Patent ID: 6046760
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A set top board which is used in a video on demand (VOD) service system providing a plurality of compressed motion picture experts group (MPEG) image data programs and which is disposed within a personal computer provided with a central processing unit (CPU) for controlling the personal computer, a plurality of slots for mounting a number of functional cards, a display for displaying video signals, and a speaker for outputting audio signals, said set top board comprising:a networking means for communicating with a service provider of the VOD service system;an interface for interfacing with the CPU of the personal computer so that said set top board can be controlled by control signals of the personal computer;a decoder for decoding the compressed MPEG image data; anda video processor for processing and outputting items corresponding to the compressed MPEG image data programs as still images on the display of the personal computer;the interface comprising:a first register for setting a least significant bit thereof to a predetermined value, when the clock signal is incoming from the bus control logic and when the reset signal is incoming from the personal computer, and for outputting control signals through a plurality of bits thereof by receiving data from the personal computer;a second register for outputting status signals through a plurality of output bits by receiving the clock signal from the bus control logic and data from the data bus of the personal computer; anda logic circuit for receiving the least significant bit of the first register and then reset signal from the personal computer, and for outputting a reset signal used in the control of the set top board.