KR100634096B1 - System and method for broadcasting audience information based electronic program guide in the digital broadcasting environment - Google Patents

Abstract

An EPG(Electronic Program Guide) system and a method thereof based on information about watching broadcasting programs in a digital broadcasting environment are provided to collect information about watching broadcasting programs of individual viewers through a return data transmission network and provide ranking EPG information reconstructed based on real-time audience rate to the viewers. An EPG system includes a plurality of broadcasting receiving terminals(20), a digital broadcasting server(30), and a return channel server(10). The plurality of broadcasting receiving terminals collects information about watching broadcasting programs of individual viewers in a digital broadcasting environment, periodically transmits the collected information with viewer identification information through a return data transmission network, and provides ranking EPG information based on reconstructed EPG information to the viewers. The digital broadcasting server collects the information about watching broadcasting programs transmitted from the broadcasting receiving terminals, analyzes broadcasting watching profiles to reconstruct the EPG information based on the actual audience rate and transmits the EPG information to the broadcasting receiving terminals through the return data transmission network. The return channel server supports the return data transmission network.

Description

System and Method For Broadcasting Audience Information Based Electronic Program Guide In The Digital Broadcasting Environment}

1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic program guide system based on broadcast viewing information in a digital broadcasting environment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of a broadcast receiving terminal in FIG. 1; FIG.

3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a digital broadcasting server in FIG. 1; FIG.

4 is a flow chart illustrating a series of operations for collecting broadcast viewing information of individual viewers used to reconstruct EPG information in an electronic program guide system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations for providing a ranking EPG service by reconfiguring EPG information based on a broadcast viewer rating in an electronic program guide system according to the present invention.

6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating the output status of the ranking EPG information according to the electronic program guide request of the viewer in the electronic program guide system according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

10: return channel server 20: broadcast receiving terminal

21: Return channel communication unit 22: EPG information storage unit

23: viewer information storage 24: EPG provider

25: user management unit 30: digital broadcast server

31: return response processing unit 32: EPG information storage unit

33: broadcasting viewing information storage unit 34: broadcasting viewing information collection unit

35: EPG management unit 40: broadcasting transmission center

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic program guide service in a digital broadcasting environment. In particular, after collecting broadcast viewing information of individual viewers through a return data transmission network, a broadcast viewer rating is calculated based on the broadcast viewer rating, and EPG information is based on the broadcast viewer rating. The present invention relates to an electronic program guide system and method based on broadcasting viewing information in a digital broadcasting environment in which a viewer can provide desired ranking EPG information.

With the recent adoption of digital broadcasting standards, broadcasting signals, including video, sound and data, have been compressed into digital signals. This has enabled multi-channel TV broadcasting, and increased number of programs within each channel. You can now provide grams.

These advances in broadcast technology have increased the channel selection for viewers, while increasing the inconvenience of having to find the program that the viewer wants among the numerous programs provided through dozens or hundreds of multi-channels.

In this regard, conventionally, the viewer uses several methods to select a broadcast program that he or she wants to watch. Firstly, the entire program by channel and genre is selected using the EPG (Electronic Program Guide). Secondly, select the program you are interested in while searching, and secondly, refer to the TV broadcast guide on the newspaper, and select the program that responds to your interests or interests by pressing the number buttons on the remote control directly. Using the channel up and down navigation buttons on the remote control to select a program that interests you while moving through the channel without information about the program guide, and finally, a method of directly selecting a channel or a program that the viewer usually memorizes is used. .

Among the methods of selecting the above-mentioned broadcast program, the EPG method is an electronic guidance method in which a viewer can view information about various channels and programs through a TV screen by using a remote control button, which is more likely to be utilized than other methods.

When explaining the function of the EPG method, first, a program list of one week is provided by channel, and secondly, a brief description of each program, that is, program title, schedule, broadcasting time, free / free, rating, etc. EPG, which is used by most companies developing digital TV or middleware, says, "The name of TV program is displayed on the vertical axis of the schedule table, the broadcast time is displayed on the horizontal axis, or the TV program is on the horizontal axis. The EPG method of displaying the broadcast time on the vertical axis "is adopted, which has a problem that the most general method does not meet expectations for user convenience.

That is, the conventional EPG method has two problems. First, in relation to the program classification criteria, the entire program provides a formal classification such as time and genre. Even within the same genre, there is a problem that it is difficult to determine which programs are interesting or which programs are popular.

Second, in relation to EPG composition, in case of general EPG and mosaic EPG, EPG is composed by SO, so it is difficult for viewer-led EPG to be constructed. There is a problem that there is a high risk of escape. In other words, when a program is selected using an EPG configured by a broadcaster, the viewer may select a program within a channel presented unilaterally regardless of an individual's viewing tendency, and the broadcast may not be introduced by the broadcaster's EPG. There is a problem in that it is difficult to enter the broadcasting market from the perspective of the channel use providers (PP), and it is also difficult to select a variety of programs from the viewer's point of view.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. The purpose of the present invention is to collect broadcasting viewer information of individual viewers through a return data transmission network in a digital broadcasting environment and reconstruct the ranking EPG based on the real-time broadcasting viewer rating, not the broadcasting schedule. To provide information to viewers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide viewers with ranking EPG information based on real-time broadcast viewership in a digital broadcasting environment, thereby providing viewers with convenience and efficiency in channel and program selection, and also being highly responsive by multiple viewers. It is to inform a broadcast program so that viewers can easily select and watch a broadcast program evaluated by a large number of viewers within a preferred category.

It is another object of the present invention to provide ranking EPG information based on real-time broadcasting ratings in a digital broadcasting environment, so that when a broadcast program has a high response from viewers, it can be transmitted to other viewers in real time. To increase viewership of the broadcast program and to induce positive competition among broadcast channel operators and broadcasters for the development of quality broadcast programs, thereby increasing the loyalty and promotion of the channel. It is.

A feature of the present invention for solving the above object is to collect broadcast viewing information of an individual viewer in a digital broadcasting environment, and periodically transmits the information together with the viewer identification information through a return data transmission network, and reconstructed EPG. A plurality of broadcast receiving terminals for providing ranking EPG information to viewers based on the information; After collecting broadcast viewing information of individual viewers transmitted from each broadcast receiving terminal through the return data transmission network, the broadcast data is analyzed and the EPG information based on the actual broadcast viewer rating is reconstructed to analyze the return data transmission network. A digital broadcast server for transmitting to a broadcast receiving terminal through; Based on broadcast viewing information in a digital broadcasting environment, a return channel server supporting a return data transmission network serving as a return channel for collecting and reconstructing EPG transmission between the broadcast receiving terminal and the digital broadcasting server. To implement an electronic program guide system.

Here, the broadcast receiving terminal is automatically downloaded and stored in the internal memory of the electronic program guide agent, which is a channel non-interlocking application that is transmitted at the first time when a broadcast transmission center transmits a broadcast through a digital broadcast network. In addition, by running the electronic program guide agent stored in the internal memory when the terminal is running to collect the broadcast viewing information by channel and program of the viewer, the broadcast viewing information along with the viewer identification information to periodically return data transmission network The reconstructed EPG information that is periodically transmitted from the digital broadcasting server through the return data transmission network, and is ranked based on the reconstructed EPG information when the viewer requests the electronic program guide. EPG It is characterized by providing information.

The broadcast receiving terminal includes: an EPG information storage unit for storing reconstructed EPG information received from a digital broadcasting server; A viewer information storage unit for storing viewer identification information, demographic characteristic information of individual viewers, and broadcasting viewing information for each channel and program of the viewer; It is connected to a return data transmission network, receives reconstructed EPG information periodically transmitted from the digital broadcasting server, and stores the reconstructed EPG information in the EPG information storage unit. The broadcast viewing information stored in the viewer information storage unit is stored in the viewer identification information. A return channel communication unit for transmitting to the digital broadcasting server through a return data transmission network; An EPG provider for providing ranking EPG information based on reconstructed EPG information stored in the EPG information storage unit when an electronic program guide request event occurs; When the terminal is driven, the electronic program guide agent is executed in a middleware upper layer, and when the broadcast program viewing event is performed, the broadcast viewing information for each channel and program is collected in a log form and stored in the viewer information storage unit. And a user management unit to transmit the broadcast viewing information of the viewer to the digital broadcasting server, and to notify the EPG provider of the electronic program guide request event by the viewer.

Meanwhile, the digital broadcast server calculates a broadcast viewer rating based on demographic characteristics based on broadcast viewer information of individual viewers periodically collected from each broadcast receiving terminal, and converts existing EPG information based on the broadcast viewer rating. It is characterized by reconstructing the ranking EPG information and transmitting it to the broadcast receiving terminal through the return data transmission network.

In addition, the digital broadcasting server is connected to a return channel server, receives and transmits broadcast viewing information of an individual viewer periodically transmitted from each broadcast receiving terminal through a return data transmission network, and reconstructs the reconstructed EPG information. A return response processing unit which transmits to each broadcast receiving terminal through a broadcast receiver; An EPG information storage unit for storing existing EPG information, which is an electronic program guide for providing program and channel information, and EPG information reconstructed by the EPG management unit; A broadcast viewing information storage unit for storing viewer viewing information, demographic characteristic information, and broadcasting viewing information of individual viewers collected by the broadcasting viewing information collecting unit; A broadcast viewing information collecting unit for collecting broadcast viewing information of individual viewers transmitted through the return response processor and storing the broadcasting viewing information in the broadcasting viewing information storage unit; After periodically calculating the broadcast viewer rating based on demographic characteristics based on the broadcast viewer information of the individual viewer stored in the broadcast viewer information storage unit, the existing EPG information stored in the EPG information storage unit is recalled. And an EPG management unit configured to reconstruct based on the broadcast viewer rating calculated by the AX, to store the reconstructed EPG information in the EPG information storage unit and to transmit the reconstructed EPG information to the broadcast receiving terminal through the return response processor.

Another feature of the present invention is to run the electronic program guide agent when driving a broadcast receiving terminal in a digital broadcasting environment to collect broadcast viewing information of individual viewers and then periodically transmit it to the digital broadcasting server through a return data transmission network; ; Periodically reconstructing EPG information by collecting broadcast viewing information of individual viewers transmitted from each broadcast receiving terminal in the digital broadcasting server and calculating a broadcast viewing rate based on the broadcast viewing information; Transmitting the reconstructed EPG information to each broadcast receiving terminal through the return data transmission network to provide ranking EPG information based on the reconstructed EPG information when the viewer receives an electronic program guide request event. An electronic program guide method based on broadcasting viewing information is included in a digital broadcasting environment.

Here, the electronic program guide agent is automatically downloaded to each broadcast receiving terminal and stored in the internal memory of the terminal at the first time the broadcast transmitting center transmits the broadcast through the digital broadcasting network, and is executed in the middleware upper layer when the broadcast receiving terminal is driven. It is characterized by.

The process of collecting the broadcasting viewing information of the individual viewer and transmitting the broadcasting viewing information to the digital broadcasting server may include a channel corresponding to each occurrence of a broadcasting program viewing event by the viewer in an electronic program guide agent executed when each broadcasting receiving terminal is driven. Collecting broadcasting viewing information for each program in a log form; And transmitting the collected broadcasting viewing information to the digital broadcasting server periodically through the return data transmission network together with the viewer identification information.

In this case, the broadcast program viewing event is characterized in that the event is generated to collect the broadcast viewing information for the broadcast program of the channel corresponding to the broadcast program of the channel output on the current screen for a predetermined time or more .

The process of periodically reconstructing the EPG information may include: collecting and storing broadcast viewing information of individual viewers periodically transmitted from each broadcast receiving terminal through a return data transmission network and a return channel server in a digital broadcasting server; Calculating a broadcast viewer rating based on demographic characteristics based on the broadcast viewing information of the collected and stored individual viewers when a predetermined period is reached; And reconstructing the existing EPG information based on the calculated broadcast viewer rating to reconstruct the ranking EPG information based on the real-time broadcast viewer rating.

Furthermore, the process of providing ranking EPG information in the broadcast receiving terminal may include transmitting EPG information periodically reconstructed by the digital broadcasting server to each broadcast receiving terminal through a return data transmission network; Receiving, by the broadcast receiving terminal, the reconstructed EPG information transmitted from the digital broadcasting server through a return data transmission network and storing the reconfigured EPG information in an internal EPG information storage unit; Providing a ranking EPG service by outputting ranking EPG information based on reconstructed EPG information stored in the EPG information storage unit after performing a viewer login function when an electronic program guide request event occurs by a viewer; It is characterized by including.

Here, the ranking EPG information output on the screen is real-time ranking EPG information that outputs a ranking list along with channel number and channel name information in order from a broadcast program that is currently recording the highest viewer rating, and viewers From the various ranking lists voluntarily constructed through various classification criteria, the list is output on the screen in order from the upper ranking classification criteria, and then the ranking lists based on the specific ranking classification criteria selected by the viewer are sequentially displayed on the screen. Best ranking EPG information, Top ranking EPG information by period that outputs a predetermined number of broadcast programs that have recorded the highest ratings for a certain period on the screen in the form of images, and a list of programs corresponding to the criteria by the viewer selecting a specific classification criteria. To display on the screen in order of highest viewership. At least one of the ranking EPG information, characterized in that the EPG information.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the present invention, in the digital broadcasting environment, broadcast viewing information of individual viewers is collected from a broadcast receiving terminal together with the viewer identification information through a return data transmission network, and then the corresponding broadcast viewing profile is analyzed and based on actual viewer ratings and broadcast viewing information. An electronic program guide (EPG), which is an electronic program guide, is reconfigured to provide viewers with a ranking EPG service. An electronic program guide system for this is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

That is, in the digital broadcasting environment according to the present invention, the electronic program guide system based on the broadcast viewing information, as shown in FIG. 1, broadcast transmission center 40 which transmits a series of digital broadcasts through a predetermined digital broadcast network. ), The broadcast receiving terminal 20 used by individual viewers to watch digital broadcasts, and the broadcast viewing information of individual digital broadcast viewers through the broadcast receiving terminal 20 based on the actual broadcast viewership. Digital broadcast server 30 for reconstructing and transmitting the EPG, and return data transmission network serving as a return channel for collecting and reconstructing the broadcast EPG information between the broadcast receiving terminal 20 and the digital broadcast server 30. It has a configuration including a return channel server 10 that supports.

Here, the broadcast receiving terminal 20 automatically downloads an electronic program guide agent, which is a channel-unbound application, which is transmitted at the first time when the broadcast transmission center 40 transmits a broadcast through a digital broadcast network, and then downloads an internal memory. (E.g., flash memory), and executes the electronic program guide agent to collect broadcast viewing information for each channel and program of a viewer, and then periodically transmits the information to the digital broadcasting server 30 through a return data transmission network. It also stores reconstructed EPG information that is periodically transmitted from the digital broadcasting server 30 through the return data transmission network, and then ranks based on the reconstructed EPG information when the viewer requests an electronic program guide. Provide EPG services.

The detailed configuration of the electronic program guide agent of the broadcast receiving terminal 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the return channel communication unit 21, the EPG information storage unit 22, and the viewer information are provided. And a storage unit 23, an EPG provider unit 24, and a user manager unit 25. The return channel communication unit 21 includes a network connection device such as a LAN card, a modem card, or the like, so that a return data transmission network and Connected to receive reconstructed EPG information periodically transmitted from the digital broadcasting server 30 and stored in the EPG information storage unit 22, and stored in the viewer information storage unit 23 under the control of the user manager 25. The broadcast viewing information with the viewer identification information is transmitted to the digital broadcasting server 30 through the return data transmission network. The EPG information storage unit 22 stores reconstructed EPG information transmitted through the return channel communication unit 21, and the viewer information storage unit 23 stores information necessary for viewer identification (eg, terminal identification number, viewer). ID, password, etc.) and demographics of individual viewers (gender, age, geography, education, occupation, income, marital status, education level, religion, etc.) and viewers' channel and program broadcasting information. Play a role. The EPG provider 24 may provide a ranking EPG service based on the reconstructed EPG information stored in the EPG information storage unit 22 when the electronic program guide request event is generated by the viewer, that is, real time ranking, best ranking, top ranking by period, The target ranking EPG is provided, and the user manager 25 executes an electronic program guide agent on the middleware when the terminal is driven, so that each time there is a broadcast program viewing event by the viewer, the corresponding broadcasting viewing information, channel by channel, program The broadcast viewing information for each viewer is collected in a log form and stored in the viewer information storage unit 23, and the return channel communication unit 21 is controlled to display the broadcast viewing information of the viewers collected in the viewer information storage unit 23. It transmits to the digital broadcasting server 30 along with the viewer identification information, and provides the EPG for the electronic program guide request event by the viewer. To give notice to (24).

The digital broadcasting server 30 collects broadcast viewing information of individual viewers periodically transmitted from each broadcast receiving terminal 20 through the return channel server 10 and then demographic characteristics based on the broadcast viewing information. After calculating the broadcast viewer rating based on the, and reconstructing the EPG based on the broadcast viewer rating, the reconstructed EPG information is transmitted to the broadcast receiving terminal 20 through the return channel server 10.

The detailed configuration of the digital broadcast server 30 for this purpose will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the return response processor 31, the EPG information storage 32, and the broadcast viewing information storage unit ( 33, and a broadcast viewing information collecting unit 34 and an EPG management unit 35, the return response processing unit 31 is connected to the return channel server 10 through a return data transmission network for each broadcast receiving terminal. Receives the broadcast viewing information of the individual viewer periodically transmitted from the 20 to the broadcast viewing information collecting unit 34, and delivers the reconstructed EPG information transmitted from the EPG management unit 35 through the return channel server 10 It transmits to each broadcast receiving terminal 20 side. The EPG information storage unit 32 stores existing EPG information, which is an electronic program guide for providing program and channel information, and EPG information reconstructed by the EPG management unit 35, and broadcast viewing information storage unit 33 ) Stores the identification information, the demographic characteristic information of the individual viewers, and the broadcasting viewing information of the individual viewers collected by the broadcasting viewing information collecting unit 34. The broadcast viewing information collecting unit 34 collects broadcasting viewing information of individual viewers transmitted through the return response processing unit 31 and stores the broadcasting viewing information in the broadcasting viewing information storage unit 33, and the EPG management unit 35 stores the broadcasting viewing information. After periodically calculating broadcast viewer ratings based on demographic characteristics based on the broadcast viewer information of individual viewers stored in the unit 33, the existing EPG information stored in the EPG information storage unit 32 is previously described. The reconstructed EPG information is stored in the EPG information storage unit 32 and transmitted to the broadcast receiving terminal 20 through the return response processor 31 at the same time.

The operation of the electronic program guide system having the above configuration, that is, the electronic program guide operation based on broadcast viewing information in the digital broadcasting environment according to the present invention will be described in detail as follows.

First, in the present invention, each broadcast receiving terminal 20 should automatically download and store the electronic program guide agent in the internal memory at the first time when the broadcast transmission center 40 transmits the broadcast through the digital broadcast network. After the electronic program guide agent is stored in the internal memory, the electronic program guide agent is not downloaded again even if the terminal is restarted.

A series of operations for collecting broadcast viewing information of individual viewers used to reconstruct EPG information through the broadcast receiving terminal 20 is performed as shown in FIG. 4, which is first performed by the viewer. When driven (step S41), the user manager 25 of the broadcast receiving terminal 20 executes the electronic program guide agent stored in the internal memory on the middleware (step S42).

Then, after the broadcast receiving terminal 20 is driven to execute the electronic program guide agent, the user manager 25 of the electronic program guide agent checks whether a new channel selection event is generated by a viewer who is a terminal user. In step S43), if a new channel selection event does not occur at this time, a broadcast program of a previously selected channel is output on the screen for viewing (step S44), and if a new channel selection event occurs, it is currently output. After the program of the existing channel is stopped, the broadcast program of the newly selected channel is output on the screen for viewing (step S45).

Thereafter, the broadcast receiving terminal 20 checks whether the broadcast program of the channel currently output on the screen is watched for a predetermined time or more (step S46), and if a new channel selection event occurs without watching for a predetermined time, it is currently output. After the program of the existing channel is stopped, the operation of step S45 is performed to output and view the broadcast program of the newly selected channel on the screen.

However, when watching a broadcast program of a channel currently output on the screen for a predetermined time or more, a broadcast program viewing event corresponding thereto is generated. In this case, the user manager 25 broadcast viewing information, that is, a broadcast program viewing event, is generated. The channel and program information currently being output on the screen are collected in a log form and stored in the viewer information storage unit 23 (step S47).

In addition, the user manager 25 of the broadcast receiving terminal 20 checks whether the broadcast viewing information transmission period is reached (step S48). If the broadcast viewing information transmission period has not been reached, it is determined whether a new channel selection event is generated. By returning to step S43 for checking and performing a repetitive operation, whenever a broadcast program viewing event is generated by the viewer until the broadcast viewing information transmission cycle is reached, broadcast viewing information for each channel and program, which is the corresponding broadcast viewing information, is displayed. The data is collected in a log form and stored in the viewer information storage unit 23 (step S47).

After that, when the broadcast viewing information transmission period is reached, the user manager 25 of the broadcast receiving terminal 20 controls the return channel communication unit 21 to watch the broadcast of the viewers collected and stored in the viewer information storage unit 23. By transmitting the information along with the viewer identification information to the digital broadcast server 30 side, it is possible to collect broadcast viewing information of individual viewers used to reconstruct the EPG information in the digital broadcast server 30 (step S49).

Next, a series of operations for providing a ranking EPG service by reconstructing EPG information based on broadcast viewer ratings calculated by collecting broadcast viewing information of individual viewers will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

According to the above-described procedure, when each broadcast receiving terminal 20 transmits the broadcast viewing information of an individual viewer to the digital broadcasting server 30 along with the viewer identification information through the return data transmission network, the digital broadcasting server 30 The broadcast viewing information collecting unit 34 connects to the return channel server 10 through the return response processing unit 31 and broadcast viewing information of individual viewers periodically transmitted from each broadcast receiving terminal 20 through a return data transmission network. Is collected and stored in the broadcast viewing information storage unit 33 (step S51).

Then, the EPG management unit 35 of the digital broadcasting server 30 checks whether the EPG reconstruction period has been reached (step S52). If the EPG reconstruction period has not been reached, individual viewers transmitted from each broadcast reception terminal 20 are reached. By returning to step S51 to collect the broadcast viewing information of the repeating operation, until the EPG reconstruction period is reached, broadcast viewing information of individual viewers is continuously collected and stored in the viewer information storage unit (23).

Then, when the EPG reconstruction period is reached, the EPG management unit 35 of the digital broadcasting server 30 broadcasts broadcast viewing information of individual viewers collected and stored to date, that is, the individual viewers stored in the broadcast viewing information storage unit 33. After calculating the broadcast viewer rating based on demographic characteristics based on the broadcast viewing information (step S53), the existing EPG information stored in the EPG information storage unit 32 is reconstructed based on the broadcast viewer rating ( Step S54).

The EPG management unit 35 of the digital broadcasting server 30 reconstructing the EPG information stores the reconstructed EPG information in the EPG information storage unit 32 and simultaneously returns the reconstructed EPG information to the return response processing unit 31. It connects to the return channel server 10 and transmits it to each broadcast receiving terminal 20 side (step S55). At this time, the return channel communication unit 21 of each broadcast receiving terminal 20 establishes a return data transmission network. The reconstructed EPG information transmitted from the digital broadcasting server 30 is received and stored in the EPG information storage unit 22.

In addition, the user manager 25 of each broadcast receiving terminal 20 checks whether an electronic program guide request event is generated by the viewer (step S56), and if the electronic program guide request event is not generated, the broadcast program described above. Output and broadcast viewing information collection operation is performed (step S57). If an electronic program guide request event occurs, the electronic program guide request event is generated after performing the viewer login function for providing the ranking EPG service. You will be notified by the study 24 (step S58).

Then, the EPG provider 24 of the broadcast receiving terminal 20 extracts the reconstructed EPG information based on the broadcast viewer rating stored in the EPG information storage unit 22 and then ranks the EPG based on the reconstructed EPG information. If the viewer requests a real-time ranking EPG, for example, when the viewer requests the real-time ranking EPG, the ranking list is sequentially selected from the broadcast program that is currently recording the highest viewer rating as shown in FIG. When the best ranking EPG is requested, the screen is outputted on the screen together with the channel name information, and the screen is sequentially displayed from the upper ranking classification criteria among various ranking lists voluntarily configured by the viewers as shown in FIG. After outputting on the screen, the list of rankings according to the specific ranking classification criteria selected by the viewers is displayed on the screen in order. When the ranking EPG is requested, as shown in (c) of FIG. 6, a predetermined number of broadcast programs that have recorded the highest viewer ratings for a certain period (eg, weekly, monthly, day of the week, etc.) are output on the screen in the form of an image. When requesting the ranking EPG, as shown in (d) of FIG. 6, the viewer selects a specific classification criterion, for example, 'region', 'age', 'gender', 'topic', and the like, and shows a list of programs corresponding to the criteria. By outputting on the screen in high order, individual viewers are provided with ranking EPG services based on reconstructed EPG information. In addition, when the viewer requests the integrated ranking EPG, as shown in FIG. 7, all the real-time ranking information, the best ranking EPG information, the top ranking EPG information for each period, and the target ranking EPG information are output in the same screen.

In addition, when the broadcasting receiving terminal 20 provides the above-described ranking EPG service and the predetermined ranking EPG information is output on the screen, the viewer operates a remote controller or the like to select a specific broadcasting program, thereby making it possible to obtain a good broadcasting program. In order to select a broadcast program, the user can select and watch a broadcast program of his choice within the viewer rating ranking according to various classification criteria without having to search by genre and time.

In addition, the embodiments according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various alternatives, modifications, and changes can be made within the scope apparent to those skilled in the art.

As described above, the present invention collects broadcast viewing information of individual viewers through a return data transmission network in a digital broadcasting environment and provides viewers with ranking EPG information reconstructed based on real-time broadcasting viewer ratings, not broadcast schedules, thereby providing viewers with a channel. And the convenience and efficiency of program selection, as well as informing viewers of highly responsive broadcast programs, resulting in increased viewer benefit, as well as in the preferences of individual viewers. In the above, it is possible to easily select and watch a broadcast program evaluated by a plurality of viewers.

In addition, the present invention provides the ranking EPG information based on the real-time broadcast viewer ratings in the digital broadcasting environment, when the broadcast program using the broadcast channel received a high response to the viewers, it can be notified to other viewers in real time As a result, it is possible to obtain an increase in viewership of the broadcast program, and also to promote positive competition between broadcasters and broadcasters for the development of high-quality broadcast programs. It will be able to increase the loyalty and publicity of the company, and the effect of developing the broadcasting culture as a whole.

Claims (13)

Collects broadcast viewing information of individual viewers in a digital broadcasting environment, periodically transmits it with the viewer identification information through a return data transmission network, and receives a plurality of broadcasts providing ranking EPG information to viewers based on reconstructed EPG information. A terminal; After collecting broadcast viewing information of individual viewers transmitted from each broadcast receiving terminal through the return data transmission network, the broadcast data is analyzed and the EPG information based on the actual broadcast viewer rating is reconstructed to analyze the return data transmission network. A digital broadcast server for transmitting to a broadcast receiving terminal through; Broadcasting viewing information in a digital broadcasting environment comprising a return channel server for supporting a return data transmission network that is a return channel for collecting and reconstructed EPG transmission of broadcast viewing information between the broadcast receiving terminal and the digital broadcasting server. Electronic program guide system based on. The method of claim 1, The broadcast receiving terminal is a digital, characterized in that automatically downloads and stores in the internal memory an electronic program guide agent which is a channel non-interlocking application that is transmitted at the first time when a broadcast transmission center transmits a broadcast through a digital broadcast network. Electronic program guide system based on broadcasting viewing information in broadcasting environment. The method of claim 2, The broadcast receiving terminal collects broadcast viewing information for each channel and program of a viewer by executing an electronic program guide agent stored in an internal memory when the terminal is driven, and then periodically returns the broadcast viewing information together with the viewer identification information. The reconstructed EPG information is periodically transmitted from the digital broadcasting server to the digital broadcasting server through the data transmission network, and the reconstructed EPG information is transmitted when the viewer requests the electronic program guide. An electronic program guide system based on broadcasting viewing information in a digital broadcasting environment, characterized by providing ranking EPG information. The method of claim 1, The broadcast receiving terminal includes: an EPG information storage unit for storing reconstructed EPG information received from a digital broadcasting server; A viewer information storage unit for storing viewer identification information, demographic characteristic information of individual viewers, and broadcasting viewing information for each channel and program of the viewer; It is connected to a return data transmission network, receives reconstructed EPG information periodically transmitted from the digital broadcasting server, and stores the reconstructed EPG information in the EPG information storage unit. The broadcast viewing information stored in the viewer information storage unit is stored in the viewer identification information. A return channel communication unit for transmitting to the digital broadcasting server through a return data transmission network; An EPG provider for providing ranking EPG information based on reconstructed EPG information stored in the EPG information storage unit when an electronic program guide request event occurs; When the terminal is driven, the electronic program guide agent is executed in a middleware upper layer, and when the broadcast program viewing event is performed, the broadcast viewing information for each channel and program is collected in a log form and stored in the viewer information storage unit. And a user management unit for transmitting the viewer's broadcast viewing information to the digital broadcasting server, and notifying the EPG provider of an electronic program guide request event by the viewer. Electronic program guide system based. The method of claim 1, The digital broadcasting server calculates a broadcast viewer rating based on demographic characteristics based on broadcast viewer information of individual viewers periodically collected from each broadcast receiving terminal, and ranks existing EPG information based on the broadcast viewer rating. An electronic program guide system based on broadcast viewing information in a digital broadcasting environment, characterized in that the information is reconstructed and transmitted to a broadcast receiving terminal through a return data transmission network. The method of claim 1, The digital broadcasting server connects to a return channel server, receives and transmits broadcast viewing information of an individual viewer periodically transmitted from each broadcast receiving terminal through a return data transmission network, and transmits reconstructed EPG information through the return channel server. A return response processor for transmitting to each broadcast receiving terminal; An EPG information storage unit for storing existing EPG information, which is an electronic program guide for providing program and channel information, and EPG information reconstructed by the EPG management unit; A broadcast viewing information storage unit for storing viewer identification information, demographic characteristic information, and broadcasting viewing information of an individual viewer; A broadcast viewing information collecting unit for collecting broadcast viewing information of individual viewers transmitted through the return response processor and storing the broadcasting viewing information in the broadcasting viewing information storage unit; After periodically calculating the broadcast viewer rating based on demographic characteristics based on the broadcast viewer information of the individual viewer stored in the broadcast viewer information storage unit, the existing EPG information stored in the EPG information storage unit is recalled. And an EPG management unit configured to reconstruct based on the broadcast viewer rating calculated by the ESR, and to store the reconstructed EPG information in the EPG information storage unit and transmit the reconstructed EPG information to the broadcast receiving terminal through the return response processor. Electronic program guide system based on broadcasting viewing information from. Executing an electronic program guide agent when driving a broadcast receiving terminal in a digital broadcasting environment, collecting broadcast viewing information of an individual viewer, and periodically transmitting the same to a digital broadcasting server through a return data transmission network; Periodically reconstructing EPG information by collecting broadcast viewing information of individual viewers transmitted from each broadcast receiving terminal by the digital broadcasting server and calculating a broadcast viewing rate based on the broadcast viewing information; Transmitting the reconstructed EPG information to each broadcast receiving terminal through the return data transmission network to provide ranking EPG information based on the reconstructed EPG information when the viewer receives an electronic program guide request event. Electronic program guide method based on the broadcast viewing information in a digital broadcasting environment, comprising a. The method of claim 7, wherein The electronic program guide agent is automatically downloaded to each broadcast receiving terminal and stored in the internal memory of the terminal at the first time when the broadcasting transmission center transmits the broadcast through the digital broadcasting network. An electronic program guide method based on broadcasting viewing information in a digital broadcasting environment. The method of claim 7, wherein The process of collecting the broadcast viewing information of the individual viewer and transmitting the broadcast viewing information to the digital broadcasting server may be performed for each channel corresponding to each occurrence of a broadcast program viewing event by the viewer in an electronic program guide agent executed when each broadcast receiving terminal is driven. Collecting broadcast viewing information for each program in a log form; And transmitting the collected broadcasting viewing information to the digital broadcasting server periodically through the return data transmission network together with the viewer identification information. The electronic program based on the broadcasting viewing information in the digital broadcasting environment. Guide way. The method of claim 9, The broadcast program viewing event is a digital broadcast event generated to collect broadcast viewing information on a broadcast program of a channel corresponding to a broadcast program of a channel currently output on a screen for a predetermined time. Electronic program guide method based on broadcasting viewing information in the environment. The method of claim 7, wherein The periodically reconfiguring of the EPG information may include: collecting and storing broadcast viewing information of individual viewers periodically transmitted from each broadcast receiving terminal through a return data transmission network and a return channel server in a digital broadcasting server; Calculating a broadcast viewer rating based on demographic characteristics based on the broadcast viewing information of the collected and stored individual viewers when a predetermined period is reached; And reconstructing the existing EPG information based on the calculated broadcast viewer rating and reconstructing the ranking EPG information based on the real-time broadcast viewer rating. The electronic program guide method based on the broadcast viewing information in a digital broadcasting environment. The method of claim 7, wherein The process of providing ranking EPG information in the broadcast receiving terminal may include transmitting EPG information periodically reconstructed by a digital broadcasting server to each broadcast receiving terminal through a return data transmission network; Receiving, by the broadcast receiving terminal, the reconstructed EPG information transmitted from the digital broadcasting server through a return data transmission network and storing the reconfigured EPG information in an internal EPG information storage unit; Providing a ranking EPG service by outputting ranking EPG information based on reconstructed EPG information stored in the EPG information storage unit after performing a viewer login function when an electronic program guide request event occurs by a viewer; Electronic program guide method based on the broadcast viewing information in a digital broadcasting environment, comprising a. The method of claim 12, The ranking EPG information output on the screen is real-time ranking EPG information that outputs the ranking list on the screen along with the channel number and channel name information in order from the broadcast program that is currently recording the highest viewer rating, and various kinds of viewers are classified. Best ranking EPG that outputs the list of rankings according to the specific ranking classification criteria selected by the viewers in order from the top ranking classification criteria among various ranking lists voluntarily constructed through the criteria, and then outputs them on the screen in order Information, the top-ranking EPG information for each period that outputs a predetermined number of broadcast programs that have recorded the highest viewer ratings for a certain period on the screen in the form of images, and viewers select specific classification criteria to view a list of programs that meet the criteria. Target ranking EPG to display on screen in high order Electronic program guide method based on broadcasting viewing information in a digital broadcasting environment, characterized in that at least one ranking EPG information among the information.

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