KR20040005111A - System and method for pvr(personal video recorder) - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An intelligent PVR system and a method of operating the PVR system are provided to edit only a desired part of an input motion-picture signal to store the edited part as a motion-picture clip signal. CONSTITUTION: An intelligent PVR system includes a motion picture input unit(100), a personal video recorder(300) and a display(400). The motion picture input unit receives a motion picture signal from the outside. The personal video recorder is set in a TV or PC(10) connected to a communication network(2). When a user operates a user input unit(200) to designate a specific part of the inputted motion picture signal, the personal video recorder detects the designated part and separates the part from the signal to generate a motion picture clip signal, and stores the generated motion picture clip signal in a storage unit. The display displays the motion picture clip signal.

Description

Intelligent PVR system and its operation method {SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PVR (PERSONAL VIDEO RECORDER)}

The present invention relates to an intelligent PVR system and a method of operating the same, and more particularly, to generate and store a video clip signal by dividing a digital video signal including a TV signal by content according to a user's request, wherein the user generates the video clip signal. The present invention relates to an intelligent PVR system and a method of operating the same, which detects a video clip signal requested by a user and plays the same on a display unit.

Recently, with the development of digital technology and storage technology, a set-top box type personal video recorder (hereinafter referred to as 'PVR') has been developed and spread. A large number of people are paying attention to PVR, and in the future, the spread of TV and PC with PVR function is expected to increase gradually.

In particular, one of the big factors that the PVR is expected to spread rapidly is that the PVR has an Electronic Program Guide (EPG), which allows viewers to conveniently watch the EPG and record their favorite programs. Unlike VCR (Video Cassette Recorder), which is currently used, it does not need to insert a tape for recording and does not need a separate recorder.

According to a report on personal television by Informa Media, about 50% of all households will use part of the PVR service by 2010.

Meanwhile, PVR set-top boxes, which are currently being supplied, are equipped with 40-60GB hard disks and can store 20-30 hours of video.

However, the first reason why the PVR is not a popular product despite the above advantages, the price of the set-top box-type PVR is too expensive.

The second reason is that a 40GB hard disk can only record 12 hours of high-quality video, and the capacity of the hard disk quickly becomes exhausted.

The third reason is that the entire video is recorded and stored. This is just recording the program corresponding to the same amount of time without any difference from the current VCR. That is, only the function of storing the TV broadcast program on the hard disk and playing the program stored on the hard disk is supported.

Therefore, the viewer must spend a lot of time to view the recorded content, the viewer can not see only the desired portion, the capacity of the hard disk can not afford this.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, the user using the PVR system of the present invention edits only the desired portion of the input video signal and stores it as a video clip signal, and the user desired portion of the video clip signal The first objective is to provide an intelligent PVR system that supports the view of the bay.

The second object is to enable a user to edit and play a video simply and conveniently through a TV or a PC equipped with the intelligent PVR system of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an intelligent PVR system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating detailed components of each component of FIG. 1;

3 is a block diagram for explaining a video scene automatic segmentation method applied to the present invention;

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an intelligent PVR system of the present invention;

5 to 7 are flowcharts for explaining a process of a user browsing a video clip signal.

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

2: network network 10: PC

100: video input unit 110: subtitle decoder

120: MPEG encoder 130: controller

200: user input unit 300: PVR

310: control means 320: editing means

321: Subtitle Analyzer 322: Scene Splitter

323: stream file producer 324: additional information input device

325 DB

330: recording means 340: storage means

400: display unit

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the invention described in claim 1 receives a TV broadcast signal (video signal), converts it to digital, stores it in a predetermined storage means, and stores the digital image stored in the storage means. A PVR (Personal Video Recorder) system for reproducing a signal on a TV monitor according to a video playback signal, comprising: a video input unit for receiving a video signal from an external device; It is mounted on a TV or PC connected to a network communication network. When a user specifies a part of the video signal to be divided by inputting a video input signal, the user detects and divides only the part designated by the user. clip) a PVR for generating a signal and storing the generated video clip signal in the storage means; And a display unit which displays a video clip signal requested by the user to play back through the user input unit.

In addition, the invention as set forth in claim 2, wherein the PVR comprises: control means for transmitting a control signal according to the input signal when a user inputs a signal to be edited, stored, or deleted through a user input unit; Editing means for automatically detecting and dividing scene-specific moving images by recognizing a point where a scene of a moving image changes using motion information of a moving image signal received from the moving image input unit according to a control signal transmitted from the control means; And a storage means for storing the video clip signal detected and divided by the editing means.

In the invention according to claim 3, in the case of claim 2, when the user inputs a signal to record a moving picture clip signal stored in the storage means to a predetermined recording medium by using the user input unit, The above-described problem is solved by an intelligent PVR system further comprising recording means for recording a moving picture clip signal of the storage means on the recording medium according to a recording control signal of a control means.

In the invention according to claim 4, in the third aspect, the recording means is HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or DVD-R / W (Digital Video Disk-Read / Write) or CD-R / W (Compact Disk Read / The above-mentioned problem is solved by an intelligent PVR system characterized in that the present invention is Write.

The invention as set forth in claim 5, further comprising: a caption decoder for extracting caption information included in a video signal input from the outside; An MPEG encoder for converting a video signal input from the outside into Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) data; An intelligent PVR system, which includes a controller for checking subtitle information detection or MPEG data conversion by checking a video signal input from the outside, solves the above-mentioned problems.

The invention according to claim 6, wherein the editing means of the PVR adds a time tag generated using a system clock to the caption information output through the caption decoder, and adds the caption information to which the time tag is added. A caption analyzer for producing and outputting index data in units of nouns; A scene divider which receives a video signal output through the MPEG encoder and automatically generates a video clip signal; An intelligent PVR system, which comprises an index material made through the caption analyzer and a scene divider and an additional information input unit for generating additional information (main control) input by the user and corresponding to each video clip signal, solves the above-mentioned problems. do.

The invention according to claim 7, wherein the editing means of the PVR further comprises a stream file producer for producing the video clip signal into a stream file so that the video clip signal can be transmitted through the network communication network. The above-mentioned problem is solved as a PVR system.

Further, according to claim 8, in the sixth aspect, in the scene divider of the editing means, when the type of the moving image signal input is a moving image signal photographed through the moving image photographing device, The above-described problem is solved by an intelligent PVR system which generates a video clip signal by dividing, synthesizing, and deleting the video signal in response.

In another embodiment of the present invention to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 9, (1) receiving a video signal from the outside through a video input unit; (2) If a user specifies a part to be divided among the moving picture signals by operating a user input unit with respect to the input moving picture signal, only a portion designated by the user is detected and divided to generate a moving picture clip signal, and the generated moving picture is generated. Storing a clip signal in the storage means; And (3) displaying the video clip signal requested by the user for playback through the user input unit on a display unit.

Further, in the invention according to claim 10, according to claim 13, the step (2) is performed by (2-1) a user inputs a signal to be edited, stored, or deleted through the user input unit. Transmitting a control signal according to the invention; (2-2) automatically detecting and dividing a scene-specific video by recognizing a point where a scene of a video changes using motion information of a video signal received from the video input unit according to a control signal transmitted from the control means; And (2-3) an operation method of an intelligent PVR system, comprising: storing a video clip signal detected and divided in the step (2-2).

In the invention according to claim 11, in the step 10, the process (2) includes (2-4) the user recording the moving picture clip signal stored in the storage means by using the user input unit on a predetermined recording medium. When the desired signal is input, the operation method of the intelligent PVR system, characterized in that it further comprises the step of recording the video clip signal of the storage means on a predetermined recording medium according to the recording control signal of the control means. Solve it.

The invention as set forth in claim 12, wherein the step (2) further comprises the step (2-5) of producing a stream file to transmit the video clip signal through a network communication network. The above-mentioned problem is solved as an operation method of an intelligent PVR system.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail these objects, features and advantages of the present invention.

The personal video recorder (hereinafter, referred to as a 'PVR') will be described in order to help the present invention.

A PVR is a digital recording device that records and plays back information on a hard disk, unlike a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder), which stores video signals on a magnetic tape. It is stored in the file and played back using a file playback method such as a computer.

A central processing unit (CPU) for playback, a memory chip containing an operating system and playback software, and a large capacity hard disk are included in a set-top box connected to a TV or a TV.

A PVR incorporating a hard disk drive used in a computer converts a TV program into a digital signal, and stores and plays back the hard disk.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an intelligent PVR system according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a block diagram for explaining the detailed components of each component of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, a PC (including a TV 10, hereinafter referred to as a "PC") equipped with a PVR system of the present invention is connected to a network communication network 2. . The PVR system is mounted on the PC 10 in the form of a board, and an application S / W for controlling the PVR system is mounted on the PC 10.

The network communication network 2 includes a wired / wireless communication network, and the PC 10 receives various types of digital video information through the network communication network 2 or transmits a user-produced video clip signal to another PC or server. Can be.

The intelligent PVR system of the present invention operates under a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or a USB environment, and the user inputs the user input unit 200 to the video input unit 100 for receiving a video signal from the outside and the input video signal. PVR 300 for generating a video clip signal by detecting and dividing only a portion designated by the user, and storing the video clip signal in a storage means 340. And a display unit 400 for displaying a digital image signal stored in the storage unit 340 in response to a video reproduction signal input through the user input unit 200.

The user input unit 200 is a means for assisting a user to edit a video signal input through the video input unit 100. In general, a keyboard, a mouse, or a remote controller of a PC may correspond to the display unit 400. May be a monitor of a PC or a screen of a TV.

That is, a user may edit, store and reproduce a video signal by manipulating the user input unit 200. For this purpose, the editing means 320 of the PVR 300 provides menu items for editing, storing and reproducing to a user. Includes an application to present.

The video signal input through the video input unit 100 may include a TV program, a digital video disc (DVD) video signal, and a video signal captured by a camcorder.

As the DVD video signal is driven by a DVD player mounted on the PC 10, a video signal recorded on a DVD inserted into the DVD player is input to the video input unit 100, and a video camera such as a camcorder The video signal photographed using the video signal stored in the memory of the camcorder is input to the video input unit 100 by means of connecting the camcorder and the PC 10. The additional information of the video signal input and stored through the video input unit 100 is stored in the form of metadata, and the user can edit the video signal by operating a remote controller or a mouse.

The video input unit 100 and the PVR 300 are composed of detailed components as shown in FIG. 2, which will be described in more detail as follows.

The video input unit 100 includes a caption decoder 110 for extracting caption information included in a video signal input from the outside, and an MPEG encoder 120 for converting video signals input from outside into MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) data. And a controller 130 for checking caption information and outputting a control signal for caption information detection or MPEG data conversion.

When the PVR 300 designates a part to be divided and stored by the user through the user input unit 200, the control means 310 for transmitting the edit control signal according to the input signal transmitted through the user input unit 200 and Editing means 320 for automatically detecting and dividing the scene-specific video by recognizing the point where the scene of the video changes using the motion information of the video received through the video input unit 200 by receiving the edit control signal; It consists of a storage means 340 for storing the video clip signal detected and divided by the editing means 320, the user is stored in the storage means 340 by using the user input unit 200 When a signal for recording a moving picture clip signal is input to a predetermined recording medium, the storage means 340 is moved to a predetermined recording medium according to the recording control signal of the control means 310. It may further include a recording means 330 for recording a clip signal.

The editing means 320 adds a time tag generated by using a system clock to the caption information output through the caption decoder 110, and produces index material using the subtitle information with the time tag as a noun unit. A subtitle analyzer 321 for outputting, a scene divider 322 for automatically generating a video clip signal by receiving a video signal output through the MPEG encoder 120, and a subtitle analyzer 321 and a scene divider 322. And an additional information input unit 324 which generates additional information (main control) according to the index image data and the user's operation through the corresponding video clip signal.

The additional information is generated as metadata separate from each video clip signal, and then the metadata is used when the user searches using the additional information.

In addition, the editing means 320 may further include a stream file producer 323 for producing the video clip signal as a stream file to be transmitted through the network communication network (2).

As shown in FIG. 3, the scene divider 322 receives MPEG bit stream data, divides the video into audio information, and demultiplexes and synchronizes the module 322a to produce a time stamp generated in the table. By using the video image separated by the demultiplexing and synchronization module 322a, a difference value for each frame is calculated between the still images, the difference value is applied to a median filter, and the scene is inputted to a neural network circuit. The video segmentation module 322b which detects a point and separates the scenes from each other is detected using the audio data separated by the demultiplexing and synchronization module 322a. If the value is exceeded, the audio splitting module 322c and the video splitting module 322b recognize that the start of a new frame. And the result (information start of a new frame) made in (a separate scene) and the audio division module (322c) by applying a conditional probability is composed of information fusion module (322d) for determining a time of changing a scene.

Then, an operation method of the intelligent PVR system having the above configuration will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

First, a TV video signal, a DVD video signal, or a video signal captured by a camcorder are input through the video input unit 100 (S100).

The video signal input through the video input unit 100 includes all signals output from all video devices, and in the editing means 320 of the PVR 300 according to the video signal input through the video input unit 100. Although a routine for generating a video clip signal is performed (S200), methods of generating a video clip signal vary depending on the type of the video signal. Description of the method for generating a video clip signal according to each video signal is described in detail in the application specification filed June 12, 2000 (application number: 10-2000-0032136) by the same applicant, so the description thereof It will be omitted.

The video clip signal generated as described in the previously filed application specification is stored in the storage means 340, and the video clip signal stored in the storage means 340 uses a user interface means (not shown). Presented to the user through, the user can select and view only the desired portion through the user interface means.

Next, a process of the user's browsing (playing) of the video clip signal generated in the above-described manner will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

Referring to FIG. 5, in response to a user's request, the entire video signal stored in the storage unit 340 may be browsed (played) (S600) or the video clip signal generated for each genre may be browsed (S700). ).

The PVR 300 mounted on the PC 10 in order to browse a video desired by the user should further include an application for a user interface, and the user operates the user input unit 200 to display the display unit 400 through the application. Select the video you want to browse.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the entire video signal browsing routine, a user wants to browse a video signal that is not divided, that is, a video signal input through the video input unit 100 is compressed and stored in the storage means 340. When is the routine.

When a list of video signals stored in the storage means 340 is presented through the application, the user selects a desired list (S610), and the MPEG-2 video for the selected video signal is selected. The video selected by the user is browsed on the display unit 400 while being decoded by hardware (H / W) (S620 and S630).

Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the browsing routine of the video clip signal for each genre is as follows.

In response to the user's request, a list of video clip signals divided and stored in the storage means 340 is presented to the display 400 (S710).

At this time, the summary information for each video clip signal and / or a representative still picture representing the video clip is presented together, and the user selects a desired list based on the summary information and / or the representative still picture (S720 and S730).

The MPEG-2 video for the list selected by the user is read from the storage means 340 and browsed to the display unit 400 (S740).

That is, when the user views the list of the video clip signal and selects the desired list as described above, only the desired part of the entire program can be viewed, and the list is stored in a predetermined recording medium through the recording means 330 and separately managed. Or via a network 2.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art, which are included in the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

As described above, the intelligent PVR system of the present invention can edit and store only a portion of a video signal desired by a user using a TV or a PC that users are familiar with, so that only a predetermined portion can be conveniently played back. Can be.

In addition, since broadcasts that viewers encounter in the future become more widespread than the current airwave broadcasting area, such as satellite broadcasting, cable broadcasting, and digital broadcasting, all these programs cannot be viewed at the same time. You can fully satisfy your needs.

And, since most of the video signals have a large capacity, it is difficult to store and manage them. However, since only the portion desired by the user is edited and stored, the management is easy, and the part that the user wants to see can be easily found and viewed.

In addition, it becomes easy for a user to personally create a video album by using a video recorded with a video recording apparatus such as a camcorder.

In addition, if the education broadcast program provided for learning by editing the topics required by the student to provide to the student can save time and increase the learning effect without any time.

Finally, unlike the PVR provided in the conventional set-top box type, the PVR system of the present invention can be supplied economically and inexpensively because it is based on a PC, so that the PVR system of the present invention can be spread more rapidly.

Claims (12)

A PVR (Personal Video Recorder: PVR) that receives a TV broadcast signal (video signal), converts it to digital, stores it in a predetermined storage means, and reproduces the digital video signal stored in the storage means on a TV monitor according to a video playback signal. ) In the system, A video input unit for receiving a video signal from the outside; It is mounted on a TV or PC connected to a network communication network. When a user specifies a part of the video signal to be divided by inputting a video input signal, the user detects and divides only the part designated by the user. clip) a PVR for generating a signal and storing the generated video clip signal in the storage means; And And a display unit for displaying a video clip signal requested by the user to play through the user input unit. The method of claim 1, wherein the PVR is Control means for transmitting a control signal according to the input signal when a user inputs a signal to be edited, stored, or deleted through a user input unit; Editing means for automatically detecting and dividing scene-specific moving images by recognizing a point where a scene of a moving image changes using motion information of a moving image signal received from the moving image input unit according to a control signal transmitted from the control means; And And storage means for storing the video clip signal detected and divided by the editing means. The method of claim 2, wherein the PVR is When a user inputs a signal to record a moving picture clip signal stored in the storage means to a predetermined recording medium by using the user input unit, the moving picture of the storage means is recorded on the recording medium according to a recording control signal of the control means. Intelligent PVR system, characterized in that it further comprises a recording means for recording the clip signal. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said recording means Intelligent PVR system, characterized in that the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or DVD-R / W (Digital Video Disk-Read / Write) or CD-R / W (Compact Disk Read / Write). The method of claim 2, wherein the video input unit A caption decoder for extracting caption information included in a video signal input from the outside; An MPEG encoder for converting a video signal input from the outside into Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) data; And a controller which checks a video signal input from the outside and outputs a control signal for caption information detection or MPEG data conversion. The method of claim 5, wherein the editing means of the PVR A caption analyzer configured to add a time tag generated by using a system clock to caption information output through the caption decoder, and to produce and output index material using the time tag added caption information as a noun unit; A scene divider which receives a video signal output through the MPEG encoder and automatically generates a video clip signal; And an additional information input unit for generating index information through the caption analyzer and the scene divider and additional information (main control) input by the user and corresponding to each video clip signal. The method of claim 6, wherein the editing means of the PVR And a stream file producer for producing the video clip signal as a stream file so that the video clip signal can be transmitted through the network communication network. 7. The scene divider of claim 6, wherein the scene divider When the video signal input is a video signal photographed through a video camera, the video signal is generated by dividing, synthesizing, and deleting the video signal in response to an edit signal manipulated by the user input unit. Intelligent PVR system. (1) receiving a video signal from the outside through the video input unit; (2) If a user specifies a part to be divided among the moving picture signals by operating a user input unit with respect to the input moving picture signal, only a portion designated by the user is detected and divided to generate a moving picture clip signal, and the generated moving picture is generated. Storing a clip signal in the storage means; And And (3) displaying a video clip signal requested by the user for playback through the user input unit on a display unit. The method of claim 9, wherein step (2) (2-1) transmitting a control signal according to the input signal from the control means as a user inputs a signal to be edited, stored, or deleted through the user input unit; (2-2) automatically detecting and dividing a scene-specific video by recognizing a point where a scene of a video changes using motion information of a video signal received from the video input unit according to a control signal transmitted from the control means; And (2-3) A method of operating an intelligent PVR system comprising the step of storing a video clip signal detected and divided in the step (2-2). The method of claim 10, wherein step (2) (2-4) When a user inputs a signal to record a moving picture clip signal stored in the storage means to a predetermined recording medium by using the user input unit, the predetermined recording medium according to the recording control signal of the control means. And recording the video clip signal of the storage means in the method of operating the intelligent PVR system. The method of claim 11, wherein step (2) (2-5) The operation method of the intelligent PVR system, characterized in that it further comprises the step of producing a stream file to transmit the video clip signal through a network communication network.