KR100640883B1 - System for updating software and method for updating software using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a software update system that can develop a software that reflects the requirements of TV users and to update existing TV software, and a software upgrade method using the same. A merchant database storing the customer database, an e-commerce database storing the customer information and software information, a manufacturer database storing the updated software information for each digital TV application model, and each digital managed and sold Software that manages the e-commerce database and promotes and sells the developed software through the Internet. An e-commerce server, a manufacturer server of a manufacturer managing the manufacturer database and developing an update software, and a digital TV that receives the software of the update function via the e-commerce server and automatically updates its software function. This allows customers to deliver customer-oriented software on demand and software with improved performance.

Software update

Description

System for updating software and method for updating software using the same}

1 is a view for explaining a software update system according to the present invention.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a software update process in the software update system according to the present invention.

3 is a flowchart for explaining a method for collecting customer information in a software update system according to the present invention.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting a software upgrade notification mail in a software update system according to the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a software update method according to the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of drawings *

10, 20, 30: database portion 40, 50, 60: server

70: Internet (communication network)

80, 90, 100: user system (computer or TV)

The present invention relates to a software update, and more particularly, to a software update system and software update method using the same, which is suitable for updating existing TV software by developing software reflecting the requirements of TV users.

After color TV broadcasting, stereo sound, remote control device, subtitle broadcasting, data broadcasting, etc. have adopted some digital technologies. In the 90's, computer and network technologies have been spreading more rapidly, so that the broadcasting field can realize high-definition and multifunctional TV. The pursuit of digital TV was made.

Broadcasting is a mass media that targets an unspecified number, which is advantageous because it can be compressed like computer data compression because all elements (video, audio, data) are treated digitally.

Therefore, it is possible to transmit one program of HDTV class and three or more programs of SDTV class to one channel, and to enjoy a much clearer screen by digitally transmitting and processing signals. In addition, the screen overlapping (ghost) phenomenon, in which radio waves are reflected on obstacles, can be solved on its own, and HDTV channels can enjoy realistic screens and stereoscopic sound that were only enjoyed in movie theaters at home.

When digital TV image and audio are digitally processed, the information becomes the same digital data type, and additional data can be added and sent.

For example, multimedia related services such as information related to the program or real time information such as stocks, exchange rates, weather forecasts, and internet information can be enabled.

One of the characteristics of digital TV is interactive and multimedia broadcasting.

Interactive TV is a bi-directional flow of information between a viewer and a broadcaster, not like an analog TV. The viewer can receive various interactive additional information such as basic news, weather, and program-related information from the broadcaster. have. Such information may be selectively provided through a set-top box identifier (ID) of an interactive digital TV.

In addition, the viewer can be provided with the desired information by accessing the information service company displayed connected to the additional information via a telephone line or a separate dedicated line (for example, the Internet). This type of operation is also called interactive TV.

The multimedia broadcasting is a concept of a comprehensive digital broadcasting in which a TV program and various additional information that are being broadcast are delivered together in a multimedia form including video, sound, and various data, displayed on a TV screen, and viewers can select and enjoy information.

Therefore, digital TV will develop in the form of a combination of interactive TV and multimedia broadcasting concept.

The process of setting and adjusting the functions of the digital TV is performed through the OSD (On Screen Display) menu function. The reason for this is that as the configuration and functions of the digital TV become more complicated, explanation of the functions and configurations is required.

In most cases, descriptions of these functions are provided in the form of a manual. However, when the OSD menu function is used, users can more conveniently perform a desired function, and thus the use of the OSD menu function is becoming more common.

In other words, the user can view the help contents of the desired menu item together with the OSD menu on the screen, without having to troubleshoot the manual.

However, in the prior art, when the TV is first purchased, it is used for about 10 years. A series of software including an OSD is stored in a read only memory (ROM). Here, the ROM stores a microprocessor of a microprocessor or programs that do not need to be changed in a system, and software update of the TV is impossible. Therefore, the user who purchased the TV can run only the same software for the same model, or had to see the OSD content.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is possible to update the software by developing a software that reflects the requirements of TV users or a software including improved functions and providing the same to an existing TV. It is an object of the present invention to provide a software update system and a software update method using the same.

In order to achieve the above object, the software update system of the present invention includes a merchant database storing customer information and digital TV-specific encryption codes, an e-commerce database storing the customer information and software information, and the digital TV application model. A manufacturer database storing software information of updated functions, a seller server of a product seller managing the seller database and storing encryption codes for each digital TV sold thereon, and managing the e-commerce database and the Internet. A software e-commerce server responsible for the promotion and sale of the developed software through a server, a manufacturer server of a manufacturer that manages the manufacturer database and develops an update function, and the e-commerce server It is configured to include a digital TV that receives the software of the update function through the automatic update of their software function.

Preferably the customer information includes one or more of an email address, a purchase model, an address, a telephone number, a name and a gender, and the software information includes the source code, executable file, applicable model, required memory size, developer of the software. , Development complete, version information is included.

Preferably, the manufacturer server receives the enhancements and additional functions for the software for operating the digital TV from the digital TV user to develop the update function software.

In order to achieve the above object, the software update method of the present invention includes the steps of developing digital TV software updated with customer's requirements and additional functions, and purchasing a digital TV model for updating the developed software. Sending a promotional e-mail for the developed software through customer information of a customer; transmitting the developed software if the customer who received the e-mail purchases the software; This includes the steps of a TV download and automatic upgrade of their software functionality.

Preferably, when the customer purchases the digital TV, the customer information including one or more of the customer's e-mail address, purchase model, address, telephone number, name and gender is given by the unique encryption code for each digital TV And storing the unique encryption code in the digital TV, and sending the promotional e-mail using the customer information, together with the homepage information for the customer to sample the developed software. The method further includes the step of transmitting, and the method further comprises the step of requesting a questionnaire including a reason for not making the purchase decision if the customer does not purchase the software.

Preferably, the step of transmitting the developed software to the customer includes attaching the unique encryption code of the digital TV purchased by the customer to the software, and transmitting the transmitted software to the software when the digital TV is downloaded. The authentication is performed by comparing the unique encryption code with the unique encryption code stored in the self.

Preferably, if the digital TV is not a two-way digital TV, downloading the determined software to a personal computer, and downloading the software downloaded to the digital TV from the computer using the update program. The digital TV includes the step of automatically upgrading its software function.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, a software update system and a software update method using the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a view for explaining a software update system according to the present invention.

The user-customized software update system according to the present invention provides customer information (e.g., e-mail address, purchase model, address, phone number, name, gender, etc.) and product specification information (e.g., user manual). ) And a seller database (10) that stores digital TV-specific encryption codes sold, and customer information and software module information (e.g., source code, executable file, applicable model, required memory size, developer, development completion) E-commerce database 20, version information, etc.), a manufacturer database 30 storing software module information for each application model (model identification number), and a seller database 10. Seller server 40 on the side of the product seller (e.g., dealer, shopping mall, Internet shopping mall, etc.) storing the separation code and the e-commerce database Manages the software 20, manages the software e-commerce server 50 responsible for the promotion and sale of the developed software through a communication network (for example, the Internet 70), and the manufacturer database 30, and manages product development and The manufacturer server 60 on the manufacturer's side in charge of the test, a plurality of user systems 80, 90 and 100 consisting of a digital TV and a customer personal computer (PC), the e-commerce server 50 and the user system ( It comprises a communication network (eg, the Internet 70) for providing an interface of data between 80, 90, 100.

Here, the manufacturer server 60 is a server operated by a digital TV (hereinafter, referred to as DTV) manufacturer. The DTV manufacturer develops a software module (hereinafter, referred to as software) such as a new function or an update function. When the operation manual (SPEC. Specification) of the software for the applicable model and additional functions is sent to the e-commerce server 50, the e-commerce server 50 searches and applies its own database 20. Promote an e-mail to all customers who have purchased a valid model, and at the same time, update the homepage to let them know that they can demonstrate a demo of the software with new or updated features. do.

To this end, the seller of the product must have the customer's e-mail address of the customer who purchases the TV through the seller's server 40, the customer's TV model name (spec.) Address, telephone number, name, and gender. The information is stored in the seller database 10 and transmitted to the software e-commerce server 50.

The consumer demonstrates demos according to their TV model names through the homepage of the e-commerce server 50, decides whether to purchase, and upgrades. In this case, the manufacturer can pay the appropriate amount when upgrading the consumer and make a purchase.In this case, when applying for a purchase through a communication network (Internet), the buyer's encryption code is attached to the update. The control unit of the TV, which receives the received software, can automatically update the TV program (software) by comparing with the encryption code of the individual currently registered on the TV.

Of course, if necessary, the electronic commerce server 50 may also operate together in the manufacturer server 60.

2 is a flowchart for explaining a software update process in the software update system according to the present invention.

First, in order to develop an on-demand software with an updated function, the manufacturer should identify customer needs and define additional functions (S10).

At this time, the manufacturer's product development and update process can be divided into two types.

The first is to develop and accommodate customer requirements.

In other words, they embrace a personality-oriented design that hates the same thing.

For example, the OSD skin can be set by the customer. That is, when the customer transmits a picture, etc. together with the model name of the TV (hereinafter, TV) to the manufacturer through the Internet, the manufacturer receives it. Apply it to the desired location (for example, Menu ICON). In addition, the position of the OSD can also be set to a customer-specified position, and the user may be asked to add only a desired function.

Second, the manufacturer develops software that meets customer needs.

In other words, once you buy a TV, you have been using it for an average of 10 years. For TV makers, this means that as a whole, potential customers will be reduced for a certain period of time, so that they can only sell to other new customers. Therefore, manufacturers need to periodically upgrade software related to additional functions of each TV model.

After collecting such data, development and modification of model-specific software (applicable models) is performed (S20).

Then, if there is no error by performing a software test is stored in the manufacturer database 30 connected to the manufacturer and updates the data for each model (S40). At this time, the data stored in the database are the function (operation) manual, source code, executable file, applicable model, fresh memory (RAM / ROM) size, developer, and development completion.

Subsequently, the electronic commerce server requests an update of a database connected to the electronic commerce server, and sends a promotional e-mail through the customer's e-mail (S50). In this case, although the upgraded software may be sent to the electronic commerce server 50 side, the sample software (program) may be sent.

3 is a flowchart for explaining a method for collecting customer information in a software update system according to the present invention.

The method for collecting customer information in the user-customized software update system according to the present invention displays a DTV or promotes a product by advertisement (S110).

Then, when the DTV is sold (S120), the customer information of the customer who purchased the DTV is written (S130). At this time, write (store) a unique encryption code for authentication when upgrading the software to the DTV sold to customers.

After creating the customer information, the database connected to the seller server is updated (S140).

Subsequently, the electronic commerce server 50 transmits the customer information, the DTV information purchased by the customer, its encryption code, and the like to request the update of the database 20 on the e-commerce server 50 (S150).

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting a software upgrade notification mail in a software update system according to the present invention.

In the method of transmitting a software upgrade notification mail according to the present invention, the e-commerce server 50 may include a software operation manual for a model and an additional function that are developed by applying software such as a new function or an update function from the manufacturer server 60, and a new function. Once the developed software demo data is transmitted, it must first be stored in its database 20. In addition, it is determined with the request that the e-mail sending request to the consumer (S210). This is because a simple announcement (new software update plan or price information of newly developed software) and the like may be transmitted from the manufacturer server 60.

As a result of determination (S210), if there is no e-mail sending request, it is determined whether there is a database update request for the transmitted data (S220).

Determination result (S220) If there is a database update request, the database is updated with applicable model information of the new software transmitted from the manufacturer's server 60, the operation manual of the software for additional functions, a software demo, and the like (S230). .

However, if there is no request to update the database (S220), it is a notice, etc. In such a case, the homepage of the e-commerce server is updated (S240).

And if the determination result (S210) if there is an e-mail sending request to search the database to search for customer information and software information (S250). In other words, the customer's e-mail information is retrieved from the customer information that is appropriate for the applicable model information sent from the manufacturer.

Subsequently, create an e-mail list for the customer (S260), and the software of the DTV being used by the customer has been updated, and a promotional e-mail including a brief description of the additional functions and an explanation of the upgrade cost is sent. (S270).

5 is a flowchart for explaining a software update method according to the present invention.

In the user-customized software update method according to the present invention, when an update promotion mail for the manufacturer's software is sent from the e-commerce server 50 (S310), the DTV user accesses the e-commerce homepage (S320) and demonstrates a sample ( S330).

The e-commerce server requests the user who has demonstrated the purchase to purchase through the OSD and determines the result (S340).

If it is determined in operation S340 that the user has not selected a purchase decision, the user selects a purchase cancellation decision and requests that a questionnaire for the purchase cancellation decision be made (S350). In other words, it is necessary to present a questionnaire about what is lacking as a result of the demonstration.

However, the determination result (S340) if the user decides to purchase to pay the price (S360).

If it is confirmed that the user has made a purchase decision and paid for it, the e-commerce server 50 transmits the updated software to the user via the Internet 70. At this time, the encryption code of the buyer is attached to the software and transmitted according to the buyer's customer information.

If the user's TV is a DTV capable of two-way communication (S370), since the promotional mail is received (downloaded) through the DTV, if the authentication code is the same according to the encryption code verification (S380) result (S390), the software of the DTV is automatically updated. It becomes (S400).

However, if the authentication code is different, the customer service center or e-commerce server to contact (S410).

In addition, in the determination result (S370), if the DTV is not a two-way communication DTV first of all download the software through the PC (S420).

Subsequently, it is determined whether a service man is necessary (S430).

In other words, if you are fluent in PC and DTV use, you can install it yourself. For this purpose, update program is provided when you purchase TV. Such an update program includes an interface portion for data transmission and reception between a PC and a digital TV.

When the update program is executed after the PC and the DTV are physically connected (S440), if the authentication code is the same according to the result of the encryption code verification (S380), the software of the DTV is automatically updated (S400).

However, if the determination result (S430) the service man is necessary, the e-commerce server automatically registers the service request to the service center near the address of the customer (S450).

Accordingly, in the service center, when the reception is confirmed (S460), the PC and the DTV are physically connected through the service man, and then the update program is executed (S440), and the encryption code verification and authentication code verification step (S380) (S390). Through the software of the DTV is automatically updated (S400). At this time, the service man request is provided as an option to be selected at the time of purchase (S430).

In the present invention, a digital TV is gradually using a flash memory as a memory for storing software (program). However, since the size of the flash memory has sufficient free space and the memory value is continuously decreasing, hardware ( Upgrade is possible without changing the memory).

The above-described user-customized software update system and software update method using the same have the following effects.

First, user-oriented software can be provided.

Second, after purchasing a DTV, it is possible to provide a user with more improved software.

Third, the manufacturer can additionally import and manage customers without any particular burden when applying the newly developed DTV software to the previously sold products.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the embodiments, but should be defined by the claims.

Claims (11)

In the software update system, Merchant database (DataBase) that stores customer information and digital TV-specific encryption code; An e-commerce database (DataBase) for storing the customer information and software information for operating the digital TV; A manufacturer database storing upgraded software information for each digital TV; A seller server that manages the seller database and communicates with an external server or the Internet; An e-commerce server for managing the e-commerce database and communicating with an external server or the Internet to sell the upgraded software information for each digital TV; A manufacturer server that communicates with an external server or the Internet to manage the manufacturer database and generate upgraded software information or automatically upgraded software information according to a request signal for a function that a user of the digital TV wants to change. (Server); And Digital TV (DTV), which transmits a request signal for user-customized software including a function to be changed by a user of the digital TV to the manufacturer server, and receives the upgraded software information from the manufacturer server to upgrade an existing function. Software update system comprising a. The method of claim 1, The customer information, A software update system comprising one or more of an email address, purchase model, address, phone number, name and gender. The method of claim 1, Software information for operating the digital TV, And at least one of source code, executable file, applicable model, required memory size, developer, development completion and version information of the software. The method of claim 1, The manufacturer server, And receiving a request signal for a function that the user of the digital TV wants to change through the Internet, and generating upgraded software information according to the transmitted request signal. In the software update method, Transmitting a request signal for user-customized software including a function to be changed by a user of the digital TV to a manufacturer server; Generating, by the manufacturer server, upgraded software information or automatically upgraded software information according to a request signal for a function that a user of the digital TV wants to change; Sending a promotional e-mail of the generated software information to a user of the digital TV that can apply the generated software information using predetermined customer information; Transmitting the generated software information when the user who has received the email purchases the software information; And The digital TV is a software update method comprising the step of upgrading the existing function by downloading the transmitted software information. The method of claim 5, Constructing a database by assigning customer information including one or more of an e-mail address, a purchase model, an address, a telephone number, a name, and a gender and a unique encryption code for each digital TV; And And storing the unique encryption code in the digital TV. The method of claim 5, And sending the promotional e-mail using the preset customer information, and transmitting homepage information capable of demonstrating the upgraded software. The method of claim 5, If the user who received the e-mail does not purchase the software information, And requesting a questionnaire including a reason for not making the purchase decision. The method of claim 5, When the user who has received the e-mail purchases the software information, transmitting the generated software information may include: Attaching a unique encryption code for each digital TV to the generated software information and transmitting the same; And And when the digital TV downloads the transmitted software, performing an authentication procedure for comparing the unique encryption code attached to the software information with the unique encryption code previously stored in the digital TV. A software update method characterized by the above. The method of claim 5, If the digital TV is a one-way digital TV, When the user who receives the email purchases the software information, transmitting the generated software information to an external medium capable of bidirectional communication; The external medium may include downloading the transmitted software information; Transmitting the software information downloaded to the external medium to the digital TV using an update program; And The digital TV is a software update method, characterized in that further comprising the step of upgrading the existing function by using the transmitted software information. The method of claim 10, The external medium capable of bidirectional communication, A software update method comprising a personal computer.

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