WO2008013394A1

WO2008013394A1 - Multimedia service player being capable of storing and replaying data service information

Info

Publication number: WO2008013394A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/003554
Authority: WO
Inventors: Se-Hoon Son; Mun-Sup Song; Sung-Gul Ryoo; Jae-Seob Shin; Yeon-Bae Kim
Original assignee: Pixtree Technologis, Inc.
Priority date: 2006-07-28
Filing date: 2007-07-24
Publication date: 2008-01-31

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multimedia service player for receiving and playing interactive user service information. The multimedia service player stores and plays data service information, which is supplementary multimedia information provided for interactive user service. The multimedia service player (20) stores the data service information in the storage unit (250) thereof according to one of a batch storage method, a separation storage method, a classification storage method, a user-selected storage method, and a storage method in combination with associated information, thus allowing a user to conveniently invoke and play the data service information. According to the multimedia service player of the present invention, the storage and playback of data service information required to provide interactive user service are possible, thus allowing the user to conveniently and precisely use interactive service.

Description

[DESCRIPTION]

[Invention Title]

MULTIMEDIA SERVICE PLAYER BEING CAPABLE OF STORING AND REPLAYING DATA SERVICE INFORMATION

[Technical Field]

<i> The present invention relates, in general, to a multimedia service player that is capable of storing and playing data service information, and, more particularly, to a multimedia service player that is provided with interactive user service, is capable of recording, classifying, manipulating, storing and managing data information provided for the interactive user service, and is capable of selectively playing data information.

[Background Art]

<2> Interactive user service is a type of service in which associated data service information (associated data) required for interactive user service is included in various types of digital multimedia services, such as existing mobile multimedia service (Terrestrial-Digital Multimedia Broadcasting [T- DMB] and Satellite-DMB [S-DMB]), Digital Television (DTV), Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), and Internet multimedia service. This associated data can be realized using various types of supplementary multimedia information, such as still images, text, a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), animation, and music clips. Such information can be transmitted using technology such as MPEG-4, Binary Format for Scenes (BIFS), Broadcast WebSite (BWS), Transport Protocol Experts Group (TPEG), SlideShow, Dynamic Label Segment (DLS), and DMB-Middleware.

<3> FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the construction of a conventional multimedia service player. The storage method used in conventional multimedia service player is implemented in such a way as to store moving images composed of audio and video, which is the main service information, and to allow a user to play and view the moving images at any desired time. In this case, when data service information for supplementary service, rather than the main service, is present, the conventional multimedia service player can store only the video and audio information that is main service information, but cannot store text information that is data service information.

<4> In the case where a DMB stream is stored in a received state, (1) a user can view the DMB stream through the composition of a BIFS with video, as in the case of real-time reception, but, (2) when a DMB stream is stored in a local area, the user can view the DMB stream through the fast processing of only a BIFS (gathering/decoding/rendering of the BIFS section of a Transport Stream [TS]).

<5> In the case where only a URL is stored, since (1) the URL of an anchor node needs to be stored without change, this method is the simplest storage method. But, (2) when the URL is not a simple page, and is used for Mobile- Commerce (M-Commerce) , various types of information are coded and are present in the URL, and thus there is a disadvantage in that it is difficult to know what the URL means. And (3) there is a problem in that, since the URL is not mapped to content actually linked to the URL, the use of this storage method is inconvenient.

<6> In the case where information about the bookmarks of a user is stored, (1) a method of clicking an area in which a URL is displayed and storing the URL is provided as a method in which the user records bookmarks. In this case, (2) the user can record a keyword together with the URL so as to map the URL to content. Alternatively, (3) a composite image of a BIFS and video can be stored in the format of an HTML file in such a way that a URL is displayed on a specific portion of the image using an HTML image mapping method, instead of recording a keyword. In this case, there is a disadvantage in that, since composition procedure must be performed, real^¬ time BIFS composition must be possible. But there is an advantage in that, when a user accesses the HTML file again, it is easy to understand what the URL means, and in that bookmarks can also be easily used in other terminals because the composite image is stored in the form of an HTML file.

<7> In the case where a stream other than video is stored, (1) storage space can be reduced, but (2) there is a disadvantage in that it is difficult to understand the content of a URL when the URL is displayed in a video portion, rather than in the image of a BIFS, and the video portion is designated as a transparency.

<8> Therefore, the present applicant proposes a method of conveniently storing and playing or searching for data service information. [Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

<9> Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia service player that is capable of storing and playing data service information, and a method of storing and playing data service information using the player.

<io> Another object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia service player that is capable of storing and playing data service information or searching for desired data service information, and a method of storing, playing and searching for data service information using the player.

<ii> A further object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia service player that is capable of storing and playing data service information together with various types of associated information, or searching for the stored data service information or associated information, and a method of storing, playing and searching for data service information using the reception terminal.

<12> Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia service player that is capable of classifying data service information into various types, depending on a user' s selection, and storing the classified data service information, or is capable of storing and playing data service information together with associated information.

<13>

[Technical Solution] <14> In order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides a multimedia service player for receiving and playing multimedia service signals having main service information and data service information, comprising a reception signal processing unit for receiving signals from an outside, separating main service information and data service information from the signals, and separately outputting the main service information and the data service information, a data service information processing unit for receiving the data service information from the reception signal processing unit and processing the data service information, a service control unit for controlling operation of the data service information processing unit, a user interface unit for transmitting information input from a user to the service control unit, a storage unit for storing the data service information, and a service information management unit for storing the data service information and/or main service information, received from the data service information processing unit and/or the reception signal processing unit, in the storage unit, or for playing the data service information and/or the main service information, stored in the storage unit, under control of the service control unit, wherein the multimedia service player can store and play the data service information.

<15> Preferably, the service information management unit may store the data service information according to a batch storage method, the batch storage method being performed to receive both the main service information and the data service information from the reception signal processing unit and to store the received main service information and data service information in the storage unit. The service information management unit stores a broadcast information stream, received through the reception signal processing unit, in the storage unit without change, or alternatively, stores the broadcast information stream after converting a storage format thereof into another storage format .

<i6> Preferably, the service information management unit may store the data service information according to a separation storage method, the separation storage method being performed to store only the data service information, transmitted to the data service information processing unit through the reception signal processing unit, in the storage unit.

<17> Preferably, the service information management unit may store the data service information according to a classification storage method, the classification storage method being performed to classify the data service information, transmitted to the data service information processing unit through the reception signal processing unit, on a basis of predetermined classification criteria and to store classified information in the storage unit. In this case, the service information management unit stores predetermined management information together with the data service information according to the classification storage method, and thus manages details of the classified information.

<i8> Preferably, the classification criteria used in the classification storage method may be implemented using any one or a combination of a data format of the data service information, a temporal arrangement of the data service information, a classification type arbitrarily defined by the user, and a content format and a temporal arrangement of the main service information corresponding to the data service information.

<19> Preferably, the service information management unit may store the data service information according to a user-selected storage method, the user- selected storage method being performed to store only data service information selected by the user from the data service information, transmitted to the data service information processing unit through the reception signal processing unit, in the storage unit.

<2o> Preferably, the service information management unit may store the data service information according to a storage method in combination with associated information, the storage method in combination with associated information being performed to store together both the data service information, transmitted to the data service information processing unit through the reception signal processing unit, and associated information, related to the data service information, in the storage unit.

<2i> Preferably, the associated information used in the service information management unit may include at least one of character string information, still image information, moving image information, audio information, and related webpage information, or may include at least one of user-input character string information, other types of user-input signal information, information about related webpages or link webpages associated with the data service information, moving image or still image information of main service information that is temporally coincident with or temporally associated with the data service information, and audio information of the main service information that is temporally coincident with or temporally associated with the data service information.

<22>

[Advantageous Effects]

<24> A multimedia service player according to the present invention can store and play data service information as well as main service information, unlike conventional players, which are capable of storing only audio and video information that is main service information.

<25> Further, the multimedia service player according to the present invention can provide various storage methods, such as a batch storage method, a separation storage method, a classification storage method, a user- selected storage method, and a storage method in combination with associated information, as a method of storing and playing data service information.

<26> That is, storage methods using conventional players are performed to store only audio and video service information and play the audio and video service information in response to the invocation of a user, whereas the player according to the present invention stores data service information, required to provide supplementary functionality to main service, which is represented by audio and video, together with some or all of the main service information, or together with associated information, thus enabling the effective recording and playback of data service information, and realizing the usage of optimal storage space, the provision of maximized user convenience, and the payment of minimized user costs.

<27>

[Description of Drawings] <28> FIG. is a block diagram schematically showing the construction of a conventional interactive multimedia service player; <29> FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the construction of a multimedia service player according to a first embodiment of the present invention; <30> FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the construction of the service information management unit of a multimedia service player according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; <3i> FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the construction of a multimedia service player according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; <32> FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the construction of the service information management unit of the multimedia service player according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; and <33> FIG. 6 is a flowchart sequentially showing the operation of the multimedia service player according to the fifth embodiment of the present invent ion.

<34>

[Best Mode]

<35> Hereinafter, the construction and operation of various embodiments of a multimedia service player according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

<36> Before a multimedia service player according to the present invention is described, supplementary multimedia information, provided for interactive user service in addition to main service information, is defined as 'data service information' in the present invention.

<37> Recently, technologies for adding interactive user service to digital multimedia service have been developed. However, when data service information is used in digital multimedia service, the viewing of main service information, represented by moving images (composed of audio and video), may be temporally or spatially limited. The present invention is intended to improve the convenience of users and minimize the overall costs by effectively managing data service information, required to provide such interactive user service, through a terminal. That is, the present invention provides a multimedia service player that can store data service information using various methods to subsequently reuse the data service information, and can conveniently and selectively play the data service information, in order to minimize the limitations of the above-described digital multimedia service.

<38> Meanwhile, the multimedia service player according to the present invention is implemented to use various storage methods, such as batch storage (allowing a specific unit of a reception signal to be stored in a received state without change), separation storage (allowing specific data of a reception signal to be stored in a received state without change), classification storage, user-defined storage, and storage in combination with associated information, at the time of storing the above-described data service information, thus realizing various advantages from the aspect of functionality and performance when playback is performed in response to the user' s selection. Hereinafter, various embodiments of a multimedia service player of the present invention, to which various storage methods, such as batch storage, separation storage, classification storage, user-selected storage, and storage in combination with associated information, are applied to effectively store data service information, will be described below.

<39> First embodiment

<40> FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the construction of a multimedia service player according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, the construction and operation of a multimedia service player 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention are described in detail. Referring to FIG. 2, the multimedia service player 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a reception signal processing unit 200, a main service information processing unit 210, a playback signal generation unit 220, a playback unit 230, a service information management unit 240, a storage unit 250, a data service information processing unit 260, a service control unit 270, a website invocation unit 280, a network interface unit 290, a user interface unit 292, and a user selection input unit 294.

<4i> The reception signal processing unit 200 receives signals from the outside through an antenna or the like, extracts main service information and data service information from the received signals, and transmits the main service information and the data service information to the main service information processing unit 210 and the data service information processing unit 260, respectively.

<42> The main service information processing unit 210 and the data service information processing unit 260 perform signal processing to make the main service information and the data service information, received from the reception signal processing unit, playable, in response to a control signal from the service control unit 270.

<43> The playback signal generation unit 220 converts the main service information, received from the main service information processing unit 210, into playback signals, and transmits the playback signals to the playback unit 230, thus enabling the playback signals to be played.

<44> The data service information processing unit 260, which processes the data service information, received from the reception signal processing unit 200, processes the data service information in response to a control command output from the service control unit 270 and/or the service information management unit 240.

<45> The service control unit 270 controls the operations of the main service information processing unit 210, the service information management unit 240, and the data service information processing unit 260 in response to user-selected information, which is input from the user selection input unit 294 through the user interface unit 292.

<46> The website invocation unit 280 invokes a desired website using the network interface unit 290 depending on URL information input from the data service information processing unit 260.

<47> The user selection input unit 294, which is a Graphic User Interface (GUI) for inputting a selection item from the user, transmits the input information to the service control unit 270 through the user interface unit 292.

<48> The service information management unit 240 according to this embodiment stores in the storage unit 250 signals in which main service information and data service information, received from the reception signal processing unit and/or the data service information processing unit, are included together without change, or with the main service information and the data service information processed to some degree. In the present specification, the method by which the service information management unit 240 stores signals, including both the main service information and the data service information, in the storage unit is designated as a 'batch storage method' .

<49> The storage unit 250 stores therein the signals, including both the main service information and the data service information, via the service information management unit 240.

<50> The batch storage method performed by the service information management unit 240 according to this embodiment enables service information to be played in the same format as that of initially received information at any time, and to be shown to the user. When the data service information, required for interactive user service, is processed using MPEG-4 BIFS technology, as in the case of digital multimedia service (S-DMB, T-DMB), the batch storage method enables MPEG-4 BIFS information, which is data service information, and audio and video information, which is main service information, to be stored together, and to be played together or separately, as necessity requires, thus allowing the user to selectively play some or all of initial service information at any time. In particular, when data service information is separately played, the data service information is played through fast processing (processing of gathering/decoding/rendering of a BIFS section at the stage of an MPEG-2 TS stream), and thus the data service information can be played at a speed that is higher than the playback speed of actual service information. When information is stored using the 'batch storage method' according to the first embodiment, there may be a disadvantage in that the amount of data to be stored increases because all service information must be stored.

<51>

[Mode for Invention] <52> Second embodiment _

<53> The multimedia service player according to a second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that data service information and main service information are separated from each other and are separately stored in the storage unit. In the present specification, a method of separately storing data service information and main service information according to the second embodiment is designated as a 'separation storage method' .

<54> The multimedia service player according to a second embodiment has the same overall construction as the multimedia service player according to the first embodiment, except for the functionality of a service information management unit. Therefore, a description of components identical to those of the multimedia service player according to the first embodiment is omitted, and only the functionality of the service information management unit is described below.

<55> The service information management unit of the multimedia service player according to the second embodiment performs a separation storage method. This separation storage method is a method of storing the entire data service information stream, from which main service information (video and audio) has been excluded. The separation storage method according to this embodiment can reduce the storage space compared to the batch storage method according to the first embodiment. When the data service information, stored in the storage unit according to the separation storage method of this embodiment, is played in response to the invocation of a user, only data service information is played, either through constant speed playback or high speed playback, and thus the data service information desired by the user can be conveniently played.

<56> In particular, when data service information is separately stored, a classification storage method based on predefined classification criteria, or a classification storage method based on a user' s definition or a user' s selection, can be used together with the separation storage method. In this case, usable classification criteria can be used to realize classification based on a data format, classification based on playback time, classification based on the category of the main service to which the data service information belongs, etc.

<57> Third embodiment

<58> The multimedia service player according to a third embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that data service information is separated from main service information, is classified according to the format of the data service information, and is then stored in a storage unit. In the present specification, a method of classifying and storing data service information on the basis of the format according to the third embodiment is designated as a 'classification storage method' .

<59> The multimedia service player according to the third embodiment has the same overall construction as the multimedia service player according to the first embodiment, except for the construction and functionality of the service information management unit. Therefore, a description of components identical to those of the multimedia service player according to the first embodiment is omitted, and only the functionality of the service information management unit is described below. Therefore, a description of components identical to those of the multimedia service player according to the first embodiment is omitted, and only the functionality of the service information management unit is described below.

<60> The service information management unit of the multimedia service player according to the third embodiment performs a classification storage method. The classification storage method is performed to store data service information on the basis of each storage target content item, without storing the entire stream of the data service information when only the data service information is separately stored. In this case, content is classified and stored according to the certain criteria, and the function of managing the stored content is assigned, so that, when the stored content is subsequently invocated by a user, target data service information can be invoked using management information, such as a list of stored data service information, classification content, and storage time. <6i> The classification criteria required to classify content can be realized using a content data format (text, moving images, still images, audio, URL, link information, etc.), storage time, frequency of use, user' s definition, etc., and thus the data service information is classified and stored according to the above classification criteria.

<62> Further, this classification storage method is performed to store management information related to storage target data service information, together with the data service information, at the time of classifying and storing the storage target data service information according to certain criteria. Accordingly, the data service information can be automatically played when the data service information is invoked subsequently. Alternatively, the stored data service information can be searched for in the form of a list thereof, classified according to special criteria when data service information is invoked by the user. Through this search, the data service information desired by the user can be easily and rapidly selected and played. Information about the storage time, data format, playback method, playback time, etc. can be used as the management information.

<63> For example, when the format of data service information is URL information, a URL, which indicates the target content of data service information, is stored without change, and is classified and managed in a URL information format. And a classification list of management information is searched for a corresponding URL to invoke the data service information and select the URL. When the URL is selected, the URL can be invoked using web brower .

<64> FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the construction and related components of the service information management unit 340 of the multimedia service player according to the third embodiment of the present invention to describe the operation of the service information management unit 340.

<65> Referring to FIG. 3, the service information management unit 340 of the multimedia service player according to the third embodiment includes a classification/storage unit 'A' and an invocation/playback unit 'B' . The classification/storage unit 'A' includes a data service information classification module 351, a text information processing module 352, a URL information processing module 353, a still image information processing module 354, a moving image information processing module 355, and a classified information storage control module 356. The invocation/playback unit 'B' includes a data service information playback module 341, a text information processing module 342, a URL information processing module 343, a still image information processing module 344, a moving image information processing module 345, and a classified information invocation control module 346.

<66> The data service information classification module 351 of the classification/storage unit 'A' , under the control of the service control unit 370, classifies data service information, received from the data service information processing unit 360, and transmits the classified information to any one of the text information processing module 352, the URL information processing module 353, the still image information processing module 354, and the moving image information processing module 355, to allow the transmitted information to be processed thereby. The data service information processed by each module is stored in the storage unit 350 by the classified information storage control module 356.

<67> The classified information invocation control module 346 of the invocation/playback unit 'B' , under the control of the service control unit 370, invokes specific data service information from the storage unit 350, and allows the invoked data service information to be processed by the text information processing module 342, the URL information processing module 343, the still image information processing module 344, or the moving image information processing module 345. Data service information processed by each module is played through the data service information playback module 341 and is transmitted to the playback signal generation unit 320.

<68> The classification storage method using the receiver according to this embodiment can be implemented using a classification storage method based on classification criteria defined by a user. In this case, various classification methods, such as temporal classification, semantic classification of data service information content, classification based on the service type of data service information, and classification based on main service programs, can be used as classification criteria.

<69> In particular, in the case of the classification storage method and the user-defined storage method, data service information is classified according to certain criteria, and is managed in a specific form, thus enabling target data service information to be more rapidly and precisely invoked when the user' s selection occurs for playback. In this case, the function of previously setting a playback method suitable for the format of classified information, and allowing a dedicated player, for example, a text viewer, a web browser, a moving image player, a still image player, or an audio and voice player, to be used when playback is performed, is provided.

<70> Fourth embodiment

<7i> The multimedia service player according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, of data service information, only data service information selected by a user is stored in a storage unit. In the present specification, a method of storing data service information, selected by the user, in the storage unit according to the fourth embodiment is designated as a 'user-selected storage method' .

<72> The multimedia service player according to the fourth embodiment has the same overall construction as the multimedia service player according to the first embodiment, except for the construction and functionality of a service information management unit. Therefore, a description of components identical to those of the multimedia service player according to the first embodiment is omitted, and only the functionality of the service information management unit is described.

<73> The service information management unit of the multimedia service player according to the fourth embodiment performs a user-selected storage method. The user-selected storage method is a method of storing only data service information selected by the user from among all of the data service information. In this case, the user inputs desired storage target data service information through the user selection input unit, and the service information management unit stores only the storage target data service information selected by the user in the storage unit.

<74> Meanwhile, the storage target data service information selected by the user can be stored in the storage unit using a batch storage method of storing data service information together with main service information, a separation storage method of separately storing only data service information, or a classification storage method of classifying and storing data service information according to the format of data service information. Further, storage target data service information can be selected by the user in real time, and can be stored. Alternatively, selection criteria can be previously set, and only corresponding data service information can be stored on the basis of the preset selection criteria when service information is received.

<75> Further, associated information can be stored together with the storage target data service information selected by the user. In this case, the associated information can be implemented using a keyword designated by the user (text, a voice recording format, etc.), moving image/still image information, associated with the storage target data service information selected by the user, audio information, associated with the storage target data service information selected by the user, website information, obtained through interactive user service, corresponding user input information, etc.

<76> Meanwhile, the user can select or directly input storage target data service information through the user selection input unit. The storage target data service information, input through the user selection input unit, is transmitted to the service control unit through the user interface unit. The service information management unit, under the control of the service control unit, stores only the storage target data service information in the storage unit, or plays the storage target service information according to the preset method.

<77> Fifth embodiment

<78> Hereinafter, the construction and operation of a multimedia service player according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention are described with reference to FIG. 4. The multimedia service player according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a service information management unit combines data service information with associated information, and stores the combined information in a storage unit. In the present specification, a method of combining data service information with associated information and storing the combined information according to the fifth embodiment is designated as a 'storage method in combination with associated information' .

<79> FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the construction of a multimedia service player 40 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the construction of the service information management unit 440 of the player 40 according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the construction and operation of the multimedia service player 40 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention are described in detail.

<80> The multimedia service player according to the fifth embodiment has the same overall construction as the multimedia service player according to the first embodiment, except for the construction and functionality of both a service information management unit and an associated information input unit. Therefore, a description of components identical to those of the multimedia service player according to the first embodiment is omitted, and only the construction and operation of a service information management unit 440 and an associated information input unit 496 are described below.

<8i> The storage method in combination with associated information according to this embodiment can be performed in order to store various types of associated information, useful for subsequent playback, together with desired data service information. Further, when such data service information and associated information are stored, existing data can be stored without change, but can alternatively be stored in a new type and format through the manipulation, modification or composition of existing data, so as to support various types of playback environments or more effectively increase user convenience. For example, when URL information is used as data service information, and a related still image is used as associated information, a method of combining these pieces of information, modifying the resultant information into a single HTML file, and storing the HTML file can be used.

<82> The multimedia service player 40 according to the fifth embodiment further includes the associated information input unit 496. The associated information input unit 496 is input associated information, related to data service information, from the user interface unit 492, the main service information processing unit 410, or the website invocation unit 480. The service information management unit 440 of the multimedia service player according to the fifth embodiment, having the above construction, performs a storage method in combination with associated information.

<83> As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the player 40 according to this embodiment stores associated information, such as additional information required to maintain a relationship with content, attach related additional information, or increase user convenience at the time of playback, together with data service information when data service information is stored. That is, respective formats of data service information have service disadvantages in that it may be difficult to understand the meaning of data service information when the data service information is played alone, in that the data service information does not include associated information obtained therefrom, and in that the data service information does not include user- input information when interactive user service is provided using data service information. In order to overcome these disadvantages, a storage method in combination with associated information is used in this embodiment.

<84> According to this embodiment, associated information, combined and stored with data service information at the time of storing data service information, may include data, such as messages (text, recorded voice, etc.), moving images, still images, audio, and related website data (HTML data or the like). The above-described associated information is information describing the stored data service information, and may also be called meta- information. The content of data that can be used as associated information may include storage time, a service type (BIFS, BWS, TPEG, DLS, etc.), a program name (used when an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) exists, or input by a user), an ensemble name (entrepreneur name), a service name, a character type (character set), content length, copyright information (the author, the creation date, etc.), a data type (image, graphic, video, text, or character string), a detailed data type, etc. The detailed data type may include an image type (jpg, gif, png, mng, etc.), a graphic type (2D animation, cell animation, 3D animation, claymation, cartoon, etc.), a video type (MPEG-I, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, dmb, Dvix, avi , etc.), a text type (TXT, HTML, XML, etc.).

<85> In particular, when image information is used as associated information, data service information is displayed at a specific location on an image at the time of playing data service information, and can be more effectively shown to the user if the image and the data service information are stored together using the HTML image mapping method. Further, if the image and the data service information are stored in an HTML file in which a URL link is provided, the composition of the image and the data service information is performed, the image is captured, and the data service information is stored in an HTML file mapped to the image using the captured image and link information. Accordingly, it is easy for a user to understand the content of the data service information at the time of playback, and to understand what the related link means. Further, since this method can be used in all terminals that support HTML, there is an advantage from the aspect of compatibility between terminals.

<86> Further, when URL information and related website information are stored together, they can have meaning as data service information and associated information at the time of storage and subsequent playback, even if no back channel information exists subsequently. For example, when a specific URL is data service information, the corresponding HTML document is downloaded in response to a click of the user. In this case, the HTML document can be stored as associated information. Further, in order to enable the downloading of ringtones or game content, information about each terminal (for example, user information, a phone number, information assigned by a communication company, CAS information, etc.) must be stored together with data information in order to play downloaded data. Therefore, information received through back channel information and information about the terminal at the time of storage must be required as associated information. In the case of an HTML document, related pages, as well as a corresponding page, are also stored together, thus enabling a certain portion of the document to be played at the time of subsequent offline playback. Since most information, obtained through back channel information, can be temporally operated, it is occasionally impossible to access the information after the user accesses the information. Therefore, this storage method can provide information that is useful for the user.

<87> When data is stored, associated information and data information can be recorded together in a single file, or can be separately recorded in different files. When they are stored in different files, associated information is recorded using a file format that supports connection information, such as HTML, and a link to the file, in which the data is stored, is added to the associated information.

<88> This associated information is recorded not only in a file, but also in a database, and is managed therein, so that the associated information is also used as a data index at the time of searching, and thus the search speed increases. In this way, in order to effectively play data service information and transmit the precise meaning thereof at the time of playing data service information, various types of associated information are stored together with data service information, rather than data service information being stored alone. Accordingly, when the data service information is played in response to the invocation of the user, the associated information is displayed together with the data service information, so that the meaning of the data service information can be transmitted more precisely to the user, and thus the user can use data service information more conveniently.

<89> Data service information storage and playback method

<90> Hereinafter, a method of storing and playing data service information using the multimedia service player according to the present invention is sequentially described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the sequential flow of a process in which, when a DMB broadcast is received, a user stores data service information after the broadcast has been received.

<9i> Referring to FIG.6, the user selects a specific ensemble at step S600. The term "ensemble" means the physical channel of a DMB broadcasting service provider, for example, KBS, MBC, SBS, etc.

<92> Next, after service is selected at step 610, a corresponding program is played at step 620. The term "service" means video, audio, and data channels present in a single physical channel provided to a DMB broadcasting service provider.

<93> Next, the user selects 'storage' at step 630. In this case, the user inputs the storage time and/or program name through the user selection input unit at step 632. Further, the user determines a storage range, a storage medium, a stop method, a storage format, an information link method, etc., through the user selection input unit at step 634.

<94> The determination of a storage range can be performed by selecting one from among (1) a batch storage method of storing all received program streams, (2) a data separation storage method of storing only the received program streams except for main service information, (3) a user-selected storage method of storing only specific elements of data information, such as images, graphic objects, character strings, URL, or sound, and (4) a current screen element storage method of storing only video frames and data elements constituting a current screen.

<95> The determination of a storage medium can be performed by selecting one from among (1) file storage, (2) network transmission, (3) memory storage, and (4) DB storage.

<96> The determination of a stop method can be performed by selecting one from among (1) a manual stop method of stopping storage when a user selects 'stop' , (2) an interval stop method of storing information only during a period designated by the user and then stopping storage, and (3) a conditional storage method of storing information only during a period in which specific conditions are satisfied. The stop method based on the conditional storage is described in detail. Conditional storage denotes a method of automatically storing information after a single scene has been completed, in the case of a BIFS. This method is performed because data information is received at specific periods, or is received after a program has completed or after a song is over, due to the characteristics of broadcasting.

<97> Meanwhile, the determination of the storage format can be performed by selecting one from among (1) a method of storing information in the same format as that of a reception format, and (2) a method of storing information in a converted format, or (3) a method of determining whether to apply Digital Rights Management (DRM) to information. The conversion of a storage format denotes the conversion of a storage format from a TS to other formats, for example, an MPEG-4 file format, AVI, HTML, MS Word, XML, etc. Further, the determination of the storage format can be used when a storage medium is selected for file storage or network transmission.

<98> The determination of an information link method includes (1) a method of storing information items in the same file, (2) a method of storing- information items in different files and linking them to each other, and (3) a method of storing associated information in the format of an HTML file, and establishing a link to the stored information in the HTML file.

<99> Storage starts depending on the storage method, which has been selected through the above procedure, at step 660.

<ioo> During storage, the format of data can be converted according to a preset storage format at step 640.

<ioi> Further, associated information can be added by the user, or can be automatically extracted and stored at step 650. In this case, the associated information may include a keyword, a description, a user name, etc.

<iO2> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that those embodiments are only exemplary, but are not intended to limit the present invention, and that various modifications and applications are possible, without departing from the essential features of the invention. Further, the differences related to the modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention, as disclosed in the accompanying claims. [Industrial Applicability]

<iO3> A multimedia service player according to the present invention can store and play multimedia service information, composed of audio and video information, which is provided through satellite DMB, terrestrial DMB, etc., in various forms. Therefore, the multimedia service player according to the present invention can be widely used in DMB service fields or the like.

<iO4> Unlike conventional players, which are capable of storing only audio and video information that is main service information, the present invention can store and play data service information as well as main service information.

<105>

Claims

[CLAIMS] [Claim 1]

<iO7> A multimedia service player for receiving and playing multimedia service signals having main service information and data service information, comprising:

<iO8> a reception signal processing unit for receiving signals from an outside, separating main service information and data service information from the signals, and separately outputting the main service information and the data service information;

<iO9> a data service information processing unit for receiving the data service information from the reception signal processing unit and processing the data service information;

<πo> a service control unit for controlling operation of the data service information processing unit;

<iπ> a user interface unit for transmitting information input from a user to the service control unit;

<112> a storage unit for storing the data service information; and

<ii3> a service information management unit for storing the data service information and/or main service information, received from the data service information processing unit and/or the reception signal processing unit, in the storage unit, or for playing the data service information and/or the main service information, stored in the storage unit, under control of the service control unit;

<ii4> wherein the multimedia service player can store and play the data service information. [Claim 2]

<ii5> The multimedia service player according to claim 1, wherein the service information management unit stores the data service information according to a batch storage method, the batch storage method being performed to receive both the main service information and the data service information from the reception signal processing unit and to store the received main service information and data service information in the storage unit. [Claim 3]

<ii6> The multimedia service player according to claim 2, wherein the service information management unit stores a broadcast information stream, received through the reception signal processing unit, in the storage unit without change, or alternatively, stores the broadcast information stream after converting a storage format thereof into another storage format. [Claim 4]

<ii7> The multimedia service player according to claim 1, wherein the service information management unit stores the data service information according to a separation storage method, the separation storage method being performed to store only the data service information, transmitted to the data service information processing unit through the reception signal processing unit, in the storage unit . [Claim 5]

<ii8> The multimedia service player according to claim 1, wherein the service information management unit stores the data service information according to a classification storage method, the classification storage method being performed to classify the data service information, transmitted to the data service information processing unit through the reception signal processing unit, on a basis of predetermined classification criteria and to store classified information in the storage unit. [Claim 6]

<ii9> The multimedia service player according to claim 5, wherein the service information management unit stores predetermined management information together with the data service information according to the classification storage method, and thus manages details of the classified information. [Claim 7]

<12O> The multimedia service player according to claim 5, wherein the classification criteria used in the classification storage method are implemented using any one or a combination of a data format of the data service information, a temporal arrangement of the data service information, a classification type arbitrarily defined by the user, and a content format and a temporal arrangement of the main service information corresponding to the data service information. [Claim 8]

<i2i> The multimedia service player according to claim 1, wherein the service information management unit stores the data service information according to a user-selected storage method, the user-selected storage method being performed to store only data service information selected by the user from the data service information, transmitted to the data service information processing unit through the reception signal processing unit, in the storage unit . [Claim 9]

<122> The multimedia service player according to claim 8, wherein:

<123> the service information management unit classifies the data service information, selected by the user, on a basis of predetermined classification criteria; and

<124> the classification criteria is implemented using any one or a combination of a data format of the data service information, a temporal arrangement of the data service information, a classification type arbitrarily defined by the user, a content format and a temporal arrangement of the main service information corresponding to the data service information, and a content format of the data service information. [Claim 10]

<125> The multimedia service player according to claim 1, wherein the service information management unit stores the data service information according to a storage method in combination with associated information, the storage method in combination with associated information being performed to store together both the data service information, transmitted to the data service information processing unit through the reception signal processing unit, and associated information, related to the data service information, in the storage unit. [Claim 11]

<i26> The multimedia service player according to claim 10, wherein the associated information used in the service information management unit includes at least one of character string information, still image information, moving image information, audio information, and related webpage information. [Claim 12]

<127> The multimedia service player according to claim 10, wherein the associated information used in the service information management unit includes at least one of user-input character string information, other types of user-input signal information, information about related webpages or link webpages associated with the data service information, moving image or still image information of main service information that is temporally coincident with or temporally associated with the data service information, and audio information of the main service information that is temporally coincident with or temporally associated with the data service information. [Claim 13]

<128> The multimedia service player according to claim 1, wherein the service information management unit stores the data service information, transmitted to the data service information processing unit through the reception signal processing unit, in the storage unit so that a format of the data service information is converted into a new format, and the data service information is stored in the new format and is then played in the new format at a time of playback. [Claim 14]

<129> The multimedia service player according to claim 13, wherein the service information management unit converts a format of the data service information into a HyperText Markup Language (HTML) format, stores the data service information in the HTML format, and plays the data service information through an HTML player. [Claim 15]

<13O> The multimedia service player according to claim 1, wherein the service information management unit stores the data service information, transmitted to the data service information processing unit through the reception signal processing unit, in the storage unit together with predetermined associated information so that the data service information and the associated information are combined with each other and converted into a file having a new format, and the file is stored and is then played in the new format at a time of playback.

<131>