KR100889075B1 - Method for processing digital contents using internet protocol tv set-top box - Google Patents

Abstract

A contents sharing method using an IPTV set top box capable of executing and searching contents through a television screen by using the IPTV set top box is provided to use various contents by an IPTV service subscribers by sharing contents through the IPTV set top box. The particular directory of a user computer connected to the IPTV set top box is set up as the shared directory(S21). The operation mode of the IPTV settop box is set up as a share mode shared mode(S22). The list of the contents in which the IPTV set top box which is set up as the share mode is stored in the shared directory of the user computer is indicated in the screen of the TV set top(S23). In the searching procedure, the IPTV set top box enforces the selected contents as described above and it outputs through the television receiver(S24,S25).

Description

Method for Processing Digital contents using Internet Protocol TV Set-top Box}

The present invention relates to a content sharing method using an IPTV set-top box, and in particular, it is possible to share contents located in various places such as a user's own computer, a web storage space, and computers of other members forming a community through an IPTV set-top box. In this way, IPTV service subscribers can conveniently use various contents.

Internet Protocol TV (hereinafter referred to as IPTV) service is a communication and broadcasting service that allows broadcasting, video contents, and various useful information to be viewed through a television receiver through the Internet Protocol (IP) network. It is a combined service.

An IPTV service system providing an IPTV service is connected to an IPTV set-top box provided in each home through an internet network.

In order to use IPTV service in each home, an IPTV set-top box and a television receiver must be provided. Users can use the service by operating the IPTV set-top box through the remote control as in the conventional broadcast service. In addition, since it is a method using an internet network, various services on the Internet, such as Internet search, watching movies, home shopping, home banking, and online games, can be easily connected and easily combined with interactive services.

Meanwhile, as the Internet service is developed and popularized, the demand for various contents such as movies, recordings, novels, cartoons, and professional materials as well as the online service itself is increasing. In particular, in recent years, User Created Contents (UCC) has attracted great interest from users, which indicates that users need various contents. In addition, users want to share their own content with others rather than just use it.

Therefore, there will be a need for development of various methods that can properly combine the needs of these users with the advantages of IPTV services.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to meet the above needs, and can share contents located in various places such as a user's own computer, a web storage space, and computers of other members forming a community through an IPTV set-top box. The purpose is to provide a content sharing method using an IPTV set-top box.

In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of a content sharing method using an IPTV set-top box according to the present invention comprises the steps of setting a specific directory of a user computer connected to the IPTV set-top box as a shared directory; Setting an operation mode of the IPTV set-top box to a shared mode; Allowing the IPTV set-top box set to the sharing mode to search and display a list of contents stored in a shared directory of the user's computer on a screen of a television receiver; And if the user selects any content in the search process, the IPTV set-top box executes the selected content and outputs the content through the television receiver.

In this case, the content stored in the shared directory of the user computer may be configured such that the IPTV set-top box or the user computer is classified by type and provided to the search.

Another embodiment of the method for sharing content using an IPTV set-top box according to the present invention comprises: setting a specific directory of a user computer connected to the IPTV set-top box as a shared directory; Setting an operation mode of the IPTV set-top box to a shared mode; Allowing the IPTV set-top box set to the sharing mode to search and display a list of contents stored in a shared directory of the user's computer on a screen of a television receiver; If the user selects any content in the search process, executing the selected content by the user computer to transmit audio information and video information to the IPTV set-top box; And outputting, by the IPTV set-top box, audio and video information received from the user computer through the television receiver.

Another embodiment of the content sharing method using an IPTV set-top box according to the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: connecting to the IPTV service system and transmitting the content to a specific space of the storage; Setting an operation mode of the IPTV set-top box to a shared mode; Allowing the IPTV set-top box set to the sharing mode to search and display a list of contents stored in a specific space of the storage on a screen of a television receiver; And if the user selects any content in the search process, the IPTV set-top box executes the content and outputs the content through the television receiver.

Another embodiment of a content sharing method using an IPTV set-top box according to the present invention comprises the steps of: registering identification information of each member forming the same community in the IPTV service system; Setting an operation mode of an IPTV set-top box to a shared mode by a user included in the community; Allowing the IPTV set-top box set to the sharing mode to display a list of community members registered in the IPTV service system on the television receiver screen for searching; When the user selects a member, allowing the IPTV set-top box to display a list of contents stored in a shared directory of the member computer on the television receiver screen for searching; And if the user selects any content in the content search process, the IPTV set-top box executes the content and outputs the content through the television receiver.

Another embodiment of a content sharing method using an IPTV set-top box according to the present invention comprises the steps of: a user downloading content from an IPTV service system via an IPTV set-top box; Sharing, by the IPTV service system, the contents with members belonging to the same community as the user; Downloading, by another member of the community, the shared content from the IPTV service system through an IPTV set-top box; And processing the IPTV service system to give a certain benefit to the user who made the content shared.

In this case, the process of granting a certain benefit to the user who made the content shared by the IPTV service system is based on information such as the number of community members who have downloaded the shared content and the order of downloading the content. The content usage fee may be discounted.

According to another embodiment of the method of sharing a content using an IPTV set-top box according to the present invention, an IPTV set-top box that outputs content through a screen of a television receiver may display an image output on a screen of the television receiver according to a user's instruction. Converting the file into a printable file in a printable format; Storing, by the IPTV set-top box, the file for printing on its storage medium and sharing it with a user computer; And outputting, via the printer, a file for printing in the IPTV set-top box by the user computer.

The embodiment further comprises the step of the IPTV set-top box further comprises the step of paying the printing cost with the IPTV service system, the step of converting the image output on the screen of the television receiver to the file for printing the IPTV set-top box It may be configured to perform when the printing cost is settled.

According to the present invention, contents which are located in various places, such as contents that individual users using IPTV service have on their computers, contents stored in web storage space, and contents which members of the community together have on their computers Can be shared via an IPTV set-top box.

In addition, by using the IPTV set-top box to search and run the content that the individual owns on his computer through the television screen, it is possible to diversify the method of accessing the content.

Keeping content in a web storage space can help keep your content safe and secure as it grows in size and importance, helping to prevent damage and loss.

In particular, by sharing contents purchased or watched with community members through the IPTV service, it is possible to form a consensus and increase intimacy among users and to meet the demands of modern users who want to share contents with each other. Will be.

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

Referring to FIG. 1, an IPTV set-top box 12 is a device connected to an IPTV service system through an internet network to receive a broadcast service. A TV receiver 11 processes an Internet protocol broadcast signal transmitted by an IPTV service system. Outputs through).

In addition, the IPTV set-top box 12 may be connected to the user computer 13, the interlocking programs (12-1, 13-1) to enable the IPTV set-top box 12 and the user computer 13 to communicate with each other. These are each installed.

The user computer 13 may be a personal computer (PC) and may be various kinds of computer devices such as a desktop computer and a notebook computer.

The user computer 13 may be connected to the IPTV set-top box 12 through a home gateway, or may be an IPTV set-top using a short range communication technology such as a local area network (LAN), a universal serial bus (USB), or a Bluetooth. It may be connected to the box 12.

In addition, the user computer 13 has a storage medium 13-2 for storing and managing digital information, and has a file system of a directory structure. A part of each directory may be set as a shared directory 13-3 to store content to be accessed from the outside.

Therefore, the coordinated program 13-1 of the user computer processes the content stored in the shared directory 13-3 so that it can be accessed externally.

Hereinafter, the 'shared directory' is provided in the user's computer 13 such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a USB memory as well as a storage medium built in the user's computer 13 such as a hard disk drive (HDD). A storage medium that can be recognized through various interface means will also be used. That is, the user may set any of the directories formed on the USB memory itself or the USB memory as a shared directory.

2, an embodiment of a content sharing method using an IPTV set-top box according to the present invention will be described.

First, the user sets any directory among the directories of the user computer 13 connected with the IPTV set-top box 12 as a shared directory (S21).

The user who has set the shared directory 13-3 in step S21 stores the contents in the shared directory 13-3. Each content present in the shared directory 13-3 is externally accessible as mentioned above. The setting of the shared directory in step S21 may be configured to be performed by the companion program 13-1.

The user sets the operation mode of the IPTV set-top box 12 to a sharing mode (S22). Here, the sharing mode refers to a mode in which the IPTV set-top box 12 operates to access content existing in a place other than itself and use the corresponding content.

Now, the user who sets the IPTV set-top box 12 in the sharing mode controls the IPTV set-top box 12 by using a remote controller, and the IPTV set-top box 12 communicates with the user computer 13 according to the control. The list of contents stored in the shared directory 13-3 of the computer is displayed on the screen of the television receiver 11 so that the user can search them (S23).

That is, when the user instructs the IPTV set-top box 12 to search for the user computer by the remote controller, the interlocking program 12-1 of the IPTV set-top box is connected to the shared directory 13-3 by the interlocking program 13-1 of the user computer. The list of stored contents is requested, and the linked program 13-1 of the user computer delivers the requested contents list. Then, the IPTV set-top box 12 displays a list of contents on the screen of the television receiver 11 so that the user can search the contents of the user computer 13 using the remote control while watching the screen of the television receiver 11. .

At this time, in order to facilitate the search of the user, as shown in FIG. 3A, the interlocking program 12-1 of the IPTV set-top box classifies the contents stored in the shared directory 13-3 of the user's computer by type. You can configure it to provide a search. In addition, the interworking program 13-1 of the user computer may be configured to classify the contents stored in the shared directory 13-3 by the type and deliver the content to the interlocking program 12-1 of the IPTV set-top box.

When the user selects the desired content in step S23 (S24), the IPTV set-top box 12 receives and executes the corresponding content from the user computer 13 through the interlocking program 12-1 and outputs it through the television receiver 11. (S25). That is, what is conventionally executed in the user computer 13 and output through the monitor screen of the user computer is output through the screen of the television receiver 11.

Content executed by the IPTV set-top box 12 in step S25 may be a variety of formats, such as text, sound, video, etc., depending on the format of the text viewer to output a text file, or the media player to drive the sound or video An application program capable of executing various contents such as playing back can be provided.

On the other hand, it is not suitable to execute the content in the IPTV set-top box 12 due to the low CPU (Central Processing Unit) performance of the IPTV set-top box 12 or the absence of an application program capable of executing the content. There may be cases.

Referring to Figure 4, another embodiment of the present invention in relation to this will be described.

First, the user sets any directory among the directories of the user computer 13 connected with the IPTV set-top box 12 as a shared directory (S41). The operation mode of the IPTV set-top box 12 is set to a sharing mode (S42).

The user who sets the IPTV set-top box 12 to the shared mode controls the IPTV set-top box 12 by using a remote controller, and the IPTV set-top box 12 communicates with the user computer 13 according to the control. The list of contents stored in the shared directory 13-3 of the is displayed on the screen of the television receiver 11 so that the user can search them (S43).

If the user selects the desired content in step S43 (S44), the user computer 13 directly executes the content selected by the user and transmits the audio information and the video information to the IPTV set-top box 12 (S45). For example, assuming that the moving image content is executed, the actual moving image is executed in the user computer 13 and transmits only the audio information to be output through the speaker and the video information to be displayed on the display screen to the IPTV set-top box 12.

Then, the IPTV set-top box 12 transmits the audio information and the video information received from the user computer 13 to the television receiver 11, and is output through the speaker and the display screen of the television receiver 11 (S46). .

The location of the content that can be shared and used by the IPTV set-top box 12 can be extended not only to the user's own computer mentioned in each of the above embodiments but also to a remote place that can be connected through the Internet network.

Referring to FIG. 5, the IPTV set-top box 12 is connected to the IPTV service system 14 through the Internet network 17, and the IPTV service system 14 allows each user to have their own space in the storage 14-1. You can provide a storage service that allows you to set up and store and manage your content.

Then, users can store and manage the desired contents in the storage 14-1, so that the contents can be used anytime and anywhere in the environment where the Internet network 17 can be used, and the contents that can appear when stored separately It also has the effect of preventing damage and loss.

Referring to Figure 6, another embodiment of a content sharing method using an IPTV set-top box according to the present invention will be described.

First, the user sets his own storage space in the storage 14-1 of the IPTV service system 14, uploads and stores the content in the storage space (S61).

Step S61 can be accomplished in several ways. As an example, a user may access the storage 14-1 to individually upload content stored in the storage medium 13-2 of the computer. As another example, the user may access the shared directory 13-3 of the computer. ), The coordinated program 13-1 may be configured to collectively upload the contents of the shared directory 13-3 to the storage 14-1.

After uploading the content to the storage 14-1 in step S61, the following procedure can proceed even if the user computer 13 is turned off.

The user sets the operation mode of the IPTV set-top box 12 to a sharing mode (S62).

The user who sets the IPTV set-top box 12 to the shared mode controls the IPTV set-top box 12 by using a remote control, and the like, and the IPTV set-top box 12 communicates with the IPTV service system 14 to store the IPTV set-top box 12. The user can search by displaying a list of contents stored in (14-1) on the screen of the television receiver 11 (S63).

That is, in step S63, a list of contents stored in the storage space of the user is displayed on the screen of the television receiver 11, and the user can select a desired content by using a remote controller or the like.

When the user selects the desired content in step S63 (S64), the IPTV set-top box 12 receives the corresponding content from the storage 14-1 and executes it and outputs it through the television receiver 11 (S65).

On the other hand, the location of the content that can be shared by the IPTV set-top box 12 can be extended to computers of community members that can be connected to each other through the IPTV service system.

Referring to FIG. 7, the IPTV service system 14 provides an internet protocol broadcasting service to a plurality of subscribers, and also provides an IPTV set-top box 70-2, a television receiver 70-1, and a user computer to each subscriber 70. 70-3 is provided. In addition, the IPTV service system 14 may provide various community services, such as to form a community 72 among subscribers, and to share content among the community members.

Referring to Figure 8, another embodiment of a content sharing method using an IPTV set-top box according to the present invention will be described.

First, the identification information of each member forming the same community is registered in the IPTV service system 14 (S81).

Here, the identification information of each member means information for allowing the IPTV service system 14 to distinguish each community member and to communicate with the IPTV set-top box of the corresponding member. Basically, since the IPTV service system 14 manages the IPTV set-top box information of each subscriber, the IPTV service system 14 is information that associates this information with the members.

Now, any member of the community members sets the operation mode of the IPTV set-top box 12 to the shared mode (S82).

The user who sets the IPTV set-top box 12 to the shared mode controls the IPTV set-top box 12 by using a remote controller, and the like, and the IPTV set-top box 12 communicates with the IPTV service system 14 according to the control. The user list can be retrieved by displaying the member list registered in S81 on the screen of the television receiver 11 (S83).

In addition, if the user selects any member from the member list in step S83 (S84), the IPTV set-top box 14 displays the content list stored in the shared directory of the member computer 70-3 of the television receiver 11; Display on the screen so that the user can search for the desired content (S85).

In step S85, the shared directory of the member computer 70-3 may be accessed through the member's IPTV set-top box 70-2.

In addition, in step S85, the content list may be classified and provided by type, and in this case, it may be displayed with which member's computer.

The user may return to step S83 to select another member (S86, S87), and when the user selects the content on the computer 70-3 of a specific member in step S85 (S86), the user's IPTV set-top box 12 ) Executes the selected content and outputs it through the television receiver 11 (S88).

Referring to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a content sharing method using an IPTV set-top box according to the present invention will be described as an example of the system shown in FIG.

First, a user who is a member of the community downloads the content serviced by the IPTV service system 14 through the IPTV set-top box 12 (S91).

Here, the IPTV service system 14 is configured to service various contents. One example of the IPTV service system 14 serving content to subscribers is a video on demand (VOD) service, which will be described with reference to the VOD service for better understanding.

When the user downloads the movie content in step S91, the IPTV service system 14 shares the movie content with each member belonging to the same community as the user (S92). At this time, the IPTV service system 14 may set the movie content as the shared content by default or at the request of the user who downloaded the movie content in step S91.

The movie content set as shared content in step S92 can be viewed when all the community members access the IPTV service system 14, and may include an indication indicating who caused the shared content. In other words, setting the content as the shared content in step S92 means that the user who downloaded the content is recommended to the same community members.

Meanwhile, other members belonging to the community access the IPTV service system 14 and see that the movie content is recommended by a user belonging to the same community, and download the movie content through their IPTV set-top box 70-2. (S93). Then, the IPTV service system 14 grants a certain benefit to the user who made the shared state by downloading this movie content in step S91 (S94).

In step S94, the type and form of benefits granted to the user by the IPTV service system 14 may be variously configured as necessary.

For example, the content usage fee may be discounted based on the number of community members who downloaded the shared content, the order of downloading the content, and the like. That is, if the content serviced by the IPTV service system 14 is a paid movie content, when a member A downloads the movie content and another member downloads the movie content, the member A's content usage fee can be discounted. In addition, the member who downloaded the content as well as the member who downloaded the first time may be configured to be eligible for a discount if another member downloads it afterwards.

In each embodiment described above, the IPTV set-top box 12 executes content located in various paths and outputs it to the screen of the television receiver 11.

In this regard, another embodiment that may facilitate convenience of an IPTV service user will be described with reference to FIG. 10. At this time, the printer 18 is connected to the user computer 13.

First, the IPTV set-top box 12 that executes the content and outputs it on the screen of the television receiver 11 prints an image output on the screen of the current television receiver 11 when a print command is input from the user (S111, S112). The file is converted into a file of a possible format (hereinafter referred to as a file for printing) (S113). There is no restriction on the format of the file for printing, and generally, any file can be printed through a printer 18 connected to the user computer 13 such as 'GIF' and 'PDF'.

The IPTV set-top box 12 stores the file for printing in the shared directory 12-3 of the self storage medium 12-2 and shares it with the user computer 13 (S114). ) To access the printing file stored in the IPTV set-top box 12 to print through the printer 18 (S115).

On the other hand, the printing service may be configured to receive the cost of printing information when the content is provided for a fee, such as newspapers, forms, maps. In this embodiment, step S113 may be configured to further include the step of paying the printing cost, the user will pay the necessary fee between the IPTV service system through the cost payment interface.

The IPTV set-top box 12 converts the image output on the television screen into a file for printing only when the payment of the printing cost is made normally.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the IPTV set-top box may be configured in various forms. That is, the IPTV set-top box may be configured to be located near the television receiver or to be integrated with the television receiver as is commonly seen. However, the IPTV set-top box to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to such a form, and it should be understood as meaning any IPTV terminal capable of receiving and processing an Internet protocol broadcast service provided by the IPTV service system. Therefore, the IPTV set-top box may be configured in the form of a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone.

Each embodiment described above is intended to help the understanding of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be variously modified and implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Of course.

1 is an overview of a state in which an IPTV set-top box is connected to a user computer;

2 is an embodiment of a content sharing method according to the present invention;

3 is an example of a method of classifying content;

4 is another embodiment of a content sharing method according to the present invention;

5 is an overview of an IPTV service system providing a storage service;

6 is another embodiment of a content sharing method according to the present invention;

7 is an overview of a system for describing an embodiment in which a community is involved;

8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of a content sharing method according to the present invention;

10 is a system overview for explaining an embodiment of a content printing service;

11 is an example of providing a print service in each embodiment according to the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

11,70-1: Television Receiver 12,70-2: IPTV Set Top Box

13,70-3: User computer 12-1, 13-1: Linked program

12-2, 13-2: Digital Data Storage 13-3: Shared Directory

14: IPTV service system 14-1: storage

17: Internet network 18: printer

Claims (9)

Setting a specific directory of a user computer connected to the IPTV set-top box as a shared directory; Setting an operation mode of the IPTV set-top box to a shared mode; Allowing the IPTV set-top box set to the sharing mode to display a list of contents stored in the shared directory of the user computer on the screen of the television receiver for searching; And If the user selects any content in the search process, the IPTV set-top box executes the selected content and outputs it through the television receiver; The list of contents stored in the shared directory of the user computer is configured to provide the search by classifying the IPTV set-top box or the user computer by type. delete delete delete Registering identification information of each member forming the same community in the IPTV service system; Any one of the community members setting an operation mode of the IPTV set-top box to a shared mode; Allowing the IPTV set-top box set to the sharing mode to display a list of community members registered in the IPTV service system on the television receiver screen for searching; If the user selects a member, allowing the IPTV set-top box to display the content list stored in the shared directory of the member computer through the IPTV service system on the television receiver screen for searching; And If the user selects any content in the content search process, the content sharing method using the IPTV set-top box comprising the step of executing the content and output through the television receiver. Downloading, by the user, content from the IPTV service system via the IPTV set-top box; Sharing, by the IPTV service system, the contents with members belonging to the same community as the user; Downloading, by another member of the community, the shared content from the IPTV service system through an IPTV set-top box; And And processing the IPTV service system to provide a predetermined benefit to the user who made the content shared. The method of claim 6, The process of granting a certain benefit to the user who made the content shared by the IPTV service system may be performed based on the number of community members who downloaded the shared content and one or more pieces of information of the order of downloading the content. Content sharing method using an IPTV set-top box, characterized in that configured to reduce the content usage fee. The method according to any one of claims 1, 5 or 6, Converting, by an IPTV set-top box for outputting content through the screen of the television receiver, the image output on the screen of the television receiver into a printable file in a format printable by a user computer; Storing, by the IPTV set-top box, the file for printing on its storage medium and sharing it with a user computer; And And the user computer accessing a printing file in the IPTV set-top box and outputting the file through a printer. The method of claim 8, The IPTV set-top box further comprises the step of paying the printing fee with the IPTV service system, And converting the image output on the screen of the television set into a file for printing by the IPTV set-top box so as to be performed when the printing cost is settled.

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