KR100986330B1 - Iptv system and method for managing preferred channel - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an IPTV system and method for managing a preferred channel in a separate menu in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service.

To this end, according to the present invention, if a channel selected according to a preference channel key input after selecting a predetermined channel is not a channel registered as a favorite channel, the present invention is included in the favorite menu. Perform the process of deleting from. At this time, the favorites menu according to the present invention is a menu composed of only the preferred channels, and includes icons of each of the preferred channels, and the icons are displayed in different shapes of icons for VOD service, real time broadcasting service, and additional service. It features.

IPTV, Favorite Content, Channel Registration, Icon

Description

IPTV system and method for managing favorite channel {IPTV SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING PREFERRED CHANNEL}

The present invention relates to an IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) service system, and more particularly, to an IPTV system and method for managing a preferred channel as a separate menu.

Nowadays, with the spread of broadband media and the increase in communication speed, the Internet is emerging as a new medium for enabling One source Multi Service. That is, a number of over-the-air television and radio channels, as well as multimedia contents provided by various Internet providers, are provided as broadcast services through the Internet. Demand is also on the rise.

A representative service that emerged from this background is an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service based on the Internet Protocol.

IPTV service is a two-way television service provided by using a high-speed Internet network. It refers to connecting a TV (television receiver) with an IPTV service providing server through an internet network through a set-top box. Accordingly, the information service, the video content, and the broadcast content of the IPTV service providing server are provided to the TV via the set top box.

IPTV is a type of Digital Convergence in that it is a convergence of Internet and TV. The IPTV service type includes a VOD service that provides VOD (Video On Demand) content and broadcast contents provided by a broadcasting center. There are real-time broadcasting services provided in real time and value added service (VAS) services, which are additional services such as games, karaoke, weather, fortune telling, and my folder.

In order to receive the IPTV service, the user may first select a desired service menu from a large menu, and then select a desired channel by selecting a middle menu and a small menu included in the selected service menu. In other words, the user can directly select the desired channel and program to receive the selected content. If the number of channels is small, there is no problem, but recently, as hundreds to thousands of channels are added, the user selects a channel that he frequently watches. In order to do that, you have to take the hassle of changing channels around.

Accordingly, there is a need for a method of separately managing channels and programs that users prefer from users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is derived from this need, and it is a technical object of the present invention to provide an IPTV system and method capable of separately managing IPTV channels and programs preferred by users who receive IPTV services.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an IPTV system for separately managing a preferred channel, comprising: an input device having a separate preferred channel key for managing a preferred channel, and a predetermined channel or If there is a key input of the preferred channel after content selection, it is checked whether the selected channel or content is a channel registered as a favorite channel, and if the selected channel or content is not a channel registered as a favorite channel, it is registered in the preferred channel list and enjoyed. Included in the search menu, and if the selected channel or content is a channel registered as a favorite channel as a result of the check, characterized in that it comprises an IPTV set-top box to delete from the favorite menu after deleting from the favorite channel list.

At this time, the favorite menu is a menu composed only of preference channels, and includes icons of each of the favorite channels, and the icons are displayed in icon shapes of different types for each VOD service, real time broadcasting service, and additional services. .

In addition, the IPTV set-top box, when registering the selected channel in the favorite menu, if the preference channel to be registered is a series product, classifies and registers the sub-menu as a series product for the preferred channel included in the sub menu. If this is updated, it is automatically stored in the submenu.

In addition, the IPTV set-top box, if there is a selection of the favorite menu, displays the icons for the preferred channels included in the favorite menu on the screen, and if there is a key input of the preferred channel after selecting a predetermined channel or content, the preference It is characterized by deleting from the favorite menu at the same time as deleting from the channel list.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the favorite menu selection may be performed by inputting the favorite channel key as a long key.

In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the favorite menu may include a sub-menu for separately storing only the preferred channels corresponding to the series among the preferred channels, wherein the preferred channel key is “♥” key. It features.

According to an aspect of the present invention, in the method for separately managing a preferred channel in an IPTV set-top box, when a predetermined channel or content is selected on a screen and there is a preferred channel key input of an input device, the selected channel or content is preferred. Checking whether the channel is registered as a channel, if the selected channel or content is not a channel registered as a favorite channel, registering it in the favorite channel list, and including it in a favorite menu; If is a channel registered as a favorite channel includes deleting from the favorite menu after deleting from the favorite channel list, the favorite menu is a menu consisting of only the favorite channels, including the icon of each of the favorite channels, The icons are classified by VOD service, real-time broadcasting service, and additional service. It is characterized by being displayed in different shapes of icons.

In addition, the process of including the selected channel in the favorite menu, the process of checking whether the preferred channel is a series after registering in the favorite channel list if the selected channel is not a channel registered as a favorite channel; If the selected preference channel is a series item, if the selected preference channel is a series item, classifying the sub-menu into the sub-menu; and if the selected preference channel is a series item, favorites Characterized in that it further comprises the process of inclusion in the menu.

And, if there is a favorite menu selection, displaying icons for the favorite channels included in the favorite menu on the screen, and if there is a key input of the preferred channel after selecting a predetermined channel, deleting the list from the favorite channel list. The method may further include deleting the bookmark menu.

In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the favorite menu may include a sub-menu for separately storing only the preferred channels corresponding to the series among the preferred channels.

According to the present invention described above, it is easy to manage preferred channels by managing IPTV channels and programs which are preferred by users who receive IPTV services by moving them to a separate favorite menu.

In addition, when the favorite menu item is selected, the preferred channel icon type is displayed differently according to VOD service, real-time service, and additional service, so that the user can check the service type at a glance, which is more convenient when managing the preferred channel.

In addition, a sub-menu for separately managing a favorite channel corresponding to a series included in a favorite menu item. For example, if a favorite channel registered with a catching menu is a series, it is automatically stored and registered in the catching menu. When a series is updated for a channel, it is automatically saved in the series menu item. Accordingly, the user has an advantage that the user can be provided with updated contents for the preferred channel which is a series without having to re-register.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same components in the figures represent the same numerals wherever possible.

Specific details are set forth in the following description, which is provided to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. In describing the present invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

First, before entering the description of the present invention will be described with respect to the terms described in the present invention. The preferred channel is a channel preferred by the user and includes both a real-time broadcasting channel and a channel for VOD content (ie, a program). Accordingly, the preferred channel registration and management in the present invention will be described as including not only the real time broadcasting channel but also the registration and management of the VOD content channel.

In addition, the present invention includes a favorite menu for managing preference channels in a large menu item. That is, when the large menu is displayed on the screen, the favorite menu according to the present invention will be displayed together with the real time broadcasting menu, the overseas movie menu, and the Korean movie menu. In this case, the menu display screen may be displayed as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this case, the favorite menu 500 displays icons of each of the favorite channels included when the favorite menu 500 is selected, and for a favorite channel corresponding to a series among the favorite channels, for example, a catch-up menu 510. Is indicated by). Such a sub menu allows the user to automatically save a series about a favorite channel registered by the user when updated in the server.

Hereinafter, an IPTV service system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In particular, a method for managing a preferred channel as a separate menu will be described in detail.

Next, an IPTV system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

An IPTV system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an IPTV service providing server 110, an IPTV set-top box 100, an output device 120, and an input device 130 for providing content.

First, the IPTV set-top box 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention receives information and content data for providing an IPTV service by accessing the IPTV service providing server 110 through the network interface 104. The network between the IPTV set-top box 100 and the IPTV service providing server 110 may be a communication using an IP (Internet Protocol) network, but is not limited to using the old IP-based network.

The IPTV set top box 100 includes a network interface 104, an input / output unit 106, a control unit 102, and a storage 108 as shown in FIG. 2.

In addition, the output device 120 connected to the IPTV set-top box 100 is a display device such as an LCD or a CRT, such as a TV, and receives screen data transmitted from the set-top box 100 and outputs it to the screen.

In addition, the input device (for example, the remote control) 130 is provided with a key necessary for the user to receive the IPTV service, in particular, the input device 130 according to the present invention registers a predetermined channel as a preferred channel and And a preferred channel key for deregistration. At this time, the preference channel key is a hot key for registering and managing a predetermined channel, and when a preference channel key is input, a preference channel key is provided. The preferred channel key may be provided separately on the remote control as a key such as “♥”, or may be used by assigning a function to one of the existing keys.

The network interface 104 is in charge of a network interface to facilitate communication between the set-top box 100 and the IPTV service providing server 110. That is, it provides a network environment suitable for remotely transmitting and receiving data between the set-top box 100 and the IPTV service providing server 110.

The input / output unit 106 is responsible for inputting and outputting various data related to real-time broadcasting content and VOD content. In particular, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform input / output of various data related to the preferred channel.

The controller 102 performs overall control of the set-top box 100, selects predetermined content or selects a predetermined channel from a channel list, and registers the selected channel as a preferred channel if there is a key input for registering a preferred channel. At this time, the input of the preferred channel key registers the selected channel as the preferred channel when the long key is input.

When a preference channel key input is input as a short key on a predetermined viewing screen, the control unit 102 displays the preferred channels included in the favorite menu while traveling on the screen.

Here, the long key is recognized as a long key when a key is pressed for more than a preset time, and the short key is recognized as a short key when a key is pressed for less than a preset time. For example, when a key is pressed for more than 3 seconds, the key may be recognized as a long key input. When a key is pressed for less than 3 seconds, the key may be recognized as a short key.

In addition, in the present invention, a channel registered as a favorite channel by a user is included in a favorite menu. In addition, if the favorite channel is a series when registering, it is included in the catch-up menu, which is a sub menu for registering a series separately. If there is an update for the corresponding channel, the updated content is automatically added to the catch-up menu. Save it.

In addition, when the controller 102 enters the preference channel key with a long key on the idle screen, the controller 102 moves to the bookmark menu, which is a menu for managing the preference channel. In this case, the standby screen is a screen waiting for a predetermined event input, and refers to all display screens as well as a screen such as a predetermined menu display screen or a viewing screen.

The storage 108 is a memory space for storing EPG information and a favorite channel list provided from the EPG provision server 320. At this time, the preference channel list includes information on the preference channels registered in the favorites by the user. For the preference channels which are a series of the preference channels, a predetermined identifier is displayed so as to be distinguished from other preference channels.

Then, a process for registering preferred channels in the favorite menu according to the present invention in the set-top box 100 configured as shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Also, a process for managing preferred channels registered through the favorite menu will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a process for registering and managing a preferred channel in a channel list screen such as an EPG or mini EPG according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a preferred channel in a program list screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. Is a flowchart illustrating a process for registering and managing a service. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process for managing a preference channel through a favorite menu according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 2, if a predetermined channel is selected in step 202 of the channel list screen, the controller 100 displays focusing in step 200. In step 204, the control unit 100 checks whether a preferred channel key is input from the input device 130. According to an embodiment of the present invention, if the favorite channel key is the “♥” key, the “♥” key is checked.

Thereafter, when the “♥” key is input while the predetermined channel is focused, the process proceeds to step 206 to determine whether the channel is registered in the favorite menu.

As a result of step 206, if the favorite channel to be registered is a menu that is already registered in the favorite menu, the process proceeds to step 209 to delete the selected channel from the favorite menu and simultaneously deletes it from the favorite channel list.

In addition, in step 206, if the favorite channel to be registered is a menu not registered in the favorite menu, the process proceeds to step 208 to register the selected channel to the favorite menu and to register it to the favorite channel list.

In this case, in step 208, if the preferred channel to be registered is a series item, the control unit 100 stores in a separate sub-menu item that registers the series items even in the menu item, and automatically updates the corresponding series item later. To be stored. By doing so, the user does not have to re-register updated contents for the favorite channel which is a series.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, a process for registering and managing a preferred channel in a program list screen according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Referring to FIG. 3, when predetermined content is selected from the program list screen by the controller 100 in step 300, the controller 100 transmits a preferred channel key (eg, a “♥” key) from the input device 130 in step 3042. Check if is entered.

If the “♥” key is entered, the flow proceeds to step 304 to check whether the channel is registered in the favorite menu.

If the favorite channel to be registered is a menu that is already registered in the favorite menu, the process proceeds to step 308 and the selected channel is deleted from the favorite menu and deleted from the favorite channel list.

In addition, in step 304, if the favorite channel to be registered is a menu not registered in the favorite menu, the process proceeds to step 306 to register the selected channel to the favorite menu and to register the favorite channel list.

In step 306, as in step 208 of FIG. 2, when the preferred channel to be registered is a series item, the control unit 100 stores the same in a separate sub menu item that registers the series items within the menu item. When an update to a series occurs, it can be saved automatically.

After the preferred channels are registered in the favorite menu as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the user can not only view and view the registered favorite channels through the favorite menu, but also delete the preferred channel from the favorite menu.

As described above, a process for managing the preferred channel in the favorite menu will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 4, in step 400, the controller 100 determines whether there is a favorite menu selection from the input device 130. At this time, the favorite menu can also be selected on the menu display screen as shown in FIG. 5 (a). When the favorite channel key (“♥” key) is pressed with a long key, the favorite menu can be directly moved to the favorite menu. You can choose.

If there is a favorite menu selection in step 400, the controller 100 proceeds to step 402 and the controller 100 displays the favorite channels registered in the favorite menu through the output device 120. It is displayed in the form of an icon of another form. For example, as shown in (b) of FIG. 5, in the case of a real-time broadcasting channel, the length of the left and right sides is a long rectangular shape, in the case of supplementary services, a square shape, and in the case of VOD, a long rectangular shape of the upper and lower sides is long. Can be displayed as

By doing so, the user can check the service type at a glance, which is more convenient when managing the preferred channel.

On the other hand, if the process proceeds from step 402 to step 404, the control unit 100 selects a predetermined channel among the favorite channels included in the favorite menu from the input device 130, and then enters the selected channel when the preferred channel key (“♥” key) is input. Delete from the favorites menu. At this time, the selected channel is deleted from the favorite menu and simultaneously deleted from the favorite channel list.

Thereafter, in step 408, the control unit 100 ends if there is a key input for ending the favorite menu from the input device 130. Otherwise, the control unit 100 proceeds to step 402 to continue the favorite menu management operation.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may implement the present invention in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features thereof. I can understand that.

Therefore, since the embodiments described above are provided to completely inform the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that they are exemplary in all respects and not limited. The invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

1 is a block diagram of an IPTV system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a flowchart illustrating a process for registering and managing a favorite channel in a channel list screen such as an EPG or a mini EPG according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a flowchart illustrating a process for registering and managing a favorite channel in a program list screen according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a flowchart illustrating a process for managing a preferred channel through a favorite menu according to an embodiment of the present invention;

5 is an exemplary screen diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen including a favorite menu according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

110: IPTV service providing server 100: IPTV set-top box

102: control unit 104: network interface

106: input / output unit 108: storage

120: output device 130: input device

Claims (11)

In the IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) system for separately managing the preferred channel, An input device having a separate preferred channel key for managing the preferred channel; If there is a key input of the preferred channel after selecting a predetermined channel or content from the input device during the screen display, it is checked whether the selected channel or content is a channel registered as the preferred channel, and as a result of the test, the selected channel or content is registered as the preferred channel If it is not content, the IPTV set-top is registered in the favorite channel list and included in the favorite menu. Including the box, The favorite menu is a menu composed only of favorite channels, and includes icons of respective favorite channels, and the icons are displayed in different icon shapes for each VOD service, real-time broadcasting service, and additional services. IPTV system for managing. The IPTV system of claim 1, wherein the favorite menu comprises a submenu for separately storing only the preferred channels corresponding to the series among the favorite channels. The method of claim 2, wherein the IPTV set-top box, When the selected channel is registered in the favorite menu, if the preferred channel to be registered is a series, the sub-menu is classified and registered. If the series for the preferred channel included in the sub-menu is updated, the sub is automatically updated. IPTV system for managing the preferred channel, characterized in that stored in the menu. The method of claim 1, wherein the IPTV set-top box, If the favorite menu is selected, icons for the preferred channels included in the favorite menu are displayed on the screen, and if there is a key input of the favorite channel after selecting a predetermined channel or content, the favorite channel is deleted from the favorite channel list and bookmarked at the same time. IPTV system for managing the preferred channel, characterized in that the deletion from the menu. The IPTV system of claim 4, wherein the favorite menu selection is selected by inputting the favorite channel key as a long key. The IPTV system of claim 1, wherein the preference channel key is a “♥” key. In a method for separately managing a preferred channel in an IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) set-top box, If there is a key input of a preferred channel of the input device after selecting a predetermined channel or content on the screen display, checking whether the selected channel or content is a registered channel as a preferred channel; If the selected channel or content is not a channel registered as a favorite channel as a result of the test, registering the selected channel or content in the favorite channel list and including it in the favorite menu; If the selected channel or content is a channel registered as a favorite channel as a result of the inspection, deleting from the favorite channel list and deleting from the favorite menu; The favorite menu is a menu composed only of favorite channels, and includes icons of respective favorite channels, and the icons are displayed in different icon shapes for each VOD service, real-time broadcasting service, and additional services. How to manage. The method of claim 7, wherein the favorite menu comprises a sub-menu for separately storing only the preferred channels corresponding to the series among the favorite channels. The method of claim 8, wherein the including the selected channel in the favorites menu comprises: If the selected channel is not a channel registered as a favorite channel, checking whether the favorite channel is a series after registering it in the preferred channel list; If the selected preference channel is a series, as a result of the test of whether the series is recognized, classifying the sub-menu into the sub-menu; And if the selected preference channel is not a series, as a result of a test for recognizing the series, further comprising the step of including it in a favorite menu. The method of claim 7, wherein If the favorite menu is selected, displaying icons for the preferred channels included in the favorite menu on a screen; And deleting the favorite channel key from the favorite menu at the same time as the favorite channel key input after a predetermined channel selection. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the preference channel key is a “♥” key.

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