KR20110027291A - For iptv content control and application control and server configuration - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an IPTV content service performing and providing method for effectively controlling and providing an application such as a game to an IPTV subscriber by using control information inputted by a subscriber while watching IPTV content, and a system and an IPTV subscriber terminal therefor. , A base for frame synchronization of broadcast signals received from a content provider (CP) and distributing broadcast signals for each broadcast channel to output a video signal and an audio signal

A band system, a data broadcasting system for generating data broadcasting data related to educational broadcasting and PSI data relating to a content program, and multiplexing the video signal and audio signal, the data broadcasting data and PSI data, and then transmitting a transport packet to an IP packet. A multiplexing system for multiplexing, a network switch system for transmitting the IP packetized transport stream to an IPTV subscriber station through an IP network in a multicast manner, and a VOD related to control of the corresponding content at the request of the IPTV subscriber, An application control system for analyzing and performing statistics, and a personalized authentication server for generating an authentication key in response to an authentication request for using the content service.

Accordingly, the present invention has an effect that can effectively calculate the statistical data by checking and analyzing the control related to the control to perform the content service related to the control of the content.

Description

IPitive configures application controls and servers for content control. {For IPTV content control and application control and server configuration.}

The present invention relates to a method for performing and providing an IPTV content service, a system for the same, and an IPTV subscriber terminal, and more particularly, to a method for performing and providing an IPTV content service for effectively providing a content lecture and problem solving to an IPTV subscriber and a system therefor. And to an IPTV subscriber station.

A typical IPTV network includes an application server, a set of media servers, other optional servers (e.g., game servers, omitted for simplicity) and a 'client device' or set-top box ( IPTV client devices, also referred to as 'Set-top Box'.

In such an IPTV system, an IPTV client device typically receives a number of service offerings from an IPTV head-end, for example video on demand, broadcast TV, subscription TV, email, the Internet, games. Receive from These offers are provided to the user when the user accesses the client.

The main problem with existing IPTV systems is that a head-end, called an application server, provides IPTV service offers and services regardless of the user's presence, which means that IPTV service offers are made irrespective of the subscriber's presence, This means that TV service offers result in inaccessibility due to the absence of subscribers.

Generally, applications such as games are provided through online games through the Internet or mobile games through mobile. By applying such an application control method, it is possible to use contents such as education lectures and games by introducing an interactive control device, instead of only watching a video through IPTV. Among the contents of the online video lectures and video education lectures, not only the curriculum taught at school but also problem solving are taught. For example, in the case of problem solving taught in video, it is common to explain the problem and unilaterally explain the answer.

Therefore, video online lectures and video education lectures through the Internet or terrestrial schools do not provide educational opportunities that are appropriate for the level of students, but only provide unilateral problem solving. Above all, video online lectures and video education lectures over the Internet or terrestrial did not provide a system for evaluating students 'level by lectures on problem solving as videos and collecting answers to the results of students' solving problems.

On the other hand, IPTV (internet protocol television) is a system capable of transmitting bidirectional data, and receives a signal from a broadcast provider (PP, program provider), terrestrial, cable, satellite to broadcast channels related to broadcast programs and various contents It transmits to the IP set-top box (STB) through the system and network to provide various programs and contents to IPTV subscribers.

As such, IPTV provides various contents and programs, but it cannot provide IPTV subscribers with educational broadcasting services related to problem solving of content lectures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and a method and system for performing IPTV content service that can effectively calculate statistical data by checking and analyzing a correct answer rate related to control to perform a content service related to control of content control. The purpose is to provide.

The present invention also provides an IPTV content service providing method for providing an IPTV content service to an IPTV subscriber through an IPTV content service performing system and a multicast IP network, and checking a control score of each subscriber, and a system therefor. Its purpose is to.

An IPTV content service performing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a baseband system for frame synchronization of a broadcast signal received from a content provider (CP) and distributing a broadcast signal for each broadcast channel to output a video signal and an audio signal; A data broadcasting system for generating data broadcasting data related to content and PSI data related to a content program; A multiplexing system for IP packetizing a transport stream after multiplexing the video signal and the audio signal, the data broadcasting data, and the PSI data; A network switch system for transmitting the IP packetized transport stream to an IPTV subscriber station through an IP network in a multicast manner; A control system that checks, analyzes, and performs statistics on a correct answer rate related to the control of the content control at the request of the IPTV subscriber; And a personalization authentication server generating an authentication key in response to an authentication request for using the content service.

The IPTV content service performing system receives an authentication request message from the IPTV subscriber terminal through an IP network and transmits the authentication request message to the personalized authentication server, and receives the home answer data about the result of each subscriber's problem solving through the IP network. It may further include a return path server system for transmitting to the control system.

The IPTV content service performing system may further include a VOD server system for receiving and storing a video file related to a content service and a video file related to control from a content provider (CP).

When the VOD server system receives a request from the IPTV subscriber station, it is preferable that the video file is transmitted to the IPTV subscriber station through the return path server system and the IP network.

The control system may include a processing collection module receiving processing data for each problem from a content provider (CP) and storing the processing data in a first database; A correct answer check module for checking a correct answer rate by comparing the processed data stored in the first database with the hypothetical answer data; A correct answer rate statistical module for deriving statistical data for identifying academic achievement for each individual, a plurality of questions, and a problem based on the correct answer rate; And a statistical data transmission module for transmitting the statistical data stored in the second database to the IPTV subscriber station through the return path server system and the IP network.

The authentication request message may be a terminal authentication request message or a personal authentication request message.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method in which an IPTV content service performing system performs an education broadcasting service related to content control and control, includes: (a) a baseband system frame-synchronizing a broadcast signal received from a content provider (CP); Distributing broadcast signals for each broadcast channel to output a video signal and an audio signal; (b) data broadcasting

The system generating data broadcasting data related to the content and PSI data related to the content program;

(c) after the multiplexing system multiplexes the video and audio signals and the data broadcasting data and PSI data,

IP packetizing the transport stream; (d) content of the transport stream obtained by the network switch system

Transmitting to an IPTV subscriber station through an IP network in a multicast manner in a channel form; And (e) under control

At the request of IPTV subscribers, the system checks, analyzes, and performs statistics on the percentage of correct answers related to content control.

Includes the steps.

Before the step (a), if (a-1) the personalization authentication server receives a terminal authentication request from the IPTV subscriber terminal, terminal authentication is performed.

The method may further include performing the step.

The terminal authentication is preferably made when the IPTV subscriber terminal is booted.

After the above step (d), (d-1) the personalization authentication server requests the IP network from the IPTV subscriber station at the subscriber's request.

And receiving the authentication request message through the return pass server system to perform personal authentication.

The present invention relates to an IPTV system for providing IPTV services to a subscriber of an IPTV system. The IPTV-system includes an application server for providing IPTV services to a subscriber via a first client device associated with the subscriber, and a first client device. The application server is coupled to the first client device via a communication network. The IPTV system further includes a location determiner configured to determine the actual location of the subscriber, and a service provision determiner configured to determine an alternative means for providing IPTV services to the subscriber based on the subscriber's location.

In the following paragraphs, with reference to FIG. 1, an implementation of an IPTV system for providing IPTV services to a subscriber of an IPTV system is described. In the second paragraph, all connections between the mentioned elements are defined.

 Subsequently all relevant functional means of the mentioned IPTV system as shown in FIG. 1 are described followed by all the interconnections. In the following paragraphs the actual implementation of the IPTV system for providing IPTV services to subscribers of the IPTV system is described.

 An IPTV system for providing IPTV services to a subscriber of an IPTV system includes an application-server (AS) capable of providing IPTV services to a subscriber via a first client device (STB) associated with the subscriber. An application server, called an IPTV head-end, is a server that provides subscribers with different kinds of IPTV services such as video on demand, broadcast TV, subscription TV, email internet, games, and the like. This application server is a combination of these IPTV services from combined media servers, game servers, and other servers (not shown in FIG. 1 for reasons of simplicity).

Acquire. When an application server AS is said to 'provide' or 'get' IPTV or other services, it does not require the application server AS to physically deliver them. For example, the application server AS may provide a list of on-demand media assets available from the local media server, but redirect the first client device STB to receive physical on-demand media delivery from the media server after service selection. )can do. The same applies to on-demand games and other services.

 The IPTV system further includes a first client device for receiving IPTV services provided by the application server AS. The first client device STB may be implemented using a set-top-box or personal computer and is associated with a user account and thus with a subscriber. For set-top boxes, the TV or LCD-screen is an IPTV

It is coupled to a set top box for visualizing services such as broadcast TV, video on demand, the Internet, and the like.

 It is also noted that although there are usually multiple subscribers and corresponding client devices, only one client device and associated subscriber are presented in FIG. 1 for reasons of simplicity.

 In addition to the client device STB, there is additionally a mobile client device MOB such as a GSM phone or UMTS device associated with the subscriber. This device can receive some kinds of IPTV services. A mobile network that connects the mobile device (MOB) may further be used to determine the current location of the mobile device (MOB).

 Additionally, the mobile device (MOB) to determine whether it is possible to provide IPTV service to the subscriber via the subscriber's first client device and if not, alternative means are available to provide IPTV service. There is a location agent (LA) present in the IPTV system of the present invention, which can determine the location of.

 The application server AS is coupled to the first client device STB via a communication network IPN, such as the Internet. The application server (AS) and the location agent (LA) are combined via a link over a communication network (IPN), such as the Internet, or they coexist locally and have local interfaces, for example Remote Method Invocation (RMI), CORBA or other. Communicate through interprocess communication technologies. The location agent (LA) is coupled to the mobile device via a mobile communication network (MCN), which may be a mobile communication network such as a GSM network or a UMTS network.

The application server AS first includes a service provider SPP capable of providing IPTV services to the first client device STB. The service provider (SPP) is also configured to provide IPTV services via an alternative means for providing IPTV services. The application server AS further includes a subscriber location retrieval unit SLRP that can retrieve the current location of the subscriber from a location agent LA that can determine the location of the subscriber based on the location of the mobile phone owned by the subscriber. do. The application server AS is configured to determine an alternative means for providing IPTV services to the subscriber based on the subscriber's location and the type of service to be provided, for example payment overdue reminders. (SPDP) further. Unpaid reminders can be sent to the mobile device if they are detected as being on vacation and not able to access account information through the STB.

 The service provider SPP is coupled to the output of the output terminal O1 of the application server AS. The subscriber location retrieval section SLRP has an input / output terminal coupled to the input / output terminal I / O1 of the application server AS and also to the service provision determination unit SPDP. The service provision decision unit SPDP is additionally coupled to the service provision unit SPP.

 The first client device STB has a service receiver SRP configured to receive IPTV services provided by the application server AS.

 The first client device STB simultaneously has an input terminal I1 which is an input terminal of the service receiving unit SRP.

 The location agent (LA) comprises a location determiner (LDP), configured to determine the actual location of the subscriber. The location determiner LDP may determine the location of the mobile device MOB based on the information available in the mobile communication network MCN. In another implementation, the location may be determined from the IMS subsystem by requesting presence information from the home subscriber server. However, the present invention does not require mobile, IMS or any other external subsystem to determine user location or presence. For example, location information may reside inside the IPTV subsystem. The location determiner LDP may determine the user location upon profile or user registration (sign-on / sigh-off) as discussed above. In another implementation, the location determiner may determine regarding user location (user absence) from account use. In this case, if the user has not accessed services from the client device STB for some period of time, it may be assumed to be absent (during vacation) and may be targeted through alternative means.

 The location agent LA further includes a subscriber location providing unit SLPP capable of providing the application server AS with the location of the subscriber determined by the location determination unit LDP.

 The mobile device (MOB) associated with the subscriber includes a service receiving unit SRP1 configured to receive an IPTV service from an application server.

 To illustrate one particular embodiment and implementation of the present invention, a subscriber who is currently in front of his IPTV system at home is charged, pay-per-view movies, pay per view spot event. Assume that you have access to your own subscribed IPTV services such as offers per pay sport view, instant messaging (IM) with colleagues, video conferencing, games, etc. do. IPTV services provided by either the media server or game servers are provided to the application server upon request of the application server AS in response to an explicit request or subscription of the subscriber (not shown for reasons of simplicity).

 In the context of this document, when services are provided to an application server, the term 'provisioned' has a general non-constrained meaning. This means that the AS server knows about service availability and can include the service in the service offer based on certain conditions. However, this does not require the application server AS to physically deliver the service even if the user selects the service from the service offer. The application server AS may redirect the user using some mechanism to obtain the selected service from the actual service provider (eg, obtain media from the on-demand media server).

 The service provider (SPP) then provides these subscribed IPTV services to the first client device. The service receiver of the first client device STB then receives these IPTV services. The first client device STB then prepares these IPTV services for display on a terminal, for example a TV screen, a computer screen, or the like (not shown).

Now, it is assumed that the subscriber is going out. All subscribed IPTV services that become available after the subscriber's out of the application server are now ready to provide to the first client device. This is also valid for movies ordered by the subscriber (video on demand, referred to as VOD) for viewing in the evening when the subscriber returns home. In the context of the prior art, all IPTV services could be available at the first client device immediately upon availability. However, this situation is undesirable when the subscriber is not at home and therefore cannot access these provided IPTV services.

 However, in the present invention, by the location determining unit LDP, the location agent LA tracks the location of the subscriber by retrieving the location information from the mobile communication network MCN connecting the subscriber's mobile device MOB. . Then, the location information determined by the location determining unit LDP is provided to the application server AS by the subscriber location providing unit SLPP. Then, the application server AS retrieves the current location information of the subscriber by the subscriber location search unit SLRP based on the location of the mobile device MOB. Based on the location information retrieved from the location agent LA, the service provision determination unit SPDP determines an alternative means for providing IPTV services to the subscriber based on the subscriber's location.

When the subscriber is away from home, the provision of the IPTV on-demand video service is determined to be delayed until the subscriber's return home. Some IPTV service offers are delivered to the subscriber's mobile phone or to the personal computer that is currently logged on when the subscriber is at work.

 The service retrieval unit SRP1 of the mobile device or the service retrieval unit of the personal computer to which the subscriber is logged on searches for a service that provides IPTV service to the subscriber on the screen of each mobile device or personal computer.

 The video on demand is determined to be delivered when the subscriber returns home. As soon as the service delivery decision unit (SPDP) obtains the information from the location agent that the subscriber is at home, the subscriber provider (SPP) delivers the ordered video item to the service search unit (SRP) of the first client device (STB). do.

 Before making an offer or delivering a back-office service, the application server AS requests location information for the mobile device (s) associated with the IPTV account.

 In one alternative embodiment the location information is requested directly from the location agent, instead the location agent LS caches the location information of the subscriber's mobile device (MOB) and is requested from associated persistent storage. This caching is done in order to be able to determine the aggregated and averaged location, and the location agent caches historical location information for all mobile devices in persistent storage.

 In one embodiment, the IPTV back-office requests the instantaneous location of the mobile from the location agent. If the mobile device is not present at the client device's location, the IPTV back-office sends an offer to the mobile device via the location agent.

 In one alternative embodiment, the IPTV back-office requests the aggregate information of the mobile from the location agent. Collectively, if the mobile device has not been present at the client device's location for some time, IPTV services such as billing information, service offers, and the like are sent to the mobile device.

 User account information and the association between the user account and the 'preferential' media server (s) are stored in persistent storage. Media servers and application servers can access persistent storage.

 Another embodiment for determining a subscriber's location may be that the location determiner (LDP) may make a determination regarding the absence of the user based on account usage. In this case, if the user has not accessed services from the client device (STB) for some period of time, it can be assumed to be absent (on vacation), such as a mobile device to urge an unpaid payment to maintain a good credit history. Targeting may be achieved through alternative means.

 In another alternative embodiment, the location of the subscriber can be determined from the IP multimedia subsystem by requesting presence information from the home subscriber server (HSS).

 In yet another embodiment, the determination of the subscriber's location may be determined based on service profile registration or deregistration (sign-in / sign-off). For example, an IPTV service at home may have several user profile registrations such as children, adults, and family. If child profile registration is used, the adult portion of service personalization may be omitted.

 The location may alternatively be determined based on user registration or deregistration (sign-in / sign-off). For example, an IPTV service at home may be associated with several users: father, mother, and child. If father registration is used, the mother and child portions of service personalization may be omitted.

Finally, it is mentioned that embodiments of the present invention have been described above with regard to functional blocks. From the functional description of these blocks, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art of designing electronic devices how embodiments of these blocks can be fabricated from well-known electronic components. Detailed architecture of the contents of the functional blocks

(architecture) is not given.

 Although the principles of the invention have been described above in connection with specific apparatus, it should be clearly understood that this description has been made by way of example only and not as a limitation of the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (2)

Said IPTV system for providing IPTV services to a subscriber of an IPTV system, said IPTV-system being an application server (AS) for providing said IPTV services to said subscriber via a first client device (STB) associated with said subscriber, And the first client device, wherein the application server AS is coupled to the first client device STB via a communication network CN, wherein the IPTV system is: a. A location determiner (LDP) configured to determine an actual location of the subscriber; And b. And a service provision determining unit (SPDP) configured to determine an alternative means for providing the IPTV services to the subscriber based on the subscriber's location. The method of claim 1, If the subscriber is not present on the first client device STB, the alternative means is the subscriber IPTV system, characterized in that the mobile device (mobile device) associated with.