KR20080032864A - System and method for bidirectional tv control using instant messenger - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and a method for controlling a bi-directional television by using a messenger are provided to perform a security function by receiving an image or a sound via a Web cam or a microphone provided in an STB(Set-Top Box) without having to purchase equipment. A bi-directional television STB(110) has a certain unique value, receives a digital broadcast signal, and transmits it to a user via a screen display unit. An Internet terminal(120) registers the bi-directional television STB connected with a network(130) as a buddy of an instant messenger by using the certain unique value assigned to the bi-directional television STB. When the Internet terminal transmits one selected from pre-set certain commands to control the bi-directional television STB to the bi-directional television STB, the bi-directional television STB performs the transmitted command. The bi-directional television STB transmits the results obtained by performing the command to the Internet terminal.

Description

System and Method for bidirectional TV control using instant messenger}

1 is a configuration diagram of an entire system to which the present invention is applied;

2 is a flowchart of a two-way television control method using a messenger according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

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

110: interactive television set-top box 111: screen display means

112: webcam 113: microphone

120: Internet terminal 130: network

140: messenger server 150: PIN management server

160: broadcast server

The present invention relates to a two-way television control system and method, and more particularly, to a two-way television control system and method using a messenger that can control the operation of two-way television at a distance.

Two-way television is a television that can achieve not only one-way broadcasting but also two-way communication such as remote home shopping, remote games, remote banking, quiz, and interactive advertising by adding feedback of the audience to the existing one-way communication. One example is IP TV, which provides information service, moving picture content, and broadcasting to a television receiver using the Internet.

Unlike general public broadcasting, cable broadcasting or satellite broadcasting, such an interactive television enables viewers to watch only programs they want to watch at a convenient time.

On the other hand, in the conventional use of the above-mentioned two-way television, when the user is located outside, the user can not control the two-way television, so if the user to record a specific broadcast transmitted through the television, the user scheduled recording of the broadcast program In order to see the newspaper in advance to find the time zone of the desired broadcast program to go through the process of setting and confirming the start time and end time, there was a fairly complicated and cumbersome problem.

The present invention was devised to solve the above problems, and provides an interactive television control system and method using a messenger capable of realizing an interactive ubiquitous environment for an interactive television user by allowing an externally located user to control the interactive television in real time. Its purpose is to.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be described below and will be appreciated by the embodiments of the invention. In addition, the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by means and combinations indicated in the claims.

The bidirectional television control system using a messenger of the present invention for achieving the above object is a two-way television set-top box and the bidirectional is given a predetermined unique value, and receives a digital broadcast signal and transmits it to the user through the screen display means An internet terminal for registering the interactive television set top box connected to the network as a buddy of an instant messenger using the predetermined eigenvalues assigned to the television set top box, wherein the internet terminal is connected to the interactive television set top box. When transmitting any one selected from among predetermined commands for controlling the box, the interactive television set-top box performs the transmitted command.

In addition, the interactive television set-top box, characterized in that for transmitting the result of performing the command transmitted from the Internet terminal to the Internet terminal transmitting the command.

The predetermined command may include at least one of scheduled recording of a broadcast, power on / off, transmission of a broadcast schedule stored in the interactive television set-top box, and image transmission using a webcam connected to the interactive television set-top box. Do it.

Furthermore, when the set top box receives the digital broadcast reception request signal from the internet terminal, the set top box transmits a predetermined authentication value to the internet terminal, and the internet terminal uses the predetermined authentication value received from the interactive television set top box. And receiving a digital broadcast signal from a broadcast server for transmitting the digital broadcast signal to the bidirectional television set-top box.

On the other hand, in the bidirectional television control method using a messenger of the present invention, a buddy registration in which a user's Internet terminal registers a bidirectional television set-top box connected to a network as a buddy of an instant messenger by using a predetermined unique value assigned to the bidirectional television set-top box. A command transmission step of transmitting a selected one of predetermined commands for controlling the interactive television set-top box to the interactive television set-top box registered as a buddy of an instant messenger using the internet terminal, and the interactive television set-top. The box includes a command execution step of performing a command transmitted in the command transmission step.

The method may further include a result reporting step of transmitting a result of the command performed by the interactive television set-top box to the Internet terminal that transmitted the command.

In addition, the predetermined command may include at least one of scheduled recording of a broadcast, power on / off, transmission of a broadcasting schedule stored in the interactive television set-top box, and image transmission using a webcam connected to the interactive television set-top box. Do it.

Finally, when the set-top box receives the digital broadcast reception request signal from the Internet terminal, the set-top box transmits a predetermined authentication value to the Internet terminal, and the Internet terminal receives the predetermined authentication value received from the interactive television set-top box. It is possible to further include a broadcast receiving step of receiving a digital broadcast signal from a broadcast server for transmitting a digital broadcast signal to the interactive television set-top box by using.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to the common or dictionary meanings, and the inventors should properly explain the concept of terms in order to explain their invention in the best way. Based on the principle that can be defined, it should be interpreted as meaning and concept corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention.

Therefore, the embodiments described in the specification and the drawings shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of the present invention, various modifications that can be replaced at the time of the present application It should be understood that there may be equivalents and variations.

1 is a block diagram of an entire system to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the entire system 100 to which the present invention is applied includes an interactive television set-top box 110, an internet terminal 120, a network 130, an IM server 140, and a PIN management server 150. ) And a broadcast server 160.

First, the network 130 is a network in which a two-way television set-top box 110, an Internet terminal 120, an IM server 140, and a PIN management server 150 are commonly connected to each other to exchange data. The concept includes both wireless and wireless networks.

The interactive television set-top box 110 receives a digital broadcast signal from the broadcast server 160 and transmits the digital broadcast signal to the user through a screen display unit 111 such as a TV receiver. A storage device (not shown) capable of storing broadcast signals is provided.

In addition, a unique value uniquely assigned to the interactive television set-top box 110 at the time of shipment is used as an identifier on the network 130 to provide an instant messenger service to the user through the IM server 140.

In addition, when the interactive television set-top box 110 is used as a terminal of an instant messenger service, the webcam 112 and the microphone 113 may be provided to exchange voice or video.

The Internet terminal 120 is a terminal including a central processing unit (RAM), a RAM, a ROM, a terminal interface, a data storage device, and the like, and enables a messenger service using the Internet as well as a traditional personal computer or workstation. All terminals can be used.

The user of the Internet terminal 120 searches for the interactive television set-top box 110 using the eigenvalues assigned to the interactive television set-top box 110 from the network 130 through the Internet terminal 120, and then the user instant. Register as a buddy of the messenger.

In this case, in order to prevent unconditional control of the interactive television set-top box 110 from the outside, a predetermined PIN (Personal Identification Number) value for authentication of the user together with the unique value assigned to the interactive television set-top box 110. Set to allow the user of the interactive television set-top box to recognize the PIN value, and register the interactive television set-top box 110 as a buddy by receiving the PIN value from the user and the unique value of the interactive television set-top box. It is preferable that a PIN management server 150 is provided to compare the values and determine whether to permit registration.

On the other hand, the Internet terminal 120 selects any one of a predetermined command registered in the interactive television set-top box 110 as a buddy of the instant messenger to transmit to the interactive television set-top box 110.

The method for transmitting the predetermined command from the internet terminal 120 to the interactive television set-top box 110 preferably uses a user interface window for an instant messenger implemented in the internet terminal 120.

That is, the user interface window sets a pop-up menu constituting a control information system for executing the predetermined command, and the user of the Internet terminal 120 determines various preset commands set in the pop-up menu, and the determined command is set-top. It is preferable to configure the transmission to the box (110).

Of course, in order to improve the user environment, it is also possible to match a command system corresponding to a predetermined pre-stored word one to one and use it in a predetermined range.

For example, "power". Command execution information corresponding to words such as "off", "on", "channel n", and "combination table" is set to match one-to-one, and a sentence completed by a combination of mutual words is set to the matching command execution information. It is also possible to configure the corresponding transmission method.

When a predetermined sentence is input through the messenger interface dialog, the input sentence is converted into command execution information corresponding thereto, and the converted command execution information is transmitted to the set top box 110 so that the set top box 110 is transmitted. It can be configured to perform a command corresponding to the command execution information.

Here, as a specific example of the predetermined command, the reservation recording of digital broadcasting received by the interactive television set-top box 110 from the broadcast server 160, the power on / off of the interactive television set-top box 110, the interactive television set-top box ( 110 may be a transmission of the broadcast convenience table stored in, for example.

In addition, when receiving a command from the Internet terminal 120 to turn on / off the power of the interactive television set-top box 110, the entire power of the interactive television set-top box 110 is transmitted from the Internet terminal 120 without being turned on or off. It is desirable that the power supply is always On in order to perform a minimum function so as to perform a command.

In addition, the Internet terminal 120 may transmit a command to the interactive television set-top box 110 to receive an image and sound through the webcam 112 and the camera 113 included in the interactive television set-top box 110. .

Thus, according to the request of the Internet terminal 120, by allowing the video and sound of the place equipped with the two-way television set-top box 110, such as CCTV, it can perform a security function without purchasing a separate equipment.

On the other hand, the two-way television set-top box 110 preferably performs the command received from the Internet terminal 120 and then transmits the result to the Internet terminal 120 that transmitted the command.

By transmitting the result of the execution to the Internet terminal 120 which has transmitted the command, the user of the Internet terminal 120 can easily check whether the abnormality of the interactive television set-top box 110 by checking the result of the execution, More accurate control is possible.

Here, the command execution result transmitted to the Internet terminal 120 may be a text message, but is not limited thereto.

Further, when the interactive television set-top box 110 receives the digital broadcast reception request signal from the Internet terminal 120, the interactive television set-top box 110 transmits a predetermined authentication value for authenticating the user of the Internet terminal 120 to the Internet terminal 120. The Internet terminal 120 receiving the predetermined authentication value is connected to the broadcasting server 160 where the interactive television set-top box 110 receives the digital broadcasting signal using the predetermined authentication value and then the broadcasting server 160. ) Can receive digital broadcasting.

In this case, the predetermined authentication value is preferably a random number including a predetermined unique value and / or PIN value uniquely assigned to each set-top box to prevent theft.

In addition, the Internet terminal 120 should include a software or hardware decoder (not shown) capable of decoding the digital broadcast so that a user of the Internet terminal 120 can watch the digital broadcast.

By allowing the digital terminal to receive the digital broadcast in this way, the user can watch the broadcast regardless of his / her location. If there is a program to be stored while watching the broadcast, the interactive TV set-top box 110 is provided. You can also send the command and save it.

Hereinafter, a method of controlling an interactive television using a messenger according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2. In the description, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 refer to the same member performing the same function.

First, the user searches for the interactive television set-top box 110 from the network 130 by using a predetermined unique value assigned to the interactive television set-top box 110 through the Internet terminal 120, and then as a buddy of an instant messenger. Register (S200).

In this case, a predetermined PIN (Personal Identification Number) value for authentication of the user is set together with the unique value given to the interactive television set-top box 110 so that only the user of the corresponding interactive television set-top box recognizes the PIN value. In the step of registering the set-top box 110 as a buddy by receiving the PIN value from the user and having a PIN management server 150 to determine whether to allow registration by comparing the unique value and the PIN value of the corresponding interactive television set-top box external It is desirable to prevent unconditional control of the interactive television set top box 110 from the user.

Thereafter, the Internet terminal 120 advances the recording of digital broadcasts received from the broadcast server 160, the on / off power of the bidirectional television set-top box 110, and the transmission of the broadcast schedule stored in the set-top box 110 in advance. When one of the predetermined commands is selected and transmitted to the interactive television set-top box 110 (S210), the interactive television set-top box 110 performs the received command (S220) and transmits the result to the Internet terminal 120. Transmit to (S230).

In addition, when the interactive television set-top box 110 receives the digital broadcast reception request signal from the Internet terminal 120, the interactive television set-top box 110 transmits a predetermined authentication value for authenticating the user of the Internet terminal 120 to the Internet terminal 120. The Internet terminal 120 receiving the predetermined authentication value is connected to the broadcasting server 160 where the interactive television set-top box 110 receives the digital broadcasting signal using the predetermined authentication value and then the broadcasting server 160. In step S240, digital broadcasting is received.

In this case, the predetermined authentication value is preferably a random number including a predetermined unique value and / or PIN value uniquely assigned to each set-top box to prevent theft.

Here, the step 'S240' is not necessarily executed in time series with the steps 'S210' to 'S230', and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains additionally or independently to realize the purpose of the step 'S240'. It should be understood that it can be implemented.

As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated by the limited embodiment and drawing, this invention is not limited by this, The person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs, Of course, various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of equivalents of the claims to be described.

According to the present invention, the user can control the two-way television set-top box registered as a buddy of the instant messenger, even if the user is located outside the set-top box using the instant messenger reservation recording of the broadcast, the power on / off of the set-top box, The user's convenience can be enhanced since the user can perform a function such as transmission of a broadcasted forwarding ticket stored in the set-top box in real time.

In addition, by receiving a video or sound through a webcam or a microphone provided in the set-top box has the advantage that it can perform the security function without purchasing a separate equipment.

Claims (8)

A two-way television set-top box provided with a predetermined unique value and receiving a digital broadcast signal and transmitting the digital broadcast signal to a user through a screen display means; And An internet terminal for registering the interactive television set-top box connected to the network as a buddy of an instant messenger by using the predetermined eigenvalue assigned to the interactive television set-top box; And when the Internet terminal transmits any one selected from among predetermined commands for controlling the interactive television set-top box to the interactive television set-top box, the interactive television set-top box performs the transmitted command. Interactive television control system using. The method of claim 1, wherein the interactive television set-top box, And transmitting a result of performing the command transmitted from the internet terminal to the internet terminal transmitting the command. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined command is Scheduled recording of a broadcast, power on / off, broadcast schedule stored in the interactive television set-top box, video transmission using a webcam connected to the interactive television set-top box, at least one of the two-way television using a messenger Control system. The method of claim 1, wherein the set top box, When receiving the digital broadcast reception request signal from the Internet terminal, and transmits a predetermined authentication value to the Internet terminal, The Internet terminal receives a digital broadcast signal from a broadcast server that transmits a digital broadcast signal to the interactive television set-top box using a predetermined authentication value received from the interactive television set-top box. system. A buddy registration step of registering, by a user's Internet terminal, a bidirectional television set-top box connected to a network as a buddy of an instant messenger by using a predetermined unique value assigned to the bidirectional television set-top box; A command transmission step of transmitting a selected one of predetermined commands for controlling the interactive television set top box to the interactive television set top box registered as a buddy of an instant messenger using the internet terminal; And And a command execution step of performing, by the interactive television set-top box, a command transmitted in the command transmission step. According to claim 5, After the command execution step, And a result reporting step of transmitting the result of the command performed by the interactive television set-top box to the internet terminal which transmitted the command. The method of claim 5, wherein the predetermined command, Reservation recording of broadcasting, power on / off, transmission of a broadcasting schedule stored in the interactive television set-top box, and video transmission using a webcam connected to the interactive television set-top box. Way. The method of claim 5, wherein the set top box, When receiving the digital broadcast reception request signal from the Internet terminal, and transmits a predetermined authentication value to the Internet terminal, The Internet terminal further comprises a broadcast receiving step of receiving a digital broadcast signal from a broadcast server that transmits a digital broadcast signal to the interactive television set-top box using a predetermined authentication value received from the interactive television set-top box. Interactive television control method.

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