KR100664923B1 - Apparatus and method for displaying contents - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and method for displaying contents are provided.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a content display apparatus includes a device interface module which automatically detects a server connected through a network, and receives content pushed from a server or a control command transmitted from the server according to a predetermined schedule; A control and monitoring module for receiving a control command from the device interface module and performing a state control corresponding to the control command, a content processing module for converting the content received from the device interface module into a form suitable for display, and a content processing module. A display module for outputting the information converted by the processing module, and a device agent module for interpreting the information received by the device interface module, and performs an operation according to the interpreted information.

Content display, remote control and surveillance

Description

Apparatus and method for displaying contents}

1 is an exemplary view schematically showing a conventional system for providing a service for displaying content.

2 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method of providing a service between a client and a server according to the related art.

3 is an exemplary view schematically showing a system for providing a service for displaying content according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a structure of a display apparatus and a server for providing a service for displaying content according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a view illustrating a schematic process of displaying content according to an embodiment of the present invention from the side of a display apparatus.

6 is a diagram illustrating a schematic process of displaying content according to an embodiment of the present invention from the side of a server.

7 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a service registration process of a client according to an embodiment of the present invention.

8 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a process in which a full mode service is performed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a process in which a push mode service is performed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a process of performing a remote control service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

11A and 11B are exemplary views illustrating a process of terminating a service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

12 is an exemplary diagram showing a block diagram for remote control and monitoring according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Symbols of the main parts of the drawings>

410: display device

415: display module

420: device agent module

425 device interface module

430: content processing module

435: Control and Monitoring Module

450: server

455: server interface module

460: scheduling module

465: Server Agent Module

470: storage module

475: user interface module

The present invention relates to a service for displaying content. More particularly, the present invention provides a server and a plurality of display apparatuses connected to a network to perform predetermined message communication. It is to provide a system and method for enabling monitoring.

1 is an exemplary view schematically showing a conventional system for providing a service for displaying content.

The conventional system 100 includes display devices 110, 130, and 150, and servers 120, 140, and 160 that are connected to respective display devices 110, 130, and 150 to provide content. In this case, the content includes not only multimedia data such as music, images, and video, but also data having various document formats.

Each server 120, 140, or 160 includes various software programs or independent hardware for converting content stored in the server into a form suitable for output by a display device. Therefore, the content selected by the server administrator is converted into an output format by the software program or the hardware, and the converted content is output by the corresponding display apparatus.

Meanwhile, the display device may include a function of allowing a user to select content and receiving the selected content from a server and outputting the content on the display device. In this case, the display device serves as a client. In this case, a method of providing a service such as content display between the client and the server is illustrated in FIG. 2.

First, while the server is operating, the client accesses the server using the server's address and port information (S210), and requests a random service from the server (S220). At this time, the server searches for the requested service and provides it to the client (S230).

According to the conventional system as shown in FIG. 1, a separate server having a function of converting a format of content is required for each display device, and the inconvenience of having to directly select the content to be output to the display device by the server administrator. have. In addition, in the case of the client-server structure as shown in FIG. 2, it is difficult for the server to control the display device corresponding to the client or to monitor the physical state change occurring in the display device. The server can control the display device using UPnP (Universal Plug-and-Play), which is one of the home network standards. In the case of UPnP, the remote control and monitoring service is implemented using HTML (HyperText Markup Language). An HTML browser and a parser are required to interpret the corresponding message set, and hardware or software having the performance of an HTTP server class is required to perform the UPnP protocol. However, in case of providing remote control and monitoring service using UPnP, the message set for remote control command to be provided is valid only when defined in UPnP, and there are many restrictions in extending remote control command. In addition, there is a restriction in a method of monitoring a state change of the display device. In addition, even when performing a simple remote control command, there is a problem that a software program such as HTTP server and HTML parser for performing the UPnP protocol is required.

Accordingly, in order to overcome such problems in the related art, there is a need for a content display apparatus and method for enabling a server to provide content to a display device more efficiently, and to perform remote control and status monitoring of the display device.

An object of the present invention is to provide a content display apparatus and method for automatically providing content to a plurality of display apparatuses having a message communication function through one server.

Another object of the present invention is to remotely control a plurality of display apparatuses having a message communication function in one server, and to monitor physical state changes generated in the display apparatuses.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to achieve the above object, the content display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, automatically detects the network-connected server, and pushes the content or control command transmitted from the server according to a predetermined schedule from the server Receives a control command from the receiving device interface module and the device interface module, performs a state control corresponding to the control command, converts the control and monitoring module to detect a change of state, and the content received from the device interface module into a form suitable for display. A content processing module, a display module for outputting the information converted by the content processing module, and a device agent module for interpreting the information received by the device interface module and performing an operation according to the interpreted information.

On the other hand, the server device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a server for automatically detecting a display device connected to the network to extract information about the display device, and transmits a content and a control command for controlling the display device An interface module, a storage module for storing schedule information, which is information about a schedule on which content and content are pushed to a display device, a scheduling module for managing schedule information and pushing content to a display device according to the schedule information; A user interface module that provides a user interface for receiving schedule information or a control command for a display device from a user, interprets information provided by a server interface module, performs an operation according to the interpreted information, and transmits the information from a display device. Status The server includes an agent module for monitoring.

In order to achieve the above object, the content display method according to an embodiment of the present invention, automatically detects the network-connected server, and pushes the control command transmitted from the server or the content (Push) according to a predetermined schedule from the server Receiving, performing state control corresponding to the received control command, converting the received content into a form suitable for display, outputting the converted content, and outputting the result or content of the state control Transmitting status information that is information about the status.

On the other hand, the content display method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of receiving the schedule information, which is information on the schedule that the content is pushed to the display device from the user or a control command for the display device, managing the schedule information And pushing the content to the display device according to the schedule information, transmitting a control command to the display device, and monitoring status information transmitted from the display device.

Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms, and only the embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and the general knowledge in the art to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to fully inform the person having the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Hereinafter, a content display system and method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached block diagram or processing flowchart. At this point, it will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and combinations of flowchart illustrations may be performed by computer program instructions. Since these computer program instructions may be mounted on a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, those instructions executed through the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment may be described in flow chart block (s). The instrument may be adapted to create means for performing the functions. These computer program instructions may be stored in a computer usable or computer readable memory that can be directed to a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement functionality in a particular manner, and thus the computer usable or computer readable memory. It is also possible for the instructions stored in to produce an article of manufacture containing instruction means for performing the functions described in the flowchart block (s). Computer program instructions It is also possible to mount on a computer or other programmable data processing equipment, so that a series of operating steps are performed on the computer or other programmable data processing equipment to create a computer-implemented process to perform the computer or other programmable data processing equipment. It is also possible for the instructions to provide steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block (s).

3 is an exemplary view schematically illustrating a system for providing a service for displaying content according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the system 300 receives and outputs content from a server 310 and a server 310. A plurality of display devices 330, 340, 350, and a transmission medium 320 connecting them. Preferably, the display device includes a large display device such as a television, a monitor, a display board, or the like.

In this case, unlike the conventional system, the server 310 provides the stored content to the corresponding display device according to a preset schedule, and the display device receiving the content converts the content to match the output format supported by the server. Will print. Accordingly, the display device is equipped with hardware or software capable of converting data of various formats constituting the content.

In addition, the server 310 may perform remote control on the display devices 330, 340, and 350, and monitor various state changes occurring in the display devices 330, 340, and 350.

Meanwhile, information is transmitted and received between the server 310 and the display apparatuses 330, 340, and 350 using a message communication method. The message communication method will be described later.

4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a structure of a display apparatus and a server for providing a service for displaying content according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The display apparatus 410 includes a display module 415, a device agent module 420, a device interface module 425, a content processing module 430, and a control and monitoring module 435.

The display module 415 displays the content received from the server 450, provides a means for the user to request specific content stored in the server 450, and inputs a command to control the display device from the user. Also receive. Means for the user requesting specific content stored in the server 450 and receiving a command for controlling the display device from the user may be provided as an independent module such as a device user interface module.

The device interface module 425 automatically detects other display devices and a server connected through a network, extracts information on the detected display device and the server, and performs message communication with the display devices or the server.

The content processing module 430 converts the content received from the server 450 to match the output format of the display device 410, and transfers the converted content to the display module 415.

When the display device 410 receives a message for a control command from the server 450, the control and monitoring module 435 performs an operation corresponding to the received message and detects a state change occurring in the display device 410. It plays a role.

The device agent module 420 interprets the messages received from the device interface module 425 and performs an operation accordingly. In addition, the display module 415, the control and monitoring module 435, and the content processing module 430 adjust to perform a smooth operation.

The server 450 includes a server interface module 455, a scheduling module 460, a server agent module 465, a storage module 470, and a user interface module 475.

The server interface module 455 automatically detects a plurality of display devices connected through a network, extracts information on the detected display device, and performs message communication with the plurality of display devices.

The storage module 470 stores schedule information, which is information about a content and a schedule for automatically transmitting (pushing) the content to the display device. The content may include sound, images, video files, document files having various formats, and the like, such as music, photos, and videos.

The user interface module 475 provides a means for the server administrator to search for content stored in the storage module 470 by using a keyword or an index. It provides a means for registering a schedule as to whether to transmit at a point in time. In addition, the server manager provides a means for inputting a remote control command to remotely control a plurality of display devices, and provides a means for indicating information on a state change occurring in the plurality of display devices.

The scheduling module 460 manages the schedule information and transmits content corresponding to a predetermined time point to a designated display device according to the schedule information.

The server agent module 465 interprets the messages received from the server interface module 455 and performs an operation accordingly. In addition, the user interface module 475, the scheduling module 460, and the storage module 470 adjust to perform a smooth operation.

Meanwhile, the 'module' refers to a hardware component such as software or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the module plays a role. However, modules are not meant to be limited to software or hardware. The module may be configured to be in an addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute one or more processors. Thus, as an example, a module may include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, and processes, functions, properties, procedures, subroutines. , Segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided by the components and modules may be combined into a smaller number of components and modules or further separated into additional components and modules.

Hereinafter, the operation between the respective modules will be described in detail. On the other hand, in order to facilitate the description of the present invention will be described below by dividing the operation process for displaying the content and the operation process for remote control and monitoring.

1. Content Display Service

(1) mutual recognition between display device and server

The server 450 and the display device 410 are connected to one network group through the server interface module 455 and the device interface module 425. In this case, the server 450 may be connected to a plurality of display devices, but for the convenience of description, only one display device will be described. An internal block diagram of the other display devices is shown in FIG. 4. Seen to be the same as the internal block diagram.

The server interface module 455 and the device interface module 425 detect whether or not the server or display device connected to the server interface module 455 is in an operable state. For example, in the case of the server 450, if the server interface module 455 detects the display device 410 and transmits the result to the server agent module 465, the server agent module 465 may be a user interface module 475. Information regarding the state of the display apparatus 410 is provided to the server administrator. Accordingly, the server manager may check the status of each display device at the location where the server 450 is located, even if the server administrator does not go around and check each display device.

(2) scheduling

In order to display the content on the display device 410, the server manager first searches the content stored in the storage module 470 using a keyword or an index by using the user interface module 475. In addition, a time point for displaying the searched content on the display device 410 is determined and input through the user interface module 475.

The scheduling module 450 manages information about the searched content, display information to display the searched content, and schedule information such as a time to display the searched content. Therefore, when the corresponding display time arrives, the scheduling module 450 transmits the schedule information to the server agent module 465. The server agent module 465 extracts the corresponding content from the storage module 470 and transmits the corresponding content to the corresponding display device through the server interface module 455.

(3) content output

When the display apparatus 410 receives data from the server 450 through the device interface module 425, first, the device agent module 420 determines whether the received data is data for outputting content or the display apparatus 410. It is determined whether or not the data is for controlling.

When the received data is data for outputting content, that is, when the corresponding content is delivered by the scheduling module 460 of the server 450, the device agent module 420 transmits the received data to the content processing module 430. To pass).

The content processing module 430 converts the data received from the device agent module 420 into an output format suitable for the display device 410, and drives an application program for outputting the converted content. The content reproduced by the application program is provided to the user through the display module 415.

Meanwhile, the user of the display apparatus 410 may request the content desired by the server 450 through the display module 415. In this case, the display module 415 may provide a means for receiving content information from the user. Will be provided. At this time, the display device 410 receives the content list stored in the storage module 470 of the server 450 from the server 450 in advance and provides the user with the content request when the user requests the content through the display module 415. can do. As another example, the user may request a list of contents stored in the storage module 470 from the server 450 only when the user requests a request.

(4) Application Examples

There are various application fields as an embodiment of the present invention. Some representative examples will be given.

A) electronic art museum

The server 450 converts a work held in an art gallery into high quality image data and stores the converted work in the storage module 470. Display devices are installed in the public space where an art gallery or an exhibition space is located, and are connected to the server 450 through a network.

The server manager determines schedule information such as an order and contents of displaying image data on each display device through the user interface module 475, and the determined schedule information is registered in the scheduling module 460. The scheduling module 460 transmits the corresponding schedule information to the server agent module 465 when the designated time arrives. The server agent module 465 extracts the corresponding image data from the storage module 470 by using the schedule information, and transmits the extracted image data to the corresponding display apparatus 410 through the server interface module 455. Allow the user to view the picture.

B) airport information services;

The server 450 stores the airport guide, the flight information, the advertisement, the entertainment video / music content, etc. in the storage module 470. The display devices are installed at necessary locations in the airport and connected to the server 450 through a network.

The scheduling module 460 of the server 450 manages the order and contents of information and entertainment to be provided to each display device.

When the designated time is reached, the server 450 transmits the corresponding content to the designated display device, and the display device converts the received content into an appropriate output format and outputs the content to the screen.

C) presentation information service

The server 450 stores the guide and presentation introductory content and the like in the storage module 470. The display devices are installed at required locations in the public space and connected to the server 450 through a network.

The scheduling module 460 of the server 450 manages information and presentation order and contents to be provided to respective display devices.

When the designated time is reached, the server 450 transmits the corresponding content to the designated display device, and the display device converts the received content into an appropriate output format and outputs the content to the screen.

2. Remote control and surveillance

The server 450 may control the display device 410 remotely according to the state of the display device 410. To this end, the server 450 and the display device 410 have a remote control message set, and in particular, the display device 410 includes a control and monitoring module 435.

For example, when the server manager performs power on / off of the display device 410 or wants to control an output state such as volume or contrast, the server manager may be a user. The control command is input through the interface module 475. In this case, the user interface module 475 provides a user with a user interface for controlling the display device.

In addition, the server 450 may remotely command a navigation operation such as stop / stop / forward / backward with respect to content currently output from the display apparatus 410.

On the other hand, the control and monitoring module 435 of the display device 410 detects periodically or when an event (envet) occurs, and transmits information on the detected state change to the device agent module 420. The device agent module 420 transmits the information to the server 450 through the device interface module 425. Therefore, the server 450 may monitor the state of the display apparatus 410 remotely.

The remote control and monitoring between the display device 410 and the server 450 will be described later.

Meanwhile, message communication is performed between the display apparatus 410 and the server 450. Hereinafter, a detailed message communication process will be described. However, for convenience of description, the display apparatus 410 will be referred to as a client and will be described using the block diagram shown in FIG. 4. In this case, the operation of generating a packet for performing message communication and interpreting the received message is performed by the server agent module 455 in the server 450 and by the device agent module 420 in the client 410. .

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a message communication protocol includes: 1) message communication for registering a client to a service target of a server and starting a service (see FIG. 7), and 2) for a pull mode service of a server by a client. Message communication (see FIG. 8), 3) message communication for server-to-client push mode service (see FIG. 9), and 4) message communication for remote control of the client by the server (see FIG. 10). 5) message communication (see FIGS. 11A and 11B) for terminating a service between a server and a client.

At this time, there is a server that provides music as an example of a pull mode service, and a client may view a list of music stored in the server and receive a desired music from the server.

In addition, as an example of push mode service, monitors supporting network functions are installed in various places in a waiting room of a train station or a bus terminal, and a server has a departure time, an arrival time, and an announcement of a train and a bus in each monitor. And movies and music.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic process of displaying content according to an embodiment of the present invention from the side of a display apparatus.

The device interface module 425 automatically detects other display devices and servers connected through a network, extracts information on the detected display devices and servers, and detects the detected display devices and servers according to a predetermined schedule by the server administrator. Automatically, that is, receive the content to be pushed (Push) or receives a control command of the display device transmitted from the server (S510). The content processing module 430 converts the content received from the server into a suitable form so as to conform to the output format supported by the display apparatus (S520), and the display module 415 outputs the converted content (S530).

Meanwhile, the control command received by the device interface module 425 is performed by the control and monitoring module 435 to control the state of the corresponding display device (S540). The display apparatus transmits state information of the display apparatus, which is a result of executing a control command or information on an output state of the content, to the server (S550) to enable remote control and monitoring by the server.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic process of displaying content from a server side according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The server manager inputs schedule information, which is a schedule in which content is pushed to the display device, or a remote control command for the display device through the user interface module 475 (S610). The scheduling module 460 manages the schedule information input by the user (S620), and when the time corresponds to the schedule information, the server agent module 465 pushes the corresponding content to the display device (S630). In addition, the server agent module 465 may transmit a control command for remotely controlling the display apparatus (S640). The display apparatus transmits state information on the output state of the content or the execution result of the control command to the server at regular intervals or when an event occurs, and the server monitors the state information (S650).

7 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a service registration process of a client according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the client 410 registers information on the client 410 with the server in order to use a service provided by the server 450. It is a process.

At this time, the packet for service registration has a payload including the following information.

Service registration packet payload = {MAC address, service type, group name, client name}

At this time, the 'MAC address' is a unique identification number assigned to each network card included in the device interface module 425 and is also used as an identifier for distinguishing each client. In addition, the MAC address may be used to turn on the client power when the server is remotely controlled.

'Service type' is a unique identifier for distinguishing services of different servers.

'Group Name' is a group name for managing clients into several groups.

'Client name' represents a user-friendly client alias to distinguish each client.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the client 410 makes a service registration request to the server 450, the server agent module 465 of the server 450 checks the service type and the group name. If it matches the service type supported by the server 450 and corresponds to a group managed by the server 450, the server agent module 465 stores information of the client requesting registration in the storage module 470. In this case, the server 450 may be configured to provide a service only to a specific group or to provide a service to a client belonging to all groups. The server 450 may manage the list of registered clients for each group or provide differentiated services for each group.

8 is a diagram illustrating a process in which a full mode service is performed according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the client 410 uses a desired content in the content list of the server 450, the full mode service is performed. do.

At this time, a packet for a full mode service has a payload including the following information.

Full mode content list request packet payload = {service type, group name, client name, media type, list sorting information, list request information}

Full mode content list packet payload = {service type, server name, media type, content list information, server service network information}

Full mode content request packet payload = {service type, group name, client name, content information}

Full mode content end packet payload = {service type, group name, client name, media type}

In this case, the 'media type' indicates what kind of media such as a movie, music, photo, or document file corresponds to.

'List sorting information' indicates sorting information of a list representing parameter information for sorting such as name, date, file size, genre, and the like.

'List request information' indicates the number of lists per page, page position, and the like.

'Content list information' is a list of content information and indicates a list of content for a specific media type.

'Server service network information' is network connection information provided by a server. For example, an IP address and a port number are transmitted, and when a multicast is required according to the type of service, an IP address and a port for a multisheet. Numbers and the like.

'Content information' is information on each content, and includes information on a file name, file length, creation date, genre, playback time, thumbnail of the content, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the pull mode, the device agent module 420 of the client 410 first requests a content list for a specific media from the server 450 through the device interface module 425 (S810). At this time, the client 410 transmits the 'full mode content list request packet' to the server 450.

The server agent module 465 of the server 450 checks whether it matches its service type and whether the client 410 is a member of an allowed group. Thereafter, the server agent module 465 extracts the contents corresponding to the specific media from the content currently being served by the storage module 470 to generate a list, and generates the list of the generated content list in the 'full mode content list packet'. Transmit to the client using 'S820.

The client 410 selects desired content from the received content list, and requests the selected content from the server 450 using the 'full mode content request packet' (S830).

The server 450 starts the full mode service for the requested content after checking whether it is its own service type and allowed client (S840). If the client 410 intends to stop the full mode service, the full mode service operation may be stopped by transmitting the 'full mode content end packet' to the server 450 (S850).

9 is a diagram illustrating a process in which a push mode service is performed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which content is provided from a server 450 to a client 410 according to an operation of the scheduling module 460. In this case, a push mode service may be used.

At this time, the packet for the push mode service has a payload including the following information.

Push mode content list packet payload = {service type, server name, media type, content list information, server service network information}

Push mode content request packet payload = {service type, group name, client name, content information}

Push mode content end packet payload = {service type, server name, media type}

As shown in FIG. 9, in the push mode, the server 450 first transmits a content list to be output to the connected client 410 (S910). At this time, the 'push mode content list packet' is used.

The client 410 requests the server using the 'push mode content request packet' to sequentially transmit contents in the received content list (S920).

The server 450 starts the push mode service for the requested content after checking whether it is its service type and allowed client (S930). At this time, steps S920 and S930 are repeated for all the contents included in the content list received by the client 410.

If the server 450 intends to stop the push mode service, the push mode service operation may be stopped by transmitting the 'push mode content end packet' to the client 410 (S940).

10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a process of performing a remote control service according to an embodiment of the present invention. The server 450 remotely controls a screen or a sound mode of the client 410 and monitors the state of the client. Can be used when.

At this time, the packet for the remote control service has a payload including the following information.

Remote control packet payload = {service type, server name, remote control command, remote control command parameter}

Client status packet payload = {service type, server name, client status information}

In this case, the 'remote control command' indicates a control command to be controlled by the server 450. For example, power on / off of the client 410, Wake On LAN, contrast adjustment, tint adjustment, brightness adjustment, volume adjustment, picture mode adjustment, sound Mode adjustment. In this case, the 'Wake On LAN' refers to powering on a CPU connected to a corresponding network card by multicasting MAC address information of the network card to a local LAN.

'Remote control command parameters' indicates parameters corresponding to each remote control command.

'Client status information' indicates status information of the client such as volume, screen mode, sound mode, contrast, tint, brightness, etc. of the client.

As shown in FIG. 10, the remote control service first transmits a remote control command using a 'remote control packet' to the client 410 to which the server 450 is connected (S1010).

When the device agent module 420 of the client 410 analyzes the packet received from the server 450 and confirms that the packet is related to the remote control command, the device agent module 420 sends the information about the received remote control command to the control and monitoring module 435. To pass. The control and monitoring module 435 performs a corresponding command and reports the changed state to the device agent module 420 according to the result. The device agent module 420 transmits the state change reported from the control and monitoring module 435 to the server 450 through the device interface module 425 (S1020). At this time, the 'client status packet' is transmitted.

11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a process of terminating a service according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and may be used when the server 410 or the client 450 notifies the other party of the termination of its service.

At this time, the packet for service termination has a payload including the following information.

Client service end packet payload = {MAC address, service type, group name, client name}

Server service end packet payload = {service type, server name}

11A illustrates a case where a client 410 wants to terminate a service. At this time, the client 410 transmits the 'client service termination packet' to the server 450.

11B illustrates a case where the server 450 wants to terminate the service. At this time, the server 450 transmits the 'server service end packet' to the client 410. In this case, in particular, the service termination message is transmitted to all clients connected to the server 450.

In addition, a message for periodically checking whether the server 450 and the client 410 are connected to each other may be transmitted and received. By using such a message, it is possible to know whether the counterpart is abnormally terminated. In this case, the packet for connection confirmation has a payload including the following information.

Connection Check Packet Payload = {MAC Address, Service Type, Group Name, Client Name}

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in addition to transmitting and outputting content from one server to a plurality of display apparatuses, the system may control the display apparatus, or the server may display a state change generated by the display apparatus. Provides the ability to monitor. That is, the display device may not only provide a function of outputting content but may perform various functions while performing message communication with the server as described above.

12 is an exemplary diagram showing a block diagram for remote control and monitoring according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In order to perform the remote control and monitoring function, the server 450 may include a server-side remote control and monitoring module 1220 and a message parser including a user interface 1210, a remote control module 1222, and a remote monitoring module 1224. The network interface 1240 performs an operation.

In this case, the user interface 1210 is provided by the user interface module 475 illustrated in FIG. 4, in which a server administrator controls the display apparatus 410 or displays status information generated by the display apparatus 410. It provides an interface for administrators to know.

The message parser 1230 generates a message for controlling the display apparatus 410, or interprets a message regarding status information received from the display apparatus 410. The function of the message parser 1230 may be performed by the server agent module 465 shown in FIG. 4.

The remote control module 1222 transmits the control information received from the user interface 1210 to the message parser 1230, and the remote monitoring module 1224 is a state of the display device 410 interpreted by the message parser 1230. The information is passed to the user interface 1210.

The remote control module 1222 and the remote monitoring module 1224 may be included in the server agent module 465 or the user interface module 475.

The network interface 1240 of the server side may be performed by the server interface module 455 shown in FIG. 4.

In the display device 410, a client-side control and monitoring module 1250 including a microcomputer interface module 1252, a state information processing module 1254, a remote control module 1256, a message parser 1260, and the like. The network interface 1270 performs an operation.

The network interface 1270 on the client side may be performed by the device interface module 425 shown in FIG. 4.

The message parser 1260 generates a message including the state information or the generated event information of the display apparatus 410 or interprets a message about the control information received from the server 450. The function of the message parser 1260 may be performed by the device agent module 420 shown in FIG. 4.

The remote control module 1256 transfers the control information interpreted by the message parser 1260 to the microcomputer interface module 1252, and the state information processing module 1254 is an event or display device 410 occurring in the display device 410. Detects a state change according to control) and transmits the change to the message parser 1260.

The microcomputer interface module 1252 is a module for controlling hardware elements of the display apparatus 410 and receives control information from the remote control module 1256 to control corresponding elements.

The remote control module 1256, the state information processing module 1254, and the microcomputer interface module 1252 may be included in the control and monitoring module 435 illustrated in FIG. 4.

The process of operating the remote control and monitoring function for the display device 410 will be described by dividing the operation of the remote control of the display device 410 by the server administrator and monitoring the state change of the display device 410. .

1. Remote control of the display device 410 by the server administrator

For example, when the server manager wants to turn off the power for a particular display device 410, the server manager can power on each display device through the user interface 1210 provided by the user interface module 475. Check the status.

Then, when the server manager selects the display device 410 to be turned off, the remote control module 1222 receives it and delivers it to the message parser 1230. The message parser 1230 generates a message for remote control and transmits the message to the display device 410 through the server-side network interface 1240.

The display apparatus 410 receives the message through the network interface 1270, and the message parser 1260 interprets the received message and transmits the interpreted information to the remote control module 1256. Since the operation of turning on / off the power corresponds to the control of hardware elements, the remote control module 1256 drives the microcomputer interface module 1252 to turn off the power of the display device 410. Let's do it.

As described above, values such as volume, contrast, brightness, and monitor input for each display device can be adjusted.

2. Monitoring of the state change of the display device 410

The state change in the display device 410 includes a state change under the control of the display device 410 and a state change generated in the display device 410 itself. In the former case, when a change in power state occurs, such as the power on / off described above, the state information processing module 1254 detects this and delivers it to the message parser 1260, and the message parser 1260. Generates a message indicating the status information and transmits the message to the server 450 through the network interface 1270.

The server 450 receives the message through the network interface 1240, and the message parser 1230 interprets the received message and transmits the interpreted information to the remote monitoring module 1220. The remote monitoring module 1220 provides the server administrator with information about the state change through the user interface 1210.

On the other hand, in relation to the change of state generated in the display device 410 itself, the server 450 may receive the state information at regular intervals from all display devices connected to the network. Such state information may include a list of connected display devices, a network connection state with each display device, service status of each display device, and the like. In addition, the same screen as that of the display device that is playing the content may be displayed on the screen of the server 450. In addition, the server 450 may perform a control operation to automatically cope with a major event in the display device.

The present invention described above is capable of various substitutions, modifications, and changes without departing from the spirit of the present invention for those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is not limited to drawing.

 According to the content display device and method of the present invention as described above has one or more of the following effects.

The present invention provides a content display apparatus and method for automatically providing content to a plurality of display apparatuses having a message communication function according to predetermined schedule information through a single server, thereby displaying content without user management. have.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it is possible to remotely control a plurality of display apparatuses having a message communication function in one server, and to monitor physical state changes occurring in the display apparatuses.

Claims (15)

A device interface module which automatically detects a server connected to a network and receives content pushed from the server according to a predetermined schedule or a control command transmitted from the server; A control and monitoring module receiving the control command from the device interface module to perform state control corresponding to the control command and to detect a change in state; A content processing module for converting the content received from the device interface module into a form suitable for display; A display module configured to output the information converted by the content processing module; And And a device agent module for interpreting the information received by the device interface module, performing an operation according to the interpreted information, and requesting to transmit a specific content among the contents stored in the server. The method of claim 1, And a device user interface module for receiving a control command of the display device from a user and providing a user interface for selecting the content to be transmitted from the server. The method of claim 1, The control command A content display device that is a command to control at least one of on off of the power supply of the display device, an output state of the display device, and navigation of the content output; delete The method of claim 1, The content processing module A content display device for decoding the content received from the device interface module or driving an application program for outputting the converted content. The method of claim 1, The information about the state change detected by the control and monitoring module A content display device including at least one of network usage information of the display device, information on an operation mode of the display device, information on content output by the display device, or information on a result of performing the control command; A server interface module which automatically detects a display device connected through a network, extracts information about the display device, and transmits content and control commands for controlling the display device; A storage module for storing schedule information, the schedule information being information about the content and a schedule at which the content is pushed to the display device; A scheduling module that manages the schedule information and pushes the content to the display device according to the schedule information; A user interface module for providing a user interface for receiving the schedule information or a control command for the display device from a user; A server agent that interprets the information provided by the server interface module, performs an operation according to the interpreted information, monitors state information transmitted from the display device, and transmits content requested to be transmitted from the display device. Server device containing modules The method of claim 7, wherein The user interface module A server device for managing information about the content stored in the storage module and searching for specific content using the information about the content. delete The method of claim 7, wherein The control command A server device which is a command to control at least one of on off of the power supply of the display device, an output state of the display device, or navigation of the content output. The method of claim 7, wherein The state information is At least one of network usage information of the display device, information on an operation mode of the display device, information on content output by the display device, or information on a result of the control device performing the control command. Server device Requesting a content display device to transmit specific content among contents stored in a server connected through a network; Automatically detecting the server, and receiving, by the content display apparatus, the specific content pushed from the server according to a predetermined schedule or a control command transmitted from the server; Converting the received content into a form suitable for display; Outputting the converted content; Performing state control corresponding to the received control command; And And transmitting status information, which is a result of performing the status control or information on an output status of the content, to the server. Receiving, by the server, schedule information, which is information about a schedule of pushing content from the user to the display device; Managing the schedule information; Pushing the content to the display device at a predetermined time according to the managed schedule information; And Receiving status information which is information on an output state of the content from the display device; The method of claim 13, The state information is At least one of network usage information of the display device, information on an operation mode of the display device, information on content output by the display device, or information on a result of the control device performing the control command. Content display method A record carrier recording a program for performing the method according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

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