KR101078701B1 - Method and apparatus for selective section playback of iptv program - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are a method and an apparatus for sub-content selection reproduction of an IP program. An apparatus for selecting and reproducing sub-contents of an adaptive program including a plurality of sub-contents in one program includes a program identifier receiving unit that receives an identifier of the program from the set-top box together with the request for selecting and reproducing the sub-contents of a set-top box. A metadata providing unit for retrieving metadata corresponding to the received program identifier and transmitting the retrieved metadata to the set-top box, a sub-content identifier receiving unit receiving an identifier of the sub-content selected by the user from the set-top box; And a program providing unit which checks a reproduction start time of the sub content in the metadata and transmits the program from a time frame corresponding to the reproduction start time based on the identifier of the sub content.

IPiFi, select metadata, sub content

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE SECTION PLAYBACK OF IPTV PROGRAM}

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for selecting and playing sub-content selection of an Internet Protocol TV (hereinafter referred to as IPTV) program, and more particularly, to video-on-demand content of IPTV. The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for playing from a sub content desired by a user in VOD content using metadata.

IPTV is a system that provides digital television service using Internet protocol in packet switching network environment such as Internet and broadband.

Since conventional TVs use a method of pushing a program according to a predetermined schedule, a user has to be inconvenient to watch TV in accordance with the schedule of the schedule in order to watch a desired broadcast. Since a pull method of selecting and requesting a broadcast to be watched is used, there is an advantage that a desired broadcast can be freely watched at any time.

However, since the IPTV program is provided in a streaming manner, when a user wants to receive a specific video, the user must watch it from the beginning. Therefore, a video having a plurality of sub-corners in one program such as a show pro, a music broadcast, or a gag program exists. In this case, there is a burden that the viewer must watch to another lower corner that is not of interest.

In addition, even in the case of sports programs there is a problem that does not properly reflect the user's desire to watch for each quarter (basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, etc.), each player (martial arts, e-game, etc.).

This is causing the IPTV to fail to take full advantage of VOD's ability to selectively show the program at the right time.

Accordingly, in Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2008-0002265 (IPTV reproducing apparatus and its double speed reproducing method), when a user requests double speed replay in the process of reproducing an IPTV program, an optimum double speed replay suitable for data buffered in the buffer is selected and reproduced. However, the present invention provides a method of performing the method, but it only provides a double speed movement in the buffered data limit, but does not provide a function of selecting and playing a specific lower corner from among a plurality of lower corners existing in one program.

In addition, in Korean Patent Publication No. 2007-0072538 (Method and System for Providing Time-Movement Broadcasting Service), the broadcast content transmitted from the IPTV headend system is real-time by the amount from the current time to a certain time before the broadcast channel in the system on the network. By updating and storing, even if any channel is unintentionally selected for all the broadcasting channels, the way to freely move and watch the past part by using the return function in the channel is proposed.

However, this not only provides a return function in the data limit already sent, but also does not provide a function of selecting and playing a specific lower corner among a plurality of lower corners existing in one program.

In addition, in Korean Patent Publication No. 2007-0093331 (System and Method for Providing Continuous Playback Service for Internet Broadcasting), even if a user who has been watching the Internet broadcasting stops watching the broadcast program of the viewing channel, he / she has previously viewed it when he / she wants to. Since the program has been proposed to continuously watch the broadcast program after the point in time, this provides only a method for resuming the program where the viewing was stopped at a specific point in time, and exists in one program. Currently, a function of selecting and playing a specific lower corner among a plurality of lower corners is still not provided.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the present invention allocates metadata for each IPTV program and includes the time frame list of the corresponding program and the information of each lower corner corresponding to the metadata in the single program. Provided are a method and apparatus for selecting and playing a specific lower corner among a plurality of lower corners.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not mentioned can be clearly understood from the following description.

In order to achieve the above object, the selective playback device for each sub-content of the iPiP program includes a plurality of sub-contents in one program according to an aspect of the present invention. A program identifier receiving unit for receiving an identifier of the program from the set top box, a metadata providing unit for retrieving metadata corresponding to the received program identifier, and transmitting the retrieved metadata to the set top box, a user from the set top box The reproduction start time of the sub content is checked in the metadata based on a sub content identifier receiver which receives the identifier of the specific sub content selected by the user and the identifier of the sub content, and starts from the time frame corresponding to the reproduction start time. Transferring program It comprises a program providing unit.

In order to achieve the above object, a set-top box that provides a selective playback for each sub-content of the program is provided with an adaptive including a plurality of sub-content in one program according to an aspect of the present invention, the reproduction menu for each sub-content of the program If selected, a program identifier providing unit for extracting the identifier of the program and transmits it to a program providing server, receiving metadata corresponding to the extracted program identifier from the program providing server, parsing the received metadata to the program A metadata parsing unit for extracting information on each sub-content of the sub content, a sub-content information providing unit for displaying information on each sub-content on the screen, and when any one of the displayed sub-contents is selected, Extract the identifier to the program A sub content identifier providing unit for transmitting to a providing server, and a program providing unit for receiving the program from a time frame corresponding to a playback start time of the selected sub content from the program providing server, and displaying the received program on a screen; do.

In order to achieve the above object, the selective playback method for each sub-content of the iPiP program includes a plurality of sub-contents in one program according to an aspect of the present invention. Receiving an identifier of the program from the set top box together, (b) retrieving metadata corresponding to the received program identifier, (c) transmitting the retrieved metadata to the set top box, and Receiving an identifier of the sub content selected by the user from the terminal; and (d) confirming a reproduction start time of the sub content in the metadata based on the identifier of the sub content, and a time frame corresponding to the reproduction start time. From the step of transmitting the program.

In order to achieve the above object, in a set-top box according to another aspect of the present invention, a method for providing selective reproduction for each sub-content of a program, which includes a plurality of sub-contents in one program, includes: (a) If a reproduction request is received, extracting an identifier of the program and transmitting the extracted identifier to a program providing server; (b) if metadata corresponding to the extracted program identifier is received from a program providing server, parsing the metadata to receive the program. Extracting information on each sub-content of (c) based on the information on each sub-content of the extracted program, the content name of the sub-content, the sequence number of playback in the program, the playback start time and Displaying at least one of the images on a screen, (d) from the user If one of the sub-contents displayed on the screen is selected, extracting the identifier of the selected sub-contents and transmits to the program providing server and (e) a time corresponding to the start time of the reproduction of the selected sub-content from the program providing server If the program is transmitted from a frame, displaying the program on the screen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be configured in different forms, and the present embodiments are intended to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to provide general knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to fully inform those who have the scope of the invention.

According to one of the problem solving means of the method and apparatus for selecting and reproducing a sub content of an IPTV program of the present invention described above, when viewing an IPTV program, the user does not watch the program from the beginning to watch a desired sub content (lower corner of the program). The sub content desired to be watched can be selected and watched immediately.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention.

The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

In the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in order to clearly describe the present invention, and like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the specification.

For reference, in the entire specification, when a part is "connected" to another part, it is not only "directly connected" but also "electrically connected" with another element in between. Also includes.

In addition, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this means that it may further include other components, without excluding other components unless otherwise stated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

1 illustrates a general configuration of an IPTV broadcasting system.

The IPTV broadcasting system includes a broadcaster 1000, a headend system 2000, a network network 3000, and a user terminal 4000.

In addition, the headend system 2000 includes a baseband system 2010, a compression multiplexing system 2020, a conditional access system (CAS) 2030, a back office system 2040, a monitoring system 2050, A media management core (MOC) 2060, a subscriber management system 2070, a data broadcasting system 2080, an electronic program guide (EPG) system 2090, and a return path server system 2100.

The broadcaster 1000 serves to produce, edit, and change broadcast content to provide to the headend system 2000. The broadcaster 1000 may include a program provider (PP), a terrestrial wave, or a content provider (CP). In addition, the broadcast content provided by the broadcaster 1000 may include existing broadcast content and rich content on the Internet.

The headend system 2000 receives and manages broadcast content from the broadcaster 1000 and distributes content to the user terminal 4000 to provide broadcast / recording / playback services. The received broadcast content may include related additional information and an EPG for this additional information.

The head-end system 2000 includes EPG information (PSIP / PSI /) including a subscriber concentrator, a broadcast video and audio signal, data broadcasting data, and a program recommendation service menu through a router supporting a multicast routing protocol. SI information) can be transmitted to IP set-top boxes of multiple subscribers by multicasting.

The baseband system 2010 receives an MPEG2 broadcast signal from an external program provider (PP) or an analog broadcast signal from terrestrial waves, converts the received source broadcast signal into a SDI (Serial Digital Interface) signal, and converts a frame ( Frames), and distributes video and audio signals from multiple broadcast channels (e.g. 100 channels) via a routine switcher, subtitle generator (CG) and automatic program controller (APC). At least one of an advertisement, a logo, or a subtitle is inserted into the broadcast video and audio signal (signal editing and processing) and transmitted to the compression multiplexing system 2020.

The SDI (Serial Digital Interface) signal is, for example, a digital signal standard having a transmission rate of 270 Mbps, and a composite digital video and four channels of digital audio signals may be mixed.

The baseband system 2010 is basically a tuner for receiving analog broadcast signals through a receiving device (eg, a DS-3 station, a Yagi antenna, and an IRD) for receiving broadcast signals such as a program provider (PP) and terrestrial waves, respectively. (Tuner)), a frame synchronizer for converting and correcting a source signal received from a receiving device into an SDI signal, synchronizing frames, and A connecting / centralizing all broadcast signal channels for operation management. A signal splitter such as a / V router, and a subtitle generator for inserting an advertisement, a logo, and a subtitle into the SDI signal to edit and process the signal.

The compression multiplexing system 2020 uses an A / V encoder (A / V Encoder) for broadcasting video and audio signals (Video, Audio) received from the baseband system 2010 for each broadcasting channel (eg, 100 channels). ) To compress the SDI (Serial Digital Interface) video signal to H.264, and to compress the audio signal to MPEG-2 AAC to generate MPEG-2 TS (Transport Stream), and to compress compressed broadcast video and audio -2 after multiplexing data broadcasting data and EPG information (PSIP / PSI / SI information) generated by a data encoder and a PSI / SI generator together with the TS signal When the received MPEG-2 TS signal is used in the reception restriction technique, the TS-2 may be inputted to a scrambler, encrypted, and finally IP packetized to transmit an IP packetized TS (Transport Stream) broadcast signal.

Also, optionally, the reception restriction system 2030 may be used to prevent illegal viewing and illegal copying of program recommendation content.

The reception restriction system 2030 performs encryption on the real-time channel and pre-encryption of the VOD content, and controls viewing authority so that only the authenticated user can use the channel and the content. In order to prevent illegal copying of IPTV contents, a digital rights management (DRM) scheme may be used instead of the reception restriction system 2030.

The back office system 2040 is a provisioning system and provides a billing processing function for the use of the IPTV program service for each subscriber.

The monitoring system 2050 is a control system. The monitoring system 2050 may monitor a transmission failure of an A / V broadcast signal for IPTV broadcasting, a reception failure by monitoring a downlink of an IPTV headend system, and confirm subtitles.

The media management system 2060 is a system that manages various business process information (program organization information, location information, contract information, product information, etc.) for operating a broadcasting business. The media management system 2060 integrates and manages the information flow through organic coupling with each system in the center of the broadcasting center.

The media management system 2060 manages broadcast program organization information, content and media management information, contract information of a program provider (PP) and a content provider (CP), and product information, and manages each system in the center of a broadcasting center. Through organic integration, it can act as a coordinator to manage and manage the flow of information.

In addition, the media management system 2060 includes contract management in terms of acquisition, management of media and content metadata, EPG information acquisition / management of broadcast schedule information, and real-time broadcasting and VOD in terms of operation. It provides channel formation management, agent management, interworking with each subsystem, VOD catalog creation management, and various product management.In terms of analysis, marketing analysis reporting, delivery such as settlement of CP / CA, subscriber viewing propensity, etc. In terms of broadcast transmission monitoring, video server transmission management and VOD subscriber authentication, transmission result recording / management for settlement with CP / CA, and data synchronization with each subsystem.

The subscriber management system 2070 provides membership registration and termination and member information management for IPTV services.

The data broadcasting system 2080 authors, verifies, organizes, and transmits the data broadcasting data.

The data broadcasting system 2080 includes a data agent manager (PSI) for managing data encoding, a PSI / SI generator (PSI) for generating program specific information / service information (SI). / SI Generator), Data Server / Data Encoder for encoding data broadcasting data into broadcast video and audio signals, and Multiplexer Manager for managing multiplexing functions of data into the broadcast video and audio signals Manager) and a scheduler user interface (Scheduler UI).

In addition, the data broadcasting system 2080 may use the A / V encoder to provide the A / V data provided from the A / V server according to the terrestrial Application Configuration Access Protocol (ACAP) data broadcasting standard. Compresses the broadcast video and audio signals by using a data server / data encoder and PSI / SI (Program Specific Information / Service Information), and compresses the compressed video and audio signals from an application by the authoring tool. ) Is multiplexed by a multiplexer together with data broadcasting data and EPG information (PSIP / SI information) generated by the generator to encode and transmit broadcast program data and related information from collection and storage of data broadcasting programs. .

The EPG system 2090 includes an EPG server and provides an electronic program guide (EPG) service to the user terminal 4000.

The return path server system 2100 processes bidirectional data by a data provider (DP), provides online bill transfer from the user terminal 4000, usage history / billing interworking processing of bidirectional data, and personalization authentication processing. , And receive bidirectional data for the program recommendation service and transmit the corresponding response data to the user terminal 4000 in unicasting.

The network 3000 receives the broadcast content from the headend system 2000 and delivers the received broadcast content to the user terminal 4000. The network network 3000 includes a backbone network and an access network, and the access network includes Ethernet, xDSL (ADSL, VDSL), Hybrid Fiber Coaxial Ca (HFC), and Fiber To The Curb), and may be configured in any one topology of a fiber to the home (FTTH) structure.

The user terminal 4000 is an apparatus for using an Internet broadcasting service, and generally includes an IPTV, a set top box (STB), and a remote controller. The IPTV outputs the broadcast content received from the headend system 2000 and transmits the user response signal received through the remote controller to the headend system 2000 through the return channel of the set top box.

The user terminal may use any one of a TV with an IP STB or an IP set-top box (IP STB), a computer, a notebook, or a personal portable terminal connected to the user's TV.

The IP set-top box includes a hardware layer composed of STB hardware such as a CPU, a media processor, flash RAM, and an Ethernet module, a system software layer including a system driver such as a device driver and an operating system, a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), Middleware layer with Conditional Access System (CAS) module and Digital Rights Management (DRM) interface module, streaming protocol (RTP, RTSP), MPEG2, MPEG4, MPEG7, H.264, WMV- It may include four layers of an application layer that supports various multi codecs such as 9 and includes an electronic program guide (EPG) for selecting an IPTV service channel. In this case, the subscriber's IP set-top box may be assigned an IPv4 address or an IPv6 address.

2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system for providing sub content selective playback of an IPTV program according to an embodiment of the present invention.

For reference, 'sub content' referred to in the present invention is not simply divided into one program at a physical time interval, but based on meaningful specific content or based on the time of appearance of a specific person or a specific object. As a unit of distinction, a plurality of sub-corners constituting a program (eg, a gag concert, a VJ commando or a current affair program, etc.), a start point and an end point of the appearance of a specific person in a show program or a music broadcast program, and At least one of a specific game sub-content (eg, a specific round in baseball or a specific quarter in basketball) of a sports broadcast.

In addition, the term "program" referred to in the present invention includes "VOD content" provided as a streaming service.

In the following description, the sub-corner is used as an example of sub-content, and the VOD content is used as an example of a program.

A system for selecting and playing a lower corner of VOD content according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a user terminal 110 and a VOD content providing server 120.

Herein, the user terminal 110 includes an IPTV, a set-top box (STB), and a remote controller, like the user terminal 4000 of the system shown in FIG. 1, and the VOD content providing server 120 is one of the systems shown in FIG. 1. It may be included in the headend system 2000.

Hereinafter, the user terminal 110 will be referred to as a set-top box 110.

Referring to each component of the system shown in FIG. 2, the set-top box 110 provides an interface including a VOD content list so that the user can select the VOD content that the user wants to watch, and the user selects the VOD content list. When any one of the VOD content is selected, the identifier (hereinafter referred to as ID) of the selected VOD content is transmitted to the VOD content providing server 120.

In addition, the set-top box 110 receives metadata about the VOD content selected by the user from the VOD content providing server 120, and parses the received metadata to extract lower corner information of the corresponding VOD content.

Here, the metadata is classified by ID of each VOD content and includes representative information of the VOD content such as title, episode, and broadcast date of the VOD content. In addition, the metadata may further include information on an ID, a start time, and an end time of each lower corner of the VOD content.

Detailed description of the metadata will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

In addition, the set-top box 110 provides an interface including a lower corner list so that a user can select each lower corner based on each lower corner information of the metadata.

In this case, at least one of a snapshot image and a playback time of the corresponding lower corner may be displayed in the lower corner list to help the user's selection.

When any one of the lower corner lists is selected by the user, the set-top box 110 transmits the ID of the selected lower corner to the VOD content providing server 120 and at the start time of the corresponding lower corner from the VOD content providing server 120. VOD content is transmitted by streaming from the corresponding time frame.

In addition, when the VOD content is streamed, that is, when the lower corner is played, the set-top box 110 is configured to execute an event or provide an advertisement when the additional service such as an event or an advertisement is set in the metadata. Call 120.

For example, when information on the voting progress or the prize draw event for the lower corner being played is set in the metadata, the set-top box 110 may refer to the metadata for information about the vote or information about the prize draw. The request may be made to the providing server 120.

In addition, the set-top box 110 may refer to the metadata, and when the playback end time of the lower corner currently being played arrives, the user may select a subsequent progression (for example, to see the next lower corner or another lower corner). Whether to select a different VOD content, etc.).

Meanwhile, the VOD content providing server 120 receives the ID of the VOD content selected by the user from the set top box 110. Thereafter, the VOD content providing server 120 searches for metadata corresponding to the ID of the received VOD content in the metadata DB and transmits the metadata to the set-top box 110.

In addition, the VOD content providing server 120 receives the ID of the lower corner selected by the user from the set-top box 110. Thereafter, the VOD content providing server 120 searches for the playback start time of the corresponding lower corner by using the ID of the received lower corner, and transmits the VOD content through streaming from the time frame corresponding to the found playback start time. do.

In addition, the VOD content providing server 120 may receive an execution request or an advertisement providing request related to a lower corner from the set top box 110.

For example, if an advertisement related to the lower corner being played is set in the metadata, the VOD content providing server 120 receives an advertisement providing request from the set top box 110 and provides the corresponding advertisement to the set top box 110. You may.

For reference, in the present invention, the VOD content providing server 120 transmits the VOD content by streaming, retrieves the metadata stored in the metadata DB, and performs all functions of executing an event or providing an advertisement. Although described, in addition to this, the server for storing the VOD content and streaming the requested VOD content from the set-top box 110, the metadata of each VOD content, using the ID of the VOD content or the lower corner ID of the VOD content Therefore, a server for searching for metadata and a server for receiving an event or request for providing an advertisement from the set-top box 110 and providing the request are separately present, respectively, to perform a function of the VOD content providing server 120.

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a set-top box 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Set-top box 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention is the interface providing unit 111, VOD content ID providing unit 112, metadata parser 113, lower corner information providing unit 114, lower corner ID The provider 115, an additional service provider 116, and a program provider 117 are included.

To describe each component in detail, first, the interface provider 111 may select an interface including the VOD content list and the user may select each lower corner of the VOD content so that the user can select the VOD content that the user wants to watch. It provides an interface that includes a list with each lower corner displayed.

Meanwhile, when the VOD content ID providing unit 112 selects the VOD content that the user wants to watch through the interface provided by the interface providing unit 111, the ID of the selected VOD content is extracted and the ID of the extracted VOD content is VOD. It transmits to the content providing server 120.

Meanwhile, the metadata parsing unit 113 receives metadata corresponding to the transmitted VOD content ID from the VOD content providing server 120, parses the received metadata, and provides information on each lower corner of the corresponding VOD content. Extract

In addition, when an event or an advertisement is set in the parsed metadata, the metadata parsing unit 113 transmits execution or advertisement providing request information of the corresponding event to the additional service provider 116.

In this case, the execution or advertisement providing request information of the event may include a path in which information on the corresponding event or advertisement is stored.

Detailed description of the metadata will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

Meanwhile, the sub content information providing unit 114 displays information on each lower corner extracted by the metadata parsing unit 113 on the screen.

In this case, the information on each of the lower corners displayed on the screen includes at least one of a title of the corresponding lower corner, a playback time and end time of the corresponding lower corner in the VOD content, and a snapshot image of the lower corner.

Meanwhile, when the user selects a desired lower corner of the VOD content through the interface provided by the interface provider 111, the lower corner ID providing unit 115 extracts the ID of the selected lower corner and extracts the ID of the extracted lower corner. It transmits to the VOD content providing server 120.

On the other hand, the additional service providing unit 116, when the event execution or advertisement is set in the metadata parsed by the metadata parser 113, receives information about this from the metadata parser 113, the A request for execution or a corresponding advertisement is provided to the VOD content providing server 120.

In this case, the information on the event or advertisement received from the metadata parser 113 may include a path in which information on the event or advertisement is stored, and the additional service provider 116 requests the execution of an event or an advertisement providing request. You can request including the route.

Thereafter, the additional service providing unit 116 receives information on the execution of the event or the advertisement from the VOD content providing server 120 and provides it to the user.

On the other hand, the program providing unit 117 receives the VOD content by streaming from the time frame corresponding to the playback start time of the lower corner from the VOD content providing server 120, and displays the received streamed program on the screen.

4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a VOD content providing server 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

VOD content providing server 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention is VOD content ID receiving unit 121, metadata providing unit 122, lower corner ID receiving unit 123, VOD content providing unit 124 and additional services It includes a providing unit (125).

Each component will be described in detail. First, the VOD content ID receiver 121 receives the ID of the VOD content selected by the user from the set-top box 110 and transmits the ID to the metadata provider 122.

Meanwhile, the metadata provider 122 searches for metadata corresponding to the corresponding VOD content ID from the metadata DB using the ID of the VOD content received from the VOD content ID receiver 121, and sets the retrieved metadata to the set top. Send to box 110

In addition, the metadata provider 122 determines the playback start time of the corresponding lower corner from the metadata DB by using the lower corner ID received by the lower corner ID receiver 123 to be described later, and the VOD content provider 124. To pass).

On the other hand, the lower corner ID receiving unit 123 receives the lower corner ID of the VOD content selected by the user from the set-top box 110, and transmits it to the metadata providing unit 122.

On the other hand, the VOD content providing unit 124 receives the information on the playback start time of the lower corner selected by the user from the metadata providing unit 122, the VOD content from the time frame corresponding to the time to the set-top box 110 Send the content by streaming.

On the other hand, when the additional service providing unit 125 receives a request for execution of an event or an advertisement providing from the set-top box 110, the additional service providing unit 125 provides information on the event or the corresponding advertisement to the set-top box 110.

At this time, the execution of the event or the advertisement providing request received from the set-top box 110 includes a path in which information on the event or advertisement is stored, so that the additional service provider 125 may determine the event or advertisement stored in the corresponding path. The information may be retrieved and provided to the set top box 110.

For reference, components shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention mean software components or hardware components such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and have a predetermined role. Perform them.

However, 'components' are not meant to be limited to software or hardware, and each component may be configured to be in an addressable storage medium or may be configured to reproduce one or more processors.

Thus, by way of example, an element may comprise components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, Routines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

Components and the functionality provided within those components may be combined into a smaller number of components or further separated into additional components.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a selection playback process for each lower corner of VOD content according to an embodiment of the present invention.

For convenience of description, it will be described with reference to the components of the system shown in FIG.

When the user selects the VOD content to be viewed through the interface provided by the set-top box 110, and then selects a view menu for each corner, the set-top box 110 extracts an ID of the selected VOD content (S501).

After the step S501, the set-top box 110 transmits the ID of the extracted VOD content to the VOD content providing server 120 (S502).

After step S502, the VOD content providing server 120 searches for metadata corresponding to the corresponding VOD content ID from the metadata DB using the received VOD content ID (S503).

After step S503, the VOD content providing server 120 transmits the retrieved metadata to the set top box 110 (S504).

After step S504, the set-top box 110 parses the received metadata to extract information about each lower corner of the corresponding VOD content, and provides a user with an interface including a list of the lower corners (S505).

After the step S505, if the user selects any one of the list of the lower corner, the set-top box 110 extracts the ID of the lower corner selected by the user (S506).

After the step S506, the set-top box 110 transmits the extracted ID of the lower corner to the VOD content providing server 120 (S507).

After step S507, the VOD content providing server 120 checks the playback start time of the corresponding lower corner from the metadata using the received ID of the lower corner (S508).

After the step S508, the VOD content providing server 120 streams and transmits the VOD content from a time frame corresponding to each time at the start of playback of the corresponding lower corner (S509).

After step S509, the set top box 110 receives the streaming for the lower corner of the VOD content and plays it (displayed on the IPTV screen) (S510).

If an event or advertisement related to the lower corner currently being played is provided in the metadata, the set-top box 110 requests the VOD content providing server 120 to execute the corresponding event or provide an advertisement, and the VOD content providing server Information about the event or advertisement from the 120 may be received and displayed on the IPTV screen.

For reference, FIG. 5 illustrates a process of sequentially selecting a VOD content desired by a viewer and a lower corner of the corresponding VOD content in a state in which the VOD content is not currently played on the screen of the IPTV.

In addition, when a predetermined button of the remote controller is selected while watching specific VOD content, the set-top box 110 provides the user with an interface including a lower corner list of the VOD content currently being viewed, The ID of the corner may be transmitted to the VOD content providing server 120 to receive VOD content from the lower corner selected by the viewer. Detailed description thereof will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

6 is a diagram illustrating metadata according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As the representative data of the VOD content, the metadata 600 shown in FIG. 6 includes IDs 610 (23923752), titles (gag concerts), broadcasting session 100, and broadcasting dates (August 13, 2009) of the VOD contents. ) Is included.

In addition, as the lower corner information of the corresponding VOD content, there are IDs of the lower corners (620 and 630), and the titles of 'Lotus Teacher in the dressing room' and 'The bitter life' (631) of each lower corner, and each time frame is '00: 50: 20-00: 55: 00 'and '00: 55: 00-01: 00: 00', and the snapshot images corresponding to the lower corners are kang.jpg and life.jpg.

As described above, the metadata may include information about the image as well as the VOD content and the lower corner information. When the set top box 110 provides an interface including a list of the lower corners, the image is also displayed. It can also help the user select a lower corner.

In addition, metadata includes information about lower corners of VOD content, as well as information about events or advertisements such as voting and sweepstakes associated with the VOD content (e.g., ad type, start and end times, location of that data, Contents, etc.).

Referring back to FIG. 6, between '00: 57: 00-00: 57: 30 'where the' Bitter Life 'corner is running, the data path (location) is' iptv: //29.49.39.212: 1258 / ad / It can be seen that the portion 621 for outputting an advertisement of 'qook' is set.

Also, between '00: 59: 30-01: 00: 00 'where the' Bitter Life 'corner is running, an event (voting) with data location' iptv: //29.49.39.212: 1258 / pole / bitterlife ' It can be seen that the output portion 631 is set.

When the set-top box 110 refers to the metadata, when the execution or advertisement start time as described above arrives, the set-top box 110 requests information on the execution or advertisement of the corresponding event from the VOD content providing server 120 and provides VOD contents. The server 120 provides the set top box 110 with information or advertisements about the event.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a selection playback process for each lower corner of VOD content according to an embodiment of the present invention using an interface provided by the set-top box 110.

The set-top box 110 provides the user with an interface including a list of VOD contents, and the user selects a specific VOD content and a 'view by corner' menu of the corresponding VOD content (S701).

After step S701, the set top box 110 provides an interface including a list of lower corners of the corresponding VOD content, and when the user selects a specific lower corner (S702), the set top box 110 displays the VOD from the lower corner selected by the user. The content is played back (S703).

After step S703, a predetermined event may be executed or an advertisement may be provided during reproduction of the lower corner (S704).

After the reproduction of the corresponding lower corner after step S704, the set-top box 110 provides a menu for continuously connecting the subsequent lower corners or selecting another lower corner (S705).

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a process of selecting and playing a lower corner of VOD content according to another embodiment of the present invention using an interface provided by a set-top box.

The set top box 110 provides the user with an interface including a list of VOD contents, and the user selects specific VOD contents to be watched (S801).

After the step S801, the user selects a "view all" menu for the selected VOD content (S802).

At this time, the set-top box 110 extracts the ID of the VOD content selected by the user and transmits it to the program providing server 120, and receives the VOD content from the program providing server 120 by streaming.

After step S802, the set top box 110 plays the VOD content selected by the user from the beginning (S803).

After the step S803, when the user presses a specific button of the remote control while viewing the VOD content, the set-top box 110 displays the lower corner information of the VOD content on the screen (S804).

At this time, the set-top box 110 transmits the ID of the currently playing VOD content to the program providing server 120 and receives metadata corresponding to the VOD content ID in response to the pressing of the specific button of the remote controller.

Thereafter, the set-top box 110 parses the received metadata to extract lower corner information of the VOD content and displays the lower corner information on the screen. The lower corner information displayed on the screen is the title of the lower corner and the playback order in the VOD content. At least one of a playback start time and a snapshot image may be displayed.

After step S804, the user selects any one of the lower corners displayed on the screen (S805).

In this case, the set-top box 110 extracts the ID of the lower corner selected by the user from the metadata and transmits the ID to the program providing server 120.

For reference, the selection of the lower corner displayed on the screen may be possible by pressing the number buttons of the remote controller corresponding to the corresponding order with reference to the playback order of the lower corner displayed on the screen.

After step S805, the set-top box 110 receives the program from the program providing server 120 in a time frame corresponding to the playback start time of the lower corner selected by the user in streaming, and starts playback from the lower corner selected by the user ( S806).

The foregoing description of the present invention is intended for illustration, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be easily modified in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. will be.

It is therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive.

For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined form.

The scope of the present invention is shown by the following claims rather than the above description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention. do.

1 illustrates a general configuration of an IPTV broadcasting system.

2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system for providing sub content selective playback of an IPTV program according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a set-top box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a VOD content providing server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a selection playback process for each lower corner of VOD content according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a diagram illustrating metadata according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a selection playback process for each lower corner of VOD content using an interface provided by a set-top box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a process of selecting and playing a lower corner of VOD content according to another embodiment of the present invention using an interface provided by a set-top box.

<Description of the code | symbol about the principal part of drawing>

111: interface providing unit 115: lower corner ID providing unit

112: VOD content ID provider 116: additional service provider

113: metadata parsing unit 117: program provider

114: lower corner information provider

Claims (6)

In the selective playback apparatus for each sub-content of the program, which includes a plurality of sub-contents in one program, A program identifier receiver configured to receive a selection reproduction request for each sub content and an identifier of the program from a set-top box; A metadata provider for searching metadata corresponding to the received program identifier and transmitting the searched metadata to the set-top box; A sub content identifier receiver configured to receive an identifier of a sub content selected by a user from the set top box; A program providing unit which checks a playback start time of the sub content in the metadata based on an identifier of the sub content and transmits the program from a time frame corresponding to the playback start time Including, The sub-content is divided based on the time of appearance of a specific content, a specific person or a specific thing, The metadata includes the ID of the program and the detailed information of the sub-content, Selective playback device for each sub content. The method of claim 1, The metadata includes detailed information of the sub content, wherein the detailed information of the sub content includes ID of the sub content, reproduction time and end time of the sub content, and information on an image corresponding to the sub content. The selective playback apparatus according to the sub-contents of the program of the iFive. In the selective playback apparatus for each sub-content of the program, which includes a plurality of sub-contents in one program, A program identifier providing unit which extracts an identifier of the program and transmits it to a program providing server when a play menu for each sub content of the program is selected; A metadata parsing unit which receives metadata corresponding to the extracted program identifier from the program providing server and parses the received metadata to extract information on each sub-content of the program; A sub content information providing unit which displays information on the extracted sub content on a screen; A sub-content identifier providing unit for extracting an identifier of the sub-content corresponding to the selected information and transmitting the extracted sub-content corresponding to the selected information to the program providing server when one of the information on each sub-content displayed on the screen is selected; A program providing unit for receiving the program from a time frame corresponding to a start time of reproduction of the sub content of the extracted identifier from the program providing server, and displaying the received program on a screen; Including, The sub content is classified based on a specific content, a specific time of a specific person or a specific object, and the metadata includes information about an ID of the program, a reproduction time and end time of the sub content, and an image corresponding to the sub content. That is, the child selective playback device for each sub-content of the program. In the selective playback method for each sub-content of the program, which includes a plurality of sub-contents in one program, (a) receiving an identifier of the program from the set-top box together with the selection playback request for each sub-content of the set-top box, (b) retrieving metadata corresponding to the received program identifier, (c) transmitting the retrieved metadata to the set top box and receiving an identifier of the sub content selected by the user from the set top box, (d) checking a reproduction start time of the sub content in the metadata based on an identifier of the sub content, and transmitting the program from a time frame corresponding to the reproduction start time; and (e) if the reproduction of the sub content is completed, providing an interface including at least one of a next sub content replay, another sub content view, and another program view menu of the completed sub content; Including, The sub content is classified based on a specific content, a specific time of a specific person or a specific object, and the metadata includes information about an ID of the program, a reproduction time and end time of the sub content, and an image corresponding to the sub content. That includes, iPiitive selection playback method for each sub-content of the program. delete delete

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