KR20100053134A - Ip based integrated multimedia service system and ip based integrated multimedia service method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An IP(Internet Protocol) base integration multimedia service system and IP-based integration multimedia service method are provided, which offer an integration content information list to a subscriber terminal, search multimedia contents of various other IPTV services besides a joined IPTV(Internet Protocol Television) service. CONSTITUTION: An integrated contents provider server(500) generates an integrated contents information list. The integration content information list comprises one or more contents information list. The integration content business server offers the integration content information list to a subscriber terminal(10). The subscriber terminal searches a multimedia content through the integration content information list. Contents provider severs(100,200) offer the searched multimedia contents to the subscriber terminal.

Description

IP based integrated multimedia service system and IP based integrated multimedia service method {IP BASED INTEGRATED MULTIMEDIA SERVICE SYSTEM AND IP BASED INTEGRATED MULTIMEDIA SERVICE METHOD}

The present invention relates to an IP-based integrated multimedia service system and an IP-based integrated multimedia service method. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for allowing a user to search and request multimedia contents individually provided by a plurality of IPTV providers without distinction of IPTV providers. The present invention relates to an IP-based integrated multimedia service system and an IP-based integrated multimedia service method capable of serving a variety of multimedia contents to a user by providing an integrated concept service, and a multimedia service method of an integrated content provider server and an integrated content provider server. .

IPTV service, the user subscribes to a specific IPTV service provided by a specific IPTV service provider and pays a subscription fee and usage fee, and the user wants real-time IPTV through the EPG provided from the IPTV service provider server subscribed to the user using the subscribed terminal device By requesting and watching a broadcast, or by requesting and watching a desired VOD program through VOD related information provided from an IPTV provider server, the corresponding IPTV service was used.

In the existing IPTV service, many IPTV providers provide their own IPTV services. Therefore, in order to use IPTV services provided by other IPTV providers, users who have subscribed to IPTV services of specific IPTV providers have already subscribed. Apart from IPTV service, you have to subscribe to IPTV service provided by other IPTV providers. In addition, the existing IPTV service is a terminal device provided by the user when the user subscribes to an IPTV service provided by another IPTV service provider separately from the previously subscribed IPTV service in order to use the IPTV service provided by another IPTV service provider. Is a television device, it is necessary to purchase / install additional set-top boxes for IPTV services provided by other IPTV providers separately from the set-top boxes for subscribed IPTV services.

In other words, the existing IPTV service has no way of interworking with each IPTV service provided by a plurality of IPTV providers, and therefore, from a user's point of view, the IPTV service provides various types of IPTV services individually provided by a plurality of IPTV providers. Can not be provided smoothly.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide at least one content information list provided from at least one content provider server for providing an integrated content provider based on IP. By generating the integrated content information list including the content information and providing it to a predetermined subscriber terminal device requesting multimedia content retrieval, the subscriber terminal device capable of receiving and playing multimedia content through IP-based communication is based on the content information list. Requests a predetermined multimedia content, and the integrated content provider server searches for the multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device and delivers the request from the subscriber terminal device to a corresponding content provider server providing the retrieved multimedia content. Thus, the content provider server receiving the request from the subscriber terminal device provides an IP-based integrated multimedia service system and an IP-based integrated multimedia service method for providing the corresponding multimedia content to the subscriber terminal device. It is to provide an integrated concept service that allows users to search and request the multimedia contents individually provided without any distinction of IPTV providers.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and another object of the present invention is to generate an integrated content information list including at least one content information list provided from at least one external content provider server, The integrated content information list is provided to a predetermined subscriber terminal device requesting a multimedia content search, the multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device is searched through the integrated content information list, and the subscriber terminal is searched according to the search. By providing the multimedia service method of the integrated content provider server and the integrated content provider server to deliver the request from the subscriber terminal device to the corresponding content provider server providing the multimedia content requested from the device, a number of IPTV providers to provide separately Multimedia User content to provide an integrated service concept that enables IPTV operators to integrated without any sensitive search and request.

An IP-based integrated multimedia service system according to a first aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, the subscriber terminal device capable of receiving and playing multimedia content through IP-based communication; At least one content provider server providing multimedia content based on IP; And generating an integrated content information list including at least one content information list provided from the at least one content provider server, and providing the integrated content information list to the subscriber terminal device. The multimedia requested from the subscriber terminal device through the integrated content information list. Including an integrated content provider server to search for content and deliver the request from the subscriber terminal device to the corresponding content provider server providing the retrieved multimedia content, the content provider server to provide the multimedia content to the subscriber terminal device; do.

Preferably, the subscriber station apparatus includes a display device having a computer device for performing IP-based communication and a set-top box applied to an IPTV service corresponding to any one of the at least one content provider server. Can be.

Integrated content provider server according to a second aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, Integrated content information for generating an integrated content information list including at least one content information list provided from at least one external content provider server List generation unit; An integrated content information list providing unit for providing the integrated content information list to a predetermined subscriber terminal device; A retrieving unit for retrieving the multimedia content requested from the subscriber station device through the integrated content information list; And transmitting the request from the subscriber terminal device to the corresponding content provider server providing the multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device according to the search of the searcher, and the content provider server providing the corresponding multimedia content to the subscriber terminal device. It includes a request processing control unit to make.

Preferably, at least one content information list provided from the at least one content provider server includes an electronic program guide (EPG) for real-time IPTV multimedia content provided by at least one content provider server, and at least one content provider. The server may include at least one of VOD related information about VOD multimedia content provided according to a Video On Demand (VOD) service.

Preferably, the content conversion / storage unit for recording or downloading the real-time IPTV multimedia content provided from the at least one content provider server to convert it into a format for VOD (Video On Demand) service and to store; The apparatus may further include a content transmission unit providing multimedia content stored in the content conversion / storage unit to a predetermined subscriber terminal device.

Preferably, the request processing control unit, when a search result of the search unit, if the corresponding multimedia content requested by the subscriber station apparatus is provided from a plurality of different content provider servers, the plurality of providing the multimedia content, If there is a corresponding content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the subscriber terminal device is already subscribed, among the content provider servers, a request from the subscriber terminal device is transmitted to the content provider server, and the IPTV service to which the subscriber terminal device is subscribed. If the corresponding content provider server does not exist, the request from the subscriber terminal device may be transmitted to any content provider server of the plurality of content provider servers.

Preferably, the request processing control unit, if the subscriber station device is a display device having a set-top box applied to the IPTV service corresponding to any one of at least one content provider server, the real-time IPTV requested by the subscriber station device If there is no corresponding content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the subscriber terminal device is subscribed, among the plurality of content provider servers providing the multimedia content, the real-time IPTV from any content provider server among the plurality of content provider servers. The content conversion / storage unit may be controlled to receive and convert / store multimedia content, and the content transmission unit may be controlled to provide multimedia content stored in the content conversion / storage unit to the subscriber station.

Preferably, the request processing control unit, when the subscriber terminal device is a display device having a set-top box applied to an IPTV service corresponding to any one of at least one content provider server, the search result of the search unit, When the content provider server corresponding to another IPTV service not subscribed to by the subscriber terminal device provides the real-time IPTV multimedia content requested by the subscriber terminal device, the content conversion / receiving is performed to receive and convert / store the multimedia content from the content provider server. The content control unit may be controlled to control a storage unit and to provide the multimedia content stored in the content conversion / storage unit to the subscriber terminal device.

In the IP-based integrated multimedia service method according to the third aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, at least one content information list provided by the integrated content provider server from at least one content provider server for providing multimedia content based on IP Producing an integrated content information list including a providing to the predetermined subscriber terminal device for requesting the multimedia content search; Requesting a predetermined multimedia content based on the content information list through a subscriber station apparatus capable of receiving and playing multimedia content through IP-based communication; When the multimedia content is requested through the integrated content information list from the subscriber terminal device, the integrated content service provider server searches for the multimedia content requested and provides the corresponding multimedia content to the corresponding content provider server from the subscriber terminal device. Forwarding the request of; And providing, by the content provider server, the request from the subscriber terminal device, the corresponding multimedia content to the subscriber terminal device.

Preferably, the subscriber station apparatus may include a display apparatus having a computer apparatus for performing IP-based communication and a set-top box applied to an IPTV service corresponding to any one of the at least one content provider server. have.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multimedia service method of an integrated content provider server. The integrated content information list includes at least one content information list provided from at least one external content provider server. Making; Providing the integrated content information list to a predetermined subscriber terminal device requesting a multimedia content search; Retrieving the multimedia content requested from the subscriber station device through the integrated content information list; And forwarding the request from the subscriber terminal device to the corresponding content provider server providing the multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device according to the search.

Preferably, at least one content information list provided from the at least one content provider server includes an electronic program guide (EPG) for real-time IPTV multimedia content provided by at least one content provider server, and at least one content provider. The server may include at least one of VOD related information about VOD multimedia content provided according to a Video On Demand (VOD) service.

Preferably, as a result of the searching in the searching step, when the corresponding multimedia content requested by the subscriber station apparatus is provided from a plurality of different content provider servers, among the plurality of content provider servers providing the corresponding multimedia content. Determining, by the subscriber terminal device, whether there is a content provider server corresponding to a pre-subscribed IPTV service; If there is a content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the subscriber terminal device is already subscribed, transmitting a request from the subscriber terminal device to the content provider server; And transmitting a request from the subscriber terminal device to any content provider server among the plurality of content provider servers, if the corresponding content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the subscriber terminal device is subscribed does not exist. can do.

Preferably, when the subscriber terminal device is a display device having a set-top box applied to an IPTV service corresponding to any one of at least one content provider server, the subscriber terminal device provides the real-time IPTV multimedia content requested by the subscriber device. If there is no corresponding content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the subscriber terminal device is subscribed, among the plurality of content provider servers, the real-time IPTV multimedia content provided from any content provider server of the plurality of content provider servers is recorded. Or download and receive; Converting and storing the received real-time IPTV multimedia content into a format for a video on demand (VOD) service; And providing the converted / stored multimedia content to the subscriber station.

Preferably, when the subscriber station apparatus is a display apparatus having a set-top box applied to an IPTV service corresponding to any one of at least one content provider server, as a result of the searching in the searching step, the subscriber station apparatus includes: Recording or downloading and receiving the real-time IPTV multimedia content provided from the content provider server when the content provider server corresponding to another IPTV service not subscribed to by the subscriber terminal device provides the requested real-time IPTV multimedia content; Converting and storing the received real-time IPTV multimedia content into a format for a video on demand (VOD) service; And providing the converted / stored multimedia content to the subscriber station.

Therefore, according to the IP-based integrated multimedia service system and the IP-based integrated multimedia service method of the present invention, by creating / managing the integrated content information list for the multimedia content provided by each content provider server, by providing the subscriber terminal device, A user of the terminal device can search for multimedia content of various other IPTV services in addition to the IPTV service subscribed to by the terminal device.

In addition, according to the IP-based integrated multimedia service system and the IP-based integrated multimedia service method of the present invention, when the multimedia content is requested from the subscriber terminal device through the integrated content information list, the request from the subscriber terminal device to the corresponding content provider server. By providing the content provider server to the subscriber terminal device or by delivering the multimedia content corresponding to the request from the subscriber terminal device from the corresponding content provider server, converting / stored and providing the content to the subscriber terminal device. In addition to the IPTV service subscribed to by the company, real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD multimedia content provided by other unsubscribed IPTV services can be used, thereby enabling multimedia content provided by multiple IPTV providers. It can provide a wide range of contents providing environment that can be integratedly searched / requested.

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

1 is a diagram illustrating an IP-based integrated multimedia service system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the IP-based integrated multimedia service system according to the present invention includes a subscriber station apparatus (10, 20...) Capable of receiving and playing multimedia content through IP-based communication, and multimedia based on IP. Generates an integrated content information list including at least one content provider server (100,200 ...) providing content and at least one content information list provided from at least one content provider server (100,200 ...). The content provider server by delivering the request from the subscriber terminal device to the corresponding content provider server providing the searched multimedia content by searching the multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device through the integrated content information list. Contents service provider to provide the corresponding multimedia contents to the subscriber terminal device Server 500.

In this case, the network 1 is configured to communicate between at least one content provider server (100,200 ...) and the integrated content provider server 500 and the subscriber terminal device (10,20 ...) through an IP base. The network may be configured in various ways such as a wired / wireless internet network or a mobile communication network.

Subscriber terminal device (10, 20 ...), can receive and play the multimedia content from at least one of at least one content provider server (100, 200 ...) and integrated content provider server 500 through IP-based communication A terminal having a computer apparatus 20 for performing IP-based communication and a set-top box 13 applied to an IPTV service corresponding to any one of at least one content provider server 100, 200 ... Device 15.

The subscriber terminal device (10, 20 ...), on the premise of subscribing to the IP-based integrated multimedia service provided by the integrated content provider server 500 provided in the present invention, at least one content provider server ( It is also possible to subscribe to the IPTV service provided by 100,200 ...).

Referring to the computer device 20 of the subscriber terminal device (10, 20 ...), the computer device 20 is basically provided with a function for performing IP-based communication through the network (1), Since a specific user operation function for using an IPTV service is provided with a keyboard and a mouse, the IPTV service can be used without actually purchasing / installing a separate set-top box for the IPTV service. Accordingly, the computer device 20 may serve as a subscriber terminal device in the present invention without installing a separate set top box.

Meanwhile, referring to the display device 15 including the set top box 13 among the subscriber terminal devices 10 and 20, the display device 15 including the set top box 13 is a television device. Alternatively, any type of display device may be included as long as the device has a display function such as a portable TV. Since the display device 15 does not have an IP-based communication function and does not have a specific user operation function for using the IPTV service, the display device 15 may not have a specific IPTV service (eg, an IPTV service). : Subscribes to the IPTV service provided by the second content provider server 200) and purchases / installs the set-top box 13 applied thereto. Accordingly, the display device 15 having the set top box 13 may serve as a subscriber station device in the present invention.

When the subscriber terminal device (10, 20 ...), the integrated search of the multimedia content is requested from the user, the subscriber terminal device (10, 20 ...) requests the integrated search of the multimedia content to the integrated content provider server (500). Therefore, if the integrated content information list is provided from the integrated content provider server 500, the subscriber terminal device (10, 20 ...) displays the integrated content information list, the user of the desired multimedia content through the integrated content information list from the user When the search is requested, the search for the corresponding multimedia content is requested to the integrated content provider server 500, and when the selection of the desired multimedia content is input from the user, the multimedia content is requested to the integrated content provider server 500.

Accordingly, the subscriber terminal device (10, 20 ...), the requested multimedia content provided from any one of at least one content provider server (100, 200 ...) and the integrated content provider server 500 through the network (1) Receive and play it. That is, the subscriber station (10, 20 ...), the real-time IPTV provided from any one of at least one content provider server (100, 200 ...) and the integrated content provider server 500 through the network (1) The multimedia content or VOD multimedia content may be received and reproduced.

At least one content provider server (100,200 ...) corresponds to an existing IPTV provider server that provides IPTV service by providing its own multimedia content to a subscriber terminal device subscribed to its own IPTV service.

Each of the at least one content provider server (100,200 ...) is VOD multimedia content corresponding to IPTV multimedia content and VOD program corresponding to IPTV broadcasting in order to provide real-time IPTV broadcasting service and VOD (Video On Demand) service. Holds. Accordingly, each of the at least one content provider server (100,200 ...), each of the EPG (Electronic Program Guide) for the real-time IPTV multimedia content that can provide and VOD related information about the VOD multimedia content that can provide It also holds, and provides a content information list including at least one of the EPG for the real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD-related information for the VOD multimedia content to the integrated content provider server (500).

Here, if the integrated content provider server 500 has a set-top box corresponding to each of the at least one content provider server (100,200 ...), at least one content provider server (100,200 ...) is the content information Rather than performing a separate operation of providing the list to the integrated content provider server 500, at least one content provider server (100, 200 ...) is a content information list with a subscriber terminal device that has already subscribed to its own IPTV service. In the same manner as the providing method, the content information list may be provided to the integrated content provider server 500.

In addition, the at least one content provider server (100, 200 ...), if the multimedia content request from the subscriber terminal device (for example, the computer device 20) is transmitted from the integrated content provider server 500, based on the forwarded request By providing the corresponding multimedia content to the subscriber terminal device (for example, the computer device 20) through the network (1) according to the request. That is, the at least one content provider server (100, 200 ...), if the multimedia content request from the subscriber terminal device (for example, the computer device 20) is transmitted from the integrated content provider server 500, based on the forwarded request By providing the corresponding real-time IPTV multimedia content or VOD multimedia content according to the request to the corresponding subscriber station device (for example, the computer device 20) through the network (1).

On the other hand, at least one content provider server (100,200 ...), if the real-time IPTV multimedia content is requested from the integrated content provider server 500, or recording the requested real-time IPTV multimedia content in the integrated content provider server 500 or Provided to the integrated content provider server 500 to download.

The integrated content provider server 500 generates an integrated content information list including at least one content information list provided from at least one content provider server 100, 200. Accordingly, the integrated content provider server 500 provides the integrated content information list to a predetermined subscriber terminal device (for example, the computer device 20) requesting the integrated search of the multimedia content, and the subscriber based on the integrated content information list. A subscriber terminal device (for example, a content provider server (for example, the first content provider server 100) that searches for multimedia content requested from a terminal device (for example, the computer device 20) and provides the retrieved multimedia content. Forwards the request from the computer device 20. Accordingly, the content provider server (eg, the first content provider server 100) will provide the corresponding multimedia content requested through the network 1 to the subscriber terminal device (eg, the computer device 20).

Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the integrated content provider server 500 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

Integrated content provider server 500 according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 2, integrated content information including at least one content information list provided from at least one content provider server (100, 200 ...) The integrated content information list generation unit 520 for generating a list, the integrated content information list providing unit 530 for providing the integrated content information list to a predetermined subscriber terminal device, and the request from the subscriber terminal device through the integrated content information list. A search unit 540 for searching the multimedia content, and a corresponding content provider server (eg, the first content provider server 100) providing the multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device according to the search of the search unit 540. By delivering the request from the subscriber terminal device, the corresponding content provider server (eg, the first content provider server 100) sends the corresponding multimedia content to the subscriber terminal head. Request processing control unit 510 to provide a value. The integrated content provider server 500 according to the present invention further includes a content conversion / storage unit 550 and a content transmission unit 560.

The integrated content information list generation unit 520 may include at least one of an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) for real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD related information for VOD multimedia content from each of at least one content provider server (100,200 ...). It is provided with a content information list including one. Here, the integrated content information list generation unit 520 is provided with a content information list from each of the content provider servers 100 and 200, by performing a separate operation provided by each of the content provider servers 100 and 200. If the integrated content provider server 500 is provided with a set-top box corresponding to each of the at least one content provider server (100,200 ...), each of the content provider server (100,200 ...) Without performing a separate operation, at least one content provider server (100,200 ...) the content information list in the same manner as the content information list to provide a subscriber terminal device subscribed to its own IPTV service You may also be provided.

Then, the integrated content information list generation unit 520 generates an integrated content information list including the content information list provided from each of the content provider servers 100 and 200. That is, the integrated content information list generation unit 520 may include an integrated EPG incorporating respective EPGs for real-time IPTV multimedia contents provided by each of the content provider servers 100 and 200, and the content provider server 100 and 200. Create integrated VOD related information integrating each VOD related information about VOD multimedia contents provided by each.

The integrated content information list providing unit 530 generates an integrated content information list according to the control of the request processing control unit 510 when the predetermined subscriber terminal device 10, 20 ... requests the integrated search of the multimedia content. The integrated content information list generated in the unit 520 is provided to the subscriber terminal device through the network 1. At this time, if the subscriber terminal device requests an integrated search for real-time IPTV multimedia content, the integrated content information list providing unit 530 subscribes the integrated EPG as an integrated content information list under the control of the request processing controller 510. If the terminal device, and the subscriber terminal device requests the integrated search for the VOD multimedia content, under the control of the request processing control unit 510, provides the integrated VOD information to the subscriber terminal device as an integrated content information list, Or it can provide both integrated EPG and integrated VOD related information.

The search unit 540 is based on the integrated content information list from the subscriber terminal device provided with the integrated content information list (integrated EPG, integrated VOD related information, integrated EPG + integrated VOD related information) from the integrated content information list providing unit 530. Retrieves the requested multimedia content. The search unit 540 may search for the corresponding multimedia content that is requested to be searched from the subscriber terminal device in the content information list provided from each of the content provider servers 100 and 200, and at least one corresponding multimedia according to the search. The content can be presented to the subscriber terminal device.

The search function of the search unit 540 is a search condition (in the present invention corresponds to the multimedia content held by each content provider server (100, 200 ...)) to search for (in the subscriber terminal device in the present invention) It is possible to adopt any one of the various existing search methods to search according to the requested search.

When the predetermined subscriber terminal device requests the integrated search of the multimedia content, the request processing control unit 510 provides the integrated content information list generated by the integrated content information list generation unit 520 to the subscriber terminal device. The information list providing unit 530 is controlled. When the multimedia content selected by the user is requested from the subscriber station device according to the search of the searcher 540, the request processing controller 510 provides a corresponding content provider server (eg, first content) that provides the requested multimedia content. Transfers the request from the subscriber terminal device to the operator server (100).

Accordingly, the content provider server receiving the request from the subscriber station device from the request processing control unit 510 of the integrated content service provider server 500 may provide the corresponding multimedia content requested through the network 1 to the subscriber device. will be.

Here, in the case where the subscriber terminal device requesting the multimedia content is the computer device 20, the computer device 20 may use the IPTV service without installing a separate set-top box applied to a specific IPTV service. Receives multimedia content (real-time IPTV multimedia content or VOD multimedia content) from a content provider server (for example, the first content provider server 100) of another IPTV service not subscribed to by 20, and may play back normally.

However, when the subscriber station apparatus is a display device 15 having a set top box 13 (hereinafter referred to as the subscriber station apparatus 10), the subscriber station apparatus 10 is a specific IPTV service (for example, the second terminal). Since the subscriber set up the set-top box 13 to be applied to the IPTV service provided by the content provider server 200, the content provider server (e.g., the first IPTV service) of the other IPTV service that the subscriber terminal device 10 does not subscribe to It is possible to normally play the VOD multimedia content from the content provider server 100, but even if the real-time IPTV multimedia content is provided, it will not be able to play normally.

Accordingly, the integrated content provider server 500 according to the present invention further includes a content conversion / storage unit 550 and a content transmission unit 560.

The content conversion / storage unit 550 records or downloads the multimedia content provided from the at least one content provider server 100, 200..., And converts the content into a format for a video on demand (VOD) service. That is, the content conversion / storage unit 550 requests and receives a predetermined real-time IPTV multimedia content from a predetermined content provider server (eg, 100) under the control of the request processing controller 510. In this case, the content conversion / storage unit 550 may receive and record the real-time IPTV multimedia content from the content provider server (for example, 100), or record the real-time IPTV from the content provider server (for example, 100). You can download the multimedia content and save it. The content conversion / storage unit 550 converts and stores the real-time IPTV multimedia content recorded or downloaded and stored into a format for a VOD service.

The content transmission unit 560, under the control of the request processing control unit 510, a predetermined subscriber terminal device (e.g., 10) through the network 10 for the multimedia content converted / stored in the content conversion / storage unit 550 through the network (10) To provide.

Therefore, the request processing control unit 510, when a predetermined subscriber terminal device requests the integrated search of the multimedia content, the integrated content information list generation unit 520 to provide the integrated content information list generated by the subscriber terminal device; The content information list providing unit 530 is controlled. At this time, the request processing control unit 510 may recognize whether the subscriber station device is the computer device 20 or the display device 15 having the set top box 13 (hereinafter, the subscriber device device 10). Could be.

When the subscriber terminal device is the computer device 20, the request processing control unit 510 determines whether the multimedia content requested from the computer device 20 is the real-time IPTV multimedia content or the VOD multimedia content. The request from the computer device 20 is transmitted to the corresponding content provider server (eg, the first content provider server 100) providing the content.

Thus, the computer device 20, as well as real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD multimedia content according to the IPTV service subscribed to it, as well as multimedia content provided from another content provider server received a request from the computer device 20 itself ( Real-time IPTV multimedia content or VOD multimedia content) is received and played.

On the other hand, if the subscriber station device is a display device 15 having a set top box 13 (hereinafter, subscriber station device 10), the request processing control unit 510, the corresponding request requested from the subscriber station device 10; If the multimedia content is VOD multimedia content, the request from the subscriber station device 10 is transmitted to the corresponding content provider server (eg, the first content provider server 100) providing the requested VOD multimedia content.

Here, if the multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device 10 is real-time IPTV multimedia content, the request processing control unit 510 is a corresponding content provider server (eg, a second content provider server that provides the real-time IPTV multimedia content). It is determined whether the subscriber terminal device 10 is already subscribed to the IPTV service provided by the user), and if the subscriber terminal device 10 is already subscribed, the subscriber terminal device is connected to the corresponding content provider server (eg, the second content provider server 200). Forward the request from (10). In addition, the subscriber terminal device 10 does not subscribe to the IPTV service of the corresponding content provider server (eg, the second content provider server 200) providing the real-time IPTV multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device 10. In this case, the request processing control unit 510 controls the content conversion / storage unit 550 to request the content provider server (eg, the second content provider server 200) and to receive and convert / store the corresponding real-time IPTV multimedia content. The content transmission unit 560 is controlled to provide the subscriber terminal device 10 with the corresponding multimedia content converted / stored in the content conversion / storage unit 550. Accordingly, the subscriber terminal device 10 may have a result of providing a somewhat delayed real-time IPTV multimedia content.

Here, it is natural that the request processing control unit 510 can recognize the IPTV service to which the subscriber station apparatus is subscribed to during the communication between the request processing control unit 510 and the corresponding subscriber terminal device.

Accordingly, the subscriber terminal device 10, as well as real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD multimedia content according to the IPTV service subscribed to it, as well as VOD provided from another content provider server received a request from the subscriber terminal device 10 itself. Receives and plays multimedia content, or receives and plays VOD multimedia content corresponding to real-time IPTV multimedia content provided by another IPTV service from the integrated content provider server 500 according to a request from the subscriber terminal device 10 itself. have.

In this case, there may occur a case where the corresponding multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device is duplicated from a plurality of different content provider servers. For example, a real-time IPTV multimedia content "soccer broadcast (Korea vs. Japan)" is requested from a subscriber terminal device (for example, the computer device 20), and the first content provider server 10 and the second content provider server ( This is the case when 200) provides the same real-time IPTV multimedia content "soccer broadcast (Korea vs. Japan)". Of course, there may be a case where a plurality of different content provider servers such as the first content provider server 10 and the second content provider server 200 provide the same VOD multimedia content.

Accordingly, when the multimedia content is requested from the subscriber terminal device, the request processing control unit 510 duplicates the corresponding multimedia content when the requested corresponding content is provided from a plurality of different content provider servers (eg, 100,200). It is determined whether there is a corresponding content provider server (eg 200) corresponding to the IPTV service to which the corresponding subscriber terminal device is provided among the plurality of content provider servers (eg 100,200).

Accordingly, among the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) providing the corresponding multimedia content, there is a corresponding content provider server (eg, the second content provider server 200) corresponding to the IPTV service to which the corresponding subscriber terminal device is subscribed. In this case, the request processing control unit 510 preferably transmits the request from the subscriber terminal device to the content provider server (eg, the second content provider server 200). Meanwhile, if there is no corresponding content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the subscriber terminal device is subscribed among the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) providing the corresponding multimedia content, the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200). ) May transmit a request from the subscriber terminal device to any content provider server (eg, the first content provider server 100).

In this case, when the subscriber station apparatus is the display device 15 having the set top box 13, it is impossible to provide real-time IPTV multimedia contents according to other IPTV services not subscribed to by the subscriber station apparatus 10.

Thus, a description will be given of the case where the subscriber station apparatus is the display apparatus 15 having the set top box 13 (hereinafter, the subscriber station apparatus 10). The subscriber station apparatus is the subscriber station apparatus 10 and the subscriber station apparatus. When the VOD multimedia content requested by (10) is duplicated from a plurality of different content provider servers (eg, 100,200), as described above, the request processing control unit 510 is requested from the subscriber station apparatus 10. Among the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) providing the VOD multimedia content, the corresponding content provider server (eg, the second content provider server 200) corresponding to the IPTV service to which the subscriber terminal device 10 is subscribed is provided. If present, the request is transmitted from the subscriber terminal device 10 to the content provider server (eg, the second content provider server 200). Then, if there is no corresponding content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the corresponding subscriber terminal device is subscribed among the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) providing the VOD multimedia content, the request processing control unit 510, A request from a subscriber terminal device may be delivered to any content provider server (eg, the first content provider server 100) among a plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200).

On the other hand, when the real-time IPTV multimedia content requested by the subscriber terminal device 10 is duplicated from a plurality of different content provider servers (eg, 100,200), the request processing control unit 510 requests from the subscriber terminal device 10. Among the plurality of content provider servers (eg 100,200) providing real-time IPTV multimedia content, the corresponding content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the subscriber terminal device 10 is subscribed (eg, the second content provider server 200). ), The request from the subscriber terminal device 10 to the content provider server (for example, the second content provider server 200). And, if there is no corresponding content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the subscriber terminal device 10 is subscribed among the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) providing the real-time IPTV multimedia content, the request processing control unit ( The 510 requests a corresponding real-time IPTV multimedia content to any content provider server (eg, the first content provider server 100) among a plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200), and the content provider server (eg, the first). 1 Control the content conversion / storage unit 550 to convert / store the corresponding real-time IPTV multimedia content received from the content provider server (100), the subscriber to the corresponding multimedia content converted / stored in the content conversion / storage unit 550 The content transmission unit 560 is controlled to provide the terminal device 10.

 As described above, the IP-based integrated multimedia service system according to the present invention, generates / manages the integrated content information list for the multimedia content provided by each content provider server (100, 200 ...) and the subscriber terminal device (10) , 20...), The user of the subscriber station apparatus 10, 20... May search for multimedia content of various other IPTV services in addition to the IPTV service he subscribes to.

In addition, as described above, the IP-based integrated multimedia service system according to the present invention, if the multimedia content is requested from the subscriber terminal device (10, 20 ...) through the integrated content information list, the subscriber terminal device (10) , 20 ...) to the corresponding content provider server to provide the content provider server to the subscriber terminal device (10,20 ...), or the subscriber terminal device (10,20 ..). .) Receives the multimedia content corresponding to the request from the content provider server, converts / stores the multimedia content, and provides the subscriber terminal device (10, 20 ...) to the corresponding subscriber station device (10, 20 ...). Real-time IPTV multimedia contents and VOD multimedia contents provided by other IPTV services that are not subscribed, as well as real-time IPTV multimedia contents and VOD multimedia contents according to IPTV services Ts can also be made available.

Hereinafter, an IP-based integrated multimedia service method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. Here, for the convenience of description, the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 2 described above will be described with reference to the corresponding reference numerals.

In the IP-based integrated multimedia service method according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one content provider server 500 is provided from at least one content provider server (100, 200 ...) providing multimedia content based on IP. Generating an integrated content information list 0 including a content information list and providing the same to a predetermined subscriber terminal device (10, 20 ...) requesting multimedia content retrieval; and receiving multimedia content through IP-based communication. Requesting a predetermined multimedia content based on the content information list through a subscriber terminal device (for example, 20) that can be played; and if multimedia content is requested through the integrated content information list from the subscriber terminal device (for example, 20), The integrated content provider server 500 searches for the requested multimedia content and retrieves the retrieved corresponding multimedia content. Forwarding the request from the subscriber terminal device (eg 20) to the corresponding content provider server (eg 200) and the content provider server (eg 200) receiving the request from the subscriber terminal device (eg 20). Providing the multimedia content to the subscriber terminal device (for example, 20).

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a subscriber station apparatus for requesting integrated search of multimedia content using an IP-based integrated multimedia service according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3. An IP based integrated multimedia service method according to an example will be described.

Each of the at least one content provider server (100,200 ...) has an IPTV multimedia content corresponding to IPTV broadcasting and a VOD multimedia content corresponding to a VOD program in order to provide real-time IPTV broadcasting service and VOD (Video On Demand) service. do.

Accordingly, each of the at least one content provider server (100,200 ...), each of the EPG (Electronic Program Guide) for the real-time IPTV multimedia content that can provide and VOD related information about the VOD multimedia content that can provide It also holds, and provides a content information list including at least one of the EPG for the real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD-related information for the VOD multimedia content to the integrated content provider server (500) (S10, S20).

Accordingly, the integrated content provider server provided with at least one content information list including at least one of EPG for the real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD related information for the VOD multimedia content from each of the at least one content provider server (100,200 ...) ( 500 generates an integrated content information list including each provided content information list (S30). That is, the integrated content provider server 500 includes an integrated EPG incorporating each EPG for real-time IPTV multimedia content provided by each of the content provider servers 100 and 200, and each of the content provider servers 100 and 200. Create integrated VOD related information integrating each VOD related information about VOD multimedia contents.

On the other hand, the subscriber terminal device 20 (hereinafter referred to as the computer device 20), when the integrated search for the multimedia content is requested from the user (S40), the integrated content provider server 500 requests the integrated search of the multimedia content (S45).

Accordingly, the integrated content provider server 500 provides the integrated content information list previously generated to the computer device 20 requesting the integrated search of the multimedia content through the network 1 (S50). At this time, the integrated content provider server 500, if the computer device 20 requests the integrated search for the real-time IPTV multimedia content, provides the integrated EPG as the integrated content information list to the computer device 20, the computer device 20 In the case of requesting the integrated search for the VOD multimedia content, the integrated VOD-related information may be provided to the computer device 20 as the integrated content information list, or both the integrated EPG and the integrated VOD-related information may be provided.

Therefore, when the integrated content information list is provided from the integrated content provider server 500, the computer device 20 displays the integrated content information list, and the user can search / select the desired multimedia content through the integrated content information list. (S60). That is, when the computer device 20 requests the search for the desired multimedia content through the integrated content information list from the user, the computer device 20 requests the search of the corresponding multimedia content to the integrated content provider server 500, and the desired specific multimedia content is selected from the user. User interface is performed. As such, when the desired specific multimedia content is selected from the user, the computer device 20 requests the corresponding multimedia content to the integrated content provider server 500 (S65).

Accordingly, the integrated content provider server 500 searches for the corresponding multimedia content that is requested to be searched from the computer device 20 in the content information list provided from each of the content provider servers 100 and 200, and at least one of the search results. The multimedia content is presented to the computer device 20, and the specific multimedia content requested from the computer device 20 is searched for (S70). This search function, according to the search conditions (the search requested by the subscriber terminal device in the present invention) the data to be searched (in the present invention corresponding to the multimedia content held by each content provider server (100,200 ...)) It will be possible to adopt any one of the various existing search methods.

The integrated content service provider server 500 determines whether the multimedia content requested by the specific multimedia content from the computer device 20 is provided from a plurality of different content service provider servers (eg, 100,200). (S80).

Accordingly, when the corresponding multimedia content requested from the computer device 20 is not provided in duplicate, the integrated content provider server 500 may include a corresponding content provider server (eg, a first content provider server) providing the requested multimedia content. 100)) and transmits the request from the subscriber station device (S90). Accordingly, the first content provider server 100 receiving the request from the computer device 20 from the integrated content provider server 500 transfers the requested multimedia content to the corresponding computer device 20 through the network 1. Will be provided (S95). Thus, the computer device 20 receives the requested multimedia content provided from the first content provider server 100 and reproduces it (S130).

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S80, when the corresponding multimedia content requested from the computer device 20 is provided from a plurality of different content provider server (for example, 100,200), the integrated content provider server 500, the multimedia The computer apparatus 20 determines whether there is a corresponding content provider server corresponding to a pre-subscribed IPTV service among a plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) providing content (S100).

Accordingly, the content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the computer device 20 is subscribed among the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) providing the corresponding multimedia content (eg, the second content provider server 200). If present, the integrated content provider server 500, it is preferable to transfer the request from the computer device 20 to the second content provider server 200 (S110). Accordingly, the second content provider server 200 receiving the request from the computer device 20 from the integrated content provider server 500, the corresponding computer device 20 to the corresponding multimedia content requested through the network (1) Will be provided (S115). Thus, the computer device 20 receives the requested multimedia content provided from the second content provider server 200 and reproduces it (S130).

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S100, the content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the computer device 20 is subscribed among the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) providing the corresponding multimedia content does not exist, the integrated content The operator server 500 may transmit a request from the computer device 20 to any content provider server (eg, the first content provider server 100) of the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) (S120). ). Accordingly, the first content provider server 100 receiving the request from the computer device 20 from the integrated content provider server 500 transfers the requested multimedia content to the corresponding computer device 20 through the network 1. Will be provided (S95). Thus, the computer device 20 receives the requested multimedia content provided from the first content provider server 100 and reproduces it (S130).

Thus, according to the present invention, the computer device 20, as well as real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD multimedia content according to the IPTV service subscribed to it, from the other content provider server received the request from the computer device 20 itself The provided multimedia content (real time IPTV multimedia content or VOD multimedia content) is received and played.

Hereinafter, as described with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 illustrates a multimedia service method in the integrated content provider server 500 in the IP-based integrated multimedia service according to the present invention when the subscriber station is a computer device 20. Referring to FIG. This will be described with reference to 5.

First, the integrated content provider server 500 includes content information including at least one of EPG for real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD related information for VOD multimedia content from each of at least one content provider server 100, 200. The list is received (S10, S20).

Accordingly, when the content information list including at least one of EPG for real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD related information for VOD multimedia content is provided from each of the at least one content provider server (100,200 ...), the integrated content provider server The integrated content information list generation unit 520 of 500 generates an integrated content information list including the respective content information lists provided (S31). That is, the integrated content information list generation unit 520 may include an integrated EPG incorporating respective EPGs for real-time IPTV multimedia contents provided by each of the content provider servers 100 and 200, and the content provider server 100 and 200. Create integrated VOD related information integrating each VOD related information about VOD multimedia contents provided by each.

Meanwhile, the request processing control unit 510 of the integrated content provider server 500 determines whether an integrated search for multimedia content is requested from a predetermined subscriber terminal device (S33), and the subscriber terminal device 20 (hereinafter, computer device 20). When the integrated search for the multimedia content is requested, the integrated content information list providing unit 530 is controlled to provide the integrated content information list to the computer device 20 serving as the corresponding subscriber terminal device (S35).

Thus, the integrated content information list providing unit 530 requests the integrated content information list generated by the integrated content information list generation unit 520 (S37), and the integrated content information obtained from the integrated content information list generation unit 520. The list is provided to the computer device 20 which is the corresponding subscriber station device through the network 1 (S51). In this case, the integrated content information list providing unit 530 corresponds to the integrated EPG as the integrated content information list according to the control of the request processing controller 510 when the subscriber terminal device requests an integrated search for the real-time IPTV multimedia content. If the subscriber terminal device and the subscriber terminal device requests the integrated search for the VOD multimedia content, under the control of the request processing controller 510, the integrated VOD related information is provided to the subscriber terminal device as the integrated content information list. Or, it can provide both integrated EPG and integrated VOD related information.

Thereafter, the search unit 540 is integrated from the computer device 20 that receives the integrated content information list (integrated EPG, integrated VOD related information, integrated EPG + integrated VOD related information) from the integrated content information list providing unit 530. On the basis of the content information list, it is determined whether a search for multimedia content is requested (S61), and the requested multimedia content is searched (S71). The search unit 540 may search for the corresponding multimedia content that is requested to be searched from the computer device 20, which is a subscriber terminal device, from the content information list provided from each of the content provider servers 100, 200, and the like. At least one corresponding multimedia content may be presented to the computer device 20. This search function, the data to be searched (in the present invention corresponding to the multimedia content held by each content provider server (100, 200 ...)) to the search conditions (search requested by the subscriber terminal device in the present invention) Therefore, it is possible to adopt any search method among various existing search methods.

Accordingly, the request processing control unit 510 determines whether a specific multimedia content is selected from the computer device 20 that searches for multimedia content based on the integrated content information list (S73). In operation S81, the corresponding multimedia content is repeatedly provided from a plurality of different content provider servers (for example, 100, 200).

Thus, if the corresponding multimedia content requested from the computer device 20 is not provided in duplicate, the request processing control unit 510 is a corresponding content provider server (eg, the first content provider server 100) providing the requested multimedia content. In step S91, the request from the computer device 20 is transmitted. Accordingly, the first content provider server 100 receiving the request from the computer device 20 from the integrated content provider server 500 transfers the requested multimedia content to the corresponding computer device 20 through the network 1. The computer device 20 may receive and play the requested multimedia content provided from the first content provider server 100.

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S81, when the corresponding multimedia content requested from the computer device 20 is provided from a plurality of different content provider server (for example, 100,200), the request processing control unit 510 determines the corresponding multimedia content. It is determined whether there is a corresponding content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the computer device 20 is subscribed among the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) provided (S101).

Accordingly, the content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the computer device 20 is subscribed among the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) providing the corresponding multimedia content (eg, the second content provider server 200). If present, the request processing control unit 510 preferably transfers the request from the computer device 20 to the second content provider server 200 (S111). Accordingly, the second content provider server 200 receiving the request from the computer device 20 from the integrated content provider server 500 transfers the corresponding multimedia content requested through the network 1 to the computer device 20. The computer apparatus 20 may receive and play the requested multimedia content provided from the second content provider server 200.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S101, the content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the computer device 20 is subscribed among the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) providing the corresponding multimedia content does not exist, request processing The controller 510 may transfer a request from the computer device 20 to any content provider server (eg, the first content provider server 100) among the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) (S121). Accordingly, the first content provider server 100 receiving the request from the computer device 20 from the integrated content provider server 500 transfers the requested multimedia content to the corresponding computer device 20 through the network 1. The computer device 20 may receive and play the requested multimedia content provided from the first content provider server 100.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a display device 15 having a set-top box 13 as a subscriber station apparatus for requesting an integrated search of multimedia content using an IP-based integrated multimedia service according to the present invention with reference to FIG. 4. (Hereinafter referred to as subscriber terminal device 10), the IP-based integrated multimedia service method according to the second embodiment will be described.

Each of the at least one content provider server (100,200 ...) also has an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) for the real-time IPTV multimedia content that it can provide and VOD related information for the VOD multimedia content that it can provide. The contents information list including at least one of the EPG for the real-time IPTV multimedia content and the VOD related information for the multimedia content is provided to the integrated content provider server 500 (S200 and S210).

Accordingly, the integrated content provider server provided with at least one content information list including at least one of EPG for the real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD related information for the VOD multimedia content from each of the at least one content provider server (100,200 ...) ( 500 generates an integrated content information list including each provided content information list (S220). That is, the integrated content provider server 500 includes an integrated EPG incorporating each EPG for real-time IPTV multimedia content provided by each of the content provider servers 100 and 200, and each of the content provider servers 100 and 200. Create integrated VOD related information integrating each VOD related information about VOD multimedia contents.

On the other hand, subscriber terminal device 10, when the integrated search of the multimedia content is requested from the user (S230), the integrated content provider server 500 requests the integrated search of the multimedia content (S235).

Accordingly, the integrated content provider server 500 provides the integrated content information list previously generated to the subscriber station apparatus 10 requesting the integrated search of the multimedia content through the network 1 (S240). At this time, the integrated content provider server 500, if the subscriber terminal device 10 requests the integrated search for the real-time IPTV multimedia content, provides the integrated EPG as the integrated content information list to the subscriber terminal device 10, the subscriber terminal When the device 10 requests the integrated search for the VOD multimedia content, the integrated VOD related information may be provided to the subscriber terminal device 10 as the integrated content information list, or both the integrated EPG and the integrated VOD related information may be provided. .

Accordingly, when the integrated content information list is provided from the integrated content provider server 500, the subscriber station apparatus 10 displays the integrated content information list, and the user searches / selects the desired multimedia content through the integrated content information list. It will be (S250). As such, when the desired specific multimedia content is selected from the user, the subscriber station apparatus 10 requests the corresponding multimedia content to the integrated content provider server 500 (S255).

Accordingly, the integrated content provider server 500 searches for the corresponding multimedia content that is requested to be searched from the subscriber terminal device 10 from the content information list provided from each of the content provider servers 100 and 200, and at least one according to the search. Present the corresponding multimedia content to the subscriber terminal device 10, and retrieves the specific multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device (10) (S260).

The integrated content service provider server 500 determines whether the corresponding multimedia content is requested from the subscriber terminal device 10 and retrieved from the plurality of different content service provider servers (eg, 100,200). (S270). At this time, if the multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device 10 is VOD multimedia content, the integrated content provider server 500 processes step S270 in the same manner as step S80 in FIG. 3 described above, and performs steps S80 to S125. In operation S130, the subscriber station device 10 will receive the requested VOD multimedia content provided from the content provider server (100, 200 ...) and play it.

On the other hand, if the multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device 10 is real-time IPTV multimedia content, the determination result in step S270, when the real-time IPTV multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device 10 is not provided, the integrated content provider The server 500 determines whether the subscriber terminal device 10 is already subscribed to the IPTV service provided by the content provider server providing the corresponding real-time IPTV multimedia content (S300).

Thus, assuming that the content provider server providing the real-time IPTV multimedia content is the second content provider server 200 and the subscriber terminal device 10 is subscribed to the IPTV service of the second content provider server 200. The integrated content service provider server 500 transmits a request from the subscriber station apparatus 10 to the corresponding second content service provider server 200 (S310). Accordingly, the second content provider server 200 receiving the request from the subscriber station device 10 from the integrated content provider server 500, the subscriber terminal device to the corresponding real-time IPTV multimedia content requested through the network (1) Will be provided as (10) (S290). Accordingly, the subscriber station apparatus 10 receives the requested real-time IPTV multimedia content provided from the second content provider server 200 and reproduces it (S360).

On the other hand, assuming that the content provider server providing the real-time IPTV multimedia content is the first content provider server 100, the subscriber terminal device 10 is subscribed to the IPTV service of the second content provider server 200 As a result of the determination in step S300, since the subscriber station apparatus 10 does not subscribe to the IPTV service of the first content service provider server 100, the integrated content service provider server 500 may form the first content service provider server 100. The corresponding real-time IPTV multimedia content is requested (S320). Thus, when receiving the real-time IPTV multimedia content from the first content provider server 100 (S330), the integrated content provider server 500 converts and stores the received real-time IPTV multimedia content into a format for the VOD service (S340). ). In addition, the integrated content provider server 500 provides the converted / stored multimedia content to the subscriber station 10 (S350). Accordingly, the subscriber terminal device 10 may have a result of providing a somewhat delayed real-time IPTV multimedia content. Accordingly, the subscriber station apparatus 10 receives the requested real-time IPTV multimedia content provided from the first content provider server 100 from the integrated content provider server 500 and reproduces it (S360).

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S270, if the real-time IPTV multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device 10 is provided in duplicate, the integrated content provider server 500 is provided with a plurality of content provider server (for providing the corresponding real-time IPTV multimedia content ( For example, the subscriber terminal device 10 determines whether there is a corresponding content provider server corresponding to a pre-subscribed IPTV service (S280).

Thus, assuming that the subscriber terminal device 10 of the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) providing the corresponding real-time IPTV multimedia content is subscribed to the IPTV service of the second content provider server 200, step S280 As a result of the determination, the integrated content provider server 500 preferably transmits the request from the subscriber station apparatus 10 to the second content provider server 200 (S285). Accordingly, the second content provider server 200 receiving the request from the subscriber station device 10 from the integrated content service provider server 500 may transmit the corresponding real-time IPTV multimedia content requested through the network 1 to the subscriber station device. Will be provided as (10) (S290). Accordingly, the subscriber station apparatus 10 receives the requested real-time IPTV multimedia content provided from the second content provider server 200 and reproduces it (S360).

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S280, among the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) providing the corresponding multimedia content, if there is no corresponding content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service subscribed to the subscriber terminal device 10, integration The content provider server 500 is a content provider server (for example, the first content provider server 100) among a plurality of content provider servers (for example, 100,200) and the corresponding real-time IPTV multimedia content to the subscriber terminal device 10. Request (S320). Accordingly, when receiving the real-time IPTV multimedia content from the first content provider server 100 (S330), the integrated content provider server 500 converts the real-time IPTV multimedia content into a format for the VOD service and stores it (S340). . In addition, the integrated content provider server 500 provides the converted / stored multimedia content to the subscriber station 10 (S350). Accordingly, the subscriber terminal device 10 may have a result of providing a somewhat delayed real-time IPTV multimedia content. Accordingly, the subscriber station apparatus 10 receives the requested real-time IPTV multimedia content provided from the first content provider server 100 from the integrated content provider server 500 and reproduces it (S360).

Accordingly, according to the present invention, the subscriber station apparatus 10, as well as the real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD multimedia content according to the IPTV service subscribed to it, as well as other content providers receiving the request from the subscriber terminal device 10 itself. Receive and play the VOD multimedia content provided from the server, or the VOD multimedia content corresponding to the real-time IPTV multimedia content provided by other IPTV service in response to a request from the subscriber terminal device 10 itself integrated content provider server (500) Can be received and played back.

Hereinafter, as described with reference to FIG. 4, the subscriber terminal device is a display device 15 having a set top box 13 applied to a specific IPTV service (hereinafter referred to as subscriber terminal device 10). In the IP-based integrated multimedia service according to the present invention, a multimedia service method in terms of the integrated content provider server 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

First, the integrated content provider server 500 includes content information including at least one of EPG for real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD related information for VOD multimedia content from each of at least one content provider server 100, 200. Receive the list (S200, S210).

Accordingly, when the content information list including at least one of EPG for real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD related information for VOD multimedia content is provided from each of the at least one content provider server (100,200 ...), the integrated content provider server The integrated content information list generation unit 520 of 500 generates an integrated content information list including each of the provided content information lists (S221). That is, the integrated content information list generation unit 520 may include an integrated EPG incorporating respective EPGs for real-time IPTV multimedia contents provided by each of the content provider servers 100 and 200, and the content provider server 100 and 200. Create integrated VOD related information integrating each VOD related information about VOD multimedia contents provided by each.

On the other hand, the request processing control unit 510 of the integrated content provider server 500 determines whether the integrated search of the multimedia content is requested from a predetermined subscriber terminal device (S223), the integrated search of the multimedia content from the subscriber terminal device (10) When the request is made, the integrated content information list providing unit 530 is controlled to provide the integrated content information list to the corresponding subscriber station device 10 (S225).

Accordingly, the integrated content information list providing unit 530 requests the integrated content information list generated by the integrated content information list generation unit 520 (S227), and obtains the integrated content information obtained from the integrated content information list generation unit 520. The list is provided to the subscriber station apparatus 10 through the network 1 (S241). In this case, the integrated content information list providing unit 530 corresponds to the integrated EPG as the integrated content information list according to the control of the request processing controller 510 when the subscriber terminal device requests an integrated search for the real-time IPTV multimedia content. If the subscriber terminal device and the subscriber terminal device requests the integrated search for the VOD multimedia content, under the control of the request processing controller 510, the integrated VOD related information is provided to the subscriber terminal device as the integrated content information list. Or, it can provide both integrated EPG and integrated VOD related information.

Subsequently, the search unit 540 receives the integrated content information list (integrated EPG, integrated VOD related information, integrated EPG + integrated VOD related information) from the integrated content information list providing unit 530. On the basis of the integrated content information list, it is determined whether a search for multimedia content is requested (S251), and the requested multimedia content is searched (S261). The search unit 540 may search for the corresponding multimedia content that is requested to be searched by the subscriber terminal device 10 from the content information list provided from each of the content provider servers 100 and 200. The corresponding multimedia content of may be presented to the subscriber terminal device (10).

Accordingly, the request processing control unit 510 determines whether a specific multimedia content is selected from the subscriber terminal device 10 that searches for multimedia content based on the integrated content information list (S263). The controller 510 determines whether the corresponding specific multimedia content is provided from a plurality of different content provider servers (eg, 100,200) in duplicate (S271). At this time, if the multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device 10 is VOD multimedia content, the request processing controller 510 processes step S271 in the same manner as step S81 in FIG. 5 described above, and proceeds through steps S81 to S121. In addition, the subscriber station apparatus 10 will receive and play the requested VOD multimedia content provided from the content provider server (100, 200 ...).

On the other hand, if the multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device 10 is real-time IPTV multimedia content, as a result of the determination in step S271, if the real-time IPTV multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device 10 is not provided, the request processing control unit In operation 301, the subscriber terminal device 10 is subscribed to the IPTV service provided by the corresponding content provider server providing the real-time IPTV multimedia content.

Thus, assuming that the content provider server providing the real-time IPTV multimedia content is the second content provider server 200 and the subscriber terminal device 10 is subscribed to the IPTV service of the second content provider server 200. The request processing control unit 510 transmits the request from the subscriber station apparatus 10 to the corresponding second content provider server 200 (S311). Accordingly, the second content provider server 200 that receives the request from the subscriber station device 10 from the integrated content provider server 500 may transmit the corresponding real-time IPTV multimedia content requested through the network 1 to the subscriber station device ( 10), the subscriber station apparatus 10 will receive and play the requested real-time IPTV multimedia content provided from the second content provider server 200.

On the other hand, assuming that the content provider server providing the real-time IPTV multimedia content is the first content provider server 100, the subscriber terminal device 10 is subscribed to the IPTV service of the second content provider server 200 As a result of the determination in step S301, since the subscriber terminal device 10 does not subscribe to the IPTV service of the first content service provider server 100, the request processing control unit 510 requests the first content service provider server 100. The corresponding real-time IPTV multimedia content is requested (S321). Therefore, when receiving the real-time IPTV multimedia content from the first content provider server 100 (S331), the request processing controller 510 converts the received real-time IPTV multimedia content into a format for the VOD service content conversion / storage unit ( 550 is controlled (S335). Accordingly, the content conversion / storage unit 550 converts and stores the received real-time IPTV multimedia content into a format for a VOD service (S341). Then, the content transmission unit 560, under the control of the request processing control unit 510, the corresponding multimedia content converted / stored in the content conversion / storage unit 550 to the subscriber terminal device 10 via the network (1) Provided (S351). Accordingly, the subscriber terminal device 10 may have a result of providing a somewhat delayed real-time IPTV multimedia content. Accordingly, the subscriber station apparatus 10 may receive the requested real-time IPTV multimedia content provided from the unlisted first content provider server 100 from the integrated content provider server 500 and play it.

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S271, if the real-time IPTV multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device 10 is provided in duplicate, the request processing control unit 510 is a plurality of content provider server (eg, providing the real-time IPTV multimedia content) In step S281, the subscriber terminal device 10 determines whether there is a corresponding content provider server corresponding to the subscribed IPTV service.

Thus, assuming that the subscriber terminal device 10 of the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) providing the real-time IPTV multimedia content is subscribed to the IPTV service of the second content provider server 200, step S281. As a result of the determination, it is preferable that the request processing control unit 510 transfers the request from the subscriber station apparatus 10 to the second content provider server 200 (S286). Accordingly, the second content provider server 200 receiving the request from the subscriber station device 10 from the integrated content service provider server 500 may transmit the corresponding real-time IPTV multimedia content requested through the network 1 to the subscriber station device. The subscriber station apparatus 10 will receive the requested real-time IPTV multimedia content provided from the second content provider server 200 and play it back.

On the other hand, when the determination result in step S281, if the corresponding content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the subscriber terminal device 10 is subscribed among the plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200) providing the corresponding multimedia content, the request is made. The processing control unit 510 requests the corresponding real-time IPTV multimedia content from the subscriber terminal device 10 to any content provider server (eg, the first content provider server 100) among a plurality of content provider servers (eg, 100,200). (S321). Therefore, when receiving the real-time IPTV multimedia content from the first content provider server 100 (S331), the request processing controller 510 converts the received real-time IPTV multimedia content into a format for the VOD service content conversion / storage unit ( 550 is controlled (S335). Accordingly, the content conversion / storage unit 550 converts and stores the received real-time IPTV multimedia content into a format for a VOD service (S341). Then, the content transmission unit 560, under the control of the request processing control unit 510, the corresponding multimedia content converted / stored in the content conversion / storage unit 550 to the subscriber terminal device 10 via the network (1) It is provided (S351). Accordingly, the subscriber terminal device 10 may have a result of providing a somewhat delayed real-time IPTV multimedia content. Accordingly, the subscriber station apparatus 10 may receive the requested real-time IPTV multimedia content provided from the unlisted first content provider server 100 from the integrated content provider server 500 and play it.

As described above, in the IP-based integrated multimedia service method according to the present invention, the subscriber terminal device 10 generates / manages the integrated content information list for the multimedia contents provided by the respective content provider servers 100, 200 ... , 20...), The user of the subscriber station apparatus 10, 20... May search for multimedia content of various other IPTV services in addition to the IPTV service he subscribes to.

In addition, as described above, the IP-based integrated multimedia service method according to the present invention, if the multimedia content is requested from the subscriber terminal device (10, 20 ...) through the integrated content information list, the subscriber terminal device (10) , 20 ...) to the corresponding content provider server to provide the content provider server to the subscriber terminal device (10,20 ...), or the subscriber terminal device (10,20 ..). .) Receives the multimedia content corresponding to the request from the content provider server, converts / stores the multimedia content, and provides the subscriber terminal device (10, 20 ...) to the corresponding subscriber station device (10, 20 ...). Real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD multimedia content, as well as real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD multimedia content according to IPTV service You can also make it available.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the technical field to which the present invention belongs without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the following claims. Anyone skilled in the art will have the technical idea of the present invention to the extent that various modifications or changes are possible.

By creating / managing integrated content information list for multimedia content provided by each content provider server and providing it to subscriber terminal device, users of subscriber terminal device can access multimedia content of various other IPTV services in addition to their own IPTV service. When the multimedia content is requested through the integrated content information list from the subscriber terminal device, the request from the subscriber terminal device is delivered to the content provider server so that the content provider server provides the subscriber terminal device. Alternatively, by receiving the multimedia content corresponding to the request from the subscriber terminal device from the corresponding content provider server, converting / saving the same, and providing the same to the subscriber terminal device, not only the IPTV service subscribed to the subscriber terminal device but also other IPTV services not subscribed to. Offering When applying the IP-based integrated multimedia service system and the IP-based integrated multimedia service method, which can also use real-time IPTV multimedia content and VOD multimedia content, it is possible to integrate the multimedia contents provided by a plurality of IPTV providers separately. The development of a wide range of content providing environments that can be searched / requested and IPTV broadcasting interworking service model can be greatly improved, and the applicable integrated content provider server and IPTV broadcasting interworking service are not only sufficiently available or commercially viable, but also clearly implemented in a realistic manner. can do.

1 is a control block diagram of an IP-based integrated multimedia service system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a control block diagram of an integrated content provider server according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a control flowchart illustrating a control flow of an IP-based integrated multimedia service method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a control flowchart illustrating a control flow of an IP-based integrated multimedia service method according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a control flowchart illustrating a control flow of a multimedia service method of an integrated content service provider server according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a control flowchart illustrating a control flow of a multimedia service method of an integrated content provider server according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

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

1: network 10,20: subscriber terminal device

100,200 ...: 1st Content Operator Server, 2nd Content Operator Server ...

500: integrated content provider server

Claims (15)

A subscriber station apparatus capable of receiving and playing multimedia content through IP-based communication; At least one content provider server providing multimedia content based on IP; And Generate and provide an integrated content information list including at least one content information list provided from the at least one content provider server to the subscriber terminal device, and the multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device through the integrated content information list. Searching for and delivers the request from the subscriber terminal device to the content provider server providing the retrieved corresponding multimedia content, the content provider server includes an integrated content provider server to provide the multimedia content to the subscriber terminal device; IP-based integrated multimedia service system, characterized in that. The method of claim 1, The subscriber station device, And a display device having a computer device for performing IP-based communication and a set-top box applied to an IPTV service corresponding to any one of the at least one content provider server. An integrated content information list generation unit for generating an integrated content information list including at least one content information list provided from at least one external content provider server; An integrated content information list providing unit for providing the integrated content information list to a predetermined subscriber terminal device; A retrieving unit for retrieving the multimedia content requested from the subscriber station device through the integrated content information list; And The content provider server transmits the request from the subscriber terminal device to the corresponding content provider server providing the multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device according to the search of the searcher, so that the content provider server provides the multimedia content to the subscriber terminal device. Integrated content provider server comprising a request processing control unit. The method of claim 3, wherein At least one content information list provided from the at least one content provider server, Electronic Program Guide (EPG) for real-time IPTV multimedia content provided by at least one content provider server and VOD related information about VOD multimedia content provided by at least one content provider server according to VOD (Video On Demand) service. Integrated content provider server comprising at least any one of. The method of claim 4, wherein A content conversion / storing unit for recording or downloading real-time IPTV multimedia content provided from at least one content provider server and converting and storing the real-time IPTV multimedia content into a format for a video on demand service; And a content transmission unit for providing the multimedia content stored in the content conversion / storage unit to a predetermined subscriber terminal device. The method of claim 5, The request processing control unit, As a result of searching the search unit, if the corresponding multimedia content requested by the subscriber terminal device is provided from a plurality of different content provider servers, the subscriber terminal device of the plurality of content provider servers providing the corresponding multimedia content is pre-set. If there is a corresponding content provider server corresponding to the subscribed IPTV service, a request from the subscriber terminal device is transmitted to the content provider server, and there is no corresponding content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the subscriber terminal device is subscribed. If not, the integrated content provider server, characterized in that for forwarding the request from the subscriber terminal device to any content provider server of the plurality of content provider server. The method of claim 6, The request processing control unit, When the subscriber station device is a display device having a set-top box applied to an IPTV service corresponding to any one of at least one content provider server, the plurality of content providers providing real-time IPTV multimedia content requested by the subscriber station device. If there is no corresponding content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the subscriber terminal device is previously subscribed, among the servers, the real-time IPTV multimedia content may be received and converted / stored from any content provider server among the plurality of content provider servers. And controlling the content transmission unit to control the content conversion / storage unit and provide the multimedia content stored in the content conversion / storage unit to the subscriber terminal device. The method according to claim 5 or 7, The request processing control unit, If the subscriber station device is a display device having a set-top box applied to an IPTV service corresponding to any one of at least one content provider server, as a result of searching the search unit, real-time IPTV multimedia content requested by the subscriber station device; If the content provider server corresponding to another IPTV service that the subscriber terminal device does not subscribe to provides, control the content conversion / storage unit to receive and convert / store the corresponding multimedia content from the content provider server, the content conversion / storage Integrated content provider server, characterized in that for controlling the content transmission unit to provide the multimedia content stored in the subscriber terminal device. The integrated content provider server generates an integrated content information list including at least one content information list provided from at least one content provider server for providing multimedia content based on IP, and requests a multimedia content search. Providing; Requesting a predetermined multimedia content based on the content information list through a subscriber station apparatus capable of receiving and playing multimedia content through IP-based communication; When the multimedia content is requested through the integrated content information list from the subscriber terminal device, the integrated content service provider server searches for the multimedia content requested and provides the corresponding multimedia content to the corresponding content provider server from the subscriber terminal device. Forwarding the request of; And And providing, by the content provider server receiving the request from the subscriber terminal device, the corresponding multimedia content to the subscriber terminal device. The method of claim 9, The subscriber station device, And a display device having a computer device for performing IP-based communication and a set-top box applied to an IPTV service corresponding to any one of the at least one content provider server. Generating an integrated content information list including at least one content information list provided from at least one external content provider server; Providing the integrated content information list to a predetermined subscriber terminal device requesting a multimedia content search; Retrieving the multimedia content requested from the subscriber station device through the integrated content information list; And transmitting a request from the subscriber terminal device to the corresponding content provider server providing the multimedia content requested from the subscriber terminal device according to the search. The method of claim 11, At least one content information list provided from the at least one content provider server, EPG (Electronic Program Guide) for real-time IPTV multimedia content provided by at least one content provider server and VOD related information about VOD multimedia content provided by at least one content provider server according to VOD (Video On Demand) service. Multimedia service method of an integrated content provider server, characterized in that it comprises at least one. 13. The method of claim 12, As a result of the searching in the searching step, if the corresponding multimedia content requested by the subscriber terminal device is provided from a plurality of different content provider servers, the subscriber terminal device of the plurality of content provider servers that provide the corresponding multimedia content is provided. Determining whether a content provider server corresponding to the subscribed IPTV service exists; If there is a content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the subscriber terminal device is already subscribed, transmitting a request from the subscriber terminal device to the content provider server; And If there is no corresponding content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the subscriber terminal device is already subscribed, transmitting the request from the subscriber terminal device to any content provider server among the plurality of content provider servers. Multimedia service method of an integrated content provider server, characterized in that. The method of claim 13, When the subscriber station device is a display device having a set-top box applied to an IPTV service corresponding to any one of at least one content provider server, the plurality of content providers providing real-time IPTV multimedia content requested by the subscriber station device. If there is no corresponding content provider server corresponding to the IPTV service to which the subscriber terminal device is subscribed, among the servers, the real-time IPTV multimedia content provided from any content provider server of the plurality of content provider servers is recorded or downloaded. Receiving; Converting and storing the received real-time IPTV multimedia content into a format for a video on demand (VOD) service; And And providing the converted / stored multimedia content to the subscriber terminal device. The method according to claim 12 or 14, wherein If the subscriber station device is a display device having a set-top box applied to an IPTV service corresponding to any one of at least one content provider server, as a result of the searching in the searching step, the real-time IPTV multimedia requested by the subscriber station device Recording or downloading and receiving the real-time IPTV multimedia content provided from the content provider server when content is provided by a content provider server corresponding to another IPTV service not subscribed to by the subscriber terminal device; Converting and storing the received real-time IPTV multimedia content into a format for a video on demand (VOD) service; And And providing the converted / stored multimedia content to the subscriber terminal device.

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