KR20020003841A - Auto broadcasting channeling served web server and the broadcasting information serving method, and computer-readable medium storing program sources thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A web server supporting a broadcasting channel link, a method for supplying broadcasting information thereof and a recording medium storing program source thereof are provided to supply customized information by supplying various information for a channel link at an Internet connection device capable of receiving various TV broadcastings and constructing a web page adapted to a user when various information for a channel link is supplied. CONSTITUTION: A CPU(10) generally controls a web server system. A HDD(20) stores almost all softwares as an operating system. A ROM(30) stores a bios program necessary at a system operating initially. A RAM(40) stores various kinds of data necessary at performing a program. In addition, an FDD(50), a CD-ROM drive(60), a monitor(70), a VGA card(80), and a LAN card(90) are generally provided. A TV receiving card(100) has a tuner for receiving a TV broadcasting to the web server. A screen capture card(110) captures a screen received in the TV receiving card(100). The web server changes a channel by controlling a tuner in the TV receiving card(100) with respect to various broadcastings successively and at an interval of a predetermined time using the TV receiving card(100). A screen is captured using the screen capture card(110) and stored in the HDD(20).

Description

Web server supporting broadcasting channel interworking, method of providing broadcast information thereof, and recording medium storing the program source thereof

The present invention relates to a web server system, and in particular, a web server supporting broadcast channel interworking to enable channel linkage by providing various information for linking a broadcast channel to an Internet access device that supports interworking with various TV broadcast channels; It relates to a broadcast information providing method thereof.

Recently, with the explosive spread of computers, the world is becoming one network through communication networks such as the Internet.

Services that can be provided using the Internet include an e-mail service, a file transfer service using a file transfer protocol (FTP), a remote access (Telnet) service, and a newsnet (News Group) to exchange articles using Usenet ( Usenet) and file retrieval services, and the use of this Internet has been actively established for the commercial purpose of pursuing various benefits.

Information is provided to the web site by the web server, and the user accesses the desired web site using various internet access devices capable of internet communication to obtain the corresponding information.

In particular, Internet access devices such as Internet TVs, Internet set-top boxes, and PCs equipped with TV receiving cards are capable of receiving various types of TV broadcasts (such as over-the-air TV broadcasts, cable TV broadcasts, and satellite TV broadcasts depending on the system configuration). Applicant has a number of patents for the interworking switching of various TV broadcasting channels using the Internet connection device, in particular, Internet TV or Internet set-top box. (Patent No. 1999-32072, Patent No. 1999-33118, Patent No. 1999-35881, Patent No. 1999-35882), and accordingly, the above patents provide various information necessary for interworking with a broadcasting channel. It comes to suggesting a web server to do.

Of course, at present, each broadcasting station that transmits over-the-air TV broadcasting signal provides program information through the website of corresponding broadcasting, and cable broadcasting also provides program information for each channel of cable TV broadcasting using a specific channel. .

However, they merely provide program information and do not have a concept of channel linkage. In addition, it provides uniform information rather than information suitable for each user's characteristics.

The present invention provides various information for channel linkage so that channel linking is possible in an Internet access device capable of receiving various TV broadcasts, and the user's situation by constructing a web page suitable for the user in providing various information for channel linkage. It is an object of the present invention to provide a web server supporting a broadcast channel interworking, a method for providing broadcast information thereof, and a recording medium storing the program source thereof so as to provide appropriate information.

1 is a block diagram of a web server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a broadcast information providing method of a web server of FIG. 1.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of a web server according to another embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a broadcast information providing method of a web server of FIG. 3.

5 illustrates an example of a screen configuration of a short cut function provided by the web server of FIG. 3.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

10: CPU 20: HDD

100: TV reception card 110: screen capture card

Web server supporting the broadcast channel interworking according to the present invention for achieving the above object, Web server for providing predetermined information on the Internet through the Internet connection means having an Internet connection means for connecting to the Internet A storage means for storing TV channel service information and basic information for linking a TV broadcast channel and user input information for linking a TV broadcast channel input from a user's web browser through the Internet connection means; Upon receiving the user identification information input through the Internet connection means, a web page suitable for the user input information is constructed on the basis of the TV channel service information, basic information for linking the TV broadcasting channel, and user input information. And central processing means for transmitting the page information to the user's web browser.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing broadcast information of a web server supporting broadcast channel interworking, comprising: Internet connection means for connecting to the Internet; Storage means for storing TV channel service information, basic information for linking a TV broadcasting channel, and user input information input from a web browser of the user through the Internet connection means, and storing the TV channel service information stored in the storage means. A method of providing broadcast information of a web server for creating a web page showing TV broadcast information using the same and transmitting the same to a user's web browser, the method comprising: a member checking step of checking whether the user is identified by checking identification information of the user; If it is determined that the member is determined to be a member, the web page is configured to display the TV broadcasting information according to the user input information based on the TV channel service information, basic information for linking the TV broadcasting channel, and user input information determined by the member. A web page constructing step; And a web page transmission step of transmitting the configured web page information to a user's web browser.

Web server supporting the broadcast channel interworking according to the present invention for achieving the above another object is provided with an Internet connection means for connecting to the Internet to provide a predetermined information on the Internet through the Internet connection means A server, comprising: TV broadcast receiving means for receiving TV broadcast; Screen capture means for capturing the screen received by the TV broadcast receiving means; Storage means for storing TV channel service information, basic information for linking a TV broadcast channel, user input information input from a web browser of the user through the Internet connection means, and screen information captured by the screen capturing means; A sub-screen which controls the tuning of the TV broadcast receiving means and screen capture of the screen capturing means, and displays all the broadcasts selected by the user on one screen for a plurality of broadcast channels selected by the user according to the number of selected broadcast channels. It characterized in that it comprises a central processing means for constructing a web page with the screen information stored in the storage means to transmit simultaneously to the user's web browser so that simultaneous viewing of the still image.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing broadcast information of a web server supporting broadcast channel interworking, comprising: Internet connection means for connecting to the Internet; TV broadcast receiving means for receiving TV broadcasts; Screen capture means for capturing the screen received by the TV broadcast receiving means; TV channel service information, basic information for linking TV broadcasting channels, user input information input from a web browser of the user through the Internet connection means, and storage means for storing screen information captured by the screen capturing means. Based on the screen information stored in the storage means, a web page for providing a short cut viewing service for simultaneously showing a still picture of a plurality of broadcasts on a single screen and transmitting the web page to a user's web browser is broadcast information. A providing method comprising: a first step of determining whether a user accesses a page providing the short cut viewing service; A second step of providing a user with an opportunity of selecting a broadcast channel for short cut viewing when the user accesses the page; A third web page configured to provide a short cut viewing service suitable for the broadcasting channel selected by the user by using the screen information stored in the storage means based on the broadcasting channel information input by the user according to performing the second step; Steps; And a fourth step of transmitting the configured web page information to a user's web browser.

In the above description, for a broadcast that can be viewed in a system configuration of a user based on user input information when constructing a web page, an icon for channel linkage is inserted into the page. Characterized in that the channel number information of the broadcast.

In another embodiment of the present invention to achieve the above object, the Internet connection means for performing a connection with the Internet; Storage means for storing TV channel service information, basic information for linking TV broadcasting channels, and user input information input from a web browser of the user through the Internet connection means, and storing the TV channel service information stored in the storage means. A computer-readable recording medium in which a web page showing TV broadcast information is created and encoded so that a computer can access a broadcast information providing program of a web server that transmits the web page to a user's web browser. A member verification process of checking whether the member is checked; If it is determined that the member is determined to be a member, a web page showing TV broadcasting information corresponding to the user input information is constructed using the TV channel service information, basic information for linking the TV broadcasting channel, and user input information of the user determined as a member. A web page configuration process; And a web page transmission process for transmitting the configured web page information to a user's web browser.

In another embodiment of the present invention to achieve the above object, the Internet connection means for performing a connection with the Internet; TV broadcast receiving means for receiving TV broadcasts; Screen capture means for capturing the screen received by the TV broadcast receiving means; TV channel service information, basic information for linking TV broadcasting channels, user input information input from a web browser of the user through the Internet connection means, and storage means for storing screen information captured by the screen capturing means. Based on the screen information stored in the storage means, a web page for providing a short cut viewing service for simultaneously showing a still picture of a plurality of broadcasts on a single screen and transmitting the web page to a user's web browser is broadcast information. A computer-readable recording medium in which a program is encoded and stored so as to be accessed by a computer, the computer-readable recording medium comprising: a first process for determining whether a user accesses a page providing the short cut viewing service; A second process of providing a user with an opportunity of selecting a broadcast channel for short cut viewing when the user accesses the page; A third web page configured to provide a short cut viewing service suitable for the broadcasting channel selected by the user using the screen information stored in the storage means based on the broadcasting channel information input by the user according to the execution of the second process; Process; And a fourth process for transmitting the constructed web page information to a user's web browser.

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

Preferred embodiments of the present invention include embodiments such as computer systems and computer program products programmed to carry out the method of the present invention. According to an embodiment of a computer system, a set of instructions for carrying out a method resides in one or more memories, which set as a computer program product in a memory, for example a hard disk, until needed by the computer system. Can be stored.

1 is a block diagram of a web server according to an embodiment of the present invention. The configuration itself is the same as that of a typical web server.

That is, the storage device that controls almost all the software such as the CPU (10) which controls the entire web server system and performs all operations, and the OS (Windows NT, Linux, etc.) is generally used as an auxiliary memory device. HDD 20, ROM 30, which is a memory for storing a bios program necessary for the initial operation of the system, RAM 40, which is a temporary storage device for various data required when a program is executed, and input and output of external and necessary information. A floppy disk drive (FDD, 50) capable of reading and writing floppy disks, which can be read and written to, a CD-ROM drive (60) capable of reading and writing CD-ROMs, and processing image data for display on a screen (70) VGA card 80 for outputting, LAN card 90 which is an Internet connection for communication via the Internet connection and a power supply not shown, LAN card 90 is a type of Internet network Other devices, such as ADSL, can be used.

The present invention has the configuration of a conventional web server as described above, but the TV channel service information (intermediate TV broadcasting, cable TV broadcasting, Channel service information for various TV broadcasts, such as satellite TV broadcasts, includes channel information and channel program information for each TV broadcast, and basic information for mapping TV broadcast channels (Mapping Table to be described later). And various user input information input from the user's web browser, and when the user accesses a web site provided by the web server, the TV 10 service information and TV broadcasting stored in the HDD 20 by the CPU 10. Using the basic information and user input information for channel linkage, compose a web page according to the user's system configuration and transmit it to the user's web browser to enable channel interworking. In order to perform these functions the web server has the following features:

One). Save user's location and system status

You access this web server and make settings for your area of residence and your system (you perform system settings according to the system setting mode provided by your web browser, and make a TV, a TV model, and an Internet set-top manufacturer. , The type of model, the manufacturer of the surrounding set-top box, and the type of information of various devices connected to the TV, etc.), and the user's web browser sends the setting information of the user's living area and system to the web server. (This information can be transmitted by the web server when the user registers with this site), and the CPU 10 of the web server receives it through the LAN card 90, which is connected to the Internet, and stores it on the HDD 20. . The setting information for the user's living area and the user's system stored in the HDD 20 is used as user input information for generating a web page for each user in the future when the user wants to change the channel.

2). Save remote control codes for various set top boxes and TVs and download them to users if needed

The web server stores the remote control codes of all TVs, set-top boxes, etc. currently being used in the HDD 20. When the system setting information of the user is transmitted from the user's web browser, The remote control code is transmitted to the user's web browser, and the user's web browser uses the remote control code to control necessary devices when the channel is linked.

3). Information saving function for broadcasting channel which user is watching

When the user changes the broadcasting channel, when the web browser of the user sends the change information about the change, the CPU 10 stores the changed channel number in the HDD 20, and the viewing history for viewing the broadcasting of each user is recorded. ) To save data. When the user switches to the Internet screen to view the information (title, content) of the broadcast currently being watched, the user's web browser requests the data from the web server including the information of the current broadcast channel information. According to the current viewing channel information of the user stored in the HDD 20 configures a web page with the information on the current channel program according to the transmission to the user's web browser.

4). Page composition function for each user when configuring web pages

Currently, the channel number is set differently depending on the region when retransmitting the airwaves and cable TV. Therefore, when creating an icon for interworking with channels, the channel information among the script information is set according to the region of each user. In addition, since broadcasts that can be watched vary according to the system configuration of each user, a page suitable for each user's system is configured when constructing a web page according to the user's information stored in 1).

For example, when constructing a web page for cable TV, if the user's system has a cable converter, insert an icon for channel interworking on the page. If the system does not have a cable converter, do not insert an icon for channel interworking on the page. Instead, the page is composed of only program content information.

5). Script information generation and transmission function for channel linkage

When a user connects to a web site provided by this web server and inputs an ID and password, the user's web browser transmits this information to the web server, and the web server makes a web page based on the information in 1) above. After the configuration, the page information is transmitted.

If there is an icon for channel linkage on the page to configure, the page is composed by including the icon for channel linkage and channel number information of the broadcast in the script information of the icon, and when the user clicks this icon, the user The web browser reads the script information of this icon and proceeds to work with the channel, and this operation is performed according to the device used by the user.

6). City hall reservation function

When the user sets the viewing reservation information for viewing reservation, the user's web browser transmits it to the present web server, which is stored in the HDD 20.

The CPU 10 transmits the channel number information and the broadcasting channel start information of the broadcast at a time reserved by the user, at the start of the scheduled broadcast, or a certain time before the start of the broadcast, so that the user's web browser can change the channel. Make sure

This function is limited to the case where the user's web browser is activated and connected to the web site. The web server checks whether the web server is connected before transmitting the information and transmits it only when connected. Here, the broadcast start information may use KBPS information or G code information.

7). Mapping table storage and transmission function for broadcasting channel and broadcasting station

This is necessary to realize the function of 4). If the broadcasting station and the channel number are different for each region, the contents are stored in the HDD 20 as a mapping table, and the contents are referred to when constructing a web page. In this case, the channel information referring to the mapping table is included in the script information transmitted from the web server.

Alternatively, this mapping table can be sent to the web browser to receive and store it on the user's device.In the script information sent by the web server, the broadcasting station name is sent to the user. You can create a channel number that fits.

The web site provided by this web server supporting broadcast channel interworking using the above function basically shows the received broadcast channel, and clicking the hyperlink shows more detailed information about the broadcast. It provides a function to access a web site and view various information about a broadcast (search function) to a desired channel. The web server shows a flowchart of a method of providing broadcast information of a web server, as shown in FIG. Determines whether the user is a member when accessing the site, constructs a web page suitable for the user input information of the user determined as a member, and transmits it to the user's web browser (S11-S14) to control broadcast channel linkage. do.

That is, when the user accesses the web site provided by the web server through the web browser, the CPU 10 determines whether the user is a member using the identification information of the user. The determination of membership is made by ID and password in the same manner as in the usual method, and the CPU 10 may have a homepage inside or outside that accepts such user identification information.

If the user who accesses the web site is determined to be a member, the web server may display a welcome message for the web site, recommended broadcast information for each genre basically received, a search box for each genre, and a user input window as a basic screen.

The recommended broadcast information for each genre is recommended broadcast information for each genre classified according to program characteristics such as education, drama, movie, sports, show, and entertainment, and may be configured to show several broadcast channels that are basically received. If any one is selected, if the broadcast channel is a viewable channel in the user's system configuration, the channel is automatically switched to the selected channel, and the user is configured to view more detailed information about the desired broadcast.

When the broadcast selected by the user is a viewable channel in the system configuration of the user, the switching to the selected channel will be described below.

When the CPU 10 determines that the channel is viewable in the system configuration of the user based on the setting information on the system of the user stored in the HDD 20 according to the function of 1), the CPU 10 configures a web page according to the function of 4). Insert the icon for interworking time channel into the page, and configure the page by including the information of the icon for interworking channel and the channel number information of the broadcast according to the function of 5) in the script information of the icon. When the user clicks on the icon by sending it to the browser, the web browser reads the script information of the icon and proceeds with the channel linkage, thereby enabling the linkage to the desired channel.

The search box for each genre provides a function of searching for a desired genre. When the user finds a desired broadcast and selects the broadcast during the search, the CPU 10 performs an HDD ( If it is determined that the channel can be viewed in the user's system configuration based on the user's system setting information stored in 20), an icon for channel interworking is inserted in the page according to the function of 4). According to the script information of the icon, the information of the icon for channel linkage and the channel number information of the broadcast is included and the page is composed and transmitted to the user's web browser. When the user clicks the icon, the web browser displays the icon. It is possible to link to desired channel by reading script information and proceeding with channel linkage. .

3 is a block diagram of a web server according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the above embodiment in that it provides a short cut viewing function for simultaneously viewing a still image of multiple broadcasts on one screen. .

In other words, when a user selects a broadcast image which is not a moving picture but a still image continuously and clicks on a broadcast that he wants to watch, the web server switches to the channel. And a TV capture card 100 having a tuner for receiving TV broadcasts, and a screen capture card 110 for capturing a screen received by the TV receive card 100.

Referring to the system configuration of FIG. 3 and the flowchart of FIG. 4 for the short cut viewing function, the present web server sequentially processes a plurality of broadcasts (all broadcasts currently being broadcast) using the TV reception card 100 for broadcast reception. By controlling the tuner in the TV receiving card 100 at regular intervals, the channel is switched, and the screen is captured using the screen capture card 110 and stored in the HDD 20. When a user connected to this web server accesses a page that provides this service, the broadcasts set by the user are transmitted sequentially, so that the broadcasts are still images, not moving images. Provides the ability to watch at the same time.

That is, the short cut viewing function accesses a page providing the service by the user (S21) and selects a desired broadcast as illustrated in FIG. 5 (S22). By constructing a web page for providing a cut viewing service and transmitting it to the user's web browser (S23, S24), the image is not a video but a still image which is sequentially changed from the left at a predetermined time interval. If you click on a station you want to watch, it will automatically switch to that station.

As described in the above embodiment, when the selected broadcast is a broadcast channel that can be viewed in the system configuration of the user (determined by the user input information of 1), the CPU 10 inserts an icon for interworking with the channel when the web page is constructed. (In accordance with the above function 4), and the script information of the icon includes information of an icon for channel linkage and channel number information of the broadcast (according to the function of 5). To switch to.

As described above, the present invention has the following effects.

First, when a user using an Internet access device that supports interworking with various TV broadcasting channels accesses a web site provided by this web server, watching a desired broadcast in conjunction with a TV, PC, and other set-top box channels This makes it possible to watch a desired broadcast more conveniently.

Second, since the operating status of all the devices of the installed system can be monitored at all times, it is possible to accurately calculate useful statistics such as broadcasting viewership counting.

Third, since local information of each user is stored and a web page is generated accordingly, the user may be less concerned about malfunctions.

Fourth, since the user is automatically notified of the broadcast program input in advance at the start, it is possible to conveniently watch without missing the desired broadcast.

Claims (24)

In the web server having an Internet connection means for performing a connection with the Internet to provide a predetermined information on the Internet through the Internet connection means, Storage means for storing TV channel service information, basic information for linking a TV broadcast channel, and user input information for linking a TV broadcast channel input from a user's web browser through the Internet connection means; When the user identification information input through the Internet connection means is received, a web page suitable for the user input information is constructed by using the TV channel service information, basic information for linking the TV broadcasting channel, and user input information. And a central processing unit for transmitting information to a web browser of a user. The web server of claim 1, wherein the TV channel service information comprises channel information of an over-the-air TV broadcast, a cable TV broadcast, and a satellite TV broadcast, and program information of each channel. The web server of claim 1, wherein the basic information for linking the TV broadcast channel includes broadcast table names and mapping table information on actual channel numbers of corresponding regions corresponding to the broadcast station names. . The web server of claim 1, wherein the user input information for linking the TV broadcast channel includes setting information on a user's living area and the user's system. The web server of claim 4, wherein the setting information about the system of the user is information about a user's TV and various devices connected to the TV. The web server of claim 1, wherein the user input information for linking a TV broadcast channel includes broadcast channel information that the user is currently watching. The method according to claim 6, wherein when the user requests broadcasting information that he is currently watching through a web browser, the central processing unit (1) has program information corresponding to the broadcasting channel information that the user is currently watching, which is user input information for linking the TV broadcasting channel. Web server supporting broadcast channel interworking, comprising a web page with a title and content). The web server of claim 1, wherein the user input information for linking the TV broadcast channel includes viewing reservation information of the user. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the central processing means transmits the channel number information and the broadcast channel start information of the corresponding broadcast to the web browser of the user before a predetermined time of the start time of the scheduled viewing broadcast included in the user's viewing reservation information. Web server supporting broadcast channel interworking. The web server of claim 1, wherein the web page includes recommended broadcast information and a user search window. The web server of claim 10, wherein the recommendation broadcasting information and the user search window are configured according to genres classified according to program characteristics. The method of claim 1, wherein the central processing means inserts an icon for channel linkage into a page for a broadcast that can be viewed in a system configuration of a user based on user input information for linking a TV broadcast channel when constructing a web page. Web server that supports the broadcast channel connection. 13. The web server of claim 12, wherein the icon includes script information and a channel number information of the broadcast. The web server of claim 13, wherein the channel number information is set according to a region of each user. Internet connection means for performing a connection with the Internet; Storage means for storing TV channel service information, basic information for linking TV broadcasting channels, and user input information input from a web browser of the user through the Internet connection means, and storing the TV channel service information stored in the storage means. In the broadcast information providing method of the web server for creating a web page showing the TV broadcast information using the web server to transmit it to the user, A member verification step of checking whether the user is checked by identifying the identification information; If it is determined that the member is determined to be a member, a web page showing TV broadcasting information corresponding to the user input information is constructed using the TV channel service information, basic information for linking the TV broadcasting channel, and user input information of the user determined as a member. A web page constructing step; And a web page transmitting step of transmitting the configured web page information to a web browser of a user. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the web page in the web page construction step includes recommended broadcast information and a user search window. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the recommendation broadcast information and the user search window are configured according to genres classified according to program characteristics. 17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the web page in the web page constructing step includes an icon for channel linkage in the page for a broadcast that can be viewed in the system configuration of the user based on the user input information. Broadcast information providing method of a web server supporting a broadcast channel interworking. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the icon includes script information and information of an icon for channel linkage and channel number information of the broadcast. Internet connection means for performing a connection with the Internet; Storage means for storing TV channel service information, basic information for linking TV broadcasting channels, and user input information input from a web browser of the user through the Internet connection means, and storing the TV channel service information stored in the storage means. In a computer-readable recording medium, which encodes and stores a web page showing a TV broadcast information by using a computer to access a broadcast information providing program of a web server that transmits it to a user's web browser. A member verification process of checking the user's identification information to confirm membership; If it is determined that the member is determined to be a member, a web page showing TV broadcasting information corresponding to the user input information is constructed using the TV channel service information, basic information for linking the TV broadcasting channel, and user input information of the user determined as a member. A web page configuration process; And a web page sending process for sending the configured web page information to a user's web browser. 21. The computer program product of claim 20, wherein the web page in the web page construction process includes recommended broadcast information and a user search window. 22. The computer-readable recording medium of claim 21, wherein the recommendation broadcasting information and the user search window are configured by genres classified according to program characteristics. 22. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein the web page in the web page composition process includes an icon for channel linkage in a page for broadcasts that can be viewed in a system configuration of a user based on the user input information. A computer-readable recording medium. 24. The computer-readable recording medium of claim 23, wherein the icon includes script information and information about an icon for channel linkage and channel number information of the broadcast.