KR100839105B1 - Digital broadcasting system for poviding multimedia epg and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A digital broadcasting system for providing multimedia EPG and a method thereof are provided to offer an EPG service based on multimedia to a user, thereby improving the convenience of the digital multimedia user and improving the readability and aestheticity of fonts. A storage unit(202) stores EPG data(200) including EPG(Electronic Program Guide) contents configuration information and contents data. An EPG input unit(201) receives the EPG data to register the EPG data in the storage unit, and outputs the registration fact as a notification signal. A conversion unit(203) generates and encodes XML(Extensible Markup Language) data related to application on the basis of the contents data according to the notification signal, and combines and outputs the encoded XML data according to the EPG contents configuration information and schedule. An encoding unit(204) receives and encodes the data outputted from the conversion unit. A multiplexing unit(206) receives the data encoded by the encoding unit, converts the received data into a TS(Transport Stream), and outputs the TS. The contents data is comprised of text based information, image contents, video contents, and audio contents. The contents data is linked with a combination of each broadcasting channel or program through data link information or is linked with a broadcasting channel or a program. Further, the text based information contains a channel information of text base, a program schedule information and a program detail information.

Description

Digital broadcasting system and method for providing multimedia EAP {Digital Broadcasting System for poviding Multimedia EPG and method

1 is a diagram illustrating a method of transmitting digital information according to a general satellite digital multimedia broadcasting method.

2 is a diagram illustrating a conventional text-based EPG screen appearing on a display device of a terminal.

3 is an overall configuration diagram of EPG data according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a diagram illustrating a multimedia EPG transmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an EPG service screen displayed on a display device of a terminal according to the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings>

200: EPG data 201: EPG input unit

202: storage unit 203: conversion unit

204: encoding unit 206: multiplexing unit

207: transmitting unit 210: EPG content composition information

220: content data 220a: character based information

220b: image content 220c: video content

220d: Audio content 301: Transmission system

302: satellite 303: terminal

The present invention relates to an EPG transmission system and method thereof in digital broadcasting, and more particularly, to a multimedia EPG transmission system in satellite digital broadcasting, which provides a graphic-based multimedia EPG in order to increase various additional functions and user convenience. It is about a method.

Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (hereinafter abbreviated as DMB) is a service that has been renamed and used domestically in accordance with the ITU regulations that digital audio broadcasting (DAB) includes video, text, etc. in addition to audio. Refers to.

1 is a diagram illustrating a method of transmitting digital information according to a general satellite digital multimedia broadcasting method.

As shown in FIG. 1, satellite digital multimedia broadcasting is serviced in the 2.535 to 2.655 GHz band corresponding to the ultra high frequency (UHF), which is a much higher band than the terrestrial wave. If terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting emits radio waves from high mountains or buildings on the ground and transmits them to urban areas, satellite digital multimedia broadcasting can broadcast nationwide by launching radio waves from satellites outside the atmosphere toward nationwide.

The broadcasting center 100 including an up link center may include a program provider, a broadcaster, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) operator, a public data network (PDN) operator, and the like. Various contents such as movies, dramas, songs, foreign languages, securities, traffic, weather, etc. are put on the transmission signal and are shot to the satellite 110 through the Ku band frequency (13.824-13.883 GHz). The satellite transmits the received transmission signal to the terminal 120 such as a mobile phone and PDA on the ground in the S band (2.533 ~ 2.655GHz) allocated for the DMB.

Satellite digital multimedia broadcasting can use the digital broadcasting service anytime, anywhere without being limited by time and space by transmitting to a terminal on the ground through a repeater called a gap filler when it is difficult to directly receive the transmission signal transmitted from the satellite. In particular, terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting can accommodate 5 video and 9 audio broadcasting channels, while satellite digital multimedia broadcasting can provide a wider variety of video and audio channel services. Satellite digital multimedia broadcasting serves a variety of genres of content, while broadcasting programs that are almost the same as existing broadcasts.

On the other hand, in analog broadcasting, only one channel can be allocated to one frequency band, but in digital broadcasting, a plurality of channels can be allocated to one frequency band, so that multi-channelization is very easy. As multi-channelization has increased the demand of viewers to easily know what programs are provided through each channel, and accordingly, currently used digital broadcasting receivers have applied EPG service to provide program information to viewers. Providing. An EPG (Electronic Program Guide) displays a program schedule of a broadcast program on a receiver screen, and a viewer watching the program can select a desired program by using the program schedule or select a desired program based on time, title, channel, or genre. Say a service that can search.

2 is a diagram illustrating a conventional text-based EPG screen appearing on a display device of a terminal.

As shown in FIG. 2, the EPG service (EPG service provided through the PSI / SI standard defined in the broadcast transmission / reception standard) in the satellite digital multimedia broadcasting has provided only a monotonous program schedule based on text. The existing text-based EPG service has a complicated access process, making it inconvenient to search for or select a broadcast channel. In addition, the text-based existing EPG service is not only expandable but also impossible to change the user interface (UI) because of compatibility problems with existing terminals when additional functions are expanded. For this reason, there is a need for a multimedia-based EPG service that simplifies the access process, makes it easier for subscribers of digital multimedia broadcasting, and improves the readability and aesthetics of fonts.

An object of the present invention is to define a data configuration and multimedia data transmission protocol to enable a multimedia-based EPG service, to enhance the conventional text-based EPG service based on the multimedia to provide a variety of additional functions, to increase the user convenience The purpose is to activate the use of EPG services. In addition, it aims to attract new subscribers and retain existing subscribers by strengthening the product / service competitiveness of digital media broadcasting through EPG service based on multimedia.

A digital broadcasting system providing a multimedia EPG according to an embodiment of the present invention is a digital broadcasting system providing an EPG. The digital broadcasting system generates and encodes XML data related to an application based on content data including multimedia, and encodes the encoded XML. A transmission system for transmitting data in combination according to EPG content configuration information and a schedule; And a terminal receiving the encoded XML data combined with the EPG content configuration information according to a schedule, and providing a multimedia-based EPG service, wherein the content data is a combination of a broadcast channel and a program or a broadcast channel through data link information, or It is characterized in that it is linked with the program.

In particular, the content data preferably includes text-based information, image content, video content, and audio content.

In addition, the character-based information includes character-based channel information, program schedule information, and program detailed information, but is preferably described based on XML and text.

In addition, the EPG content configuration information preferably includes signaling of the EPG, EPG total information, and update information of the entire EPG.

On the other hand, the digital broadcast transmission system for providing a multimedia EPG according to the present invention, the digital broadcast system for providing an EPG, a storage unit for storing EPG data including EPG content configuration information and content data; An EPG input unit which receives the EPG data, registers it in the storage unit, and outputs the registered fact as a notification signal; A converter configured to generate and encode XML data related to an application based on the content data according to the notification signal, and output the combined XML data according to EPG content configuration information and a schedule; An encoding unit which receives and outputs data output from the conversion unit; And a multiplexer for receiving the data encoded by the encoding unit, converting the converted data into a transport stream, and outputting the content data, wherein the content data includes text-based information, image content, video content, and audio content. Through a combination of a broadcast channel and a program or a broadcast channel or a program, respectively, characterized in that.

In particular, the character-based information includes character-based channel information, program schedule information, and program detailed information, but is preferably described based on XML and text.

In addition, the XML type of the character-based information includes the EPG common data type, service information, and schedule information. EPG application information for operating a multimedia-based EPG with EPG-specific functions is included in the service information and schedule information. It is desirable to include a schema for.

In addition, the EPG content configuration information preferably includes signaling of the EPG, EPG total information, and update information of the entire EPG.

In addition, the XML data is encoded by the binary encoding standard, it is preferable that the binary encoding uses a tag-length-value encoding scheme.

On the other hand, the digital broadcasting method for providing a multimedia EPG according to the present invention, the digital broadcasting method for providing an EPG, comprising: generating and encoding XML data associated with an application based on content data including multimedia; Transmitting, by the delivery system, the encoded XML data in combination according to the EPG content configuration information and a schedule; And receiving, by the terminal, the encoded XML data combined with the EPG content configuration information according to a schedule to provide a multimedia-based EPG service.

In particular, the content data includes character-based information, image content, video content, and audio content, and it is preferable to interwork with a combination of a broadcast channel and a program or a broadcast channel or a program through data link information, respectively.

In addition, the character-based information includes character-based channel information, program schedule information, and program detailed information, but is preferably described based on XML and text.

In addition, the XML type of the character-based information includes the EPG common data type, service information, and schedule information. The service information and schedule information includes EPG application information for operating a multimedia-based EPG along with EPG-specific functions. It is desirable that a schema for the file be included.

In addition, the EPG content configuration information preferably includes signaling of the EPG, EPG total information, and update information of the entire EPG.

In addition, the XML data is encoded by the binary encoding standard, it is preferable that the binary encoding uses a tag-length-value encoding scheme.

The present invention made as described above will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the present invention, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations that may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention will be omitted. Embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the shape and size of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

First, a service provider collectively refers to a service provider for providing a digital broadcasting service, and a service subscriber is an unspecified number and all those who can use the multimedia-based EPG service according to the present invention. In addition, satellite digital multimedia broadcasting uses the Program Specific Information & Service Information (PSI & SI) standard for program designation information and service information. (Refer to the satellite digital multimedia broadcasting transmission and reception matching standard [24].) The receiver can provide an EPG service using PSI / SI information, and hereinafter, the EPG provided through the PSI / SI standard defined in the existing digital multimedia broadcasting transmission and reception standard. The service will be referred to as "Basic EPG", and the EPG applied to the present invention will be defined as "Advaned EPG" (hereinafter referred to as A-EPG).

The A-EPG according to the present invention is based on a service for providing broadcast program operation information based on the existing PSI / SI, and provides the user with multimedia contents such as program image / slide, video, and audio as well as program information text data. It is configured to provide various services.

3 is an overall configuration diagram of EPG data according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the EPG data 200 includes EPG content configuration information 210 and content data 220.

The overall configuration of the EPG data 200 is largely classified into two types. The first area is for EPG management, and is composed of EPG information management part 210 (EPG content configuration information), and the second area is for actual A-EPG service. Content data 220 (including text based information, image content, video content, and audio content). All content data 220 is dependent on EPG information and management portion 210.

The EPG information management portion 210 includes the EPG content configuration information 210a. The EPG content configuration information 210a is composed of signaling of the EPG, EPG total information, update information of the EPG, and the like.

The content data 220 includes text based information 220a, image content 220b, video content 220c, and audio content 220d.

The character-based information 220a is composed of character-based channel information, program schedule information, program detailed information, and the like, and a part (see Table 1) of the character-based information 220a is described using XML (eXtensible Markup Language). In this case, it follows the XML schema defined in XML Schema Recommendation. The XML type content of the character-based information 220a is composed of EPG Common Datatype, Service Information, and Schedule Information, and is unique to EPG through service information and schedule information. In addition to the functions, a schema for EPG application information for operating A-EPG is included.

EPG Common Datatype defines a common data type used in A-EPG. For example, information about a service type (video / audio / data, etc.) provided by a broadcaster is selected, and a media type for content used in the A-EPG is selected. In addition, it defines types commonly applied to the A-EPG, such as language, genre, service name, broadcast name, and program details.

Service information describes information related to all services currently serviced by a broadcaster. For example, information about service types such as video, audio, data, video and data, and audio and data is described.

Schedule information describes information about each program provided through digital multimedia broadcasting. For example, the program provides information related to a broadcast schedule such as each program name and start time.

The image content 220b includes a broadcaster's logo, a program screen clip, an image for a slide, an advertisement, and the like, and may be composed of JPEG, GIF, and PNG type files.

The video content 220c includes a video clip for a video service, and may be composed of a H.264 type file.

The audio content 220d includes a voice clip for an audio service and may be composed of AAC + and MPEG-1 Audio Layer III type files.

Table 1 summarizes the types of content data 220 applied according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Content name Content type Explanation text XML Contains station information, service information, program details, and broadcast operation information Text Character Data Format for Advanced EPG Information image JPEG, GIF, PNG Image content types such as broadcaster logos, program clips, advertisements, and EPG skins video H.264 Video service content type audio AAC + Audio service content type MPEG-1 Audio Layer III Audio service content type

The text-based information 220a, the image content 220b, the video content 220c, and the audio content 220d provided for the A-EPG service each have a contentID (a unique identifier assigned to each of the multimedia data). Each of these contentIDs is associated with a combination of a broadcast channel and a program and a broadcast channel or program through a serviceIDRef. The type of broadcast channel with which it is linked (eg, video channel, audio channel, and data channel) is defined through serviceRefType and includes character-based information 220a, image content 220b, video content 220c, and audio content. The data type (eg, recommendation program, banner advertisement, etc.) of 220d is defined through serviceTypeID. The definition of the broadcast channel type and data type through serviceIDRef and serviceTypeID is made in the schema for EPG application information for operating A-EPG. Accordingly, the content data 200 provides an A-EPG service through a combination of a broadcast channel and a program or a broadcast channel or a program through the above-described data link information.

In addition, the schema for EPG application information for operating the EPG defines the following items. When the EPG data is transmitted by defining the following matters, the service subscriber is connected with CA (Conditional Access) information or connected with CA (Conditional Access) information to view age, gender, occupation, preferred channel / program or other conditions. Only matching data can be viewed or accessed through the display of the terminal. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the one-way transmission / expression provided by the existing EPG, and is configured to enable personalized EPG service.

Element Name Explanation programName Program name startTime Start time duration Showtimes technology previewRef Describes the reference value of the multimedia content linked with the current program programDescription Program details information programMode Describe the hidden properties for the program recommendation Describe whether the program is recommended by the service provider parentalRating Describe information about age ratings programGenre Describe the genre of the program priority Describe the program priorities venderName Describe program and content publishers ageGroup Describe group information by age genderGroup Gender Group Information Technology jobGroup Job group information favoriteGroup Describe group information by preferred channel / program cas Describes CAS (CONDITIONAL ACCESS SYSTEM) information

4 is a diagram illustrating a multimedia EPG transmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the EPG input unit 201 receives EPG data 200 for delivering a broadcast programming program from a service provider. The EPG input unit 201 stores the received EPG data 200 in the storage unit 202 and outputs a notification signal for this to the conversion unit 203.

The converter 203 receives the notification signal from the EPG input unit 201 and reads the EPG data 200 stored in the storage unit 202. Thereafter, the response signal is output to the storage unit 202, and the XML and binary data related to EPG application control are converted into using the EPG data 200 read. The XML standard is used for structuring valid information, and the binary coding standard is used for encoding the structured valid information and transmitting it to the encoding unit 204 in a concise binary form. Binary encoding uses a tag-length-value encoding scheme (see Table 3).

The converter 203 groups the content data including the binary-encoded XML data and the EPG content configuration information according to a schedule and outputs them to the encoding unit 204.

The encoder 204 receives the data output from the converter 203, outputs a response signal thereto, and encodes the received data to the multiplexer 206. At this time, the encoding unit 204 encodes the data output from the conversion unit 203 by DSM-CC (digital storage media command and control) method based on the data carousel standard (ISO.IEC 13818-6 [18]). And print it out. Here, the DSM-CC is a protocol for commanding and controlling a digital storage medium (DSM), a device that stores digital information and transmits stored information, and defines functions and interfaces related to bit flow selection and flow control, storage, and management. Doing. In addition, the encoding unit 204 transmits a system work log and status information to the control monitoring unit 205, and the control monitoring unit 205 receives the input and controls login, environment setting, and system.

The multiplexer 206 receives the data encoded by the encoder 204, converts the data to a transport stream (TS), and outputs the data to the transmitter 207.

The transmitter 207 receives a transport stream from the multiplexer 207 to provide a broadcast service, and includes a pilot channel, a conditional access system (CAS) channel, an electronic program guide (EPG) channel, a video channel, and audio. A broadcast channel consisting of a channel and a data channel is used. The pilot channel mainly transmits the physical configuration information of the video, audio and data channels, and the CAS channel transmits the receiver's access control information to the video, audio and data channels. The EPG channel transmits video, audio and data. Channel information, schedule information, and EPG content for the channel program are transmitted. In addition, it is common to deliver broadcast program contents through video, audio, and data channels. However, the bandwidth of each channel is not fixedly allocated, and EPG data may be transmitted through any one of all the channels.

5 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an EPG service screen displayed on a display device of a terminal according to the present invention.

The EPG transmitted by the transmitting system 301 through the above-described process is delivered to the receiver terminal 303 through the satellite 302 or to the receiver terminal 303 through the satellite 302 and the gap filler, but the present invention Portions that do not correspond will be simplified for the purpose of understanding the present invention.

The antenna provided in the receiver's terminal 203 receives the transport stream containing the EPG data transmitted by the transmission system 301 via the satellite 302, and is not shown inside the terminal 203 of the received transport stream receiver. It is recovered through a converter, a CDM demodulator, a demultiplexer and a decoder. The transport stream including the restored EPG is displayed through the display device of the receiver terminal 303.

5A is an exemplary diagram of a main screen displayed on a terminal in an EPG service based on multimedia according to an embodiment of the present invention. The service list (audio / video) provided by the service provider is configured to be easily accessible to the user.

The screen can be configured to promote and advertise the program using steel cuts of the main program, thereby enhancing the publicity effect of the main program. In addition, by visually classifying and sectioning broadcast channels provided by service providers such as video channels and audio channels, the user can be easily connected to a desired channel. In addition, the additional services provided additionally are displayed on the display device through an image (for example, an icon) so that the user can easily select a desired service. As an additionally provided service, a content storage box for downloading and storing content may be formed, and an environment setting icon for allowing a user to configure an environment such as a main skin of a main screen may be formed, and various additional services provided by service providers. Can be displayed through the icon.

FIG. 5B is an exemplary diagram of a mini EPG screen that provides a function for searching for another channel while using a broadcast channel (video or audio channel). All currently available channels and subsequent program information and graphic based channel logos are displayed on the display of the terminal. Through the mini EPG screen, the service subscriber can search for information on the currently available broadcast channel while using the broadcast channel, and thus can easily switch to the desired broadcast channel.

5C is an exemplary diagram illustrating a channel information guide screen for providing a graphic based channel logo. The service subscriber can check the information on the currently available broadcast channel for each channel and use the broadcast. By displaying the channel number and the channel logo accordingly, identification of each channel can be enhanced, and the service subscriber can easily search and use the channel through the channel logo.

As mentioned above, although one preferred embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated and described, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and the present invention belongs to the present invention without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or the prospect of the present invention.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to increase user convenience of digital multimedia broadcasting users and improve font readability and aesthetics through an EPG service based on multimedia. In addition, by displaying the channel logo together with the channel number on the display device of the terminal, the identification power is given to each broadcasting channel so that the digital multimedia broadcasting user can easily select the channel.

In addition, by providing a graphic user interface to deliver the detailed information about the broadcast program to the service subscribers in more detail it is possible to increase the promotional effect of the broadcast program.

Claims (15)

In a digital broadcasting system providing an EPG, A transmission system that generates and encodes XML data related to an application based on content data including multimedia, and transmits the encoded XML data in combination according to EPG content configuration information and a schedule; And Receiving the encoded XML data combined with the EPG content configuration information according to a schedule, including a terminal for providing a multimedia-based EPG service, The content data is a digital broadcasting system for providing a multimedia EPG, characterized in that linked to the combination of a broadcast channel and a program or a broadcast channel or a program through the data link information. The method according to claim 1, And the content data includes text-based information, image content, video content, and audio content. The method according to claim 2, The text-based information includes a text-based channel information, program schedule information, and program detailed information, the digital broadcasting system for providing a multimedia EPG, characterized in that described in terms of XML and text. The method according to claim 1, The EPG content configuration information includes a signaling of EPG, EPG full information, and update information of the entire EPG. In a digital broadcasting system providing an EPG, A storage unit for storing EPG data including EPG content configuration information and content data; An EPG input unit which receives the EPG data, registers the storage unit, and outputs the registered fact as a notification signal; A converter configured to generate and encode XML data related to an application based on the content data according to the notification signal, and output the combined XML data according to EPG content configuration information and a schedule; An encoding unit for receiving and encoding data output from the conversion unit; And It includes a multiplexing unit for receiving the data encoded in the encoding unit converts into a transport stream and outputs, The content data includes text-based information, image content, video content, and audio content, and the content data is linked to a combination of a broadcast channel and a program or to a broadcast channel or a program through data link information, respectively. A digital broadcasting system providing a multimedia EPG. The method according to claim 5, The character-based information is, A digital broadcasting system providing a multimedia EPG, including character-based channel information, program schedule information, and program detailed information, which are described based on XML and text. The method according to claim 6, The XML type of the character-based information includes an EPG common data type, service information, and schedule information. The service information and the schedule information include EPG application information for operating a multimedia-based EPG with EPG-specific functions. Digital broadcasting system for providing a multimedia EPG, characterized in that the schema for. The method according to claim 5, The EPG content configuration information includes a signaling of EPG, EPG full information, and update information of the entire EPG. The method according to claim 5, The XML data is encoded according to a binary encoding standard, and the binary encoding uses a tag-length-value encoding scheme. In the digital broadcasting method for providing an EPG, Generating and encoding XML data related to an application based on content data including multimedia, by the transmitting system; Transmitting, by the transmission system, the encoded XML data in combination according to EPG content configuration information and a schedule; And And receiving, by the terminal, the encoded XML data combined with the EPG content composition information according to a schedule to provide a multimedia-based EPG service. The method according to claim 10, The content data, Digital broadcasting that includes multimedia-based information, image contents, video contents, and audio contents, and which is linked with a combination of a broadcasting channel and a program or linked with a broadcasting channel or a program through data link information, respectively. Way. The method according to claim 11, The character-based information is, A digital broadcasting method for providing a multimedia EPG, including character-based channel information, program schedule information, and program detailed information, which are described based on XML and text. The method according to claim 12, The XML type of the character-based information includes an EPG common data type, service information, and schedule information. The service information and the schedule information include EPG application information for operating a multimedia-based EPG with EPG-specific functions. Digital broadcasting method for providing a multimedia EPG, characterized in that the schema for. The method according to claim 10, The EPG content composition information includes a signaling of EPG, EPG full information, and update information of the entire EPG. The method according to claim 10, The XML data is encoded according to a binary encoding standard, and the binary encoding uses a tag-length-value encoding scheme.

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