KR100973132B1 - Iptv settop box, system and method for two-way service with iptv broadcasting - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An IPTV set-top box, system and method for two-way service with IPTV broadcasting are provided to use each kind of interactive services by reading an appointed scene at a desirable point. CONSTITUTION: In order to specify a current scene on a TV screen, a scene appointing unit(11-1) recognizes scene identification information, and a scene transmitting unit(11-2) transmits the scene screen identification information to an interactive service system. A scene reference unit(11-3) receives a stored scene list through the communication with the interactive service system, and a link information searching unit(11-4) searches the link information for each scene of the scene list.

Description

IPTV Settop Box, System and Method for Two-Way Service with IPTV Broadcasting}

The present invention relates to an IP set-top box, an interactive service system linked to IP TV broadcasting, and a method thereof. In particular, a user who is watching IPTV broadcasts a scene of interest and ends viewing of the broadcasting program. After that, it loads the scene designated at the desired time point to use various interactive services related to the scene.

In recent years, IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) broadcasting service has been started through the Internet.

IPTV is called by various names such as 'Internet multimedia broadcasting'. Hereinafter, IPTV refers to a broadcast service provided through an internet protocol (IP) network regardless of its name.

In order to use IP broadcasting service in each home, IP set-top box and TV receiver must be provided.

IPTV service is a combination of communication and broadcasting that enables users to watch through TV receivers by providing live broadcasting, video on demand (VoD) services, and web services through the Internet.

IPTV service is provided through the Internet network, so it can be easily combined with various services on the Internet such as Internet search, watching movies, home shopping, home banking, and online games, and interactive services are possible.

Hereinafter, the bidirectional service means a content-linked bidirectional service made in relation to a broadcast program.

Looking at the process of performing a conventional interactive service, first, before broadcasting a broadcast program, information related to various objects such as a product, a background music, and a shooting place exposed in each scene (scene: scene) of the corresponding broadcast program is secured.

In addition, based on the obtained information, a link that can provide an interactive service for each object is created, and the link is configured to appear in the scene.

The link can be associated with the scene in a variety of ways, such as when the user selects the object with the remote control, or displays a list of all objects that have a link in the scene.

When a user watching an Internet TV broadcast selects a link shown in the scene, the interactive service is provided by providing detailed information about the object or moving to a page for performing e-commerce.

Such a conventional bidirectional service has the following problems.

If a user is interested in a scene while watching a broadcast program and wants to use link information on each object of the scene, the viewer should stop watching and perform detailed information search or electronic commerce on the object.

For this reason, the user may be inconvenient to pause the viewing. In particular, users who use content that is difficult to interrupt viewing such as real-time (live) broadcasts are more inconvenient.

In addition, the operator of the IP broadcasting service also needs to obtain information about the objects of each scene and set a link before broadcasting the broadcast program.

However, if a link needs to be set up and edited right before the broadcast, such as a live broadcast, there is no time to spare and no assurance that the object will appear in the edited scene.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, an IP set-top box for allowing users who watch IP broadcasts to conveniently use the content-linked interactive service without interrupting viewing, and It is an object of the present invention to provide an interactive service system and method associated with IP broadcasting.

In order to achieve the above object, the TV set-top box according to the present invention, the scene specifying unit for identifying the scene identification information to specify the current scene output on the screen of the TV receiver when the user inputs a scene designation command; A scene transmitter configured to transmit and store scene identification information identified through the scene designator to an interactive service system; A scene inquiry unit for receiving a list of previously stored scenes by communicating with the interactive service system when a user inputs a scene inquiry command; And a link information search unit for enabling a user to search for link information of each scene in the scene list and to use an interactive service related to each scene.

The scene designation unit may be configured to determine the scene identification information through time elapsed after the corresponding broadcast program starts to be broadcast or index information for each scene transmitted together with broadcast data.

An interactive service system linked to IP broadcasting according to the present invention includes: an IP broadcasting apparatus for transmitting IPTV data through an Internet network; Designated scene management device for receiving the scene identification information transmitted from each IP set-top box and manages for each user; A link information setting device for setting link information with respect to each scene of a broadcast program transmitted by the IP broadcasting device; And a scene lookup device for transmitting a list of scenes designated by the corresponding user and link information set for each scene according to a request from each iTV set-top box.

The IP broadcast apparatus may transmit start time information of each broadcast program, and the scene identification information may include a time elapsed after each broadcast program starts to be broadcast.

The IP broadcast apparatus may be configured to transmit index information for each scene together with broadcast data currently being broadcast, and the scene identification information may include index information of the corresponding scene.

The list of scenes transmitted by the scene lookup device to each of the idle set-top boxes may be configured to include an image corresponding to each scene, or a video of a predetermined amount of time.

The scene inquiry apparatus may be configured to collectively transmit link information for each scene of the scene list or to individually transmit link information for a specific scene from an idle set-top box.

In the interactive service method associated with IP broadcasting according to the present invention, when a user watching the IP broadcasting inputs a scene designating command, the IP set-top box transmits scene identification information for specifying the current scene to the interactive service system. Making; Storing, by the interactive service system, scene identification information of the corresponding user received from the IP set-top box; Requesting a list of scenes previously stored by the IP set-top box to the interactive service system when a user inputs a scene inquiry command; Generating, by the interactive service system, a scene list based on scene identification information of the user and transmitting the scene list to the IP set-top box; And outputting a list of scenes received from the interactive service system to the TV receiver screen so that the user can search for link information of each scene.

The scene identification information transmitted from the IP set-top box to the interactive service system may include elapsed time since the broadcast program being watched by the user began broadcasting, or index information for each scene transmitted with broadcast data of the broadcast program. Can be configured.

The link information of each embodiment may be configured to enable a user to search detailed information related to the scene or to perform an electronic commerce for purchasing various goods or services related to the scene.

According to the present invention, a user using the IP broadcasting service designates a scene of interest once while watching a broadcast program, calls up a scene designated at a desired time point after ending watching the broadcast program, and retrieves detailed information or electronics. Various interactive services such as commerce can be used.

Accordingly, it is possible to provide an interactive service associated with a broadcast program without disturbing the viewer's broadcast viewing state.

In addition, an IP broadcasting company or an advertiser can secure a time for preparing an interactive service related to a real-time broadcasting program.

In particular, since broadcast services can be linked to each broadcast program at any time, even after the broadcast, it is possible to prepare and provide more various interactive services with sufficient time.

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

Referring to FIG. 1, the TV set-top box 11 provided in each user's home is connected to the TV set 12, and the TV set-top box 11 is configured integrally with the TV receiver or as an independent device. It can be configured to be connected to the TV receiver.

The IP set-top box 11 receives broadcast data for each channel through the Internet network 15, extracts an audio / video signal from the received broadcast data packet, and outputs the audio / video signal to the TV receiver 12. .

Users can watch a desired broadcast program while switching channels using a remote controller as in the conventional terrestrial broadcast method.

The IP set-top box 11 may perform various additional functions in order to provide better IP broadcasting service in addition to the basic function of processing broadcast data received through the Internet network 15 and outputting the TV set to the TV receiver 12. have.

As one example, the IP set-top box 11 may display detailed information of various objects such as a shooting location, clothing worn by the main character, a restaurant, background music, or purchase a product related to the object while the user is watching a broadcast. If you want an interactive service, you can specify the scene once, and then use the interactive service for each object in the scene.

Referring to FIG. 2, the IP set-top box 11 according to the present invention includes a scene designator 11-1, a scene transmitter 11-2, a scene inquiry unit 11-3, and a link information search unit ( 11-4).

When the user inputs a scene designating command using the remote controller 13, the scene designator 11-1 grasps scene identification information for identifying a scene currently output on the screen of the TV receiver 12.

The scene designation command may be configured to be input by using a specific key or a combination of keys included in the remote controller 13 or may be configured to select from a menu displayed on the screen of the TV receiver 12.

The scene identification information is information for specifying a scene currently output on the screen of the TV receiver 12 and may be variously configured as necessary.

One example may be configured as elapsed time (eg, 5 minutes and 15 seconds) after the broadcast of the corresponding broadcast program is started. In such an embodiment, the scene designator 11-1 may be configured to receive information indicating a time at which the corresponding broadcast program is started, and to measure an elapsed time according to the time.

Another example may be configured with index information of each scene received together with broadcast data. In such an embodiment, the IP broadcasting apparatus 17-1 packetizes and transmits index information of each scene together with audio / video (A / V) data, and the scene specifying unit 11-1 transmits the scene information. It can be configured to grasp the index information.

The scene transmission unit 11-2 transmits and stores the scene identification information identified by the scene designation unit 11-1 to the bidirectional service system 21 and stores it.

At this time, the scene transmitter 11-2 may transmit information for identifying who has designated the scene for which broadcast program. For example, information that can identify a user, such as a user ID (ID) or a unique number of an IP set-top box, and a broadcast program name.

In this way, the user does not need to immediately use the interactive service related to the scene even though the scene of interest appears while watching a broadcast program, and the user may designate the scene of interest and store it in the interactive service system 21.

When the user inputs a scene inquiry command through the remote controller 13, the scene inquiry unit 11-3 communicates with the interactive service system 21 and receives a scene list previously stored.

That is, the user may operate the remote controller 13 while watching a broadcast program to designate a scene of interest and then recall the scene at a desired time. The scene inquiry command may be configured to be input by using a specific key or a combination of keys included in the remote controller 13 or may be configured to select from a menu displayed on the screen of the TV receiver 12.

The scene list to be queried may include various information for guiding the scenes designated by the user.

For example, the broadcast program name, index number (or elapsed time), thumbnail image of each scene, etc. for each scene designated by the user may be included. 5 shows an example of a scene list 50-1 including a broadcast program name, an index number, and thumbnail images 51 and 52 of a corresponding scene.

The link information retrieval unit 11-4 enables the user to search the link information for each scene in the scene list to use an interactive service related to each scene.

Referring to the example illustrated in FIG. 6, when a user selects a desired scene (eg, a scene of index 670) from the scene list 50-1 displayed on the screen of the TV set 12, link information 50 related to the scene is displayed. -2) call up and display on the screen.

Then, the user can use the remote control 13 to use an interactive service on objects such as 'Cloth', 'Restaurant', 'Journey', and 'Music' set in the scene as using a general Internet service.

The link information of each scene constituting the scene list may be collectively received when the scene inquiry unit 11-3 receives the scene list, and the user may select each scene list through the link information retrieval unit 11-4. It may be received individually when a particular scene is selected while searching for the scene.

The content or form of link information can be variously configured without any limitation. For example, the link information may be configured such that the user may inquire detailed information related to each object of the scene or perform e-commerce related to each object of the scene.

That is, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the user selects 'Cloth' item to check detailed information about the corresponding clothing worn by the main character and proceeds to purchase the corresponding clothing, or selects the 'Journey' item to display the scene. You can check the travel information of the place shown in.

On the other hand, the interactive service system 21 associated with the IP broadcast according to the present invention is the IP broadcast device 17-1, the designated scene management device 17-2, the scene lookup device 17-3, link information setting It can be configured to include the device (17-4).

Referring to FIG. 3, a specific embodiment of the interactive service system 21 will be described.

The IP broadcast apparatus 17-1 includes an IP broadcast server 31-1 for transmitting broadcast data through the Internet network 15, and a broadcast content database 31-2 for storing broadcast content. Can be.

The IP set-top box 11 receives and processes broadcast data transmitted from the IP broadcasting apparatus 17-1 and outputs it to the TV receiver 12.

Designated scene management device 17-2 may be configured to include a designated scene receiving server 32-1 and a designated scene database 32-2, the designated scene receiving server 32-1 is an IP set-top box Scene identification information is received from (11), and scene identification information for each user is stored in the designated scene database 32-2 for management.

The scene identification information is information for specifying a scene for each broadcast program and can be configured in various ways as needed. For example, as described above, it may include a time elapsed after broadcasting of each broadcast program or index information transmitted together with broadcast data.

At this time, the IP broadcast server 31-1 transmits time information for identifying the start time of each broadcast program or index information for each scene of the currently broadcast program together with the broadcast data.

Then, the IP set-top box 11 measures the elapsed time according to the time when the broadcast program is started, or grasps the scene identification information through the index information received corresponding to each scene.

The link information setting apparatus 17-4 may be configured to include a link information setting server 34-1 and a link information database 34-2.

The link information setting server 34-1 allows the link manager 18 to identify each scene of the broadcast program broadcast from the IP broadcasting device 17-1, and to set link information for each scene. The link information setting server 34-1 stores and manages link information of each scene for each broadcast program set by the link manager 18 in the link information database 34-2.

The link manager 18 may set link information for each scene at any time after the broadcast as well as before the live broadcast program is broadcast.

The content or form of link information can be variously configured without any limitation. For example, the link information may be configured such that the user may inquire detailed information related to each object of the scene or perform e-commerce related to each object of the scene.

The scene inquiry apparatus 17-3 transmits a scene list designated by a corresponding user according to a scene inquiry request from the IP set-top box 11, and transmits link information for each scene constituting the scene list.

That is, when a scene inquiry request is received from the IP set-top box 11, the scene inquiry apparatus 17-3 inquires scene identification information of the corresponding user from the designated scene database 32-2 and generates a scene list based on the scene identification information. Send it.

The scene list transmitted by the scene lookup device 17-3 to the IP set-top box 11 may include a variety of information to guide the scenes specified by the user.

For example, the broadcast program name, index number (or elapsed time), thumbnail image of each scene, etc. for each scene designated by the user may be included. 5 shows an example of a scene list 50-1 including a broadcast program name, an index number, and thumbnail images 51 and 52 of a corresponding scene.

If necessary, a video for a predetermined time (eg, 30 seconds) may be included in the scene list based on the location of each scene.

In addition, the scene inquiry apparatus 17-3 transmits the link information stored in the link information database 34-2 corresponding to each scene forming the scene list.

At this time, the link information for each scene of the scene list is collectively transmitted, or when link information for a specific scene is requested from the IP set-top box 11, the link information for the scene is individually transmitted. Can be.

Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of an interactive service method linked to IP broadcasting according to the present invention will be described.

The user starts to watch the IP broadcast by operating the IP set-top box 11 (S41-1), and when a scene of interest appears during viewing, the user inputs a scene designation command by operating the remote controller (S41-2).

When the user inputs a scene designation command using the remote control, the IP set-top box 11 transmits the scene identification information to the bidirectional service system 21 (S41-3), and the bidirectional service system 21 transmits the IP set-top. Scene identification information of the user received from the box 11 is stored (S41-4).

On the other hand, the link manager sets link information for each scene of the broadcast program at an arbitrary time point (S42).

After the user finishes watching the broadcast program, the user inputs a scene inquiry command using the remote controller (S41-5, S43).

When the user inputs a scene inquiry command, the IP set-top box 11 requests a list of pre-stored scenes to the interactive service system 21 (S44-1), and the interactive service system 21 interferes with the user. The scene list is generated based on the set scene identification information and transmitted to the IP set-top box 11 (S44-2).

The scene list transmitted through step S44-2 may be configured in various formats so as to guide the user at a glance.

For example, the broadcast program name, index number (or elapsed time), thumbnail image of each scene, etc. for each scene designated by the user may be included. 5 shows an example of a scene list 50-1 including a broadcast program name, an index number, and thumbnail images 51 and 52 of a corresponding scene.

If necessary, a video for a predetermined time (eg, 30 seconds) can be included in the scene list based on the location of each scene.

The IP set-top box 11 outputs a list of scenes received from the interactive service system 21 on the TV receiver screen through step S44-2, and now the user searches for each scene designated by the user (S45-1). ).

When the user selects a specific scene from the list of scenes displayed on the screen of the TV set (S45-2), the IP set-top box 11 requests the link information of the scene to the interactive service system 21 (S45-3). The bidirectional service system 21 finds the requested link information and transmits it to the IP set-top box 11 (S45-2).

The IP set-top box 11 displays the link information received from the interactive service system 21 on the screen of the TV receiver, and the user uses various interactive services through the corresponding link information using the remote controller (S45-5).

The content or form of link information can be variously configured without any limitation.

For example, the link information may be configured such that the user may inquire detailed information related to each object of the scene or perform e-commerce related to each object of the scene.

The user can continuously check link information of another scene in the scene list, and if the scene search end command is input, the IP set-top box 11 ends the scene search procedure (S45-6, S45-7).

In the above example, the user has finished watching the broadcast program and described as an example of using the designated scene. However, once the user inputs the scene designation command to designate the scene, the user can call up the scene at any time regardless of the end of the broadcast program. Information is available.

In addition, steps S45-2 to S45-5 describe an example of receiving link information of a corresponding scene from the interactive service system 21 when the user selects a specific scene of the scene list. The link information may be configured to be received by the set TV box 11 collectively after step S44-2.

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 the IP broadcast system,

Figure 2 is an embodiment of the IP set-top box according to the present invention,

3 is an embodiment of a system for providing an interactive service in association with IP broadcasting according to the present invention;

4 is an embodiment of a method for providing an interactive service in association with IP broadcasting according to the present invention;

5 and 6 illustrate examples of scene list and link information.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

11: IP TV set-top box 12: TV set

13: Remote Control 15: Internet Network

17-1: IPTV broadcasting device 17-2: Designated scene management device

17-3: Scene Inquiry Device 17-4: Link Information Setting Device

31-1: IPTV broadcasting server

31-2: Broadcast content database 32-1: Designated scene receiving server

32-2: Designated Scene Database 34-1: Link Information Setting Server

34-2: Link Information Database

Claims (12)

In the IP set-top box that receives the IPTV broadcast through the Internet network and outputs it to the TV receiver, A scene specifying unit for identifying scene identification information to specify a current scene output on a screen of the TV receiver when a user inputs a scene designating command; A scene transmitter configured to transmit and store scene identification information identified through the scene designator to an interactive service system; A scene inquiry unit for receiving a list of previously stored scenes by communicating with the interactive service system when a user inputs a scene inquiry command; And A link information search unit for allowing a user to search for link information of each scene in the scene list to use an interactive service associated with each scene; And the scene designation unit is configured to determine the scene identification information through time elapsed after the corresponding broadcast program starts to be broadcast or index information for each scene transmitted together with broadcast data. delete In the IP set-top box that receives the IPTV broadcast through the Internet network and outputs it to the TV receiver, A scene specifying unit for identifying scene identification information to specify a current scene output on a screen of the TV receiver when a user inputs a scene designating command; A scene transmitter configured to transmit and store scene identification information identified through the scene designator to an interactive service system; A scene inquiry unit for receiving a list of previously stored scenes by communicating with the interactive service system when a user inputs a scene inquiry command; And A link information search unit for allowing a user to search for link information of each scene in the scene list to use an interactive service associated with each scene; The link information is an IP set-top box, characterized in that the user is configured to query the detailed information associated with each object of the scene, or to perform electronic commerce associated with each object of the scene. An IP broadcasting apparatus for transmitting IPTV data through an internet network; Designated scene management device for receiving the scene identification information transmitted from each IP set-top box and manages for each user; A link information setting device for setting link information with respect to each scene of a broadcast program transmitted by the IP broadcasting device; And It includes a scene lookup device that transmits a list of scenes specified by the user and link information set for each scene according to a request from each IP set-top box, The IP broadcast apparatus transmits start time information of each broadcast program. And the scene identification information includes an elapsed time since each broadcast program starts to be broadcast. delete An IP broadcasting apparatus for transmitting IPTV data through an internet network; Designated scene management device for receiving the scene identification information transmitted from each IP set-top box and manages for each user; A link information setting device for setting link information with respect to each scene of a broadcast program transmitted by the IP broadcasting device; And It includes a scene lookup device that transmits a list of scenes specified by the user and link information set for each scene according to a request from each IP set-top box, The IP broadcast apparatus transmits index information for each scene along with broadcast data currently being broadcast, And the scene identification information includes index information of a corresponding scene. An IP broadcasting apparatus for transmitting IPTV data through an internet network; Designated scene management device for receiving the scene identification information transmitted from each IP set-top box and manages for each user; A link information setting device for setting link information with respect to each scene of a broadcast program transmitted by the IP broadcasting device; And It includes a scene lookup device that transmits a list of scenes specified by the user and link information set for each scene according to a request from each IP set-top box, And a list of scenes transmitted by the scene lookup device to each of the IP set-top boxes includes an image corresponding to each scene, or a video of a predetermined amount of time. An IP broadcasting apparatus for transmitting IPTV data through an internet network; Designated scene management device for receiving the scene identification information transmitted from each IP set-top box and manages for each user; A link information setting device for setting link information with respect to each scene of a broadcast program transmitted by the IP broadcasting device; And It includes a scene lookup device that transmits a list of scenes specified by the user and link information set for each scene according to a request from each IP set-top box, The scene lookup apparatus is configured to collectively transmit link information for each scene of the scene list, or individually when link information for a specific scene is requested from an idle set-top box. Interactive service system linked to broadcasting. An IP broadcasting apparatus for transmitting IPTV data through an internet network; Designated scene management device for receiving the scene identification information transmitted from each IP set-top box and manages for each user; A link information setting device for setting link information with respect to each scene of a broadcast program transmitted by the IP broadcasting device; And It includes a scene lookup device that transmits a list of scenes specified by the user and link information set for each scene according to a request from each IP set-top box, The link information is an interactive service system linked to the IP broadcast, characterized in that the user is configured to query the detailed information associated with the scene, or to purchase a variety of goods or services related to the scene. When the user watching the IP broadcast inputs a scene designation command, the IP set-top box transmitting scene identification information for specifying the current scene to the interactive service system; Storing, by the interactive service system, scene identification information of the corresponding user received from the IP set-top box; Requesting a list of scenes previously stored by the IP set-top box to the interactive service system when a user inputs a scene inquiry command; Generating, by the interactive service system, a scene list based on scene identification information of the user and transmitting the scene list to the IP set-top box; And The IP set-top box outputs a list of scenes received from the interactive service system on the TV receiver screen to allow a user to search for link information of each scene. The scene identification information is configured to include elapsed time since the broadcast program that the user is watching starts broadcasting, or index information for each scene transmitted together with broadcast data of the broadcast program. Interactive service method. delete When the user watching the IP broadcast inputs a scene designation command, the IP set-top box transmitting scene identification information for specifying the current scene to the interactive service system; Storing, by the interactive service system, scene identification information of the corresponding user received from the IP set-top box; Requesting a list of scenes previously stored by the IP set-top box to the interactive service system when a user inputs a scene inquiry command; Generating, by the interactive service system, a scene list based on scene identification information of the user and transmitting the scene list to the IP set-top box; And The IP set-top box outputs a list of scenes received from the interactive service system on the TV receiver screen to allow a user to search for link information of each scene. The link information is a two-way service method associated with the IP broadcast, characterized in that the user is configured to query the detailed information associated with the scene, or to purchase various goods or services related to the scene.

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