TV tune名称解释

Method and apparatus for the remote retrieval and viewing of diagnostic information from a set-top box
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The remote retrieval and viewing of information from a set-top box is described, wherein a network is used to facilitate the querying of the internal state of a set-top box. In response, the set-top box returns its internal state information across the network to the requesting user. In one embodiment, a GUI is used wherein a user inputs a unique identifier for the set-top box. The unique identifier is used to locate the set-top box on the network and to instruct it as to which internal state information is needed. In another embodiment, a web browser is used to implement the GUI as a web page. The GUI includes at least an area for the input of the set-top box's unique identifier.


Inventors:
Roe, Glen E. (Simi Valley, CA, US)
Carlberg, Marvin C. (Los Angeles, CA, US)
Application Number:
10/064742
Publication Date:
03/18/2004
Filing Date:
08/12/2002
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
715/736, 348/E7.07
International Classes:
H04L12/24; H04N7/173; (IPC1-7): G06F15/173; G09G5/00
View Patent Images:
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
DVA / PIONEER DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES (SUITE 200, IRVINE, CA, 92614, US)
Claims:
1. A method for obtaining information from a set-top box comprising: using a graphical user interface (GUI) on a computer to input a unique identifier for said set-top box; using said unique identifier to establish a connection across a network between said computer and said set-top box; querying for one or more internal states of said set-top box; and receiving said internal states at said computer, in response.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said internal states include a diagnostic state.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said network comprises a first and second network layer.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said first network layer is an intranet.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said intranet includes one or more set-top boxes connected to one or more cable outlets, which are in turn connected to one or more nodes, which are in turn connected to an application server.

6. The method of claim 3 wherein said second network layer is an Internet.

7. The method of claim 3 wherein said second network layer is an intranet.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein said GUI comprises a web page.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein said GUI comprises a web page.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein said unique identifier comprises an IP address, a MAC address, or a serial number.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of querying further comprises: generating a script at said computer; sending said script to an application server; and executing said script on said application server.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of receiving further comprises: formatting said internal states into a web page at an application server; sending said web page to a web browser on said computer; and displaying said web page on said web browser.

12. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining if said set-top box can be maintained or repaired remotely using said internal states.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising: performing a maintenance or a repair activity remotely, if said set-top box can be maintained or repaired remotely; and dispatching a service technician, if said set-top box cannot be maintained or repaired remotely.

14. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises a system summary.

15. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises an identity.

16. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises feature authorizations.

17. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises a version.

18. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises a network configuration.

19. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises tuning information.

20. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises RF network information.

21. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises MPEG information.

22. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises hardware information.

23. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises memory.

24. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises system information.

25. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises channel information.

26. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises program guide events.

27. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises broadcast file system information.

28. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises pay-per-view information.

29. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises an entitlement management message status.

30. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises passthru messages.

31. The method of claim 2 wherein said diagnostic state comprises last reset state information.

32. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of querying comprises accessing a diagnostic selection area in said GUI.

33. An apparatus comprising: a graphical user interface (GUI) on a computer; a unique identifier for a set-top box that is input into said GUI and establishes a connection across a network between said computer and said set-top box; one or more internal states of said set-top box that are queried from said computer to said set-top box across said network and received at said computer, in response.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said internal states include a diagnostic state.

35. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said network comprises a first and second network layer.

36. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said first network layer is an intranet.

37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said intranet includes one or more set-top boxes connected to one or more cable outlets, which are in turn connected to one or more nodes, which are in turn connected to an application server.

38. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said second network layer is an Internet.

39. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said second network layer is an intranet.

40. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said GUI comprises a web page.

41. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said unique identifier comprises an IP address, a MAC address, or a serial number.

42. An apparatus comprising: a graphical user interface (GUI) on a computer; a unique identifier for a set-top box that is input into said GUI and establishes a connection across a network between said computer and said set-top box; a script that is generated at said computer and sent to an application server that is interposed between said computer and said set-top box; one or more internal states of said set-top box that are queried when said script is executed on said application server and received at said computer.

43. The apparatus of claim 42 further comprising: a web page having said internal states that is formatted and sent to said application server; and a web browser on said computer that receives said web page and displays said web page.

44. A system for obtaining information from a set-top box comprising: means for using a graphical user interface (GUI) on a computer to input a unique identifier for said set-top box; means for using said unique identifier to establish a connection across a network between said computer and said set-top box; means for querying for one or more internal states of said set-top box; and means for receiving said internal states at said computer, in response.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein said internal states include a diagnostic state.

46. The system of claim 44 wherein said network comprises a first and second network layer.

47. The system of claim 46 wherein said first network layer is an intranet.

48. The system of claim 47 wherein said intranet includes one or more set-top boxes connected to one or more cable outlets, which are in turn connected to one or more nodes, which are in turn connected to an application server.

49. The system of claim 46 wherein said second network layer is an Internet.

50. The system of claim 46 wherein said second network layer is an intranet.

51. The system of claim 44 wherein said GUI comprises a web page.

52. The system of claim 44 wherein said unique identifier comprises an IP address, a MAC address, or a serial number.

53. The system of claim 44 wherein said means for querying further comprises: means for generating a script at said computer; means for sending said script to an application server; and means for executing said script on said application server.

54. The system of claim 44 wherein said means for receiving further comprises: means for formatting said internal states into a web page at an application server; means for sending said web page to a web browser on said computer; and means for displaying said web page on said web browser.

55. The system of claim 44 further comprising means for determining if said set-top box can be maintained or repaired remotely using said internal states.

56. The system of claim 55 further comprising: means for performing a maintenance or a repair activity remotely, if said set-top box can be maintained or repaired remotely; and means for dispatching a service technician, if said set-top box cannot be maintained or repaired remotely.

57. The system of claim 44 wherein said means for querying is accomplished by means for accessing a diagnostic information selection area in said GUI.

58. A computer program product comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to obtain information from a set-top box comprising: computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to enable a graphical user interface (GUI) which receives a unique identifier for said set-top box; computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to use said unique identifier to establish a connection across a network between said computer and said set-top box; computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to query for one or more internal states of said set-top box; and computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to receive said internal states at said computer, in response.

59. The computer program product of claim 58, wherein said internal states include a diagnostic state.

60. The computer program product of claim 58 wherein said computer network comprises a first and second network layer.

61. The computer program product of claim 60 wherein said first network layer is an intranet.

62. The computer program product of claim 61 wherein said intranet includes one or more set-top boxes connected to one or more cable outlets, which are in turn connected to one or more nodes, which are in turn connected to an application server.

63. The computer program product of claim 60 wherein said second network layer is an Internet.

64. The computer program product of claim 60 wherein said second network layer is an intranet.

65. The computer program product of claim 58 wherein said GUI comprises a web page.

66. The computer program product of claim 58 wherein said unique identifier comprises an IP address, a MAC address, or a serial number.

67. The computer program product of claim 58 wherein said computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to query further comprises: computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to generate a script at said computer; computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to send said script to an application server; and computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to execute said script on said application server.

68. The computer program product of claim 58 wherein said computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to receive further comprises: computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to format said internal states into a web page at an application server; computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to send said web page to a web browser on said computer; and computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to display said web page on said web browser.

69. The computer program product of claim 58 further comprising computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to determine if said set-top box can be maintained or repaired remotely using sa id internal states.

Description:

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

[0001] All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. Portions of the material in this patent document are also subject to protection under the maskwork registration laws of the United States and of other countries. The owner of the copyright and maskwork rights has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and maskwork rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to set-top boxes, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus which enables a user to remotely retrieve and view diagnostic information from a set-top box.

[0004] 2. Background of the Invention

[0005] A set-top box is a device that is connected to a television set (TV) or is integrated into the TV and enables a user to enhance the functionality of the TV. Set-top boxes are used, for instance, to retrieve a cable signal, to retrieve a program guide, to control the recording and playback of certain television signals, to use the Internet, and to otherwise allow the user to have an enhanced experience when using the TV. Set-top boxes, as with all electrical devices, occasionally need maintenance and repair. Moreover, set-top boxes are devices that are part of an interconnected network, and as network devices their status must be monitored regularly in order to diagnose network issues and software bugs that occasionally occur.

[0006] Currently, to diagnose and view the details describing a problem either with the set-top box itself or with its network connection, a technician must go to the location of the set-top box and query the device for information necessary to diagnose the problem. Alternatively, a phone operator must instruct a person at the location of the set-top box to manually perform the queries and relay the information to the operator. The first technique is disadvantageous because it requires the time and expense associated with a driver physically going to a distant location to diagnose the problem, even if the problem might be solved without going to that location.

[0007] The second technique is disadvantageous because it requires the assistance of a middle-person, who has no technical knowledge of querying a set-top box, who does not own the set-top box, who might not be able to properly perform the queries needed to diagnose the problem, and who ordinarily does not need to know the procedure for diagnosing a set-top box. Before further discussing these drawbacks, an overview of set-top boxes is provided.

[0008] Set-Top Boxes

[0009] A set-top box is typically connected to a conventional TV and controlled by a hand-held remote control device. The set-top box provides a graphical user interface (GUI) by which a user can easily access both standard television programming and interactive content, using the conventional television set as an audio and visual output device. Interactive content includes, for instance, web pages, audio, and video, any of which may originate from the Internet. Some interactive data may be embodied in a markup language, such as Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML) or extensible Markup Language (XML). The set-top box might utilize web browser software to allow the user to access and download interactive content.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a system, which includes a set-top box 10 that is connected to a conventional TV 20 via a transmission line 30. TV signals are received by the set-top box 10 via transmission line 40, which may be connected to either an antenna or a cable television outlet. Set-top box 10 receives conventional AC power through a line 50. Set-top box 10 receives user input entered from a handheld remote control 60 over a wireless link 70. Wireless link 70 may be an infrared (IR) link, a radio frequency (RF) link, or any other suitable type of link.

[0011] A bi-directional data path 80 is provided to set-top box 10, through which set-top box 10 can access the Internet 91 via Intranet 90. Bi-directional data paths 80 and 81 typically comprise RF networks across which set-top box 10 is able to communicate with Internet 91 via Intranet 90. Set-top box 10 also includes an input area 95. Either input area 95, or remote control 60, or both contain functionality for querying the state of set-top box 10 in order to retrieve diagnostic information. When set-top box 10 is queried, a user is able to determine and diagnose problems and maintenance issues with set-top box 10.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the internal components of set-top box 10. Note that FIG. 2 is intended to be a conceptual diagram and does not necessarily reflect the exact physical construction and interconnections of these components. Set-top box 10 includes processing and control circuitry 200, which controls the overall operation of the system. Coupled to the processing and control circuitry 200 are a TV tuner 210, a memory device 220, a communication device 230, a remote interface 240, and a diagnostic functionality block 250. TV tuner 210 receives the television signals on transmission line 260, which may originate from an antenna or a cable television outlet. Processing and control circuitry 200 provides audio and video output to TV set 20 via a line 270. Remote interface 240 receives signals from remote control 60 via wireless connection 70. Communication device 230 is used to transfer data between set-top box 10 and one or more remote processing systems, such as a web server 280, via a data path 290.

[0013] Processing and control circuitry 200 may include one or more of devices such as general-purpose microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), various types of signal conditioning circuitry, including analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, input/output buffers, etc. Memory device 220 may include one or more physical memory devices, which may include volatile storage devices, non-volatile storage devices, or both. For example, memory 220 may include both random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), various forms of programmable and/or erasable ROM (e.g., PROM, EPOM, EEPROM, etc.), flash memory, or any combination of these devices.

[0014] Diagnostic functionality 250 (which may comprise a software process, hardware, or a combination of both) is configured to query one or more internal states of set-top box 10 and the status of its network connection in order to diagnose, detect, and display information relating to maintenance and repair issues. Diagnostic functionality 250 operates, for instance, by an input signal being presented by remote control 60 to remote interface 240 and then to diagnostic functionality 250 via processing and control circuitry 200. The input signal is used to instruct diagnostic functionality 250 as to which diagnostic states to query. The results of the query are presented as output on TV screen 20 via line 270. Alternatively, a direct interface (not shown) may be used to perform an analogous operation at diagnostic functionality 250.

[0015] Communication device 230 may be a conventional telephone (POTS) modem, an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) adapter, a Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL) adapter, a cable television modem, or any other suitable data communication device. Note that in various other embodiments, other components may be added to the system, either as components of set-top box 10 or as peripheral devices. Such components might include, for example, a keyboard, a mass storage device, or a printer. Such components may be connected via a physical connection or by a wireless connection (e.g., a wireless keyboard).

[0016] Querying and Viewing Diagnostic Information

[0017] Currently, to diagnose the problem that requires the maintenance, repair, or intervention a cable technician must go to the location of the set-top box and query the device in order to view the information necessary to diagnose the problem.

[0018] Alternatively, a phone operator must instruct a person at the location of the set-top box to manually perform the queries and relay the information to the operator. For instance, a problem needing intervention could be as simple as parental control being activated on a channel, and the viewer not recognizing this state. The viewer would simply need to enter their parental control PIN to get out of this state, however, currently diagnosing this situation requires one of the two disadvantageous procedures described above.

[0019] Once the internal diagnostics of the box or its network state are understood, an action to fix the problem or intervene can take place. This includes, for instance, repairs or changes at the location of the set-top box, or signals sent to the set-top box from a remote location across a network. For example, if a box is experiencing macro-blocking of digital pictures (e.g., bad digital pictures), one would have to go to the location of the box to detect if the signal levels are low (i.e., it is a network problem) or if a lower level software problem is to blame.

[0020] Querying and viewing the internal diagnostics of the set-top box at the location of the box is disadvantageous because of the time and expense associated with a driver physically going to a distant location to diagnose the problem. This is especially true when the problem is solved simply with signals sent from a remote location, as is the case with macro-blocking or with a mistakenly installed PIN.

[0021] It is also disadvantageous to have a phone operator instruct the user of the box in querying and viewing its internal diagnostics because it requires the assistance of a middle-person, who has no technical knowledge of querying a set-top box, who does not own the set-top box, and who might not be able to properly perform the queries needed to diagnose the problem. Furthermore, it is undesirable to allow the user of the box to understand how to query the diagnostics of the box, since this is a function of the box provider, owner, or repair person.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward the remote retrieval and viewing of diagnostic information from a set-top box. According to the present invention, a network is used to facilitate the querying of the diagnostics of a set-top box and its network connection. In response, the set-top box returns its diagnostic information across the network to the requesting user where they are viewed. The diagnostic information allows an operator to remotely diagnose problems and/or maintenance issues with the system, hardware, or network.

[0023] In one embodiment, a GUI is used wherein a user inputs a unique identifier for the set-top box. The unique identifier is used to locate the set-top box on the network and to instruct it as to which diagnostics are needed. In another embodiment, a web browser is used to implement the GUI as a web page, which may be formatted using HTML, XML, or any other suitable web-based technology. The GUI includes at least an area for the input of the set-top box's unique identifier as an IP address, a MAC address, or a set-top box serial number. Diagnostic information includes, for instance, a system summary, an identity, feature authorizations, versions, network configurations, tuning information, RF network information, MPEG information, hardware information, memory, system information, channel information, program guide events information, broadcast file system (BFS) information, pay-per-view (PPV) information, entitlement management message (EMM) status, passthru messages, last reset state information, media on demand (MOD) information, MOD purchases, and MOD events.

[0024] In another embodiment, the network structure where the invention takes place includes a first network layer having an application server (which may be a general purpose computer) connected to multiple set-top boxes in an intranet and a second network layer where a second server is connected to the application server. The second network layer includes, for instance, the world wide web or an internal intranet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram that illustrates a system that includes a set-top box.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the internal components of a set-top box.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a functional diagram showing the structure of a network where an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the present invention that uses web pages.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a user interface screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to the remote retrieval and viewing of information from a set-top box. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the remote retrieval and viewing of information from a set-top box according to one embodiment. At block 300, a user (a customer service representative or other technician, for instance) accesses a GUI and inputs a unique identifier for the set-top box. At block 310, a connection is made over a network between a computer and the set-top box. This may occur, for instance, by an RF network that is established between the set-top and a local intranet, wherein data is transferred over the RF network from the set-top to a computer connected to the intranet and vice-versa. In another embodiment, a local or global computer network (e.g., the Internet) is connected to the intranet and the data exchange may occur between a computer connected to the Internet and the set-top box via the RF network.

[0034] At block 320, the user queries the diagnostics of the set-top box. At block 330, the set-top box returns its diagnostic information to the user. At block 340, the user views the set to box diagnostic information. In one embodiment, when the user views the diagnostic information it is in the same form it is in when it is viewed directly at the location of the set-top box.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing how an embodiment of the present invention can be used to facilitate the service, repair, or intervention into a situation where a set-top box needs to be accessed. At block 400, a user (a customer service representative or other technician, for instance) accesses a GUI and inputs a unique identifier for the set-top box. At block 410, a connection is made between the user's computer and the set-top box. At block 420, the user queries for the diagnostics of the set-top box. At block 430, the set-top box returns its diagnostic information to the user. At block 435 the user views the diagnostic information. At block 440, the user determines whether the diagnostic information reveals a state that can be corrected remotely. If so, at block 450 the user corrects the problem remotely. Otherwise, at block 460, a technician is sent to the location of the box to address the issue.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of an interconnected network that is used to implement the present invention. One or more set-top boxes 500a-500e are connected to as cable outlet in the wall of their house 510a-510e, which in turn is connected to a node at the street 520a-c. Note that multiple boxes might be connected to the same node. All of the nodes at the street 520a-c in turn are connected to an application server 530. Application server may be a general purpose computer or other suitable server. This forms a first network layer 540 that is traditionally considered an intranet.

[0037] The diagram of first network layer 540 is for purposes of example only. One skilled in the art will recognize that nodes 520a-c may be RF nodes or some other suitable node. Also between nodes 520a-c and application server 530 there may be modulators, demodulators, routers, and switches (not shown) depending on the network topology. Moreover, application server 530 may have one or more connections to other servers 599, wherein other servers 599 may share data with application server 530 that enables it to communicate with a specific set-top box 500a-e.

[0038] A second network layer 550, which comprises an Internet or another Intranet is connected to first network layer 540. Second network layer 550 includes an optional server 560 connected to the application server 530, which acts as an intermediary for one or more client computers 570a and 570b to access the set-top boxes 500 by using a GUI 580a and 580b. In the absence of the optional server 560, the clients 570 connect directly to network layer 540 via application server 530 as shown by dotted lines 590a and 590b. GUIs 580a and 580b include input areas 595a and 595b that at least provide for the specification of a unique identifier that allows the client to access any particular set-top box on the network.

[0039] GUI

[0040] In one embodiment, the GUI used in conjunction with the present invention comprises a web page, which may be in HTML, XML, or in another suitable format. This embodiment of the present invention is shown with respect to FIG. 6. At block 600 of FIG. 6, a user starts a web browser capable of displaying a web page on a client computer. At block 610, the location of the web page is obtained where the GUI is located. This is accomplished, for instance, by specifying a unique uniform resource locator (URL) for the web page. At block 620, the user specifies a unique identifier for the set-top box, such as an IP address, a MAC address, or a serial number.

[0041] At block 630, the user accesses the GUI and determines which internal diagnostic characteristics are needed from the set-top box. At block 640, the browser uses the selected internal diagnostic characteristics and makes a request to an application server by running a common gateway interface (CGI) script. At block 650, the CGI script is executed on the application server. At block 660, the application server tells the set-top box which internal diagnostic characteristics to locate depending on the contents of the executing CGI script. At block 670, the set-top box gathers the requested internal diagnostic characteristics and returns them to the application server. At block 680, the application server formats the set-top box's response into HTML, XML, or another suitable format and at block 690, the response is shown at the web browser of the user's client computer.

[0042] An example of a GUI that is used in one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 7. Web browser 700, displays a web page 705, when directed to the appropriate address 710. Web page includes an input area 715 configured to receive a unique identifier 720 associated with a set-top box. Unique identifier 720 is used to locate the desired set-top box on a network. GUI also includes a diagnostic information selection area 730 and a diagnostic information viewing area 725.

[0043] Diagnostic information selection area 730 includes for instance, links to other addresses that when selected will access other web pages showing various diagnostic information for the set-top box. These web pages may be displayed, for instance in diagnostic information viewing area 725 and may also optionally be in a format to that which is displayed directly at the location of the set-top box.

[0044] Depending upon the application, diagnostic information selection area 730 includes links relating to a system summary, an identity, a feature authorization, versions, network configuration, tuning, RF network, MPEG information, hardware information, memory, system information, channel application information, program guide events, BFS, PPV and authorization information, PPV past NVRAM, PPV pending NVRAM, PPV event, EMM status, passthru messages, and last reset state information. These links are described in more detail below.

[0045] Diagnostic Information

[0046] In one embodiment, the diagnostic information shown in diagnostic information selection area 730 has various types of diagnostic information organized into categories. Table 1 shows each of the categories and gives an overview of what each category is used for. 1

TABLE 1
 
 
CategoryUse
 
SystemSummarizes important information from other
Summarydiagnostics screens
IdentityIdentifies the set-top box on the network including
 the IP and MAC addresses
FeatureSystem features for which this set-top box is
Authorizationauthorized
VersionsCurrent software and operating system versions
 residing on the set-top.
NetworkSet-top network configuration information
Configuration
TuningThis screen provides tuning information and allows
 the user to tune to specific channels
RF NetworkInformation about the RF network, the Forward Data
 Channel (FDC), Reverse Data Channel (RDC), QAM,
 etc.
MPEGPID information and other details about the MPEG
Informationstream for the current digital channel
HardwareResults of hardware testing called the power-on self
Informationtest (POST) of the set-top box
MemorySummary of total and available set-top box memory
SystemInformation about the total number of services,
Informationchannels, channel types, etc.
ChannelApplication programming interface (API) version
Applicationnumber of the channel application API and the date
Informationand time when it was last launched
Program GuideInformation about interactive program guide (IPG)
Eventsevents, such as when the IPG data was loaded and
 how many events are included in the loaded IPG data
BFSVarious diagnostics about the BFS, including the total
 bytes of data read from in-band and out-of-band
 carousels; information about when certain common
 files were most recently read, if any errors occurred
 when they were read; and some performance
 information useful for fine-tuning the BFS data
 carousel rates
PPV andNumber of PPV purchases, PPV credits, and
Authorizationinformation about poll requests
Information
PPV Pastlnformation about past PPV purchases
NVRAM PPVlnformation about pending PPV purchases
Pending NVRAM
PPV EventInformation about a currently tuned PPV event or the
 last tuned-to PPV event
EMM StatusInformation about the entitlement management
 messages (EMMs)
PassthruInformation about Passthru messages
Messages
Last Reset StateInformation about the last time a set-top box was
Inforeset
 

[0047] System Summary

[0048] If a user selects the system summary link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that allows an operator to quickly check the status of the system. In one embodiment, the screen includes the information shown in Table 2. 2

TABLE 2
 
 
FieldShows
 
ServiceWhether the system information and BFS information was
Statereceived (Ready) or not (Default Analog)
TunerWhether the signal was found and the modulation mode of
Statethe signal. For analog, this field shows WaitingSync, then
 FoundSync. For digital channels, this field firstshows
 WaitingQAM and then FoundQAM. The modulation mode can
 be analog, QAM 64, QAM 128, QAM 256, Not Tuned, or Error
 FoundQAM Sync acquired, enabling digital TV viewing
 FoundSync Sync acquired, enabling analog TV viewing Ready
 Set-top and tuner in idle mode, not in use Suspending
 Deactivation request is made, waiting for resources to
 respond WaitingQAMWaiting to complete QAM tuning,
 enabling digital TV viewing WaitingSync Waiting to acquire
 sync, enabling analog TV viewing
RFSet-top's MAC address of RF (cable) port
MAC
Addr
RF IPSet-top's IP address of RF (cable) port as assigned by the
AddrDNCS. You can ping this address from the DNCS to see if the
 set-top is active on the network. If the address is 0, the set-
 top could not get the address from the headend. If the user-
 to-network configuration (U-N Config) field shows Broadcast,
 the address is 0 because the set-top could not respond to
 the headend. If the set-top loses its address the screen does
 not update this field to 0 until you reboot the set-top. In this
 case it stores the PPV purchases up to the credit limit until it
 can send them to the headend
Hub IDThe ID of the hub this set-top is connected to. The DNCS can
 support multiple hubs. Each hub may have its own channel
 lineup
TunerFrequency that the unit is currently tuned to and the signal
 level of the channel. The field shows the frequency in MHz, and
 the signal level and modulationmode as analog, QAM-64, QAM-
 128, or QAM-256. An acceptable range is between �6�116 dBmV
 to +15 dBmV. The recommended operating range
 is between 10 dBmV and +10 dBmV. If the digital power level
 is out of range, it displays as > Range (higher than +15
 dBmV) or < Range (lower than �6�115 dBmV). The set-top does
 not measure power levels when it tunes to analog channels,
 and thus does not display this information for analog
 channels
FDCFrequency and signal level of the Forward Data Channel
 (FDC). An acceptable range is between �6�116 dBmV and +15
 dBmV. The recommended operating range is between �6�110
 dBmV and +10 dBmV
RDCFrequency and signal level of the transmitter for the Reverse
 Data Channel (RDC). An acceptable range is between +25
 dBmV and +55 dBmV. A recommended operating range is
 between +27 dBmV and +53 dBmV, depending on the
 equipment location within the cable plant
QAMAverage signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio of QAM signal, indicating
averagethe quality of the signal. 25 to 35 is adequate
SNR
TunerBit error rate (BER) average since last tune. This is the
BERnumber of erroneous bits divided by the total number of bits
averagetransmitted over the same period. This shows the quality of
 digital channels. This field is not applicable for analog
 channels. Nominal values are < 1 × 10 �6�1 9. Typical is
 1 × 10 �6�1 6 + 0 to 1 × 10 �6�1 7. Anything worse than 1 × 10 �6�1 3
 should be looked at.
VideoNumber identifying the video packet identifier (PID) for this
PIDchannel. Not applicable for analog channels
AudioNumber identifying the audio PID for this channel. Not
PIDapplicable for analog channels
SIWhether system information was received (yes or no) and
 when it was last generated (date). The system information is
 a single tuning table which maps thesource IDs to
 frequencies and PIDs. The DNCS generates this information,
 broadcasts it, and the set-top listens for it. If the date is
 incorrect, the set-top may have been unable to get a system
 information update, or the information may have been
 changed on the DNCS; this causes the lineup to be incorrect
BFSWhether the BFS directory was located on the network and its
 directory structure cached into set-top memory. This
 typically happens at reset once or twice every hour. If the BFS
 read date is older than half an hour, the set-top may have a
 stale BFS directory. In this case, reboot the set-top to obtain
 files
U-NState of the U-N Config, indicating whether there is two-way
Configcommunication between the set-top and headend Unknown
 Error condition Not connected Set-top cannot hear the
 headend or respond (the cable plant is Down or the cable is
 not connected to the wall) Interactive Two-way
 communication, set-top can hear and respond to Headend
 Broadcast Set-top can listen to headend but cannot
 respondNote: broadcast can be a normal state in a network
 that is not two-way capable and does not provide IPPV.
 

[0049] Identity Information

[0050] If a user selects the identity information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that allows an operator to identify the set-top on the network. In one embodiment, the screen includes the information shown in Table 3. 3

TABLE 3
 
 
FieldShows
 
Ethernet IPProvides the set-top's ethernet IP address. This field
Addressshows 10.1.1.1 by factory default if the address is not
 changed by the DNCS.
RF IP AddressProvides the set-top's IP address of RF (cable) port as
 assigned by the DNCS. You can ping this address to see
 if the set-top is active on thenetwork. If the address is
 0, the set-top could not get the address from the
 headend. If the U-N Config field shows broadcast, the
 address is 0 because the set-top could not respond to
 the headend. If the set-top loses its address the screen
 does not update this field to 0 until you reboot the set-
 top. In that case it stores the PPV purchases up to the
 credit limit until it can send them to the headend
Ethernet MACProvides the set-top's ethernet MAC address which can
Addressbe used for cable-modem type applications
RF MACProvides the set-top's MAC address of RF (cable) port.
AddressThis is the primary identifier that headend operators
 use to identify the set-top on the network; for
 example, when they send addressed messages to
 individual set-tops via the DNCS, system administrator,
 or billing system. Each set-top has a unique RF MAC
 address that never changes
Secure MicroProvides the MAC address of the secure micro chip in
 the set-top
Smart CardProvides the MAC address of the smart card in the set-
 top (if installed)
Hub IDProvides the ID of the hub this set-top is connected to.
 The DNCS can support multiple hubs. Each hub may
 have its own channel lineup
RegionProvides the region associated with the channel lineup
 region/hub tree
ConfigurationProvides the region associated with the feature
Regionconfiguration region/hub tree
 

[0051] Feature Authorization Information

[0052] If a user selects the feature authorization information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that allows an operator to test the set-top box for authorization features from the service provider. This information displays on the feature authorization screen. For each feature, this screen shows YES, NO, or YES (NO CHECK).

[0053] When a feature shows YES, it indicates that the set-top has been authorized at the headend for the package representing this feature. You can enable certain features such as the program guide or IPPV per set-top via the billing system, authorizing certain packages for each subscriber. When a feature shows YES (NO CHECK), it indicates that the set-top is authorized for this feature. This setting indicates that the system is configured to allow all set-tops to have free access to this feature without checking for specific authorization. When a feature shows NO, it indicates that the set-top is not authorized for this package, so the feature is unavailable on this set-top. In one embodiment, the feature authorization screen includes the information shown in Table 4.

[0054] [t5] 4

TABLE 4
 
 
FieldShows
 
GuideWhether the set-top is enabled to display program guide
 and channel banner information
VCRWhether the set-top is enabled to use a VCR controller
Controllerdevice
Active BoxWhether the set-top is active or not. Cable operators can
 turn off cable features for a set-top in the event of
 subscriber non-payment. This puts the set-top in brick
 mode; it does not offer any authorized features
IPPVWhether the set-top is enabled to use IPPV
Force PINWhether the set-top is enabled for force PIN. When a set-
 top has a force PIN, the subscriber cannot disable the
 purchase PIN and must use it to make purchases
ReadingWhether the set-top is reading from NVRAM. When a set-
Fromtop is reading from NVRAM, it is unable to get the
NVRAMinformation from the BFS and gets settings from the last
 file stored in NVRAM. When a set-top is not reading from
 NVRAM, it is reading from the BFS and is using the latest
 settings
 

[0055] Version Information

[0056] If a user selects the version information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that allows an operator to check the set-top's current software versions, including versions for the service provider's software and the operating system software (e.g., PowerTV). This information is provided on the versions screen. One embodiment of the information provided at the versions screen is shown in Table 5.

[0057] [t3] 5

TABLE 5
 
 
FieldShows
 
OS VersionVersion number of the operating system currently
 running on this set-top
ResidentName and version number of system software, the
Applicationresident application
Version
OS DateDate and time when the OS version was built
ResidentDate and time when system software was built
Application
Date
Secure MicroVersion number of Secure Micro devices in mask ROM
 and non-volatile memory
Smart CardVersion number of smart card device in mask ROM and
 non-volatile memory (if smart card is installed). This
 field shows <None> if the Smart Card feature is
 unavailable
Last Cold BootDate and time when the set-top was last plugged in to
 power up the set-top. A dash (-) indicates that system
 clock was unavailable when the set-top booted
Last WarmDate and time when the set-top was last turned on
Bootusing the power button on the set-top front panel or
 the CBL button on the remote. A dash (-) indicates that
 the system clock was unavailable when the set-top
 booted
Current TimeCurrent date and time. If this field shows xx/xx/xxxx,
 the set-top has not successfully connected to the
 headend network to receive a time synchronization
 message
 

[0058] Network Configuration Information

[0059] If a user selects the network configuration information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that allows an operator to check how the set-top box communicates to the network. This information displays on the network configuration screen. One embodiment of the information provided at the network configuration screen is shown in Table 6.

[0060] [t6] 6

TABLE 6
 
 
FieldShows
 
EthernetProvides the set-top's ethernet IP address. This field shows
IP10.1.1.1 by factory default if the address is not changed by
Addressthe DNCS.
RF IPProvides the set-top's IP address of RF (cable) port as
Addressassigned by the DNCS. You can ping this address to see if
 the set-top is alive. If theaddress is 0, the set-top could not
 get the address from the headend. If U-N Config shows
 broadcast, the address is 0 because the set-top could not
 respond to the headend. If the set-top loses its address the
 screen does not update this field to 0 until you reboot the
 set-top. In that case it stores the PPV purchases up to the
 credit limit until it can send them to the headend
PrimaryProvides the set-top's IP address for IP networking. Usually
IPthis is the same as the RF IP address
Address
EthernetProvides the mask used for ethernet IP address
Mask
RF MaskProvides the mask used for RF IP address
PrimaryProvides the mask used for primary address. Usually this
Maskfield shows the same information as the RF Mask field
DAVICProvides the current DAVIC connection status. Connected 2-
Stateway is the usual status. There are 17 other states (Booting,
 Searching Channels, Provisioning, Unauthorized, etc.), many
 of which are not seen because they happen very quickly.
 

[0061] If a user selects the tuning information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that allows an operator to see information about the channel that the set-top is currently tuned to. This information includes the frequency and the modulation mode. The tuning screen also enables tuning to channels, frequencies, and source IDs. In one embodiment, the tuning information screen shows the following information for the currently tuned channel shown in Table 7.

[0062] [t7] 7

TABLE 7
 
 
FieldShows
 
DisplayShows the display channel number (DCN), which is the
Channelnumber assigned in the channel lineup at the headend;
 viewers use this number to tune
EIAChannel number according to Electronic Industries
ChannelAssociation (EIA) standards. This only exists for analog
 channels
Source IDSource ID of the displayed channel as entered in the DNCS
 source provisioning
Tune toCenter frequency of the analog or digital channel to which
Frequencythe set-top is currently tuned (Not Tuned means that
 parental control is activated)
TuningTuning mode of the channel to which the set-top is
Modecurrently tuned. This can be analog, QAM-64, QAM-128,
 or QAM-256
ProgramMPEG program that the set-top is currently tuned to
Number(digital only)
Video PIDNumber identifying the video PID for this channel. Not
 applicable for analog channels
Audio PIDNumber identifying the audio PID for this channel. Not
 applicable for analog channels
AC-3Whether the stream contains Dolby AC-3 audio
 compression information. Not available for analog
 channels
ChannelThe state of the channel: Authorized - Available channel
Statuson this set-top Clear to air - Non-encrypted channel
 Subscription - Encrypted channel authorized by
 subscription Free Preview - Channel authorized due to
 preview window on current PPV event Purchased Event —
 Authorized (purchased) PPV event Not Tuned - Tuner is
 not tuned (parental control may be enabled)
 

[0063] RF Network Information

[0064] If a user selects the RF network information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that allows an operator to see tuner frequency information, FDC frequency and signal level information, and RDC frequency and signal level information. In one embodiment, the RF network information screen shows the following information shown in Table 8.

[0065] [t8] 8

TABLE 8
 
 
FieldShows
 
TunerCenter frequency for the channel the set-top is
 currently tuned to and the power level of the signal.
 For example, the center frequency is 63 if the
 frequency bandwidth is from 60 to 66. An
 acceptable power level is �6�116 dBmV to +15 dBmV.
 The recommended operating range is between �6�110 dBmV
 and +10 dBmV. If the level is out of range,
 this field shows <Range or> Range. The set-top
 does not measure power levels when it tunes to
 analog channels, and thus does not display this
 information for analog channels (Not Tuned means
 that parental control is activated)
FDCFrequency and signal level of the out-of-band FDC
 channel. An acceptable range is between �6�116 dBmV
 and +15 dBmV. The recommended operating range
 is between �6�110 dBmV and +10 dBmV
RDCFrequency and signal level of the set-top's
 transmitter of the out-of-band RDC channel. An
 acceptable range is between +25 dBmV and +55 dBmV.
 A recommended operating range is between
 +27 dBmV and +53 dBmV, depending on the
 equipment location within the cable plant
Tuning ModeTuning mode of the channel the set-top is currently
 tuned to. This can be analog, QAM-64, QAM-128,
 QAM-256, N/A, or Not Tuned if parental control is
 enabled
QAMCorrected and uncorrected errors in blocks and the
Corr/Uncorr/total number of seconds during which the errors
Secoccurred. This shows the quality of the digital signal
 and can be used to calculate the BER
Tuner BERBER average since last tune. This is the number of
averageerroneous bits divided by the total number of bits
 transmitted over the same period. This shows the
 quality of digital channels. This field is not
 applicable for analog channels. Nominal values are <
 1 × 10 �6�1 9. Typical is 1 × 10 �6�1 6 to 1 × 10 �6�1 7.
 Anything worse than 1 × 10 �6�1 3 must belooked at
QAM MainNormalized main tap coefficient used for calibrating
Tapdata path delay or frequency response
QAM averageAverage signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of QAM signal,
SNRindicating the quality of the signal. 25 to 35 is
 adequate, higher is better. Not applicable for analog
 channels
FDC corr/Corrected bytes and uncorrected blocks of the out-
uncorr/bytesof-band FDC channel and the total number of bytes
 received
FDC BERAverage BER for the FDC channel. This is the number
averageof erroneous bits divided by the total number of bits
 transmitted over the same period
RDC RangeAmount of time it takes to send a packet from the
Delayset-top to the headend
RDCNumber of RDC retransmissions, indicating that the
retransmissionsset-top has detected that the headend did not
 respond to a message and therefore the set-top
 retransmitted the message. The set-top can check
 downstream QAM and the FDC path, but it cannot
 check if the headend received the correct message in
 the reverse path. It can only detect that the headend
 did not respond as expected
Return PathAverage time (in milliseconds) that it takes to get a
 TCP/IP “ping” message back from the headend, plus
 a count of the number of packets lost and sent. If
 this field shows an error number, check the
 operating system documentation or a UNIX manual.
 The errors are standard IP networking messages. If
 this field shows ERROR: IP address not configured,
 the operator did not set the IP address of the device
 at the headend that needs to be pinged. The set-
 topdoes not ping any device when this message
 shows
 

[0066] MPEG Information

[0067] If a user selects the MPEG information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that allows an operator to check information about the current MPEG. This information is only available for digital channels. In one embodiment, the MPEG information screen shows the information shown in Table 9.

[0068] [t9] 9

TABLE 9
 
 
FieldShows
 
Video PIDNumber identifying the video PID for the MPEG stream
Audio PIDNumber identifying the audio PID for the MPEG stream
PMT PIDPID number of the Program Map Table (PMT)
PCR PIDPID number for the Program Clock Reference (PCR).
 PCR is used to synchronize the encoder/transmitter
 and the decoder/receiver, and is transmitted in the
 transport stream periodically
DiscontinuitySum of audio and video PID discontinuities detected on
Countthe MPEG stream; 0 is ideal, smaller is better
PCR LockStatus of the PCR lock
Status
Last PTSPresentation time stamp (PTS) received. PTS is used to
 synchronize the encoder/transmitter and the
 decoder/receiver (similar to PCR)
PEIPacket Error Indication counter indicating the number
 of errors detected in the MPEG stream before reaching
 the BIP
PERPipeline Error counter indicating the number of errors
 reported by the MPEG decoding chip
SERSevere Error counter indicating the number of severe
 errors reported by the MPEG decoding chip
RSTReset counter indicating the number of times the
 software driver restarted the MPEG decoding process
 

[0069] Tuning Information

[0070] If a user selects the tuning information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that provides tuning information about the current channel on the tuning information screen. In one embodiment, the tuning information screen shows the information shown in Table 10.

[0071] [t10] 10

TABLE 10
 
 
FieldShows
 
AppIDNumber identifying the application which last controlled
 theTuner
PriorityWhether the last tuning request was primary or secondary
RequestThe type of the last tuning request (such as source ID,
Typefrequency, or EIA)
StateThe current state of the TV tuning resource: Active Resource
 is active Denied Resource was denied Notified Resource was
 asked to suspend but has not yet responded Processing
 Resource is moving between suspended and active states
 Suspended Resource is currently suspended WaitingPAT Set-
 top is locating MPEG program information, phase 1
 WaitingPMT Set-top is locating MPEG program information,
 phase 2
TunerWhether the signal was found. For analog, this field shows
StateWaitingSync, then FoundSync. For digital, this field first
 shows WaitingQAM and then foundQAM. FoundQAM Sync
 acquired, enabling digital TV viewing FoundSync Sync
 acquired, enabling analog TV viewing Ready Set-top and
 tuner not in use Suspending Deactivation request is made,
 waiting for resources to respond WaitingQAM Waiting to
 complete QAM tuning, enabling digital TV viewing
 WaitingSync Waiting to acquire sync, enabling analog TV
 viewing
SAPWhether Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) is present on
Presentthis channel
StereoWhether stereo audio is present on this channel
Present
HubIDNumber identifying the hub this set-top is connected to
ChannelType of channel plan (HRC, IRC, or standard)
Plan
PMTNumber of elements in the program map table
PIDPID number of the video PID and the state. This field only
numbershows information for digital channels
(video)
PIDPID number of the audio PID, the state, and the available
numberlanguages. The bullet indicates which language is currently
(audio)selected. This field only shows information for digital
 channels
 

[0072] Hardware Information

[0073] If a user selects the hardware information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that includes test information for the set-top hardware. When the set-top starts up, various hardware components are tested. This test is called the POST. The results of the testing are shown in the hardware information screen. In one embodiment, the following information shown in Table 111 is viewable in the hardware information screen.

[0074] [t11] 11

TABLE 11
 
 
FieldShows
 
MACWhether the Media Access Controller (MAC) passed the
 test
TVPWhether TVP passed the test
BCMWhether the Broadcom (BCM) QAM demodulator and
 Forward Error Correction (FEC) chip passed the test
BGATEWhether BGATE passed the test
BTSCWhether the Broadcast Television Systems Committee
 (BTSC) audio circuitry passed the test
AC-3Whether the multi-channel audio compression (AC-3)
 chip passed the test
RAMWhether the RAM passed the test
I2CWhether the Inter-IC control bus interface (I2C) passed
 the test
NVMWhether the non-volatile memory passed the test
ROMWhether the ROM checksum passed the test
Checksum
FlashWhether the flash checksum passed the test
Checksum
EagleWhether the Eagle DRAM passed the test
DRAM
Front PanelWhether the front panel passed the test
RF ModemWhether the RF modem passed the test
EthernetWhether the Ethernet passed the test. This field shows
 N/A if this set-top does not have the ethernet option
 available
SCSIWhether the SCSI card passed the test
UARTsWhether the Universal/Asynchronous Receiver
 Transmitters (UARTs) passed the test
SPIWhether the serial/parallel interface passed the test
VCXOWhether the Voltage Controlled Crystal Oscillator port
 (VCXO) passed the test
HardwareNumber indicating the hardware revision. You can use this
Revnumber to compare multiple set-tops if some work and
 others do not. Confirm this number with the DNCS
 database
MACVersion of the MAC
Version
BIP VersionBIP version
TVPTVP version
Version
AC-3Version of the AC-3
Version
BCMVersion of the BCM
Version
BGATEVersion of the BGATE
Version
 

[0075] Memory Information

[0076] If a user selects the memory information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that includes information about the set-top's memory. Table 12 shows the information presented at this screen according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] [t12] 12

TABLE 12
 
 
FieldShows
 
Total SystemSet-top's total RAM available for use in bytes
RAM
FreeSet-top's current free system RAM in bytes
LargestSet-top's current largest contiguous amount of free
 system RAM
LowestSet-top's lowest amount of free system RAM recorded
 to date since the last reboot
WhenDate, time, and channel watched when lowest recorded
 system RAM occurred
Total VideoSet-top's total video RAM in bytes
RAM
FreeSet-top's free video RAM in bytes
LargestSet-top's largest contiguous amount of free video RAM
 to date
LowestSet-top's lowest amount of video RAM recorded to date
WhenDate, time and channel watched when the lowest
 amount of video RAM was recorded
Free EventsThe number of free operating system event structures
 available application use
 

[0078] System Information

[0079] If a user selects the system information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that includes information such as the total number of services in the channel lineup, the total number of channels allocated, and how many of those channels are designated as surfable, video, PPV, or split. Table 13 shows the information presented at this screen according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] [t13] 13

TABLE 13
 
 
FieldShows
 
AspMgrStatus of the Asp manager (OK, unavailable, or counting
Statuswhen it is analyzing the channel lineup information)
TotalNumber indicating the total number of services
Services
TotalNumber indicating the total number of channels
Channels
SurfableNumber indicating the total number of surfable channels
VideoNumber indicating the total number of video channels
PPVNumber indicating the total number of PPV channels
SplitNumber indicating the total number of split channels
Last 5Date, time, error codes, and handling parameters of the
anomalieslast five anomalies. If the errors occur multiple times this
 is indicated, for example x2. An anomaly is something
 unexpected, an exception to the rule. After a reboot only
 the most recent two anomalies appear
 

[0081] Channel Application Information

[0082] If a user selects the channel application information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that includes information about the most recently launched external channel application. This is an application of which the code is downloaded from the BFS instead of being resident in the set-top and launched from ROM, such as Music Choice or PPV. In one embodiment, the information shown at the channel application screen is shown in Table 14.

[0083] [t14] 14

TABLE 14
 
 
IPG 
informationExample
 
LaunchedDate and time when the external application was last
 attempted to be loaded from the BFS
Last ErrorError codes or other indications given by the application
 that prevented the application from launching on this
 platform. The most common messages are listed below.
 File Not Found Application URL indicated in the service
 table could not be located on the BFS Incompatible
 Version Number Version of the external application on
 the BFS is too new or too old to be compatible with this
 version Incompatible Platform Incorrect type of
 application for this platform. Most External applications
 are compatible across all configurations, but in certain
 special cases there are specific versions of the
 application
Last Error AtDate and time when the last error occurred
URLThe filename and/or path name indicating the Uniform
 Resource Locator (URL) on the BFS where the application
 was launched
API VerVersion number of the current Channel App API.
 

[0084] Program Guide Event Information

[0085] If a user selects the program guide event information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that includes information about interactive program guide (IPG) events on the IPG screen. In one embodiment, the information-shown at the IPG screen is shown in Table 15. [t15] 15

TABLE 15
 
 
InformationExample
 
Number of IPG screen items0
Date when the IPG events were loadedMay 17, 1999
Date and time the IPG data was loaded in-band (ib)loaded 5/17
or out-of-band (oob)12:27 ib
Action that caused the IPG data to be loadedBoot
Number of total events of IPG data available in this1681 events
day's data
Number of PPV events available in this day's data1118 ppvEvents
 

[0086] BFS Information

[0087] If a user selects the BFS information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that includes information including how much total data has been read from in-band and out-of-band carousels. The BFS screen also includes information about when certain common files were most recently read, if any errors occurred when they were read, and some performance information useful for fine-tuning the BFS data carousel rates. In one embodiment, the information shown at the BFS screen is shown in Table 16.

[0088] [t16] 16

TABLE 16
 
 
InformationExample
 
Total Data ReadTotal number of bytes read from the BFS
Total IB ReadTotal number of bytes read from the in-band
 carousel
Total OOB ReadTotal number of bytes read from the out-of-
 band carousel
RegionsDate, time, and version of the last region file
 (regions.dat) read from the BFS
FeatDate, time, and version of the last feature
 authorization file read from the BFS
VCRDate, time and version of the last VCR file
 read from the BFS
ConfigDate, time, and version of the last
 configuration file read from the BFS
LogosDate, time, and version of the last logo file
 read from the BFS
ASPDate, time, and version of the last
 application management file read from the
 BFS
ChannelDate, time, and version of the last channel
 file read from the BFS
LanguageDate, time, and version of the last language
 file read from the BFS
IPGDate, time, and version of the last IPG file
 read from the BFS
Other (forDate, time, and version of the last indicated
example, engine.PAS)file read from the BFS, for example
 CHECKERS.PAS
 

[0089] PPV and Authorization Information

[0090] If a user selects the PPV and authorization information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that includes information about PPV and authorization transactions, such as how many PPV credits are available, information about poll requests and purchased entitlements. The cable company assigns a number of credits to each customer to avoid non-payment of PPV purchases. The PPV and authorization information is shown on the PPV information screen. Information about past and pending PPV purchases is on the PPV Past and PPV Pending NVRAM screens. The PPV Event screen shows information about PPV events in general. In one embodiment, the PPV authorization and information screen includes the information shown in Table 17.

[0091] [t17] 17

TABLE 17
 
 
FieldShows
 
PPV CreditsNumber of PPV credits available
Last PollDate and time when the set-top received the last
RequestReceivedPPV purchasespoll request from the billing system
Last Poll RequestDate and time when the set-top replied to the last
Sentpoll request
Poll RequestThe amount of time that the poll reply is delayed on
Reply Delaya delayedRequest
Last Poll RequestThe type of poll request for the last poll (Delayed,
TypeImmediate, ora dash if no poll was received on this
 boot)
Responding ToWhether or not the set-top responded to the last
Last Pollpoll. All set-topsreceive a PPV event poll request
 from the DNCS hourly. If thesecure micro for a set-
 top does not have any unacknowledged PPV
 information to send back to the DNCS, it does not
 reply and thus the Responding to Last Poll field
 shows NO. If there is some PPV activity to report, the
 field shows YES. When a set-top is specifically
 polled (not the hourly broadcast poll), it always
 responds.
Last PPV enabledWhy a set-top may be in IPPV or RPPV mode1 way
checkset-top is IPPV mode2 way set-top is in PPV
 modeFEAT set-top is enabled to use IPPV-FEAT set-
 top is disabled for IPPVDNCS PPV is enabled
 (determined by DNCS setting on the secure
 elements page-DNCS PPV is disabled
Last PMThe last purchase manager (PM) exception received
exception
PurchaseID numbers of the entitlements that were purchased
entitlement IDsand not yet collected or completed
 

[0092] Past and Pending PPV Purchases

[0093] If a user selects the past and pending PPV purchases link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that includes information about PPV purchases and the storage of this information in the set-top's NVRAM. There are two areas of NVRAM: pending and past. You can find the past information on the PPV Past NVRAM screen, and the pending information on the PPV Pending NVRAM screen. The PPV Pending NVRAM screen contains information about upcoming purchased events or purchased events currently in progress. The PPV Past NVRAM screen shows a history of PPV purchases. The information shown in PPV pending screen according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in Table 18.

[0094] [18] 18

TABLE 18
 
 
FieldShows
 
Info For SlotSlot number of the pending PPV purchase for which
 information displays on the screen (there are eight slots
 available). Press the left or right arrow button to cycle
 between slots
Timer IsDate and time when the NVRAM timer goes off
Going Off At
Timer TypeType of timer. A rollover timer shows the time when the
 event is moved from the pending to the past area. A
 purchase timer applies to a PPV program that goes to the
 secure micro. An error timer is a timer that alerts the
 viewer of an error when it goes off. A collection timer
 shows the time the timer is removed from NVRAM
 because the viewer did not acknowledge the error
EntitlementEntitlement ID for the event as assigned by the DNCS
ID
ServiceService index for the service and the channel number
Index
IPG StartIPG start time of the purchased event. This is used to
Timecheck if an event is blocked
IPG DurationIPG duration of the purchased event in minutes. This is
(Minutes)used to check if an event is blocked
PPV StartDate and time when the PPV event starts
Time
PPVDuration of the PPV event in minutes
Duration
(Minutes)
Cancel TimeDate and time up to when the viewer can cancel the
 purchase
SM OpenDate and time when the secure micro window opens to
Timeallowpurchasing of the event
SM CloseDate and time when the secure micro window closes
Timeandpurchasing is no longer possible
Error CodeError code if the timer type is error or collection
 

[0095] Some of the information shown in the PPV past NVRAM screen according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in Table 19

[0096] [t19] 19

 TABLE 19
  
  
 FieldShows
  
 Info For SlotSlot number of the past PPV purchase for which
  information displays on the screen
 PPV Start TimeTime the PPV program started
 Service IndexService index for the service displayed for this
  channel and the channel number
 PPV DurationDuration of the PPV program in minutes
 Minutes)
  

[0097] PPV Events

[0098] If a user selects the PPV events link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that includes information about the last PPV program that the viewer accessed. Table 20 shows some of the information that is shown on this screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] [t20] 20

TABLE 20
 
 
FieldShows
 
Event TimeDate and time the event starts as defined by the PPV
 package (not the IPG start time)
EventDuration of the event as defined by the PPV package (not
Durationthe IPG duration) and the purchase price of the event as
 shown to the viewer
EntitlementEntitlement ID of the event as assigned by the DNCS
ID
SM OpenDate and time when the secure micro window opens to
Timeallow purchasing of the event
SM CloseDate and time when the secure micro window closes and
Timepurchasing is no longer possible
AdvertiseDate and time when the advertising window opens and
Opendisplays the PPV buy screen
AdvertiseDate and time when the advertising window closes and
Closeno longer displays the PPV buy screen
Phone OpenDate and time when the reservation phone number is
 displayed
Phone CloseDate and time when the reservation phone number is no
 longer displayed
PreviewDate and time when the preview window opens and
Opendisplays a free preview of the program inside the inset
PreviewDate and time when the preview window closes and no
Closelonger displays the free preview
Cancel TimeDate and time up to when the viewer can cancel the
 purchase
PhonePhone number to call to purchase the event if this is a
Numberreservation PPV program as displayed to the viewer
 

[0100] EMM In formation

[0101] If a user selects the EMM information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that includes information about the EMMs. Table 21 shows some of the information that is shown on this screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] [t21] 21

TABLE 21
 
 
FieldShows
 
Num ValidNumber of valid EMMs received since last reboot
EMMs
StatusPowerkey status. This field can show the following
 options: Ready Powerkey is initialized, set-top is
 ready for use Waiting EMM Waiting for EMM Waiting
 for GBAM Waiting for the time GBAM Waiting EUT
 Waiting for the Entitlement Unit Table to be loaded
In Band OpenWhether in-band staging is currently in progress
State
ExpiresDate and time when the set-top's Powerkey
 authorization expires if not refreshed by the DNCS.
 The DNCS refreshes all authorized set-tops once a
 day and the authorization lasts approximately 30
 days
EMMTotal number of received and valid EMMs designated
 for this set-top
Time GBAMTotal number of received and valid time GBAMs
Prch GBAMNumber of received and valid GBAMs for purchased
 PPV events
App GBAMTotal number of received and valid application GBAMs
Ext GBAMTotal number of received and valid extended event
 GBAMs
ECMTotal number of received and valid entitlement
 control messages (ECM)
Last EUTDate and time when the settop last read the EUT file
 on the BFS. The EUT file contains PPV entitlement IDs
 and other encryption and authorization information.
 The file is updated a few times an hour; any time
 entry of over 30 minutes could indicate a problem
Last DDSDate and time of last DDS
Last FPMDate and time of the last request for the Forward
 Purchase Message (FPM)
CA TimeAuthenticated date and time received via Time
 GBAMs. This field should match the current time as
 reported on the LEDs
UpdateWhether a new EUT has been detected on the network
Pending -and has been queued up to read. This field shows
EUTTrue while the settop is reading the new file and
 awaiting its installation. This field usually shows False
Prog StartDate and time when the decryption for the current
 encrypted program started. If you tune away from the
 channel and tune back, the value resets to the current
 time, not when the movie began. An MPEG glitch or
 conditional access interruption may also reset this
 value
Prog EndDate and time when decryption on the previous
 encrypted event stopped. Typically, for a PPV event
 that runs from 8:00 to 9:48, the start time is 8:00 (or
 later if you joined the event in progress), and the end
 time is 9:48
DDSWhether an update is pending for DDS
Decrypt StatusCurrent status of the encrypted video signal (OK,
 Blackout, Not Authorized, No ECMs). Other messages
 may be seen under certain error conditions
Late KeysNumber of times that a program key decryption
 operation occurs after the program data arrives at the
 set-top. Macroblocking is a common artifact of this
 situation
Worst ECMWorst time (in milliseconds) between ECM read
 operations
Num ISE FailsNumber of times the internal secure micro failed a
 command
Last Fail CmdLast command that failed on the internal secure micro
Timeouts/CmdNumber of communication timeouts with the internal
 secure micro
Last PurchEntitlement ID, date, and time of last PPV purchase
Attemptattempt
Last PurchEntitlement ID, date, and time of last PPV purchase
Successsuccess
LastLast purchase device used and result
Device/Result
Current EIDCurrent Entitlement ID authorizing the program
ECM PIDECM PID for current program (0 indicates clear-to-air)
EAID FlagsEAID = Entitlement Agent ID for internal secure
 micro. /Has the EAID been installed? (1 = yes,
 0 = no) D Digital Enabled A Analog Enabled In
 Interactive Enabled Ip IPPV EnabledThe last four
 messages are specific checkbox flags in the DNCS
 DHCT GUI for each individual set-top. For a properly
 staged box, all these fields should be set to 1
EAID ESESame as the EAID Flags field, but applying to the ESE
 (external security interface, i.e. Smart Card). These all
 show 0 for current generation set-tops
 

[0103] Passthru Messages

[0104] If a user selects the passthru messages link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that includes information about passthru messages. One embodiment of the present invention shows the information in Tables 22 and 23 this screen is selected.

[0105] [t22] 22

TABLE 22
 
 
InformationExample
 
TimeDate and time when the set-top received the message
TypeType of message. EAS indicates that the message was an
 emergency alert system (EAS) message.
 BFSFileHasChanged is a message that indicates to the
 set-top that some files on the BFS have changed. The
 set-top then reads the new files. ResetPIN indicates a
 message with an instruction to the set-top to change one
 of its PINs
 

[0106] [t26] 23

TABLE 23
 
 
This type of 
messageCan have these descriptions
 
EASEAS indicates this is an EAS message. A number
 indicates the message ID. A three-letter code
 indicates the code of the message
BFSFileHasChangedFirst word of BFSFileHasChanged description
 indicates when the set-top must read in the new
 file: Now indicates the new file must be read in
 immediately Pwr indicates the new file must be
 read in when the set-top is powered off Time
 indicates the new file must be read no later than
 the time passed ChChg indicates the new file
 must be read when the viewer changes the
 channelSecond part of the description indicates
 which updated files theset-top must read: Ch/
 indicates that the set-top must read the channel
 lineup information (chaninfo) A/indicates that the
 set-top must read the services file (aspinfo) Vcr/
 indicates that the set-top must read the file with
 the VCR code listing (VCR_CODE.DAT) Cfg/
 indicates that the set-top must read the
 configuration file (settop.cfg) Ipg/indicates that
 the set-top must read the IPG data Fea/indicates
 that the set-top must read the feature
 authorization file (featauth.dat)
ResetPINFirst part indicates which PIN to affect: Prch
 instructs the set-top to affect the purchase PIN
 Blck instructs the set-top to affect the blocking
 PINSecond part indicates what action the set-top
 must take: Enble instructs the set-top to enable
 the PIN Dsble instructs the set-top to disable the
 PIN
 

[0107] Last Reset Information

[0108] If a user selects the last reset information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that includes information about the last time a set-top was reset. The last reset information screen shows information gathered the last time the set-top rebooted due to the system watchdog timer having expired. This information will only be valid if the system initiated the reboot. The last reset information is used mostly to report reboots to the service provider. One embodiment of the present invention shows the information in Table 24 when this screen is selected.

[0109] [t24] 24

TABLE 24
 
 
FieldShows
 
ResetThe date and time at the last watchdog reboot. If there
Occurred Atis no valid information stored, this field indicates this
 and all other fields are not available
Free SysThe amount of free system memory available at the last
Memwatchdog reboot
Free VidThe amount of free video memory available at the last
Memwatchdog reboot
Service IDThe ID of the service that was running when the reboot
 occurred
Free EventsThe number of free events available at the last watchdog
 reboot
Last PassthruThe time when the last Passthru message was received
Timebefore the watchdog reboot occurred. If no Passthru
 message was received, this field shows a dash
Last PassthruThe type of Passthru message that last occurred before
Typethe watchdog reboot. If no Passthru message was
 received, this field shows a dash
Global AppThe global application that was current at the watchdog
 reboot
Prev GlobalThe global application that was current just prior to the
Appone indicated in the Global App field above
Last GlobSwap The time at which the last swap of global
Appapplications occurred
SemaphoreA series of numbers indicating which Passport
Bitmapsemaphores were held at the watchdog reboot (0
 indicates no semaphores held, 1 indicates a semaphore
 was held)
 

[0110] MOD Information

[0111] If a user selects the MOD information link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that includes information about MOD. One embodiment of the present invention shows the information in Table 25 when this screen is selected.

[0112] [t23] 25

TABLE 25
 
 
FieldShows
 
Last MessageA description of the last MOD errorCONN:IP:PORT
 connection to server failedVCONN:IP:PORT
 connection to video pump failedNO ASSET: OID/TID
 no assets for the OID TID comboSESS: RSN/RSP
 SessionSetup failure DSMCCReason/Response codes
Last ErrorWhen the last MOD error was sent
Server IPIP address of the server
UDP PortPort number where heartbeats are sent
Async NotifyPort number where ModDaemon listens for async
Portmessages from the server
Session GatewayIP address of the session gateway
Service GroupValue of the service group (NFI)
ModServerPinging updates from the settop to the server
(ping)
SessionGatewayPinging updates from the settop to the session
(ping)gateway
 

[0113] MOD Purchases

[0114] If a user selects the MOD purchases link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that includes information about purchases of the MOD. One embodiment of the present invention shows the information in Table 26 when this screen is selected.

[0115] [t25] 26

TABLE 26
 
 
FieldShows
 
PurchasesNumber of MOD purchases. This field may show additional
 purchase information in the following formatMM/DD HH: MI
 Title (month/day/hour: minutes)PID OID TID BilledFlag
 (1 = billed; 0 = not billed)
 

[0116] MOD Events

[0117] If a user selects the MOD events link from diagnostic information selection area 730, a screen is shown that includes information about the last MOD program the viewer accessed. One embodiment of the present invention shows the information in Table 27 when this screen is selected.

[0118] [t27] 27

TABLE 27
 
 
FieldShows
 
MOD data builtDate and time when MOD data was generated in
 month/date hours:minutes format
NumTitlesNumber of titles in the current modbfs file
NumOffersNumber of offers in the current modbfs file.
NumOffersTitlesNumber of offers-titles in the current modbfs files.
 This may include offers with multiple titles attached.
NumPlaylistsNumber of playlists in the current modbfs file
NumAssetsNumber of assets in the current modbfs file
NumServicesNumber of MOD service channels in the current
 modbfs file
NumServSchNumber of MOD service schedules in the current
 modbfs file (NFI)
 

[0119] Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.



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