KR101120664B1 - Method and apparatus for remote controlling set-top box - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are a method and apparatus for remotely controlling a set top box of another person using a mobile communication terminal. The apparatus for remotely controlling the set-top box of another person using the mobile communication terminal is based on the remote control authority request message when a remote control authority request message for remotely controlling the second set-top box is received from the first mobile communication terminal. The control terminal search unit for searching for a second mobile communication terminal having a remote control authority for the second set-top box, the searched second mobile communication terminal, the remote control authority for the second set-top box to the first A message transmitter for transmitting a remote control agreement request message for selecting whether to give consent to the mobile communication terminal, and when the consent message for the remote control agreement request message is received from the second mobile communication terminal, Suspend mobile control terminal remote control authority for the second set-top box It includes an authority control unit that grants to the enemy.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTE CONTROLLING SET-TOP BOX}

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for remotely controlling a set top box, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for remotely controlling a set top box of another person using a mobile communication terminal.

IPTV remote control is a function of controlling an IPTV service or an IPTV set-top box (STB) through a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone.

In order to perform IPTV remote control, the mobile phone number of the mobile communication terminal and the ID of the IPTV set-top box to be remotely controlled are mapped through a procedure such as a service subscription. The process is transmitted to the IPTV set-top box mapped with the terminal.

However, since the IPTV remote control is required for security, it is possible only between a mobile communication terminal and an IPTV set-top box registered through self-authentication when subscribing a service, and there is a limitation in that it is not possible to control another person's IPTV set-top box.

That is, as described above, in order to perform IPTV remote control, a database for mapping IDs of the mobile communication terminal and the IPTV set-top box is basically configured for user authentication, and so on. To give is a difficult problem.

For example, in the situation where various IPTV services are being provided, more and more children are installing IPTV in elderly parents' homes, but for older parents, IPTV service is difficult and complicated, so that IPTV can be viewed simply by watching over-the-air broadcasting. Most often only use.

If parents want to use a particular IPTV service, such as watching VOD, their remote children can also explain how to operate the menu or use the service over the phone.

In this case, if the elderly parents do not understand the explanation of the children well, eventually occurs that does not use the specific IPTV service desired.

Accordingly, Korean Patent No. 912,537 (a remote control method and system thereof) disclosed a technique of controlling a plurality of IPTV terminals without changing the hardware and software configuration of the IPTV terminal (set-top box).

However, this only controls a large number of IPTV terminals in the administrator's terminal, there is still a limit that can not control another person's IPTV set-top box if necessary.

Therefore, there is a need for a method of requesting remote control authority to a user of an IPTV set-top box requiring remote control in a simple manner and returning the remote control authority in a simple manner when the remote control is no longer needed.

In order to solve the above problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for easily obtaining the consent of the other party to remotely control another person's IPTV set-top box, and remotely control the set-top box.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not mentioned can be clearly understood from the following description.

In order to achieve the above object, an apparatus for remotely controlling another person's set-top box by using a mobile communication terminal according to an aspect of the present invention, the remote control authority for remote control of the second set-top box from the first mobile communication terminal When the request message is received, based on the remote control authority request message, the control terminal search unit for searching for a second mobile communication terminal having a remote control authority for the second set-top box, the searched second mobile communication terminal, A message transmitter for transmitting a remote control agreement request message for selecting whether to agree to grant the first mobile communication terminal a remote control right to the second set top box, and the remote control from the second mobile communication terminal When the consent message for the consent request message is received, the first mobile communication terminal To include authorization control section for giving a remote control for the second set top box temporarily.

In order to achieve the above object, a method of remotely controlling another person's set-top box using a communication terminal according to an aspect of the present invention (a) remote control authority for remotely controlling another person's set-top box from the first communication terminal Receiving a request message, (b) retrieving a remote controllable second set top box based on the remote control authority request message, and (c) with the retrieved second set top box, remote to the second set top box. Transmitting a remote control agreement request message requesting the user to select whether or not to consent to granting the control right to the first communication terminal; and (d) the consent message for the remote control agreement request message from the second set-top box. When received, temporarily granting the first communication terminal a remote control right to the second set top box It includes.

In order to achieve the above object, a method of remotely controlling another person's set-top box using a communication terminal according to another aspect of the present invention (a) remote control authority for remotely controlling another person's set-top box from the first communication terminal Receiving a request message, (b) searching for a remote controllable second set-top box based on the remote control authority request message, and searching for a second communication terminal having remote control authority for the searched second set-top box; (C) transmitting a remote control agreement request message to the searched second communication terminal requesting whether to agree whether to grant the first communication terminal a remote control right to the second set-top box; And (d) if a consent message for the remote control agreement request message is received from the second communication terminal, And temporarily granting a remote control right to the second set-top box to the first communication terminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It is provided to fully inform the owner of the scope of the invention.

According to one of the problem solving means of the method and apparatus for remotely controlling the set-top box of the present invention, it is possible to simply request the control authority to the user of the remote control IPTV set-top box.

In addition, since the remote control is temporarily performed only when the user of the remote control target IPTV set-top box agrees with another person's remote control of his or her IPTV set-top box, the anxiety about illegal control of the other person can be solved.

In addition, when the remote control is no longer needed, a user who remotely controlled another person's IPTV set-top box can easily return control authority of the IPTV set-top box.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system for remotely controlling a set-top box of another person using a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus for remotely controlling another person's set-top box using a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3A and 3B are flowcharts illustrating a process of remotely controlling a set-top box of another person using a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a remote control information DB according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention.

The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

In the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in order to clearly describe the present invention, and like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the specification.

For reference, in the entire specification, when a part is "connected" to another part, it is not only "directly connected" but also "electrically connected" with another element in between. Also includes.

Also, when an element is referred to as "comprising ", it means that it can include other elements as well, without departing from the other elements unless specifically stated otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system for remotely controlling a set-top box of another person using a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A system for remotely controlling another person's set-top box using a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first mobile communication terminal 111, a first IPTV set-top box 112, a remote control server 120, and a first communication terminal. Two mobile communication terminals 131 and a second IPTV set-top box 132.

For reference, the first mobile communication terminal 111 subscribes to a service for remotely controlling an IPTV set-top box (hereinafter referred to as a set-top box) and registers the first set-top box 112 as a remote control target set-top box. The second mobile communication terminal 131 also subscribes to a service for remotely controlling the set-top box and registers the second set-top box 132 as a remote control target set-top box.

Hereinafter, a case of remotely controlling the second set-top box 132 which is another set-top box using the first mobile communication terminal 111 will be described.

Referring to each component, the first mobile communication terminal 111 to control the second set-top box 132, which is another set-top box remotely, a wireless application protocol, that is, the wireless Internet (Wireless Application Protocol, hereinafter) It is provided with an interface for remote control of the set-top box through the "WAP", etc., the identifier of the second set-top box 132, personal information of the user of the second set-top box 132 to the interface (for example, Name, part of the social security number or address) and one of the mobile phone numbers of the second mobile communication terminal 131 registered to remotely control the second set-top box 132.

Thereafter, the first mobile communication terminal 111 transmits a 'remote control authority request message' including the above-described information input to the interface to the remote control server 120.

In addition, the first mobile communication terminal 111 may transmit a "remote control authority request message" to the remote control server 120 using a short message SMS.

That is, the identifier of the second set-top box 132, the personal information of the user of the second set-top box 132 (for example, a name, a social security number or a part of an address, etc.) and the second set-top box 132 are remotely controlled. One of the mobile phone numbers of the second mobile communication terminal 131 registered to be transmitted may be transmitted to a predetermined representative number for the control service.

For reference, the first mobile communication terminal 111 transmits a 'remote control authority request message' to the remote control server 120 and then obtains a 'remote control consent request message' for the second set-top box 132 user's consent. A list of devices that can be displayed may be received from the remote control server 120.

For example, when the remote control authority request message includes the social security number of the user of the second set-top box 132, the remote control server 120 searches whether the set-top box and the mobile communication terminal mapped with the corresponding social security number exist, The identifier of the second set-top box 132 and the mobile phone number of the second mobile communication terminal 131 may be transmitted to the first mobile communication terminal 111.

Thereafter, the first mobile communication terminal 111 receives the identifier of the second set-top box 132 and the telephone number of the second mobile communication terminal 131 as a list, and selects information about any one of them from the remote control server. When transmitting to 120, the remote control server 120 may transmit a 'remote control agreement request message' to the device selected by the first mobile communication terminal 111.

Thereafter, the first mobile communication terminal 111 may receive a message indicating that the remote control authority for the second set-top box 132 is temporarily granted from the remote control server 120.

In addition, the first mobile communication terminal 111 transmits a 'remote control authority request message' to the remote control server 120 by using the WAP or short message (SMS), and then a plurality of set-top boxes capable of remote control. The identifier may be received from the remote control server 120.

For example, when the remote control authority request message is transmitted to the remote control server 120 including the mobile phone number of a specific mobile communication terminal, the remote control server 120 has a set-top box mapped to the mobile phone number. If the mobile phone number is registered to control the plurality of set-top boxes, the identifier of the set-top box is transmitted to the first mobile communication terminal 111.

Thereafter, the first mobile communication terminal 111 may select any one of the plurality of set-top box identifiers received from the remote control server 120 to remotely control the selected set-top box.

For reference, when the second set-top box 132 that the first mobile communication terminal 111 wants to remotely control is in an inactive state, the first mobile communication terminal 111 may deactivate the set-top box from the remote control server 120. You may also receive a message indicating a status.

In addition, when the first mobile communication terminal 111 wants to terminate the remote control for the second set-top box 132, the remote control authority return request message is remotely transmitted using the WAP or the short message (SMS). The control server 120 may transmit.

At this time, the remote control authority return does not require the consent of the user of the second set-top box 132, and transmits a 'remote control authority return request message' to the remote control server 120 to remotely control the second set-top box 132. Control authority may be returned.

Thereafter, the first mobile communication terminal 111 may receive a message indicating that the remote control authority for the second set-top box 132 is normally returned from the remote control server 120.

On the other hand, the remote control server 120 maps the information on each set-top box and the information of the mobile communication terminal having the remote control authority for the set-top box to store in the remote control information DB.

The information on the set-top box may include an identifier of the set-top box, the name and social security number of the user of the set-top box, and the information of the mobile terminal having the remote control authority includes the mobile phone number of the mobile terminal. do.

In addition, the remote control server 120 provides the first mobile communication terminal 111 with a predetermined interface for remotely controlling the set-top box of another person, that is, the second set-top box 132 through a WAP or the like.

Thereafter, the remote control server 120 receives a 'remote control authority request message' using a WAP or short message from the first mobile communication terminal 111.

Herein, the 'remote control request message' includes an identifier of the second set-top box 132, personal information of the user of the second set-top box 132 (eg, a name, a social security number or a part of an address), and a second set-top box. One of the mobile telephone numbers of the second mobile communication terminal 131 registered to remotely control 132.

Thereafter, the remote control server 120 remotes the second set-top box 132 and the second set-top box 132 that the first mobile communication terminal 111 wants to control based on the 'remote control authority request message'. The mobile telephone number of the second mobile communication terminal 131 having control authority is retrieved from the remote control information DB.

For example, if the 'remote control request message' includes the social security number of the second set-top box 132 user, the remote control server 120 maps the second set-top box 132 from the remote control information DB to the corresponding social security number. And retrieve the mobile phone number of the second mobile communication terminal 131 having the remote control right for the second set top box 132.

Thereafter, the remote control server 120 requests a consent for temporarily granting the first mobile communication terminal 111 the remote control authority for the second set-top box 132 (hereinafter, referred to as a 'remote control agreement request'). Message ”may be transmitted to the second set top box 132 or the second mobile communication terminal 131.

At this time, the remote control server 120 may transmit the "remote control agreement request message" in the form of SMS or MMS using a mobile communication network.

In addition, the remote control server 120 may transmit the retrieved identifier of the second set-top box 132 and the mobile phone number of the second mobile communication terminal 131 to the first mobile communication terminal 111.

At this time, the remote control server 120 transmits the name of the user of the second set-top box 132 together with the identifier of the second set-top box 132, so that the user of the first mobile communication terminal 111 can easily control the remote control. You can also check.

Then, the remote control server 120 receives the selection information for any one of the identifier of the second set-top box 132 and the mobile phone number of the second mobile communication terminal 131 from the first mobile communication terminal 111 May be referred to as a “remote control agreement request message” to the selected device.

At this time, if the selected device is the second set-top box 132, the remote control server 120 checks whether the state of the second set-top box 132 is activated, and as a result of the check, the second set-top box 132 is In the activated state, a 'remote control agreement request message' may be transmitted.

If, as a result of the check, the second set-top box 132 is in an inactive state, the remote control server 120 transmits a message indicating that the second set-top box 132, which is a remote control target, is in an inactive state, to the first mobile communication terminal 111. Can be sent to.

For reference, the above 'remote control consent message' is “one time if you agree to grant [temporary] remote control authority for the second set-top box 132 to the first mobile communication terminal 111. Please select the number 2 ”. The second set-top box 132 may include a content requesting a user's selection.

Thereafter, the remote control server 120 receives a response (selection information) message for the 'remote control agreement request message' from the second set top box 132 or the second mobile communication terminal 131.

In this case, the second mobile communication terminal 131 may transmit a response message for the 'remote control agreement request message' to the remote control server 120 in the form of SMS or MMS using a mobile communication network, and the second set-top box ( 132 may transmit a response message for the 'remote control agreement request message' to the remote control server 120 using the Internet network.

Subsequently, when the remote control server 120 receives the 'remote control consent request message' as a result, a response message indicating that the remote control server 120 receives the remote control server 120 controls the remote control of the second set-top box 132 to the first mobile communication terminal 111. Grant permission 'temporarily'.

In this case, the remote control server 120 may transmit a message indicating that the remote control authority for the second set-top box 132 is temporarily granted to the first mobile communication terminal 111.

When the first mobile communication terminal 111 is granted the remote control authority for the second set-top box 132, the remote control server 120 uses the mobile phone number of the first mobile communication terminal 111 to perform the first call. The remote control information DB searches whether the first set-top box 112 that the mobile communication terminal 111 can remotely control exists.

As a result of the search, when the first set-top box 112 exists, the remote control server 120 may temporarily release the remote control authority of the first mobile communication terminal 111 with respect to the first set-top box 112. .

As such, the reason for temporarily releasing the remote control authority of the first mobile communication terminal 111 with respect to the first set-top box 112 is that the first mobile communication terminal 111 remotely controls the second set-top box 132. When the control signal is transmitted to control, the control signal may be prevented from affecting not only the second set top box 132 but also the first set top box 112.

Thereafter, the remote control server 120 receives a remote control signal for remotely controlling the second set-top box 132 from the first mobile communication terminal 111, and converts it into a remote control command to convert the second set-top box 132. To send.

In addition, the remote control server 120 receives a 'remote control authority return message' for the second set-top box 132 from the first mobile communication terminal 111, and the first mobile communication terminal 111 has been assigned to the first 2 Release the temporary remote control permission for the set top box 132.

When the temporary remote control authority of the first mobile communication terminal 111 with respect to the second set top box 132 is released, the remote control server 120 grants the remote control authority with respect to the first set top box 112 which was temporarily released. Give it back to the first mobile communication terminal (111).

For reference, in the remote control authority return procedure, since the consent of the user of the second set-top box 132 is not necessary, the remote control server 120 immediately receives a remote control authority return message from the first mobile communication terminal 111. You can revoke that control.

Meanwhile, the second mobile communication terminal 131 receives a "remote control agreement request message" for the first mobile communication terminal from the remote control server 120.

In this case, the “remote control agreement message” received by the second mobile communication terminal 131 may be a message in the form of SMS or MMS using a mobile communication network.

For reference, the 'remote control consent message' is “1, if you agree to grant [temporary] the remote control right to the second set-top box 132 to the first mobile communication terminal 111, and 2 if you do not agree. Please select. ”The second set-top box 132 may include a content requesting a user's selection.

In this case, it can be emphasized that the remote control authority is granted to the first mobile communication terminal 111 as 'temporary'. For example, the corresponding character may be displayed in a bold type, and special characters before and after the character 'temporary' may be used. Symbols may be included.

Thereafter, the second mobile communication terminal 131 transmits a response message for the “remote control agreement request message” to the remote control server 120.

In this case, the second mobile communication terminal 131 may transmit a response to the "remote control agreement message" to the remote control server 120 in the form of SMS or MMS using a mobile communication network.

For reference, the 'remote control agreement request message' may be received by the second set-top box 132 and displayed on an IPTV display device (hereinafter, referred to as a TV).

In this case, the user of the second set-top box 132 may view the 'remote control agreement request message' displayed on the TV and select a key of the remote controller corresponding to the agreement or disagreement using the remote controller.

Thereafter, the second set-top box 132 may transmit the user's selection information input from the remote controller to the remote control server 120.

Thereafter, the second set-top box 132 may receive a message from the remote control server 120 informing that the first mobile communication terminal 111 has been temporarily granted the remote control right, which is displayed on the TV. Can be.

2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus for remotely controlling another person's set-top box using a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The apparatus 120 for remotely controlling another person's set-top box using a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a remote control information DB 121, a message receiving unit 122, a control command converting unit 123, The control terminal searching unit 124, the message transmitting unit 125 and the authority control unit 126.

When describing each component, the remote control information DB 121 is registered to remotely control the identifier of each set-top box, the name and social security number and address of the set-top box user, the set-top box, that is, the remote control authority It includes at least one of the mobile phone number of the mobile communication terminal having a.

In addition, the remote control information DB 121 stores the mobile telephone number of the mobile communication terminal that temporarily has remote control authority for each set-top box.

A detailed description of the remote control information DB 121 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

Meanwhile, the message receiver 122 receives a 'remote control authority request message' for remotely controlling the second set-top box 132 from the first mobile communication terminal 111 and transmits it to the control terminal searcher 124. do.

In addition, the message receiver 122 receives a response message for the “remote control agreement request message” from the second mobile communication terminal 131 and transmits the response message to the control authority 126.

For reference, the message receiver 122 may receive a response message for the 'remote control agreement request message' from the second set-top box 132.

That is, the user of the second set-top box 132 may transmit a response message for the 'remote control agreement request message' using the second mobile communication terminal 131, but check the 'remote control agreement request message' to the TV. In addition, the second set-top box 132 may transmit a response message to the 'remote control agreement request message'.

In addition, the message receiving unit 122 receives a control message for remotely controlling the second set-top box 132 from the first mobile communication terminal 111 and transmits it to the control command converting unit 123.

Here, the control message includes selection information of a key (for example, a numeric key, a menu key, a special character key, etc.) included in the keypad of the first mobile communication terminal 111.

Meanwhile, when the control command converting unit 123 receives a control message for remotely controlling the second set-top box 132 from the message receiving unit 122, the control message, that is, the keypad of the first mobile communication terminal 111. The selection information of a key (for example, a numeric key, a menu key, or a special character key) included in the information is converted into a control command corresponding to the selection information, and transmitted to the message transmitter 125.

To this end, the control command conversion unit 123 may be linked with the control command conversion information DB 123a which stores the control commands of each key included in the keypad of the mobile communication terminal and the set-top box corresponding to the corresponding key.

On the other hand, when the control terminal searcher 124 receives the remote control request message of the first mobile communication terminal 111 from the message receiver 122, the control terminal searcher 124 receives the first mobile communication based on the received 'remote control authority request message'. The mobile phone number of the second mobile communication terminal 131 having the remote control authority for the second set top box 132 and the second set top box 132 that the terminal 111 wants to control is retrieved from the remote control information DB. The search result is transmitted to the message transmitter 123.

For example, when the 'remote control request message' includes the social security number of the user of the second set-top box 132, the control terminal search unit 124 is mapped to the second social security number from the remote control information DB 121. The mobile telephone number of the second mobile communication terminal 131 having the remote control authority for the box 132 and the second set-top box 132 may be searched and transmitted to the message transmitter 123.

In addition, when the 'remote control request message' includes the mobile phone number of the second mobile communication terminal 131, the control terminal search unit 124 is the first mapped to the mobile phone number from the remote control information DB 121; The set-top box 132 may be searched and transmitted to the message transmitter 123.

In this case, when there are a plurality of set-top boxes mapped to the mobile phone numbers of the second mobile communication terminal 131, the control terminal searcher 124 may transmit the searched plurality of set-top box identifiers to the message transmitter 123.

In addition, when the remote control authority for the second set-top box 132 is temporarily granted to the first mobile communication terminal 111, the control terminal searcher 122 may remotely control the first mobile communication terminal 111. The first set-top box 112 may be searched for from the remote control information DB 121, and the search result is transmitted to the authority controller 126.

In addition, when the temporary remote control authority for the second set-top box 132 granted to the first mobile communication terminal 111 is released, the control terminal searcher 122 temporarily releases the first mobile communication terminal 111. The remote control information DB 121 checks whether there is a remote control authority, and transmits the search result to the authority control unit 126.

Meanwhile, the message transmitter 123 transmits a 'remote control agreement request message' to the second mobile communication terminal 131 or the second set top box 132.

In this case, the message transmission unit 123 may transmit a 'remote control agreement request message' to the second mobile communication terminal 131 in the form of SMS or MMS using a mobile communication network, and the second set-top box using an internet network. The remote control agreement request message may be transmitted to 132.

For reference, the 'remote control agreement request message' is “1, if you agree to grant the temporary control authority [secondary] to the first mobile communication terminal 111 for the second set-top box 132, 2 if you do not agree 2 Please select the number. ”The second set-top box 132 may include a content requesting a user's selection.

In addition, the message transmitter 123 transmits the control command message received from the control command converter 123 to the second set-top box 132.

On the other hand, if the control unit 124 receives the response message (selection information to agree) for the 'remote control agreement request message' from the second mobile communication terminal 131, the message receiving unit 122, the first mobile communication terminal ( 111 is temporarily granted remote control authority to the second set-top box 132, and the contents thereof are recorded in the remote control information DB 121. FIG.

Thereafter, the authority controller 124 requests the control terminal searcher 122 to search whether the first set-top box 112 that the first mobile communication terminal 111 can remotely control exists. The control terminal searcher 122 receives the request result.

As a result of the reception, if present, the authority control unit 124 temporarily releases the remote control authority of the first mobile communication terminal 111 with respect to the first set-top box 112, and the contents thereof are remote control information DB 121. To record.

In addition, when the remote control authority return message for the second set-top box 132 is received by the message receiver 122 from the first mobile communication terminal 111, the rights controller 124 transmits the message to the first mobile communication terminal 111. The temporary remote control authority for the given second set-top box 132 is released, and the contents thereof are recorded in the remote control information DB 121.

Thereafter, the right control unit 124 requests the control terminal search unit 122 to search whether the first set-top box 112 is temporarily released for the first mobile communication terminal 111, The request result is received from the control terminal searcher 122.

As a result of the reception, if present, the authority control unit 124 grants the remote control right of the first mobile communication terminal 111 to the first set-top box 112 again, and transmits the contents to the remote control information DB 121. Record it.

As described above, although the terms of the first mobile communication terminal 111 and the second mobile communication terminal 131 are used, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the mobile communication terminal, and may be remotely communicated with an IP address. It is also possible to use a communication terminal including a computer, a notebook computer and the like.

2 refers to a hardware component such as software or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and performs predetermined roles .

However, 'components' are not meant to be limited to software or hardware, and each component may be configured to be in an addressable storage medium or may be configured to reproduce one or more processors.

Thus, by way of example, an element may comprise components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, Routines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

Components and the functionality provided within those components may be combined into a smaller number of components or further separated into additional components.

3A and 3B are flowcharts illustrating a process of remotely controlling a set-top box of another person using a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the flowchart of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to the components of the system shown in FIG. 1.

For convenience of description, the first mobile communication terminal 111 is a child's mobile phone 111, the first set-top box 112 is a set-top box installed in the child's home (hereinafter referred to as "child's set-top box") 112 ), So that the second mobile communication terminal 131 is called a parent's mobile phone 131 and the second set-top box 132 is a set-top box (hereinafter referred to as' parent's set-top box ') 132 installed in the parents' home. do.

Older parents want to watch a specific VOD through the VOD service, but because of the complexity of using the IPTV service, they have asked their children to play the specific VOD through remote control.

First, the remote control server 120 receives a 'remote control authority request message' for controlling the parent set-top box 132 from the child's mobile phone 111 (S301).

Here, the 'remote control authority request message' may include any one of the parent's set-top box identifier, the parent's mobile phone number or the parent's social security number.

After step S301, the remote control server 120 retrieves the parent's mobile phone 131 phone number from the remote control information DB 121 based on the "remote control authority request message" (S302).

At this time, the remote control server 120 retrieves the parent's personal information (for example, the parent's name, the first six digits of the parent's social security number, etc.) associated with the retrieved parent's mobile phone 131 phone number of the child's mobile phone (111). ), The child who is the remote control requester can confirm the remote control target.

After step S302, the remote control server 120 transmits the "remote control agreement request message" to the mobile phone 131 of the parent retrieved in step S302 (S303).

In this case, the remote control server 120 may transmit the "remote control agreement request message" to the child's mobile phone 111 in the form of SMS or MMS using a mobile communication network.

For reference, the remote control server 120 may transmit the 'remote control agreement request message' to the parent set-top box 132 instead of the parent's mobile phone 131, in this case, the remote control server 120 of the parent It is possible to check whether the state of the set-top box 132 is in an activated state, and when it is confirmed that the set-top box 132 is in the activated state, the remote control agreement request message may be transmitted to the set-top box 132 of the parent.

If the parent's set-top box 132 is inactive, the remote control server 120 may transmit a message indicating that the parent's set-top box 132 is inactive to the child's mobile phone 111.

In addition, 'Remote control consent request message' means that “If you agree to grant OO0's remote control authority to IPTV as [temporary], please select 1, and if you do not agree, select 2”. May contain content requiring selection.

After step S303, the remote control server 120 receives a response message (selection information indicating consent) for the 'remote control agreement request message' from the mobile phone 131 of the parent (S304).

In this case, the second mobile communication terminal 131 may transmit a response message for the “remote control agreement request message” to the remote control server 120 in the form of SMS or MMS using a mobile communication network.

If the 'remote control agreement request message' is transmitted to the parent's set-top box 132, the parent's set-top box 132 sends a response message to the 'remote control agreement request message' using the internet network to control the remote control server ( 120).

After step S304, based on the response message received in step S304, the remote control server 120 grants the child's mobile phone 111 the remote control authority for the parent set-top box 132, the child's set-top box ( The remote control authority of the mobile phone 111 of the child for 112 is temporarily released (S305).

After step S305, the remote control server 120 receives a control message for controlling the set-top box 132 of the parent from the child's mobile phone 111, and converts the received control message into a set-top box control command corresponding to the message. And transmits to the set-top box 132 of the parents (S306).

Herein, the control message includes selection information of a key (for example, a numeric key, a menu key, or a special character key) included in the keypad of the child's mobile phone 111.

After step S306, when the child remotely plays the specific VOD that the parents want to watch and no longer need to control the parent's set-top box 132, the remote control server 120 from the child's mobile phone 111 A remote control authority return message 'is received (S307).

After step S307, the remote control server 120 releases the remote control authority of the child's mobile phone 111 to the parent set-top box 132, the remote control authority for the child's set-top box 112 that was temporarily released. Give again to the child's mobile phone 111 (S308).

At this time, the remote control server 120 does not need to receive the parent's consent for the remote control authority return.

After step S308, the remote control server 120 transmits to the child's mobile phone 111 that the remote control authority return has been normally processed (S309).

4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a remote control information DB according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The remote control information DB 121 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an identifier 121a of each set-top box, a name and social security number and address 121b of the set-top box user, and remote control of the set-top box when the service is subscribed. Mobile phone number 121c of the mobile communication terminal registered to have authority, whether to control the mobile phone number (121d), or mobile phone number of another mobile communication terminal temporarily having remote control authority for the set-top box. (121e).

When subscribing to a service, the granting and releasing of the mobile phone number 121c of the mobile communication terminal registered to have the remote control right for the corresponding set-top box is 'Y' (meaning that permission is granted) or 'N' (permission). Permissions can be controlled using simple characters, such as

In addition, the mobile phone number 121d of the mobile communication terminal of another person who temporarily has the remote control authority for the set-top box is the mobile communication in which the remote control authority was temporarily granted and released most recently as shown in FIG. The phone number of the terminal can be stored.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the control authority 121d of the registered mobile phone number is displayed as 'Y' as shown in FIG. 4, the mobile communication terminal currently having remote control authority of the corresponding set-top box is registered when the service is subscribed. If the mobile communication terminal 121c and the control authority 121d of the registered mobile phone number when the service is subscribed is indicated as 'N', the mobile communication terminal currently having the remote control authority of the corresponding set-top box corresponds to the set-top box. A mobile communication terminal 121c of another person who temporarily has remote control authority.

For reference, a DB for storing only a change history of a mobile communication terminal of another person having a remote control right for each set-top box may be separately connected to the remote control information DB 121.

The foregoing description of the present invention is intended for illustration, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be easily modified in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. will be.

It is therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive.

For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined form.

The scope of the present invention is shown by the following claims rather than the above description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention. do.

120: remote control server 124: control terminal search unit
121: remote control information DB 125: message transmission unit
122: message receiving unit 126: authority control unit
123: control command conversion unit

Claims (15)

An apparatus for remotely controlling another person's set-top box using a mobile communication terminal,
When a remote control authority request message for remotely controlling the second set-top box is received from the first mobile communication terminal, the second mobile communication having the remote control authority for the second set-top box based on the remote control authority request message. A control terminal searching unit searching for a terminal,
A message transmitter for transmitting a remote control agreement request message to the searched second mobile communication terminal to select whether to agree to grant the first mobile communication terminal a remote control right to the second set top box;
If the consent message for the remote control agreement request message is received from the second mobile communication terminal, the authority control unit to temporarily grant the remote control authority for the second set-top box to the first mobile communication terminal.
Including, set-top box remote control device.
The method of claim 1,
When the right control unit receives a remote control authority return message for returning the remote control authority for the second set-top box from the first mobile communication terminal, the remote control for the second set-top box granted to the first mobile terminal is received. Set-top box remote control device, to release control.
The method of claim 2,
When the remote control authority for the second set-top box is temporarily granted to the first mobile communication terminal, the privilege control unit temporarily controls the remote control authority of the first mobile communication terminal for the existing first set-top box. Released, set-top box remote control device.
The method of claim 3, wherein
When the temporary remote control authority for the second set-top box granted to the first mobile communication terminal is released, the authority controller controls the first mobile communication terminal for remote control authority for the temporarily released first set-top box. Granted again, set-top box remote control device.
The method of claim 1,
And the control terminal searching unit searches for the second set top box based on the remote control authority request message.
The method of claim 5, wherein
And the message transmitting unit transmits the remote control agreement request message to the searched second set-top box when the searched second set-top box is in an activated state.
The method of claim 1,
The remote control authority request message may be received via wireless Internet or a short message (SMS), the identifier of the second set-top box, the personal information of the user of the second set-top box or the mobile telephone number of the second mobile communication terminal That includes, set-top box remote control device.
In the method of remotely controlling another person's set-top box using a communication terminal,
(a) receiving a remote control authority request message for remotely controlling another person's set-top box from a first communication terminal,
(b) searching for a second remote controllable set top box based on the remote control authority request message;
(c) transmitting a remote control agreement request message to the searched second set top box, requesting whether to agree whether to grant the first communication terminal a remote control right to the second set top box; and
(d) if the consent message for the remote control agreement request message is received from the second set top box, temporarily granting the first communication terminal a remote control right for the second set top box,
Step (c) is
(c-1) checking whether the found second set-top box is in an activated state, and
(c-2) if the searched second set-top box is in an activated state, transmitting the remote control agreement request message to the searched second set-top box;
Including, set-top box remote control method.
delete In the method of remotely controlling another person's set-top box using a communication terminal,
(a) receiving a remote control authority request message for remotely controlling another person's set-top box from a first communication terminal,
(b) searching for a second set top box remotely controllable based on the remote control authority request message, and searching for a second communication terminal having remote control authority for the searched second set top box;
(c) transmitting a remote control agreement request message to the searched second communication terminal requesting whether to agree whether to grant the first communication terminal a remote control right to the second set top box;
(d) when the consent message for the remote control agreement request message is received from the second communication terminal, temporarily granting the first communication terminal a remote control authority for the second set-top box;
Including, set-top box remote control method.
The method according to claim 8 or 10,
(e) In step (d), if the remote control authority for the second set-top box is temporarily granted to the first communication terminal, search whether there is a first set-top box that is a remote control target of the first communication terminal. Temporarily releasing the remote control authority of the first mobile communication terminal to the first set top box
Further comprising, a set-top box remote control method.
The method of claim 11,
(f-1) When the remote control authority return message for returning the remote control authority for the second set-top box is received from the first communication terminal, the remote control for the second set-top box granted to the first communication terminal. Steps to release permissions and
(f-2) re-granting the remote control right to the first set-top box to the first communication terminal
Further comprising, a set-top box remote control method.
The method of claim 12,
(g) if a control signal for remotely controlling the second set-top box is received from the first communication terminal, transmitting a control command message corresponding to the received control signal to the second set-top box;
Further comprising, a set-top box remote control method.
The method according to claim 8 or 10,
The step (a) is to receive the identifier of the second set-top box, the personal information of the user of the second set-top box or the mobile phone number of the second mobile communication terminal, set-top box remote control method.
The method of claim 14,
Step (b) is
(b-1) searching for a second remote controllable set top box based on the remote control authority request;
(b-2) if the plurality of set-top boxes exist as a result of the search, transmitting the information on the searched plurality of set-top boxes to the first communication terminal; and
(b-3) receiving selection information on any one of the plurality of set-top boxes from the first communication terminal
Including, set-top box remote control method.

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