KR101953628B1 - Set-top box device, and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a set-top box device to realize a method (technology), capable of maintaining a playback right of collection content purchased in a previous platform by the same subscriber even if a platform is changed by exchange of a set-top box, and an operation method thereof. According to the present invention, the set-top box device comprises: a connection checking unit to check whether a portable storage device is connected; a portable storage device authentication unit; and a control unit to reproduce collection content purchased in other platforms by a subscriber based on collection content information previously stored in the portable storage device when the subscriber of the portable storage device is authenticated as a platform exchange subscriber.

Description

[0001] SET-TOP BOX DEVICE, AND CONTROL METHOD [0002]

The present invention relates to content for a subscriber having a purchasing and playback right, and more particularly, to a subscriber who is allowed to purchase and reproduce content owned by a previous platform even when the same subscriber switches the set- It is about a plan that can be done.

As digital-based digital television technology has been commercialized in recent years, various contents can be provided through a network such as the Internet connected to each home. Cable services and IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) services are examples.

Such a cable service and IPTV service can be classified into a VoD (Video on Demand) program that can be viewed in real time, such as a broadcast program broadcast in real time (e.g., broadcast content) (Set-top Box), and provides a service environment in which a user can easily view various contents desired by the subscriber.

The set-top box receives and reproduces contents of a broadcast program or a VoD program from a subscribed platform, that is, a platform device operated by an affiliated cable provider or an IPTV provider.

In particular, in the case of paid contents that can be reproduced and watched only after paying the amount of money, the set-top box pays (billing) the amount according to the payment procedure of the subscribed platform and purchases playback rights Key).

Therefore, in the case of a subscriber, it is possible to reproduce and listen to the contents for collection (that is, paid contents purchased by paying the already paid amount) at any time by using the reproduction right (for example, DRM rights key) held in the settop box.

However, since the set-top box supporting the platform is different for each platform such as the cable operator and the IPTV provider, authentication, policy, and security system for the set-top box are different. In the current service, the same subscriber changes the set- If you switch, you will not be able to retain playback rights for content you have purchased from your previous platform.

As a result, in the case of a subscriber, when the platform is switched, since the reproduction right of the content for the small intestinal content purchased after paying the amount in the previous platform is not maintained, a monetary loss occurs in switching the platform, There is no choice but to be.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for providing content to a subscriber, And to provide a solution.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a set-top box apparatus comprising: a connection confirmation unit for confirming whether a portable storage device is connected when a set-top box device is authenticated for a new platform; A subscriber of the mobile storage device joins the new platform from the other platform based on the authentication information pre-stored in the mobile storage device and the device authentication information granted to the set-top box device from the new platform when the mobile storage device is connected A portable storage device authentication unit for authenticating whether the device is a platform switching subscriber to be switched; And when the subscriber of the portable storage device is authenticated as a platform switching subscriber, the subscriber can reproduce the small content purchased from the other platform free of charge on the new platform based on the small content information previously stored in the portable storage device And a control unit.

Specifically, the portable storage device is provided with authentication information consisting of some or all of the device authentication information given to the set-top box device from the platform in the state of being authenticated and connected to the set-top box device, Content information for each small intestinal content purchased from the platform in the state of being authenticated and connected to the box device, and authority information of each small intestinal content can be stored.

Specifically, the rights information of the content for use for handwritten content includes a content ID of a form capable of identifying the platform to which the DRM rights key is assigned, a DRM (Digital Rights Management) can do.

Specifically, the portable storage device authentication unit compares information related to the subscriber individual identified in the authentication information previously stored in the mobile storage device and information related to the subscriber person in the device authentication information given to the set-top box device from the new platform The subscriber of the portable storage device can be authenticated as a platform switching subscriber.

Specifically, the control unit may check whether the paid content is included in the content information for the portable storage device when playing back the paid content, and if the paid content is included in the content information for the content If the rights information of the specific small intestinal content matching with the paid contents in the mobile storage device is granted from the new platform, and if it is confirmed that the rights information of the specific intestinal content is granted from the new platform, The pay content can be reproduced based on the rights information of the specific small intestinal content in the portable storage device.

Specifically, if the authority information of the specific small intestinal content is not granted from the new platform, the control unit receives the authority information from the new platform and updates the authority information of the specific small intestinal content in the portable storage device , And can reproduce the charged content based on the rights information of the specific small intention content updated in the portable storage device.

Specifically, when the paid content is not included in the small content information, the control unit purchases the paid content as content for collection according to the payment procedure of the new platform, The content information for the small intestinal body and the rights information of the small intestinal content and reproduce the charged content based on the right information of the small intestinal content matched with the paid contents in the portable storage device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a set-top box device, the method comprising: confirming whether a portable storage device is connected to a set-top box device in a new platform; The subscriber of the portable storage device is switched from the other platform to the new platform based on the authentication information previously stored in the portable storage device and the device authentication information given from the new platform to the settop box device when the portable storage device is connected A mobile storage device authentication step of authenticating whether the mobile device is a platform switching subscriber; And when the subscriber of the portable storage device is authenticated as a platform switching subscriber, the subscriber can reproduce the small content purchased from the other platform free of charge on the new platform based on the small content information previously stored in the portable storage device And a portable storage device based playback control step.

Specifically, the portable storage device is provided with authentication information consisting of some or all of the device authentication information given to the set-top box device from the platform in the state of being authenticated and connected to the set-top box device, Content information for each small intestinal content purchased from the platform in the state of being authenticated and connected to the box device, and authority information of each small intestinal content can be stored.

Specifically, the rights information of the content for use for handwritten content includes a content ID of a form capable of identifying the platform to which the DRM rights key is assigned, a DRM (Digital Rights Management) can do.

More specifically, the portable storage device authentication step may include a step of storing information related to the subscriber individual identified in the authentication information previously stored in the portable storage device and information related to the subscriber person in the device authentication information given to the set- If they are the same, the subscriber of the mobile storage device can be authenticated as a platform switching subscriber.

Specifically, the portable storage device-based playback control step may include a step of checking whether the pay content is included in content information for the portable storage device when playing back pay content, And if it is contained in the content information, checking whether the right information of the specific small content to be matched with the pay content in the mobile storage device is granted from the new platform, and if the right information of the specific small content is received from the new platform It is possible to reproduce the pay content based on the rights information of the specific small intention content in the mobile storage device.

Specifically, if the rights information of the specific small intention content is not granted from the new platform, the mobile storage device based replay control step may be configured to receive the right information from the new platform, And reproduce the pay content based on the rights information of the specific small content for content update in the mobile storage device.

Specifically, if the paid content is not included in the content information, the mobile storage device-based playback control step may purchase the pay content as content for collection according to the payment procedure of the new platform, And updates the rights information of the small content and the small content in the portable storage device and plays the charged content based on the rights information of the small content to be matched with the charged content in the mobile storage device.

Thus, according to the operation method of the set-top box device and the set-top box device of the present invention, even when the same subscriber switches the platform by switching the set-top box, , It is possible to prevent the monetary loss of the subscriber when switching the platform, and to indirectly activate the purchase of the paid content.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary view illustrating a content playback service environment for a portable storage device based on a portable storage medium according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.
2 is a schematic block diagram of a set-top box apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 and 4 are flowcharts for explaining an operation method of a set-top box apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an environment in which a technique according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as a mobile storage device-based small content reproduction service) is realized.

As shown in FIG. 1, a content playback service environment for a portable storage device based on a portable storage device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a broadcast program (e.g., broadcast content) broadcasted in real time, And a VoD (Video on Demand) program that can be viewed in non-real time through a receiving device such as a set-top box, thereby enabling a subscriber to easily view various contents desired by the user. .

To this end, the service environment according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a configuration including the platform devices 200A, 200B, ... and the set-top boxes 100A, 100B,.

The platform devices 200A, 200B,... Refer to platform servers or devices operated by a cable operator or an IPTV provider, and provide contents such as a broadcast program or a VoD program in response to a request from a set-top box So that it can be played back on the set-top box.

The platform devices 200A to 200B may include a broadcast server, a VoD server, a subscriber management unit, a DRM server (Digital Rights Management Server) Can be implemented.

For example, the platform devices 200A, 200B,... Can be implemented in the form of a web server, a database server, a proxy server, etc., and a network load balancing mechanism, One or more of a variety of software may be installed to enable a computerized system to be implemented. The network may also be an http network and may be a private line, an intranet, or any other network, and connections between each of the configurations for implementing embodiments of the present invention may be such that the data is routed to any hacker or other And may be connected to a secure network so as not to be attacked by a third party.

1 will be described based on the IPTV service, and it is assumed that the platform device 200A and the platform device 200B are platform A and platform B operated by different IPTV providers A and B, respectively I will explain it.

The set-top boxes 100A, 100B,... Refer to devices installed in a specific place (e.g., home) to receive a cable service or an IPTV service and are connected through a router (not shown) And receives and reproduces various contents transmitted from the platform so that the subscriber can view the contents.

In particular, in the case of paid contents that can be reproduced and watched only after paying the amount of money, the set-top boxes 100A, 100B ... pay the amount according to the payment procedure of the subscribed platform, (E.g., a DRM rights key).

Therefore, in the case of the subscriber, it is possible to reproduce and listen to the contents for collection (that is, the paid contents purchased by paying the amount already) at any time using the reproduction right (for example, DRM rights key) held in the settop box of the user.

The router (not shown) refers to a device for providing an Internet connection environment for the set-top boxes 100A, 100B,..., And is wired to the set-top box, It is possible to provide a connection-based Internet access environment.

Hereinafter, the set-top box 100A is assumed to be a device supporting platform A of IPTV provider A, and the set-top box 100B is assumed to be a device supporting platform B of IPTV provider B as described above.

However, since the set-top box supporting the platform is different for each platform such as the cable operator and the IPTV provider, authentication, policy, and security system for the set-top box are different. In the current service, the same subscriber changes the set- If you switch, you will not be able to retain playback rights for content you have purchased from your previous platform.

For example, it can be assumed that the set-top box 100A supporting the platform A is installed in the home 1.

In this case, the subscriber can pay for (purchase) and purchase the paid contents to be collected through the set-top box 100A according to the settlement procedure of the platform A. In this case, the set- Playback rights (e.g., DRM rights keys) for the corresponding pay content will be retained.

Therefore, in the case of the subscriber, it is possible to reproduce and listen to the contents for small intestation, that is, the paid content purchased by paying the amount of money at any time, using the reproduction right (for example, DRM rights key) held in the set-

If the same subscriber of the home 1 terminates the subscription to the IPTV provider A and joins the IPTV provider B, a set-top box 100B supporting the platform B is installed in the home 1 instead of the set-top box 100A Will be.

Since each of the platforms A and B has different set-top boxes or devices supporting the platform, authentication, policy, and security system for the set-top box are different, the same subscriber sets the set-top box 100A to the set- When the platform is changed, the right of reproduction of the content for small intestions purchased from the previous platform A is not maintained in the set-top box 100B.

As a result, in the case of a subscriber, when the platform is switched, since the reproduction right of the content for the small intestinal content purchased after paying the amount in the previous platform is not maintained, a monetary loss occurs in switching the platform, There is no choice but to be.

In order to solve the above problem, an embodiment of the present invention proposes a scheme for maintaining the reproduction right of content for small intestions purchased from a previous platform even when the same subscriber switches the platform by changing the set-top box.

Particularly, in the present invention, by implementing the above-mentioned proposed method using a separate portable storage device 10, it is possible to maintain the authentication, policy, and security system for the STB And it is free from the security problem by not sharing the subscriber's personal information between the platforms. This will be described later in detail.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of a set-top box (set-top box apparatus) for realizing the proposed method of the present invention will be described in more detail.

The set-top box apparatus of the present invention may be any one of the set-top boxes 100A, 100B, ... shown in FIG. 1. For convenience of explanation, the set-top box 100B will be described.

2, the set-top box 100B according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a configuration including a connection confirmation unit 110, a mobile storage device authentication unit 120, and a control unit 130 have.

The set-top box 100B according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a connection unit 115 to which a portable storage device 10 described later is connected, a communication unit 100B that performs a practical communication function with the platform device 200B, (140).

The entire configuration or at least a part of the set-top box 100B may be implemented in the form of a hardware module or a software module, or a combination of a hardware module and a software module.

Here, the software module may be understood as, for example, a command executed by a processor that controls an operation in the set-top box 100B, and the command may have a form mounted in a memory in the set-top box 100B .

As a result, the set-top box 100B according to the embodiment of the present invention allows the same subscriber to maintain the reproduction right of the content for small intestions purchased from the previous platform even when the platform is switched by changing the set- Technology (scheme). Hereinafter, each configuration in the set-top box 100B for realizing this will be described in more detail.

Hereinafter, the same subscriber of the home (1) terminates the subscription to the IPTV provider A and subscribes to the IPTV provider B, so that the set-top box 100B supporting the platform B instead of the set- ) Is installed.

The connection confirmation unit 110 confirms whether the portable storage device 10 is connected when the set-top box 100B is authenticated for a new platform.

When the new set-top box 100B is installed in the home 1, the initial authentication procedure of the set-top box 100B for the new platform, that is, the set-top box 100B, such as subscriber authentication and device authentication,

This initial authentication procedure may be the same for each platform, but may be different.

However, in the present invention, the platform includes the information (e.g., a resident registration number part, a mobile number, etc.) related to the individual at a specified location in the device authentication information given to the settop box in the initial authentication procedure in a specified form, It is premised on consultation in advance.

The connection confirmation unit 110 can confirm whether or not the portable storage device 10 is connected to the set-top box 100B when the set-top box 100B is authenticated (initial authentication) with respect to the new platform B. [

The portable storage device 10 may be in the form of, for example, a USB memory, a dongle key, or the like, which is a portable type device necessary for the present invention.

The portable storage device 10 may be paid by an IPTV provider (for example, IPTV provider A) of the platform when a set-top box (for example, 100A) is installed in the home 1.

And, as will be described later, the same subscriber of the home 1 can continue to use the portable storage device 10 even if the platform is switched, as long as the portable storage device 10 paid before is lost.

When the portable storage device 10 is connected to the set-top box 100B at the time of authentication (initial authentication) of the set-top box 100B for the new platform B, the portable storage device authentication unit 120 authenticates the portable storage device 10 Is a platform switching subscriber to which the subscriber of the mobile storage device 10 is switched from the other platform to the new platform B based on the authentication information previously stored in the mobile storage device 10 and the device authentication information given from the new platform B to the set top box 100B .

In the portable storage device 10, authentication information composed of the entire device authentication information given to the set-top box from the platform in the state of being authenticated and connected to the set-top box or some information related to the individual of the subscriber among the device authentication information is stored.

In addition, the portable storage device 10 stores the content information for each small intestinal content purchased from the platform in the state of being authenticated and connected to the set-top box, and the rights information of each small intestinal content.

Assume that the authentication (initial authentication) for the platform A is normally completed with the set-top box 100A installed in the home 1 and the portable storage device 10 connected to the set-top box 100A as described above can do.

In this case, the portable storage device 10 connected to the set-top box 100A is provided with a part of device authentication information given from the platform A to the set-top box 100A or some information related to the individual of the subscriber, A part of a resident registration number, a mobile phone number, etc.).

In addition, the subscriber of the home 1 may assume the case of paying (paying) the purchased contents 1, 2, and 3 through the set-top box 100A according to the settlement procedure of the platform A and purchasing the paid contents.

In this case, the portable storage device 10 connected to the set-top box 100A is provided with contents (hereinafter referred to as contents contents 1, 2 and 3) Information (e.g., a content list for the small intestine) and rights information of the contents 1, 2 and 3 for each small intestine are stored.

At this time, according to one embodiment, the rights information of the content for the small intestinal content includes a content name of the small content, a DRM rights key (playback right) used for playing the small content, a content ID < / RTI >

Assuming that the same subscriber of the home 1 abolishes the subscription to the IPTV provider A and subscribes to the IPTV provider B as described above, the home 1 is provided with a new set-top box 100B supporting the platform B, The device authentication information will be given from the platform B to the set-top box 100B in the authentication (initial authentication) of the set-top box 100B with respect to the new platform B. [

When the portable storage device 10 is connected to the set-top box 100B at the time of authentication (initial authentication) of the set-top box 100B for the new platform B, the portable storage device authentication unit 120 authenticates the portable storage device 10 (E.g., a part of a resident registration number, a mobile phone number, etc.) related to the individual in the authentication information previously stored in the authentication information.

In addition, the portable storage device authentication unit 120 acquires information (for example, a part of a resident registration number, a mobile phone number, etc.) related to a subscriber included in a form specified at a location specified in the device authentication information given from the new platform B to the set- Etc.).

The portable storage device authentication unit 120 compares the confirmed amount information and determines that the subscriber of the portable storage device 10 is a platform switching subscriber who is switched from the other platform (for example, platform A) to the new platform B .

Such platform switching subscriber authentication can be made possible by pre-negotiating the device authentication information given to the set-top box between the platforms as mentioned above.

When the subscriber of the portable storage device 10 is authenticated as a platform switching subscriber, the control unit 130 causes the subscriber to access the platform storage device 10 based on the content information for small intestinal pre-stored in the portable storage device 10 (For example, platform A) is reproduced free of charge on the new platform B.

On the other hand, the control unit 130 determines whether the subscriber information (e.g., a resident registration number part, a mobile phone number, etc.) related to the subscriber individual confirmed by the portable storage device 10 and the subscriber identity confirmed from the device authentication information given to the set- If the information related to the individual (e.g., a portion of the resident registration number, the mobile number, etc.) is not the same, the subscriber of the portable storage device 10 will not be authenticated as a platform switching subscriber.

Hereinafter, a process for freeing the content for small intestions purchased from another platform (for example, platform A) by the new platform B will be described in detail with the present invention.

The control unit 130 checks whether paid content is included in the content information (e.g., content list for small intestines) of the portable storage device 10 at the time of reproduction input for the paid content.

The subscriber can inquire contents to be viewed through the set-top box 100B, and can be paid content that can be reproduced and viewed only when the contents to be watched are purchased and paid for.

The control unit 130 checks whether or not the pay content is included in the content information (for example, the content list for the small intestine) of the mobile storage device 10 when the playback of the paid contents is input according to the subscriber operation .

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the paid contents 1 to be reproduced and inputted will be described below.

If the paid content 1 reproduced and input is included in the content information (for example, the content list for the small intestines) of the portable storage device 10, the paid content 1 is downloaded to the portable storage device 10 Content.

When the paid content 1 is included in the content information (for example, the content list for the small intestines) of the portable storage device 10, the control unit 130 acquires the content corresponding to the paid content 1 in the portable storage device 10, It is confirmed whether or not the authority information of the content for the new platform B is given from the new platform B.

For example, when the platform identified by the content ID in the right information of the specific small intestinal content matched with the paid content 1 is the platform B, the control unit 130 determines that the rights information of the specific small intestinal content is granted from the new platform B .

If the rights information of the specific small content matching with the charged content 1 in the portable storage device 10 is not granted from the new platform B, the charged content 1 is transferred to another platform : Platform contents purchased from the platform A).

In this case, the control unit 130 receives the right information for the charged content 1 from the new platform B, updates the right information of the specific small content in the portable storage device 10, and then updates the portable storage device 10 in the portable storage device 10 The paid contents 1 can be reproduced based on the authority information of the contents for one specific collection (paid contents 1).

That is, the control unit 130 uses the rights information of the content (pay content 1) for specific intestines that has been updated in the portable storage device 10, that is, the DRM rights key (playback right) One paid content 1 can be played.

On the other hand, if the privilege information of the specific intestinal content matching with the pay content 1 in the portable storage device 10 is granted from the new platform B, the paid content 1 is purchased by the subscriber of the portable storage device 10 on the platform B Means content that has been purchased from another platform (for example, platform A) and is updated with content of authority from platform B and is updated.

In this case, the control unit 130 uses the rights information of the content (pay content 1) for specific small intestines in the portable storage device 10, that is, the DRM rights key (playback right) granted from the platform B, 1 can be reproduced.

On the other hand, if the paid content 1 reproduced and input is not included in the content information for small intestines (e.g., small intestinal content list) of the portable storage device 10, the charged content 1 is purchased by the subscriber of the portable storage device 10 This means that there is no paid content.

If the paid content 1 is not included in the content information (for example, the content list for small intestines) of the portable storage device 10, the control unit 130 displays the pay content 1 As content for possession and receives the rights information.

The control unit 130 updates the paid content 1 by including it in the content information (e.g., the content list for small intestines) in the portable storage device 10 and transmits the rights information of the paid content 1 to the portable storage device 10 As the authority information of the content for the small intestine.

Then, the control unit 130 reproduces the corresponding pay content based on the rights information of the content for the small intestine matched with the paid content 1 in the portable storage device 10.

That is, the control unit 130 uses the rights information of the small content (paid content 1) updated in the portable storage device 10, that is, the DRM rights key (playback right) granted from the platform B, Paired contents 1 can be reproduced.

As described above, according to the present invention, even when a same subscriber uses a separate portable storage device 10 to switch a set-top box from a set-top box 100A to a set-top box 100B, (A portable storage device-based small content playback service) that enables the new platform B to maintain the reproduction right of the content for small intestions purchased by the user A is realized.

In particular, in the case of the content playback service for a portable storage device based on the present invention, authentication, policy, and security system for each set-top box built for each platform are maintained, The minimum design change for the granted device authentication information is sufficient, so that it is free from the cost increase due to the design change, and the sharing of the personal information of the subscribers between the platforms is unnecessary.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a monetary loss of a subscriber at the time of switching the platform, and to indirectly activate the purchase of paid content.

Hereinafter, a method of operating a set-top box apparatus (set-top box) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG.

3, a set-top box 100A is installed in the home 1 and a mobile storage device 10 (hereinafter referred to as a dongle key 10) paid by an IPTV provider of the platform A is set up in the set- (Initial authentication) with respect to the platform A is completed normally in a state of being connected to the platform A (S10).

In this case, in the operation method of the set-top box according to the present invention, the set-top box 100A receives the device authentication information from the platform A upon authentication (initial authentication) with respect to the platform A, (E.g., a part of a resident registration number, a mobile phone number, etc.) related to an individual of the subscribers in the dongle key 10 (S20).

In the operation method of the set-top box according to the present invention, the set-top box 100A can inquire contents on the platform A by the subscriber (S30). If the contents to be viewed are purchased and paid for, Possible pay content.

In the method of operating the set-top box according to the present invention, when the set-top box 100A receives playback of the charged content according to subscriber operation (Yes at S40), the set- ) (S50).

Then, the platform A gives the set-top box 100A with the right information about the purchased purchased content (S60).

In addition, the platform A updates the content content meta information managed for the subscriber (the set-top box 100A) in step S60 by including the currently purchased paid contents. This is because the meta information management for each subscriber in the same platform Because it is the method, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

In the method of operating the set-top box according to the present invention, the set-top box 100A updates the purchased paid content by including it in the content information (e.g., a content list for small intestines) in the dongle key 10, The authorization information of the charged content is included as the authorization information of the content for the small content in the dongle key 10 (S70).

In the method of operating the set-top box according to the present invention, the set-top box 100A may set the pay content to be played back in S40 on the basis of the rights information of the contents for possession in the dongle key 10, (S80).

For example, it can be assumed that a payment is made for each of the charged contents 1, 2, and 3 through the set-top box 100A according to the settlement procedure of the platform A, and is purchased.

In this case, in the operation method of the set-top box according to the present invention, the dongle key 10 connected to the set-top box 100A includes pay contents 1, 2 and 3 (hereinafter referred to as " (E.g., a content list for a small intestine) and rights information of each small intestinal contents 1, 2, and 3 may be stored.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 4, a new set-top box 100B supporting the platform B is installed in the home 1 by subscribing to the IPTV provider B after the same subscriber of the home 1 has canceled the subscription to the IPTV provider A The operation method of the set-top box according to the present invention will be described.

In the method of operating the set-top box according to the present invention, the set-top box 100B starts authentication (initial authentication) of the set-top box 100B with respect to the new platform B when installed in the home 1, , The device authentication information will be given from the platform B (S100).

Meanwhile, in the method of operating the set-top box according to the present invention, the set-top box 100B checks whether the dongle key 10 is connected at the time of authentication (initial authentication) of the set-top box 100B with respect to the platform B (S110) .

If the dongle key 10 is connected (Yes in S110), the set-top box 100B receives the information related to the subscriber person (for example, the subscriber's personal information) from the authentication information previously stored in the dongle key 10 in the method of operating the set- A resident registration number, a mobile phone number, etc.) (S120).

In addition, in the method of operating the set-top box according to the present invention, the set-top box 100B may acquire information related to the individual subscriber included in the form specified in the device authentication information given from the new platform B to the set- E.g., a part of a resident registration number, a mobile phone number, etc.) (S120).

If the settop box 100B determines that the subscriber of the dongle key 10 is not a new subscriber of another platform (e.g., platform A) And can be authenticated as a platform switching subscriber who is subscribed to platform B.

When the subscriber of the dongle key 10 is authenticated as a platform switching subscriber, the settop box 100B determines whether or not the contents information for small intestine stored in the dongle key 10 List), the subscriber can reproduce the content for the intestines purchased from another platform (for example, platform A) free of charge on the new platform B.

Hereinafter, a process for freeing the content for small intestions purchased from another platform (for example, platform A) by the new platform B will be described in detail with the present invention.

In the operation method of the set-top box according to the present invention, the set-top box 100B can inquire contents on the platform B by the subscriber (S140). If the contents to be watched are purchased and paid for, Lt; / RTI >

In the method of operating the set-top box according to the present invention, if the set-top box 100B receives playback of pay content (e.g., pay content 1) (Yes at S150) (E.g., a content list for a small intestine) of the user (S160).

If the paid content 1 reproduced and input is included in the content information (for example, the content list for the small intestine) of the dongle key 10, then the paid content 1 is content already purchased by the subscriber of the dongle key 10 it means.

In the operation method of the set-top box according to the present invention, when the pay content 1 is included in the content information (e.g., the content list for small intestines) of the dongle key 10 (Yes in S160) It is checked whether the authority information of the specific small content matching with the charged content 1 in the key 10 is granted from the new platform B (S170).

If the rights information of the specific small content for matching with the charged content 1 in the dongle key 10 is not granted from the new platform B (S170 No), the subscriber of the dongle key 10 downloads the charged content 1 to the other platform (For example, platform A).

In this case (No in S170), in the operation method of the set-top box according to the present invention, the set-top box 100B stores the rights information for the charged content 1 on the basis of the authentication information of the dongle key 10 authenticated as the platform switching subscriber Platform B can be requested.

In step S175, the platform B provides the set-top box 100B with the right information for the charged content 1 according to the request for the right information based on the authentication information of the dongle key 10 authenticated as the platform switching subscriber.

In addition, the platform B will update the content content meta information managed for the subscriber (the set-top box 100B) in step S175 by including the pay content to which the current rights information is added.

In the operation method of the set-top box according to the present invention, the set-top box 100B receives the rights information for the charged content 1 from the platform B and updates the rights information of the specific small content in the dongle key 10 (S178) The charged content 1 purchased from another platform can be played back using the updated rights information of the specific content for use in the dongle 10, that is, the DRM rights key (playback right) given from the platform B (S180).

On the other hand, if the rights information of the specific small content for matching with the charged content 1 in the dongle key 10 is granted from the new platform B (Yes in S170), the charged content 1 is transferred to the platform B by the subscriber of the dongle key 10 Means content that has been purchased or purchased from another platform (for example, platform A) and is updated with content of authority from platform B and is updated.

In this case (Yes in S170), in the method of operating the set-top box according to the present invention, the set-top box 100B stores the rights information of the content for a specific small intestinal (pay content 1) in the dongle key 10, It is possible to reproduce the paid content 1 already purchased using the key (playback right) (S180).

On the other hand, if the paid content 1 that is reproduced and input is not included in the content information for small intestine (e.g., small intestinal content list) of the dongle key 10, the charged content 1 is not purchased by the subscriber of the dongle key 10 It means paid contents.

In the operation method of the set-top box according to the present invention, when the pay content 1 is not included in the content information for small intestine (e.g., small intestinal content list) of the dongle key 10 (S160 No) The charged content 1 is purchased as content for collection according to the settlement procedure of the new platform B (S165).

Thus, the platform B gives the set-top box 100B permission information on the currently purchased paid content 1 (S175).

In addition, in the step S175, the platform B will update the purchased content content meta information managed for the subscriber (set-top box 100B) by including the currently purchased paid content 1.

In the method of operating the set-top box according to the present invention, the set-top box 100B updates the purchased paid content 1 by including it in the content information (for example, the content list for small intestines) in the dongle key 10, The authorization information of the charged content 1 is updated as the authorization information of the small content in the dongle key 10 (S178).

In the method of operating the set-top box according to the present invention, the set-top box 100B stores the rights information of the content for the small intestine matching with the charged content 1 in the dongle key 10, that is, the DRM rights key (playback right) The paid contents 1 purchased this time can be reproduced (S180).

On the other hand, in the method of operating the set-top box according to the present invention, the set-top box 100B may store information (e.g., a resident registration number part, a mobile number, etc.) related to the individual user identified by the portable storage device 10, (E.g., a part of a resident registration number, a mobile phone number, and the like) related to a subscriber individual confirmed in the device authentication information given to the mobile terminal 100B (S140 NO) Will operate with the effective content playback function of the existing settop box holding authority (S115).

In the method of operating the set-top box according to the present invention, if the set-top box 100B is not connected with the dongle key 10 during the authentication (initial authentication) of the set-top box 100B with respect to the platform B (S110 No) , And an effective content reproduction function of an existing set-top box that has rights to purchase and play pay content in the set-top box without the dongle key 10 (S115).

As described above, according to the present invention, even if the same subscriber switches the platform by switching the set-top box, realizing the right to maintain the reproduction right of the content for small intestions purchased in the previous platform, the monetary loss of the subscriber And indirectly to activate the purchase of paid content.

It should be understood that the functional operations and subject matter implementations described herein may be implemented as digital electronic circuitry, or may be embodied in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed herein, and structural equivalents thereof, . Implementations of the subject matter described herein may be implemented as one or more computer program products, i. E. As one or more modules for computer program instructions encoded on a program storage medium of the type for control of, or for execution by, the operation of the control system Can be implemented.

The computer-readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a composition of matter that affects the machine readable propagation type signal, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing.

As used herein, the term " system "or" device "encompasses any apparatus, apparatus, and machine for controlling data, including, for example, a programmable processor, a computer or a multiprocessor or computer. The control system may, in addition to the hardware, comprise code that forms an execution environment for a computer program upon request, such as code comprising a processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of these .

A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script or code) may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted language, a priori or procedural language, Components, subroutines, or other units suitable for use in a computer environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in the file system. The program may be stored in a single file provided to the requested program, or in multiple interactive files (e.g., a file storing one or more modules, subprograms, or portions of code) (E.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document). A computer program may be deployed to run on multiple computers or on one computer, located on a single site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communications network.

On the other hand, computer readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include semiconductor memory devices such as, for example, EPROM, EEPROM and flash memory devices, such as magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or external disks, Non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuits.

Implementations of the subject matter described herein may include, for example, a back-end component such as a data server, or may include a middleware component, such as an application server, or may be a web browser or a graphical user, for example a user, who may interact with an implementation of the subject- Front-end components such as client computers with interfaces, or any combination of one or more of such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, such as, for example, a communications network.

While the specification contains a number of specific implementation details, it should be understood that they are not to be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or claim, but rather on the description of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment of a particular invention Should be understood. Likewise, the specific features described herein in the context of separate embodiments may be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments, either individually or in any suitable subcombination. Further, although the features may operate in a particular combination and may be initially described as so claimed, one or more features from the claimed combination may in some cases be excluded from the combination, Or a variant of a subcombination.

It is also to be understood that although the present invention is described herein with particular sequence of operations in the drawings, it is to be understood that it is to be understood that it is to be understood that all such illustrated acts have to be performed or that such acts must be performed in their particular order or sequential order, Can not be done. In certain cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Also, the separation of the various system components of the above-described embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and the described program components and systems will generally be integrated together into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products It should be understood that

As such, the present specification is not intended to limit the invention to the specific terminology presented. Thus, while the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above examples, those skilled in the art will be able to make adaptations, modifications, and variations on these examples without departing from the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the detailed description and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents are to be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention do.

According to the operation method of the set-top box apparatus and the set-top box apparatus according to the present invention, even when the same subscriber switches the platform by switching the set-top box, the technology for realizing the technology for maintaining the reproduction right of the small- Is an invention that is industrially applicable because it is beyond the limit of the existing technology, and it is not only the use of the related technology but also the possibility of commercialization or operation of the applicable device,

10: Portable storage device
100A, 100B: Set-top box device
110: connection confirmation unit 115: connection unit
120: portable storage device authentication unit 130:
140:

Claims (14)

In a set top box device,
A connection confirmation unit for confirming whether or not the portable storage device is connected when the set-top box device is authenticated for the new platform;
A subscriber of the mobile storage device joins the new platform from the other platform based on the authentication information pre-stored in the mobile storage device and the device authentication information granted to the set-top box device from the new platform when the mobile storage device is connected A portable storage device authentication unit for authenticating whether the device is a platform switching subscriber to be switched; And
Wherein the subscriber of the mobile storage device is authenticated as a platform switching subscriber, the subscriber can reproduce the content for small intestions purchased from the other platform free of charge on the new platform based on the content information for small intestine stored in the mobile storage device, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > settop box < / RTI > apparatus. The method according to claim 1,
In the portable storage device,
Authentication information composed of some or all of the device authentication information given to the set-top box device from the platform in the state of being authenticated and connected to the set-top box device,
A set-top box device, and a set-top box device, wherein the set-top box content information and the set-top box content information are respectively stored. 3. The method of claim 2,
The rights information of the content for the small intestine may include:
A content ID of a form capable of identifying a platform to which a DRM rights key is assigned and a DRM (Digital Rights Management) rights key to be used when playing a content for a small intestinal. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the portable storage device authentication unit comprises:
Wherein the information related to the subscriber individual, which is confirmed in the authentication information pre-stored in the mobile storage device, and information related to the subscriber person in the device authentication information given to the set-top box device from the new platform are compared,
Wherein the subscriber of the mobile storage device is authenticated as a platform switching subscriber. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein,
The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: determining whether the paid content is included in content information for the portable storage device,
If the charged content is included in the small content information, checking whether the rights information of the specific small content for matching with the charged content in the mobile storage device is granted from the new platform,
Wherein the pay content is reproduced based on the rights information of the specific small content in the mobile storage device when it is determined that the rights information of the specific small content is granted from the new platform. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein,
If the rights information of the specific small intention content is not granted from the new platform, the rights information of the specific intention content in the mobile storage device is updated with the rights information from the new platform,
And reproduces the pay content based on the rights information of the specific small content for content update in the portable storage device. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein,
If the charged content is not included in the small content information, the charged content is purchased as content for collection according to a settlement procedure of the new platform, and the content information for small content and the small content Updates the authority information of the content for the content,
And the pay content is reproduced based on rights information of the content for the small intestine matched with the pay content in the mobile storage device. A method of operating a set top box device,
A connection confirmation step of confirming whether or not the portable storage device is connected when the set-top box device is authenticated with respect to the new platform;
The subscriber of the portable storage device is switched from the other platform to the new platform based on the authentication information previously stored in the portable storage device and the device authentication information given from the new platform to the settop box device when the portable storage device is connected A mobile storage device authentication step of authenticating whether the mobile device is a platform switching subscriber; And
Wherein the subscriber of the mobile storage device is authenticated as a platform switching subscriber, the subscriber can reproduce the content for small intestions purchased from the other platform free of charge on the new platform based on the content information for small intestine stored in the portable storage device, And a storage-based playback control step. 9. The method of claim 8,
In the portable storage device,
Authentication information composed of some or all of the device authentication information given to the set-top box device from the platform in the state of being authenticated and connected to the set-top box device,
Wherein the content information for each collection purchased from the platform in the state of being authenticated and connected to the set-top box device and the rights information of the contents for each collection are stored. 10. The method of claim 9,
The rights information of the content for the small intestine may include:
A content ID of a form capable of identifying a platform to which a DRM rights key is assigned and a DRM (Digital Rights Management) rights key to be used when playing back content for a small intestine. 9. The method of claim 8,
The portable storage device authentication step includes:
Wherein the information related to the subscriber individual, which is confirmed in the authentication information pre-stored in the mobile storage device, and information related to the subscriber person in the device authentication information given to the set-top box device from the new platform are compared,
Wherein the subscriber of the mobile storage device is authenticated as a platform switching subscriber. 10. The method of claim 9,
The mobile storage-based playback control step comprises:
The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: determining whether the paid content is included in content information for the portable storage device,
If the charged content is included in the small content information, checking whether the rights information of the specific small content for matching with the charged content in the mobile storage device is granted from the new platform,
And if it is determined that the rights information of the specific small intention content is granted from the new platform, the fee-based content is reproduced based on the rights information of the specific small intent content in the mobile storage device Way. 13. The method of claim 12,
The mobile storage-based playback control step comprises:
If the rights information of the specific small intention content is not granted from the new platform, the rights information of the specific intention content in the mobile storage device is updated with the rights information from the new platform,
And the pay content is reproduced based on the rights information of the specific small content for content update in the portable storage device. 13. The method of claim 12,
The mobile storage-based playback control step comprises:
If the charged content is not included in the small content information, the charged content is purchased as content for collection according to a settlement procedure of the new platform, and the content information for small content and the small content Updates the authority information of the content for the content,
Wherein the pay content is reproduced based on rights information of the content for the small intestine matched with the pay content in the mobile storage device.

Images