method thereof using a smart card in connection with a digital set-top box, which comprises: a step of verifying personal information with safety by inserting a smart card into a card reader of the digital set-top box; a step of downloading a coupon type electronic vote form from the electronic vote issuing server; and a step of data basing the result of the vote based on the received electronic vote at the electronic vote issuing server in real time.

Description

A METHOD OF ONLINE-VOTE SYSTEM USE OF DIGITAL SET-TOP BOX AND SMART CARD

Technical Field The present invention relates to a method of online-vote system use of a digital set-top box and a smart card, and more particularly, an online-vote system and method thereof, in which after verifying a voter by inserting a voter's smart card into a digital set-top box, an electronic vote form is downloaded and marked by the voter and an information for vote is data-based on the marked electronic vote form in an electronic vote authorities.

Background Art Generally, in a conventional electronic vote system using the Internet, a voter has accessed to a specified home page through the Internet and has selected a candidate via a clicking of mouse. However, in this type of electric vote system using the specified home page, as only those who can use the Internet and also know the home page can use the electronic vote system, it inconvenient for the ones, who cannot use the Internet and not know the home page, to use the electronic vote method. Further, the electronic vote system can be only performed by a personal computer system, and thus the electronic vote is not performed without the personal computer system. Disclosure of the Invention Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the problems involved in the prior art, and to provide an on-line electronic vote system using a smart card in connection with a digital set-top box, in which a coupon type-electronic vote form is downloaded through the smart card in connection with the digital set-top box, a real time vote is performed through a screen of television connected to the digital set-top box and the result of the vote can be analyzed in real time. In order to achieve the object, an online electronic system and a method for the same using a smart card in connection with a digital set-top box. In the present invention, a coupon type electronic vote is downloaded after accessing to the Internet and logging in an electronic vote server of an electronic vote manage authority through the digital set-top box. In a system-operating device which connects the digital set-top box for displaying an image in real time through a television and an electronic vote management authority with bi-directional communication in real time, the method is characterized by: a step of verifying personal information with safety by inserting a smart card into a card reader of the digital set-top box; a step of downloading a coupon type electronic vote form from the electronic vote issuing server through the system-operating device relaying the electronic vote management authority when confirming a user; a step of transmitting a marked electronic vote to the system-operating device and the electronic vote issuing server after marking the coupon type electronic vote form by using a remote controller of the digital set-top box; and a step of data basing the result of the vote based on the received electronic vote at the electronic vote issuing server. The digital set-top box is provided with: numbers of analog-digital converts

112 for converting audio/video signals from numbers of audio/video signal inputting sources to a digital format; an audio and video selection part 117 which outputs an audio/video signal of a channel selected from a great number of audio/video signals of channels supplied from the analog-digital converts through a storing signal outputting port, and outputs the audio/video signals of channels and a MPEG-decoded and inputted audio/video signal through an audio and video signal outputting port; a MPEG-encoder 121 for EPEG-encoding the audio/video signal outputted from the storing signal outputting port of the audio and video selection part; a storing part 124 for storing the audio/video signal MPEG-encoded by the MPEG encoder and a MPEG contents inputted from a VDSL line or a LAN line; a sub-control part 123 for controlling the storing part to store a data outputted from the MPEG encoder and the MPEG contents inputted through the VDSL line or the LAN line, and outputting the data stored in the storing part; a main-control part 132 for supplying a control command signal for storing and outputting the data in/from the storing part to the sub-control part, and controlling a certain operation based on a remote signal from a remote controller; a MPEG decoder 122 for MPEG-decoding the data outputted from the sub-control part and sending the decoded data to the audio and video selection part; an audio and video outputting part 117 for outputting the audio and video signals of the channels supplied from the audio and video selection part, under the controlling of the main-control part, through a user's selection; and a card reader part 109 for sensing and recording a smart card.

Brief Description of the Drawings The above objects, other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing the preferred embodiment thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a digital set-top box in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a view of configuration of a system applied to the one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a flow chart for explaining a step of downloading an electronic vote form through a smart card in connection with a digital set-top box in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 4 is a flow chart for explaining a step of an electronic voting in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 5 is an exemplary view of a television screen employed in an electronic vote method using a smart card in connection with a digital set-top box in accordance with the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a digital set-top box in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1 , the digital set-top box comprises: numbers of analog-digital converts 112 for converting audio and video signals from numbers of audio and video signal inputting sources to a digital format; An audio and video selection part 117 which outputs an audio and video signal of a channel selected from a great number of audio and video signals of channels supplied from the analog-digital converts through a storing signal outputting port, and outputs the audio and video signals of channels and a MPEG-decoded and inputted audio and video signal through an audio and video signal outputting port; A MPEG-encoder 121 for EPEG-encoding the audio and video signal outputted from the storing signal outputting port of the audio and video selection part; A storing part 124 for storing the audio and video signal MPEG-encoded by the MPEG encoder and a MPEG contents inputted from a VDSL line or a LAN line; A sub-control part 123 for controlling the storing part to store a data outputted from the MPEG encoder and the MPEG contents inputted through the VDSL line or the LAN line, and outputting the data stored in the storing part; A main-control part 132 for supplying a control command signal for storing and outputting the data in/from the storing part to the sub-control part, and controlling a certain operation based on a remote signal from a remote controller; A MPEG decoder 122 for MPEG-decoding the data outputted from the sub-control part and sending the decoded data to the audio and video selection part; An audio outputting part 119 and a video outputting part 115 for outputting the audio and video signals of the channels supplied from the audio and video selection part, under the controlling of the main-control part, through a user's selection; An electric power source 142 for supplying electric power to the digital set-top box; and A card reader part 109 for sensing a card and reading out a data in the card under the controlling of the main-control part; The digital set-top box further comprises: the numbers of analog-digital converts 112 for converting the audio/video signals from the numbers of audio/video signal inputting sources(for example, a television tuner, a movie camera or camcorder, a VTR, a cable broadcast, a satellite broadcast, a CCD camera and a microphone) to the digital format; the audio and video selection part 117 which outputs an audio/video signal of the channel selected from a great number of audio/video signals of the channels supplied from the analog-digital coverts through a storing-signal outputting port Q1 , and outputs the audio/video signals of the channels and the MPEG decoded and inputted audio/video signal through audio/video signal outputting ports Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5 and Q6; the MPEG-encoder 121 for MPEG-encoding the audio/video signal outputted from the storing-signal outputting port Q1 of the audio and video selection part 117; a hard disc driver type storing part 124 for storing the audio/video signal MPEG-encoded by the MPEG-encoder, and the MPEG contents inputted from the VDSL line or the LAN line; the sub-control part 123 for controlling the storing part to store the data outputted from the MEPG-encoder and the MPEG contents inputted through the VDSL line or the LAN line, and outputting the data stored in the storing part; the main-control part 132 for supplying the control command signal for storing and outputting the data in/from the storing part to the sub-control part 123, and controlling a pertinent operation based on a remote signal received on a remote control signal receiving part 133 from a remote controller; the MPEG-decoder 122 for MPEG decoding the data outputted from the sub-control part 123 and sending the decoded data to the audio and video selection part 117; a display image generating part 113 having a main display part formed by a video signal of a channel selected from video signals of numbers of channels supplied from the audio and video selection part and a sub-display part formed by video signals excepting the selected video signal of the channel; a OSD composing part 114 for displaying a proper graphic OSD on a image from the display image generating part 113 by comparing an information of RGB 8:8:8 in a 24 bits overlay memory with a particular color key value(that is, an OSD character or graphic to be displayed on a screen); an video outputting part 115 for displaying an image from the OSD composing part 114 on a television monitor 116; an audio digital-analog convert 118 for converting an audio signal of a channel supplied from the audio and video selection part 117 and activated on the main display part 117 to an analog format; an audio outputting part 119 for outputting an audio from the audio digital-analog convert 118 through a speaker 120 in the television; a RAM 131 for storing an operational program code for the digital set-top box; and a ROM 130 for storing programs related to a driving and controlling of the digital set-top box. The audio and video selection part, the sub-control part and the OSD composing part are a programmable logic type field programmable gate array (FPGA). The main-control part and the sub-control part are communicated with each other through a local bus 126. Personal information (for example, name, address, credit card information, ID card information, et al.) related to a user of the digital set-top box is further stored into the ROM. The personal information can be stored in a memory means including a magnetic card, an IC card or a similar hardware, et al. A device 142 accessible to the memory means is installed into the digital set-top box according to the present invention and the personal information can be used for a security and a billing. Further, through the description, the display image generating part, the OSD composing part, the video outputting part, the audio digital-analog convert and the audio outputting part are commonly called as an audio and video outputting part which outputs audio and video signals of numbers of channels supplied from the audio and video selection part, under the controlling of the main-control part, by means of a user's selection. The MPEG-encoder has a FIFO-type buffer (not shown) therein, the sub-control part accesses directly to the buffer of the MPEG-encoder, and the main-control part processes only a control command. The main-control part only processes a control command and an address index for the storing part, and the sub-control part processes large burst transmission. Further, in one embodiment according to the present invention, the VDSL line is a telephone wire, and a VOD is performed through the VDSL line. The LAN line is the Internet line, and is formed with two Internet lines. A network interface cards (NIC) 127 are installed between the VDSL line and the local bus, and the two LAN lines and the local bus respectively. The network interface cards 127 connect the digital set-top box according to the present invention with a network at all times. The network interface card connected to the two Internet lines has a network address translation (NAT) function, and is used as a gateway in a home. Namely, if there is not a VDSL line, a user can use the digital set-top box according to the present invention by connecting the set-top box to the Internet line (that is LAN line) and a cable or an optical cable. The remote control signal receiving part 133 may support an infrared type communication and a radio type communication. In radio type communication, a RF antenna and an oscillator are needed in the receiving part, and the receiving part can be used as an interface between a user and the digital set-top box and perform a communication with other household appliances for home automation. And, the ROM 130 has a VOIP software for making the digital set-top box perform a VOIP function. One output of a SLIC (Subscriber Line Interface Circuit) 125 is connected to the local bus 126 and the other output is connected to the audio and video selection part 117 in order to perform the VOIP function. The SLIC 125 converts an inputted analog audio signal to a digital format and outputs the digital formatted audio signal. The digital audio signal outputted from the output of the SLIC 125 is inputted to the audio and video selection 117 as well as the main-control part 132 through the local bus 126. If the digital set-top box is turned on, the main-control part 132 stores the VOIP software in the ROM 130 in the RAM 131 , and then controls the VOIP function based on the VOIP software. Therefore, the digital set-top box according to the present invention performs a VOIP phone function. That is to say, the digital set-top box according to the present invention has a VOIP function for transmitting an audio and video signal by using an IP. In Fig. 1 , an audio and video signal inputted from the audio and video source (that is, a signal inputted through the analog-digital convert 112) is constituted by a RCA input and a super-video signal(S-video). Only the audio/video signal on one of four input sources is passed through the MPEG-encoder and the sub-control part and to be stored in the storing part under the controlling of the main-control part. And, as the four input sources are transmitted to the display image generating part in real time, stored contents are displayed by a combination of maximum three channels for displaying. Further, the digital set-top box according to the present invention can be selectively used in the VDSL line or the LAN line in which a very high speed communication is possible, and when the network is selected, the latest contents information is updated through a server (not shown) and a data is downloaded by a user's request. And, for smoothing a multi tasking, the data inputted through the network is stored in the a hard disc driver (HDD) as the storing part 124 in order for buffering, and then read out from the storing part 124 to be transmitted through the MPEG-decoder 122 and the audio and video selection part 117 to the display image generating part 113. In such constructed digital set-top box, if the digital set-top box is turned on, the main-control part reads out a cord for a program capable of performing above-mentioned services out of information stored in the ROM to store the cord in the RAM, and provides a service corresponding to a remote signal from a user's remote controller (not shown). Further, the digital set-top box can be used along with a smart card in the Internet network. The present invention also relates to an online electronic vote system and method for the same by using the digital set-top box together with a smart card. Meanwhile, the digital set-top box and the television are driven as an independent device. However, the digital set-top box and the television can be integrated as a unit. Reference will now be made in detail to an online electronic vote system and method for the same by using the digital set-top box together with a smart card according to the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Fig. 2 is a view of configuration of a system applied to one embodiment of the present invention. A smart card 200 including personal information is inserted in a digital set-top box 210 which is connected to a television to display an image in real time. In here, the digital set-top box 210 is installed at each of local areas. A digital set-top box 210 designated by bi-directional communication with a digital set-top box 210 receives an electronic vote coupon from a system-operating device 220, which relays the electronic vote coupon issued from an electronic vote coupon issuing server 240 of an electronic vote management authority in real time, and stores the coupon in a smart card 200. The electronic vote coupon issuing server 240 also provides the electronic vote coupon to the system-operating device 220, which requests an offering of the coupon in real time, according to the offering of the coupon inputted in the device 220 through the Internet 230.

A marked electronic vote result, which is supplied from the digital set-top box, is stored in an electronic vote database 250. The system-operating device 220 in Fig. 2 is managed and serviced by an operator who has the right of business of virtual shop, and the electronic vote issuing sever 240 is managed and serviced by an electronic vote management authority. As the operator having the right of business of virtual shop manages the system-operating device 220, several system-operating devices present in each local area, and one system-operating device 220 can bi-directionally communicate with a hundred and fifty digital set-top boxes 210s. In order for transmitting a data to the system-operating device 220, the electronic vote issuing sever 240 is provided with an network system including: an electronic vote server storing personal information such as an ID card number for residents, an electronic vote coupon, et al.; a streaming sever which can transmit the electronic coupon stored in the electronic vote server through the Internet 230 to the system-operating device 230; and a switching hub and router which can execute a switching operation for transmitting the coupon through the electronic vote server and the streaming server. Further, the system-operating device 220, which stores the electronic vote coupon supplied from the electronic vote issuing server 240 before transmits to the digital set-top box 210, is provided with a storage means for storing the electronic vote coupon provided from the electronic vote issuing server 240; a distribution means for setting a transmission route for the coupon outputted from the storage means and outputting the coupon; and a private automatic branch exchange(PABX) for transmitting the coupon from the distribution means to the digital set-top box 210 through a telephone wire. If the Internet environment is not the ADSL or VDSL, the digital set-top box 210 can be connected to a general Internet line, and a cable or an optical cable. And, an authorized validation means can be used as a user's validation means needed for the smart card in connection with the digital set-top box. Fig. 3 is a flow chart for explaining a method of downloading an electronic vote form through a smart card in connection with a digital set-top box in accordance with the present invention. The method comprises: a step of turning on a digital set-top box and a television connected to the digital set-top box(S30); a step of inserting a smart card into a card reader installed in the digital set-top box in order for participating in an online electronic vote (S31); a step of verifying a user through a user validation procedure for reading out user information in the smart card after the smart card inserted in the card reader (S32); a step of selecting an electronic vote form downloading menu out of various menus displayed on a screen of television after verifying the user information in the smart card and confirming the user(S33); a step of automatically logging in an electronic vote issuing server through a system-operating device relaying the user information stored in the smart card when selecting the electronic vote(S34); and a step of downloading an electronic vote coupon issued from the electronic vote issuing server in the smart card of the digital set-top box through the system-operating device (S35). In the step of verifying a user, when the smart card is inserted in the digital set-top box, a password must be inputted. If the password is right, a cryptography key formed with an ID of the digital set-top box, an ID of the smart card and the password is transmitted to the electronic vote issuing server. Then, the user information is decoded and verified, and an electronic vote coupon is issued to be stored in the smart card. Further, after marking the electronic vote form through the steps, the result of marking is transmitted to the electronic vote issuing server and the coupon in the smart card is automatically deleted after transmitting. The result of marking is accumulated in the electronic vote issuing server to produce the result for the vote classified by age, regional groups and sex. The result for the vote can be statistically data based. In case of the electronic vote coupon, the time/date/month/year for the coupon issue, and the time/date/month/year for the expiration of the vote are set by the electronic vote management authority. Therefore, the user can vote on a desired date. The result of the vote can be data based by the time/date/month/year for the expiration of the vote. Fig. 4 is a flow chart for explaining a method of an electronic voting through a smart card in connection with a digital set-top box in accordance with the present invention. The method comprises: a step of turning on a digital set-top box and a television connected to the digital set-top box (S40); a step of inserting a smart card into a card reader installed in the digital set-top box in order for participating in an online electronic vote(S41); a step of verifying a user through a user validation procedure for reading out user information in the smart card after the smart card inserted in the card reader(S42); a step of selecting an electronic vote menu out of various menus displayed on a screen of television after verifying the user information in the smart card and confirming the user(S43); a step of automatically logging in an electronic vote issuing server through a system-operating device relaying the user information stored in the smart card when selecting the electronic vote(S44); a step of displaying information about an ongoing vote, which is outputted from the electronic vote issuing server, as a caption on the television connected to the digital set-top box(S45); a step of marking a desired item out of several items displayed on the television(S46); and a step of automatically deleting an electronic vote coupon stored in the smart card after the marking step. Fig. 5 is an exemplary view of a television screen employed in an electronic vote method using a smart card in connection with a digital set-top box in accordance with the present invention. As described above, when a user executes a marking by means of a remote controller with looking at an electronic vote form displayed on a television, it is preferably to form a special character key as a program, or to use an existing key combination. While the present invention has been described and illustrated herein with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Industrial Applicability With the above description, according to the present invention, the real time online electronic vote can be performed by the television connected to the digital set-top box. The user information can be verified by inserting the smart card into the card reader installed in the digital set-top box. In addition, it is easy to participate in the vote with online through the safe validation procedure. Further, the problem occurred in the vote using an Internet home page can be overcome, and any person who has a television can easily participate in the vote using the digital set-top box.

Claims

Claims 1. An electronic vote system comprising: a digital set-top box for executing an electronic vote; a remote controller as an input means for said digital set-top box when performing the electronic vote; a television as a display means for displaying an output from the digital set-top box; and a smart card and a card reader as an electronic vote invalidation means, said card reader being installed in the digital set-top box to read out information in said smart card.

2. The electronic vote system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the digital set-top box comprises: a number of analog-digital converts 112 for converting audio and video signals from numbers of audio and video signal inputting sources to a digital format; an audio and video selection part 117 which outputs an audio and video signal of a channel selected from a great number of audio and video signals of channels supplied from the analog-digital converts through a storing signal outputting port, and outputs the audio and video signals of channels and a MPEG-decoded and inputted audio and video signal through an audio and video signal outputting port; a MPEG-encoder 121 for EPEG-encoding the audio and video signal outputted from the storing-signal outputting port of the audio and video selection part; a storing part 124 for storing the audio and video signal MPEG-encoded by the MPEG encoder and a MPEG contents inputted from a VDSL line or a LAN line; a sub-control part 123 for controlling the storing part to store a data outputted from the MPEG encoder and the MPEG contents inputted through the VDSL line or the LAN line, and outputting the data stored in the storing part; a main-control part 132 for supplying a control command signal for storing and outputting the data in/from the storing part to the sub-control part, and controlling a certain operation based on a remote signal from a remote controller; a MPEG decoder 122 for MPEG-decoding the data outputted from the sub-control part and sending the decoded data to the audio and video selection part; an audio outputting part 119 and a video outputting part 115 for outputting the audio and video signals of the channels supplied from the audio and video selection part, under the controlling of the main-control part, through a user's selection; an electric power source for supplying electric power to the digital set-top box; and a card reader part for sensing a card and reading out a data in the card under the controlling of the main-control part;

3. The electronic vote system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the electronic vote is executed by the digital set-top box with looking at a screen of the television in a home other than a particular place, said home being provided with the digital set-top box.

4. A method for executing an electronic vote by accessing an electronic vote issuing server and receiving a voting right, the method comprising: a step of verifying a user through a user validation procedure by inserting a smart card into a card reader installed in a digital set-top box when a television connected to the digital set-top box being turned on; a step of selecting an electronic vote menu out of various menus displayed on a screen of the television after verifying the user; a step of automatically logging in an electronic vote issuing server; a step of displaying a caption representing whether an electronic vote being to be performed or not after the logging in step; a step of marking after confirming whether an electronic vote being to be performed or not; a step of automatically deleting an electronic vote coupon stored in the smart card after the marking step; and a step of accumulating the result of the electronic vote in an electronic vote database after completing the electronic vote.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a step of issuing an electronic vote coupon, the issuing step comprising: a step of verifying a user through a user validation procedure by inserting a smart card into a card reader installed in a digital set-top box when a television connected to the digital set-top box being turned on; a step of selecting an electronic vote form downloading menu out of various menus displayed on a screen of the television after verifying the user; a step of automatically logging in an electronic vote issuing server through a system-operating device relaying an electronic vote management authority in real time; and a step of automatically downloading the electronic vote coupon when logging in the electronic vote issuing server.

6. The method as claimed in claim 4, further comprising: a step of sending the electronic vote coupon marked by a remote controller of the digital set-top box; a step of transmitting the result of the electronic vote accumulated in the system-operating device through the Internet to the electronic vote issuing server; and a step of data basing a data classified by an item and time by analyzing and taking statistics on the data.

7. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the step of verifying a user through a user validation procedure by inserting a smart card into a card reader installed in a digital set-top box comprises: a security step of combining an ID for the digital set-top box, an ID for the smart card and a user's password and transmitting the combined data to the electronic vote issuing server, as the ID for the digital set-top box and the ID for the smart card are read out and the user's password is inputted.

8. The electronic vote system as claimed in claims 1 - 4, wherein the ID for the smart card is 13 units of resident registration number, and 14 units of data including 10 units of district number and 4 units of time/date/month/year, said data being stored in a memory.

9. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the data analyzed in the electronic vote database includes the result of vote, said result including a supporting rate by items classified by age and sex through residence registration number, a supporting rate by items classified by district through the district number, and a supporting rate by items classified by time/date/month/year.

10. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the electronic vote coupon is decoded and is transmitted from the electronic vote issuing server through the system-operating device to each of digital set-top boxes by the Internet.