KR20110118973A - Providing method for content information and image display device thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A method for providing content information and an image display device for the same are provided to offer information about a content use period regardless of network connection state. CONSTITUTION: Content use period information is received under the control of a control unit(470). A storage unit(480) stores the received content use period information. A user interface unit(451) reads out the stored use period information. The user interface unit reads out the use period interfacing data corresponding with the read use period information.

Description

Method of providing content information and a video display device according thereto {PROVIDING METHOD FOR CONTENT INFORMATION AND IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE THEREOF}

The present invention relates to a content information providing method and a video display device according to the above, and more particularly, to a content information providing method that can provide content information without access to a content provider server, and a video display device accordingly.

Content produced by a broadcasting company is transmitted through a radio wave transmission medium such as terrestrial, cable, or satellite broadcasting. Then, the user can watch the predetermined content through the video display device that can receive the respective delivery media. The video display device is typically a digital broadcast receiver.

In general, a digital broadcast receiver receives and displays the predetermined content for viewing by a user. Digital broadcast receivers include a set-top box or a digital television.

In addition to the existing analog broadcasting, digital-based digital broadcasting technology has been developed and commercialized. Accordingly, various types of content services such as real-time broadcasting, contents on demand, games, or news can be provided to users using Internet networks connected to homes, in addition to existing radio waves or wired cable media. In addition, the digital broadcast receiver can receive and display the above-described various contents services.

An example of providing a content service using the Internet network is IPTV (Internet Protocol TV). The IPTV transmits various information services, video contents, and broadcasts through an internet network and provides them to the receiver of the user. The Internet network may be implemented on various types of networks such as an optical cable network, a coaxial cable network, a fiber to the home (FTTH), a telephone network, and a wireless network based on an Internet Protocol (IP).

In the case of the service using the Internet network as described above, unlike general terrestrial broadcasting, the interactivity may be added, and the user may watch the content he / she wants to see at a convenient time.

In recent years, the number of content providers that provide such contents has increased exponentially, and digital broadcast receivers can receive contents from a myriad of content providers. Such contents may be available to the user for a fee or free of charge. The use of the contents may be allowed for a certain period of time. In general, in the case of a paid service such as an internet language course or an internet movie rental service, the use period of the corresponding content is usually determined.

In using the content for which the usage period is determined, the user may not recognize the usage period properly and may miss the usage period and may not use the contents properly.

In addition, when the content is not downloaded from the content provider server to the user's server (for example, the user's computer), the user should access the content user's server providing the content and check the usage period information of the content. . That is, in order to view content-related information such as usage period information of the content, the network must be connected and the server of the corresponding content provider must be connected.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a method for recognizing a usage period of a corresponding content more easily and conveniently, and a video display device accordingly, in using content having a predetermined usage period.

An object of the present invention is to provide a content information providing method that can provide content usage period information easily and conveniently, and a video display device accordingly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a content information providing method capable of providing content usage period information regardless of a network connection state and a video display device accordingly.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing content information, the method comprising: accessing a server of a content provider that provides content and content data including additional information related to the content, and receiving usage period information of the content; Storing the transmitted usage period information; And reading the usage period information stored in the storage unit, and outputting the usage period interfacing data corresponding to the read usage period information.

The usage period information may include at least one of usage period expiration date information of the contents, remaining usage period or time of the contents, remaining usage counts of the contents, or date of purchase or start of usage of the contents. It features.

In addition, the storing of the usage period information may include storing the usage period information in association with an identification mark of the content.

In addition, the step of receiving the usage period information of the content is characterized in that the reception period information is automatically received when purchasing or starting to use the content.

The method of providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include accessing the server of the content provider every first period and updating the usage period information.

The outputting of the usage period interfacing data may include automatically outputting the usage period interfacing data every second period.

The outputting of the usage period interfacing data may include outputting the usage period interfacing data in response to a predetermined key signal transmitted from a remote control device.

The method for providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include determining whether to output the usage period interfacing data.

The method for providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include outputting a viewing confirmation message of the content.

The method for providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include accessing a server of the content provider and executing the content according to a viewing request of the content corresponding to the viewing confirmation message.

The method of providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include displaying a predetermined video screen or the usage period interface data.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a video display device includes: a controller configured to access a server of a content provider that provides content and content data including additional information related to the content, and control to receive usage period information of the content; A storage unit for storing the received period information; And a user interface unit that reads the usage period information stored in the storage unit and outputs usage period interfacing data corresponding to the read usage period information.

The content information providing method and the video display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can easily and conveniently know the content usage period information in using the content having a predetermined usage period.

In addition, the content information providing method and the video display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can know the content usage period information regardless of the network connection state.

1 is a diagram schematically showing an Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) system used in the present invention.
2 is a diagram for explaining a multicast scheme and a unicast scheme.
3 is a diagram illustrating a hierarchical structure for broadcasting a Content Download Service (CDS) of IPTV.
4 is a block diagram illustrating a video display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a view for explaining a method of providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention and usage period information stored in a video display device according to the present invention.
7 is a diagram for explaining display of usage period information.
8 is a flowchart illustrating an extension configuration example of a method for providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a diagram illustrating a screen configuration displayed according to the content information providing method of FIG. 8.
10 is a flowchart illustrating another extension configuration example of a method for providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating another extension configuration example of a method for providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention that can specifically realize the above object will be described. At this time, the configuration and operation of the present invention shown in the drawings and described by it will be described as at least one embodiment, by which the technical spirit of the present invention and its core configuration and operation is not limited.

The terms used in the present invention have been selected as widely used general terms as possible in consideration of the functions in the present invention, but may vary according to the intention or custom of the person skilled in the art or the emergence of new technologies. In addition, in certain cases, there is also a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the general contents of the present invention rather than the names of the simple terms.

The video display device is a device capable of displaying a broadcast program or content transmitted through a predetermined channel and includes a digital broadcast receiver.

The digital broadcast receiver refers to a broadcast receiver capable of receiving digital broadcast transmitted through digital video and audio signals. Digital broadcast receivers include digital televisions or set-top boxes. Here, unlike conventional analog broadcasting, digital broadcasting refers to a broadcasting technology capable of two-way operation, reproduction, and accumulation because the television signal is compressed and exported in the form of a digital signal that encodes and records an information signal.

Compared to analog broadcasting, such digital broadcasting is more resistant to noise, has a lower data loss, and transmits additional error correction information, which is advantageous for error correction, and provides a high resolution and clear picture. In addition, unlike analog broadcasting, digital broadcasting is an interactive service capable of receiving a broadcasting service from a broadcasting station and providing information to the broadcasting station.

In the present invention, the digital broadcast is used as a concept that includes not only broadcasts transmitted through terrestrial waves, satellites and cables, but also broadcasts transmitted through Internet networks. That is, digital broadcasting is defined as a concept including IP (Internet Protocol) broadcasting.

Also, in the present invention, the video display device may be a broadcast receiver capable of providing an Internet service to a viewer. The Internet service includes content services such as CoD (Content's on Demand), YouTube service, weather, news, local information and search, entertainment services such as games and karaoke, TV mail, TV SMS (Short Message Service), etc. It means a service that can be provided through the Internet, such as a communication service. These various services are provided by a content provider (CP). Accordingly, in the present invention, the video display device includes a network TV, a web TV or a broadband TV. In addition, the broadcast service may include an internet service as well as a broadcast service provided through terrestrial, satellite, and cable.

There may be various system architectures for transmitting digital broadcasts. For example, an Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) system is a system that can provide various contents using an Internet network, and a server, a network, and a video display device that receive the contents and a network. It can be configured as.

The servers of the IPTV are servers that perform various functions such as service discovery and selection server, streaming server, contents guide information server, customer information server, and payment information server. It can be configured as.

Among the servers, the streaming server transmits video data encoded in the stored Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) 2, MPEG4, etc. to the user through a network. As a protocol for the transmission, a Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP), a RTP Control Protocol (RTP), or the like may be used.

In case of using Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), video stream playback can be controlled to some extent through a function called network trick play such as pause, replay, and stop. . The protocols are one example and other real time transmission protocols may be used depending on the implementation.

The content guide information server is a server that provides information on the various contents provided. The content guide information is information corresponding to electronic program guide (EPG) information and includes various information about content. The content guide information server stores content guide information data, and provides the stored data to the video display device of the user.

The information server related to service discovery and selection among the servers provides the video display device with access information and playback information for servers providing various content services such as broadcasting, contents on demand (COD), and games.

The network system consists of an internet based network and gateways. The Internet-based network may use various types of networks such as an optical cable network, a coaxial cable network, a fiber to the home (FTTH), a telephone network, a wireless network, and the like based on IP. In addition to general data transfer, the gateway may perform multicast group management and quality of service (QoS) management using protocols such as Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP).

An IPTV receiver refers to a receiver capable of receiving data transmitted through an internet network and providing the same to a user. The receiver includes an IPTV settop, a homenet gateway, or an IPTV embedded TV.

In the case of a hybrid IPTV system, various contents of the Internet may be provided as well as various existing broadcasting contents. That is, the user can provide various broadcasting contents such as terrestrial broadcasting, cable broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, personal broadcasting, various internet video contents, data contents other than video, and the like. The contents may be provided in real time or may be provided on demand.

1 is a diagram schematically showing an Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) system used in the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, in view of providing a content service, the IPTV system includes a content provider (CP), a service provider (SP), a network provider (NP), and a user (client). Can be divided into Here, the illustrated 'Customer' or 'Client' is a receiver receiving content, and becomes a user's video display device.

The content provider CP produces and provides various contents. As shown in FIG. 1, the content provider includes a terrestrial broadcaster, a cable system operator or a cable system multiplexer, a satellite broadcaster, and an internet broadcaster. There may be an internet broadcaster.

The service provider SP provides a service package by providing contents provided by the content provider. For example, the service provider of FIG. 1 packages a first terrestrial broadcast, a second terrestrial broadcast, a cable MSO, satellite broadcast, various Internet broadcasts, and provides the same to a user.

The network provider NP provides a network for providing the service to a user. The user may build a home network end user (HNED) to receive the service.

Conditional access, content protection, or the like may be used as a means for protecting content transmitted from the IPTV system. As one example for the above-mentioned restriction reception or content protection, a method such as using a cable card or a downloadable conditional access system (DCAS) may be used.

The service provider SP provides a service to a user side using a unicast or multi-cast scheme. Unicast and multicast are described in detail below with reference to FIG. 2.

2A is a diagram for explaining a multicast scheme.

The multi-cast method is a method in which one sender (IP network) transmits data to a video display device (Client) that is a plurality of recipients of a specific group. For example, the server may simultaneously transmit data to a plurality of pre-registered video display devices. The Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) protocol may be used for the multicast registration.

2B is a diagram for explaining a unicast scheme.

Uni-cast (uni-cast) is a method of transmitting data 1: 1 between one sender (IP Network) and one receiver (Client). For example, in the unicast method, when a receiver requests data from a server, the server sends data to the receiver according to the request.

3 is a diagram illustrating a hierarchical structure for broadcasting a Content Download Service (CDS) of IPTV.

Referring to FIG. 3, a service provider (SP) delivers data contents for a content download service (CDS) to an IPTV receiver which is a video display device using a transmission protocol. The delivered data content for CDS is stored in the storage of IPTV.

The stored data contents for CDS can be executed at the request of the user or the like. The transport protocol may be a File Delivery over Unidi-rectional Transport (FLUTE) mounted on the ALC / LCT on the IP / UDP, DVB-STP, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc. may be used. In the above-described protocol, other transmission protocols may be used as an example.

When FLUTE is used as the transport protocol, the presence or absence of a CDS service may be known to an IPTV receiver through service discovery and selection (SD & S), and the details of the content may include metadata in a TV Anytime format. You can find it through:

Data contents for CDS may include various types of contents and applications such as A / V contents, data contents, and game contents.

These various types of content are provided from a myriad of content providers (CP) to a video display device, and a user views content provided by any one content provider.

Hereinafter, a method of providing content information and an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

4 is a block diagram illustrating a video display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the video display device 400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a signal input terminal (not shown) such as a separate tuner to receive terrestrial broadcasting, cable broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, and the like. have. However, in the present invention, for the convenience of description, the description will be made mainly on the part of processing the content transmitted using the Internet network.

The video display device 400 includes a content data processor 401, a decoder 440, an application manager 450, a display unit 460, a controller 470, and a storage unit 480. In addition, the content data processing unit 401 includes a network interface unit 402, an IP manager 404, a service delivery manager 406, a demultiplexer 408, a data decoder 410, a service information database unit 422, and service discovery. It may include a manager 424, a service control manager 426, a metadata manager 428, and a content database unit 430. Each of the building blocks may be interconnected in addition to the connecting line shown in FIG. 4.

The network interface unit 402 receives the packets received from the network or transmits the packets to the network. That is, the network interface unit 402 receives an IP packet including broadcast data and service information from a service provider server through a network.

Here, the broadcast data may include content, an update message indicating whether to update the content, metadata, service information data, or software code. In addition, the service information may include service information for the real-time broadcast service and service information for the Internet service. As an example of service information for an Internet service, the network interface unit 402 may receive weather information from a predetermined content provider server.

In addition, the network interface unit 402 may receive additional content related information from a service provider server or a content provider server through a network. Specifically, the content-related additional information includes information on a usage period expiration date or expiration time, which is information related to the usage period when the usage period of the content is determined, the number of remaining usages when the number of times of use of the content is determined, or usage start date information. have.

In addition, the content-related additional information, including the usage period information, may be used when the user first starts using the content, or when the user purchases the content, or when the user uses the content or purchases the content. It may be transmitted from the provider server to the network interface unit 402.

The IP manager 404 is involved in packet transmission from the source to the destination for the packet received by the video display device 400 and the packet transmitted by the video display device 400. The IP manager 404 classifies the received packet to correspond to an appropriate protocol, and classifies the received packet into a service delivery manager 406, a service discovery manager 424, a service control manager 426, and a metadata manager 428. Output the packet.

The service delivery manager 406 is responsible for controlling the received service data. For example, when controlling real-time streaming data, RTP / RTCP (Real-Time Transport Protocol / RTP Control Protocol) may be used. When transmitting the real-time streaming data using the RTP, the service delivery manager 406 parses the received data packet according to the RTP and transmits it to the demultiplexer 408 or the service manager 450. The control is stored in the content database unit 330 according to the control. The service delivery manager 406 controls the network reception information to be fed back to the server that provides the service using RTCP.

The demultiplexer 408 demultiplexes the received packet into audio, video, or program specific information (PSI) data, and transmits the demultiplexer 408 to the decoder 440 or the data decoder 410.

The data decoder 410 decodes service information such as program specific information (PSI), which is data excluding audio and video data. That is, the data decoder 410 receives and decodes a demultiplexed PSI section, a program and service information protocol (PSIP) section, a service information (DVB-SI) section, and the like from the demultiplexer 408.

In addition, the data decoder 410 decodes the received sections to create a database of service information, and stores the database of the service information in the service information database unit 422.

In addition, the data decoder 410 decodes the section including the usage period information of the above-described content to create a database on the usage period information, and the image display device such as the service information database unit 422 or the storage unit 480. It can be stored between the predetermined storage of the 400.

The decoder 440 decodes the video data and the audio data received at the demultiplexer 408. The video and audio data decoded by the decoder 440 is provided to the user through the display unit 460 and a speaker (not shown).

The application manager 450 provides a user interface. In addition, the overall state of the image display device 400 may be managed and other managers (for example, the service delivery manager 406 and the service control manager 426) may be managed. To this end, the application manager 450 includes a user interface manager 451 and a service manager 453.

The user interface manager 451 provides a menu list, a setting menu, etc. using a graphical user interface (GUI) for the user using an OSD (On Screen Display), and receives a key input from the user. Accordingly, the image display device 400 performs a predetermined operation according to the input. The user interface manager 451 may be referred to as a user interface unit.

For example, when the user interface manager 451 receives a key input for selecting a predetermined service from the user, the user interface manager 451 transmits the key input signal to the service manager 453. Then, the service manager 453 allows the predetermined service to be provided to the user in response to the key input signal.

In addition, the user interface manager 451 may output the usage period information of the content.

The user interface manager 451 may control to output a virtual keyboard or a virtual keypad on the screen. The user may select or input a specific virtual key on the output virtual keyboard or the virtual keypad using the direction keys and the numeric keys of the remote controller. For example, the user may request a connection to a predetermined content provider CP from the virtual keypad provided through the user interface 451.

The user interface manager 451 may receive a text selection signal, a search word selection signal, and a search word change signal from a remote controller or a spatial remote controller.

Here, the text selection signal, the search word selection signal, and the search word change signal may be received and input by pressing a predetermined key of the remote controller or the spatial remote controller. In addition, when the pointer displayed on the display screen is positioned on the display for inputting the corresponding signal, the pointer may be received and input by pressing a selection key of the remote controller or the spatial remote controller. In addition, when the pointer is positioned on the display for inputting the corresponding signal for a predetermined time or more, the character selection signal, the search word selection signal, and the search word change signal may be regarded as input. In addition, when a display for inputting a corresponding signal is focused, when a selection key of a remote controller or a spatial remote controller is pressed, a text selection signal, a search word selection signal, and a search word change signal may be input.

The information displayed through the graphical user interface (GUI) may be stored in the content database unit 430, may be stored in the service information database unit 422, or may be received from a server of a content provider. In addition, the storage unit 480 may be stored in a separate storage unit 480.

The content database unit 430 allocates a content channel corresponding to a predetermined content, determines index data corresponding to the content, and stores the index data in association with the allocated content channel information.

In addition, the content database unit 430 may store the authentication information for the Internet service list and the server account. Here, the Internet service list is a list including information on the content provider (CP) or service provider (SP) that provides the Internet service. For example, the Internet service list may include at least one of a name of a server, access information of a server, or guide information about a service provided by the server. Here, the access information of the server may be any one of an internet address and a uniform resource locator (URL).

In addition, when the application manager 450 receives an Internet service mode request command, the application manager 450 may control to display information included in the Internet service list.

The application manager 450 may control to display a specific picture or icon list for each server name included in the Internet service list. Here, the Internet service mode request command may be input through a hot key on the remote controller, may be input through a virtual key on a virtual keypad or a virtual keyboard, and may be input through a specific menu displayed on a screen.

For example, when a user wants to access a content provider CP, which is an Internet service, and receives predetermined content, the user inputs a command key for requesting an Internet service mode using a remote controller or the like. Then, the video display device 400 displays the content provider list in response to the internet service mode request command. Then, the user selects a specific content provider from the displayed content provider list. Subsequently, the mobile device may search for contents that a specific content provider may provide, and select and use predetermined contents among the contents.

When the application manager 450 receives an Internet service request command, the application manager 450 connects to a server associated with the received Internet service request command. In addition, the control unit may control to display a screen for requesting authentication information regarding an account of the connected server. Here, when the user clicks on the access information displayed on the screen, a user internet service request command may be input. In addition, when the user clicks a picture or icon of the corresponding server displayed on the screen, a user internet service request command may be input.

When the application manager 450 receives an output command of content provided by a predetermined content provider from the user, the application manager 450 reads index data stored in the content database unit 430 and outputs the content.

The display unit 460 outputs the content to the screen. In addition, the display unit 460 displays an image generated by the browser on the screen. In addition, the display unit 460 displays a graphic user interface (GUI) providing a search service on a screen. The graphical user interface (GUI) may be a widget or a gadget, may be a browser, and may be output through an OSD.

4 illustrates a case where the display unit 460 is provided inside the image display apparatus 400 as an example. However, when the image display apparatus 400 is an image display apparatus that does not include a display unit such as a set-top box, the display unit 460 may be provided outside the image display apparatus 400.

The service manager 453 controls the manager associated with the service, such as the service delivery manager 406, the service discovery manager 424, the service control manager 426 and the metadata manager 428, and the IG-OITF client.

In addition, the service manager 453 may control the content provided by the predetermined content provider CP requested to access to be received from the predetermined content provider CP or the content service provider SP.

In addition, the service manager 453 creates a channel map and selects a channel using the channel map according to a key input received from the user interface manager 451. The service manager 453 receives the service information of the channel from the data decoder 410, and sets the audio / video packet identifier (PID) of the selected channel to the demultiplexer 408.

The service manager 453 may also execute a browser to process the received content. The browser may display the service information according to the received content and control the content to be played back. Browsers can also run generic applications, applications associated with specific content. In addition, the browser may process and display a web page provided by the server on the screen, and receive and display service information from the server. The service information may be provided in the form of a web page from the server.

The service discovery manager 424 provides the information necessary to select a service provider that provides a service. Upon receiving a signal regarding channel selection from the service manager 453, the service discovery manager 424 uses the information to find a service.

The service control manager 426 is responsible for selecting and controlling a service. For example, if a user selects a live broadcasting service like the conventional broadcasting method, IGMP or RTSP is used. If a user selects a service such as VOD (Video On Demand), RTSP is used to select and control the service. Perform The RTSP protocol may provide a trick mode for real time streaming. In addition, the service control manager 426 may initialize and manage a session through the IMC gateway using an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) or a session initiation protocol (SIP). The protocols are one embodiment, and other protocols may be used depending on implementation.

The metadata manager 428 manages metadata associated with a service and stores the metadata in the service information database unit 422.

The service information database unit 422 stores service information decoded by the data decoder 410, metadata managed by the metadata manager 428, and information necessary to select a service provider provided by the service discovery manager 424. . In addition, the service information database unit 422 may store setup data for the system.

The service information database unit 422 and the content database unit 430 may be implemented using nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) or flash memory, respectively, and are divided into two logically separated areas on the same storage area. Can be implemented.

The content database unit 430 may store content controlled to be stored by a PVR manager (not shown). The PVR manager collects metadata related to the stored content and generates additional information (thumbnail images, etc.) used for user use.

The controller 470 controls the overall operation of the image display device 400. In detail, the controller 470 accesses a content provider (CP) server that provides content and at least one content data including content related information which is additional information related to the content, and transmits usage period information of the content. Receive.

Here, the usage period information of the content may be transmitted from a content provider server or a server of a service provider connected to the server of the content provider according to a request of the controller 470. In addition, according to a control operation of the controller 470, the usage period information of the content may be extracted from the content provider server or a server of a service provider connected to the server of the content provider and transmitted to the video display device 400. In this case, the transmission or extraction operation of the usage period information may be automatically performed when the content is purchased for the first time, when viewing or using the content is started, or when the content is reserved for use or purchase.

The usage period information transmitted by the controller 470 is stored in the service information database unit 422, the content database unit 430, or the storage unit 480, which is a predetermined storage space of the video display device 400.

After the purchase or use of the discontinued content is output, the user interface manager (or user interface unit) 451 stores the predetermined period when outputting the usage period information by an internal or external request of the video display device 400. The usage period information stored in the space is read, and the usage period interfacing data corresponding to the read usage period information is output. Then, the display unit 460 displays the usage period interfacing data output from the user interface manager 451.

In FIG. 4, the controller 470 is illustrated as an example of a separate component block, but may be provided inside the application manager 450 or the service manager 453.

An operation of the image display apparatus 400 and a method of providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5 below.

In addition, the image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. same. Therefore, a detailed configuration operation of the video display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to a content providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the method for providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention accesses a server of a content provider that provides content data including content and additional information related to content, and receives information on usage period of content (see FIG. 5). 510 steps). Here, the content provider server generates and stores at least one or more content data.

In detail, the user may receive or extract usage period information of the specific content purchased by the user.

The transmission and extraction may be automatically performed when the use of the content is started, when the content is purchased, or when the use or purchase of the content is reserved. In order to use, purchase, or reserve (or purchase) the content, the network must be connected and the server of the content provider must be connected. Therefore, the content related information including the usage period information of the content or the usage period information of the content is transmitted or extracted using the network connection state.

Here, when receiving the usage period information, the controller 470 may request the output of the usage period information to the server of the content provider, and in response thereto, may receive the usage period information to the video display device 400. The usage period information may be transmitted through the network interface unit 402, and the control unit 470 receives the storage space (service information database unit 422, content database unit 430, or storage unit 480). ) May be directly transmitted to the storage space under the control of the controller 470.

In addition, when the usage period information is extracted, a signal for requesting extraction of the usage period information under the control of the controller 470 is transmitted to the content provider server through the network interface unit 402, and the usage period information is extracted in response thereto. And may be transmitted to the image display device 400.

Here, the usage period information includes at least one of usage expiration date information of the specific content that the user has requested to purchase or use, remaining usage period or time of the content, remaining usage count of the content, or information on the purchase or use start date of the content. can do.

The usage period information is associated with an identification mark of the specific content.

Operation 510 may be performed by the controller 470 or the application manager 450 of the image display device 400.

In step 510, the usage period information of the extracted or transmitted content is stored (step 520). The storage operation of step 520 may be performed in the storage space (the service information database unit 422, the content database unit 430, or the storage unit 480) under the control of the controller 470 or the application manager 450. have. Hereinafter, the storage unit 480 will be described as an example of a storage space for storing the usage period information.

6 is a view for explaining a method of providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention and usage period information stored in a video display device according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the usage period information may be configured in the form of a look-up table and a database in which the usage period information is sequentially arranged.

Referring to FIG. 6, the stored usage period information 600 is associated with an identification mark of content, and the usage period information stored by the storage unit 480 includes an identification mark (content name) 610 of the content. . Here, the content identification mark may be any mark for identifying the content purchased or used by the user, and may be an identification mark such as a character or a figure that may refer to or identify the content name or other content. For example, the use date information includes a purchase date [year / month / day] 620, a remaining use period (remaining period) 630, and a total use count / remaining use count 640. .

The illustrated content B and the content D are contents in which the number of times of using the corresponding contents is available. In the case of content having a predetermined number of times of use, content usage period information may include information on the remaining number of times of use of the content compared to the total number of times of use of the content.

At the time after the operation of step 520 is completed, if it is requested to provide the usage period information, the usage period information stored in step 520 is read and the usage period interfacing data corresponding to the read usage period information is output (530). step). Operation 530 may be performed by the user interface manager 451 under the control of the controller 470 or the service manager 453.

Here, the request for providing the usage period information may be a user request using a remote controller or the like. In addition, the stored usage period information may be automatically provided to the user at regular intervals according to the setting of the image display apparatus 400.

For example, due to self-setting of the video display device 400 or user's operation, the usage period information is set at a predetermined time point (for example, when the user uses the video display device most often) at intervals of two days. Can be output. Accordingly, in step 540, the usage period interfacing data corresponding to the usage period information is displayed at a predetermined time point set at a predetermined periodic interval.

Here, the usage period interfacing data may be data including read usage period information, and may be UI (User Interface) data such as OSD (On Screen Display) data or Graphic User Interface (GUI).

In operation 540, the usage period interfacing data output in operation 530 is displayed. Here, the usage period interfacing data may be displayed as OSD data, and may be formed and displayed as a GUI. The display operation of step 540 is performed by the display unit 460.

7 is a diagram for explaining display of usage period information.

Referring to FIG. 7A, in operation 540, the usage period interfacing data 720 corresponding to the usage period information may be displayed in a predetermined area on the screen 710 of the display unit 460. FIG. 7A illustrates an example in which the usage period information includes a content identification mark (English course A, Japanese course beginner level), a purchase date, and a remaining period.

In FIG. 7A, the usage period interfacing data is formed as OSD data as an example. However, the usage period interfacing data output in step 530 and displayed in step 540 may have various colors or shapes.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the usage period interfacing data 760 corresponding to the usage period information may be displayed on the screen 750 to be formed in the form of a banner. In addition, when there are a plurality of contents purchased or used by the user, the movement cursors 761 and 762 may be used to view usage period information of other contents. Here, the movement cursors 761 and 762 can be operated through manipulation of the corresponding key of the remote control apparatus.

In addition, the usage period interfacing data may be configured and output and displayed in the form of a pop-up window.

The predetermined content may be provided to the user (or the video display device 400) for a fee or free of charge, and a usage period may be determined. For example, an elementary English lecture content that can be used for one month may be purchased from a server of a content provider that provides an internet language course. The content whose usage period is determined is not used by downloading the content to the user's video display device. That is, if the user wants to use the content within the usage period, the server accesses the server of the content provider, receives the content from the connected content provider, and watches the content.

In the conventional method of using content, in order to use content having a predetermined usage period or to find out information related to the content, it has to be connected to a server of a corresponding content provider through a network connection. Therefore, when the network is not connected, the contents related information cannot be immediately recognized, and the remaining usage period cannot be understood. Accordingly, the user often misses the usage period without recognizing how long the remaining usage period is.

In the present application, the period of use information is stored in a storage space inside the video display device 400 at the time of purchasing or using the content or when accessing a server of a content provider to reserve a purchase or use of the content. When a request is made for reading, the stored usage period information is read and provided. Therefore, even when the network is not connected, it is possible to immediately provide the usage period information. Accordingly, the user can recognize the usage period information conveniently and easily, and can prevent the user from using the content by missing the usage period.

8 is a flowchart illustrating an extension configuration example of a method for providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the method for providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes steps 840, 850, and 860 for displaying and executing a viewing confirmation message as compared to FIG. 5. Since steps 810, 820, and 830 of FIG. 8 are the same as steps 510, 520, and 530 described above with reference to FIG. 5, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Step 830 of FIG. 8 further includes outputting a viewing confirmation message when the usage period interfacing data is output.

In operation 840, the method for providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention displays a viewing confirmation message and a usage period interfacing data of the content. Here, the viewing confirmation message may be displayed simultaneously with the display of the usage period interfacing data or after a predetermined time interval. In addition, the viewing confirmation message is a message for selecting whether to watch the content purchased or used by the user.

In operation 850, it is determined whether to view the content using the viewing confirmation message. The determination of whether to view the content may be made by the user. For example, the user may determine whether to watch content through a predetermined key operation of the remote control apparatus.

If there is a viewing request of the content corresponding to the viewing confirmation message displayed in step 840, the network is connected to the server of the content provider to receive and execute the corresponding content (step 860). That is, the user may immediately view the corresponding content by using the viewing confirmation message.

9 is a diagram illustrating a screen configuration displayed according to the content information providing method of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 9, the usage period interfacing data 910 and the viewing confirmation messages 925 and 927 displayed on the screen 900 are illustrated in operation 840 of FIG. 8. 9 illustrates an example in which the viewing confirmation message is formed by being included in the usage period interfacing data.

That is, the viewing confirmation message is configured as the 'view right' key, and the selection cursor 920 is placed on the 'view right' key of the content to be viewed through the operation of the remote control device, and the 'view right' of the corresponding content is displayed. By selecting, the corresponding content can be executed immediately. In addition, when the user purchases or uses a plurality of contents, the moving cursor 930 may be manipulated to view usage period information and viewing confirmation message of contents which are not currently displayed. In addition, the case where the movement cursor 930 is operated using the channel down key (CH-) and the channel up key (CH +) of the remote control device is shown as an example.

10 is a flowchart illustrating another extension configuration example of a method for providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the method for providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes steps 1050 and 1060 for updating usage period information as compared to FIG. 5. Steps 1010, 1020, 1030, and 1040 of FIG. 8 are the same as steps 510, 520, 530, and 540 described above with reference to FIG. 5, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 10, the method for providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention accesses a server of a content provider at predetermined intervals and monitors usage period information (step 1050).

If the usage period information is changed as a result of monitoring in step 1050, the usage period information is updated (step 1060).

Operation 1050 and step 1060 described above may be performed by the controller 470.

Accordingly, in step 1020, the usage period information of the updated content is stored (step 1020).

In the method of providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention, by automatically accessing a server of a content provider periodically and updating usage period information, when the usage period information is changed, the changed usage period information can be easily and quickly identified.

11 is a flowchart illustrating another extension configuration example of a method for providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Steps 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 of the method for providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention are the same as steps 510, 520, 530, and 540 described above with reference to FIG.

Referring to FIG. 11, the method for providing content information according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes setting whether to output the usage period information or an output condition (step 1105). Specifically, whether to output the usage period interfacing data according to the usage period information is determined, and an output condition is set.

In detail, in relation to the output of the usage period information, a message for confirming the output may be generated and displayed on the display unit 460 in the form of an OSD, and the user may respond to the confirmation message to determine whether the output is performed. The output of interfacing data may be requested.

In addition, the controller 470 may be configured to automatically output the usage period interfacing data at predetermined intervals according to a user's setting or the like. In this case, the above-described 'output condition' may be an output period, an output time point, whether to output repeatedly, a position and a shape of the output data, and the like.

According to the determination of whether to output the usage period interfacing data or setting the output condition in step 1105, the controller 470 may output the usage period interfacing data according to the determination or setting. For example, if the usage period interfacing data is set to be automatically output at a predetermined periodic interval in step 1105, the usage period interfacing data is output at a predetermined periodic interval in step 1130.

On the other hand, the terms used in the present invention (terminology) are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, which may vary according to the intention or custom of the skilled person in the relevant field, the definitions of which are used throughout the present invention. It should be based on.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be variously modified and changed by those skilled in the art, which are included in the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

400: image display device
401: content data processing unit
402: network interface unit
404: IP manager
406: Service Flyer Manager
408: demultiplexer
410: data decoder
422: Service information database part
424: service discovery manager
426: Service Control Manager
428: Meta Data Manager
430: content database unit
440: decoder
443: audio decoder
445: video decoder
450: application manager
451: user interface manager
453: service manager
460: display unit
470: control unit
480: storage unit

Claims (22)

A control unit which accesses a server of a content provider that provides content data including content and additional information related to the content, and controls to receive the usage period information of the content;
A storage unit for storing the received period information; And
And a user interface unit which reads the usage period information stored in the storage unit and outputs usage period interfacing data corresponding to the read usage period information. The method of claim 1, wherein the usage period information is
And at least one of usage period expiration date information of the contents, remaining usage period or time of the contents, remaining usage counts of the contents, or date of purchase or start of usage of the contents. The method of claim 1, wherein the storage unit
And storing the usage period information in association with the identification mark of the content. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit
And the usage period information is automatically transmitted when the content is purchased or the use is started. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit
And accessing the server of the content provider at every first period to update the usage period information. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit
And the usage period interfacing data is automatically output every second period. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit
And the usage period interfacing data is output in response to a predetermined key signal transmitted from a remote control device. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit
And determining whether to output the usage period interfacing data, and controlling the output of the usage period interfacing data accordingly. The method of claim 1, wherein the user interface unit
And outputting a viewing confirmation message of the content. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the control unit
And access the server of the content provider to execute the content according to a viewing request of the content corresponding to the viewing confirmation message. The method of claim 1,
And a display unit which displays a predetermined image screen or displays data output from the user interface unit. Accessing a server of a content provider that provides content data including content and additional information related to the content, and receiving usage period information of the content;
Storing the transmitted usage period information; And
And reading out the usage period information stored in the storage unit, and outputting the usage period interfacing data corresponding to the read usage period information. The method of claim 12, wherein the usage period information is
And at least one or more of the usage period expiration date information of the content, the remaining usage period or time of the content, the number of remaining usages of the content, or the date of purchase or start of use of the content. . The method of claim 12, wherein storing the usage period information comprises:
And storing the usage period information in association with the identification mark of the content. The method of claim 12, wherein receiving the usage period information of the content comprises:
Content information providing method, characterized in that when the purchase or start using the content is automatically received the usage period information. The method of claim 12,
Connecting to the server of the content provider every first period, and updating the usage period information. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein outputting the usage period interfacing data is
And automatically outputting the usage period interfacing data every second period. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein outputting the usage period interfacing data is
And the usage period interfacing data is output in response to a predetermined key signal transmitted from a remote control device. The method of claim 12,
And determining whether to output the usage period interfacing data. The method of claim 12,
And outputting a viewing confirmation message of the content. The method of claim 20,
And accessing a server of the content provider and executing the content according to a viewing request of the content corresponding to the viewing confirmation message. The method of claim 12,
And displaying a predetermined video screen or the usage period interface data.

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